Yay! It's time to get inside Eric's head again! Thank you everyone who voted! A Bright New Future came in third place!

Bella had fallen asleep on me, and I couldn't be happier. We were finally in bed together without me having to leave her to sleep. I fell asleep shortly before sunrise, so I could make sure I could be with Bella as much as possible. After waking, I watched Bella sleep for a while before she started shifting uneasily. Her heart rate sped up before she awoke with a gasp; my arms instinctively tightened around her.

"What is it?" I asked her quietly, so I wouldn't startle her.

She looked at me. "I had a weird dream is all." She paused. "How are you awake?"

I smiled, since I expected this question. "Because I'm so old. My maker needs even less sleep than I do. So, tell me about your dream?"

She bit her lip, hesitating. I encouraged her to tell me, and she didn't disappoint. She told me of my maker appearing, then me with short hair, then Pam in the dress I met her in, and all our fangs were descended. Then she told me of her having fangs and blood on her lips. I tightened my grip and kissed her until her breathing and heart beat calmed.

"What has you so shaken, my love?" I questioned.

She raised her head to mine. "Why would there be blood on my lips but not any of yours?" she asked me, I could hear a trace of fear in her voice that I'm not even sure she was aware of.

I considered the possibilities and only came up with one really good one. "You might have seen yourself shortly after you were turned. Newborns aren't exactly known for controlling their bloodlust," I informed her.

She shivered. "Do you know who the other man was?"

I was silent as I thought about my maker and the thousand years we've spent together. "He's my maker. His name is Godric. I planned on telling you of him today. He's coming to visit soon." A genuine smile graced my lips and I felt happy. I would finally see my maker again after a few decades. "I can't wait for the two of you to meet. You'll like him; he's one of the kindest vampires to those he thinks should be treated as such. If someone crosses him or those he cares about though…"

I trailed off, saving Bella from hearing of horror stories or giving her nightmares. There have been times I have seen him slaughter entire mobs of people trying to harm him and I. It was magnificent to me, especially the first time I saw it when I was a young vampire.

"What about your hair?" she asked changing the topic.

I smirked a second at how she thought. "Sometimes, I cut it short. It depends on the style and how I feel. Pausing, he studied me. "Would you like my hair better if it were the same as your dream?" I asked her, truly wanting to know what she thought.

I could feel her surprise, and her mouth opened a little. "It's your hair. Have it how you want it."

I chuckled lightly, since she was avoiding. "That isn't what I asked. I have been considering it for a couple of weeks now. What's your opinion?"

She looked thoughtful for a minute. "I wouldn't mind either way."

I studied her tightly, noting her slight nervousness, the slight tone of her voice that was off its usual key, and slight gleam of hope in her eye. She just lied to me; yes it was small and white and designed to keep me happy, however, due to the way Godric taught me how to behave, it is considered a lie still.

"That means you would rather have it shorter," I stated.

"I didn't say that," she protested.

My eyes became tighter as I looked at her. She didn't realize she was playing with the vampire side of me continuing to be only partially truthful. "You're not denying it either."

I felt a slight surge of guilt from her for a moment before it dissipated, knowing she truly didn't mind telling me what she did. This would need to be remedied. She sighed.

"No; I'm not denying it. You looked really sexy."

I could smell her arousal and feel the lust. I smirked as I figured out how I was going to punish Bella. "Then I shall have shorter hair." My eyes became like steel, and so did my grip on Bella. I was on top of her in an instant, holding her down so she couldn't move a centimeter. I leaned down the her ear, letting my breath go across her neck and into her ear, which made her shiver.

"A word of caution. Do not lie to me again my Isabella, or I shall be forced to take action. Believe me you will not like the consequences. Do you understand?"

Her breathing picked up and I could feel her become nervous with only a slight hint of fear. Good; this would work and she would be honest from now on I hoped. "Yes, sir," she breathed.

I smirked as I pulled back, glad she understood. As I hovered over her, she leaned up, intent on kissing me. I moved my head to the side, out of her reach. "Sorry, lover. Not right now. Consider you having to wait until later for orgasms the result of you lying to me. This is going easy on you compared to if it happens again."

I leaned down to kiss the pulse point on her neck, knowing it was a sensitive area on her, and she moaned. I stood, and helped her up as well. "Everything you need to take a shower is in there. Your clothes are on the right side of the closet."

She nodded before walking off. I went into my office, listening for any sign she might try to pleasure herself. I did a little paperwork after I heard the water start. I finished before she did, but the phone rang. I was surprised as I looked at the caller ID to see it was my maker.

"Good afternoon, Godric. How nice to hear from you," I greeted.

"Hello, Eric. I have good news." I waited eagerly. "We were able to finish everything here early, and I am able to leave today. I was wondering if you would mind if I came tonight instead."

I could barely contain myself enough to answer semi-calmly. "Of course. I will be glad to see you so soon. I will prepare my mate, as she moved in last night."

I leaned over and pushed the button to make the house cover up all the windows so it would be safe to leave the room. I had retractable metal over all the areas that would let sunshine in. This way, I was not contained to two rooms the whole part of the day I was awake.

"Excellent. I will see you tonight, my son."

We said a few more pleasantries before we hung up. I needed to prepare the guest room, and I needed to get food into Bella. I walked into the bedroom to find Bella lying face down on the bed, propped up on her elbows. She had on a short black skirt, black high heels, and a small red shirt that exposed her breasts perfectly in her position. She was exceptionally hot right now, but I couldn't and wouldn't give in to this.

"Bella, you will have to wait until later. First, you need to eat. I'll tell you the second part as you eat. Come on." She pouted but didn't move. "Bella," I said sternly.

Her breath caught and she swallowed. I could feel nervousness from her now. She sighed and stood. I opened the door for her and she went out. I took her hand and led her back to the kitchen, having her remember the way. I told her she slept in my room last night that was now our room. I also told her of the metal around the house. We arrived in the kitchen and she made herself some food before starting to eat.

"The other part I have to tell you is my maker was able to finish his work earlier than expected, so instead of coming next week, he is coming this week; tonight actually. I'll have to prepare the guest room for him, so you may want to find something to do for about thirty minutes." I had to make the bed, make sure the room was clean, and a few other things. I knew he wouldn't be leaving immediately, so I needed to prepare for the long term as well.

She nodded. "I could help you," she offered.

"No. Thank you for the offer, but I can do it quicker. Besides, you shouldn't have to be doing things like that."

"It's alright," she said. "I'm used to doing things like that all the time."

I looked at her. "What do you mean?"

She blushed. "When I lived with my mom, I had to do most everything, from cleaning the house to cooking dinner. She is a very unpredictable cook and it's not always edible. After we left my grandma's house when she died, I had to take care of the bills and such too. When I moved in with my dad, I took over cooking since all he could cook was eggs and bacon and I did the cleaning too. I'm used to it."

The further she went into her story, the madder I became. "How old were you when your grandmother died?"

She bit her lip hesitantly before answering quietly, "Nine."

My voice was cold and commanding. "Stay here until I return. I need a moment to calm down. You may go into the living room as well."

Without waiting for any indication she was listening, I rushed off to my office where I could vent my frustration. The phone rang, and I looked at the screen before answering.

"Yes, Godric?" I answered shortly.

Without even being there, I knew he was raising his eyebrow. "Eric, watch your tone." I sent regret to him through the bond we shared. "What has you upset?"

I let out a growl that I hoped Bella couldn't hear. "Bella offered to help get the guest room ready for you. She had said she was used to it. I asked her why. She told me about her mother and father being so irresponsible, she had to cook and clean for them for most of her life. She had to worry about paying the bills for her mother when her grandmother died. She was nine! Nine, Godric! No one should be worrying about any of that at nine."

There was silence for a moment before Godric spoke. "She was forced to do those things at that age?" His voice was dangerously calm.

"Yes, but I think it may go further than that; she just hasn't told me yet."

Godric was silent. "Inform me when you find out more."

"Yes, Godric. I will see you tonight."

"Until tonight," was his response before we hung up.

I took a couple more minutes to calm down before walking back to Bella. She had relocated to the living room. She was lying on the couch with the skirt pushed up and the shirt unbuttoned. I chuckled. She was really going to push this wasn't she? Two could play at that.

"Okay, I'm calmer. You can move around now other than the two rooms. I'll be done soon." With that, I ran to the guest room and took care of everything. I put on fresh sheets, cleaned the dust around the room, and laid fresh towels in the bathroom. It only took me five minutes as I was moving at vampire speed. It only took me a moment to know Bella was back in our room, and I smirked. I could only imagine what I would see this time.

As I walked in the door, I knew my imagination failed me as this was much different than I expected. She was on her back, her head resting on the pillow. She had changed into sheer blood red lingerie and red high heels. She was very much exposed as her legs were spread apart, and she didn't have anything on underneath. The sight made me excited. Her hand drifted down, first signaling me to come to bed with her before going lower. I sped and held her hands above her body.

"I believe you have forgotten what I said, Isabella." I leaned down closer. "A woman should never have to pleasure herself. That is what a man is for."

With that, I kissed her and undressed quickly. We spent a few hours in there, with many orgasms and much passion, heated in the moment. I only stopped her then because I heard her stomach protesting for food. We cleaned up, and I carried her to the kitchen in my arms. Sitting her down on the chair, I rummaged through the food and found something I could make. I put together a large salad for her and she started eating with eagerness. I found some fruit and washed and cut it for her before putting it in a bowl and handing it to her.

When she finished everything, I put the dishes into the dishwasher I had put in; it was very convenient. I carried Bella to our room and set her down gently onto the bed.

"We need to get dressed now, Bella. It will be dark soon and we need to greet Godric. Wear something nice please."

She nodded and walked into the closet, as I did. I dressed quickly, and watched Bella get dressed as well. She looked delightful in the black skirt that came half way down her thighs and the pink shirt that hung only slightly loose around her frame with black high heels. I was in black slacks and a black dress shirt. I took Bella out to the living room until it was time to leave. I texted Godric to make sure the time he would arrive at the airport. He had informed me he was having his belongings shipped here from Dallas.

I held open the door for Bella before climbing in the driver's seat. It was a twenty minute drive to the airport, during which I filled in Bella all she needed to know about Godric from me; the rest he would tell her when he decided. I informed her of his age, his position as head of the bloodline, his position in the Americas, and much more. When we arrived, I parked and we headed into the airport.

The flight from Dallas had just arrived, and I could feel my maker getting closer. In just two minutes, my maker had his suitcase and was headed straight for us. I bowed my head in greeting, with a smile on my face. "Godric."

He smiled. "Eric." He looked over at Bella. "I assume this is your mate?"

I smiled largely. "Yes. Bella, this is my maker Godric. Godric, this is my mate, Bella."

They both smiled, and they shook hands. I was glad they seemed to be getting along.

"Shall we continue to a more private venue?" Godric asked.

That meant he wanted out of here. I was more than glad to leave. There were too many people in here staring at us.

I put my arm around Bella, and started leading the way. "Gladly."

I heard Bella chuckle. "You don't like the airport much then?"

I could feel amusement from Bella and Godric both, as well as my own. "Neither of us does. There is too much going on, and too many people."

She laughed again, and we were outside. We made it to the car, where Godric put his suitcase in the trunk before climbing in the backseat. Bella did as well, saying she wanted to talk more to Godric, and it would be easier if she didn't have to turn around. I sat in the front alone, driving down the streets back to my mansion. I heard Bella asking Godric about the tattoos and mentally sighed at myself for forgetting to explain her dream to Godric.

I felt Godric's curiosity. "I haven't gotten to explain your odd dream to Godric yet Bella. He doesn't quite know what you are talking about yet."

She nodded. "Okay, first I saw you. You were in a nearly see through white outfit and had your fangs out. Then Eric came up and he had short hair and was dressed in black with purple and had his fangs out. Then Pam came up dressed in a red and black beaded lace dress from the early 1900s with her fangs out. Then I showed up in jeans and purple and had fangs and blood dripping from my mouth."

He was surprised, and thoughtful. "Well, I turned Eric, and Eric turned Pam. Neither of us have any other progenies, so it is hard to tell the exact order. I believe Eric has intentions on turning you in the future," I heard her gasp, "So it may show you after you are turned."

I risked a glance in the mirror and saw her looking at me in surprise. "You plan on turning me?" Bella asked.

I sighed and mentally hit my head against a wall. "I was planning to wait until you were ready to talk about it to tell you." I slightly glared at Godric, who merely stifled his laugh and smirked. "I was also planning to wait until you are closer to my age."

She looked at me for another minute before smiling. She started reaching for her seatbelt to unfasten it, but Godric put his hands on hers as I breathed a sigh of relief.

"It would be wise until we aren't moving to unfasten your seat belt. It can be very dangerous. We are only a few minutes away from Eric's house. You can do so then," Godric told her.

I sent my tremendous thanks to my maker, who looked at Bella until she nodded. He sent me a small smile in return.

I wouldn't want something to happen simply because she was impatient and wanted to give you a kiss while you are driving and her unbuckled.

I smiled. I know. Thank you again. If something happened, at least she would be with vampires though.

His smile faltered, as did mine. Yes, he answered. I could hear the concern. I sent him some reassurance and gave him a smirk, though it did nothing for him. He looked over at Bella, who began to ask him about his tattoos again. He smiled as he started telling her about them.

Godric's POV!

As Eric's mate started to reach for her seatbelt, I stopped her. I told her to wait until we arrived at Eric's house to unbuckle herself, otherwise risking her safety. Eric and I talked for a moment, with him sending his thanks to me. I was curious about her dream. When she started asking about my tattoos again, I decided to indulge her and explain them.

I pointed to the one on my left arm, and explained it meant water. When she asked why I had it, I explained where I'm from worshipped the elements and I grew up near the coast. I pointed towards my back, saying it was a sea serpent. She asked if she could see it, but I told her she would have to wait until we are at Eric's. I explained its meaning of being sacred to my people as we worshipped the water most. I lowered the collar of my shirt and showed her the necklace like ring around the front half of my neck. I explained it meant that I was in really high standing as a human, and I was royalty. I pointed to my right arm, where there were two circles of runes wrapping around my arm. I explained to her they were accomplishments of mine throughout my life.

She was fascinated by every word, and I could feel Eric's excitement about hearing the explanations again. By the time we were finished, we pulled up to Eric's mansion. He was opening the door for Bella within moments. She kissed him passionately before they looked at me. I motioned to the trunk, seeing as Eric forgot. He opened the trunk quickly and I pulled out my bags. Eric led me to the guest bedroom and I started unpacking. I would finally be able to spend time with my progeny and grandchild again without having to worry about getting back to Dallas, and I would get to learn more about Eric's mate Bella as well.

I was very much looking forward to retirement, and hopefully it would only be the start of something new. I did wonder what this feeling I have is though?

Please let me know your feedback! Would you like Eric and Godric to be Bella's mate, or just Eric? Once again, thank you for the reviews and the voters that resulted in A Bright New Future placing in the Energize WIP awards!