Ashlin pov

My mind awoke slowly with my body, slowly bringing into awareness the tangle of cool limbs that encompassed me, such a pleasurable way to rise out of a dream. I managed to escape their iron grips so I could tend to my needs, after all, I was still part of the living. I found Eric's note sitting on the nightstand when I came out of the bathroom, detailing who was going to be visiting us when the night came.

I ended up calling Gran to let her know that all was well, but she should stay away from the house for a little while still, I would need to clean it up. She was relieved that all was well, and I was relieved that she was alright.

Things have been changing quicker than I ever could have expected, and it was hard to keep up with. The biggest revelation seemed to have been centered around me. I always knew that I was different from those around me, with my extra abilities, I couldn't think otherwise, but to finally know, it was a bit intimidating. What more would be developed other than wings? Were there others out there like me? Was there a chance that I could hurt those around me? That fear was probably my worst one.

I hoped that Dr. Ludwig would have some more answers than what my vampires could give me.

I sighed and took note of the time, it was getting close to when Godric would rise, so I made my way back to the bedroom, wanting to be there. Once I secured myself in their arms yet again, I found myself falling back asleep.

I was woken again, feeling light sensations on my face. I opened my eyes to find Godric's striking green one's bearing into mine. He moved closer, closing the distance between our lips. His lips met mine, and his tongue brushed my bottom lip, asking for entrance which I gladly gave. His tongue over took mine, and I moaned into his touch. His hand cupped my cheek as I moved my hand onto his bicep. He growled as I ran my tongue along his fangs. He pulled back after a few moments, allowing me a breath of air. I rested my head into the crook of his neck, breathing in his unique scent. His hand moved to rest against the small of my back.

"I could get used to rising like this." I hummed in agreement. "I wish to bond to you, min lilla sol (my little sun). Do you know what it entails?"

I pulled away to look Godric in the eyes, and found nothing but love in them. Eric and I have spoken on the effects of vampire blood, and the intricacies of bonding with a vampire. For the type of bond that Godric was speaking of, the only way for it to be broken was through true death.

I thought about what it would mean for us. I already knew that I loved them, already knew that I couldn't bear to be without them. It had been such a short time for us together, but I knew what I wanted.

"I think it would be wonderful."

Godric's face lit up with pure joy. "I am glad to hear it. I am sure Eric will want to do the same."

I couldn't help but let out a small laugh. "Eric has brought it up before, and I doubt he has changed his mind."

"With a beauty like you, how could anyone change their mind?" I shook my head at Godric's blatant flirting. "I wish to do the exchange tonight. I want to talk to Dr. Ludwig about it first. I don't know how our blood will affect you, and I would like to have some idea."

I felt Eric move closer and bury his nose in my hair. "I agree, älskare (lover). I also want to send a cleaning crew to your house to reverse the mess that the maenad made. I am asking permission first, I have learned my lesson from last time."

I leaned back a little into Eric's touch. "Thank you for asking, it would be a big help."

"You're welcome, Lover. We do need to get out of bed, as much as I wish I could keep you here forever, we will be meeting with Ludwig soon.'

"Yep." I squirmed out of their arms again, this time with the idea to actually get dressed.

I chuckled at their sounds of disappointment. We all dressed fairly quickly and convened in the living room as usual.

"Ludwig will be here soon, then if you want you can join me at Fangtasia. I do need to relive Pam from my duties." Eric said as he walked into the room last.

I nodded in confirmation just as an odd pop sounded in the room. All heads turned to who had just appeared seemingly out of nowhere. I ignored my confusion to insead give her a kind greeting.

"Good evening, Doctor. It is a pleasure to see you on better terms than our previous meeting."

Her lips twisted into a slight smile, far different from her usual expression. "I agree, Miss Stackhouse. It is good to see that you are doing well."

"Now Viking," She turned to Eric, once again growing stern. "What did you want?"

Godric snickered at the interaction while Eric elected to ignore him and answer. "We would like some information on Ashlin, what she is and what she is capable of."

"Ah, the angel." She turned towards me.

Godric leaned forward. "Eric and I wish to form a blood bond with her. Is there anything we should know beforehand? How will it affect her?"

"I suspect that the bonding will speed up her maturation process. Her species is a very rare one, and I don't think there are any other seraphim on this plain. What I do know of angels is that each one has abilities that are unique to them. What she can do right now, there is a possibility that she could gain more control over, she could gain an ability, she could lose and ability. It is all guesswork. Just keep an eye on her, and if she seems like she's dying, then call me. Congratulations on your mating. Fated mates are rare, and triads are almost never heard of. Good luck."

She popped away just as fast as she came, leaving us alone in silence. I absorbed the information that she gave us. The future was highly unknown, and there was a level of fear that came with that. It helped to know that my mates were by my side, that I wasn't alone in this. Godric pulled me on his lap sideways, resting his chin on the top of my head.

"You need not worry about this. We are here now."

Eric sat with us, embracing us. "Godric is right, älskare (lover)."

We sat for a moment before Eric pulled back slightly. "I need to do business at Fangtasia. We can do the first exchange later tonight if you wish to?"

I smiled. "That sounds good. Are we all going to Fangtasia?"

Godric kissed my cheek. "If you wish us to, min lilla sol (my little sun)."

"Well, if you both are ready, I suggest we go."

Eric pov

The jealous murmurs of the fangbangers fell of deaf ears. I made my choice to no longer associate with them. The moment Ashlin had walked in my door, I knew I was ruined for any other. I clasped her hand in mine as we sat on our thrones, in front of the throng of people that chose to come to Fangtasia.

I suppressed a growl as Bill Compton walked in, taking a seat at one of the tables where he had a clear view of the stage. My Valkyrie tightened her grip on my hand, taking note of him as well. Pam came up to us to notify us that Compton had requested my audience. I needed to figure out the best option to deal with him as the problem he was.

"Eric." I turned to my mate. "Let him sit for a while and fester in his own thoughts."

I grinned at her ferocity. "I like that idea, älskare (lover)."

"I agree with Eric, lilla sol (little sun)."

I schooled my face before turning back to the crowd. We continued to turn down the advances made by various men and women. It was a good while before I started to observe Compton. He was eyeing many of the fangbangers, but turned down any who offered, taking a glance at Ashlin each time like a dog trying to please their master. He was growing more restless as time went on, and I took great pleasure in watching Compton squirm. The only greater pleasure that he could give me was if he was taking up residence in my basement in silver chains.

When I finally decided that enough was enough, I asked Pam to bring him into my office in a few minutes. I offered my hand to my mate, and she took it. We, including Godric, made our way to my office to wait for Pam to bring Compton in.

"What do you think Compton's going to do? We know that he has no hold over me."

"I do not know, älskare (lover)." I took my place behind my desk as Godric sat on the couch. I pulled Ashlin on my lap just as Pam let Compton in.

He greeted me coolly, without taking his eyes off of the beauty in my lap, and he sat down in the chair I gestured to in the front of my desk. A deep scowl had been etched on his face.

"Eric, can you send your human away so we may speak?" He spoke harshly, as if Ashlin was simply a human pet.

Godric growled, and Compton stiffened.

"Compton, you will not refer to my mate as a pet." I did not need to growl, the authority in my voice was enough to make a point.

Compton avoided eye contact with me, looking down. "Yes, Sheriff."

"Thank you. Now, what was your reason for coming here?"

His eyes flickered over to Ashlin before landing back on me. "You have stolen my human from me. I demand that you return her to me, under the threat of the Queen."

Godric laughed humorously. "Are you dull? Ashlin is Eric's mate. They will not be separated. Tell your Queen that they are under my protection. I suggest you leave."

Compton was gone before Godric uttered the last syllable. Ashlin nuzzled into my chest, and I couldn't help but purr at such contact with my mate. Pam walked in a moment later as Godric leaned against the front of my desk.

"What did bantan boner want?" While Pam's nickname for Bill might have brought forth a lap, I couldn't help but growl at the reminder.

"He threatens my mate. I want surveillance on him, if anything seems off, let me know."

Pam smirked. "If I catch him, can I have some play time with him?"

I rolled my eyes at my childe's antics. "I think we all would enjoy some time ripping into him, but yes Pam, you will have a turn."

Pam grinned wickedly before walking out of the office, calling for Chow. I sighed, running my hand through my mate's chocolate curls.

"Why would Compton be working with the Queen?"

Godric came over, kissing Ashlin on the cheek. "I don't know, min lilla sol (my little sun). If we are all done here, I would like to go home."

Ashlin looked up at me, smiling. "I agree with Godric."

"As do I. Let's go. Pam can close for me." I lifted her in my arms, ignoring her light protests, and carried her out, Godric following behind us.