Eric double-checked the address as he pulled up to the gate. Agreeing to bring Mercy's dogs had been a duty, and one he was glad to be done with. Sitting in a car for hours with two dogs that eyed him as though he was dinner wasn't an experience he wanted to repeat. Only Heather and his day man had been able to handle the animals easily. He might just leave the car with Isabel and let her keep it if she wanted to get the stench out of it.

The house was a surprise. The fact that it was outside of Dallas was a plus, but it didn't seem like anything Godric would choose. IT was too ornate for the man whose tastes ran to minimalist everything. A reasonable person would probably consider the grounds to be nice, but Godric had spent too many years in caves. Anything unnecessary was viewed by the vampire as over-the-top. If the outside was any indication, this house had taste. Mercy must have chosen it just as Isabel had previously chosen Godric's Texas properties.

He punched in the code texted to him by Godric, waiting impatiently for the gate to open. At least Mercy had the sense to pick a gated house. Being King shouldn't mean that every random vampire had free access to you. Of course it wouldn't stop some vampires from trying to simply barge in, but Godric had no patience for such rudeness. Anyone who couldn't respect simple protocol would be quickly dealt with. Add to that gate the human guards wand the dogs, and any vampire who tried something stupid would have a short life span.

Once the gate opened he pulled up the drive to the garage. He wasn't surprised by the guns pointed in his face but really, the humans should have been quicker than this. Godric might need to review his security with the Tiny Human running around.

"My name is Eric Northman. The King and his Consort are expecting me."

He waited while one of the humans verified his claim, unimpressed by the glares he received. They kept a healthy distance from the dogs that had directed their snarling and snapping to the weapons pointed at them.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Eric commented when one of the guards started to squeeze the trigger a little too tightly, "You won't survive long if Godric learns you killed one of Mercy's dogs."

The guard gulped but stopped squeezing. He was smart enough to realize that his employer wasn't the young boy he appeared to be, and a healthy sense of self-preservation told him not to piss off the ancient creature that could so easily end him. Eric could almost pity the boy. He looked like he couldn't be more than twenty-five. That might be considered an adult in human terms, but that was the blink of an eye to vampires. He was as much of a child to them as the Tiny Human.

"He's clear. Let him through!"

Finally the guns were withdrawn, and he was able to free himself from the confines of the car. The dogs bounded out after him, and he did enjoy watching the guards back away from the growling animals.

"Go on you monsters. Go find your human."

With a final snap of teeth, the dogs left the guards alone and followed Eric into the house. He was right; this house had taste. Mercy had chosen well. He hoped she also chose her day staff well, or her niece would destroy this place in a day.

It was strange, but he heard no human heartbeats in the house. He could hear the guards' outside, but not a single one inside. He should hear at least a maid and the Tiny Human.,

"Eric?"

Godric stood at the top of the staircase, and Eric was happy to see that his Maker looked better than he had in a long time.

"Godric. I brought Mercy's dogs, and your things."

Godric hadn't left much behind when he left Louisiana, but the few items he'd had were things he'd chosen for himself, that Eric knew he'd eventually miss. They were in a box in his trunk. One of the guards could retrieve it.

"That was kind of you, Eric. Thank you."

"I have Mercy and the Teacup's things as well."

"Of course."

Eric knew that look. Something had happened since they returned to Texas. Was Mercy still holding a grudge against Godric for turning her?

"What's wrong?"

"The child is not with us. Her father took her last night."

That explained why he couldn't hear a heartbeat. Damn. And Eric would just bet that the boy had said or done something to Mercy. Godric had told him of the brother's hatred of vampires. Eric didn't doubt that he would extend that to his own sister.

"How's Mercy?"

"She's struggling."

He was no more confident after a day's rest that she wouldn't meet the sun than he had been last night. He accepted the blame for all of it, but that did nothing to help her. He could fight an external threat, but he couldn't fight her own depression.

"She'll come around."

"I'm not so sure."

"Then you have to convince her. Make her see that there's still something left for her."

Mercy loved Godric, of that much Eric was certain. She just had to be convinced that was reason enough not to meet the sun. They couldn't exactly kill her brother and return her niece, nor could she go back to teaching high school students (why anyone would volunteer for such punishment was beyond him, but to each his own). They had to find something new for Mercy to latch onto.

"I do not know what could accomplish such a task. I've taken everything from her, Eric."

"Not everything. You're still here, and she loves you."

"That may not be enough."

Eric refused to accept that. He refused to think that he might still lose his maker so soon after getting him back. The sounds of barking and the dogs scratching at a door until it opened drew their attention, and Eric heard the animals' impact with something. They must have gone to Mercy.

Godric's cell phone ringing reminded both men that the world hadn't stopped so that Mercy could adjust. The younger-looking vampire muttered a soft curse as he answered it, and Eric left him to his business. He could hear the vampire on the other end, and Godric would be awhile. HE followed the sounds of dog until he reached the master bedroom, and found Mercy with her face buried in one of the dogs' fur. The heart he refused to admit he had broke a little at the sight of the miserable woman before him, and without a second thought he scooped her up before she could get too much blood in the animal's fur. Mercy was his sister now; he wouldn't leave her alone in such shape. He sat on the bed with her, and didn't prevent the animals from joining.

"The DA is going after Newlin's flunkies for attempted murder as well as arson," he offered quietly, "they'll be made to answer for destroying your home."

"That's good."

"I'm sorry about your niece."

The child might not be dead, but if the father was going to be an utter bastard she might as well be. Mercy wouldn't see her again. That little munchkin had meant the world to her.

"Thank you."

"Have you had anything to drink?"

It seemed a little more delicate to phrase it that way, rather than ask if she'd had any blood yet.

"I'm not thirsty."

What a lie that was. He remembered being newly turned. He doubted she was actively trying to starve herself, but she was definitely lying. Perhaps she didn't recognize the thirst in her misery, but if she came across a human right this moment, she would certainly attack.

"Where's Godric?"

"On the phone with business. He'll be here as soon as he can."

"Of course he will."

The comment made him wonder just how closely Godric was hovering. He expected that Godric rarely left Mercy's side. It didn't sound as though she appreciated his presence overmuch. Eric just hoped that didn't mean she really was planning to meet the sun.

"I know how difficult this must be for you," he began and she just scoffed at him. He chose to ignore it, "But Godric loves you. He would do anything to make this easier for you, if just would just give him the chance to do so."

"You wanted immortality, Eric. How would you know how difficult this must be?"

"Because I know what it is to lose someone. Immortality is a minor detail, Mercy. It's the loss that makes everything hurt. You've lost your family, your friends, and the life you wanted. I lost all of that too."

"What did you lose?"

He took it as encouraging that she seemed to want to believe him. Many vampires could share similar stories of loos, even Godric. His loss was perhaps greater, in fact, as he'd lost years as a slave to Rome. But if sharing what happened to him helped Mercy in some way, Eric was willing to share, and it looked as if she might listen.

It was years since he'd shared what happened before he became a vampire. He hadn't even told Sookie the details of Russell Edgington's attack. He was halting in the telling at first, but eventually he was able to speak as though he was just telling a story.

Mercy listened in horror to Eric's story of massacre. How terrible to lose all of one's family in one fell swoop. That was a pain she could well understand, having felt it herself.

"You poor man."

She still didn't know how people lived with that kind of pain. Not even having lived through it herself. And to try to live with it forever—no one could stay numb that long. And Eric had lost all of his people, too.

"You'll adapt, Mercy. Give yourself the time you need, and you WILL adapt. Let Godric help you. You don't have to go through this alone."

She didn't say anything in response, and when she moved to reach one of the dogs he let her go. He didn't think that smothering her would do any good. He would watch her, as long as he was here, to make sure that she didn't try to do something stupid. That was the best he could do. It wasn't as if he could fix her inability to teach any-actually, he might be able to do that.

"What are you qualified to teach?"

"Pretty much anything at the high school level, maybe even some college level history. Why do you ask?"

"I'm just thinking something through."

She looked almost curious about that, but he didn't explain further. No use in doing so unless what he had in mind turned out to be feasible. And of course he would have to talk to Godric about it-this was his nest after all- but he didn't see any issue there. Godric would do anything to keep Mercy alive and with him.

The first thing he had to do was make a phone call. He didn't particularly relish the thought of dealing with Bill Compton, but he needed to talk to Jessica, and she wasn't so bad. If things went as he hoped she would jump at the chance to get out of Louisiana for a while.

He would consider Heather and her idiot brother as well. He knew they hadn't finished high school, and Heather was too bright to keep as a glorified errand girl. She could do very well if she had an education. The brother….well, maybe if he was forced to study something he would cause less trouble than he currently did. He was lazy, and insolent, and if he didn't straighten up soon Eric would end up putting him in silver for a few days. Or rip out his fangs.

He heard Godric approaching, and urged Mercy to sit up. Surely it couldn't hurt for her to dry her eyes. Even if she felt awful, she could at least not look it for just a few minutes.

"Sorry about that Eric. Business never seems to end."

Godric was inwardly relieved that Mercedes was making the effort to speak to Eric. She'd hardly said four words to the household staff. His hope that she might choose to take part in the world again seemed less like a vain hope. She even smiled at something his child said.

His subordinates reported that the child was well, if angry at her father for his actions. Ethan had gone to Mercedes' former friend Kate with the news of her change, and the Fellowship devotee had immediately disavowed her long-time friend even as she offered shelter to the brother and niece. At least they had somewhere to go.

Godric had immediately shut down Mercedes' bank accounts, moving the funds so that Ethan could not attempt to access them. He wouldn't put it past the human to still try to lay claim to his sister's money, even after telling her she was cut out of his life. He refused to allow the young man that opportunity. Once he met with his attorney he would set up a trust for Ava, so that the child's education was taken care of and her maintenance provided for, but there would be strict rules to govern it. Not one penny would pass through Ethan's hands.

TB-TB-TB-TB

"Oh wow! This is so much nicer than Bill's house!"

Mercy looked up, bewildered, as Jessica Compton walked through the door with luggage. What was the kid doing here?

"Jessica?"

"I know I'm a couple days early, but I just had to get out of Bon Temps."

"Early? Are you supposed to be here?"

She dismissed the housekeeper, who insisted on going over all of the expenses with her. Godric hadn't mentioned Jessica arriving. If the girl was expected, who was expecting her?

"Well, duh. I'm here for school! I was so excited when Eric mentioned getting out of Louisiana for a while!"

Mercy was only more confused by that explanation. Was Jessica attending college in Dallas? It was nice of Godric to agree to house her if that was the case, but why had no one said anything?

"Ah, Jessica."

Godric's greeting sounded as though he expected the younger girl, and Mercy supposed that was a good sign. It meant at least that Jessica hadn't gone totally off her rocker.

"Godric, what's going on?"

"Forgive me, Älskling. I meant to tell you sooner. Jessica is your first student. Her turning interrupted her studies, so she never completed her secondary education."

Mercy looked to Godric in disbelief. She had students? Since when?

"My student?"

"Indeed. I believe the other two will arrive in three days."

"I have students?"

"Three of them, who need to complete their secondary studies so they can continue to university. Eric assures me this is something you are capable of handling."

Eric suggested to Godric that she should start a school? And Godric went along with it? That was—unexpected, to say the least. She wouldn't have pegged Eric to be an advocate for continuing her career.

"I've had the second floor study converted into a classroom. It should be sufficient, since your class size is so small."

She had students. She was finding that concept difficult to grasp. She was going to teach again. Godric and Eric had found a way for her to continue teaching. She wasn't going to be stuck in some secondary role as a political wife. She hadn't expected to be able to find a way to teach, not after she'd emailed her resignation. No school in the state was going to hire a vampire, what with sunlight being deadly. Godric had done this for her.

"You really mean this?"

"Of course, Älskling. I want you to have something meaningful to do. I want you to be happy."

He was winning, damn it! It was hard to keep hating him when he was doing so much to make her new life more bearable.

For once Jessica showed remarkable tact and left them alone, latching on to the first staff member she found to direct her to a room. Mercy wasn't even aware that the younger girl had left them.

"You should have everything you need, but if anything is deficient, send one of the staff for whatever you require."

"Godric—"

"Eric believes this could become quite a lucrative field. As vampires become more integrated into society, they will need to be educated to keep up with the modern world. Too many of us have no formal education that would—"

He was cut off when Mercy threw herself into his arms and claimed his mouth, putting it to better use. He was surprised at the sudden move on her part. She'd not initiated anything intimate with him in…well…ever. He wasn't fool enough to push her away, but he hoped this new ardor wasn't because she felt she must somehow pay him for arranging her students. That wasn't what he wanted.

"Mercedes—"he got no further in his attempts to question her motives before her hand came into contact with an organ that was suddenly much more interested in the proceedings. To hell with being noble and making sure she wasn't acting out of a sense of obligation. Mercedes was fully capable of making up her own mind, and if she decided to forgive him he wouldn't question it.

With no warning he lifted her into his arms and sped up to their room. Lovemaking wouldn't fix everything, but he thought it was a good start. When she took charge, pinning him to the bed and stripping him of his clothes, he willingly submitted to whatever she had in mind. By the time either of them was satisfied it was almost sunrise, so Godric simply pulled her into his arms and settled in for the day.

An alarm interrupted Mercy's peaceful day's rest, but for once she didn't curse its existence. She had a classroom to inspect, and tests to print out. The first order of business would be to determine exactly where her students fell in terms of what they needed for a Diploma. And if any of them decided college was in their future they would have to take the SAT's. She didn't want to waste time on things they didn't need.

As long as it took HR to process paperwork, she knew that she still had access to her school accounts, which meant she had access to most of the resources she needed. That wouldn't last long, but it would serve for the moment. If this was really going to become a thing, she would need to register with the homeschooling associations.

Godric tried to pull her to him, but she shrugged out of his hold. She had other things to do than just snuggle for another hour, and he would keep her there at least that long if she let him. She chose to ignore his complaint of being tossed over for someone newer and younger in favor of a fast shower before he could truly wake up. He would want to linger, or try something amorous like shower sex. She was pretty sure once was going to be enough of that experience: slippery might be acceptable when it came to bedsheets (but only marginally), but not when it came to staying upright. She might be willing to try sex in the pool Godric called a bath tub, but not in the shower. Not again.

When she made it back to the bedroom a warmed TrueBlood was waiting for her. She grimaced, but drank it down. They were still working out a schedule for fresh donations. Godric had passed that responsibility to her as it fell under household business, and it was proving to be more difficult than expected. Many who were willing to sell their blood weren't willing to be long surrounded by vampires, and the ones who were eager weren't people Mercy wanted in her home. There was a compromise somewhere, she was certain of it.

When she finally ventured into the study, she found that it was unrecognizable. The large desk remained but the oversized chairs that had taken up the rest of the space had been replaced with small student desks. A shelf in the bookcase house three laptops, and one of the walls now boasted a flat-screen monitor that covered almost the entire space. Not only did she have a classroom, she had a smart classroom. A dry-erase board stood unobtrusively in the corner, the only thing not high-tech that Mercy could see. Godric had spared no expense on this project. She wondered how on earth she'd managed to stay so completely oblivious to this secret. Had she really been so stuck in her own misery?

That would have to stop. She couldn't mope in bed for eternity because of what happened, and she wasn't ready to burn herself to a crisp. Not as long as Ava was alive and somewhere on this earth. She was honest enough to admit that without Ava she would probably have already walked into the sun, but so long as she had a human relative that wasn't an option.

That meant she had to find some way to live with being undead. Godric and Eric had already helped with that in one respect: they'd given her a purpose again. She would teach, and help others like Jessica reach for better options in this life. Being a vampire didn't mean one had to live down to the stereotype most humans pictured. There was no reason that more vampires couldn't be highly educated, functioning members of society if they wished. From where she'd seen in her years of knowing Godric, those were in short supply. She could help change that.

She almost missed the fact that Godric had left a message for her on the whiteboard. Isabel and the other female sheriffs had an appointment, and it would be nice if she could tear herself away from her new toys to meet with them while they were here. She wasn't sure she wanted to get drawn into whatever brought them around, but it would be nice to see Isabel again. And she had more than enough time to power up her own laptop and get a few things done while the other women were in their meeting.

"This place is so nice!"

Jessica's awe interrupted Mercy some time later. She looked at the clock on her laptop and shocked to see she'd been working for nearly two hours. IT felt like she'd sat down only a minute ago.

"Come on in," she summoned the redhead who hadn't come further than sticking her head in the door. That was all the invitation the younger girl needed as she practically bounded in a moment later. It was nice to see her showing such enthusiasm. She looked at everything as if she'd never seen any of it before. Mercy knew she was the child of the Louisiana king, and she vaguely remembered the house they resided in. Surely this couldn't be the first time Jessica saw a place like this.

"Where did you go to school before, Jessica? It would be helpful to get a copy of your transcripts, so I can see what you've already had."

"Oh-um-well I was home schooled. There wouldn't be any records that you could get."

The tone of her voice said that family was a sore subject. Mercy could guess that things hadn't gone well when Jessica's parents found out she was a vampire. If they even knew.

"Well, then, you'll just have to take a few more tests. That's no problem. Why don't we start with what you think you'd like to do? If you could choose any career?"

It couldn't hurt to encourage the girl to think of a life outside of Bon Temps. There was an entire world waiting for someone who embraced an eternity to see it. That wasn't her, but it could be Jessica.

"I don't really know. Bill hasn't really expected me to try to have any sort of job—"

"What about before you were turned?"

"Before, I was expected to go to college to find a husband, then settle down and have babies. But I did like takin' pictures."

Mercy thought that over for a moment. Photography wasn't out of the realm of possibility for a vampire. Plenty of studios kept late hours, even the respectable ones. As long as no UV light or silver was involved, it was perfectly safe. It was something to think about.

"Well, I had plenty of friends who didn't decide on a career, or even a major, until late in college. You have plenty of time. Maybe for now we'll just work on finishing your diploma."

The younger girl smiled at that; a genuine smile.

"That'd be real nice. So what's with you and Godric? I thought he just turned you a week ago. Y'all seemed pretty hot'n'heavy last night. "

Had it really only been a week? Yes, it was just a week, and barely that. She wondered at Jessica's story, since the girl seemed to automatically assume they had to be strangers before Godric turned her.

"I knew Godric for several years before he turned me."

"Really? I—I didn't know Bill beforehand."

On the one hand, Mercy was grateful for that. Considering how young Jessica was, if she and Bill had had the sort of relationship many makers and progeny had before she was turned it wouldn't have just been immoral; it would have been illegal, and Compton would be a pedophile.

On the other hand, how much worse would being turned be when you didn't know your maker? To not only lose your human life, but to have to spend the next several years (at least) with a stranger who could choose to be cruel if they wished? Then again, was it really better to know the person who was destroying your life?

"I snuck out of the house to go to a party, and I was grabbed," Jessica explained. "I was turned as a punishment to my maker. He'd killed a vampire, so he had to make a new one."

"It must be the Magister's favorite sentence."

"That man is scary."

"Well, you're not wrong."

A knock on the door interrupted them, and Mercy turned to find Isabel in the doorway.

"Godric told me I might find you here."

Jessica excused herself, leaving the two women alone. Mercy wanted to call the girl back, but let her go. Instead, she waited for Isabel to speak.

"I know that you didn't want immortality Mercy, so I'm very sorry this happened to you. And it was wrong of your brother to take your niece. But we are here for you: I and the other female sheriffs. We will help you in any way we can. Perhaps especially with the politics."

Mercy nodded, uncertain if she should respond, or even what response she could make.

"Why don't you come down and meet the others? They are anxious to know the woman who finally managed to claim Godric. You'll find that you've managed to make many women hate you by that accomplishment."

"Oh? Were so many women after him then?"

"Indeed there were. And they were furious that he would ignore them for a human. Many are positively livid now that you've been turned and made his Consort. It's wonderfully entertaining."

Mercy barely remembered the women Isabel introduced her to when they made it downstairs and out to the patio. She didn't really remember anyone from the night of the Magister's announcement, but they must have been present for it. Only one of them, Alice, looked physically as old as Isabel. The other two looked like they were barely in their twenties. They were likely centuries old, but to Mercy they looked almost like kids.

She liked the one that introduced herself as Annesta instantly. The young woman with café au lait skin reminded her of Kate, but two minutes in her company proved that she was a gifted smartass. She was also the only one apart from Isabel who seemed to treat her naturally. The other two were preoccupied with eyeballing her speculatively. The blond woman in particular really rubbed Mercy the wrong way, with an expression that bordered on hatred and condescension at the same time.

"So you're Godric's little human pet. I must say we were all shocked when he finally turned you. We thought he'd have gotten bored with you long before now."

"Leanne, watch what you say!" Isabel hissed. Mercy decided the woman's scorn was more amusing than anything else. She must have been one of the ones who'd gone after Godric and failed.

"Oh, put a cork in it Leanne! You never had a chance with Godric in the first place. The man had standards."

The blonde, now identified as Leanne, hissed, but Annesta hissed right back. Oh yes, Mercy quite liked Annesta. Still, she didn't really want to watch the night devolve into a catfight.

"I don't remember if Godric ever said, but where are your areas?"

She hoped Leanne wasn't close enough that she would be expected to keep company with her often, or she would probably always have a fight on her hands. She counted it pure joy to learn that Leanne's area was at the very north of Texas, bordering Oklahoma and New Mexico. She wouldn't have to see Leanne or the other one, Alice, until Godric decided to tour their areas. Annesta's area was Huston, which was close enough that they would be able to visit easily.

The purgatory of female socialization ended sooner than Mercy could have hoped for, and she was incredibly grateful when Isabel herded the others away. She chose to stay outside, and let the dogs roam the grounds now that everyone else was gone. It was getting tricky to keep Brutus and Nero with so many strange vampires coming through, but she would work it out. She was content for now to watch them playing, which was where Godric found her when he came looking.

"The others are gone already?"

"Yes, thank God. Can you transfer sheriffs to other states?"

"Some was unkind to you?" His tone of voice said that whoever had been unkind would find themselves in a world of pain. It would almost be cute if it didn't suggest that Mercy couldn't take care of herself.

"Someone was incredibly jealous. I had no idea you were such a heartbreaker."

"I wasn't—"

"So you didn't have your pick of female vampires? The stories of women clamoring for your attention aren't true?"

Godric nearly groaned. It must have been Isabel who told Mercedes of anything of the attention he received. He would bet that she did so simply to spite him.

"Nothing ever happened with any of the other sheriffs, Mercedes."

"I know. If they'd had you they wouldn't be so jealous. They'd be smug."

"If any of them act inappropriately, or attempt to harm you, you must tell me. It will be dealt with immediately."

He chose to sink into the chair beside her, still giving her space, and watched her watching the animals. They were finally beginning to tire. Soon they would go into their room and settle down for the night. Mercedes would soon need to select a daytime minder for them. The contracts for the temporary staff sent by the Carmilla would soon expire, and if they did not elect to make the job permanent that would leave only the housekeeper that Mercedes had already hired, and she refused to care for the dogs. They'd managed to terrorize her on her first day.

"All of those women, and probably a few men, throwing themselves at you, and you never took advantage?"

"Are you jealous, älskling?"

"No," she answered after a moment's consideration. Godric almost wished he could call it a lie—it would have been nice to know that thoughts of him with someone else inspired jealousy in Mercedes.

"Not jealous, just curious as to why you didn't avail yourself of the opportunities."

"Any interest in men has been primarily academic; a passing inclination on the rare occasion that I found one interesting enough to pursue. It's only been in the last ten years that Sheriff vacancies have been filled by women, and they were not you. Nor were any of the women in my area appealing."

Mercy could only turn to stare at him. She'd never given him indication that—why would he—

"I knew I wanted you," he continued, staring her in the eye, "from the first night we sat on your porch. And I knew that you wanted me, even if you didn't realize it, or couldn't acknowledge it. Why you kept such a distance I did not know, but I was content to wait for you. I had no need of any other companion."

"Until you weren't content anymore."

"The fault was never with you, mitt hjärta, it was mine. I was tired of this world, and I believed that I would only harm you by staying. The decision was mine, and mine alone. You are blameless."

With a whistle he summoned the dogs, and they trotted over as he stood. He waited for Mercedes to rise as well, and he escorted her back inside.