It had been a very long and hard month. I had put everything into passing finals, from late night study sessions to extra tutor hours, and now that it was over I feel kind of lost. Of course, I passed all my tests, getting the highest scores and graduating at the top of my classes.
"Lynx Jane Swynford de Beaufort," as my name was called, I stood up and headed towards the steps at the end of the stage. I made my way over as the school's Dean listed my academic accomplishments. As I shook her hand, she handed me my diploma and I could hear yelling and cheering that could only be from Eric and Pam. Gazing across the crowd, I found them close to the stage. Pam tried, but failed, to hide the blood dripping from her eyes.
"Congratulations," the Dean said to me as I walked off the stage and met up with my two vampires who pulled me into a tight hug.
"I'm so proud of you," I heard Pam say into my neck, making me feel better than I already did. Pam was not a touchy-feely person, so I was a bit shocked. We pulled apart only for Eric to gather me close. I loved them both with all my heart and soul. They were my family.
"Any plans now that you are done with school?" Pam asked as I walked to my car; a blood red, 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454. She was my baby. Eric gifted her to me for my birthday after I passed my driving test.
"I have no clue. I was thinking about taking a bit of a break. I mean after I get back from helping Eric that is," I said opening my car door and laying my things inside. Pam was going to ride with me and drive my car back to my house since we were leaving tonight for Dallas.
"Of course, you can always come work at Fangtasia," she said winking at me. Pam had been trying to get me to work there for years despite that fact that it was only in the last few years that I could legally do so.
"I'll think about it," I said. Eric had already taken off on his own and I'm sure by now was already at the airport waiting for us.
"Eric will take care of you," Pam said suddenly as we started to drive out of the parking lot.
"I know," I said, never taking my eyes off the road. I knew Eric would keep me safe until he met the true death, but that wasn't what was bothering me. I had no clue what to expect from Dallas or the vampires there and I'd never been a fan of the unknown.
"If you know that then why are you scared?" she asked glancing my way. She and Eric both raised me from a baby, and I owed them everything.
"I have no clue what I'm getting myself into Pam. The only time I get involved in vampire business is if I have no choice. You and Eric have kept me out of it," I said peeking at her from the corner of my eye.
I knew everything there was to know about vampires and their strict laws. Eric and Pam kept me hidden and safe from the bloodier and more manipulative side of vampires. Those two had a long list of enemies so of course they thought to distance me from the supernatural. I have only ever been mixed in their business a few times and I'd like to keep it that way.
"I know, it's what was best, and we wouldn't be bringing you into this if we had another choice. The bond between child and maker is one of the strongest, not including a mate bond." Pam said. I nodded my head knowing this already. I didn't blame Eric for coming to me for help. I didn't mind but this was new to me and like I said, I didn't like the unknown.
"I know that. I'll be fine it's just something new," I said giving her a smile as we pulled into the airport parking lot. Turning off the engine, I spotted Eric though the windshield talking on the phone and he did not look happy.
"Please look after her," I said while getting out of my car and unloading my bags. I had no clue how long I would be staying in Dallas, so I packed a little of everything.
"Please, your car will be just fine," Pam said as she slid into the driver's seat.
The goodbye in my throat never made it out to Pam as Eric approached, radiating with anger.
"There has been a change in plans, we're flying there." I glanced at the airport doors then back at him, feeling like I was missing something.
"Yeah Eric, that's why we're at the airport," I said giving him a 'duh' kind of look.
"No, I will be flying us," he said before I was picked up bridal style.
"How are my bags going to get to Dallas?" I asked not liking this one bit. I hated to fly this way and half the time I forgot he could do it.
"It's been taken care of," he said before shooting up into the air, my arms clutching him tightly as I buried my face in his neck. Once we levelled out it wasn't so bad, but the wind whipped my face and eyes, so I kept them closed and used Eric as a windshield.
The sun was just starting to rise when we landed in front of the hotel we would be staying at while in Dallas. I took a seat in one of the multiple lush armchairs decorating the hotel lobby while Eric checked in and fetched our room keys. The hotel was vampire friendly, so we really didn't have much to worry about.
"Come on, our rooms are right next to each other," Eric said. Nodding, I stood on somewhat shaky legs as adrenaline still pumped through my body from flying. My legs felt like jelly.
"Have I told you I hate flying," I said grabbing his hand to help keep me steady.
"You may have told me this once or twice," he said as we waited for the elevator. I was ready to sleep and could tell the nearing sunrise was already dragging Eric into his sleep.
"Go die for the day. I'll be ready at sundown," I said to him. With a tilt of his head in acknowledgment, he entered his room leaving me in the ostentatious hallway. I opened my door and found all my bags were there in the living room. I had no clue how they got here so fast, but I was not complaining.
The room I was staying in was very large, a little too big for just me, but I liked space, and this had a lot of it. The black and red walls reminded me of Fangtasia. I walked to the door across from the entrance and found it led to the master bedroom, which was nice and designed like the front of the hotel but with a king size bed. With sleep being the only thing on my mind for the past few hours, I hastily stripped down to my undergarments and crawled into bed after setting the alarm for sundown.
-Sundown-
I was dressed and awake by the time Eric knocked on my door. I knew I would be using my gifts tonight and that worried me. Only a few people knew about my gift of tracking and I knew using them here in Dallas would only put me in danger.
"Thank you for doing this," Eric said as I let him into my room. He looked haggard and tired even after sleeping the day away. I knew this whole thing was taking a toll on him and I really hoped I would be able to help find Godric.
"It's not a big deal Eric. I would do anything in the world for you and you know it," I said giving him a big smile. I knew he was worried about others finding out about my abilities.
"I know, are you ready?" he asked, offering me his hand to take. I nodded and grabbed his hand as we headed out of the door only to be stopped by a blond girl and a somewhat tall brown-haired vampire. The blond and grumpy looking vampire were strangers to me, but by the way Eric tensed at the sight of them, I felt things had just taken a turn for the worst.
"Jesus Christ. Are you kidnapping little girls now too?" I heard the blond hiss, disgust dripping from every word. I had no clue who this was, but I already did not like her.
"Who do you think you are talking to?" I said letting go of Eric's hand. I could have sworn I heard him say something behind me, but I really didn't care at the moment.
"Sweetheart do you even know who you were holding hands with? That man is a bloodthirsty monster who can't be trusted," she said glaring at Eric. With every word out of her mouth I felt my control slipping.
"I don't know who the fuck you think you are blondie, but that is my family you're talking about and if you know what's good for you, you'll apologize," I said through gritted teeth trying to keep a hold on my temper. One thing that set me off faster than lightening was talking bad about my family. I only had Pam and Eric and I would fight for them until my very last breath.
"Lynx, that's enough. Miss Stackhouse I would not recommend angering her further as she has quite the temper and I would hate to have to pay someone to clean your blood out of the hotel carpet," I heard Eric say while he put a hand on my shoulder. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes but every time I did, I kept hearing what that bitch said.
"Who the hell is she Eric?" I heard the blond ask. I looked up at Eric to see him glaring at her. He looked down at me and I nodded my head letting him know I was calm.
"That would be none of your business. Come on Eric let's find Godric," I said before walking down the hallway. Eric keeping pace behind me.
"Great job on controlling your temper," Eric said smiling down at me. Rolling my eyes, I waited for the doors to open I felt Eric put his arm around me and closed my eyes knowing what was coming next.
When I opened my eyes again, I was standing in front of a very lovely house in what appeared to be very fancy neighbourhood.
"I give you my word nothing bad will happen to you," Eric said feeling my anxiety through our bond. I didn't say anything to him only nodded my head and headed inside.
It sure didn't take long for the fighting to start after introductions were made and discussion of Godric and it only got worse after the blond bitch from the hotel showed up with her vampire. I had no clue who these two were and I really didn't care. But I promised I would be on my best behaviour.
"ENOUGH!" Eric shouted. His voice and the sound of glass breaking snapped me out of my daydream. I looked at Eric and felt the blood drain out of my face. I have seen many looks come over his face before but this one scared even me.
"You have no authority here Northman," my head shot over to the cowboy looking vampire. I couldn't even remember his name. I knew I had to keep my mouth shut but that was hard to do sometimes. Eric made his way towards the cowboy and I crossed his path before either could get their hands on each other.
"Enough! We're here to find Godric, not fight with each other. I'll track Godric and once I find him than we can make a plan on how to get him back," I said crossing my arms over my chest keeping my back straight. I was very familiar dealing with scary vampires and their temper didn't bother me at all.
"That is a good plan," The dark-haired Latina woman said from her spot on the other side of the room. I nodded my thanks and relaxed a little as Eric put his hand on my shoulder. I could feel how tense he was.
"Come here and sit Eric. I'll try and find him," I said grabbing onto his hand and moving to sit on the couch. I had tried this the other night but was unable to because of how far away I was form Godric. Maybe it would work this time.
I grabbed Eric's hands tightly in mine and closed my eyes. Taking a deep breath I cleared my mind and focused on Eric's bond with Godric. It was not easy but after a little time I was able to pick up on him.
"I-I found him," I said a little unsure of myself. My gift didn't make sense to me on the best of days but what I was picking up feeling was very confusing. I felt drawn to this force like I had to be there with it.
"Where is he?" I pushed my thoughts to the side and started to get a picture and this was something that has never happened before.
"He's in some type of cell. The Fellowship of the Sun," I said opening my eyes after getting a good look at Godric. He didn't look to be harmed but he was way too pale even for a vampire.
"Is he hurt?" I heard Eric ask. I looked at him trying to clear my head. There was so much to take in, my gifts have never done that before.
"He's fine. I need to lay down though," I said not feeling so good. Eric nodded before helping me to stand up. I heard him say he would be back soon before he picked me up in his arms. I closed my eyes and laid my head on his chest enjoying the cool night air.
"You did very well," I heard Eric say. I opened my eyes and realized I was back in my hotel room and he was laying me on my bed.
"Something happened Eric. I was able to see him, normally I can only see places but with this it felt like I was right there," I said holding onto his hand. It was way too hot, and his cool hand felt amazing in mine.
"We will talk more later, you must rest," Eric said bending down and kissing my forehead. I couldn't fight it anymore and gave into sleep.