Author's Notes:

To think that Eric would not be able to cook is just plain dumb. This is the night before childbirth, so you know the night will be epic.

SPECIAL THANKS to ashmo2000 for sticking with me.

*The characters in this chapter belong to their respective authors, CH, & AB.

**I OWN NOTHING**

Chapter 50

SPOV

As we watch Eric walk out of the room, displaying that powerful swagger that makes every person within his radius pay attention, I feel extremely blessed to have him in my life. The Viking Sex God of old is my bonded pledged mate in the vampire world, my husband in the human world, my best friend, and the father of my children; to imagine that I would have all that, and with Eric Northman, Vampire Sheriff of Area 5, was impossible. Fortunately, that is my reality now, over two decades later. Plus, I also have a family full of loving people that are willing to fight at my side to preserve our collective freedom is amazing.

"This is why all the pain and death was worth it my child." My gaze falls on my godly Mother, whom I forgot was there as I spaced out.

"I know. The time for such pain and death on our side is over. Breandan, Niall, Grimhild, Hela, and anyone else will regret the day that they learned I existed." The power flows freely under my skin. I raise my hand in front of my face and watch in awe as my skin becomes ablaze in a bright red light.

"Astonishing, is it not?" The smile on her gorgeous face could lighten the darkest night. "You can do so many things. The white light is your natural power. It was strengthened with your resurrection so it is more comparable to a Fae Elder of long ago than the insignificant speck that is Niall. As you gain your powers, you will be able to switch between or combine them at will. This is your Fire, the warrior in you. It is very strong and can be used to accomplish many things besides killing. Try to bring up just your Spirit."

Closing my eyes, I push the anger and bloodlust back into the box I created in my mind. I search for my soul and when I find it, I open my eyes again. Now my hand is surrounded in an almost neon purple glow that seems to pulsate.

"Only the strongest of the Gods and Goddesses have such power; it is much like a living organism on its own. You are no doubt my child." She nods emphatically to herself.

"Now I want you to combine your Spirit and Fire." She watches as I work through the process in my mind. It doesn't take me long to figure it out and the aura around me is now fuchsia in color. "Excellent. You learn more quickly than Hnoss or Gersemi." I smile at her for the praise.

"Will I ever get to meet them?" I suddenly feel the knot in the back of my throat at the chance that the answer is no.

"Of course, you will. I was thinking about bring them tonight, you know, to 'stir the pot'. They are going to help me with the babies while you are in battle." She looks over my shoulder to be sure Eric is nowhere in sight. "What is your progress thus far?"

"Two down, one on standby. I suspect that some will be dealt with before the end of the night. Everyone has been giving their all and it has been so great to have others to share the burden with. I love them all." The thought of our growing nest makes my heart swell with joy.

"Outstanding. I am also going to tell Brynhild to come. As you know, she is Captain of the Valkyries and mostly serves under Odin. Being at the top has given her somewhat of a complex when it comes to receiving attention from powerful men." I couldn't help the raised eyebrow. I'll just blame it on being with Eric so long.

"For example, when she first met Thor, she believed that he was a gift from Odin after all that had befallen her with Sigurd/Guttrom fiasco. By then, he was already married to Sif, who is originally from this realm. Brynhild was upset that Sif was a mortal and possessed no god-like powers. Words were exchanged, and with Loki instigating the situation, she issued a challenge against Sif for Thor's hand. Angered at his brother's manipulation and her stupidity for listening to him, Thor accepted the challenge on behalf of his mate and beat Brynhild unconscious. Granted he had to for she was enraged and would not stop when commanded, not even by me.

I can see her having similar thoughts about Eric, tales of his beauty and power are legend throughout the universe, so I will not be surprised if she makes a scene. However, keep in mind that you are my child and not a mere mortal. Establish dominance early on and she will become as loyal to you as she is to Odin." I feel my power turn red at the thought of any woman challenging me for Eric. I could have killed that bitch from the club, but I remembered that she didn't know any better. Brynhild was different. She knows more about the inner workings of my godly family then I do. Hell, she is part of that family. I won't fight with anyone unless they are hell bent of taking away what is mine.

"I will keep that in mind." I glance at the clock above the door leading out to the back porch to see that I have two hours to get dressed. "Oh, shit! I need to get ready."

At my words, we both stand and she pulls me into a tight hug. My head comes to her chest, due to our height difference, right where her heart would be. Instead of a heartbeat, I hear the crashing waves of a turbulent sea. I wonder if that is why I have always smelled the North Sea around Eric, even when I was human.

"This will be an unforgettable night. I anticipate many of the Gods and Goddesses will come to your mate's club. An inter-realm war of this magnitude hasn't been seen for thousands of years. Many did not think they would see the day that they would learn if you were to exist. And now you are here." She kisses me on the forehead. "I will leave you for now and see you in a few hours." Then she is gone.

I pop into the cubby and summon my handmaidens so that we can get pretty.

Pam's POV

I love it when a plan comes together. I've spent the last three nights being popped all over the world by Kaitlin (who is very tasty) to recruit the best of the best. Every vampire room at the Roosevelt in New Orleans is now filled with our new recruits. As soon as words like 'slavery', 'war', and 'Eric Northman' left my mouth, they were packing a duffle bag and meeting me at the car.

Several of them already knew I was coming and were just waiting to be picked up. I discovered that these were the ones who knew the Cullens. I was a little impressed with their reach as far as allies are concerned.

I'm currently standing in the middle of my office, trying to decide which dress I want to begin the evening in. Tara is running a little behind, but also in route with her own selections. As maker and child, we must coordinate. I'm in deep contemplation about accessories when I feel my own maker blink into his office across the hall. Although I am only wearing my silk robe (black with the Northman crest on the back), I vamp over there immediately.

"Good evening Master" I greet as I take one of the chairs in front of his desk. He is the most handsome I've ever seen him to be in his black Armani suit. His tie and handkerchief are black with the Northman crest printed in a blue that is the same shade as his eyes. I see he has decided to cut his hair short. I wonder if that is Sookie's doing.

"Good evening my child. And no, Sookie does not know I have cut it. I left her with her handmaidens to get dressed." Ugh! That is so freaky. Isn't it enough that we have the bond? "No it is not" he answers.

"Stop that! Has she taught you any etiquette with using that new power of yours?" I let my amusement seep into the bond.

"Yes. But it is more fun when it is you I am torturing." I stick my tongue out at him as he laughs.

"I would ask you if everything is in place, but I already know the answer." I nod. He powers on his laptop and immediately dives into his emails. I rise and am about to leave when he stops me. "Wait. Godric is on his way and he has news. I have also been warned by Odin that there will be several Gods and Goddesses in attendance to see that Sookie does in fact exist. I want you, and whoever you deem necessary, to say close to her this evening. All of them may not be friendly." Intrigued, I retake my seat. He then tells me that Sookie discovered Niall's big secret and that the Goddess Freya visited them today.

"She is so beautiful. I would love to take a ride on the Goddess roller coaster of love. Just to know I did. No bragging intended." He shakes his head in mock shame as the door opens and closes, signaling my Grand-sire's arrival. Tara is not far behind him.

"Good evening my children. I have important news" he begins as he tells us all he has learned from the happenings in the New & Old Worlds. Now having a decent list of suspects, we mark their locations and discuss battle strategies.

"There is also someone special that I want you all to meet this evening. I must confess that I have hidden your identities from them as I have hidden the connection we have with one another from you. Please know that this was for the safety of all involved." We all nod our heads, curious as to what would have Godric so nervous.

"Whatever it is, we understand and there are no hard feelings. You are our Master. All that you do is out of love and for our safety" Eric says matter-of-factly because it is the simple truth.

"It warms my undead heart to hear that you all feel that way." He pauses and then blurts it out. "I am not the only child of the Exalted One. I am one of five. One has met the true death. The other three live in isolation from the known world and their existence has been unknown for all this time. We all would have been targets if the rest of our kind knew that we were turned by the Ancient Pythoness and would have been seen as a means to control her power and sight. Therefore, by her command, we were to hide ourselves and tell no one of our lineage to her. Then she released us."

The three of us – Eric, Tara, and I – are speechless and enthralled by this new information. Godric continues, "Two of them are still hidden and I do not know where they are or if they will show themselves. I pray that their presence is not required as our logical processes are not often compatible. The one that will be coming tonight was turned less than a decade before me. The knowledge my bloodline has just been revealed to him so he is now anxious to meet you all."

We all sit there, waiting for him to continue, but he doesn't. After a couple of minutes, I had become impatient. "So are you going to tell us who your vampire sibling is or not?" I ask. Eric glares at me as Tara shakes her head. "What?" I ask them but get no answer.

"I…believe I will wait until later on in the evening." And then, he is gone. Tara is staring at me with her mouth hanging open ('catching flies' as my telepathic Mistress would say) and I look to Eric for his commentary. Before I can ask him what he is thinking, he dismisses us.

"We do not have much time left before guests begin to arrive. Begin the evening with the navy blue dresses. I want everyone to begin representing their kingdom as the party starts. Jessica is wearing Godric's colors with the crest this evening."

"At least whoever it is shouldn't be hard to pick out." I say as I open the door for Tara to exit.

"What makes you so sure?" Tara asks.

"He'll be the sexiest man in here besides those in our nest." I answer confidently. I catch a glimpse of Eric's famous smirk as I close the door behind us.

SPOV

"It is 8:30pm Mistress" says Mari.

"The ladies of the House of Cullen await you in the living room" says Kaitlin.

I look in the mirror once again; my heart and stomach are fluttering with my nervousness. Eric has already inquired about my unusual tardiness, but I told him I was still getting beautified. He understood that easily, stating that Pam and Tara were still fussing over their appearances, but begged that I hurry. His waves of lust didn't help the situation, only serving to increase my frustration.

Some of the most powerful creatures in the universe were coming to our little piece of Louisiana to see me, little ole me. Even though I'm not so 'little' in this world anymore, it still seems like a waste of time. But I know that Eric would point out that these are the people who need to see me to understand that we must all stand as a unified front against any who threaten our lives and freedom. Then, of course, he would also say that it is my beauty they come to behold and to congratulate him on his reward of me as his mate.

I giggle and then notice that his waves of lust have morphed into calm and pride. That's my man. I swoon a little and send him a heavy dose of my love. I focus on my reflection in the mirror and try to center myself. Suddenly, I feel Esme's mind moving closer to my bedroom door.

"Come in, Esme" I say loud enough for her to hear. She silently slips into the room and closes the door just as quiet.

"I don't mean to intrude. I just wanted to check in on you." She comes to stand behind me as I sit at my vanity. I have just finished putting in my diamond earrings, followed by my gold and ruby dangling earrings. I reach for the matching necklace (one that originally belonged to Gran), which Esme offers to help me fasten. I take her up on this and break the silence.

"Thanks. I'm sorry it's taking me so long. I'm just really nervous and trying to get my game face on." I catch her gaze in the mirror.

"I completely understand, at least in a general sense." Her thoughts are of how beautiful I look and how she would have been so proud if I was one of her daughters, and it brings tears to my eyes. She quickly fastens the necklace and grabs me a tissue. Turning me towards her, she dabs my eyes.

"Shh. I know that you are scared but you were chosen for a reason. All of these beings are coming because you are their hope. Just remind everyone that it is not just about you and then everything will be fine. This is just the initial shock and it will be over before you know it." She slowly rubs up and down my arms, much like Gran used to.

"Thank you so much. I just needed someone to put tonight into perspective for me. So much as happened so fast and soon…" I trail off as I get lost in petting the babies growing inside me.

"Anytime you need someone, you can always call me, Carlyle, and any other Cullen. We love you guys for the people you are and what you've done for us." She gives me a big hug and I feel energized. I didn't realize what was going on until I pulled away as see my purple light being absorbed into Esme. She shivered but doesn't speak. Her mind is all warm and fuzzy, almost like she's experiencing a really nice high.

"Oh, my…I haven't felt like this since I was human…over 100 years and…WOW!" she shouts, startling me. Bella and Rosalie rush into the room.

"What's going on?" they ask in unison.

"I…I…I didn't mean…" I trail off.

"You are so wonderful!" she exclaims as she pinches my cheeks…"Oh, look. There are two of my girls!" She tries to stand, stumbles over my slippers in her own heels, and flops onto my bed laughing hysterically.

Those same two girls were now glaring at me and I was struck dumb.

EPOV

I can feel her distress, yet she doesn't seem to be angry or in any pain. The Goddess' words play in my mind like the sweetest melody and I force myself to remain seated. If I were a much younger vampire, anything with fangs would have notice the sudden change. However, I am almost the oldest thing in the room. There are more old vampires here than I expected but it is no matter. I dare any being to try me. I have been yearning to drain or rip something apart; to watch the soul of any enemy leave this plane has been a hobby of my since I was 10, it must be why I am so good at.

I spy my maker standing at the entrance leading to the offices. He looks out over the crowd, eyes calculating possible threats while strategizing how to handle any situation that may arise. It takes him less than 15 seconds to complete his assessment. Even from this distance, I can see and feel his wheels turning. Of course, I am his child and he taught me so this is to be expected.

At vamp speed, he takes his seat next me. For this event, I had the dais set with 10 thrones. Each was draped with colored silks representing each state's flag, signifying our commitment to the state's welfare for the benefit of the human government. While Minnesota and I have two thrones for our kingdoms, the others have one; therefore, six kingdoms are sponsoring this event. Sookie and I are in the center as the primary host kingdom, with blue, white, and yellow (representing New Mexico) as its colors lay over my throne. Due to the many titles that Sookie holds (and will hold in the future), her throne was draped with the colors of the rainbow. Nevada (Pam) is a rich navy blue, Minnesota (Betsy and Sinclair) is a blue that was set between that of mine and my child's colors, and Washington (Carlyle) in a vibrant green are to sit to Sookie's right. Arkansas (Godric) is a cherry red, the Branco Trust (Vayl) is tan, the Nightside (John) is black, and the Ancient Pythoness is gold and white, will be seated to my right.

Most would be happy to have the largest monarchy, since I am currently holding two states, but I am not. I have no intention of keeping New Mexico. I just do not care enough to deal with any other state than the one that is dear to my lover's heart. If she told me to give up this realm, I would. I hope, one day, she will.

I am drawn out of my thoughts when I feel my maker tug at our bond.

"I can feel your detachment in the bond. Is everything alright?" he thinks at me.

"I am fine, but will be better once Sookie is at my side. I am getting worried. And before you think it, I know. I remember her words loud and clear. It is the only reason I have not left to retrieve her myself." He leans over a little and pats my shoulder.

"The strength of your love for her is immeasurable and it humbles me to see it and know it through my own child." These words are spoken aloud to show how much he believes them.

"That strength comes from her. She is its source and will forever be so. I can only hope that we can finish this tomorrow night without too many casualties." We give one another a knowing look. He nods his head in acknowledgment as we return to our silent conversation.

"Do you think we should send the girls to check on her? Is she alone?" His concern spikes and it fills me with pride to know that my maker would give his own ancient life to save that of my mate and children.

"The Cullen women were going to be accompanying her. I will admit only to you that sending them would ease my mind. I will know if my presence is truly needed with three of our own bloodline going to see about the situation." Without any verbal exchanges, Godric stands and vamps back to towards the offices. Moments later I feel Pam, Tara, and Jessica leave the club.

My lover better be with them when they return or the war may begin tonight, starting with anyone I suspect to have ill intentions towards me and mine. And I do not have to guess who they are this time around.

PPOV

Tara and I had finally completed our look and were standing in the mirror admiring ourselves when I felt her.

"PAM! I need you right now, but don't let Eric or Godric know. PLEASE, hurry. And bring back-up!" Sookie yells into my mind. Ugh! I hate it when she does that.

"FUCK! Come on. Sookie needs us. Go get Jessica and meet me out back. And DO NOT let them see you." I command my child. She nods and vamps out of my office. I walk slowly out to the edge of the employee area to spy my maker and his maker sitting on the dais. I smooth my hands over my dress and make my way over to them, making sure to close off my emotions.

"Have you heard from Sookie, Master?" I ask nonchalantly.

"No and I am getting worried. Go get her and the Cullen women. We will not begin until they arrive." I nod and vamp out of the back entrance. Kaitlin is there with Tara and Jessica as I approach.

"What the fuck is going on?" I ask my fairy fuck buddy.

"You will have to see it to believe it." Without further ado, we all grasp hands and Kaitlin pops us to the farmhouse.