Chapter Twenty-Five:
It was less than an hour until dawn when Eric came strolling back into the house. Godric had felt his presence approaching and had gently detached himself from Mackenzie's sleeping grasp. He didn't want to leave her side, but dawn was approaching and he had to deal with his angry progeny before resting for the day. He only hoped the night away had calmed his child.
"Have you calmed yourself, Eric?" Godric met him in the front hallway as Eric locked up.
Eric didn't respond, his muscles tensing.
Godric sighed as he stepped forward. "She's been distraught all night. She's worried that you hate her."
"Good," Eric grumbled, twisting around to glare down at his maker. "She should be worried."
"You and I both know that you could not hate her," Godric shook his head. Eric was too stubborn for his own good. It was his own fault, Godric knew. He had taught Eric to dispose of his emotions, to never let them dominate him. But he had been wrong, as it turned out. Mackenzie had taught him that. "Perhaps you should speak with her, understand why she…"
"I already understand why she disobeyed me," Eric growled. "She's a selfish little brat that doesn't know what's good for her."
"She made a mistake, Eric, that's all."
"She nearly got herself kidnapped!" Eric's hands curled into tight fists at his sides. "How many times does she need to get attacked to realize she's in danger?"
"If you would only…"
"I'm not going to listen to some ridiculous excuse," Eric snarled. "I don't give a shit what she thinks was an appropriate reason to disobey me."
"Eric,"
"No!" his fangs extended with a click. "Do not expect me to just be okay with this! She was nearly kidnapped, Godric. She was nearly taken away from me, from us! She needs to learn how not to be selfish little…"
"Do not finish that sentence," Godric coldly halted him with narrowed eyes. "You will respect her."
Eric hissed, taking a threatening step forward. Before he could utter another word, however, a voice from the top of the stairs stopped them both.
"I'm sorry," Mackenzie whispered, wringing her hands before her. "I never meant to…"
"Enough," Eric's glare raised to the teen, baring his fangs at her. "I don't want to hear it."
"It was stupid and I shouldn't have done it. I'm really really sorry," she blurted out in desperation. "Please don't hate me Eric; I'm sorry."
"I said enough!" he roared, and if it hadn't been for Godric, Mackenzie was certain Eric would have darted up the stairs. "Go back to your room, Mackenzie."
"But I'm…"
"Go. Back. To. Your. Room," he began breathing heavily, his shoulders hunched forward as if he was preparing to leap at his prey. "And do not leave. Take one step out of that room, Mackenzie and it will be the last step you take in this house. I don't want to see you. I don't even want to hear you. Is that understood?"
She was frozen in fear at the top of the stairs, her eyes as wide as saucers.
"I said is that understood!"
She hurriedly nodded, her entire form shaking from head to toe. "Y-yes."
Mackenzie tore down the hallway back into her room, slamming the door shut behind her. Sliding down the closed door, she covered her face with her hands, muffling the sob that escaped her lips.
"That was unnecessary," Godric was finding it difficult to control his anger towards his child. "She does not deserve to be treated this way."
Eric's gaze fell back to his maker and darkened. "Do not lecture me, Godric. You have no right."
"I have every right," Godric had to grit his teeth to remain calm. He could feel his fangs threatening to drop, but he would not allow himself to lose control. "She made a mistake and she paid dearly for it. She is petrified, Eric. She was attacked and nearly kidnapped. Do you not think that is enough punishment for her?"
"Not even close," Eric brushed passed him with a grunt.
"Eric," Godric turned but Eric was already gone. Sighing, he rubbed the bridge of his nose, the exhaustion setting in. He knew Eric didn't hate Mackenzie. He knew Eric was only frustrated that the fellowship and her biological family had gotten so close to taking Mackenzie away from them. But pushing Mackenzie away was not the way for him to deal with his anger. It was only going to make things worse.
Wanting to comfort Mackenzie before he became dead for the day, he flashed up the stairs and to her closed door.
"Mackenzie?" he knocked softly, hearing the soft whimpers as she cried on the other side of the door. "Can I come in?"
"Go away."
"Let me in, Mackenzie," he pleaded with her. "Allow me to fix this."
"You can't fix this," she sniffed. "Nothing can fix this. Just go away."
He was about to knock but her sobs stopped him. She was in pain for a second time that night and all he wanted was to take her into his arms. He didn't care about the rising sun. He was two thousand years old; he could refuse the call of the sun and sit at her side all day. But he knew that would only make things worse. She needed time, not him despite his desires. He couldn't give her her guardian, but he could give her the space she required.
"Alcide will be here shortly," Godric called to her. "I'll awake in the late afternoon, little one. And then I shall not leave your side all night. I promise you."
As he began to the destroyed living room to wait for Alcide to arrive, Godric couldn't help but wonder if Eric and Mackenzie would be able to salvage their relationship, and before Mackenzie's sickness grew any worse.
"How is she?"
"She hasn't eaten all day. I've tried everything, but she won't eat. I might not be the best cook, but…"
"Has she been sick at all?"
"I don't think so. I think she's just upset. God damn Northman for doing this to her."
"Thank you Alcide. I'll see you once again at dawn."
"Just keep an eye on her. I'm worried."
"I will."
Mackenzie groaned as she listened to the conversation taking place just outside of her bedroom door. She didn't want to see Godric and she certainly didn't want to explain herself. She had hoped Alcide wouldn't tell Godric about her refusal to eat, but he was too kind for his own good and cared about her even when he shouldn't. Now Godric would be worried and that was the last thing she needed right now. She didn't want even more pity.
"Mackenzie?" Godric knocked on the door. "May I come in?"
She started panicking. He couldn't come in. He couldn't see her like this. Or else he would know something was wrong.
"I'm…ah….I'm in the bathroom!" she called back.
"Is everything alright?" he sounded worried.
She cursed silently. "I'm fine!"
"Are you certain? Alcide informed me that you haven't eaten today," he didn't sound worried; he was worried.
"I'm just not hungry," she replied, lying straight through her teeth. She just hoped that without looking her in the eye, he wouldn't know the difference.
"You need to eat, Mackenzie," he insisted. "Alcide left a plate in the fridge. Shall I bring it up?"
Her eyes widened. Food was the last thing she needed right now. The mere thought of it caused her stomach to churn. Grabbing her stomach as she pushed herself to her feet from the floor of the bathroom, Mackenzie slowly made her way back into the bedroom. Godric would never leave if he didn't know she was fine. She grabbed a piece of gum and popped it into her mouth, chewing a handful of times before spitting it back out, hoping it would hide the smell.
"Mackenzie?"
"You can come in," she sighed, sitting on her bed slowly as she held the robe tightly around herself. She tried not to shiver as the door opened, forcing herself to remain still. It was difficult, however, when a part of her wanted to dive under five blankets while another wanted to remain close to the bathroom.
It hadn't been a good day.
"Are you well?" Godric eyed her closely as he stepped into the room. His gaze ran over her form, taking in every inch. She only prayed that he didn't see anything amiss. She was already a sickly pale; he shouldn't notice anything unusual.
"I'm fine," she forced a smile.
He didn't look like he believed her, though. "Are you sure? You haven't eaten since yesterday afternoon."
At the mention of food, her stomach tumbled and she had to bit down hard on her bottom lip to keep the rising vomit at bay. "I'm just not hungry."
His eyes narrowed as he scrutinized her. Her heart began to race no matter the scolding she gave herself. "Is this because of Eric?"
She wanted to thank the heavens. "He's still angry with me, isn't he?"
"He hasn't risen yet," Godric informed. "I'm sure he won't be nearly as upset as he was last night."
"I doubt it."
"He cares about you, Mackenzie."
"Not enough," she muttered, her head bowing.
Godric sighed, unsure of what to say to assure her of Eric's love. No matter how angry Eric could ever get, his child would always love the girl before him. He would always protect her with his own life. The only reason he was acting this way was because of his fear that he had been so close to losing her. They both doubted the fellowship would give up so easily. They would return and try once again to take Mackenzie from them. Eric would do anything to ensure that didn't happen.
"You need to at least eat."
"I said I'm fine," she picked at the bed sheets, refusing to meet his gaze. She just wanted him to leave, and before she felt the urge to dash back into the bathroom. "Really I am. You don't have to worry about me, Godric."
"I'll always worry about you, Mackenzie. Nothing will ever…" Godric suddenly halted, his eyebrows furrowing as a stench began to litter the air. Frowning, he sniffed the room before his orbs snapped to Mackenzie's form. He had known the moment he asked Alcide how she was feeling that something wasn't right. He had initially assumed she was just devastated over her guardian's anger, but now as he stood there, watching her carefully, he knew there was something else wrong.
And he could smell it.
Without uttering a word, Godric was suddenly before her on the bed. Mackenzie yelped in surprised, her eyes growing wide as Godric cupped both of her cheeks, looking her dead in the eye. She swallowed hard as she tried to look away, only for him to keep her in place. His eyes searched hers as he took another whiff of the air around her.
Something was definitely wrong, Godric knew.
"G-Godric?" her voice wavered, her heart racing in her chest. She knew he would figure it out the longer he was in the room, the longer he was with her. She had never been able to lie to him in the past, and not even six years apart could change that.
He knew what was wrong the moment she spoke.
"It's not a good day, is it?"
The way his shoulders slumped, the sadness in his eyes, it was as if he were the one who was sick and in pain. He had disappeared from her life for so many years, and now that he had returned, he had taken it upon himself to shoulder part of the heavy weight she was carrying.
Tears filled her eyes before she could respond, biting down so hard on her bottom lip she broke through the skin. He wiped away the tiniest drop of blood as it formed, having to stop himself from tasting her before wiping it away on his pants.
"Shh, it's alright little one," the tears began to slip down her cheeks one by one, her façade crumbling as he discovered the truth. "Why didn't you just tell me?"
"I didn't want it to be real," she admitted softly, her gaze dropping as her shoulders sagged. "I thought it could still turn into a good day."
It felt as if his heart was being torn out, shredded to pieces, and thrust back into his chest. He had never felt pain so treacherous before in his life. She was truly falling apart before him, her whole life crashing down around her, and it caused him agony to stand by helplessly.
"Oh, Mackenzie," he took her into his arms. He hated this was happening to her. He hated that this was the life she was given. "I'm so sorry. I wish this never happened to you. I wish I could take it all away."
"Me too," she murmured as she clutched onto his shirt, curling her fingers around the fabric tightly. She held onto him as if her life depended on it, and in a way, it did. "I don't want to be sick anymore. I don't want to die."
Godric's arms tightened around her as his own tears threatened to form. If this was what it meant to feel, then he wasn't so sure he wanted to.
"I think I'm okay now," Mackenzie's voice was tiny as she risked a glance up at the vampire. He had moved against her headboard, tugging her along with him. She had curled around him, not caring one bit that it was only days ago that she hadn't been sure of Godric, that she hadn't forgiven him. She still wasn't sure if she forgave him even now. But what she did know, was that she had never felt safer, more comforted, than she did while in his arms. It was a feeling she missed the past six years. "You don't have to stay with me."
Godric couldn't help but smile as he peered down at her, brushing a lock of hair off her face. "I'm perfectly content, my sweet."
Her face flushed as she nodded, returning her cheek to his chest. It felt right to be tucked under his arm, his fingers trailing through her hair. She felt like she belonged there, with him. She always had felt that way.
"I wasn't sure if you'd ever wear this," Godric's fingers traced the length of the chain settled around her neck before gingerly lifting the locket at the base. "I didn't think you'd ever want to open another gift from me after I left."
Mackenzie let her gaze drop to where the locket lay and she chewed on her bottom lip. She had barely taken the gift off since she had opened it right before leaving for New York. It was the last token of love Godric had given her, even if she did open it years late. It was the only thing she had that reminded her of home. She had treasured it the three and a half years she had been sent away, and even more so once she got sick.
"I never take it off," she admits, glancing back up at him. "Pam gave it to me before I went to New York. I think she knew I needed something to help me through that time."
"And did it?" his thumb ran across the intricate designs, smiling to himself. He remembered picking out the design himself, though Isabel had offered to help. But no, this was his special gift for the most important girl. He had wanted it to be unique, different, and most of all, one of a kind. Just as she was.
"It did," Mackenzie nodded, smiling herself. "Though I was angry when I first saw it. That's when I called you, if you remember."
The smile disappeared from his lips. He did remember. "I do."
"I was really angry. I probably shouldn't have called. I think that just made things worse. But I…I just really missed you, Godric," she looked away somberly.
He caught her chin, forcing her gaze to meet his. "And I missed you every single day, little one. Do not ever think that I didn't."
Mackenzie couldn't find the words to respond, and instead merely nodded and shifted to return to her comfortable position beside the vampire. She froze, however, as her stomach suddenly churned and the vile taste returned to her mouth.
"Not again," she groaned as she suddenly pushed away from Godric, darting into the bathroom and throwing the toilet lid up.
Godric was beside her in an instant, lifting her hair from her face as she vomited. He felt helpless, unable to help her at all as she suffered through such a human disease. All he could do was rub soothing circles up and down her back in hopes that it gave her even the slightest bit of comfort.
After what felt like a millennium to the vampire, Mackenzie began pushing herself away from the toilet, grabbing a cloth that was sitting on the counter and using it to wipe her mouth. She tugged off her robe, mumbling about being too hot, before leaning into his arms and allowing him to whisk her off the floor and back into her room.
"Sorry," she wouldn't look him in the eye as he settled her back on the bed.
Godric sent a look of confusion before disappearing, only to appear beside her on the bed with a cool damp cloth in his hands. She moaned in relief as he eased her against the pillows, placing the wet cloth across her forehead.
"Why are you sorry, little one?" he questioned, smoothing down her locks.
Her hands began fidgeting in her lap. "I didn't want you to see me like that."
"I'm over two thousand years old, Mackenzie. I've seen my share of sick humans," he reminded.
"Yeah but you never had to deal with one before," she pointed out.
Godric caressed her cheek with the backs of his fingers, her eyes fluttering closed at the coolness of his touch. "I would be at your side no matter one, sweet one. Sick or not."
The smallest smile crossed her lips and Godric had to stop himself from celebrating his victory. The sound of his awoken child however, interrupted his silent triumph, causing him to sigh as he peeled himself away from Mackenzie.
"Don't go," she pleaded, pouting as her eyes remained closed.
"Eric's awake. I wish to speak to him before he leaves for the evening," he pressed his lips against her cheek. "I'll return to your side soon. Rest for now."
She continued to pout but allowed for him to slip from her side. He sent the girl one last smile before slipping out of the room and descending the stairs.
"Eric," he greeted his child in the front hallway. The sun had only just set, but Eric was already dressed for Fangtasia.
"What now Godric?" Eric sighed, falling to a stop a few feet away from his maker. A look of boredom crossed his face and it frustrated Godric.
"We need to talk."
"Can't it wait?"
"No, my son, you're daughter's health cannot wait," there was an edge to Godric's tone. He did not like Eric's attitude. He understood his child was worried about Mackenzie's safety, but treating her this way was not the answer.
"She is not my daughter," Eric's eyes narrowed.
"Yes she is," it was becoming difficult for Godric to just stand there and let Eric act this way. "You may be angry that she disobeyed you, and you may be worried about her safety, but this is much bigger than that."
Eric just stood there, looking at him blankly like he didn't even cared. Godric knew better, though. He knew Eric's mask had been put into place the moment he had awoken.
"Mackenzie has grown sick again," Godric informed him, watching Eric closely for even a hint of a reaction. His eye twitched ever so slightly, as did his lips, but other wise, Eric gave no recognition whatsoever. "Did you hear me, Eric? She's sick."
"Good."
"Good?"
"That makes this easier," Eric shrugged simply, brushing passed his maker and strutting towards the door.
"This makes what easier, Eric?" Godric was before Eric in a flash, halting the Viking in place.
"I've made rearrangements for Mackenzie to be sent back to New York," Eric explained, still not a hint of any emotion playing across his face.
"What?" Godric's eyes widened.
"I've contacted her friend's mother. She was more than willing to take her. Her Doctor is there. She'll be safe from the fellowship. It just makes a lot more sense for her to be there than here."
Godric couldn't believe what he was hearing. He couldn't believe the utter bullshit that was leaving Eric's mouth. He couldn't control what he did next as he grasped Eric around the throat and slammed him against the door, ignoring the groaning of the wood.
"What the hell did you do?" Godric hissed, his fangs dropping as he bared them at his son. "How could you do this to her?"
"The fellowship won't stop until they have her. As long as she's here she'll be in danger. This is for her own good," Eric defended, struggling against Godric. "She'll receive better medical care in an environment she can be cared for in. This is what she needs."
"No, my son. What she needs is for you to be her family for the first time in fourteen years," Godric's hand tightened around his throat, his eyes blazing in fury. "She needs for you to take care of her, not some other woman that is not her family."
"I am not her family. I cannot be her family." Eric growled.
"Wake up, Eric. You have raised a human girl into a young woman. She is yours. You are a family whether you like it or not," Godric glared darkly at his child. How could he not see this? How could he not realize not only how important he was to Mackenzie, but how important she was to him? They had become a family the moment Eric opened his life up to her fourteen years ago. He needed to start acting like one before they lost Mackenzie for good. "She's sick. She's dying. She needs you, not some other family, and not some doctor. She needs you, Eric. She only wants you. She came back here for you."
"I can't give her what she wants," Eric's struggling ceased as his head turned to the side, refusing to meet Godric's fierce gaze. "She'll be safer in New York. I can no longer protect her here."
"And how do you propose you'll protect her there?"
"You won't leave her. I know you won't. You'll be there to protect her."
Godric's eyebrows furrowed as he pushed himself off of Eric. "She'd rather it was you. Do you not understand that?"
Eric quickly glanced down at his maker before his gaze moved to the lone figure standing at the top of the stairs. She had a habit for eavesdropping.
"I don't want it to be me."
He could see the heartbreak on her face the moment the words left his lips and it caused his heart to clench. This was the only way, however. He needed her to leave, to be protected elsewhere. The fellowship and her family would not stop until they had her within their grasps. The longer she was here, the easier it would be for them. Soon they wouldn't hesitate to attack the house once again, and Alcide had barely been able to protect her at Merlotte's. Eric needed her as far away from here as possible.
Even if that did require her to hate him.
Godric twisted around when the smell of tears reached him. His eyes grew wide as he found Mackenzie hurrying back to her room, slamming the door behind her. It was the second night in a row Eric had devastated her. Only this time, Godric was unsure if there would be any salvaging this.
"You've truly done it," Godric shook his head in disappointment. "You've successfully torn her apart."
"It's for her own good," Eric muttered in reply.
"How could this be for her own good?" Godric spat. "This has done nothing but hurt her even further. She's sick. She needs to be home right now with her family."
"And she'll have you," Eric pushed himself away from the door, only to turn around and yank it open. "She's leaving tomorrow night. I've already informed Alcide. He'll play decoy to keep the fellowship from leaning where the two of you will be going. Anubis Air will be waiting at the hanger come sunset."
"Eric,"
"You'll protect her better than I can."
"That's not true."
Eric stopped in the doorway, his shoulders tense, his hands curled into tight fists at his sides. He didn't want this. He didn't want any of this. But Mackenzie was in danger and he needed to protect her in any way that he could. She had been safe in New York before. She'll be safe there again.
"It's the only way."
A/N: Oops, this was supposed to happen last night. And these chapters are getting longer than I was originally going for, but I'm sure no one is complaining ;) I really feel in a groove with writing this fic lately, so expect more chapters to come. Hoping maybe even once a day or every two days as long as this inspiration keeps up and I don't get busy.