Maker, Child and Destiny makes four –

Eric's POV

With a perfunctory knock on my office door, my dearest and only child Pam waltzes in without an invitation. I have told her time and time again "Not to enter my office while I'm feeding unless invited." She knows perfectly well I am not pleased but I have not fed in a while, so I do not stop. Without even a blink of acknowledgment to me having myself balls deep in the blonde fangbanger that's writhing on my lap as I suck on her neck from behind. She checks her nails and speaks…

"Sorry to interrupt your meal Master…" she says with a sigh in her apathetic manor, "but Area Nine, Texas' second is on the telephone and says it's urgent she speak with you." Now, this gets my attention and I removed my fangs from the blood bags neck, briefly lick the bite to stop it bleeding and push the vermin off my lap toward Pam. She knows the drill by now, the whore will be glamoured and shown the back door. I stand and do up my jeans, then answer the phone.

"Northman" It's not unusual for Isabel to be the one to communicate with me even though the sheriff of Area Nine is my maker, Godric… especially lately. For the last decade or so my makers' life has seemed to be on hold like he's waiting for something. I can't put my finger on what it is but he has gradually been closing our child/maker bond to the point where in the past few months I can barely feel any connection to him now. Where there was once so much love and closeness, we were almost one in our thoughts and perceptions, now there was only blackness and sometimes, despair.

"Eric… Godric is missing." Isabels' earnest voice informs me. My immediate reaction is to reach out to my master through our dwindling bond. Nothing… I feel nothing. Panic and anger fill me to the point I'm left momentarily speechless. Pam bursts into the office having felt my heightened emotions. I try to calm myself before we rev each other up to a bloodlust frenzy.

"Eric… Did you not understand? I said…" Isabel started to repeat herself.

"I understand you perfectly well Isabella… Are you sure he is not meditating somewhere? You know he can go on seclusion for days. How have you come to your conclusion?" I need to question her to make sure all possible scenarios have been covered but in my dead heart, I know something is very wrong.

"He was alone at our nest and when I returned from The Club with the others, the front door was smashed in and he was nowhere to be found. We could tell buy the strange scents that there had been at least 10 unknown humans on the property." I didn't say anything so she continued, "There was traces of his and some unknown humans blood on the carpet and a few silver chains and such in the middle of his receiving room." I could tell she was crying. Even though Godric was not her maker, I know she respects him and loves him very much. She had lost her maker not long after she was turned and Godric took her under his wing so to speak.

"When did this all occur, Isabel?" If I left now I could probably get to the Dallas nest and check out the scents myself. I am an excellent tracker.

"Eric…" all of a sudden Isabel is hesitant. I can feel my gut tighten with a 'no good' feeling.

"Yes… we have already established that is my name." I was starting to see red, by the time Isabel finally answered.

"He has been missing one week as of today…" she blurts out. Before she has a chance to finish the line goes dead. Fucking phone service I'm thinking when I realize that I have pulverized the telephone receiver in my anger. I look at the broken hand piece and then grab the whole phone and throw it against my office wall smashing it to pieces, shrapnel scattering all over the room.

I feel worry and panic bubbling within my progeny and I turn my attention to her. Outwardly she looks calm and cool the only thing out of the ordinary is the pieces of plastic scattered over her like confetti. It shows how concerned she is that she isn't making a scene about the telephone shrapnel that covers her.

"Master? Pam pleads, asking with that one word what is happening.

"Godric is missing." I speak with no inflection. I would not shame Godric with any more outward signs of my worry. Pam knows differently. She shares my blood and next to Godric she knows me the best. I know she is riding the rollercoaster with me as I try to get my emotions under control.

"What do mean, missing?" I know that like me, Pam would be unable to fathom anything that could be a threat to my maker. He is the oldest being in the new world for Christ sake.

"I mean one week ago today… a team of humans… broke into Dallas Area Nines' nest and removed my Maker." I bite out last bit fighting with my temper. It is not my child's fault.

"How can that be, we're talking about Godric here for fucks sake… did they use magic and why is it that we are only just hearing about this now? Surely they know one of your vampire talents is tracking? Have you felt anything through your bond with him?" I am very proud of Pam right now she knows I need her to keep calm and she is trying her best. When she tries so hard it gives me the incentive I need to stay on track.

"Your questions are the very same as my own, my child. As soon as Isabel told me Godric was missing I tried searching within the bond. I cannot feel him at all. However I don't feel as if anything within me is different. I am lead to believe that loosing ones maker or child is a very painful affair and that on their passing there remains something like a hole where their essence or life force should be… and I haven't felt that either. So that in itself gives me great hope he is still with us."

"Call Isabel back, get all the information about the incident you can from her. I am going to contact Compton and have him prepare Sookie to travel tomorrow during the day. That way I can rise in Dallas and we can get started with our own investigation straight away. So far, we know we are dealing with humans, so I believe Sookie will be a major asset in finding Godric quickly. Have Isabel book two adjoining suites at the Silent Shores Hotel for afternoon check-in tomorrow. I will book the flights and cars once I speak with Compton."

"Yes Master." Pam replies bowing her head before she leaves me to show her respect and concern.

Eric's POV

I pull out my mobile phone and speed dial Comptons' land line. No one answers. Next I dial his mobile number. The line goes straight to message bank. I am about to throw another phone to the wall when it beeps announcing an incoming message. It is from Pam and simply states, Compton sighted at The Mall in Shreveport. How convenient for me.

I leave Fangtasia through the staff entrance around the back of the building. No sooner am I outside, I take to the sky. The night is marching on and there is still so much to do. I find Bill Compton browsing in Young Magnolia a female clothing store. It seems he may finally be taking an interest in his progeny. Jessica should, once she matures, make an excellent vampire. She only needs strong and consistent guidance. She reminds me so much of Pam when I first turned her. I can only hope, seeing as though maker and child reside in my area, that Compton is up for the challenge. I know I have found and still do find being a maker a very rewarding experience overall. I wonder if he has brought his women with him tonight. That would make things easier indeed.

I saunter up behind my subject while he is distracted by a flirtatious sales assistant.

"Good evening old sport." Compton turns and looks surprised. Oh that's right, I have had my hair cut short due to getting the filthy vermin who burned down Malcomes' nest, his blood stuck in it when I punished him for silvering me. Pam was giving my hair some highlights at the time and it was everywhere, so she cut it.

"Eric." he says in greeting.

"It's the new me." I reply, I'm bored already but I need his co-operation so I smile slightly, quirk my eyebrow and add in a suggestive tone "You like?"

"I do… very much." I must say he sure knows how to brown nose. The sales assistant leaves us to our discussion. I lose the smile.

"We need to talk." Immediately he becomes confrontational. Crossing his arms, waiting for what I have to say. I tell him that the Sheriff of Area Nine Texas has gone missing and ask if he has heard anything about it. Which he hasn't but he does know of who I am speaking. When I tell him I will need Sookie to help with an investigation he becomes completely belligerent, speaking as if he were some sort equal to me.

"Eric, you can do what you like with me but I am not putting her in this position any more. I cannot and I will not bring her into these matters." I pointed out the deal Sookie and I had made.

"Taking her across State lines is a far cry from taking her to Fangtasia for the evening." I point out to Mr Compton, I didn't really need his permission and if I wanted Sookie I could simply take her. I was only giving him this consideration out of respect. Respect for Sookie that is, I knew the telepath would not like being taken anywhere against her will or without this sorry excuse for a vampire. I finally have enough of his insolence.

"Bill Compton, taking your human to Dallas is no longer a request but an order." I speak again my voice is still calm and very reasonable but if I were a feline my ears would be pressed close to my head, my tail would be twitching and the fur on my back would be standing on end.

Mainstreaming seems to have dulled all of Compton's survival instincts. I can hardly believe it as I witness him begin to posture. Growling and showing fang. Does he really believe himself able to get away with this? I am his superior in every way. Maybe he thinks because we are in a public place I will let this go? What he doesn't seem to realize, is that because we are in a public place I have to act, otherwise I will look weak. He also seems to understand I don't want Sookie to think badly of me and thinks I will not act because of this, but he has left me no choice. Badly played Bill, badly played.

He is shorter than me so I bend so my mouth is millimeters from his ear and I speak quietly so no human can hear but I put all of my anger and frustration into my next words.

"Last I heard I am still the Sheriff of this area. I neither know, nor care to know where you get off believing you have any entitlement where my authority is concerned. You. Will. Retract. Your. Fangs. NOW and KNEEL!"

"What here?" he asks loud and incredulously.

Instantly I shove him to the floor in front of me. What a dumb ass.

"Yes here." I spit out, my face millimeters from his. "I do not have the time or the patience to deal with your fuckery and boorish petulance. Give me your cell phone." he actually looks like he is about to refuse me. My fangs finally slip down, all of a sudden I'm handed the phone. At last Mr Compton decides to show some vestige of sense.

I flip my own cell open and call Pam. Speaking in Swedish I fill her in briefly on the situation and order her to come to The Mall with Chow in her van so they can collect Compton and take him back to Fangtasia for a visit to the basement. He can stew there for a while in silver. Maybe he will find some common sense and manners while he's taking in the scenery.

When I finish with Pam, I flip open Bills phone and speed dial Sookies number.

"Bill?" Sookies sweet southern lilt fills my ears. I can't wait to hear her speak my name with such excitement. I'm getting hard just thinking about it. Bill growls again, stupid fucker. Say goodbye Mr Compton. She doesn't know it yet but Sookie is mine.

"Sorry to disappoint you Miss Stackhouse but this is not Beel." I lick my lips just at the thought of the delicious blonde doing the heavy breathing on the other end of the line.

"Eric…?" Hah… she said my name. I need to adjust my pants. "Where's Bill? What have you done with him? If you've hurt him I…" Feisty, however I need to stop the tirade before it goes further.

"Don't excite yourself Miss Stackhouse. Mr Compton is with me." I look down on the kneeling vampire. "Say hello Beel." I give him a look promising him the final death if he does not play along. I hold the phone so he can speak into it.

"Hello Sookie darling." smooth, almost like he is used to lying to her. He's even smiling into the phone.

"Do not worry yourself about Bill, Miss Stackhouse, he is in good company. I have just borrowed his phone. I needed to speak to you and did not have your number. I have some urgent business I need to discuss with you." Pam and Chow have arrived and I let them lead Compton away. Telling Pam (in Swedish) to close the bar for the rest of the evening.

"What can I do for you this evening, Mr Northman?" My feisty little vixen snaps. In the background I hear another female giggling.

"Sorry for that interruption Sookie, but I was wondering if you could come to Fangtasia. I don't really want to discuss this matter over the telephone. You never know who could be listening in." and still more giggling in the background.

"Sure… That's not a problem. When would you need me to show up and will I need to bring Bill?"

"As soon as possible if you would and yes, Bill will already be at Fangtasia."

"Well I am already on my way to Shreveport but I have Jessica in the car with me. Will that be a problem?"

"Of course not Sookie, Miss Hamby can keep Pam company in the bar while we confer in my office." I slide a slice of innuendo into my reply.

"Eric… this is only business." Ah! I love messing with this woman.

"Of course my Sookie." I return to the business at hand. "When should I expect you to arrive?"

"We're not far from the highway… say… around thirty-five, forty minutes." I was going to tell her I would see her in forty minutes but she hung up on me. And they say vampires are rude. By the time I closed the phone I had already left the Mall and had started making my way to the club. Now I looked around to make sure no one was watching. Seeing that coast was clear I take to the sky.

When I reached the bar I knew I would still have another thirty-five minutes to wait until Sookie arrived in that yellow jalopy of hers. When she submits to me the car is one of the first things that will be upgraded. She cannot be my mate and drive around in that beat-up old thing. I slip into downtime letting my senses take a break while I wait. Fangtasia is closed as it is a Monday and the only music for my ears is the sounds of Compton whining and complaining that my child will pay for subjecting him to torture. My child can get very creative when the mood takes her and I can feel through our bond that she is definitely in the mood.

While Pam has been playing we have become privy to some very delicate information indeed. I know the way Pam operates. I should, I taught her nearly everything she knows. Bill will not remember what he has called out in his pain induced state. The information that is forthcoming however is surprising to say the least. I listen with interest and as the time comes and goes that I am expecting Sookie and Jessica, I hear Compton change his tune. He is now yelling and pleading with Pam to be released, saying that both Sookie and Jessica are in danger. I race from my office and I am just about to take to the sky to search of them, when Sookies' yellow 'bomb' races up the gravel driveway, skidding to a halt.

Jessica falls out of the vehicle from the driver's door and I hear Sookie screaming and gurgling from within the car. I charge over and rip the rear door from its' hinges. Pam is beside me and Chow moves forward and picks up Jessica and takes inside the bar. I reach in to get Sookie and see her back is all lacerated. I move to the other side and remove that door pulling Sookie out by her arms and placing her over my shoulder in a fireman's lift.

"Pam, call Ludwig. Tell her to arrive immediately. I will pay any price she asks, just make it happen." In moment I am gently laying my Sookie face down on one of our new leather bench seats in the bar. Pam follows right after.

"Ludwig is on her way." she informs me and then turns to Jessica who is still doubled over in pain.

"What is wrong with you? What happened?" she asks the young girl holding her shoulders and trying to get her to come to her senses. While she is dealing with the baby vamp I turn my attention to Sookie. I kneel down next to her and gently moved the hair out of her face and away from the seeping wounds on her back. Her blood smells so sweet, like sunshine and honey with a hint of something bitter. My fangs are out before I finish taking that first breath.

Sookie starts to cry and ask for Bill. I do my best to try and sooth her.

"Shhh… Sookie, the doctor is on her way." I whisper and pet her at the same time. "Who or what did this to you?" I ask gently, still caressing her blood matted hair.

"This, is all… your.. falt." she mumbles barely conscious. Needless to say I am taken aback by this statement.

"Why? What do you mean my Sookie." I ask her gently as I don't what her to get more upset.

"This was done as a… ahh… message to you." she pulls in a sharp breath. I keep stroking her hair. "This… w..woman… came out of the… bushes… on the… side o' the road… with her pet… hog." amazing.

"A pig?" My Sookie always gets herself into some strange situations.

"Oink, oink… Razorback… Wild pig. When I saw her h.. hand go back ready to strike… I managed to turn … she got my back… n..not my face." her beautiful face! "She was nuts E..Eric. There was b..blood around her mouth n'… in her teeth like she'd eaten something raw. She was… filthy, with long matted hair n' she was carrying some k..kind of wand th..thingy. She… knewyourname. She said I w..wasa message… t' you." she was starting to seem more out of it.

"Where is that damn doctor?" I ask anyone in the room.