Once outside, Godric commanded the waiting vampires to leave and rejoin him at his nest at midnight. Blondie stood next to us staring at Godric's and mine intertwined hands.
"Go to the nest, Eric," Godric commanded before turning to Isobel. "Go find your human and bring him to the nest."
The vampires left to do as their sheriff commanded except Eric. Blondie stood there still gawking at Godric and me, and he wanted to say something. Godric spoke before Blondie could open his mouth.
"Eric, Som din tillverkare beordrar jag dig att återvända till boet." Godric spoke some other language.
Blondie seemed to understand because he left immediately taking off into the air. He flew. He fucking flew away. I stared up at the sky, but I knew that Eric was long gone. Holy Shit. Vampires fly? My thoughts were interrupted when Godric pulled me into his arms, and we were air born. I could hardly hear my screaming over the rushing wind as we moved through the night sky. Air rushed past me, and my hair wiped around my face and shoulders. I was pretty sure I choked on some of it. I gasped trying to breathe, but the air was moving too fast for me to get a full deep breath. I tucked my face into Godric's neck, and after I few moments, I grew used to the rushing wind and looked around to the twinkling lights of the city below us. It was beautiful. Flying ended too soon. Godric set me on my feet outside of his home, but still held onto my arm because I felt a little wobbly.
"That was amazing!" I practically shouted. "Can you take me flying again?"
"If you wish."
Hector was at the door waiting for me when I returned. He did not look to happy to see me covered in blood.
"Is that blood?" He asked.
"No?" I made it sound like it was a question because I was actively not thinking about it until he brought it up.
"That is not a question you should answer with another question." Hector gave me a comforting smile.
"I'm fine Hector." I released Godric's hand and walk toward the front door.
I made a comment about how he should see the other guy but immediately regretted it because the other guy was dead. I know that it was all self-defense and what not, but it did not change the fact that I had essentially assisted in killing someone. Hector smiled and handed me my suitcase. I love Hector.
"Katherine," Godric motioned to me, "Please show Miss Raine to a room so she can shower and change."
"Yes, Sheriff." the vampire nodded, and I followed her to a room.
I felt so much better after a shower. I washed the blood off me and sobbed a bit. I had too much pent up emotions building in me, and I wanted my mom. I wanted her to hold me and tell me everything is going to be alright. I don't care that I am 19 years old or that I wanted to do this mission. I wanted a hug from my mother. I would call her as soon as I get back to the hotel. I wanted a little privacy when I break down into tears to tell her I helped murder a man.
For now, I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on Godric. He still needed my help.
I found the sheriff in the hallway making his way downstairs to join the party that was beginning soon. We both changed our clothing. He is no longer wearing his sacrificial white linens stained with the blood I was covered in. Instead, he had a long sleeve knit shirt and cargo pants? I chuckled. He wearing cargo pants. What would a vampire sheriff need all those pockets?
"Hey there, Godric," I got his attention, "I can talk to you real quick?"
He looked at me questioning like why I would like to see him, but we needed to talk about what was on him. I followed him to his office, but instead of sitting behind his large oak desk, he guided me to a comfortable looking couch. He motioned for me to sit next to him.
"What is it you need, enchantress?" Godric inquired. "Whatever your request is, I shall do my best to carry it out."
"Remember when we were in that cage at the church?" I began and he nodded. "I may have mentioned that I could separate it. It looks like a witch placed a curse on you, but I am not sure what kind of curse. What I do know is, the entity has been absorbing your warmth - your energy."
"Why?" He questioned. "Why would offer to help me? I have no soul. I haven't had one in a long time."
"Huh." I let out a humorless laugh. "That's strange because I am pretty sure I saw it."
"Impossible, little enchantress." Godric looked off into the distance. "I destroyed it over a millennia ago. How can I still have one after everything I have done?"
If this was a movie, Godric looking off into the distance would include the flashbacks of his memories. He loved to be dramatic. All that was missing was the sad and dramatic music playing in the background. I didn't want to interrupt his thoughts, but this situation presented an enormous problem that needed to be solved two weeks ago before Godric 'offered' his services to the church. He has a parasite sucking the life and (what I think) his will to live. That being said. I don't have time to coddle him or hold his hand throughout this process because he needs to put in his big girl pants and do something about it that does not involve killing himself. I offered him a solution and a way to save himself, and damn it, I will rescue him from himself.
"You do have a soul," I argued back maybe a little too forcefully. "Your soul is shockingly bright. Especially given your depression, but the thing might explain the severity of your depression."
"How does it explain my 'depression'?"
"It's sucking the warm or energy from you," I explained. "Think of it as a parasite. It's feeding off you. I can't tell you exactly how long until I get closer and examine it. But from our earlier conversation, it was probably placed there in the last war which means that it has been there for 200 years."
"What do you mean?"
"A witch cursed you, and by the looks of it, it is was a long time ago." I briefly explained. "I might be able to remove it."
He stared at me not sure if I was telling the truth.
"What do you have to lose? Besides the disabling depression that you are feeling right now? Plus you said whatever I needed, and I need to do this. I was sent here to save you, and I plan on doing just that."
There was a brief silence before he spoke.
"What would this entail for me? What must I do?"
"Just do what I tell you." I really do enjoy bossing a vampire around. "I'll set up a casting circle and try to separate it from you, but it's very painful though because I think I have to physically separate your soul and it."
Godric sat there in silence considering it. I could tell from the look on his face he wanted to do this, but I bet he didn't want to get his hopes up.
"If I can't separate it, I won't stop you in your quest to kill yourself." I bargained even though I had no plans to keep such promise.
"Alright Georgiana," Godric agreed, "I will allow you to try this."
I smiled at him.
"Awesome!" I wrapped my arms around his neck in a hug. "You are not going to regret this."
I separated myself from him and stood up.
"I need to go find Hector so I can get my suitcase. It has all my supplies. I also need to call my mom because she may have more insight into this thing. Do you want to get this done tonight?"
Godric stared at me.
"What?" I stopped pacing. "Will tomorrow work better for you?"
Godric continued to stare at me. It hit me all of a sudden. I hugged him. Oh shit. I hugged him. I took a deep mental breath, and I decided to play it off that I don't know what the problem is.
"Well?" I asked again. "Will it be a better time?"
"You hugged me."
God damn it. Why did he have to bring it up?
"Yeah, and?"
"You hugged me."
"Yes, I did. Would you like another one?"
"You hugged me." Godric fixated on that hug. "Why?"
"Because it looked like you needed a hug." I played it off as if I planned it because Goddess knows I didn't.
"No, Georgiana." Godric shook his head. "I do not need another hug."
I laughed. The look on Godric face was difficult to describe. It was a cross between amazement and confusion. I confused the poor guy with a hug.
"Come on, Sheriff." I held my hand out. "You have a party to get to."
He stared at my hand. I wiggled my fingers to entice him to take it, and he did. I pulled him to the door, but I stopped.
"I don't remember the way."
Godric gave a small smile and said this way. We were walking down the hall when Hector stopped us.
"Welcome back." Hector stuck is hand out to Godric.
They grabbed each other forearms.
"I'm pleased that Miss Raine was able to return you safely. I am looking forward to the report to learn how Hades was captured by humans." Hector released his arms. "Georgiana, I am glad you are safe. I have spoken to your mother, and she said she's expecting a phone call in the morning."
I nodded.
"The king will arrive tomorrow, sheriff." Hector looked at Godric again. "Between us, he has been extremely worried. The unrest in the state and across the country has been increasing ever since your disappearance."
"Sheriff, the guests are arriving." Katherine, I think that's what her name was, appeared in the hallway. "They want to welcome you back."
"Alright, I'll be down in a few moments," Godric told his underling. "Georgiana stay close to Hector this evening. There will be quite a few vampires arriving that will not appreciate having a witch among them."
"Don't worry, niña," Hector smiled. "I'll protect you, you tasty little morsel."
"I'm pretty sure I'll be just fine without you, Hector." I rolled my eyes and released Godric's hand. "Go, tend to your sheriff duties."
Godric left quickly, and I was left with Hector.
"How are you really, niña?" he asked.
"I could be better," I told him honestly. "I crushed someone's hand, and Godric snapped his neck. Well, actually, I fought with the meathead gorilla because, you know, he caught me in the basement trying to release Sookie and Hugo. I did end up breaking his nose, and his blood got in between my toes! Do you know how gross that is? But, anyway, King Kong kept coming and wouldn't stop. He had his hands around my throat, and I couldn't breathe."
I touched my throat. When I got out of the shower, I saw it. The first stages of bruising were very visible since the blood was washed away. I had more signs of bruising on my abdomen and back.
"I'm gonna have some bruises and be sore tomorrow, and they kinda hurt." I held back my tears. "I want my mom, but I need to do one more thing before I can go home because I just can't leave the sheriff. Godric was cursed over 200 years ago, and I need to get rid of it."
Hector hugged me, and I felt a tiny bit better.
"You will be alright," Hector whispered in my ear.
Wait a second, Godric didn't tell me a time.
The party was in full swing, and I was talking to Lynn. She showed up with David and his maker, and Lynn looked extremely happy to be hanging on to his arm. I told Lynn almost everything about me. I told her I was 19, already in college, about my best friend Star and her hippy parents, and about my mom. We traded stories about our friends. She told me about the time she and her friends broke into their school and hung up photoshopped pictures of their teachers and principal on giraffe bodies all over the school as their senior prank. I shared the time Star and I attempted elemental magic with water. We ended up 'refurbishing' the entire basement of the library by transforming it into a brand new swimming pool. We laughed to the point where we were almost snorting.
Hector lingered nearby. 5 vampires lowered their death glares at me ever since I entered the room, and I knew that Hector knows that it makes me uncomfortable. I wanted to leave, but I knew that I couldn't because I don't trust myself to be alone. Somewhere near the surface of my stable emotion bubble a large 'I helped killed a man' needle was ready to pop it. I kept the smile on my face and pretended to have a good time which I kinda was, but I felt extremely guilty about it. Fake it until you make it, right? That was exactly what I was going to do. I smiled at Hector pretending I wasn't extremely leery of the vampires wanting to either kill me or have me as a midnight snack even though we both knew better.
I noticed that the line leading to Godric was short. 2 people stood waiting to give Godric their well wishes. I waved over to Hector to get his attention, and when he glanced at me, I gestured towards Godric to indicate I was heading that direction. Hector inclined his head in understanding. I excused myself from Lynn and her boyfriend. I walked across the room making my way to the Sheriff, but Isobel came storming in dragging in Hugo. I moved rushing into the room and stood in the corner where Hector joined me in a flash. Isobel threw her former lover at Godric feet.
"Here is the one who betrayed us." She tone was cold.
"Hugo is your human, yes?" Godric looked solely at Isobel.
"Yes. He is." Isobel looked at Hugo.
"Do you love him?"
"I though-" Isobel tore her gaze from Hugo and look at Godric for a brief moment before looking back at Hugo. "I thought I did."
From where I stood, I saw something in Godric's eye. His eye flickered from Isobel to Hugo and back again. Way to put her on the spot, Godric.
"It appears that you still do."
Tears formed in Isobel's eyes when she admitted that she did love him.
"But, you are my sheriff." Isobel looked heartbroken. "Do with him as you please."
A brief moment of silence.
"You are free to go." Godric decided.
Everyone, including me, was shocked that this is what Godric decided. Hugo let out a confused 'huh' and Isobel's gaze snapped to meet her sheriff's. He decided to show mercy. He is showing clemency and compassion. I would bet about anything that Godric is showing kindness for his underling sake. My respect for this vampire grew because, with the small interaction I have had with the vampire community, I noticed that they are a very vindictive race of beings.
"What?" the annoying wannabe cowboy spat out.
"The human is free to go," Godric repeated once more before turning his gaze to Hugo. "Go and do not return. I fear that it is not safe for you here."
When Godric spoke that last sentence, he looked directly as Stan.
"This is a travesty." Stan appeared to still be in a dazed shock.
"This is my verdict, underling." Godric snapped at Stan. "Isobel you may say your goodbyes outside, and Eric escorted them out. Make sure he leaves unharmed."
"Yes, Godric." Eric stepped forward grabbing Hugo by the collar of his shirt and pulled him to his feet.
"Thank you, sheriff." Isobel reached down grabbing his hand and pressed it to her cheek. "Thank you."
Isobel followed Eric and Hugo out of the house. Godric waved his hand in the air, and it seemed to dismiss everyone. Godric did have parting words for Stan.
"Watch your attitude, Stanley Baker. I am still your sheriff, and I will not hesitate to punish you for further infractions."
The threat was there. Stan nodded his head and left the room. I remained behind wanting to speak with Godric, and Godric must have noticed because he waved off the waiting vampires. I smiled and approached him.
"You did a very kind thing for Isobel," I told him. "She will never forget this."
"I did not want any more bloodshed." Godric looked up at me as I stood in front of him. "Not tonight."
Godric studied his hands as he sat in his chair quietly.
"Did I ever thank you for saving me from the underdeveloped gorilla earlier?"
Godric raised an eyebrow.
"You know, that douche bag who had the audacity to bleed all over me." I waved my hand in the air,
"I do recall you breaking his nose." Godric had a small smile.
"That's no excuse. It's very ungentlemanly to bleed all over a lady." I crossed my arms over my chest. "Plus, I'm glad you saved me. I'm not sure what he would have done if you hadn't stopped him."
"I have an inkling that you would have fair just fine." Godric smiled.
"Well, I do try." I teased sitting in the chair across from him. "But I have a bone to pick with you. You never told me when we should take care of that thing."
"Ah." Godric's smiled faded. "I see that you noticed that."
"It was pretty obvious that you are trying to avoid the subject, but trust me, when I get fixated on something, it doesn't go away until I do something about it."
"Very well, enchantress." Godric inclined his head towards me. "Shall we continue with this tomorrow evening?"
"Alright." I gave him my best 'I'm in charge so listen to me' look. "Tomorrow then, and no backing out."
I heard heels enter the house once more. I turned to see Isobel standing in the doorway looking briefly at Godric before continuing on holding back her tears. After she moved on, Blondie appeared in the entryway.
"The human has been dispatched." He entered the room and knelt in front of his maker. "I told him not to stop until he got to the Mexican border. Even then, I don't think the human will be safe if word gets out that be betrayed you."
Dear Goddess, how tall was the walking sasquatch? Even when Blondie is kneeing his is still tall, lean, and undeniably pretty. Kind of like the real-life version of a male Barbie.
"I arranged an AB negative human for you." Eric gave a child-like smile where he wanted to please his daddy. "Extremely rare."
"Thank you. I am not hungry." Godric slightly shook his head.
"You have to feed eventually." Eric continued to press.
"Godric, I agree with Barbie here." I interrupted seeing that Godric was going to denying himself blood. "You need to feed. You are looking pale, and not the typical vampire pale either."
"Excuse me?" Eric looked over at me with a look that could kill. "What did you call me?"
"Barbie." I rolled my eyes. "You know the tall blonde doll? Even you must know what a Barbie doll is."
"How dare you mock me blood bag." He turned and invaded my personal space. "I am a 1000-year-old vampire Viking king, and I will not allow you equate to me a 12-inch plastic hooker doll."
"What?" I leaned back just to put a little space between us. "Do you prefer sasquatch?"
He growled.
"Enough Eric," Godric commanded him. "Leave the witch alone, and George please don't try to aggravate my son. He's a little sensitive right now."
"Godric!" Eric whined.
I laughed.
"Don't worry, my child." Godric looked at his progeny. "All is well now."
"Then why did you not leave when I first came for you?" Eric demanded.
"You would be surprised how ordinary most of them are."
"They don't do anything except fan the flames of hate for us," Eric argued back. "They wanted to butcher us – you!"
Preach Sasquatch!
"Let's be honest, Eric." Godric sadly smiled. "We are frightening. After over a 1000s of years, we haven't evolved into a higher thinking race. We have only become more brutal, more predatory. Killing for sport. I don't see the danger in treating humans as equals. The Fellowship of the Sun arose because we did not."
"Is that way you did not fight when they took you?"
My heart sputtered. I could only imagine what Eric face will look like once he realized the truth. Who wanted to hear that someone they over are contemplating suicide? I don't wish that on anyone.
"I could have slaughtered every single one of them in minutes. What would that have proven?"
Eric was silent as he absorbed his maker's words. Eric's shoulders stiffened as he understood what Godric meant. Eric looked like a confused child like he couldn't understand what he heard.
"Don't worry, Sasquatch." I reached out to touch his shoulder. "Godric will not be goin-"
"Do not touch me, witch." Eric jerked away from me.
"Calm down," I rolled my eyes. "I'm gonna help your maker, but Godric, I do agree with Sasquatch here. You need to have some blood. I can't have you malnourished."
"See?" Eric pointed to me. "Even the human thinks you need to eat."
"First, I'm not 'human'," I used my fingers to make air quotes for the word, "and secondly, I am starting to regret agreeing with you."
"Why don't you leave, witch." Eric spat out. "Your 'services' are no longer needed."
"Well, it's a good thing that you're not the boss of me." I stood glaring down at the jackass. "I'm here at the request of the King of Texas so why don't you returned to the maggot filled grave you crawled out of."
Eric growled and reached for me when our arguing was interrupted by Sookie yelling some nonsense about losing something. Godric flashed out of the room, and I turned to look out of the door to see him holding a woman by the neck. I could hear them over the music that was playing in the background, but I honestly was really paying attention to the words. I focused more on how exhausted he appeared like he was just sick of dealing with people shit.
"Retracted your fangs. Now." He demanded. "I neither know nor care who you are. In this area and certainly in this nest, I am the authority, and you dare to attack this woman in my nest? She has done nothing but helps our kind, and you treat her the way a child treats a dragonfly, ripping its wings off for sport despite being centuries old. I could snap you like a twig, yet I haven't. Why do you think that is?"
"It's your choice sheriff." The pinned female vampire choked out.
"Indeed it is." Godric continued. "You're old. I can tell, but you are still a savage. It's no wonder they hate us."
"She provoked me." The vampire tried to argue back.
"And you provoked me. You interrupted the peace in my own home, and if it were any other night, I would have you buried in chains." Godric looked over the vampire standing next to Sookie. "You, you know this woman?"
"Yes, Sheriff"
"Escort her from the nest," Godric commanded him before turning to the woman again. "I want you out of my area by dawn."
The drama ended when they both left, and Godric returned to my side. People returned to speaking to one another as if nothing happened at all. Vampires were weird.
"Well, that was exciting," I said to Godric. "What was her problem?"
He shook his head leading back over to the chair he was sitting on and motioned for me to take a seat. I did. I saw that Isobel and Sasquatch walking into the room, but Godric waved them away leaving us alone.
"Who cares, right? She seems to be in the need of antipsychotic medication." I smiled up at him. "Tomorrow, then? I'll come by just after sunset, and we can get on with it. I don't want to leave that thing on you longer than necessary."
"Alright, Georgiana." Godric gave a small smile. "Tomorrow."
"Now, that we got that squared away," I stood up and placed my hand on hips. "You need to eat, and I am kind of hungry, too. So let's go find something to feed upon."
"What-"
"Excuse me, everyone!" A male voice called out to the party.
I looked at Godric and muttered 'now what?' under my breath. I followed him to the doorway that lead into the room to see a man standing in front getting everyone attention.
"If I could have your attention, please. My name is Luke McDonald, and I am a member of the Fellowship of the Sun."
The hairs on the back of my neck stood up, and I felts shivers down my spine. I reached out to Godric wrapping one arm around his arm and grabbing his hand my free hand.
"And I have a message from Reverend Steve Newlin." Luke unzipped his coat.
He had chains and what appeared to be tiny wood and silver stakes strapped around his chest. I didn't notice the blinking light until it was too late.