Chapter 9

SPOV

We had been milling around Princess Diana's grave, discussing our impressions of the woman and her life. Alice had been saying, "I remember meeting Diana in the 1980s during one of her mission trips to Africa. She was a really warm and genuine person."

Rosalie added, "I told Alice how much I admired her for the strength she showed as she became involved in the world of British hierarchy. She introduced us. We enjoyed her company numerous times after that."

"Losing her was so unfortunate. I wish I could have warned her" Alice mused.

"What do you mean" I asked. We were all intrigued by their tale, except the other vampires who were immersed in their own conversation.

"I saw her death. Anyone with this power knows that you cannot interfere in all your visions. It could drive one to madness." Alice was a gentle creature, the most human of any vampire I have met. Her family shared this trait, but she was more. I could tell that she was different from her vampire siblings by the way some of them looked at her when she spoke.

"Amen." Cassandra said, finally joining the conversation. "That was the hardest lesson for me to learn. It's even harder when physical contact makes the visions stronger. Some people deserve their fates. And while their demise can be difficult to handle, it is sometimes for the betterment of all." Her words hit a cord. This must be why I was given a second chance. Our fates, as in Eric's and mine, were to protect the supernatural races from oblivion at the hands of human and supernaturals alike.

We sat in silence, deep in our own thoughts. It was short lived.

"Someone's coming!" Alice declared. We all froze for a moment. The vampires surrounded us. Jazz pulled her gun and SS pulled two long knives from each of her boots. I wanted to know if it was friend or foe before in went defensive.

"Do you see who it is? What do they look like?" I was frantic and shaking slightly.

"Tall, long white hair. Regal and…glowing?" Bella and Rosalie were at her side. Cassandra stood next to me, her shaking mimicking my own.

"It's Niall, my great-grandfather. Calm down everyone." Suddenly, there was a POP and he assessed our little group.

"Hello, my dear. And greetings to your friends." He bowed deep to the ladies. "I wish I didn't have to interrupt your evening, but trouble is approaching and I need to get you all back to the safety of the estate."

We all looked at each other. Obviously, time was a factor. "Gather around me and place a hand on mine." he said with his hand outstretched. "You should all close your eyes, even vampires." I was glad that he could mask his scent. Otherwise, he'd have to battle 7 vampires. And that wouldn't have ended well for anyone.

They followed his orders, but I stood to the side. "Go now dear. We are right behind you." I knew this wasn't a time to argue. I glanced at Pam. She nodded and I did as I was instructed.

POP. POP.

We all reappeared in front of the main entrance to the mansion. Niall threw open the doors and ordered everyone to the grand dining room. I remained behind. Once everyone was gone, I leap into his arms.

"Great-grandfather! I thought you wouldn't be here until tomorrow?" It had been a while since we'd seen each other. He held me tighter than he usually would have. He had his signature smile on his face, but his eyes were full of fear.

"What's going on?" I was near panic until he grabbed my arms, rubbing them up and down. I felt calmer after a moment.

"All will be explained. Come. Let's join the others before your Viking comes to retrieve you himself." After my first year back, we reunited. He had been unaware of my pledging and marriage to Eric. In our 'first life', their relationship was tenuous at best. Since they had fought with and against each other in the past, there were some trust issues on both of their ends. After a lengthy discussion with both men, they came to the agreement that it was easier for them to get along rather than suffer my wrath. Pam was amused, but wisely kept her distant and mouth shut.

Just as we entered the hallway leading to the group, Eric burst through the entryway. That's my Viking, all protective and territorial about what is his. It turned me on so bad. Our blood was screaming to join. He scooped me up at vamp-speed and devoured my mouth. If Niall hadn't coughed, we would have fucked right there in the hallway. I really hope this will be quick.

He growled and reluctantly, set me down. "Soon" I whispered in his ear, licking his lobe. We entered, hand in hand, and took our seats. Niall continued on to the head of the table to stand next to AP.

EPOV

I had already begun strategizing logistics when I felt her return. My body tensed as if I'd just be struck with an object, but I felt the balloon of anxiety burst knowing that she was near. If I still needed to breathe, I would have let out a sigh of relief.

Moments later, the doors opened and a group of women entered, including Pam. As the last of them entered, I noticed that Sookie wasn't with the group. I looked to Pam, who looked very concerned. I took this as a sign that something was wrong. Although I would realize later that she was concerned about Niall's presence at that moment, my world stopped.

I stalked out of the door and had just turn toward the main entrance when she and Niall turned the corner. The look in her eyes when she saw me was hard to describe. I felt like I was looking into the eyes of a Goddess who had just frozen me with her stare. And her feelings of love, lust, and devotion flooded our bond. I had to have her in my arms.

I scooped my beloved wife up and crashed my lips to hers. These were moments that I wish she didn't have to breathe. I would spend the rest of eternity kissing those lips that belonged only to me.

It wasn't until Niall coughed that I realized that we had to stop. The group was waiting on our arrival and I needed this to be over as quickly as possible. As I place her back on her feet, she pulled me close. "Soon" she whispered as she licked my earlobe.

I was close to losing the last of my control and patience. I grabbed her hand and we went in.

Author's Notes:

Ah, the beauty of love. As I wrote this, I thought back to a moment like this that I shared with my mate. I can only dream and pray that we still have these moment in 25 years.

*All characters belong to their respective authors.

**I OWN NOTHING**