Please read and review! A struggling writer will thank you for it!! This is based off of the Eric from the TV series and paired with an original character of mine. I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I own nothing of the books or the TV series. I make no profit from this whatsoever.
"I don't understand Bill...why are we going all the way to South Carolina? What or who is there that can help us?
Bill and Sookie were driving along the interstate just after sundown. They had already left the familiar streets on Bon Temps and the vampire was pushing the speed limit as much as he could to get to there destination as quick as possible. It had been three short months since Maryanne had been defeated and now new murders plagued the sleepy Louisiana town. Bodies had been ripped limb from limb and been left in tree tops. Bill surmised it might be the work of werewolves but the local pack had all there members accounted for so this was something else entirely. After exhaustive research they hit a dead end and were forced to contact the sheriff after two vampires had been savagely mauled. Eric had been none too pleased that they waited till two of his people had been attacked before informing him of the situation. He ordered Bill to take himself and Sookie to Orange beach SC immediately and wait for him to arrive. He said no more to them and ordered Pam to throw them out of his office which she did none too graciously.
"I don't know Sookie. Eric has never been forth coming with his intentions or plans to others. Which is why it surprised me that he made such an open play for you when he did. That is not like him at all."
"God don't remind me. I am still so mad at him for that stunt he pulled." She sat back in her seat and shuddered biting her pink lipsticked lip. She had still been having very intense dreams about Eric and they had been happening more and more frequently. It was becoming harder and harder to deny the overwhelming attraction she felt towards him now. Even as he had been chastising her and Bill she was captivated by his icy blue eyes and his deep ever so slightly accented voice. She loved bill with all her heart but this growing lust she felt for Eric was beginning to drive her insane. She shivered despite the warm night and rubbed her arms. She was wearing a sleeveless green camisole and white shorts. Typical Bon Temps attire but the thoughts and emotions she had been wrestling with left her bereft of her warmth. Bill noticed her lost in her thoughts again and the almost panicked look on her face, it had not escaped his attentions that she had been troubled by something serious since Dallas. He reached over and took her hand in his and gave her a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry Sookie. We will see this through like we always do and be the stronger for it." He kissed her hand and continued to hold it as they drove into the night.
Two days later they were in Orange Beach and were checking into the Hotel Alucard. It was three hours before dawn and as the lady at the front desk handed them their room keys, a familiar voice echoed behind them.
"Did you two have a nice trip?" Eric asked dryly. He stood a few feet away wearing black pants and a matching sports jacket over a red silk shirt. The whole outfit screamed tailor made but he wore them with the casualness of a pair of ratty jeans and a t shirt.
"We did but sleeping in a trunk was not as pleasant as you may think. We are tired and would like to retire for the day. " Bill said with barely concealed malice. Eric, as part of the punishment, made them make their own arrangements to travel and spend their own hard earned money for this trip. It was that or something far worse.
"Fine. You go rest. Sookie, come with me, we have some details to discuss." He motioned for her to move into the bar with him, fixating on her face with a charming smile. Eric knew well that she had been dreaming about him and he could pick up on a slight arousal now whenever he approached. It would only be a matter of time before Sookie was his.
"You know I suddenly feel a spring of energy Eric. I think I will join you." Bill said not waiting for Sookie's reply and taking her hand again to lead her to the bar. Eric gave a snort of laughter and shrugged taking a seat in one of the many black upholstered chairs in the bar.
"Alright....we will sleep today and tonight we meet at the entrance to the Foot Gate Pier. There we will be taken to an undisclosed location to meet the Lupa."
"The Lupa? She is here? In South Carolina? I thought she never left Scotland." Bill asked anxiously. Sookie looked curiously at Bill, he was worried and almost panicking now. Was the Lupa an enemy of his she wondered to herself.
"Yes Bill. The Lupa is here and she remembers your involvement with the pack in New York 45 years ago. You were such a bad boy." Eric said with a malicious grin.
Bill said nothing and merely glared into the distance, his jaw flexing in aggravation and hatred of his sheriff. He was not ready to tell Sookie of his wilder days as a younger vampire...the things he did would certainly turn her against him and he simply could not have that. Eric leaned forward and looked at them both making his final move.
"Long and short Bill, Its not my place to tell Sookie of your indiscretions but I am sure she is burning with curiosity among other things. Also, The Lupa has forbidden you to attend the meeting so you will remain here while Sookie and I attend."
Bill stood up quickly glaring down at his sheriff almost to the brink of striking him. His fist was already raised and shaking as he fought to control his actions. Sookie was whispering for Bill to stop and Eric simply smiled up at him from his chair not even flinching. In a fight Bill would have been little more then a nuisance for the 1000 year old vampire and he rather hoped Bill would strike because if he did it would give Eric ever excuse to execute him. Bill finally mastered his anger and sat back down next to Sookie when Eric spoke again.
"Its touching Bill that you care so much for her so I assure you she will never leave my side and while there she will be completely protected."
"How generous and kind of you sheriff, " Bill said with thinly veiled rage." But I prefer an alternative. I am allowed to have someone go in my place and my choice for that has already arrived." Bill turned around and motioned for someone to come over then sat back smiling like he had just swallowed a canary. Sookie by this time had had enough.
"Now you both just wait a damn minute! Y'all are talkin about me like I am not even here or that I have no say in this and I most certainly do!"
"Aww calm down Sook. It's not gonna be that bad."
Sookie turned around in shook and found herself boss Sam Merlotte. He was wearing a nice pair of jeans and a worn out tan coat. He looked out of place here but he was a man with a purpose and he didn't really care.
Eric was somewhat in disbelief that Bill would have chosen this shape shifter to be Sookie's protector in this meeting. It was truly laughable. Sam Merlotte was an intelligent man and resourceful but in the end he posed little to no threat to Eric if he decided to take what he wanted.
"Alright. I will make the necessary arrangements. This ought to be fun." Eric got up smoothly and walked with his usual grace and swagger to the phone.
Sam sat down next to Sookie and nodded his head at Bill.
"Don't worry Sookie, I am not here to run the show. Just here to keep an eye on you and make sure Eric stays a respectable distance. Judging from Bill told me I wouldn't be surprised if he tired something the next few nights."
Sookie was still mad at everyone because it seemed like everyone had her best interests at heart but she was perfectly capable of deciding for herself. She nodded her head at Sam though because he was probably right. With Bill out of the meeting that gave Eric plenty of time to try something with her. And she very resolutely ignored the part of her that wanted him to. The arrangements were made and everyone retired for the day and Bill and Sookie stayed up till dawn talking.
"So....I really don't know much about Werewolves Bill. What should I expect?" They were laying in the king sized bed cuddled together now.
"Well....they are pack people. They live in large groups and communities. They are typically more violent then most people. They have a propensity for nudity as well. Don't be surprised to see naked people running all over the place. Its natural to them. They are territorial. Fiercely so. They are also ruled by traditions and their own set of rules. Most disputes are settled by combat. Fights for positions in various packs, disputes over mates and all that. They are very proud and to those that see the way they live, Werewolves make no apologies for who and what they are."
"Wow..you know a lot about them. What did Eric mean? About you and the Lupa?" She asked after a few moments of silence.
"I was.....intemperate in my youth. I made some silly mistakes and it led to some problems. I never met the Lupa but a blood hunt was issued against me. As far as I know its still in effect. Meaning I am a target to most wolves in this area if I stray into their territory. Right now we are in vampire territory so I am safe. No need to worry about me." He brushed a lock of light blonde hair out of her eyes and smiled before continuing. "Werewolves are actually in many ways the exact opposites of vampires. They can walk in daylight and prefer to do so while we live in darkness. They are actually alive and warm while we are dead and cold. The only things we have in common are our weakness to Silver and they are also immortal. Not the same way we are though. Werewolves metabolism are so high that they barely age at all. A person could be bitten and transformed into a wolf 500 years ago at the age of 25, that person, in that 500 years, will maybe age a year or two and that's all. The high metabolism means they have to eat frequently and all their drives are....heightened. Sexually and otherwise. Some fools actually seek intercourse with Werewolves the way some seek it with vampires. Its more difficult though because Were creatures are still unknown to most and considered a myth." Bill's eyes got a far away look and his memory briefly flashed on a hot summer night in Europe. He remembered very little except a small brown haired woman who partially transformed and the frenzied love making they had under the full moon. He shook his head and smiled reassuringly at Sookie. Bill certainly wasn't going to tell her about that fiasco. He laid down taking her into his arms and both fell asleep for the day. When she woke she dressed in a pair of white jean shorts and a blue tank top and her best running shoes just in case. She was just kissing Bill good bye when Sam knocked at the door asking for if Sookie was ready. She answered the door and smiled at her employer. Bill looked at Sam Merlotte and shook his hand.
"Please keep a sharp eye on Sookie for me Sam. Eric is up to something. I know you and I have had our problems in the past but trust me you do not want Eric to have control over Sookie."
"I know that. But I am not here for you either Bill. I am here for her. That's all." Sam said with his usual honesty. Bill nodded his head thinking that would have to be enough. Sookie let Sam open the door for her and they went on their way downstairs where Eric was waiting for them both,. He was wearing tight black jeans and a black wife beater with a dark blue button long sleeved button up shirt and black boots. Most of the females that passed him gave him long lingering glances of desire and so did some of the men. Eric watched Sookie intently as she stepped out of the elevator and approached with Sam. He paid the shape shifter very little mind and gave Sookie a little smile.
"Well don't you look good enough to eat. Now go back upstairs and shower that cloying perfume you wear off." He ordered.
"Excuse me??" Sookie began indignantly but Eric interrupted her not wanting to waste anymore time then necessary.
"We are about to deal with Werewolves...these people put my sense of smell to shame and I could smell you before you got off the elevator. You go near a pack smelling like that you will offend them and we do not want that. Now go upstairs and shower again with plain water and if you need my assistance please do not hesitate to say so." He moved towards her very quickly and stood with his face hovering above hers smiling the whole time.
"Hey...back off Eric." Sam said warningly. Sookie was pissed now and said the first stupid thing that came to her mind.
"You know what Eric? Godric would be ashamed of you!" She yelled getting in his face. Eric's smile faded and backed off as a fresh would was opened again and made to bleed. The loss of Godric still weighed heavily on him though he tried to keep it deep inside. Sookie saw the look of pain and grief flicker in his icy blue eyes and immediately regretted her hasty words.
"Oh god Eric..I am so.."
"Get out of my sight now breather." He whispered menacingly then walked out to the waiting car. Sam put an arm around Sookie and led her back to her room so she could get the perfume off. Sookie was very shaken now because Eric had never spoken to her like that before and for some reason she felt hurt by it. She showered quickly wondering how she was going to apologize to Eric then ran downstairs. The car was gone and Sam was sitting in a chair by the entrance and when he spotted her he got up and walked towards her.
"Eric left in the first car and arranged for a second one to take us to the meeting place. I think you may have taken care of your problems with him going after you now. He was pissed." He said with a grin.
"No Sam. What I said to him was completely out of line."
"So what? He was way out of line too."
"Same Merlotte, two wrongs don't make a right. If I can't keep a civil tongue in my head then how can I expect him too?"
"Jesus Sookie...do you always have to think like that?" Sam said taking her arm and leading her to the car.
"Yes I do and watch the J word will you?"
They rode in relative peace for about 45 minutes just discussing Bon Temps weather and the latest gossip. When the car stopped they were near the beach because Sookie could smell the salty Atlantic ocean. Eric was leaning against a tree and so far he was the only other person there. Sookie walked up behind him quietly and began to speak.
"Eric I know you don't want to hear me right now and I don't blame you. What I said was so mean and terrible and I feel just awful. I am so sorry. I am sure Godric thought very highly of you."
Eric didn't say anything as she spoke and continued to stare straight ahead. He turned his head sharply to the left and his keen eyes picked up movement in the trees. Sure enough 8 people all dressed in very little came forward and walked towards them.
"Keep your mind open. I want to know what they are thinking. The younger ones shouldn't be difficult to read but the older ones might require more effort." He said quietly. Sookie swallowed hard and nodded her head trying to pretend that Eric being upset with her didn't bother her. Eric turned and motioned for Sam to come forward then blurred towards Sookie and softly kissed her on the cheek. He walked forward onto the sand to meet the group and Sam and Sookie hurried to catch up to him. Sookie was now flushed and trying to calm her nerves from the simple kiss the Nordic vampire gave her. They approached and Eric motioned for them to stop a few feet away from the group then spoke in a loud commanding voice.
"I am Eric Northman. Sheriff of Sector 5 for the Vampires. I have come to parlay with the Lupa."
A short man with a deep tan came forward. He only wore a pair of jogging pants and his head was shaved. His eyes were Asian but his features said something else.
"Eric Northman. I am Valdis, First Alpha under the Lupa. Make your petition vampire."
"My petition is for the lupa and no one else Valdis. We made an agreement to see her. No challenges need be issued by you or anyone." Eric said calmly.
Valdis stared at Eric for a few moments with a less then friendly look on his face. Valdis didn't like it but his Lupa had ordered it. He looked to Sam and sniffed the air.
"A shape shifter? How quaint." Valdis said with a chuckle. He took a step forward and looked directly at Sookie sniffing the air around her. Bill told her this was common so she stayed still for a moment then offered her wrist so he could lick her. Bill told her this would be seen as very polite to them so she decided to get on their good side. She was amazed by them really. Their thoughts were so primitive and animal like yet in all that primal thickness there was still some human thought as well it was just hard to figure it out. Valdis looked at her in surprise when she offered her wrist and took it with a smile. He licked the inside of her wrist slowly while Eric and Sam watched intently to make sure of no foul play. Valdis looked up at her in shock.
"I know....I taste different. Believe me I get that from everyone I know." Sookie said knowing that would be Valdis's comment.
"You bring a telepath among us Eric Northman? It makes little difference but the Lupa will be told of this...individual and her abilities. Come. Lets not keep her waiting." He turned suddenly and all of them started to head for the trees again taking Eric, Sookie and Sam with them. It was a long walk of two hours and finally they emerged into a field. There were torches and fires in the distance and when they got to the large gathering there was a deep depression in the earth and in the huge dirt pit where two naked men sweating and rapidly punching each other. Several people were yelling and cheering the fighters on. After a few moments the two combatants began to shift into wolf form and continued to pound on each other. Pretty soon the fight was over when the sandy haired wolf drove his fist through the brown haired wolf's chest and ripped out his heart in a gush of blood and chunks of meat and bone. Sookie was horrified and Sam looked pale. Eric merely gave his trademark grin and watched as if he was looking at an unremarkable painting. Valdis waited till two lower pack members cleared away the bodily remains then motioned for Eric to go into the pit.
"After you vampire. The Lupa is waiting." He said with an evil grin.
Eric, still smiling jumped gracefully into the pit and landed easily on his feet. Once he landed he heard a low menacing growl coming from a now visible entrance to a small cave or tunnel. Someone was standing in the shadows on the entrance and the scent he was getting was strangely familiar like a dream just out of reach. He heard the growl again and quickly prepared himself for a fight.
"You always did have remarkable balls Eric but do you really think you could face me down and win?" The person standing in the shadows came forward and a woman with dark vibrant red hair could now be seen. She wore tight black leggings and a sports bra and was barefoot. She had an athletic figure with a hint of voluptuousness that would have made any dancer envious. Her skin was pale and clear with no freckles that usually came with shocking red hair like hers. Her eyes were a deep chocolate brown and she had an aura about her that made the air go still. Many of the people their went down on all fours and bowed their heads. There was no question now that this was the mysterious Lupa that everyone had heard of but no one had seen till now. Sookie gasped as she tried to read her thoughts and found that her thoughts literally shimmered with heat in her head. They were so animal yet intelligent and she used a language that Sookie recognized as Eric's native tongue but did not understand. The Lupa stared Eric down and gave a small smile herself then said something softly in Nordic. What surprised Sookie the most was Eric's reaction to her. He was quite literally dumbstruck and in awe of the sight of her.
"I..I thought you were dead." He said in Nordic.
"No. That was wishful thinking on your part Eric. I am very much alive and thriving no thanks to you." She responded bitterly. She gave an animalistic roar and ran towards him almost quicker then the eye could see. Eric barely had time to put his arms out and brace himself as she crashed into him. He threw her over his head and she rolled to a crouch a few feet away. Her fingers where now wicked looking claws and her teeth were extended like wolf fangs. Her eyes had gone yellow and now looked like the predatory creature she was. Eric extended his fangs and ripped off his button up shirt now that it was torn and circled the Lupa. They still spoke in their native tongue to each other.
"Really Freya, this is pointless. You may match me in strength but I am quicker. Besides...We have so much to catch up on now." His tone was sarcastic but calmer now that he got used to the unusual situation.
Freya stood up then looked to her people around her as they chanted her name and yelled for blood. Sookie held onto Sam for dear life as she watched Eric stand off against the female werewolf.
"What do you want here Northman?" She asked still speaking ancient Nordic.
"My people are getting killed by something that kills like a Werewolf. The local pack denies involvement."
"So? It's a rogue pack. Surely you don't need my help for that?"
"Unless this rogue pack has learned to fly I highly doubt it. Someone or something is trying to frame your kind and start a war between us."
Freya narrowed her eyes considering what he said. "Some would say a war has already begun. Attacks have been made on both sides. What do you propose to offer for our help? Right now I am not inclined to take anything from you vampire." She now switched to English so everyone could understand.
"The local pack near my territory is small and confined. I offer the thirty miles of woodland at the southern edge of my territory. I will concede this land to them. Now. What do you offer?" Eric now also spoke English and he could not help it as his eyes traveled slowly up and down her familiar curves. It had been 500 years since he last saw her and then they had fought viciously. 20 years after that he leaned she had been trapped in a castle fire and died. A loss he mourned deeply at the time.
"You will have safe passage through all my territory for the remainder of this investigation." She pointed to a black haired man in his mid twenties standing at the edge of the pit and motioned him to come to her. He jumped down and gave a snarl to Eric as he passed by then knelt before his Lupa. She put her hand on the scruff of his neck before speaking.
"This is Joesph. He made the unfortunate mistake of defying one of my orders and now his territory in the city of Shreveport is forfeit. I will concede it to you Eric as part of our pact."
"Agreed."
Freya tightened her grip of Joseph and flung him with ease into the crowd nodding her head. "Done."
"I suppose that concludes our affairs here in this ring."
"Not quite Eric." She said menacingly. She suddenly rounded on him and landed a punch on him that sent Eric to the ground spitting up blood. Freya took a handful of his thick blonde hair and yanked his head back hard whispering in his ear.
"I can only hope I shattered one of your fangs you fucker. That's for dislocating my jaw last time we met. Now we're done."