Author's Note. So it's been almost a year again. I have no excuses really. I have published two stories on Amazon so there is that, but I am still working away on all of my stories here so hopefully the next update won't take too long. As always I own none of these characters, I just take them out for a spin, so read, enjoy and leave me some love if you feel so inclined:)

"Sookie, these are not fairies that you want to tangle with especially in your delicate condition.

"They killed my cousin and if what I just saw is true, they want to kill me too and nothing is going to stop them. They want to hurt me and my kids and more than likely anyone else that gets in their way and I won't have that."

"Sookie, you are at a crucial time in your pregnancy as well as in your transformation. You can't go galavanting off to try to find fairy assassins."

"I plan on doing more than just finding them Nessa, I plan on ending them."

Nessa stepped up to me and rested her hands on my shoulders. "You need to be smart about this situation. You need to plan and you definitely should not do anything alone. Please just wait until tomorrow before you decide what to do."

"Why should I wait? Who knows who else they are torturing and killing just to get to me?"

"Because your Viking brought more than just Hunter back with him."

"Who else did he bring with him?"

"You'll find out soon enough." She had a look on her face letting me know that she knew who else was here, but I wouldn't be finding out anytime soon. "Go and spend some time with your children and your vampire. Everything will become clear very soon."

I had so many more questions that I needed answers to, but they would have to wait. I came back to consciousness quicker than I expected and I knew that I needed to do as Nessa said.

I sat up on the bed and realized that I had been cooped up in this house for far too long wallowing in self-pity. We all needed to get out and thinking about Hunter gave me the perfect excuse to do just that. He would need everything as far as I could tell and getting him and myself out around people again, I would be able to work on my shields and show Hunter how to build his.

I quickly changed my dress since the one that I was wearing was now dirty, I slid on a pair of sandals, gathered up my purse and wallet and made my way downstairs. I almost literally ran into Katie on my way down. "Oh Katie, I'm so sorry."

"It's fine Miss Sookie. Did you need something?"

"Actually I was wondering if there was a vehicle here that would be big enough to hold the family. We need to do some shopping and we'll probably be making a lot of purchases that we'll need to transport back here as well."

"Of course there is. Mr. Northman anticipated that you would want to go shopping at some point, so he procured a van that should be large enough for your needs. And if you think that they will be needed, the gardeners can follow in another vehicle to bring back your purchases."

"That would probably be a good idea. Thank you so much Katie, you have been indispensable to us during this time. I know that I have been difficult and adding to your duties, but…"

She held up her hands to stop me. "It's alright Miss Sookie. I know how hard it is to be away from the one that you love. It can make you act unlike yourself."

"That's an understatement, but thank you so much for understanding Katie. I'll make this up to you somehow."

"That's not necessary Miss, but thank you anyway." She scurried off back to her work before I could say anymore.

I gathered the family together minus Gran and Jason who wanted to stay behind and we headed out to do some much needed shopping on the other side of the island. We spent the afternoon shopping like a normal family would and I had never felt so happy before in my life. My new powers were making it easier than ever to keep my shields up and it also made it easier for me to help Hunter build his own shields. Even when he would try to block me, I could still read his thoughts, but what I heard made me want to cry. He was already so much happier in the short time that he'd been with us than he had in his whole life before now.

As we shopped we made sure that anything that Hunter wanted made its way into the cart. I knew that we were spoiling him that way, but I couldn't help it. I knew what it was like being different and having to go without. I didn't want Hunter or any of our children to ever go without. I wanted them to have as normal childhoods as possible, that's why I was also spoiling my little Poppit as well. Any soft or fluffy stuffed animal that she even smiled at went into the cart as well as every pink and purple outfit that I could find.

Hunter had a love for dinosaurs and anything even related to them was put into the cart as well. He was so excited over the littlest thing and he reminded me so much of myself at that age. I was going to do anything and everything I could to make sure he had an easier time than I did.

As the kids started to slow down we realized it was time to check out and head for home. We arranged for some larger items to be delivered to the house within the next few days before we headed out to the car with the items we were taking home with us now. I stopped at the food court with the kids while Eric took the bags to the car then came back to join us. We all got pizza and Hunter and I devoured our while my little Poppit enjoyed gnawing on a chunk of crust. I couldn't stop smiling as I watched them. I loved seeing them so happy, but as I looked over at Eric I noticed that he was fidgeting in his seat. "Eric, honey, are you alright?"

"Of course Lover."

"You are anxious about something. What is it?"

"I'm just expecting some company at the house shortly after dark and this is not the kind of company that should be kept waiting."

"Should I be concerned about this company being around the kids or Gran and Jason?"

"No, of course not. I'm just very anxious for you to meet them."

"Okay, just give me a few minutes." I took the kids to the bathroom to get cleaned up before the long ride home and while I did that Eric, the amazingly wonderful man that he is, picked us up ice cream to enjoy on the way back to the house.

We headed out to the car and I sat between Hunter and Erin in the back. Hunter went to town on his treat while I shared with my Poppit. She loved the feeling of the cold ice cream on her gums and couldn't get enough.

After finishing their treats it didn't take long for both kids to drift off to sleep. Now I could question Eric more about the company we were expecting. "So, are you going to give me any hints about who this company is?"

"No."

"Is there anything that I'm going to need to do to get ready before they arrive?"

"You should probably just rest with the children for a bit beforehand. I already have the staff getting the house ready so everything will be fine."

"Do you promise?"

He smiled as he looked at me in the rear view mirror. "Yes, I promise."

"Okay. I love you Eric."

"I love you too Lover."

I curled my arms around the kids as much as I could, leaned my head back and joined them in dream land. I expected to just rest without any dreams, but I was wrong.

I opened my eyes and I was in my bedroom, but I wasn't alone. "Hello my Angel."

"Nessa!" I ran over and threw my arms around her. "Did you see Hunter? Isn't he just the sweetest little angel?"

"Yes he is, but I knew that he would be and I also knew that you would accept him as your own with open arms."

"Why didn't you tell me more about him before?"

"You needed to accept him all on your own. You will have many more decisions like that to face in your future."

"There will be more children coming into our family?" She smiled and nodded her head in response. I like the sound of that, but I also had some concerns. "What about Eric? I would never want to force him to do anything that he didn't want to do just because he thinks that it will make me happy."

"Oh Darling, you have to remember that he is from a time when it was just a part of everyday life to take in orphans that needed homes. He feels it's his duty, but I know that he'll love any and all children that come into your family as you will."

"What about our biological children? Will we love them more than any of our adopted children?"

"Of course not. Love is infinite Sookie. You and Eric both will love any and all of your children equally." She pulled me into a hug before she spoke again. "Now it's time for you to wake up now, but know that I will see you again very soon my Angel."

I was pulled from my dream by a little finger poking at my nose. I opened my eyes and saw my little Poppit smiling up at me. "Are you trying to wake Mama up little one?" She did that full body shake of hers and I couldn't resist scooping her up in my arms. I sat up and looked at my other side and found Hunter still sound asleep. "Okay Poppit, let's get you cleaned up, then we'll wake your brother up and go see what your Daddy is up to." She liked the sound of that.

I did my business, got Erin changed, then gently woke up Hunter. He did his business, then we made our way downstairs. Jason was waiting in the living room and scooped up Hunter to play video games, while Gran took Erin away to feed her dinner. Eric walked in and took my hand as he led me out into the backyard. I could feel my anxiety growing about who could possibly be here, but Eric was quick to send me calm through our bond. I smiled up at him, took a deep breath and held my head up high as we walked outside.

I looked around and all I could see so far was a lone figure standing there waiting for us. I could sense that there were many more beings nearby, but they were hidden for now. I didn't get any bad feelings from them, so I focused solely on our lone visitor for now. The closer we got to him the more excited Eric became.

We stopped a few feet away and he turned and looked over at us. He wasn't much taller than I was, but you could feel the power that was radiating off of him. "Lover, I'd like you to meet Godric, my foster maker and the new King of Louisiana."

There was a lot to take in just a few words. I started to bow, but Godric was quick to stop me. "You have no need to bow down to me, my daughter. Anyone who has brought such joy to my son is a true miracle."

"Thank you Godric. It is so nice to meet you." I saw a group of women appear out of the corner of my eye who were coming towards us. There was one in particular who stood out from the rest. She looked like she had been around for a very long time and she seemed to radiate even more power than Godric. The closer she got to us the more familiar she seemed to me. She didn't look like anyone that I recognized, but I felt like I knew her from somewhere. "Eric, who is that?"

"That is the Oracle of Delphi, the oldest living vampire in existence." My mind was racing with so many questions, but there would be time for that later. "She is also known as the Ancient Pythoness."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, My Lady."

"How soon we forget my Angel."

The voice was different, but somehow it was true. "Nessa?"