AN: Hello everyone. I suck I planned that I would try to get this up last night but I failed big time. Then I got sucked into watching the opening ceremony of the Olympics tonight and got distracted. Anyway so far eight of you have voted in the poll and you seem to want this story be an epic as that choice is in the lead. I am planning on leaving it up for another week so if you want to have a say get voting or leave a review with your preference. That is really all I have to say for today happy reading.

Chapter 9 The Good News and The Bad News

Godric's Point of View

Sookie is perfect in every sense of the word. From the way she tastes to how she responds is utter perfection. I was delightfully surprised when she asked us to stay. Part of me hopes that this was not just a plea for comfort but what she really wanted. Eric and I sit in silence watching her sleep. I am roused from my thoughts by my phone. It is a text from Isabel wanting to know when I could talk. I had not yet discussed the issue with Eric so I informed her that it would be closer to dawn before I got back to her. No matter how much I wanted to stay right where I was next to our little fairy I needed to discuss things with Eric. Things that were best discussed else were as not to disturb her slumber. I kissed her check before getting up to leave. Eric followed suit and we left her to her rest.

"What was the call about?" He asked lounging in one of the overstuffed club chairs in his study.

"Isabel informed me that one of our nest mates has gone missing. Farrel has disappeared and she fears that he may have been taken by the Fellowship of the Sun." I answer him simply.

"Are you going to have to leave? Do you need my assistance?" Eric offered.

"Yes to both but mostly I want to know if you think that Sookie could be of help. I am inclined to think she could save us a great deal of time but I fear putting her in danger." I admit.

"If you asked she would more than likely want to help. I can think of several safe guards that could be put in place to protect her. The wolf still owes me for clearing his father's debt. He would be an adequate day guard." We pondered and discussed several other ideas almost until the sun dawned. I left a note for Sookie next to her pillow before we retired for the day. I could not stop myself from kissing her check once more.

"Sleep well little one." I whispered leaving the room.

Sookie's Point of View

I slept far better than I should have considering the day before but then again maybe that is why. My dreams though extremely vivid were peaceful and comforting. I dreamt that we talked most of the night with a few intimate activities thrown in. Normally I would have been scandalized by such dreams but it just felt right with the two of them. I was eager to see if my dreams could live up to the real thing. I was slightly saddened to see that Eric and Godric had left the room but I don't imagine bursting into flames at sun rise is anyone's idea of a good time. I stretched and my hand hit a note folded up on the pillow next to mine. I smiled at Godric's lettering.

Little One

I hope that you slept well. Bobby should be here when you wake he will drive you around for whatever you need today. Please don't hesitate to ask him for help. There are a few things that we would like to discuss with you this evening when we rise.

Until This Evening

Godric

He had included my security code at the bottom. My smile grew when I realized that it was the date that I meet Eric. If I had not thought before that Eric truly cared for me this would have solidified it. I mean who really remembers things like that. I looked at the clock and grounded. It was close to nine and I had way too many things that needed to be done. I got up and dressed for the day. I probably should have been a little freaked out that Eric had clothes in this closet that fit me perfectly but I wasn't. I knew just how much Pam liked to shop so any excuse to do so would be a dream for her. I tried not to think about just how much the beautiful blue dress I pick out cost. Knowing Pam it was most defiantly designer and cost more than I make at Merlot's in a week. I had gone shopping with Pam once in lieu of payment for a job I did for Eric. It was scary to see how much she was willing to put down on a dress. I guess now that I had money out the wazoo I could afford to shop like Pam. Thinking about the money had me questioning if I could in good conscious spend it. That was however something to think about at another time. The dress flowed charmingly when I moved. I picked out a simple pair of sandals to wear with it. As the note said Bobby was in the kitchen waiting for me. He was talking with an older woman named Catherin who I had only met once before. She was at the stove making something that smelled divine.

"Good Morning Sookie. Did you sleep well?" Bobby asked noticing my presence.

"I did thank you. Eric said that you would be able to help me today. Greg Aubett my insurance agent said that he would meet me this morning at the house. I need to try and get a hold of my brother too." I said more to myself.

"We can get going as soon as you eat. Cat has been cooking up a storm for you this morning." Bobby answered me. I turned my attention to her when I realized that I had not had to try to keep my shields up. They were just there. It was a wonderful surprise not to have to work so hard to have a little peace. It must be a side effect of the blood. I thought to myself what other things could have changed since last night.

"I am just too happy to get a chance to cook. It is not every day that Master Eric has human guests over." Cat gushed placing a loaded plate in front of me. Just about every breakfast food I could think of was piled high on the plate. I gratefully ate the lovely meal Cat made for me. I was hungrier than I thought decimating my plate in a few minutes. She then ushered my plate away before I could offer to help clean up. I followed Bobby out to the garage, he held the door of Eric's monstrous SUV open for me. After a short phone message to Jason, Bobby and I road in companionable silence the rest of the way to Bon Temps.

I was not prepared for the destruction that awaited me when we pulled up to the lot that once held my home. Bobby ever the gentleman gave me all the space I needed to survey the damage. In all honesty it was not as bad as it could have been but it still pulled at my heart to see Gran's kitchen gone along with the back porch. The rest of the house was in better shape than I expected. While the back of the house was pretty much a goner the front at most sustained minor smoke and water damage. My car and the propane tank on the other hand were lost causes. The thing that broke my heart was not the destroyed kitchen or my car but Gran's garden. I had hoped that I would be able to live up to her green thumb but now it looked like I would be lucky to have any flowers come spring. I was kneeling by one of her prize rose bushes when two trucks came up the drive. One was Jason's truck the other belonged to Greg Aubett my insurance agent. Greg was an older man in his late fifties with salt and pepper hair. He was your ordinary insurance agent except for one little thing. He also happened to be a witch. I learned this one afternoon when I accompanied Gran to his office. Greg never did anything malicious with his magic in fact he used it to help protect what people had insured. I pondered if the magic that he had placed on the home helped in part to save it. Jason rushed to give me a hug and to yell at me. I noticed that Jason was not alone Alcide was standing with his back against the truck door.

"What is wrong with you why didn't you call me last night?" Jason hollered in a strained voice.

"It slipped my mind. I am fine by the way. Eric was here with a friend and we were talking. They got me out." I manage before Greg walked over.

"Sookie, Jason." Greg said in greeting. "I am going to assess the damage and leave my recommendations for contractors." He continued to look around. We left him to his work.

"Are you really ok?" Jason asked much softer this time. Alcide came closer to where we were standing. He stopped just behind Jason.

"Yes I am. Eric let me stay with them last night. He even sent Mr. Burnham to help me out today." I gestured to Bobby. He had taken a seat on the only lawn chair to survive the fire. Alcide seemed to prickle at the mention of Eric and Bobby. I chanced a peek in his head. I was surprised at how clear he was. The difference a little blood made was astounding.

How the hell does she know Northman? Ugh she even smells like him. She didn't smell like that last night. There is just no way a girl like her would take his blood willingly. Maybe she was hurt that has to be it she is too good of person to get mixed up with vamps.

His inner monolog distracted me from Jason's reply. I will be forever thankful to Bobby in that moment.

"Miss Sookie is being well taken care of. It is my responsibility to make sure all of her needs are met for the foreseeable future." He turned Jason's attention and took him away to talk.

"Did you really stay with Northman last night? How do you know him?" Alcide demanded taking a step closer. His tone put me on edge.

"I did Eric is the one that got me out. I am afraid to think what would have happened if I had gone to sleep when I normally would have. He saved me he is a good friend." I said cautiously.

"He is not a friend you should have. He is dangerous. You could get hurt associating with his kind." His mind was full of vile things about Eric, specifically something to do with his father. I did not think that one person could feel so much hate towards another being.

"No offence Alcide but I barely know you so you will excuse me if I don't trust your judgment on this. He may be dangerous but there are many far more dangerous things out there and I would rather have someone like Eric on my side." I took a step back and moved to walk around Alcide. His arm shot out to stop me, griping my waist and pulling me back in front of him.

"He is not the only one that could protect you and you are right you don't know me but I would like to get to know you." His mind shifted to me. I would give anything to get to know her. Even with his smell around her she is still heavenly. I am a far better choice of protection. Why she thinks she needs protection is beyond me but I would still be a better choice. I can be with her during the day. God I could just kiss her. His mind traveled down a path I had seen to many times before. I put my shields back in place instantly.

"Be that as it may I have things I need to do and he is helping me." I tried to distance myself from him again. This time he allowed me to back away. I hurried off in search of Jason but Alcide stayed close behind me. I found Jason on the phone. He nodded at me holding up a finger before finishing his conversation and hanging up.

"I was just talking with Andy. He said that the arson inspector found evidence of how the fire was set. He said that they have a suspect in custody and to make sure that you have Greg call him." I was about to reply when Greg approached us again.

"I will make sure that I do that. Sookie here is a check for the damages. I will be writing up the claim later today. This should be enough to cover everything." Greg said handing me a sizable check before continuing. "The Shurtliff's are just about done with the Hambey project over in Red Ditch. So I would give Randall or Delia a call." He handed me a card with their numbers on it.

"Sookie I could have a crew out here to clear and fix everything by the end of the day." Alcide spoke up.

"How much would it cost me and how long do you think it would take to get things repaired? I would like to know what The Shurtliff's have to say but if you want to stick around you can tell me if you can beat their estimate." I tell him retrieving my phone. Delia answered the phone after two rings.

"Shurtliff's Construction this is Delia how can I help you?" Her sweet cadence came over the phone.

"Hello Delia. This is Sookie Stackhouse. I had a fire last night and it took out my kitchen and back of the house. I was calling to find out if y'all would be free today to come out and take a look." I reply.

"Oh sure in fact we could be out your way in less than an hour. I am sorry to hear about your home." She said.

"I will see you then." I say in goodbye and we hang up. Maxine Fortenberry came up the drive along with her son Hoyt.

"Sookie dear are you alright. We just heard the news and I just had to come check on you. Have you been in the house yet?" She asked pulling me into a forceful hug.

"Thank you for coming. I am fine. I was just about to go in and see what I needed to do. The house has been closed up so I imagine it is rather smoky inside." I respond.

"Well we are here to help. I will take all of your linens and clothes and get them washing. Hoyt can stick around and help with anything else you need." She said blowing past me and up the steps. She enlisted the help of all the guys to take everything out to her car. She drove off promising to drop off all of my laundered things with Jason.

AN #2: I know this is an odd spot to end the chapter but I felt like it was going to be way to long if I did not find a stopping point. I will try to get something up Monday night. Please go vote and as always your reviews are much appreciated. Until next time everyone.