Chapter Forty-Two:

The smell of blood filled Mackenzie's nostrils and she fought not to be sick. The vomit was rising up her throat as she bit down hard on her bottom lip to keep her whimpers at bay. She was covered head to toe by the blood and guts of the vampire that had grabbed her. Whatever hadn't splattered across Godric and her, laid at her feet; a single glance downward and she felt dizzy.

"Do you understand what you've just done?" Nan hissed. "Killing one of our own for a human?"

Godric growled, his fingers digging into Mackenzie's hip. She squeezed her eyes closed as he held her tightly to his side, her legs wobbling beneath her. She felt sick. She felt like she was going to throw up right then and there. She tried to hold her breath, but even the feel of the blood on her skin and clothes caused her stomach to churn.

"You've betrayed the one true Authority," Nan glared darkly in Godric's direction. "When Roman hears of this…"

"Roman owes me many favours," Godric's tone was eerily calm as he spoke. His orbs, however, darted to where Eric and Pam were still entrapped by silver, another growl sounding from the ancient vampire. When a vampire dared to take a step towards Mackenzie, Godric immediately twisted and snarled "Take another step forward, and you will meet the same fate at your comrade."

The vampire froze before taking a hesitant step back, the gun in hand being placed back at his side. Satisfied, Godric turned back towards Nan who had her lips pursed in annoyance.

"You will release them," Godric nodded at Eric and Pam. "Now."

"The Authority will not…" Nan ignored his orders.

"What the Authority thinks, Ms. Flanagan, does not concern me. Release them."

Her eyes narrowed into slits. "You'll all meet the true death for this. All this for a mere human? This is absurd!"

Mackenzie's eyes grew as wide as saucers when Godric suddenly left her side, his hand wrapping securely around Na's throat as he shoved her against the closest wall. The vampires littering the room moved forward, but another snarl from Godric left them frozen in fear. Not a single soul was prepared to meet the true death at the hands of this terrifying beast.

"I am more than twice your age," Godric hissed, his grip tightening. "I am older than most of the Authority combined. You will show my family and me some respect. Is that clear?"

"She's supposed to be dead," Nan sneered over Godric's shoulder to where Mackenzie stood. The teenager shuddered at the orbs boring through her, and she subconsciously moved closer to where Eric was knelt on the ground, the silver still encasing his neck. "She's supposed to have died. You lied to the Authority, all of you!"

"She has proven to be no threat to our kind."

"That isn't the point."

Mackenzie had never heard such a terrifying sound from Godric before in her life. "Then what is the point?"

"She was supposed to have died. She could expose the truth. The human could…"

"That human has a name," Godric's eyes narrowed. "That human is also mine."

"She could risk everything the Authority has worked towards. She could single handedly destroy us. She needs to be taken care of, like she was supposed to be 14 fucking years ago!"

A sickening crack sounded in the room, a small gasp emitting from Nan as the bones in her neck snapped one by one. Simultaneously, a burst of strength coursed through Eric as he grabbed the wrists of the vampire behind him, ripping them right off. Mackenzie squeaked, the taste of vomit clear in her mouth as the hands, and silver, fell to the floor before her guardian in a heap. He rose to his feet in mere seconds, reaching for the vampire's neck just as Godric had done to the previous vampire.

"Even think about it and I will kill you myself," Nan warned.

"I'd like to see you try," Eric growled. He was stopped, however, before he could rip the vampire's head clean from his body.

"Eric," Godric halted his child's enraged desire. "Bloodshed is not necessary."

"But it would be fucking fun."

"You'll all die for this," Nan threatened them all, struggling against Godric's tight grasp. "And I'll make sure she dies first."

Without a second thought, Eric tore off the vampire's head, the body immediately exploding and blood splattering everywhere. Mackenzie couldn't stop the vomit this time, doubling over as she emptied her stomach in the pile of vampire goo at her feet.

"Fucking disgusting," Nan's expression twisted in disgust. "This is what you're keeping as a pet? Killing her would be doing you a favour."

It was growing more difficult by the minute for Godric to control whatever self-control he had remaining. He wanted nothing more than to tear the ice-cold bitch at his mercy limb by limb. But he knew the implications. This wasn't a vampire guard. This wasn't an indispensable face of the Authority. They truly would die if she were to meet the true death.

"She is no threat to us. She had been nothing but innocent," Godric managed to keep his tone even. "Threaten her again, Ms. Flanagan, and it will be the last thing you do."

"If you kill me you'll be digging your own grave."

"Which is why I have not staked you yet."

"Just give him a fucking reason," Eric growled before turning to the vampire hovering over Pam. "Release her, or else I won't hesitate to kill you too."

The vampire didn't. He immediately reached down with his gloved hands and yanked the silver net off of Pam. She cried out in pain as her scorching skin burned. Eric shot a quick glance at Mackenzie's form before kneeling beside Pam, cupping her cheek as he caught her gaze. When she nodded, assuring him that she would be fine, Eric was on his feet and at Mackenzie's side.

"Eric…" she whispered to the man she wanted more than anything to envelope her in a comforting embrace. But he was covered entirely with another's blood, just as she was. She wasn't sure she would be able to stop from vomiting again if another fleck of blood touched her skin.

"I'm here," he assured her, keeping close, but never touching her. He saw the turmoil, the fear in her orbs, and it caused his heart to ache. If Godric didn't kill the bitch, then he certainly would for frightening his Mackenzie.

"She's the cause of this shit storm. You all are. You couldn't have just left well enough alone. You had to attack the fellowship. Do you even understand the PR mess you've made?" Nan grunted. "The Authority wants her head."

Eric and Pam growled in unison before Godric held out a hand, ceasing them.

"Whatever bloodshed occurred at the Fellowship was their own doing. They captured my human; they tortured an innocent ill girl," Godric defended. "They attacked my home. They brought a bomb into my nest. This was entirely their doing, not ours."

"Well you fucking didn't help, now did you?"

"Careful," Eric bared his fangs at her in warning. "He might not kill you, but I will."

"Eric," Godric shook his head, finally shooting a glance in their direction. The look of warning he sent his child, however, did nothing to cease the sheer anger in the Viking's eyes. He was out for blood. He wouldn't be satisfied until Nan and all of her minions were nothing but a puddle of blood on the floor.

And Godric wanted the same.

But as he turned his attention onto Mackenzie, the blonde swaying as her face paled, he knew bloodshed was not the answer. For her sake. She had endured too much for one human to handle.

Sighing, Godric returned his gaze to Nan, his hands around her neck loosening. "Let us talk about this. Let us come to an understanding. I do not wish for any more bloodshed. We can come to an agreement."

"I'm not leaving here without her," Nan shook her head.

"Allow me to talk to Roman myself. I'm sure we can come to an understanding, he and I."

"You can't weasel your way out of this one," Nan sneered. "You will all die for this treason."

"No, Ms. Flanagan, I don't believe anyone else will be dying tonight."

"Not yet anyways," a cruel smirk slid across Pam's lips as she slowly rose to her feet. Eric held out a hand to her and she quickly came to his side.

Nan shot her a glare before Godric's growl brought her attention back to the ancient. "I will not negotiate."

"Perhaps Roman will be more reasonable then," Godric sent a scathing glance to the nearest guard. "Roman. I want him on the phone. Now."

The guard frozen, his eyes wide as he stared at Godric as if he had two heads.

"I haven't killed anyone yet. Maybe you'll be my first," Pam threatened with a lick of her lips.

Startled, the guard quickly dug a phone out of his pocket, dialing the Guardian of the Authority. The phone was immediately placed in Godric's outstretched hand, the vampire switching to another language as the exchange was short and ended after one a few sentences before the phone was held to Nan's ear.

"Speak," Godric ordered.

Nan hesitated, uncertain of what would come to pass. A look of fury eventually crossed her features as a voice spoke in her ear, demanding her guards to stand down.

"This is unacceptable, sir," Nan insisted. "I was ordered to…they killed two of my men! Sir, they…this is appalling! After what they've done…are you fucking kidding me? I will not…" she trailed off, however, as her face paled further. Eric smirked, gleeful at the commands by Roman and the Authority. "Fine. Yes sir. I understand sir. It's done."

The phone was snapped away seconds later by Godric. "Do we have an understanding, Ms. Flanagan?"

She wasn't happy. She would much rather watch as each and every one of these disrespectful idiots were staked before her. But it would be her own true death if the sentence was played out, and she valued her life too much to take that risk. Gritting her teeth, Nan nodded as well as she could while still within Godric's grasp. Satisfied, Godric released her and stepped backwards. Pam and Eric shared a disgruntled glance as Godric motioned towards the destroyed couches.

"Shall we sit?"

"Do I really have to go out there?" Mackenzie whispered to Pam who was standing guard by the bathroom door.

They had decided on Pam's room to discuss matters due to theirs being drenched in blood. The moment they entered the room, Pam had whisked her off into the bathroom, shoving the girl into the shower. Mackenzie wasn't sure if she was grateful or not for the moment to collect her thoughts; all she could see and hear were the deaths of the two vampires. It was a sight she would never forget.

"Sorry chick pea," Pam offered a sympathetic smile. "Godric and Eric aren't going to let them take you, you know that right?"

"Did you happen to see the vampires with the guns?" Mackenzie raised an eyebrow as she brushed out the tangles from her damp hair. As she gazed at herself in the mirror, she was relieved to see herself free from any blood.

"Did you happen to witness the exploding vampires with guns?" Pam immediately regretted the statement the moment it slipped from her lips. She sighed as she flashed before Mackenzie, laying her hands on her shoulders in comfort. "Nothing is going to happen you to, got that? Godric will kill each and every one of them before they lay another finger on you. I think that's been proven."

Mackenzie shuddered as Pam nodded at her discarded bloodied clothes she had tossed in the garbage. She knew Godric and Eric had killed inside of the church, but she had been unconscious during it. Watching them kill those vampires without a second thought right before her eyes, it was shocking. There was once a time she thought it would be impossible for Godric to even hurt a fly.

But Mackenzie was beginning to see an entirely new side to the ancient vampire she had spent half of her life growing up with.

"Pam?" she chewed on her bottom lip as she gazed up at the vampire. "What did Godric mean when he said I was his?"

A smirk slid across Pam's lips. "Oh that's going to be a fun conversation. I'm sure Eric is just thrilled."

"But what does it mean?" It was easier concentrating on the small facts while there were vampires in the next room meaning to kill them all. She needed the distraction, even for just a moment.

"That, kid, is one long conversation you're going to have to have with him," Pam snickered, squeezing her shoulders before taking a step back. "All set, chick pea? The storm troopers will kick down the door if we take any longer. I'd rather not get anymore blood in my hair this evening."

Mackenzie's shoulders sagged, but she nodded. Pam was right; this was definitely a conversation she needed to have with Godric. What worried her was the chill that had run down her spine at his claim, almost as if she enjoyed it.

She shoved that thought away, however, as Pam led the way out of the bathroom. She immediately put an arm around Mackenzie's shoulders, glaring at the guards as they passed. Mackenzie held her breath as they entered the sitting room, guards settled around the room. She noted, though, that they all kept a wide distance between themselves and Godric.

Smart vampires, she couldn't help but think.

"Finally," Nan sighed heavily, rolling her eyes.

Pam looked like she wanted to say something, but a warning look from Eric stopped her. She instead glared at the ice queen before nudging Mackenzie towards Godric. Mackenzie, however, remained rooted to the ground, unsure of what to do. She could feel every pair of eyes on her and she felt like some caged animal at the zoo. Nan's eyes were piercing through her, causing her to shudder, whereas she could feel Eric's encouraging, but worried glance. She was scared to catch Godric's gaze, but the moment she did, she began to relax. The way he was staring at her, offering a small smile, made her feel like nothing in the would could hurt her.

"Mackenzie," he stood from the couch and held his hand out to her. "Come join us."

She nodded, swallowing hard as she crossed the room and came to rest between Godric and Eric. With her vampire guardians surrounding her, she felt calm. They had all proven that they would do anything to protect her. She had a feeling Nan wouldn't even be able to get off of her chair before Eric would have her head ripped from her body.

She felt safe.

For now.

Sensing her mixed emotions, Godric squeezed her hand, keeping his clasped around hers as they took their seats.

"Now," Nan glared at them all. "I want to know everything. Leave a single thing out and I'll make sure Roman reconsiders letting you all live."

Mackenzie stiffened between Godric and Eric, but as a growl arose from the Viking, her muscles began to relax. He really would rip her apart should Nan even attempt to harm her.

"Ms. Flanagan," Godric sent her a warning glance. "I've already explained to you the reasoning behind the attack at the fellowship. Eric has graciously spoken about the night 14 years ago; we have told you everything."

"I want to hear it from her," her piercing gaze was on Mackenzie, causing the girl to squirm.

"Not a chance," Eric's eyes narrowed into slits.

"That wasn't part of the agreement," Nan reminded him. "Roman wants to know she won't fuck shit up again; so do I. And make it quick."

Mackenzie's orbs darted between Godric and Eric. The last thing she wanted to do was utter a single word to Nan. She wasn't even sure if she'd be able to. She felt tongue tied and speechless. How was she supposed to retell the events of the past couple of days if she couldn't even speak?

"Mackenzie?" Godric's hand squeezed hers. "There's no pressure. You don't need to do anything you're not comfortable with."

"Yes the little brat does," Nan grunted. "That was the god damn deal, Godric. She speaks. Or else."

"Threaten us again, Flanagan, I dare you," Eric growled threateningly.

"Don't push me, Viking."

Mackenzie's eyes squeezed shut as the two bickered, throwing insults and threats at one another. She was feeling dizzy again, overwhelmed by everything that had happened. It wasn't even an hour ago that she and Godric had been kissing, that she had discovered that she and Godric had shared the same dream. She almost wished she could go back to that moment, that she could return to that moment in his embrace. She had felt utterly carefree, and she longed for that feeling again. Mackenzie may be confused of her feelings towards Godric, but it was a much better alternative to the reality she was now facing.

"Little one?" Godric caught her chin, turning her face towards his. Mackenzie sighed as her eyes slowly opened, drowning in his worried orbs. "I know this is difficult. I understand that you're afraid. No one will harm you, I promise you."

Nan's scoff caused Eric to curl his hands into tight fists, imagining her neck within his grasps.

Godric ignored them, however, as he encouraged Mackenzie. "You are perfectly safe, my love."

"I don't have time for this," Nan pursed her lips together. "Either the brat talks or we're taking her."

"I'd kill you before you even laid a finger on her," Eric vowed darkly.

"I could have you killed for that threat."

"You couldn't."

"Try me."

"Enough," Godric demanded, sending both a dark glare. "Both of you, enough. This is Mackenzie's choice. Roman ordered no such thing. If she utters a word, it will be her own doing."

Nan wanted to argue, but at the growl that rumbled from the much older vampire, she reconsidered.

"It's entirely up to you," Godric's thumb caressed Mackenzie's cheek soothingly. He offered her a tiny smile and it was enough to cause her tensed shoulders to relax. "Whatever you decide, Mackenzie, we will support."

She shot a glance over her shoulder to where Pam stood behind them, the blonde offering her own encouraging nod. Eric's gaze was focused on Nan, challenging her to move even an inch, but offered his hand out to the girl. Mackenzie gladly took it, immediately feeling better as she clutched onto the man that had raised her, the man that had taken care of her despite the fact that she was never his responsibility.

The Fellowship claimed vampires were monsters, but Mackenzie knew that it was nothing but a lie. It weren't vampires that were the monsters, but instead humans. It had been humans who had treated her like dirt, who had tortured her and sold her blood to vampires. It had been humans who had never cared about her, who had never loved her like the three vampires surrounding her had. Nan Flanagan was entirely wrong; she would never do anything to ruin the mainstreaming image of vampires. Why would she when they were her own family?

Taking a deep breath, Mackenzie turned her attention onto the glaring woman. "What do you want to know?"

A/N: I am so so so sorry! It's been forever - too long even - and I'm extremely sorry about that. School sort of just took over, and I honestly just had the case of writers block with this fic. I can't promise a lot of updates, but I am getting inspired again, so I'm hoping to at least get a chapter up every few weeks, if possible. It might be more, depending on work load. I swear I'm never going to abandon this thing though. I love it way too much.