Chapter Thirty-Four:

Mackenzie had never been so glad to have a shower in her life. After being locked away for days and with death knocking on the doorstep, the warm waterfall of water felt like heaven on her skin. She almost didn't want to get out, but only did when she heard voices in the bedroom. Godric had tried to get her to go back to sleep. He had all but tied her to the bed. But she was too wired to sleep. How could she sleep when she could possibly be cured of cancer?

She knew she shouldn't get her hopes up. Godric was right; this might only be a temporary fix. But she couldn't help but get excited. She had spent months miserable and haunted by this illness. She had been in agony for so long that she finally felt free. She was going to damn well enjoy that, even if it didn't last.

"She should be resting," Godric sighed in the bedroom.

Mackenzie strained as she stepped out of the shower, wrapping a towel securely around herself.

"I don't want her overwhelmed," he continued. "She needs to rest and I don't want my underlings to…"

He trailed off and Mackenzie took a small step towards the door, wanting to hear what else the vampire had to say.

"Mackenzie is out of the shower," his tone turned deadpanned and her face fell. He must have heard her. "Let her rest, Pam."

"She's been locked away in solitude with only those psychotic freaks to keep her company, Godric," Pam pointed out. "Let her socialize for a bit."

"I don't think…"

"She's only going to grow restless and sneak out anyways. She's likely hungry; I doubt the fellowship actually thought about feeding her."

She was hungry, now that she thought about it. She didn't remember the last time she actually had a meal. It was likely that nice juicy hamburger from Merlotte's, a hamburger that she could really go for at that moment.

"I won't let her out of my sight," Pam promised. "And she won't run off. Isn't that right, chick pea?"

Mackenzie's nose scrunched up as she made sure the towel wouldn't slip off before exiting the bathroom. Her cheeks immediately flushed as Godric's gaze quickly flicked to her before turning away. Pam had a smirk on her face at the exchange. It softened, however, as she took Mackenzie in. She looked healthy than she had seen the girl in too long. Eric had described what he had found in the basement, and she found she had actually been scared. She had never been more relieved when she saw Mackenzie now, healthy and unhurt thanks to Godric's blood.

"It's good to see you, kiddo."

"You too," Mackenzie smiled in return.

"I will return to the celebration," Godric was already inching toward the door, keeping sure to not look in Mackenzie's direction. She shifted in embarrassment, wishing she had gotten dressed before slipping back into the room. But the only option she had been the dirty and blood covered clothes she had been rescued in. She'd rather not have to look at them again in her life. "Please rest, Mackenzie. It's been a long night."

"I can't sleep, Godric. I know you want me to but…" she glanced at the bed. She couldn't sleep. She was too happy to sleep. She was alive. She was alive and away from the lunatics that called themselves her family. She was too ecstatic to possibly sleep.

"Just take it easy, please," he finally glanced her way, and if it was possibly for him to blush, she was certain that he would be. "I nearly lost you, tonight Mackenzie. I couldn't bear to almost lose you again."

She wanted to cry at his plea. "I won't leave Pam's side and I'll take it easy, I promise."

He nodded, quickly looking back away and slipping from the room. Mackenzie chewed on her bottom lip, almost wanting to go after him and give him one long hug. But then she realized she was naked besides the towel around her and that stopped her right in place.

"I brought you some clothes," Pam must have read her mind as she nodded at the bed. "They probably don't fit but I doubt you want to leave the room like that."

"Not when I'll likely be eaten," Mackenzie snorted and sent her a grateful smile. "Thanks."

"Don't mention it," she waved the girl into the bathroom. "Now go get dressed and then I'll try and do something with that impossible hair of yours."

She couldn't help but smile as she grabbed the clothes and headed back into the bathroom. She was lucky to have Pam in her life, even if they did have an odd relationship.

"So what's all happening out there?" Mackenzie asked through the door as she hurriedly threw the clothes on. Pam had been right, the yoga pants were baggy on her and the t-shirt hung off her form, but at least they were clothes.

"The vampires of the area have congregated to celebrate."

"Celebrate what?"

"You can imagine how happy they were to finally be able to attack the fellowship of the sun," Pam explained.

Mackenzie hadn't thought of it like that. The fellowship had been a terror in the lives of vampires ever since they 'came out of the coffin'. With her kidnapping, it had given them a good plausible reason to attack them. She wasn't so sure, however, that she was happy so many human lived had likely been taken because of her. She was happy to be out of there, and Gabe had deserved the brutal death, but what about the others? How many had died tonight because of her? How many innocents? All the guilt was starting to give her a headache.

"Was it bad?" she asked softly as she entered the room again. She chewed on her nails as she moved towards the bed, sitting on the end.

Pam frowned as she sat beside her, turning her so she could do her hair. "What do you mean?"

"Did a lot of people die because of me?"

"They deserved it," Pam reminded her. "They all deserved their deaths."

"But…" Mackenzie felt deflated. Every ounce of happiness was wiped away as she thought about the blood and destruction. Sure the fellowship had kidnapped and tortured her, but that had been her family and Steve's doing. Did so many others deserve to die? "What happened to my family?"

Pam froze as she began brushing through the teen's tangled locks. "They are not your family."

Mackenzie was surprised by the sheer hatred in pam's voice. "You know what I mean. Are they…were they killed too?"

"No," Pam grunted. She wished they were. She wished she had been able to kill them herself. But the opportunity had slipped between all of their fingers. "They weren't even there. They must have known we were coming and they left before we could find them."

"What about the Newlin's?"

"Alive," Pam spat, the word feeling dirty in her mouth. They may have killed many tonight, but they did not get their hands on the ones that truly mattered. "All of them are still alive."

Mackenzie wasn't sure whether she was relieved or scared. If her family was still out there at large, would they continue to search for her? Would they attempt to kidnap her again until she gave them what they wanted?

"They won't take you from us again," Pam promised, squeezing her shoulders in comfort. "I'll kill them myself before it happens."

"I know," Mackenzie nodded. She felt safer than she had in a long time, and it was in Pam's presence rather than anyone else's. Pam rarely showed her emotions; half the time Mackenzie wondered if she even cared. But then there would be a rare moment and she would just know; Pam would risk her life for her. "Can I ask you a question?"

"I suppose," Pam went back to brushing her hair.

"What happened that night?"

"No."

"No?" Mackenzie glanced over her shoulder.

Pam motioned her back around and she began to braid her locks over one shoulder. "I said no."

"How do you even know what I'm talking about?"

"I'm not touching this with a ten foot pole, kid." Pam shook her head. "I know what you want to know and I can't. This is not a conversation I can have with you."

Mackenzie's shoulders slumped forward. "Why not?"

Pam sighed as she tied the braid off before turning the girl around. "Because this is a story Eric needs to tell."

"I just want to know," Mackenzie frowned. "What's so wrong about that? I never asked about what happened ever when I was a kid. Why can't you just tell me?"

"This is something you and Eric need to talk about."

"But I…"

"I know you want to know, but I can't. And before you ask, Godric wasn't even there. He doesn't know exactly what happened," Pam stopped her before she could even ask.

"Does that mean you were there?" Mackenzie wondered. All she wanted to know was what happened that night Eric and Pam found her and brought her into their lives. She didn't want to believe her aunt, and she wouldn't. But that didn't mean she wasn't curious. She always had been but she knew it was never the right time. She couldn't remember that night, not really. She knew there had been a fire, but that was it. She wanted to know everything. It wouldn't change how she felt. Eric, Pam and Godric were her family. That would never change.

"I'm not going to talk about this anymore," Pam quickly stood, glancing at the bedroom door. Eric would kill her himself if she gave anything away. But that damn girl was giving her the sad round eyes that was beginning to make her crack.

"But if you were there then…"

"So Godric," Pam quickly changed the subject to her gran-maker. She wondered if Mackenzie had begun to feel the effects of Godric's blood. It made her smirk to know that soon, Mackenzie was going to be feeling very strongly towards him. She could only imagine how Eric would feel about that. This would give a whole new meaning to being an overprotective father.

"What about Godric?" Mackenzie was not amused that Pam had changed directions so quickly.

"He gave you his blood?" her smirk widened as she yanked the girl up and ushered her out of the room.

"Yeah…" Mackenzie was no idea where this was going and wasn't sure she was excited by it.

"How do you feel about that?"

Mackenzie shrugged. When she really thought about it, it still grossed her out. Knowing she had consumed his blood, it was weird. But at the same time, there was a possibility that she was not only healed, but also cured. It was a strange back and forth battle raging inside of her. "I don't know. Okay I guess."

Pam raised an eyebrow. "Have you felt any…different?"

"I'm not in pain. And I don't feel sick."

"But other than that?" Pam pressed.

Mackenzie stopped halfway down the hallway, planting her hands on her hips. "What are you on about, pam?"

The blonde vampire snickered as she stopped and sent the girl a smirk. "Nothing at all."

Mackenzie didn't like the sound of that. Before she could demand answers, however, someone came waltzing around the corner and caused both women to freeze.

"Ladies," Eric raised an eyebrow at the sight of them. He hadn't been expecting Mackenzie to be awake; walking the hallways was the last thing he needed. "Why aren't you in bed, Mackenzie?"

"I couldn't sleep," she shrugged, still eying Pam. "Pam is being cryptic."

"Are you now?" Eric glanced at his progeny questioningly.

Pam only shrugged, the smirk still plastered across her lips. "We were discussing her new blood bond."

"My what?"

"Pam," the two spoke at the same time, causing Pam to snort in response.

Eric frowned as he shot her a look of warning. "Don't you have something you could be doing, Pamela?"

"I promised Godric she wouldn't leave my side."

"Go find someone to eat for dinner; I'll take it from here." Eric waved her off.

"Oh but we're having so much fun," Pam grinned at Mackenzie. "Isn't that right, chick pea? She was just about to tell me how different she was feeling."

"I didn't say that!"

"Sure, sure."

"Pam," Eric nodded his head down the hallway. "Now."

"Oh don't be a party pooper," she rolled her eyes but strutted down the hallway anyways. "We'll talk about this later, Mackenzie!"

Mackenzie flushed a deep shade of red as she wrapped her arms around herself. She had no idea what Pam was talking about and now she felt self-conscious. Did she feel any different? She was healthy for the first time in nearly a year, but had anything else changed?

"Don't let her get under your skin," Eric offered a small smile. "You know how she is."

She nodded but couldn't shake the feeling that Pam was right.

"You really should be sleeping, Mackenzie," Eric wanted to usher her back into her room. He didn't want Godric's underlings to see her; he didn't want them to question her existence. There were already enough rumors about her and her ties to Eric and Godric. He didn't want any more. Having her just wander around didn't help at all.

"But I can't sleep."

"Well try,"

She frowned as she grew stiff. "I tried; I had a nightmare and I really don't want to have another."

"I'll sit with you."

"I don't want to sleep, Eric." She sighed. "Why can't I…"

"Because I said no. Back to your room," he took her by the shoulders and turned her around, walking her back to her room. "Just sit there if you can't sleep, I don't care."

"Will you tell me about that night?" she asked hopefully. If she was going to be forced to stay in her room all night then she damn well wanted to get some answers.

"No."

She dug her heels into the carpet until Eric stopped with a sigh.

"What, Mackenzie?"

"You promised you'd tell me," she reminded him.

"I told you we'd talk later. And we will. Much later."

Mackenzie pursed her lips and glared up at him. "Why can't you just tell me now?"

He was starting to feel a headache forming and he couldn't even get a headache. "Not now, Mackenzie. We'll have this conversation at a future date. But not now. You will stop talking about this."

"Why is everyone so afraid to talk about this? I just want to know what happened the night my parents died. How did they die? You said it was a house fire but it wasn't, was it? My aunt said that…"

"Don't." Eric hissed, his eyes narrowing into slits as his entire body tensed. He couldn't talk about this, not now. There was a house full of vampires that would gladly take this to the Authority. They were already in danger of the Authorities wrath; he did not need to add fuel to that fire. "I said not now."

"I'm not going to just drop it," she stood her ground with determination. "I want to know."

"And I want you to shut up and stop talking about it," he growled. His fangs were threatening to extend and he had to soothe away the ache with his tongue. "Room. Now."

Mackenzie couldn't believe him. What happened to the sweet vampire she had woken up to only an hour or two ago? Why was he acting like this was such a big deal? She didn't care what happened that night, not really. All she wanted to know was that her aunt had been wrong. Nothing would change. She didn't care if it hadn't just been a house fire. But this was her past. These were her parents. She deserved to know.

So why wouldn't anyone just tell her?

"I will physically force you if I have to," he warned. "But I really don't want to do that. For once in your life, Mackenzie, do as I say."

"Why do you have to be such an asshole," she shot at him, biting down hard on her lips to keep her emotions at bay.

She twisted on her heel without uttering another word, storming down the hallway. She threw open her bedroom door, slamming it shut behind her, before kicking it angrily. Why did Eric have to have so many mood swings? He was acting exactly like he had back in Louisiana. Nothing seemed to have changed. It didn't even take her being kidnapped and almost dying for him to give much of a damn about her.

"Asshole," she grumbled, glaring at the door as if it was Eric instead. She didn't just want to stay cooped up in that room and she made the quick decision that she wouldn't. She wanted answers and she knew the only other person she could get them from was Godric. He was somewhere at the party downstairs. All she had to do was find him, avoid Eric, and maybe just maybe she'd get her questions answered.

All she had to do was wait for Eric to stop hovering around the door. She could practically feel him standing watch, making sure she didn't sneak back out. She would pretend to be a good little girl and stay in her room, but the moment Eric left, so would she.

She was a Northman, after all; she had learned from the best.

It had taken an entire hour before Eric left outside of her door. She had been bored straight, sitting on the end of the bed, just staring between the door and the time. The moment he stalked off, Mackenzie was at the door, peeking down the hallway until he disappeared. She sighed in relief as she snuck out, making sure to keep as quiet as possible. Eric would kill her if he knew she was disobeying him.

Approaching the living room, she began to wonder if this was such a good idea. She could hear the party happening around her and she started to feel nervous. She couldn't even imagine how many vampires must have been there, celebrating their victory against the fellowship. She had never been around other vampires besides her family and Isabel, who she hadn't even seen since she was a kid. And now suddenly she was going to thrust herself into a room filled with them.

As if reading her thoughts, though Mackenzie had a faint idea that she did, Sookie came hurrying out of the living room and nearly collided with Mackenzie.

"Hey!" the telepath grinned widely. "Oh I'm so happy you're okay!"

Mackenzie was surprised when she was tackled by the woman, chuckling as she patted her back. "Glad to see you made it out of there alive too."

"All thanks to Eric and Godric,"

At the mention of Eric, Mackenzie pulled a face. Sookie laughed, knowing the feeling.

"Eric being a pain already? I thought he would at least tone it down for a little while. He just got you back and he's already pushing you away," Sookie shook her head. She had hoped he would let Mackenzie in, that he would just accept her as his daughter. Even she could see how much love he had for her. Why couldn't he just show that to Mackenzie? "He's an idiot."

"You don't say" Mackenzie rolled her eyes. "I shouldn't be surprised though. He's always been like this. I just thought…it's stupid."

"It's not stupid to want that," Sookie understood without her having to say it out loud – or read her thoughts. "I don't understand why he's being an ass. He was scared straight when you were taken. I've never seen him like that before. He really does love you, Mackenzie."

She wasn't sure she believed Sookie though. Sure, he had come for her, he had rescued her. But did he really care about her like everyone thought that he did. There were moments that it was clear that he must. But then he would do a 180 and everything would go back to square one. It was exhausting. She just wanted things to be different.

How had her nearly dying not changed anything?

"Maybe he's just afraid to show it when," Sookie nodded into the living room. "When there's dozens of vampires around. You know, big bad vampire and all."

"Yeah I guess," Mackenzie sighed. "You wouldn't by chance know where Godric is, do you?"

"I think he's in his office," Sookie offered. "I saw him slip in there. I think he was getting bored."

"I think I'm going to go find him. Thanks though. For everything. I'm not sure I would have made it till Eric and Godric got there if you hadn't have been there. You have no idea how much you just being there helped."

Tears formed in Sookie's eyes as she pulled the girl into an embrace. "I'd do it again if I had."

"You barely even know me. You hate Eric," Mackenzie didn't understand how this telepath could care about her so much.

"Just because you are a Northman, doesn't mean you're anything like him. You don't deserve what the fellowship did to you."

"Well thank you," Mackenzie squeezed the woman before pulling away. "I should probably go before Eric sees me."

"If I see him I'll distract him for you," she offered.

Mackenzie sent her a smile in gratitude before hurrying off into the direction she remembered Godric's office to be. It was weird for Mackenzie to be back in Godric's house. She remembered running these halls as a little girl, the thought of never returning here never crossing her thoughts. But it had been so many years since she stepped into this house, and she honestly thought that she never would see it again. It was for the wrong reasons, but part of Mackenzie was happy to be there.

Finding Godric's office with ease, and giving the hallway a quick glance, she went to knock on the door. It was opened, however, before she could, and she found herself looking like a deer caught in the headlights when Godric gazed at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Mackenzie," he stepped aside, welcoming her into the room.

"Hi," she murmured, slipping in past him. She had only been in his office a few times, usually when she had been bored and he had tried to entertain her while he had work to do. It wasn't until recent years that she understood he had been doing Sheriff business all along.

"Is everything alright?" he already knew of her conversation with Eric. He had heard his progeny stomping away not too long ago and he had felt her frustration build. He wasn't surprised at all when she came searching for him. He was reminded of a time when she was younger. She would always come running to him after she and Eric butted heads. It seems not even time had changed that.

"Just Eric being Eric," Mackenzie sighed as she glanced around the room before her gaze fell on him. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course," he nodded to the couch in the room. "What is it?"

She plopped down onto the leather and chewed on her bottom lip. She hoped Godric would react much better than Eric and Pam had. "What happened the night Eric found me?"

Godric was speechless. He had been worried she might ask about the blood she had consumed, but was shocked at the turn of events. "Why do you ask?"

She snorted. "Are you kidding me? Why wouldn't I ask?"

"It happened fourteen years ago. You've rarely asked in the past."

"You also haven't been around for six years so…" she trailed off, immediately regretting her comment. "I didn't mean that. I'm just…"

"No, it's alright," he stopped her, settling beside her on the couch. "I deserve it. You're right; I have not been in your life for six years. I have no idea the questions you may have asked since the last time I saw you."

"I don't want to talk about that," she curled her legs beneath her. "I just…I want to know, Godric. I want to know what happened to my parents. I want to know why my aunt cared so much about it."

Godric sighed. "This truly isn't a story I should be the one sharing."

Her face fell. "That's what Pam said."

"And she is right. While she was there that night, it is Eric's tale," he could see the disappointment on her face and it killed him. She was hurting, he could feel it. She was so curious about what happened, about why her family had cared so much. She just wanted to know about her own past, and Godric knew she deserved those answers. "I'm sorry, Mackenzie. You deserve to know, I understand that. But this is Eric's tale. I wasn't even there that night. I only know from Eric's stories what happened. I wouldn't be able to give you the answers you seek."

Her shoulders sagged in defeat. She was never going to know what happened.

"I'm sorry, little one." He laid his hand on her knee and squeezed gently. "I really am."

"It's fine," she mumbled, trying to shake his touch away. His hand remained, though his grip became firmer. He had a feeling if he let her go, she would scurry from the room and he didn't want that. He was worried her wandering around alone would get her into trouble. But he also wanted to spend time with her.

"Tell me what I can do to put a smile back on your face," he hated to see her anything but happy, and he had not seen her happy for so long. "I would do anything to make you happy."

"Except tell me what I want to know," she snapped moodily. He began to apologize, but she sighed and shook her head. "No, I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me. I'm just…I'm just in a bad mood I guess."

"Understandable. Is there anything besides answering your questions that I could do? I just want to make you smile, little one."

Her face scrunched up in thought, but it was her stomach that answered for her. She flushed as Godric chuckled, immediately standing and offering her his hand.

"I believe some food might help."

She gladly took his hand and let him lead her out of the room and towards the kitchen. They passed a few scattered vampires, each stopping to stare. Godric however sent each one a pointed look as he tugged Mackenzie to his side, placing an arm around her waist. She blushed at all the attention, knowing the vampires must have wondered who she was and why their Sheriff cared for her.

"Come," he pulled her along, "no one will harm you here."

"Because you're the Sheriff, right?" she asked. "You're like the big boss man. Oh! You're the godfather!"

Godric raised an eyebrow at the reference, not understanding. "I don't…"

Mackenzie stifled a laugh. "Never mind. So, Sheriff. How is that? Do you get to boss everyone around?"

Godric was hesitant to answer. He didn't want to talk about his sheriff duties, but he was also pleased her mood seemed to have passed. He hated to see her upset and he made sure to have a nice long conversation with Eric over it. "It has become quite boring, to be honest."

"Really?" she glanced up at him. "Not even a little bit exciting?"

"Not even a little bit," he admitted. "I cared more during the time that I was…away. But now I find it meaningless." He gazed at her out the corner of his eye. "I've found much more interesting things to fill my time."

A smile threatened to spread over her lips, and she failed to try and hide it. "Does that mean I'll see you more? After all this is over with, I mean."

"I will make it my personal mission," he assured.

"Good," her smile widened into a grin. "Because I've missed you, Godric. Like a lot. And I know I didn't accept you back into my life right away, but I…"

"It's alright, my sweet," he stopped her. He didn't need her apologies or excuses. She had ever right to be hesitant, to hate him. He still hated himself for leaving her. "You don't have to say it."

"I just don't want you to leave again. I mean, I know you're Sheriff, and you won't be able to spend all that much time in Louisiana but…"

"I've thought about resigning," he mused, smiling as her eyes widened in surprise. "I've never enjoyed politics, but it was a favor to the Authority. I believe I had other duties, however."

"Duties that involve me?" she asked hopefully, though her cheeks had turned pink at the question.

"Duties that only include you, Mackenzie," he promised, stopping to caress her cheek. "I couldn't imagine watching you, and Eric, return to Louisiana and not joining you. I want to be there. I promised you that I would, and I will not break my promise to you."

"I glad."

"I'll never leave you willingly, little one. With my blood, I am now a part of you always," he offered her a loving smile before nodding towards the kitchen. "Now let us get you fed."

Mackenzie nodded and allowed Godric to lead her into the kitchen, depositing her at the island before finding her something acceptable to humans. It was when his back was turned that the colour drained from her face.

"I will never leave you. I will always be a part of you now."

Her dream. She remembered it vividly, only she had forgotten about it after Godric had appeared out of thin air to ease all of her fears. But she still remembered that voice; a voice that had sounded so damn familiar but she hadn't been able to place it.

But she knew who that voice, belonged to. She knew who was the owner of those fingers and lips. And it absolutely horrified her.

It was Godric.