Chapter Twenty-Three

"How are you doing?" Alcide glanced at the girl as they drove along the highway. It was late in the afternoon, and as Alcide had promised, they had left Merlotte's the moment they had finished their meal. Sookie had tried to delay them, worried about Mackenzie's health, but after multiple assurances and a promise to call the telepath with an update, the two were on their way. Mackenzie, however, hadn't uttered a word since climbing into the truck twenty minutes ago and Alcide was beginning to grow worried.

"Fine," she replied with a shrug, gazing out of the window.

"I know it's a lot to process," he began. "I can understand if you'd rather someone else keep an eye on you."

Her head snapped towards him. "What? Why would I want that?"

He raised an eyebrow. "You haven't exactly taken the fact that I'm a werewolf very well."

"You just suddenly turned into a wolf in front of me with no warning!" her eyes grew wide. "How do you think I was going to react?"

Alcide sighed heavily. "I just don't want to complicate things."

Her expression hardened. "Well then stop trying to complicate them!"

"I can't help what I am."

"And I don't care what you are."

He snorted. "You seem to. And that's fine. I'll just tell Northman that I'll repay my father's debt in some other way."

"What? No!" she exclaimed with a huff. "What is wrong with you?"

He rubbed the bridge of his nose in exasperation. "I really don't know what you want, Mackenzie."

"I want you to stop being an idiot and listen to me," Mackenzie rolled her eyes. "God, you're acting just like Eric does. Or is this just a male trait?"

Alcide's mouth dropped open. "Northman and I are nothing alike."

It was Mackenzie's turn to snort. "You're both incredibly stupid and stubborn."

"I take offense to that," he grumbled, glaring at the road ahead.

She couldn't help but laugh despite everything that had happened. "I don't want another bodyguard, Alcide. If I'm going to be stuck with one, I'd rather it be you."

"But I'm a…"

"You're a werewolf; we've established that," she nodded. "And that's a bit…well, it's shocking. And I need to process the fact that there's a hell of a lot more than just vampires out there. But that's my thing."

"I just don't want to…"

"Oh will you let me finish, already?" Mackenzie shook her head, though a small smile was threatening to spread across her lips. "You're the only one who hasn't treated me like the poor sick girl. Eric and Pam and Godric, they all have. Even Sookie did back there. And that's fine. I can't blame them. This honestly sucks. I'm eighteen and I'm dying. It really really sucks. The fact that they pity me means that they care about the fact that I'm dying. And that means a lot to me. But sometimes it's nice to be around someone who doesn't see you just as the dying girl. I just want to be normal, just for a little while. And you treat me like I'm normal."

He didn't want to point out that fact that he did pity her, and instead just simply nodded and remained silent. He didn't know why he suddenly cared about this girl. He detested Northman; he should automatically hate her. But he couldn't. He had tried, of course. But the moment she had stepped into the kitchen earlier, he knew it would be one hell of a hard time finding a reason to not like her.

"So just let me process this whole werewolf thing a little bit longer, okay?"

"Deal," he nodded, a smile of his own attempting to form. Now was not the time, however. They still had a problem on their hands, and that problem had very sharp fangs and a nasty temper. "We're going to have to talk about what we're going to tell Eric."

Mackenzie made a face. "Can we not?"

"You know we have to," Alcide sighed. It was the last thing he wanted to talk about. But they were nearing home and soon Eric would rise to wonder why Mackenzie now sported a cut on her forehead.

Groaning, Mackenzie hid her face behind her hands. "He's going to kill us."

"No he won't," he assured before snickering. "Alright, so he likely will."

"Don't laugh about this!" she moaned. "Eric is literally going to kill us. He's going to kill me! I promised him I wouldn't leave the house, and what do I do? I leave the house! Oh he's so going to kill us. Oh god!"

Alcide's eyes widened as Mackenzie began to panic, her breathing picking up as her heart began to race. He wanted to pull over, to pull the small fragile girl into his arms and promise her everything was going to be okay, but he knew he couldn't delay them any further. They needed to be inside of that house before the sun fell or else Eric's wraith would be even worse.

"Hey, calm down. Everything's going to be alright," he promised, reaching out to grasp her knee. He squeezed in comfort, hoping to help rid the girl of her anxiety. "I was the one who agreed to take you to Bon Temps. This falls on me, not you."

"But I manipulated you!"

"I'm a grown man; I do not get manipulated by teenagers," Alcide defended with a frown.

"You got manipulated by the poor sick dying girl," She shot at him.

She had him there.

"Look, I don't understand it, but Northman seems to care about you. He's not going to hurt you," Alcide, however, wasn't so sure if that was the honest truth. He had heard stories about Eric's rage. He wasn't sure if even Mackenzie would be able to escape the vampire's fury. "And even if he tries to, I won't let him lay a finger on you. Do you understand me?"

His words did nothing to soothe her. Her breathing only grew more rapid as her hands began to shake. Sighing, Alcide exited the highway and pulled over to the side of the road. He wasn't about to continue when he had a panicking teenager in his passenger seat.

"Mackenzie, look at me," he squeezed her knee again. When she didn't lower her hands from her face, Alcide grasped onto her wrists and tugged them down with ease. Tears littered her eyes and it broke his heart. How could one simple girl claim his heart in only a few hours? "Everything is going to be alright. Eric is going to be pissed. He'll throw a tantrum. But he will not hurt you. I'm the bodyguard here; I'm the one who should have had enough sense to say no to you."

"But…"

"No buts," he shook his head. "I need you to calm down. I'm not good with crying girls. I wasn't good when my sister came home crying and I'm just as useless at it now. So you need to stop."

Mackenzie swallowed hard as she stared up into those dark eyes. She had felt safe in his presence the moment she laid eyes on him. There was a reason Eric had chosen Alcide, and she understood that reason now. But it was more than that. Alcide genuinely seemed to care about her. Sure it was his job to protect her, but he was going above and beyond that. She couldn't help but feel comforted at his words for that reason.

"There, that's better," Alcide offered a small smile. "Now come on; lets get you back home. We'll figure this all out there, alright?"

She sniffed but nodded, rubbing her teary eyes with the palm of her hand. The two fell into a comfortable silence as Alcide started the truck back up and began their journey home. It seemed far too short for Mackenzie, and soon Alcide was coming to a stop before her house. She gulped as she stared up at the grand house, fear slipping back into her orbs. She rarely feared Eric. He had never given her much of a reason to fear him in the past, even though he was a vampire. But in that moment, she was petrified of what he would do when he learned she had disobeyed him.

"Come on," Alcide was already out of the truck, opening her door and offering a hand. "It's going to be okay, Mackenzie."

"No it's not," she sighed, frowning as she slipped her small hand into his.

He didn't know what to say, and instead just opted for silence. He helped her out of the truck, slamming the door closed as he motioned her towards the house. The moment they were safely inside, the doors locked behind them, Alcide let out a sigh of relief. If nothing else, they were safe now. That was what really mattered.

"So what now?" Mackenzie chewed on her bottom lip nervously.

Alcide shrugged. He hadn't thought that far. "Wait until sunrise?"

"Wait for our impending deaths, you mean?"

"It won't be that bad."

She raised her eyebrow at him. "Are we talking about the same Eric Northman here?"

Alcide was about to reply when another did for him.

"Did someone say my name?"

Mackenzie's eyes grew wide at the unexpected voice. He wasn't supposed to be awake yet. There were still hours till sunset. What was he doing awake?

"Well?" Eric strutted down the hallway, his hands slipped into his jean pockets as he observed the two. They were too close to the front door for his liking. "What lovely conversation were the two of you having about me?"

She tried desperately to remain calm, to keep her heartbeat at a steady pace. Eric would know for sure something was amiss the moment she started panicking. But it was harder said than done. Her breathing was already labored and she could feel her heart begin to pound. They were screwed.

"Cat got your tongue?" Eric snickered to himself as a smirk spread across his lips. Receiving a scowl from the mutt, Eric's smirk only widened as he turned his attention onto Mackenzie. What he found, however, stopped him in his place. She had tried to pull her hair in front of her face, tried to not look him in the eye, but as he took a single sniff of the hair, he knew not all was well. "Why the hell do I smell blood?"

When neither spoke, Eric only grew more suspicious.

"Would someone like to explain to me why I smell blood?" he looked between the two, his eyes narrowing. Again, not a peep sounded. Growling, Eric sped before Mackenzie, grasping onto her chin and lifting her gaze to meet his. The moment her hair fell away from her face, he found the answer he had been searching for. "What the hell happened to you, Mackenzie?"

"N-nothing," she stammered, her heart racing even faster as her face paled.

"Do. Not. Lie to me," he hissed in a low voice. "Tell me what happened and tell me now."

"I…I er…" she was breathing heavily, her eyes filling with tears. She could see the anger, the rage that was boiling inside of her guardian. She could see the pieces falling into place behind his eyes. She expected him to yell at her, to shake her and call her names.

She did not, however, expect what happened next.

A low, vicious growl sounded from the back of Eric's throat as he released Mackenzie, only to grasp Alcide around the throat and slam the werewolf against the wall. Mackenzie yelped, her eyes wide as she watched Eric's grip tighten. Alcide tried to struggle against him, but not even his werewolf strength was enough against the Viking's.

"What did you do you do?" Eric's fangs extended with a sharp click "What did you do to her, you mangy mutt?"

"I did nothing, you fanger," Alcide growled.

"He didn't do anything." Mackenzie insisted, watching the exchange in fear. "Eric let him go!"

"You're hurt. You're bleeding," Eric didn't remove his gaze from Alcide, however, and instead tightened his grip even more.

"Nothing happened. No one did anything," Mackenzie lied. She feared more of what Eric might do if he discovered where they had been than his reaction to her lying. "I was just being a klutz. That's all. Honest."

"I don't believe you," Eric shook his head. "Tell me what you did to her before I rip you apart limb by limb. And believe me, I'll enjoy every second of it."

"Eric!" Mackenzie shot forward, pulling on Eric's arm to try and release his hold on Alcide. She had never seen her guardian so ruthless before. This was an entirely different side to the vampire than she was used to. She had seen him made. She had seen him furious beyond belief. But this was different. He was absolutely livid as he attacked Alcide, and she feared for the werewolf's life. "Eric stop! Please!"

"What's going on here?" Godric's voice sounded from behind them. Mackenzie twisted around, grateful of the older vampire's presence. If anyone could stop Eric, it would be Godric.

"You have to stop him. He's going to kill Alcide!" Mackenzie pleaded in fright.

"Tell me what you did, wolf. Tell me now!" Eric snarled, baring his fangs.

"Stop it! Please Eric, stop it! Let him go! He didn't hurt me. I told you, I just ran into the…"

"Do not dare to lie to me, Mackenzie," Eric growled so low, Mackenzie had to take a step back in fear that he would lunge for her next. "You do not want to lie to me right now."

"Eric," Godric step forward. "Perhaps you should calm down. I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation for whatever…"

Eric didn't give his maker a chance to finish however, and simply pointed at Mackenzie's forward. "Look at her, Godric. Does that look like it's nothing to you?"

Godric got a good look at the teen and his eyes grew wide at the sight of the bandage. As he sniffed the air, he could smell the fresh blood mixed with her fear. All was certainly not well.

"What happened?" Godric questioned. He fought to keep his tone calm. It was difficult when all he wanted to do was tear apart the soul who thought they could lay a hand on his Mackenzie. "Mackenzie?"

"Nothing," her lie didn't falter.

"Tell me the truth. Now!" Eric demanded. "Before I snap his neck."

Mackenzie stared at Alcide in sheer horror. "You don't have to, Mackenzie," Alcide managed to gasp out.

She knew, thought, that if she didn't, Eric would indeed kill Alcide. She wouldn't be able to live with herself if she was the reason the innocent man lost his life. Especially when he had been the one to save her life.

"We went to Merlotte's," Mackenzie whispered, her hands shaking as she braced herself for Eric's fury. "I-it was my idea. I was just…I was hungry and I…it was stupid and I…"

"You what?" Eric slowly turned to glare at her, his hold on Alcide never wavering. "Repeat yourself. Now."

"You're scaring her, Eric." Godric laid a hand on Mackenzie's shoulder in comfort. She was shaking from head to toe. It was how he had remembered her when she was only twelve and she had learned of their true nature. He had never wanted to see that look of fear on her face again. "You need to calm down, my son."

"I am not going to calm down," Eric bellowed. "Someone is going to tell me the god damn truth and they're going to do it now!"

A small sob escaped Mackenzie's lips as her tears threatened to spill. She didn't want this. She didn't want any of this.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," her bottom lip quivered. "I never thought this would happened. I was just…"

Eric snarled as he twisted completely around, his hand falling from Alcide's throat as he stepped towards her. Shaking, Mackenzie took a hurried step back, only to hit into Godric's chest. She was scared. She hadn't felt scared of the vampire since the night she first discovered what they were. But as Eric bared his fangs, growing even closer, she felt true terror.

"Eric," Godric quickly pulled Mackenzie behind him, his own fangs extending as he stood in front of his raging progeny. "You need to calm down. Now."

The authority was radiating off of him in waves, causing Mackenzie to shudder from the sheer power of the two thousand year old vampire.

"Do not tell me to calm down," Eric hissed. "I am not going to fucking calm down."

"You need to," Godric stood his ground as his head turned ever so slightly towards Mackenzie. "Mackenzie, I believe it would be best if you went to your room."

Her eyes were as wide as saucers as she stood helplessly behind him. She glanced between the furious vampire and Alcide and immediately shook her head. She couldn't just go to her room when the werewolf's life was in danger.

"No harm will come to the wolf. I promise," Godric assured. "But for your own safety, Mackenzie, you need to go to your room."

"But…"

"Go," Alcide urged with a nod. If she had peered close enough, she would have caught his eyes turning a deep shade of amber. "I'll be fine."

She didn't want to leave. She didn't want to run up to her room. But as Eric took another threatening step forward, she didn't even hesitate. She shot up the stares as quickly as she could, only shooting one last glance over her shoulder before escaping into her room. A chill ran up her spine at the look of pure fury on Eric's face. She had done it. She had finally caused the Viking to snap.

A/N: You are all so amazing. it amazes me that you've all stuck around this long, even when I had the habit of checking out every so often. You rock, don't ever change!

I promise there will be plenty of Godric in the next chapter. and I mean, A LOT!