Chapter Forty-Four:

Mackenzie felt disoriented when she woke. It wasn't difficult to realize why she felt squished and trapped in place. Her cheeks burned as she found herself tucked against her guardian while Godric lay protectively behind her. She didn't even remember when Godric had joined them, or how they had all come to lying on the bed. She barely remembered much after the fiasco with Nan. She didn't even want to remember that.

Sighing, Mackenzie elbowed the two vampires, trying to pry herself free. She frowned when both sets of their arms were holding her to the bed.

"Stupid vampires," she grumbled, fighting with the heavy limbs, finally managing to free herself after a struggle. Stumbling through the dark room, she found the bathroom and slipped inside.

She didn't even know what time it was; she didn't want to. The closer to sunset it grew, the more nervous she would become. The dread of doing the interview was already eating away at her. She would do anything to delay it for as long as possible.

Glancing at the mirror, Mackenzie dismayed at her appearance. Her hair was a mess, her eyes red and puffy. She looked paler then she had the past few days, ever since Godric had given her his blood, and that worried her. Her guardian had mentioned that she was warmer last night and Mackenzie quickly laid a hand over her forehead. She couldn't tell the difference, however.

She couldn't be sick, could she?

No, she quickly shook the thought away. She merely was stressed and overwhelmed. Anyone would be in her situation.

She was not sick.

She desperately needed to believe that.

Rubbing at her face and brushing her teeth, Mackenzie slipped back into the dark bedroom and maneuvered until she found the door leading into the sitting room. She glanced one last time at the dead to the world vampires before gently closing the door behind her. It was almost startling to Mackenzie to find such a clean room as she moved towards the couch. The smell of blood still lingered in his nostrils and she was certain she would never forget the death and destruction that had occurred last night.

"Stop," Mackenzie scolded herself. The last thing she needed was to remember what had happened. She needed to focus if there was going to be any hope of surviving this interview. "Why did I agree to this?" she moaned, dropping onto the couch and putting her head in her hands.

She should have listened to her vampire family. They were all right. Doing this interview was idiotic. But not doing it was dangerous. It was so confusing. What the hell was she supposed to do? All she wanted was this to end and to go home. Only then would she feel at peace. Home, however, felt a million miles away. Would she ever be able to curl up in her own bed again?

Needing a distraction, Mackenzie reached for the remote and put the TV on. She searched through mindless dramas and comedies before stopping on the local news channel. What she found caused the blood to drain from her face.

"No," she cried out softly, her eyes growing wide as she stared at the TV in horror.

"Earlier this evening, Anne and Jonathan Jackson spoke out about their kidnapped niece, Mackenzie Summers…

"We finally had her. She was safe and sound after searching for her for fourteen years and those bastards took her again. We just want my sister's baby girl back."

"No, no, no, no, no!" Mackenzie's heart was pounding as the panic began to build. "This isn't happening. This isn't happening. Oh god this isn't happening!"

"Those savages brainwashed her. She had no idea what she was saying. We just want her back safe and sound…"

"Please god no," she was hyperventilating. How could her aunt and uncle possibly call themselves her family? They were monsters. They had kidnapped and tormented her. They weren't her family at all.

But it didn't matter to them. None of it mattered to them.

"Mackenzie?" a hand lay on her shoulder, causing her to jump. "Mackenzie, calm down."

She stared up at Godric as he rounded the couch and knelt before her. He grasped onto her hands as he tried to calm her anxiety.

"Breathe, my sweet, just breathe," he coaxed.

But she couldn't. Her only focus was the TV. "How can they do this?"

"You need to breathe," Godric squeezed her hands comfortingly. "You're having a panic attack and I need you to stop."

Her chest felt heavy, her head spinning as she couldn't take her eyes off the TV. Why was this happening to her? Why was all of this happening to her? Why couldn't these people just leave them alone? She was happy with her family. She was as happy as she could possibly be. Why were they still torturing her like this?

"Please calm down," Godric's face fell as he quickly lifted Mackenzie into his arms before settling on the couch with her on his lap. He turned her head away from the TV, caressing her cheek wit his cool fingers. "Just look at me. Hear me. Concentrate on me."

"Why are they doing this?" It was getting harder for Mackenzie to breathe, causing her to clutch onto Godric's shirt, gasping for air. "Why can't they just leave me alone?"

"Please, my love, please calm down," having her crumble in his arms tore at him. The beast from within, however, roared in fury. He wanted nothing more than to get his hands on these people, to cause them the same agony they were causing his Mackenzie.

"What's going on?" Eric bolted out of the bedroom, his eyes wide as he took in the scene before him. He had felt Godric's concern the moment he woke, startling him as he darted out of bed. The last thing he wanted to see was Mackenzie having another breakdown. He wasn't sure he would be able to get through another one. He would have the head of every single soul that had dared to hurt her.

Godric sighed as he motioned to the TV. Eric growled the moment he saw Mackenzie's biological family, storming over and ripping the TV right from the wall. It smashed to the ground, pieces flying everywhere as the rage vibrated off of him. Mackenzie jolted the moment the TV fell, as if waking from a bad dream. Her orbs darted around the room in fear before falling on her guardian.

"Eric?" she called to him in a small voice.

"I will kill them for this," the Viking was enraged. He searched for something else to smash, but the moment he felt her gaze on him, he froze. He turned and melted at the frightened look on her face. "No, Mackenzie. Not again. Don't cry. Don't freak out. Please."

She nodded numbly, swallowing back the rising lump while Godric rubbed her back soothingly.

"Breathe," Godric whispered to her. "Just breathe."

She followed his order and did her best to calm her erratic breathing. Her heart was still pounding, however, as she stared at the broken TV. How were they possibly going to fix this now?

"They're going to pay for this," Eric's threat was eerily calm as he stroked quickly across the room and pulled Mackenzie right off of Godric's lap. He cupped her cheeks gingerly, searching her eyes for answers to an unspoken question. "I will not let anyone take you away from me. I won't let anyone hurt you. I will kill anyone that tries."

The dark, lethal look in his eyes should have petrified her. But instead, Mackenzie found comfort in the promise, her arms immediately curling around the Viking. Eric sighed as he held her in his arms, his gaze pierce with determination.

They were not going to take her from him. Not her family, not the Authority, no one.

She was his.

"You need to eat, Mackenzie," Godric pushed the plate of food towards her. "You're going to need your strength."

"I'm fine," she assured.

Eric rolled his eyes as he stepped back out of the bedroom, pulling a grey t-shirt over his head. "Eat, Mackenzie. Now."

She wanted to argue, but the look on her guardian's face stopped her. She nodded and picked at her food, only taking a few mouthfuls every so often. Eric's lips formed a thin line, but he didn't push her.

"When will they be here?" Mackenzie questioned, glancing at the hotel room door.

"Soon," Godric assured with a small smile. "Eat up."

"I just want to get this over with," she sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I want to go home."

"I have a jet on standby," Eric squeezed her shoulder as he came to stand behind the couch. "The moment this is over, we'll leave."

"Promise?" she glanced up at him pleadingly.

"I promise," he nodded in assurance.

Relief flooded her and she found her appetite growing. Before she could finish the plate of food, however, the door crashed open, startling all three occupants.

"You look like shit," Nan grunted as she stormed into the room, only two guards following her this time.

"Evening to you too," Eric snarled, narrowing his eyes as he glared at the ice queen.

"Careful," Nan warned before waving at the guards. They moved to either side of the room, though they warily kept their distance from Godric. "After the shit storm this afternoon, we don't have an opportunity to fuck this up. You have one shot, sweetheart, or I will make sure you all pay for this."

Mackenzie gulped at the warning, her eyes growing wide.

"Don't you dare threaten her," Eric hissed. "I've killed people for less."

Nan merely smirked at the Viking. "Just try it, Northman. I'd like to see how well your little pet would fair once you do."

His fangs extended, but before he could leap, Godric halted him.

"Stand down," Godric commanded. "Now."

"Go be a good boy and get out of the way," Nan shooed him with a snicker. "Don't want to fuck this up, do you?"

"Now now, Nan, use your manners,"

The vampires in the room froze at the British accent that floated into the room. Nan suddenly spun as a brunette stepped through the doorway.

"What the hell are you doing here, Chancellor," Nan demanded to know. "I'm handling this just fine."

The brunette chuckled, her blue orbs dancing around the room with interest. Her gaze stopped on Godric for a split second before falling on Mackenzie. The teen could have sworn the tiniest of smiles appeared on her lips before it quickly disappeared. "Oh I see that."

"Roman put me in charge of this. I don't need the Authority…"

"Roman wanted someone familiar with this case to oversee the interview," the brunette's gaze hardened at Nan. "Unless you have a problem with that. I'm sure I can contact Roman…"

Nan scowled. "That won't be necessary."

"Good," the brunette waved towards the door. "The Authority have our own questions we would like answered by Miss Northman, if you would excuse us."

"I've already questioned them," Mackenzie had to stifle a laugh at how annoyed Nan was at the intrusion. Despite the serious situation, it was amusing to see Nan knocked off her high horse.

"Roman insists."

Pursing her lips, Nan struggled not to utter another word as she stormed back out of the room. The guards were hesitant to follow, but after a glance in Godric's direction, they quickly scurried out. The moment they were gone and the door was closed, Eric took a step forward, his hand falling from Mackenzie's shoulder. The brunette held up a finger, however, halting him mid-step. Minutes passed, Mackenzie's breathing the only sound in the room. Finally, a smile spread across the brunette's lips and Eric was across the room, grasping her by the back of her neck and capturing her lips with his own.

Mackenzie gaped at the sight. Her guardian did nothing to hide his pleasure for this stranger as Mackenzie spied his tongue darting into the brunette's mouth.

"Oh my god," she stuttered, covering her eyes. The last thing she ever wanted to see was Eric making out with anyone. He was practically her father; that was not an image she had ever hoped for.

A chuckle sounding beside her surprised Mackenzie, however. She peeked at Godric through her fingers, shocked to find a warm smile on his lips. She glanced back at Eric and the stranger and gagged when she found their lips still locked together.

"What the hell!" Mackenzie was so confused. She didn't understand why the Viking was acting so personal with a member of the Authority, or why Godric looked so carefree. Weren't they supposed to be wary of the group of vampires that could end their existence? They certainly weren't supposed to be attacking them with their tongues! "What the hell is going on?"

A soft giggle emitted from the brunette as she detached herself from a now pouting Eric. Her orbs were sparkling as she briefly glanced at Mackenzie before her gaze fell back on Godric.

"Hello father."

Father?

Mackenzie's head snapped in Godric's direction, her jaw dropping for a second time as she watched Godric cross the room and engulf the brunette into his arms. She dislodged herself, however, and dropped to the floor before him.

"Father," she greeted warmly, her eyes shining as she stared up at him. "It's been too long."

"Rise, Nora. Please," he cupped her cheek, lifting her to her feet. Mackenzie was startled by the look on the ancient vampire's face. He looked relieved, like nothing in the world could possibly be wrong.

What the hell was going on?

"Oh my daughter," Godric took her back into his arms with a wide smile. "Too long, my child, it has most definitely been too long."

"Yes, sister, far too long," Eric was smirking widely. "I'm hurt you haven't even called."

Nora rolled her eyes at the Viking. "You know how sensitive my position within the Authority is, brother. It's not by choice."

"You chose to join," he pointed out.

Godric quickly intervened, sending Eric a pointed look. "The two of you have argued over this for too many decades. Now isn't the time."

As he said this, all eyes moved towards the confused teen staring right back at them. For the life of her, Mackenzie couldn't understand what was happening. Father? Daughter? Sister? Who the hell was this woman and what did she mean to her family?

"What's going on?" Mackenzie questioned, glancing between Eric and Godric before her eyes focused on the stranger. "What the hell is happening right now?"

"Mackenzie," Godric released Nora and stepped towards the blonde. Once at her side, he clasped her hand and squeezed before motioning towards the brunette. "I would like you to meet Nora; she's my progeny."

For the third time, Mackenzie's mouth dropped open in surprise. "What!" But how was that possible? Godric had never mentioned making another vampire. Eric had never mentioned sharing his maker with anyone else. How could she just suddenly exist?

"I turned her many years after Eric," Godric tried to explain. "In the last century or so, she had become a very important part of the Authority. It was necessary for no one to know of our relation."

"But…" she could feel a headache starting to form. "I don't understand."

"Perhaps I can shed some light," Nora stepped forward with a warm smile. "I've always sought a challenge. I wanted power. I wanted authority. Even as a human, I did. I was…"

"A manipulative bitch," Eric snorted.

Nora rolled her eyes again. "In a matter of speaking. When the Authority formed, and the opportunity rose, I took it. No one could know about Godric or Eric, though. It was for all of our safety."

"I don't…no one knew?"

"Not a single soul knows that Godric is my maker, or that Eric is my brother," Nora nodded.

"Not even Pam," Godric offered. He could feel not only Mackenzie's confusion, but also the bubbling betrayal. "No one could have known, Mackenzie. It's why we never told you. I never thought we would have to."

"Another lie," she murmured under her breath.

"No, Mackenzie," Godric shook his head. "Not another lie. This was for everyone's protection."

"The past fourteen years has been for your protection," Eric added, his smirk dropping into a frown.

She needed a minute to digest. Godric had another progeny. Eric had a sister. One that no one even knew about, not even her or Pam. It seemed impossible, like some bad nightmare. What else were they hiding from her?

"Don't," Godric was before her in a flash, blocking her view of Nora. He caught her chin as her betrayal grew. "Don't feel like this. Please. This was never to hurt you. No one could know. Not even you or Pam. I'm sorry, but it's been a secret long before you were born. It was necessary for all of our survivals."

Mackenzie blinked as she tried her best to understand. Godric appeared so torn, and she immediately felt the need to believe him. But how many more lies were there going to be? She wasn't sure if she could handle any more reveals.

"No more," she pleaded with him. "Please no more lies, Godric."

"I promise," he leaned forward, brushing his lips across her forehead. "Not a single one."

Mackenzie sighed heavily as Godric stood, stepping to her side as she glanced back at Nora. She was pretty, Mackenzie had to admit. Her brown hair looked soft as it fell to her shoulders, her blue orbs an odd tradition in their strange little family. She still didn't understand how this helped anything. Could Godric's progeny, Eric's sister, honestly help them in any…

Mackenzie suddenly jumped to her feet, appalled as the realization struck. "Oh god! Eric!"

"What?" the Viking raised an eyebrow.

"You kissed your sister!"

He snorted at the accusation. "She's my vampire sister, Mackenzie."

"But she's your sister!" her nose scrunched up in disgust. "You just made out with your sister."

"It's not a big deal," he rolled his eyes.

"Oh so you can make out with your sister, but I'm not allowed to have dreams about Godric?"

Godric choked at her outburst, Eric's eyes growing wide. Nora merely stood still, amusement clear on her face as she watched the three interact.

"Not. The. Same." Eric grit his teeth, his eyes narrowing. "Not the same at all."

"Completely the same. Hypocrite," Mackenzie threw at him.

"Child," he glared at he pointed at her before at himself. "Parent."

"But you kissed your sister!"

"Perhaps we should discuss the matter at hand," Godric stepped forward, glancing between the two.

Nora chuckled. "Always needed to play referee, father."

"I'm wondering when the members of my family will stop behaving like children," he stared pointedly at Eric and Mackenzie.

Mackenzie pouted at Godric. "Technically I'm eighteen and he's over a thousand. I'm allowed to be a bit childish."

"Parent!"

A/N: Short and Sweet. I felt like we needed some humour and not so much angst. And really, I just needed Nora because she is utter perfection. (Silly show for killing off all the good characters!). Thank you all SO MUCH for the support. You guys are amazing, and I'm really surprised you've all kept up with this. I actually have to admit that the end is starting to approach, which makes me incredibly sad. I hate finishing things, it always seems like an end of an era. This will likely lead me to putting it off, but I'm going to try hard not to do that.