A/N: Thank you all for still reading… I can't believe I'm almost at 30 chapters. I can't believe it took this long to do this chapter. I think I fell in a hole. Well, that'll have to be my story for the delay for now. Sorry! Please forgive me!
To GloomDusk: Thank you for reviewing again! These reviews really make my day! So, about Godric… he was in worst shape than even he realized. The torture was so bad that it drove Farrell mad (off camera so to speak). But Godric really thought he'd have more control and was truly sorry that he almost drained her, but he was nearly drained himself. The bloodlust just kicked into high gear after exerting himself and then finally tasting her blood. As for a E/A/G love triangle, well, all I'm going to say about that is that there will be some repercussions from the bite not necessarily romantic... Dr. McSteamy… yeah, I'm purposelessly leaving that open-ended for the time being… just like the whereabouts of Steve Newlin. Steve could be turned, or he could be six feet under… have to stay tuned to see ; )
To Kpkisses: Thank you for your review and sticking with the story! Well, Eric's doing a lot of things that are going to make her want to smash things… To be honest, he's a mess right now and it's going to affect others…
To Okamistar: Godric isn't as suicidal in this story as he is looking for… more fulfillment. Bella will help him, but not necessarily in ways that you may think.
To Luli Cullen, WRose, Belladu57, and Thuc. : Thank you for leaving your well wishes! To write something that people respond to makes me all giddy!
…
I opened my eyes slowly, letting them adjust to the bright light given off by a floor lamp that was positioned just behind me on the sofa I had slept on. The time on the cable box directly in front of me but across the room said it was 8:11pm in bright digital blue. It took a moment to register, but once the fog in my brain cleared and the meaning of that time sunk in I yelled out, "Oh crap!" as I jolted into sitting position, slightly panicked. The vampires were sure to have been up for a little while by now. I had slept much longer than I had intended. I knew I probably needed the extra shut eye given my recent adventures, but I had planned to get to the nest as early as I could to find out about Jason; to make sure he was alright.
Luna looked up from the laptop she was working on when she noticed me bounce up and said, "Ah, so sleeping beauty has finally awoken. I was beginning to wonder when you were going to get up."
"I asked you to wake me at 4:30 Luna, so I could get to the nest as soon as they would be awake." I said, sighing slightly.
"Yes, you did. Aaaaannnnnddddd… I decided you needed to sleep as much as your body needed. So here we are. You feel better, right?" She said as her eyebrow arched upward, daring me to contradict her.
"Yessss, I feel better, but I need to see my brother Luna. You know how important that is to me." I replied, huffily.
"And knowing the condition your brother was in when Mr. Thirsty flew off with him; do you think he's going to be gallivanting around town? No… I suspect he's still out cold and at the nest. What does it matter if you're at his side a little later? He probably won't be awake to know anyway." She said as she casually got up and put her shoes on.
"Gee Luna, that's really caring of you to suggest. I don't care if he's still out cold. I need to see that he's still, oh I don't know, still breathing! Still alive! Jason and my sister are the only family I have left. I need to know he's going to be okay." I said raising my voice with every word uttered.
Luna was not one to back down, especially when she knew she was right. While she didn't mean to piss off Arabella; just make her see that she needed to take care of herself as well, she was going to whatever it took to make sure her new friend was in fighting condition when she dropped her off at the nest. "Okay, I get it, really, I do and I apologize. I'm sorry. But, what you don't seem to get is that you don't just walk into a vampire nest without all your strength and wits. You needed that sleep and you need to eat. Don't even try to guilt me into taking you straight to that nest. I won't do it. Do you think that you'd be able to help Jason if you passed out there from lack of sleep or food? No. You wouldn't. And, since he's likely still passed out, one of you needs to be in tip top shape, capeesh?"
Before I could answer, my stomach grumbled. Hearing it and feeling the pangs of hunger set in, I finally responded while crossing my arms over my chest, "Fine, but it better be good food. I'm not in the mood for crap." I couldn't deny that I was starving and felt awful that I was delaying seeing Jason just to appease my traitorous stomach, but Luna was right. What good would I be if all I could think about was eating?
"Good. Get your shoes on and let's go." Luna said while grabbing her purse and keys.
"I'm sorry too Luna if I seem like I'm acting like a bitch. It's just.. it's just this is such a shitty situation." I said sheepishly before we exited her house.
"I know you are and it is. Welcome to the life of a supe." She said, locking her door.
"It's not going to get any better, is it?" I asked, but knew the answer already.
"For you, probably not. You seem like you're a magnet for trouble, and I just met you." She said with a wink but then added, "what doesn't kill ya…"
"Only makes you stronger… yeah yeah, I know." I said, rolling my eyes.
"Truer words were never spoken my friend. But, it's what you do with that strength that will lead you to wherever your destiny lays." Luna said as she and I walked to the rental car.
"What? Are you a philosopher now too?" I asked jokingly.
"No. I just had really good guidance growing up." Luna said with a faraway look. Something told me that she was given that advice long ago.
….
My mouth was watering with the thought of good food as we pulled into the parking lot for El Paquito Taquito Café. When I travelled with Jessalyn, we'd normally stop to eat at hole in the wall or mom and pop restaurants, mostly because they were tons cheaper than major chain restaurants. The food was surprisingly pretty good at those places, despite the lack of décor, or cheery wait-staff, and the occasional non-functioning toilet (which really sucks when you've been driving forever and have to pee like a racehorse). Jessalyn said she'd actually seen a couple of the places that we had eaten at on a show called Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on the Food Network, which was pretty cool, I guess. But it was always the Mexican restaurants that were the best. I missed them, a lot. You really couldn't get good Mexican food in Bon Temps. The closest thing we had were the loaded nachos that Lafayette would whip up from time to time at Merlottes. But, even though they were good (Lafayette really knew his way around a kitchen, well that and the make-up counter and the dance floor) they were covered in shrimp and crawfish and tasted more Bayou than Mexican. "I can't wait to try the enchiladas you told me about." I said to Luna, practically drooling now thinking about their cheesy goodness. Also, while the pizza helped, I was starving.
"Oh my God, they're like heaven on a plate; I swear." Luna said as she pulled into a parking space and we exited the car. Even though the rental was technically mine, well, Eric's, but mine by default; she knew where she was going, so it was just easier for her to drive. And, this way I got to play with all the doo-dads and buttons the car had to offer. I couldn't help but think to myself, 'Yeah, I really need my own car when I get back home.'
"They have a TV in the main dining room, so we can keep tabs on what's going on too." Luna added as we walked through the door of the tiny restaurant.
"Good 'cause I'm kinda curious to see if anything else had happened." I replied just before the young hostess with more chin hairs than I could count and a Texas sized mole on the side of her face hurried toward us. Unfortunately it was hard not to stare, or want to grab a pair of tweezers and pluck, pluck, pluck away.
I was brought out of my inner musings when the hostess asked quickly, "Can I sit you two in that booth over there?" She grabbed a couple menus from the podium in front and started to walk towards the booth she pointed to. It was hard not to notice her hair was slightly messed up and she was a bit out of breath. I'd bet the house that she was getting down to business with someone in back. I said a slight prayer to myself that hand washing and sanitizer was being used at this place. But then I thought to myself that I should be happy for this girl, because honestly, that chin hair and mole situation she had going on had to be a downer on her dating life.
"Actually, can we get that one? We'd like to watch the news." Luna said, pointing to a booth in the middle of the back wall with the best view of the TV.
"No problem. I know. I've been watching the news all day. Can you believe it about that Church?" The hostess said, almost as if she had read our minds. But really, the Church was the top story everywhere. Everyone wanted to know more about what was going on there.
"Crazy, right?" I replied, because honestly, there was no other way to describe what had occurred there.
As we sat down the in the booth, the waitress grabbed the remote that lying on the table next to us, turned the volume up and started to flip channels to CNN. "They've been running stuff all day." She said pointing to the TV before leaving to get us some waters.
Just after she returned with our waters and left to start our orders, the TV caught our attention again, "For those of you just tuning in, we are going to replay the official statement from the American Vampire League as read by their spokesperson Nan Flanagan." The perky news reporter said before the screen changed to a prerecorded video. It was daylight now, so this must have been taped last night. 'Boy, news travels fast.' I couldn't help but think to myself.
"My fellow Americans, we here at the AVL were extremely dismayed to hear of the grievous atrocities that the Fellowship of the Sun had been participating in. While we knew, and you all knew of course, through the spirited debates that we have had over the years on numerous news channels, that the Fellowship did not condone our existence, we never thought that they would stoop to the level of savagery that they did. While it has been confirmed that they were responsible for the demise of five local Dallas vampires, we have come to the understanding that the number of victims is sure to rise after the V-lab operation that was unearthed there has been thoroughly evidenced. None of this would have come to light if the Dallas Metro Police Department did not act in such a swift and precise manner after receiving an anonymous yet viable tip that lead to the discovery of the heinous actions carried out by the Church. And as such, we here at the AVL would like to extend our sincerest thanks and gratitude to the officers who diligently worked through the night attempting to bring justice to the fallen among us. We would also like to say thank you to the anonymous person who chose to do the right thing and revealed the malicious actions of the Church. While we understand your reluctance to come forward, we wish to convey that there is a reward waiting for you should you choose to come forward. At the time of this press release, it seems that the Dallas police are still in the process of trying to locate several suspects who are still at large. The AVL is offering a substantial reward to anyone who can provide information that leads to the finding and arrest of those suspects. Those individuals include obviously the Reverend Steve Newlin, but also Luke McDonald, Orry Dawson, Milo Watson and Clarence Hillbottom.
"Where do you think those guys would be hiding?" I asked Luna.
"Hard to say." Luna replied before taking a sip of water and then added, "If they're really hiding, that is. Vampires don't usually like to leave loose ends, if you get my meaning." She said before looking over the menu like we had just been discussing the weather or her grocery list.
"You don't seem too bothered by that." I said, sounding a little more judgmental than I had meant to.
Luna put her menu down, folded her fingers together and placed them on the table, readying herself for, well, whatever this girl was going to throw down. "I don't really think you have the right to get all high and mighty over me here missy. It's not like your hands are clean."
Luna was right. My hands weren't clean. I had killed two people now and even though they deserved what they got, it still weighed heavily on my conscience. "Luna, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound so judgmental. It's just… I'm not used to living my life like I'm in some sort of horror movie. I've had to do some things recently that I never thought I'd have to and I'm having a hard time dealing with my own conscience."
Luna relaxed her stance and asked. "How long have you known about the supernatural world?"
"Just since the vampires came out. But a little while ago I found out about werewolves, accidentally, and now shifters, with you." I replied honestly.
"So, you're pretty much a newbie in the supernatural world. There's actually quite a bit more out there. It's too bad that you weren't given more knowledge, seeing as you're supernatural yourself. I've known about this world since I was born. My parents told me all they could from early on so that I could protect myself." Luna said.
"My parents died when I was three. I didn't really know them." I replied softly.
"Oh, well, that could explain a lot, I guess. What about your other family members?" Luna asked curiously.
"My sister is the only one that has special talents like me. My brother doesn't have any. None of us know why my sister and I can do what we can. My Gran was killed recently by a serial killer so I can't ask her about any of this. And now the only extended family that we have is my cousin Hadley, but we don't know where she is at the moment, or if she's even still alive." I replied, getting more depressed by the moment, thinking on how little family I had left.
"Well, if you ever need any information, feel free to ask me and I'll answer as best I can." Luna replied with a soft smile, putting her hand on top of mine in a motherly way, which was kinda weird because she was only a few years older than me, at best. But she definitely was worldlier than me, at least more supernatural worldlier.
"Do you know what I could be?" I asked her immediately.
"You know, I've been thinking about it, because I'm not going to lie, I'm pretty curious about it myself, but the truth of the matter is no. I wish I did, but I really don't. Like I said, there are a lot of supes out there, some more plentiful than others. Either your kind is in hiding or there were never many to begin with. I could ask around though." Luna replied.
"No, don't do that. As much as I'd like to know, I don't want to draw too much attention to myself." I said quickly. I didn't need more trouble at my doorstep right now.
"Actually, you're probably right. Some supes **cough, cough** vampires **cough, cough** can get pretty territorial when it comes to an interesting supe dressed in a nice package." Luna said, knowingly. She didn't forget that Arabella was staying at a vampire hotel, probably with a vampire.
"Ummm, yeah, you're right about that." I replied, thinking of my own situation.
"Well, a word of advice newbie; it can often be a kill or be killed kind of life for a supe. I know you said that you're having a tough time with your conscience, but you need to understand that the other guy, the one who's threatening you, usually isn't having such a hard time with theirs. They will take your life with not a care in the world. Sometimes life throws you to the wolves and you have to do what you can to survive. It's as simple as that. Don't waste your time lamenting actions that were beyond your control. I mean really, think about what would've happened if you didn't take care of Gabe." Luna said matter of factly.
Luna was absolutely right. If I didn't kill Gabe I could've been raped and killed and Jason and Godric would probably be dead too. "You're right Luna. Thanks. I guess I just needed to hear that."
"No problem." Luna replied as our food came.
"Oh my God those look soooo good!" I said excitedly, my hunger taking over my brain, as I dug into my beef and cheese enchiladas. "Ohhhhhh, these are the bomb!"
"I told you. You'll be dreaming about these babies for a while, I can guarantee it." Luna said digging into her own plate of heaven.
I didn't even respond because I couldn't shove the delicious food fast enough into my mouth. Although, I did think to myself that dreaming of these delicious enchiladas would be infinitely better than dreaming about the god-awful stuff that's happened lately.
…
"Thanks Luna. I really appreciate all you've done. If you're ever find yourself in Bon Temps, give me a holler, okay." I said to my new friend as I gave her a big ole bear hug.
"Yeah, maybe I'll do that. I'm supposed to meet with the Shifter Council in a week so who knows what will come of that." Luna said before giving me a piece of paper with her contact information on it and continuing, "You know, you have friends here in Dallas if you need them. Be careful in there."
"I will." I replied as I eyed the front door of the Dallas nest, hoping all was well inside.
Luna had a friend pick her up at the Dallas nest, seeing as we drove in Eric's rental. I had invited Luna to come in with me, but she said she didn't want to press her luck with the vamps. It seems that shifters had an inbred apprehension of vampires that she said was hard to shake. I had to respect her wishes and watched sadly as she left. I missed my friend Jessalyn so much, and now I had another friend to miss; one that could actually help me out in the supernatural world.
….
After Luna left, I took a deep breath, let it out and rang the doorbell. I was a little nervous. I mean who wouldn't be? This was a vampire nest, a big one at that and I wasn't even sure if the vampires I knew or my brother would be here at the moment. When the door opened, I saw it was Isabel and was slightly relieved.
"Oh my, we were wondering what happened to you. Please, come in." Isabel said with a big smile, happy to see this human returned in one piece.
"Thanks Isabel. Is my brother okay?" I asked quickly. I wanted to see Jason in a bad way; make sure he was alive and kicking.
"Yes, he is fine. He has been resting in one of our guest rooms, but we think he should be up shortly." Isabel responded.
I was about to ask if Eric was there, but before I got the chance, he strolled into the room with Godric at his side. I smiled broadly at him. I was so glad to see him and wanted nothing more than to have him hold me in his arms while I told him about what happened and heard about what happened while I was away from him. I practically ran over to him to give him a hug as I saw a smile on his face as well, but was floored when I saw that smile turn into a dark, menacing look that stopped me in my tracks.
….
Eric walked into the living room with Godric when he saw her standing there talking to Isabel. 'She must have just gotten here.' He thought to himself as a smile crept onto his lips and relief washed over his psyche before he even thought about it. He was overjoyed to see that she was in one piece; beautiful as ever. But then, he saw the bite marks on her neck and the happiness he felt at seeing her was quickly replaced with jealousy, anger, hurt and resentment. His smile quickly turned into something more sinister looking, which seemed to immobilize her, as she had been heading his way. He then started to walk towards her, predatory in his steps, with Isabel and Godric looking on, wondering what was going on.
"So you finally grace us with your presence, and in that unfortunate outfit." He spat out at her finally, looking down at Arabella, dressed in the old sweats that Luna loaned to her, with disgust.
"Eric, I don't understand. Why are you so angry? I would've gotten here sooner but…" Arabella started but was cut off by Eric.
"But what? You know what… I don't care to hear your excuse. And by the way, you smell disgusting. You obviously had time to get some horrible smelling food before coming here." He responded angrily.
"Eric, I had to eat. I lost a lot of blood and…" Arabella started, but again was cut off by Eric.
"Yes, I see the bite marks on your neck. Did you like it? Being bitten? Kinda puts you in the same category as the girl from dinner at the hotel, doesn't it? You know, the one you called a True Whore. Did you enjoy vending yourself out? I bet you did." Eric said bitingly, but as soon as the words slipped from his mouth, he regretted them. While he couldn't bring himself to take out his feelings on his maker, he couldn't seem to stop himself from taking them out on her, in the worst possible way.
"Wha… what?" I replied almost breathlessly because his words had cut so deep and hit so hard I felt almost out of breath. He might has well have just punched me in the gut. Not only that, I was beyond embarrassed as we had a crowd around us now, all vampire, all amused at the show Eric was forcing us to put on. The snickers and smirks, all those eyes, all directed at me; it made me feel like I must have meant nothing to Eric. How else could I explain him degrading me like that in front of a room full of vampires who would no doubt love nothing more than to eat me alive. That familiar lump in my throat, the one that Eric was so good at giving me, was forming again, threatening to expose my emotional state.
"Eric! That is enough!" Godric yelled at his progeny and then turned toward Arabella and said while offering his hand for guidance, "I'm sure that you are anxious to see your brother. Come with me and I will take you to his room."
I was beyond glad that Godric stopped Eric's tirade against me and that I'd be able to see Jason, finally. However, I didn't trust my voice just yet, so without a word I took Godric's hand in mine and followed him to Jason's room. Honestly I was worried if I tried to open my mouth I'd either go off on Eric (which would not be a smart thing to do in a room full of vampires) or start crying (which would make me look like a frail stupid human). I was content to leave everyone else there speechless and staring at Eric. 'Better he deal with those enquiring minds than me because truthfully I didn't know what the hell just happened there.' I thought bitterly while leaving the room, not giving a second glance at Eric.
…
Before Godric opened the door to Jason's room, he stopped and said, "I'm sorry for Eric's words. He should not have said them to you. He knew the circumstances of the bite."
I attempted to clear my throat before saying, "Thank you Godric, but it really isn't your place to apologize for him. If anyone should apologize it's him. But to be honest with you, I think I'd probably be more likely to see him break-dance in a tutu before that happens." The edge in my voice was pronounced as I was getting beyond tired of Eric's mood swings. I wasn't some emotional punching bag that he could just wield because I was there and convenient. Yes, he claimed me as his, but did all this bullshit have to come with it. I thought there were supposed to be some perks… Where were the perks?
Godric chuckled to himself before saying, "It seems you know my child very well."
"Your child? Are you his maker?" I asked, slightly stunned. But, then again, this probably shouldn't surprise me.
"Yes. Obviously he didn't tell you." Godric replied.
"No, he didn't. But I guess that would explain why he wanted to help out here so much." I said, realizing now that Eric wanting me to come here may not have been solely to get Jason back, if at all.
"The bond between maker and progeny is strong, just like a parent to a child. However, that doesn't mean I can't see when he is in the wrong. I will speak to him about his behavior towards you." Godric said, hoping to close the rift between his child and Arabella.
"I know I have a few choice words I'd like to say to him." I said huffily.
Godric chuckled again, amused by this human. "I'm sure you do. Ones that I'm sure he's not used to hearing, seeing as there are not many who would dare speak them to him, but ones he no doubt have coming to him."
"Mine will have to wait though. I really want to see my brother. Can I go in now?" I asked softly.
"Yes, of course. Let me unlock the door. While the others have been told to leave him alone, it's always good to have a plan b." Godric said as he entered a code into the keypad on the door and let me in.
…
"Bella!" Jason said, using his pet name for me from childhood.
"Jason!" I returned, running over to him and giving him a big hug.
Godric closed the door on our reunion, knowing that his presence wasn't needed anymore.
"Jason, how are you? Do you feel okay?" I asked, backing away slightly from him to get a good look at him. Because he was bare-chested at the moment, I could see that the holes in his arms appeared to be closed up and he looked to be in high spirits.
"I feel fit as a fiddle. In fact, I could go and do a hundred pushups right now. Wanna see?" Jason said as he jumped out of the bed and started doing some on the floor. "One, two, three…"
"Jason, get up! I don't need to see you do them. I know you're strong. But, the last time I saw you; you had marks all up and down your arm and were unconscious. I don't understand. How are you so 'well' now?" I asked, but dreaded the answer, because I worried that Godric had given Jason his blood.
"Oh, well, I guess I musta been in some pretty bad shape. You know, I don't really remember much after that asshole Gabe stabbed me with a needle. But, a beautiful vampire named Jessica gave me some of her blood and now I feel like I can take on the world." Jason responded, doing some jumping jacks. He was acting like he was on crack.
"Jessica? Who's Jessica?" I asked, still confused.
"You know, Bill's… what the word… progeny, yeah that's it… progeny, Jessica. She said she met you before." Jason said, still unable to stay still.
"Jessica's here?" I asked.
"Yeah. She is and Bill and Sookie too. They're all here." Jason replied, acting like I should have known all this already.
"Are they here at the nest?" I asked, because really, I was in the dark on what was going on.
"They were, but I think they said that they were going to go back to some hotel… The Hotel Angelo or Carmello, maybe." Jason said, trying to think real hard about where they were going. It was kinda hard for him to do at the moment because his mind was racing at the speed of light, which was a little dangerous for someone who didn't use his brain that often.
"You mean the Hotel Carmilla?" I asked, but figured that had to be where they went.
"Yeah, that's it." Jason said smiling.
"How did they get here? I mean Bill and Jessica can't go out during the day…" I asked, trying to figure this out. Even if they took the first flight out of Shreveport after dark, I didn't think they'd be here already.
"Oh, you know, I don't know, but who cares! They're here, you're here and the best part is, we're all still ALIVE!" Jason said before doing a handstand against the wall.
"Jason, if you don't sit down, you won't be alive much longer." I said with authority as I was getting really irritated by him bouncing around the room like he was three years old.
Jason brought his legs back down and sat on the edge of the bed next to me and said, "I'm sorry Arabella, it's just this blood thing, it's crazy. I feel so alive; so free."
I knew that he was just trying to explain his heightened sense of being, but the words stung even more now than when Sookie first told me about the effects of vampire blood. Even my brother, with no relationship with a vampire, was given the powerful elixir to heal. All I got recently from my supposed vampire was a public berating. 'Asshole.' I couldn't help the word that popped up in my brain when I thought of Eric, anger raging in me that I knew I had to contain for the time being.
Jason noticed that I had become quiet and looked at me, really looked at me and said, "I'm sorry Arabella. Here you come and save my sorry ass from that crazy-ass church and I go and run around this room like it's romper room time and I never once said thank you for saving me. I know I would not be alive if you didn't come and I will forever be thankful that you came to save your stupid brother." He then gave me a big bear hug, so tight that I thought he wasn't going to let go. But that was okay, because honestly, right now I needed the hug; to feel loved.
"Oh Jason, you know I would move heaven and earth to make sure you and Sookie were safe. We're family and you do what you have to for the ones you love. And… you're not stupid; you just choose to think with your other head more often than not." I said, not meaning it as an insult, but trying to get him to see that there was more in life than chasing skirts.
"You're right, I have lived like that for too long, and look where it's gotten me; nowhere. I'm in a dead end job. I just fell in love with a girl that killed a vampire and I got in trouble for it. And I almost got killed by a crazy church. Something's gotta change, and I think it's me, you know." He said, more serious than I ever thought I'd seen him.
"I'm sure you'll figure out what's best for you as soon as you set your mind to it." I said to him as he finally let go of our hug.
"It's good to know you have my back though, because I don't know that I have as much faith in me as you do." Jason said self-consciously.
"Jason, I do have faith in you. Now you just need to find that faith in yourself." I said to him while stroking his hair back like Gran used to.
Jason smiled at me and said, "You know, why don't we head over to that hotel and find Sookie."
"That sounds like a plan." I responded as we both got up off the bed. To be honest, anywhere sounded better than this place right now.
…
Godric could hear his nest-mates egging Eric on as he walked towards the living room where everyone was.
"Now that was a show we haven't seen in a while. Bravo!" A short female vampire with purple hair said, while clapping.
"Yeah, it's been pretty exciting here lately. Eric, you definitely know how to bring it up a notch. And by the way, way to go on showing that human who's boss." A different female vampire said, dressed in a polka-dotted jumpsuit.
"She's awfully fine though, for a human. You know Eric, if you don't want her, I'd be willing to take her off of your hands." A mousy haired, medium build male vampire said teasingly to Eric.
Eric was about to go postal on the group when Godric calmly walked in, bringing the room to an abrupt and uneasy silence.
"I believe that you all have things to do… outside the nest." Godric said softly but in a way that was clearly understood by all that they were supposed to vamoose. "Not you though Eric. I need a word."
The rest of the nest quickly scattered out various doors and soon Godric was able to ascertain that only he, Eric and the two humans were still in the nest.
"I don't understand why you treated Arabella that way my child. She is special and should be treated as such." Godric said to Eric as if he were talking to a four year old, because honestly, that tantrum was on par with one from a small child.
"She's just a human Godric. Sure, she's got special abilities, but in the end, she's just something to use, like a toy." Eric said, not sounding convincing in the least, because truth be told, he really didn't believe that anymore. She was more than that, much more. She was tearing his carefully constructed walls down too fast and he was flailing in their destruction, getting hit along the way, brick by brick with emotions that he didn't know that he could deal with.
"You don't believe that." Godric simply replied.
"Yes I do. Godric you taught me to bury my emotions; that they could destroy me. I've lived a thousand years working under that mantra. It's simple and it works. Don't fix what isn't broke." Eric said, desperately wanting this conversation to be over. He knew he would have to deal with Arabella sooner than later and wanted to come up with some form of damage control. It was hard to do currently between the Dallas nest fucking with him and now Godric's ill-timed attempt to have a father-son chat.
"Eric, my child, we need to evolve past that way of thinking. In all these years that you have lived, what have you achieved? What can you say have been your greatest accomplishments?" Godric asked as he sat down on his special chair in the living room.
" Are you serious?" Eric asked confused.
"Yes." Godric answered calmly, but Eric knew his maker expected an answer.
"Okay, I've amassed wealth beyond most people's imaginations. I've bedded so many women that I've lost count; tasted more blood than most vampires; seen almost every country in the world; speak over fifteen languages fluently…" Eric said before getting cut-off by Godric.
"Yes, that's all fine and good, but did any of that make you feel as happy, feel as content and safe as you feel when you are with that girl?" Godric asked, knowing the answer.
Eric looked at his maker stone-faced for a moment. Then Godric continued, "I have done the same as you and I can tell you that I am immensely lonely. There is no shame in speaking these words you know, for they are the truth."
"Godric, if you felt that way, why didn't you let me know?" Eric said, slightly hurt that his maker had hid this from him.
"Because we need to find our own happiness; what makes us want to get up for another day. I need to find that again. I find myself with a renewed interest in that which I have sought to ignore and discount for so long. I can't look to the past to ignite my future." Godric replied thoughtfully.
"Do you want nothing to do with me then? Your past?" Eric spat out as he misconstrued what his maker was getting at.
"Eric, you misunderstand me. You are my child, and I will always love you, you know that. You will always be an integral part of my existence. What you fail to see is that you've also hit this crossroad as well and need to find your own way too. I have come to realize as these many years go by that many beliefs I held were wrong. This is especially true of believing that it was best to forgo our humanity. We were humans. And, even though we rely on them for sustenance, they are also a part of our past and therefore a part of us. We've been denying a part of ourselves for too long and therefore restricting our existence to mere shallowness. Money, sex, cars, homes, what have you, those all bring nothing but momentary elation. In the end, there is no real satisfaction; no real happiness to be found in those things. Finding connections with others, love if you will, that is ultimately where we will find the most satisfaction and feel the most alive that we can. Emotions, while tricky things, can bring such joy. I would be a fool to say that they don't have their downside as well, but isn't it better to feel something than nothing at all, especially when you know that something utterly wonderful might be found if you just let it in." Godric said, hoping his child would see the truth in his words.
"And when someone you let in breaks your heart, what then? Betrays you? Leaves you in misery? Those don't sound like things I want to deal with Godric." Eric said, still clinging to their old ways.
"Even if that happens, you can learn from it; examine those situations; figure out what went wrong and hopefully avoid them in the future. Nothing worth having comes without a price, even love Eric." Godric replied softly.
"I'm content not having to deal with all that bullshit Godric. Really, I am." Eric said defiantly.
"So what will you do about Arabella?" Godric asked, curiously.
"I will continue to do what I have been doing… use her. She is mine to do whatever I want. And when she no longer has any usefulness, then I will be done with her." Eric said, anger evident in his voice, but it wasn't directed at Godric, no, it was directed at himself for even uttering those lies.
"So, she's just a toy to be played with?" Godric asked skeptically.
"Yes Godric. She's a pretty little doll in a nice package that I get to string along and play." Eric spat out, unwilling to bend, even though the words rang hollow even to his own ears.
"Hmmmm. Well, since you seem intent on acting like a child, I will treat you like one. Arabella is MINE. I am taking her from you Eric. She is no toy. She needs to be protected. She saved my life and I will not allow you to use her for your own personal gain without thought of her safety, feelings or the such." Godric said with authority to his child.
"You can't do that Godric. SHE IS MINE!" Eric screamed at Godric. He had never done so before, but then again, this situation had never arisen before.
"I can do it and I am doing it. As your maker, I command you to relinquish your claim of Arabella Stackhouse. Say it!" Godric commanded Eric to say the words out loud.
"I… I… I…" Eric started to say, struggling to get the words out. Godric knew this was because of Eric's strong feelings for Arabella. The words would have flowed like honey if he didn't have feelings for her. He hated doing this to his child, but Godric really felt that this was the only way that Eric was going to see that he was wrong and that he needed to evolve. Even though this would cause pain for his child now, in the end, it was just what he needed to do.
"Say it!" Godric commanded again.
"I relinquish my claim of Arabella Stackhouse." Eric said just as Arabella and Jason walked into the room, shock, confusion and hurt written all over her beautiful face.