Chapter 56

Sookie's POV

The arrival back at the compound split us into two groups, half excited with what was to come, the others fearful of the danger Aurora, Yannick and Preston where putting themselves into. Some of the Angels and Fae had dealt with creatures that had time travelled in their pasts and more often than not those creatures would be inflicted with great pain or impairments form the journey, this information had Eric and Godric on edge. I was starting to think they were going to pull the plug on the attempt, if I was being honest wasn't far from calling the whole thing off myself.

Our trio gathered in the library standing together, holding hands. The rest of their mates as well as the family circled around them, watching carefully ready for any sign they were about to leave or that they were in distress. Jason and I stood as close as we could without interfering with Gerard, Stark, Kellan and Bastian, the four of them had started lashing out at anyone that got to near to their mates, I'd never seen them so unintentionally aggressive before. Godric caught my eye as he stood behind Boston holding his son close to his chest and surprisingly as on edge as Aurora's mates. Boston was frantic with worry for his brothers and sister, and to my surprise watching him let me know the second Aurora, Yannick and Preston left. Boston flinched and grabbed hold of this fathers arm, as his eyes locked on his siblings. Their bodies may have been in the room, but the light was gone from their eyes and within seconds the unbelievable started. The sounds of gasps of horror and amazement filled the room as the three figures faded in and out, in the centre of their circle my Grans figure started to take shape. But it all seemed surreal, it was as if the three of them struggled to keep their shape as well as give my Grans body a solid form. Gerard's knuckles cracked as his hands clinched into fists at the terrifying cuts appearing on Aurora's body, as well as the blood streaming from the eyes and ears of all three mates faces. Boston started to cry and Leif's little hand grabbed onto the back of my shirt, but Valliant surprised me leaning forward in Eric's embrace, pointing to the group.

"Daddy, that lady is calling your name."

Eric closed his eyes and concentrated, the second his eyes flashed open and he tossed our son to Echo, and I watched Godric and Pam join him as all three raced forward to grabbed onto Bastian. My heart clenched in my chest as the three of them tackled Bastian to the ground. But before anyone else could react my Gran's body became solid and Aurora, Yannick and Preston collapsed to the ground. Gran scanned the area panicked and I was about to rush to her when she started barking order.

"Keep a tight hold of Bastian until I get to him, Gerard, Kellan and Stark. Get Aurora, Yannick and Preston up into the shower, start cooling them off, but don't give them any blood. Things are going to get worse before they get better, Boston sweet heart where are you, you need to come hold my hand please, it helps Aurora, Preston and Yannick get better."

Aurora, Yannick and Preston had been scooped up by their mates but no one had moved, they were torn between getting there wounded mates into the water and leaving Bastian who was screaming bloody murder, my Gran stomped her foot and raised her voice to the room.

"This is the eighth time we've done this and I have no intentions of watching Aurora be stabs by the man again, so stop staring and start moving people."

Feet started scuffing and the trio were rushed up stairs, Boston being the brave solider he was stepped up to my Gran's side and shyly took her hand and she smiled at him cupping his check as she said 'funny how your always the bravest when we do this' my tears started to fall as Gran turned towards Jason and I.

"I know we have much to say and I'm going to hug you all till the cows come home, but we need to take care of Aurora, Yannick and Preston first." said Gran as she tightened her hold on Boston's hand and walked up to an enraged Bastian who was struggling like a mad man, under a pile of Vampires. Rai and Chow had joined in to assist keeping Bastian restrained, it shocked me that the five of them where actually losing the battle to keep him from his mates.

"Bastian I know you're angry and confused, but I need you to calm down and listen before I am going to let anyone help you up. Once you're calm, I need you to react out and take my hand, you must promise no matter what happens that you will not let go. Your and Boston's lives depend on it, If you don't do as I'm asking Aurora, Yannick and Preston are going to pull themselves to pieces trying to do this over and over until we are all safe. Are you listing to me son?"

Bastian stopped struggling and locked eyes with my Gran, he took a couple of calming breaths and nodded. Slowly Rai, Chow and Pam climbed off but stayed ever vigilant, as Eric and Godric rose. My Gran smiled at him kindly as he stood to his full height and she reached out her hand, which he took.

"Thank you, I couldn't watch those three beautiful souls put themselves through hell one more time attempting this madness." Said Gran.

"Can we go see Aurora now?" asked Boston, whipping the tears from his eyes.

"Of course we can my sweet, we just need to give Bastian a moment to calm down and allow the link he and Aurora share with her abilities weaken. If we don't he gets pulled back into the past and you my little angel vanish and we don't want that do we." Said Gran

At the news he might lose Boston, Godric stepped forward but Gran pulled both Boston and Bastian towards herself, holding their hands like it was a life line.

"I'm sorry but I can't let them go until Aurora, Yannick and Preston are more coherent. We don't exactly know why but as long as the three of us stay linked, we become an anchor of sorts and we don't lose either of them. I think me being human weighs down Bastian's ability to use Aurora gifts, but it's all just a guess?"

Godric bowed his head to my Gran, but stay glued to his sons, me on the other hand. I was still in complete shock that my Gran was actually here. Jason and I, kept looking at each other in disbelief, she was right in front of us, it was real but I just couldn't believe it. I was about to rain down a million questions when Lilac came skidding into the library.

"Aurora and Preston are burning up and Yannick is delirious calling for Adele. Gerard wants you in the suite now. "

"That's my que, Eric can you please get my old bones one of those comfortable dark grey reading chairs from the music room. We are going to have a long night in the bathroom and those tiles just about crippled me last time." Said my Gran and she turned and led Bastian and Boston out of the library.

"Is anyone else freaking out that Gran is talking like she knows everyone?" asked Jason taking Valliant from Echo.

"She may well know us all, the four of them could have lived this story over and over in many different time lines, remembering every second and we would be none the wiser." Said Grayson, excusing himself to join Lilac, as she retuned back upstairs.

Eric and Godric spoke quietly in the corner before Eric raced from the room returning seconds later having picked up the chair Gran had requested and we all made our way to the fourth floor. In the bathroom there were more bodies than made sense but from the looks of concern on everyone's faces no one was moving, Jasper reached over a few heads and took the chair off Eric and positioned it next to Gran as everyone fell back into a quiet hum listening to Gran and watching Gerard, Kellan and Stark, laying on the shower floor holding Preston, Aurora and Yannick under the cool water.

"It's so wonderful to see all your beautiful faces again, I can say with my hand on my heart. It's the only reason I kept agreeing to this madness. I go from 2 grandbabies, to over forty, one person shouldn't be so lucky. "Said Gran as she took her seat with Boston and Bastian at her side.

"How far beyond this point have you gotten and why did it fail." Asked Pam.

"40 days, but Aurora and Preston don't get their full wits back and Yannick goes crazy trying to return on his own to get them back. It was one of the times we lost Bastian the second we returned, I believe Aurora and Preston refused to return completely in search of him. Preston's body gives out and he starts to weather away, but Aurora and Yannick somehow reset us again, but Aurora doesn't fully recover. Yannick becomes there everything, somehow his strength kept them going."

Before another question was asked Aurora started to come around mumbling, Yannick half aware of his surrounding tried to get to her but the struggle was too much and he passed out. Kellan wrapped his arms tighter around the death dealer moving the pair closer to Gerard and Aurora. Gerard kissed Aurora's cheek trying to sooth her but the mumbling became more incoherent, he looked towards Gran for answers.

"She calling out for each of you, the poor darling has been in so much pain without you all. I have never seen anything like it in my long life, the three of them would try to rest holding onto each other, hiding in the hot dusty attic and as soon as they'd slip into slumber they'd start calling for the four of you in a nightmare like state."

Stark let a tear fall, as he to tighten his hold on Preston and pressed themselves against Gerard and Aurora who were now sandwiched between the pairs. Bastian looked to be in as much pain as Aurora, not being able to be with his mates and Gran knew it.

"I'm sorry my love, but the second I let you near her you vanish. I made a promise and we have to keep my word. Aurora made me swear on my great grandbabies that I'd protect you as she has me. We can do this, I know in that big heart of yours, you don't want Aurora going through this again any more than I do. You and I actually become very good friends Bastian, you help me care for them all and you, Gerard and Pam sided with me the last time when I made Aurora promise this was the last time we tried this." Said Gran

"Gran you can't leave us again if this doesn't work." Said Jason pushing forward.

"I can and I will, my boy. You have not seen the pain and torment those three have suffered to bring me back to you and Sookie. God help me I love you, I love all of you but this is the last time. They don't eat or sleep, Aurora has been stabbed and beaten 14 times in my place. Jason Stackhouse, I raised you better than that, can you stand there and tell me you'd stand back and watch someone who has given you more than you deserve, be tortured again and again. Because I won't, you know I love with my whole heart and I love those three as much as I do you and Sookie. But enough is enough, if the lord almighty doesn't let us make this work this time, I will go to my resting place happy in the knowledge you all have each other and are loved."

I wanted to argue but you just couldn't when my Gran said her peace, I looked around the room and you could see on the faces of our family they believed every word my Gran had said and that if this worked they were going to love her just as much as Jason and I did. Jason lowered himself in from of Gran and smiled, you listened when Adele Stackhouse spoke. The next four hours went buy in a flash, Boston and Bastian never left my Grans side, but stayed glued on what was going on in the shower, everyone took turns asking question after question, 'How where we going to explain Grans return?' 'Why didn't Aurora, Yannick and Preston feed?' 'How did Gran keep them hidden?' 'How did they approach her?' 'Why did she call out to Eric and not one of Aurora's mates' Gran happily answered everything she could and gave everyone equal attention, even the Saxons who I was sure would make her think twice, but they asked their questions and Gran took it all in stride. Telling us of the hours Aurora, Yannick and Preston would spend describing everyone and telling stories of how amazing everyone was. Erebus and Marigold came and checked on Aurora and her mates, before they collected the twins for bed and made us promise to call them the second Aurora, Preston or Yannick became conscious. Valliant was almost out of the door when he stopped looked at Bastian and Boston, and the smile that spread across his face brightened my soul.

"You can let go now, the powers gone." Said Valliant

"You're sure little man?" asked Jason.

"Yes, it was like a blanket. We can see all your different powers and that one is all gone now."

Bastian didn't wait a second pulling away from Gran and rushing towards his mates, Gran panicked and rose to her feet pulling Boston into a full beer hug. But the second Bastian stepped under the stream of water and kneeled in front of his mates, all three of their bodies relaxed in the arms of their protectors. It was as if their muscles just let go and peace washed over them, Gerard moved over a little allowing Bastian to squeeze in-between Aurora and Yannick's bodies. The pair purred with content, which made Stark move himself and Preston closer. He closed his eyes of a moment and the smile that was on Valliant's face now dressed Stark's.

"Aurora's back, I can feel her mind brushing mine. She's whole, content and she's looking for you little brother." Said Stark looking over to Boston.

Boston's eyes glassed over as he looked up at Gran then over to Godric, Gran stiffened for a second before she left go and Boston raced into the shower climbing onto Aurora's lap, Gran collapsed into her chair as we all watched Aurora smile ever so slightly before she fell into a deep sleep.

"Thank you Jesus, that sweet angel needs some sweet dreams."

"Miss Adele, you know Aurora's not an Angel don't you?" asked Swan

The tension broke as laughter filled the small room and Valliant waved goodbye to me, I was in two minds as to what to do. Stay and be with Gran and Aurora, or go discuss the fact my son just divulged he can see supernatural powers. I decided to stay where I was and Jason and I soaked up the bliss of being with someone we thought we'd lost. Another 30 minutes passed when Eric and Godric went to excuse themselves but Gran spoke up.

"No need to leave to talk business gentlemen, I've already been through this once. Would you like me to get you started?"

Eric looked irritated, but Godric looked amused as he waved for Gran to continue.

"Pam has to start making paperwork for my mysterious hospital stay where I lost my memory and it explains the body mix up and how I have only now recovered to be returned to my surprised family, Godric is waiting for Aurora, Yannick and Preston to recover a little more before he pulls Gerard aside and demands this was the one and only time this foolishness is tempted, no more time walking. Which I totally agree with by the way. Eric you're still not sure how to tell everyone the yearly counsel summit is upon us again and you're getting pressure to confirm your attendance. Our German vampire has also sent warning shoots over Stan, Kaius and Alaric's nests and they are calling to see how you think they should proceed. All believe Hans is doing it to see how Godric, Bastian and you react as all three monarchs are aligned with your nest Viking and no other reports have been heard of him moving on anyone else. How did I do? " Asked Gran looking smugly.

"A little too well, Mrs Stackhouse." Replied Eric

I giggled a little to myself as Eric and Godric took the seats Bastian and Boston held earlier at my Grans side and the three of them started to discuss what their next moves should be, what had worked, what failed and in the midst my Gran took Eric's hand pulling him close and whispered something into his ear that sent rage racing through our connection. He looked at Aurora and then to myself but he got his emotions under control and smiled at me, my vampire and my Gran were hiding something from me and everyone else but I'd push them later. For now my only concern was making sure Aurora, Yannick and Preston recovered.

Another two hours passed before Aurora and Preston cooled down enough that they and Yannick could be moved into the bedroom, Boston refused to move an inch from his sister's side. Even when the trio came around enough to feed. Godric tried to get Boston to take a break but the little guy wouldn't budge, Piper brought him and Preston up a little picnic basket but Preston was just too weak to eat solid food. Preston, Aurora and Yannick struggled taking the small amount of blood their mates had been able to get into them, to be honest I watched more blood trickled down Aurora's neck then went in her mouth. Boston was about to refuse to eat but Kellan took pity on him and he managed to get Boston to eat a small sandwich, clothes where swapped out for new ones, as Aurora still seemed to be unable to regulate her body temperature and the seven sins as well as Boston snuggled up and fell into a heavy slumber. We took turns watching everyone for the next 2 days, Boston would only leave for school and only did so as Erebus insisted Aurora and Yannick would be upset if he didn't do so. All seven mates seemed to have shut down and where taking the time to regenerate, Poseidon arrived on the 3 day confirming our belief everyone was rejuvenating and thankfully it helped settle Godric. He was becoming manic with worry, it also didn't escape me that Poseidon was elated that Boston was linked to Aurora and Godric and he locked eyes with the knowledge as fathers, they'd kill anyone that harmed their children. Godric's connection to all seven mates grew daily and I feared for anyone that hurt what Godric loved. The bigger and more powerful our family became the more protective and determined Godric became to crush all that stood in his way, he didn't vocalise like Eric or Gerard but you could see it in his eyes. A day didn't pass when you wouldn't catch Godric and Eric whispering about this and that, by the look in their eyes it was always about protecting the nest.

Gran had pulled me aside on the afternoon before Aurora and her mates woke, getting my help prepping for our family's lunch and to share a little southern wisdom.

"Can you not see my child, why the German wants Godric, Eric or Bastian under his command? I may not have been around super naturals as long as you, but I know leaders when I see them and Godric and his sons could command any arm and they'd follow them to their deaths just for loyalty. Its rear and to be converted."

"Do you really think that's why the German is after us?"

"I'd bet my best Sunday hat, that because he hates the current Monarch rule and has started moving things around like a chess game, he's played this out in his head with all possible outcomes. What do you think would happen, if the German moved against Eric, Godric or Bastian?" asked Gran.

"The other two would come racing to help?"

"Have you thought why you and Eric have been targeted? Bastian before mating with Aurora lived primarily in Europe, he had allies but was somewhat a loner. Godric to everyone's knowledge had meet the sun, but that couldn't be 100% confirmed so he could still be living and we both know besides Eric and Bastian he mostly kept to himself. Then there is Eric and his telepathic bonded, of the three Eric was the only on bonded and with a weak human making you the best first move. Bastian would always come to his brother's aide and if Godric was in fact alive, this would pull him out of hiding? But neither of them had a weakness, you my darling where a pawn for the German to use against Eric and possibly get all three."

"You've thought about this a lot haven't you Gran?"

"I maybe old, but that also means I've lived and seen just about every kind of good and bad a person can be and if I was that German, it's what I'd do."

I don't know if I was shocked or just seeing my Gran for the first time, I had always known she was wicked smart. I just never thought her mind would venture down the warfare path, Adele Stackhouse was always more than meets the eye. We finished making the lunches for everyone, setting it out on the table. I made small plates for Terry, Piper and myself and went back to the office to finish my work and think on the information Gran had given me.

The next day as Valliant, Leif and I were walking between the farm house and the compound, we were meet with a buzz of excitement, most Saturday's everyone was up early for training with Boston and the boys, but I didn't think that'd be happening with Aurora and guys still out cold. We noticed Jasper pulling a couple of large bags from the back of his truck and asked what had everyone so excited.

"The SINS are all awake, Adele is cooking up a storm and apparently we are heading into Shreveport tomorrow for a big shopping trip, so it's all full steam ahead."

Jasper and I took a moment to continue chatting, but as expected the boys went racing off to be with their Aunty and Uncles

"You should know, Gerard and Kellan are all mega alpha's at the moment and no one is getting close to Aurora without there say so. This last gift she's given you has switched on their protective sides and I can't blame them, she's still hurting Sookie, it's not pretty. Even Alcide and Maria have me glued to her and our pack is on standby if they need to feed or protection. Also watch your back with the Angels, Stark has them watching Aurora, Yannick and Preston like they are glass and they'll attack first if you get my drift."

"Thanks for the heads up, I can't really blame them. I love my Gran, but if I had to make the same decision again knowing what I do now. It'd be a hard no, the twins have been having terrible nightmares and I can't count the amount of times Eric has had to sit down with them and promise he'd protect the SINS."

"Cards on the table, I haven't been sleeping well myself knowing they were hurting. I'm not sure when it happened but I'd die for every one of them, they are family, Pack, Blood."

I gave Jaspers shoulder a squeeze as we turned and headed into the house, because I felt the same and I can tell you from the talks Eric and I have been having my Viking was ready for blood if anyone even looked sideways at our extended family. Eric's love for me and our sons was extreme and he knew without Aurora none of it would be possible. He was ready for war to protect what he now deemed as his and that includes the sins and the large group of super naturals that now called the compound home. We found a large portion of the family in the music room, Stark was playing the piano while Boston and Aurora slowly waltz under the watchful eyes of Michael, Swan and Celine. I was about to head over to Gran whom I saw knitting in her now favourite chair, but Jasper gabbed my arm and pulled to me to stop. There with the look of death pouring out of their eyes was Gerard and Kellan, Alpha didn't even come close to the state these two where in. I became a little uneasy myself looking for the twins but they were happily snuggled up with Yannick and Preston on one of the sofas. I was about to press Jasper for more information but Aurora's stumble caught my eye, Godric and Bastian raced forward to Boston who was now holding up most of his sisters weight. Each of Aurora's mates vibrated with stress and Stalk began to rise from the piano, but Aurora looked over to her Angel and he took his seat and began playing again.

"May I have to honour little Dove." Said Bastian, taking Aurora's weight from Boston.

"Any other time I'd love to dance with you my darling Bastian, but I need a moment with Sookie now she's arrived. Then as promised I'll feed." replied Aurora as her mates all moved a little closer. Grayson actually moved onto the piano in Stark's place as he closed the distance between himself and Aurora.

The breath rushed out of me as I was dragged in mind air by nothing and held floating in front of Aurora, it was like a massive invisible hand had grabbed me and was squeezing. My distress must have shown, because my panic was rising and I was about to fight when I heard Gran.

"Boys be gentle and put your mother down."

I looked straight to Leif and Valliant as I was lowered to my feet, they blushed and hid behind Preston and Yannick who had risen moving towards Aurora, whispering 'sorry mum'.

"Don't be angry little sister, they are still getting a handle on their abilities and just wanted to help." Said Aurora smiling in the twin's direction as she stepped forward and grabbed onto my shoulder for support.

My fear and distress washed away as I grabbed onto Aurora, she still looked pale and weak.

"Why haven't you feed?" I said as the tears started to fall.

"I needed to make sure Adele was permanently locked in this timeline and I wanted to make sure you are happy and well before I get lost in my mates."

I broke down, kissing her fiercely before I looked over to Gerard and Kellan. The pair rushed forward, kissing my forehead before Kellan scooped up Aurora, Stark and Bastian collect Preston and Yannick. Everyone stood waiting for Gerard who had picked up Boston and was hugging him tight, Boston's face lit up as Gerard pulled back looking him in the eye and said for all the hear. 'We love you little brother, we just need some alone time.' Kellan moved Aurora closer so she could kiss her little brother and Boston help her for a moment before climbing from Gerard's embrace to stand with Godric. I wiped my eyes as I moved over to the twins and we watched the sins leave the room. It was like Jasper said, you just loved them so much you'd kill for them.

A/N Thank you for the kind reviews, they are greatly appreciated.