Chapter Twenty-Six:

Mackenzie wanted to shout. She wanted to cry. She wanted to tear her room completely apart. She couldn't believe Eric. She couldn't believe herself. Had she really believed that everything would change if she just came home? That the past fourteen years would not matter, that a family would just suddenly appear? She had been delusional and complete idiot if she thought Eric would ever care about her.

"Mackenzie?" Godric hesitantly stepped into the room.

She just stood there in the middle of the room, her back turned to the vampire. She didn't know what to do. A part of her wanted to return to bed and pretend this had all just been a dream. She wanted Godric to take her into his arms and forget what had just happened. But she knew that she couldn't. Eric's words still stung, haunting her even after he had left.

"Little one?" Godric stepped forward, laughing a hand on her shoulder.

Mackenzie moved out of his reach, however, his hand falling to his side. Godric sighed as he appeared before her, grasping her chin as he raised her gaze to meet his. She continued to avert his stare, instead glaring at the wall behind Godric.

"You know Eric doesn't mean it," Godric caressed her cheek. "He loves you, Mackenzie."

"Stop it," she leaned away from him, her expression hardening. "Stop saying that he cares about me. Stop making excuses for him."

"I'm not trying to…"

"He doesn't care, Godric," she glared up at him. "He doesn't give a shit about me. I get that now. You don't have to sugar coat it."

She felt defeated but was determined not to show it. She was tired of crying. All she had been doing since returning home was cry. She didn't want to cry anymore. If Eric didn't want her, then she would go back to the family that did care about her. Cassie and her mother had taken her into their family without hesitance, caring about her like a real family should. If Eric wanted her to leave, then she would.

Ignoring Godric, Mackenzie moved around the vampire and to the bed. She dropped down to her knees and yanked her suitcases out from underneath.

"What are you doing?" Godric questioned.

"What does it look like?" she grumbled, throwing the suitcase open before pushing herself to her feet and storming over to her closet. With every step her stomach churned, her body aching in protest, but she refused to stop.

"You need to rest, Mackenzie," Godric reached out to her, but she only moved away quickly.

"I'm fine," she grabbed an arm full of clothes before stomping back to the open suitcases, dropping them into a chaotic mess. "What I need to do is pack."

"You don't need to do this," Godric shook his head. "We'll talk to Eric about this. We'll figure something out."

"I don't want to be somewhere I'm not wanted," she snapped, shooting him a glance before returning to her closet for a second time. "And he doesn't want me here. Or at all. So fine, I get it. I was stupid for coming back here. I should have stayed there. Cassie warned me this would happen. Maybe I should have listened and saved myself the trouble."

"Mackenzie," Godric sighed, flashing in front of her as she turned with more clothes in her arms. "Please just let us talk about this."

"There's noting to talk about Godric. He doesn't want me. He never has. I've just been one huge burden. Really, it's fine. I should have known it all along. This is my own fault," she tried to brush passed him but he simply moved along with her. "Godric move."

He whisked the clothes right from her arms with one hand while taking her by the shoulder with the other. He forced her towards the bed, gently pushing her down onto it before placing the clothes beside her.

"I am not going to just let you go,"

"Well what the hell do you want me to do?" she grunted. "There's nothing I can do about this!"

"We can…"

"There is no 'we', Godric. It's just me. Not you."

Godric's eyes narrowed as he grasped onto her chin. "There is a we, Mackenzie. Do not mistake the past with the present. I am not leaving you."

"You can't just come to New York with me."

"That's exactly what I'm going to do."

They just stared at one another, her breathing heavy as she fought for something to say. After a handful of minutes, Godric sighed and was the first to look away, dropping his hand back to his side. He glanced down at her suitcase and knew they could not change this course of action. Eric was right, though Godric wished that he wasn't. Mackenzie wasn't safe here, not with the fellowship and her family so close to taking her from them. She could be safer in New York; she had been in the past. But that did not make this any easier.

"Let me finish packing. Please," he glanced back at her in pleading. "You need your strength. Rest."

"I can do it," she argued, her arms crossing over her chest. Godric tried not to chuckle at the sight, the eighteen-year-old looking much more like the stubborn seven-year0old he remembered quite well. "What?"

"Nothing, little one," he offered a small smile. "Rest, please."

Her eyes narrowed, preparing to continue arguing. But after a moment, a long, heavy sigh sounded from her lips as her shoulders slumped forward. She was too exhausted to fight anymore.

"Fine," she mumbled, crawling up the bed until she was settled against the mounds of pillows.

He sent her one last glance before kneeling next to her suitcase and folding her clothes faster than she could even see. Her eyes widened as he was finished within seconds, unzipping her second suitcase before she could even blink. Minutes passed before Godric was settled beside her on the bed, opening his arms to her for comfort. She gladly accepted, shifting into his cocoon of safety and love.

"I'm sorry, my sweet," his arms tightened around her. "I never wanted this for you."

"I know," she whispered in return.

"Eric is just…"

"I hate him."

Godric smiled sadly down at her. "No you don't."

"Yes I do," she insisted.

"You could never hate him. You love him."

She frowned and looked away, knowing he was right. "Well I should hate him."

"It would be easier, yes?"

"I just wanted to spend the last few months of my life at home," tears formed in her eyes. "I didn't…I didn't think this would happen. I didn't think he…"

"I know," his fingers toyed with the ends of her hair. "He'll come around, Mackenzie. The moment the danger lessens…"

Mackenzie tried to pull away but Godric kept her firmly in place at his side. "Why does the Fellowship of the Sun care about me?"

Godric stilled completely, his entire body stiffening. "How did you…"

"Eavesdropping," she shrugged. "And Sookie heard it."

"Heard it?" his eyebrows furrowed.

"She's a telepath, I guess," her frowned deepened. "I never got a chance to be mad at Eric for trying to get a telepath to read my thoughts."

"You'll have time to be."

She snorted, rolling her eyes. "I doubt it. And don't change the subject. Why does the Fellowship care about some dying girl? I'm nothing special."

His lips formed a thin line. She didn't realize just how special she was.

"Godric?" she prodded. "Why are they trying to kidnap me? What the hell do they want with me?"

He didn't know what to say. He thought about telling her the truth, explaining about her biological family. But he knew the implications. It would only stir up questions of that night fourteen years ago and Godric wasn't certain he could cause her to suffer even more.

"Eric is a very well known vampire," Godric lied. It was all he could do. He couldn't tell her the truth. He couldn't tell her about her wretched family. He couldn't do that to her, even if he did know she deserved the truth. "He runs one of the most popular vampire bars in the country. They must have learned about his relationship with you."

"That still doesn't explain why."

"You would be the easiest way to hurt him."

"But I mean nothing to him. They should just go after you or Pam," she didn't understand the reasoning. It didn't feel right, like there was more too it than Godric was letting on. Why would the Fellowship of the Sun care about her?

"You really don't understand how much he loves you, do you?" he stopped her before she could disagree with him, placing a finger over her lips. "He does, Mackenzie. He may have a terrible way of showing it, but you are whom he treasures the most. The Fellowship must have realized this and targeted you. Possibly in hopes of Eric sacrificing himself for you."

Mackenzie pulled a face in disbelief. "But he would never do that."

"He would in a heartbeat."

"No offence, Godric, but I just don't believe you," she shook her head.

"It's the truth," he laid a kiss on her forehead. "Now, let us talk about something that isn't as troubling."

"But…"

"Why don't you tell me about New York," he suggested.

"Like you haven't been there a thousand times."

"Humour me."

"I think this is a stupid idea," Alcide grumbled from his place beside the front door.

"I don't pay you to voice your opinions," Eric hissed, shooting the mutt a dark glare.

"You don't pay me nearly enough for any of this," Alcide rolled his eyes, only to stop when footsteps began down the stairs. His gaze shot up to Mackenzie as she fought Godric's aiding arm. The older vampire had informed Alcide that she had gotten sick again and it pained him to see that he had been right.

"Hey Alcide," she smiled sadly at him as she reached the bottom, shooting Godric a hardened look when he tried to steady her. "Godric, I'm fine."

He held his hands up in defence, "I'm only trying to help, Mackenzie.

"I don't need your help, Godric."

He sighed but nodded, taking a step back from the teen as he glanced at his progeny. "Eric."

"Godric."

Alcide gazed between them with a raised eyebrow. He could feel the tension the moment he had stepped into the house earlier in the day, and now that all three occupants were in the same room, it had only gown significantly thicker.

"So," he offered, hoping to get this over with as quickly as he could. "I guess this is goodbye."

Mackenzie's face fell at this. She had hardly gotten to know the werewolf, but she was deeply saddened that she wouldn't see him again. Even if by miracle, she did return, she doubted she would need a bodyguard to watch over her sick form. She wished she could have gotten to know him better, understand his life as a werewolf. She had so many questions she wanted to ask him, but hadn't had enough time. She would miss him.

"Come here," he smiled, opening his arms to the girl.

She returned the smile as she crossed the room, set on seeking the werewolf's comfort. She was stopped in her tracks, however, as Eric suddenly appeared between them. She frowned, glaring up at him as she tried to move around him. He only blocked her path, frustrating her to the point that she cursed under her breath and stormed back to Godric's side.

"I'm allowed to say goodbye," she grumbled.

"Stop acting like a child."

"Well then stop treating me like one!"

Eric growled, his shoulders tensing. "For once in your life, Mackenzie, do what I say."

"Obviously I am," she snapped back.

His eyes narrowed as he took a step forward, but was stopped by a warning look from his maker. Remaining where he stood, he shot a glare over his shoulder to the werewolf. "You can leave now. Make sure to inform me when they begin trailing you."

Alcide attempted to pass Eric to offer the girl a goodbye, but Eric stood his ground as he bared his fangs. Shaking his head, he sent Mackenzie the most encouraging smile he could muster.

"Thanks for everything, Alcide," she caught his gaze for a brief moment before quickly looking away.

"Anytime," Alcide's smile faltered. He sighed as he ran his fingers through his dark waves before turning towards the door. There wasn't much more that he could do besides provide a distraction for Godric and Mackenzie to safely leave the property. He just hoped he would see the girl again.

Mackenzie watched sadly as Alcide slipped from the house, the roar of his truck alerting them to his leave. Her shoulders slumped forward as she moved towards Godric who tucked her beneath his arm.

"You'll see him again," Godric assured, murmuring in her ear as she melted into his embrace.

"I doubt it," Eric drawled, his eyes narrowing as he watched the two. It should have been he who was comforting her, but instead it was once again his maker. He was jealous, not that he would ever admit it out loud. He knew, however, that the jealousy was not justified. He had no reason to be jealous when he was the cause of her pain, of her need to be comforted. Shaking the thoughts away, Eric cleared his voice as he stepped forward. He needed to focus on the task at hand, and that was getting Mackenzie as far from Shreveport as he possibly could. Even if that did result in her hatred. "We're wasting time."

Godric sent him a cold stare. "We can wait another moment."

"The moment Alcide informs us that the Fellowship is following him, the two of you need to go. The plane is waiting for you at the hanger. I want you in New York before dawn," Eric struggled with his conflicted emotions. He was sending her away again. He was always sending her away. The only comfort was that Godric would be with her this time; she wouldn't be utterly alone.

"Until then we will…" Godric was cut short, however, by the sound of Eric's phone. The elder vampire sighed as Eric slipped the phone from his pocket.

"They're following you?" Eric questioned. "Good. Continue driving towards Bon Temps. I'll let you know once the plane has taken off. You'll be rewarded generously."

Mackenzie stiffened, knowing for the fourth time in her life, she was being sent away from her home. She was tired of being sent away, of being discarded like she didn't matter. All she wanted was to die in peace in her childhood home, and now she would be halfway across the country.

"It's time," Eric announced, keeping his mask in place. "Call me when you arrive."

"Are you certain this is necessary?" Godric searched his child's gaze. He knew this wasn't what Eric truly wanted. But Eric was both stubborn and reckless when it came to those that he loved. There would have once been a time Godric discouraged the emotions, but now, when he was so close to feeling, Godric couldn't berate him.

"It is," Eric nodded, his gaze never leaving Mackenzie's form. She wouldn't look at him, her entire body pointed towards Godric even as he stepped away from her. He wanted to say so much to the girl. He wanted to assure her that this was for her own good, that she would be safer. He wanted to take her in his arms, to proclaim his love. So much was going unsaid, and he already regretted his silence. But no matter the battle raging within him, he could not muster the strength to step towards her, to utter a single word of comfort.

Feeling his stare, Mackenzie risked a glance over her shoulder. She was caught between hatred and devastation. She wanted to run into his arms and beg to stay, but at the same time, she merely just wanted to leave, to get it over with already.

Much like her guardian, she was too stubborn to follow her heart's desire.

"We should go," Godric sighed, glancing between the two stubborn Northman's. "Come, Mackenzie, your bags are already at the hanger."

Mackenzie nodded as she allowed Godric to lead her to the door. She grasped onto his arm tightly as they moved around Eric in fear that she would leap at the vampire and never let go. The tears threatened to spill but she refused to do so in Eric's presence. She would wait until they were far enough away before she allowed her emotions to take over.

Or else she would never be able to leave.

"Mackenzie," Eric suddenly stopped her, his hand curling around her arm as his mask faltered.

Mackenzie froze as she stared down at his hand, not even able to breathe as she just stared at it. Godric watched the two carefully before slipping from Mackenzie's grasps. Perhaps they could reconcile just enough to say goodbye. Godric hoped at least.

Eric, however, realizing his mistake, quickly withdrew his hand. He couldn't do this. He couldn't do this at all. "Not even going to say goodbye?"

At his icy tone, Mackenzie tensed. Maybe she had been imagining the twinge of emotion in his voice.

"Eric," Godric shook his head in disappointment.

Eric barely shot him a glance as he stared down at Mackenzie. "After everything I've done, not even a goodbye?"

"You don't deserve one," she mumbled before grasping back onto Godric. She couldn't look at him in fear of breaking completely. "Please Godric,"

Godric nodded, sending one last long glance at his child before leading Mackenzie from the house. Eric didn't follow, instead standing in the doorway as his maker gathered Mackenzie into his arms.

"How are we…" Mackenzie's question was cut off as the vampire suddenly took off into the night sky, a yelp sounding from her lips.

Eric watched them for as long as he could before they disappeared from sight. The moment he was alone, he let his mask crumble as the bloody tears formed at the corner of his eyes. He knew this was the right thing to do in order to keep Mackenzie safe. But that didn't mean he didn't hate it with every fiber of his being.

Needing a distraction, Eric locked up and took off for Fangtasia. Blood and sex could only be a distraction for so long, however, until reality sunk in. Mackenzie was gone, and there was a possibility she might not be coming back.

"How are you doing, little one?" Godric whispered into her ear as they approached the hanger. Her arms had been tightened around him the moment he took off into the sky but hadn't uttered a single word. "We're almost there."

She only nodded against him, too afraid to speak in fear that the little contents of her stomach would empty. Her stomach churned and she knew the moment they landed she would be sick. Godric sensed something was wrong and tightened his arms around her, hurrying his pace. They were soon landing on the paved ground, Mackenzie wiggling out of his arms the moment his feet were on the ground. He set her down and cringed as he watched her heave. He tried to comfort her, but she only shook her head and waved him away. She hated him seeing her like this.

"Please let me help you," he had never sounded so helpless before in his existence. He had never felt it, either. "I only want to help you,"

"I-I'm fine," she insisted, gritting her teeth as she wiped her lips. She slowly straightened, shivering as the warm breeze felt like ice against her skin. "I'm fine."

"You are anything but fine," he reached for her, but she only pulled away, her head bowing. Godric sighed as his shoulders slumped forward in defeat. "I'll speak with the pilot."

Mackenzie nodded, keeping her gaze set on the ground until Godric passed and climbed up the stairs to the small Anubis jet. The moment she was alone, a shaky breath escaped her lips as her eyes fluttered closed. She felt exhausted. She just wanted to crawl into her bed and never leave. Only she couldn't. She may never lie in that bed ever again.

She had come home for nothing.

It had all been for nothing.

Running her fingers through her hair, Mackenzie turned towards the plane and gazed at the impressive jet. Her attention, however, was quickly stolen as the sound of an approaching vehicle moved her focus. Her eyebrows furrowed as she squinted, trying to recognize the approaching vehicle. Headlights blinded her and she had to shield her eyes from the bright light. Were they the crew? Were there others on this flight? But no, Godric had said that it was a private flight. They would be alone besides the crew.

She hurriedly glanced towards the plane, inching towards it. She searched for the crew and was horrified when she realized they were already on board.

"Oh god," Mackenzie froze, realization hitting.

It wasn't the crew or other passengers.

It was the Fellowship.

"Godric!" she screamed, her eyes widening. The van approached quickly, skidding to a stop before her. She shot towards the plane, the vampire suddenly appearing at the bottom of the stairs. "Godric!"

He was frozen in place as his gaze fell on the van behind Mackenzie. He didn't understand how they could have found them. They had been following Alcide. They should be in Bon Temps by now, not here. How was this possible?

"Mackenzie," he shot forward, reaching for the girl.

He was stopped in place, however, as three silver bullets lodged themselves into his chest. A roar sounded from the vampire as he fell to his knees. His fangs extending with a sharp click as he fought against the sheer pain. Mackenzie was screaming as she ran to him. She never reached his form, though, as she was grabbed from behind while a silver net cascaded down around him. He struggled against the binding silver, against the pain. He needed to get to Mackenzie. He couldn't let them take her. But he hadn't fed in many days. He had barely even rested. He hadn't been prepared at all.

"Godric!" she cried out, pleading with him to get up.

But he could not.

He was trapped, held against his will by silver, and forced to watch as Mackenzie was dragged to the van. She was shoved inside and out of sight, the van quickly speeding off with his Mackenzie trapped inside.

She was gone.

IMPORTANT:

so I've gotten a lot of questions about why Eric or Godric (or even Pam) haven't give her their blood or turned her. I just wanted to address it here. The whole blood issue WILL be talked about in the coming chapters. It will ALL be explained. I've had this whole blood/turning problem/issue/thing planned since the very beginning (before I even knew what I wanted Mackenzie's name to be lol). IT WILL ALL BE EXPLAINED SOON. I promise. So please don't lose hope. yes it is a little mind boggling that they won't do it, but it's always been planned specifically when this gets explained and I don't want to ruin anything at all by rushing it or having stuff happen in the wrong place. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE trust me. I won't let you down, I promise!

on another note, thanks for all the reviews and I apologize for being MIA the last few days. This was supposed to be finished days ago but I got distracted with preparing to move next month. so major oops on my part.