Let's keep in mind that we are all human and have scruples. Vampires don't always function in that capacity, as we well know. I'm sure Eric has pulled some next level shit in his day. This probably seemed like a very good idea to him. Mattie's not a dummy. Keeping her emotions in check from now on is in her best interest. That doesn't mean she isn't pissed as hell. Also, feeding from Bill will have some interesting effects on her. He's pretty "centered" as far as vamps go. Maybe this will help her to not be so bratty. Humans do weird things even when they aren't hanging around with 2 vampires :-)

Eric brought the car back unscathed. He did "Eric it up" a bit though :-) Thanks for all the great reviews. I really appreciate the input. Anyhow, enough explanation, on with the show!

I do not own any of the characters from Southern Vampire Mysteries. They all belong to Charlaine Harris. Bless her for sharing them with us. Mattie is my very own.

Chapter 14

When I opened my eyes, I was lying on the couch with Bill crouched down next to me. Eric and Sookie were standing across the room looking at me.

"Hello there. Welcome back. How are you feeling darling?" Bill was caressing my cheek and smiling at me.

"I feel OK. What happened? Did I pass out? Scratch that, I feel more than OK, I feel pretty damn good. What the hell is going on with me?" I was sitting up on the couch now feeling my skin. I wasn't bleeding and my hand was no longer broken.

"I fed you my blood Mattie. I healed you. You were battered and you needed to repair." I looked at him confused and angry.

" I thought you weren't going to do that until we did more research. I would have healed eventually." I was beginning to worry about the after effects I had read about. "What about you? You were hurt and weak. You need blood." I offered him my wrist, but he only placed a soft kiss on it.

"No my dear. Sookie brought me two bottles of TrueBlood as soon as you turned your back to attack Eric. I appreciate your offer, maybe I can take you up on that later." He winked and leaned down to kiss my lips.

"Sookie has been helping me with research on the subject. She has some ideas on helping you to better control your senses. We all thought, based on your reaction after I rejected you tonight, that you would stay rational and not let your emotions get the best of you. We were confident you were strong enough to handle my blood. I hope we're right."

I felt so conflicted. They had lied to me and scared me half to death. It was very hard to understand the fact that it was for my own good. I was furious about everything. Why did Vampires have to make everything so damn complicated?

"Fine, but just so you know, I pretty much hate all of you guys right now. I could have killed you Eric. The whole idea was really dumb."

Eric laughed. "You would hardly have killed me. I was, after all, restraining myself a bit. You really were marvelous though." He had a little grin plastered across his face. He was proud of himself.

"Alright buddy, don't get too full of yourself. I did all the work. You were easy." I growled.

"Very well my dear. You kicked my ass."

"Just as long as you're aware of that master." I rolled my eyes at him. He wasn't getting off that easily.

They all seemed so casual about this. I felt a mix of betrayal and sheer hatred that they had played with my emotions like this.

"Sookie, I can forgive for this. When you two yahoos came up with this half-assed plan, I'm sure she tried to stop you. It's not like either of you would have listened anyhow." Sookie nodded her head in agreement and gave Eric an "I told you so" look. I had figured she was kind of a pawn.

I turned my head to Bill. "You, I'll deal with later." He seemed a little too excited about that prospect. I didn't really mean it that way, but I was pretty sure it would end there regardless.

"But YOU!" I got up and walked over to stand toe to toe with Eric. "You stole my car, tortured my boyfriend and beat me up. I'm the most pissed off at you! Did I mention you stole my fucking car Eric?" I was poking my finger in his chest. He just stared at me.

"It made you angry didn't it?"

"YES!!!" I stood there tapping my foot at him, but he seemed nonplussed. I grumped my way back to the couch and sat down next to Bill. It was futile to fight with him.

"Well then, it worked. I don't regret it. You are relatively unscathed, in case that fact has escaped you. Oh and I brought your car back in one piece." He tossed me the keys. I reached up to catch them without even looking.

"Taking it away from you was the perfect way to make you upset, worked like a charm. I knew it would. You going off getting drunk and fighting with Bill was icing on the cake. My car smells funny. What did you do to it?" I didn't answer. I was already up and running out the back door to see my baby. Staying in there with them would just end up in a fight and I wanted to make sure my car was still drivable.

I ran my hands along the hood and down the sides checking for dents and scratches. Eric came up behind me and turned on the garage light. It was purely for my benefit. He certainly did not need it.

I didn't see any obvious problems with the body. He had taken good care of her. He had even gone to the car wash. I opened the door to check out the interior. Ooh! A wave of fruity scent hit my nostrils. I had even gotten cherry air freshener out of the deal.

"I took the liberty of making a few adjustments to your vehicle. You'll find them in the back. Sookie and I must go now. I will call you tomorrow evening. We have much to discuss. For now, get some rest." I was too absorbed in my car and only nodded at him as he left me alone in the garage.

I scanned the dashboard and noticed a tiny red button that hadn't been there before. A small smile crept across my face, getting bigger by the moment. Bursting into laughter, I jumped out of the car. I opened the trunk to find the NOS canister. I was in stitches by now. Eric was full of surprises. It was hard to stay angry with him.

"What's so funny my love?" Bill came up and wrapped his arms around me.

"He made some improvements for me." I pointed to the canister. Bill's face was blank. I explained to him what it was for. His mouth formed a little line. He hated when I drove too fast. This would just make me drive faster. He wasn't pleased. I just laughed.

There was a large box in the trunk as well. I opened it up. Bill's eyes went wide. Inside was a shiny vinyl cat suit and a pair of matching boots along with a note.

Matilda-

I hope you like the improvements to your car. It will make you race even faster than before. You may even beat me, but probably not. I knew you would be pleased. As for the clothing, Congratulations on finishing your training. You have earned this. Wear it to Fangtasia and the vermin will be gawking at you as much as they do Pam. Make sure Compton doesn't destroy it trying to get it off of you. You have done well little one. You have made me proud.

Eric

P.S. Look down. I thought it was appropriate.

I turned my attention to the rear bumper. Eric had made one more change while he had my car. I now had Louisiana license plates. Not just any license plates, vanity plates. Bill rolled his eyes. He gathered up the box and we walked hand in hand back to the house. I looked back at my car and her new license plates that read "USLAYME".