AN: Thank you so much for all of the reviews and support. I just want to clear a few things up. As this story came out of nowhere I had originally intended for it to be a one shot. However, the more I thought about it the longer it seemed to get. Now, I am planning to make it a 3 part story. That could change but it's highly unlikely as I don't want this story to run over my Easter holidays. I simply have too much going on and it would end up being left unfinished.
For those of you following Three Makes Family I promise to get a new chapter out as soon as I possibly can.
Love shouldn't hurt part 2
Sookie POV- Three days later
I woke to find myself in Eric's bedroom. Well, I suppose it was our bedroom now. I had officially moved in the day before. It had taken only a day to pack up my things and move them from New York to Shreveport. Eric and I had stayed in a vampire hotel while everything was sorted. It hadn't taken much for me to agree to move in with him. I had also agreed to help out at the bar while I tried to figure out what I wanted to do.
Eric had been stunned when he learnt I had made forty five thousand dollars on the stock market… in a week. He insisted I should use the money to start up my own business but I just wasn't sure that was something I wanted to do. If I was honest, I had always wanted to go to college but I couldn't decide what course to do.
We were going to go to Fangtasia tonight as Eric had been neglecting business in favour of staying with me and celebrating our new 'together' status. I looked to the small alarm clock that Eric had bought for me. Its red glow told me it was still early, only ten o'clock. Stretching I groaned at the thought of getting up. I had no idea how I had even gotten down here, although it wasn't hard to guess Eric had carried me. I had fallen asleep in front of the fire in the living room after a rather athletic love making session.
Leaning over to kiss Eric lightly before getting up, I headed to the bathroom. After a quick shower I got dressed. I chose a simple jeans and tee combination before pulling my hair into a scrunchy. My brown leather boots completed the outfit and I headed to the kitchen.
Eric's house was more like a mansion. He had a private estate on the outskirts of town. It came complete with pool, tennis court, a garden the size of a city and a stable. Oh, did I forget to mention the live in servants? Yep, Eric had three gardeners, a stable hand, five maids, a house keeper (who was in charge), a mechanic and a cook. I don't even know why I was surprised. I was assured that they were all well trained and good at their jobs. With Eric as their boss I had no doubts!
The servants all lived in a separate house which was about half a mile away from the main house but still on the estate. The first night I had arrived in my new home Eric had taken me on a tour of the property- which took four hours! He had then sat me down in the living room before calling all his servants and introducing me.
"This is my wife, Sookie." (He had explained to me that a blood bond was a vampire marriage.) "You will treat her with respect and follow her every order. She is the lady of this house and her word is as good as mine. Is that clear?" The stern tone he had used was obviously meant to instil fear. Once he had agreement from every person in the room he had continued. "You must be aware that my wife is very special. Among other things, she is telepathic. She will know if you are cheating us and she will know if you insult her. I suggest you voice any problems. This is her home and I will not have her made uncomfortable in any way. Is that understood?"
There was an echoing chorus of 'Yes, master," before they had all been dismissed. He had known how much I DID NOT like any of this situation, but he had also been right. He needed these servants in order to maintain his estate and allow him time to run the area. I was living with him now and so I must get used to them just as they must get used to me. It wasn't easy but as all the staff seemed friendly enough I knew I would adjust over time.
I made my way to the kitchen in search of breakfast. Anne, the cook, was already preparing me a feast of bacon, sausage, egg and toast. I placed myself at the breakfast counter and eagerly took the offered cup of coffee.
"Mmm, thanks."
"No problems, ma'am. How'd you like your eggs?" Anne asked me with a wide smile. She was a short woman in her late thirties. With long blond hair she looked like my older sister. Even her thoughts were cheerful.
"Over easy, please." I asked as I sipped at the steaming liquid before me.
"Sure thing," she cheered before turning to the skillet.
"Anne," I asked curiously, "Why does Eric have a cook?" The second the question was out of my mouth I regretted it. I could hear her panicked thoughts.
Oh God! She hates me! I need this job, what can I do?
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that! I just don't understand why a vampire would have a cook and I hadn't got around to asking him. Your job is safe, I swear!" I could see Anne visibly relax before she turned to answer me. "Sit," I offered pointing to the free chairs. Placing a plate of goodies in front of me, she sat opposite and explained.
"I've worked here for ten years. Normally I cook for the other servants but occasionally I will be used to cater for any human business associates. The master told me once that even though he didn't eat he still needed a full staff. He said it was good to be prepared." She poured herself a cup of coffee and began to drink.
"Do you like working here?"
Her face lit up with excitement, "I love it here. We all do. Mr Northman is a generous employer. We have a nice place to live and a good rate of pay. All that is asked in return is loyalty and hard work."
We chatted for a while as I ate. I was surprised how easy it was to talk to her. Anne told me all about the servants and their lives on the estate. I was surprised to learn that most of the servants had grown up on the estate as their families had performed the various duties for decades.
"Good morning, Mistress." Turning I saw an older woman, about fifty maybe, standing by the door to the kitchen. She wore a black pant suit and looked like a lawyer. Her greying hair was fastened up in a butterfly clip. It was clear this was a woman used to being in charge. This was Madeline Williams, our house keeper.
"Please, Madeline, just call me Sookie."
"Very well, as long as you call me Maddy. Is there anything I can do for you today?" I could tell by the way she was scowling at Anne she didn't approve of my easy going approach. In fact, I got the distinct feeling she didn't approve of me at all.
"No, I'm heading out in a few minutes, but thanks." I stood and took my plate and cup to the sink. "Thanks, Anne, catch you later."
"Bye, Sookie." I walked out leaving the sudden tension behind me.
I had originally planned on spending my day in the sun by the pool, but now I was desperate to get away from the house. Maddy hadn't done or even thought anything offensive but her disapproving aura made me nervous. I decided I would go for a short walk around the grounds. It was a nice day and I wanted to enjoy it. I knew tonight was going to be difficult. Eric was going to announce my 'position' to the vampires in the area. As if that wasn't bad enough, Bill was going to be there.
Eric POV
Rising for the evening I was surprised to find Sookie was not beside me. I had to admit, I had started to get used to rising with her sleeping at my side. It was something I enjoyed much more than I ever could have predicted.
In a matter of seconds I was dressed and ready for the evening ahead. I was looking forward to announcing Sookie as my mate and insisting on the respect that was due to her. I had long since promised to bring her to my side and make all those that owed me fealty honour her. Tonight I would fulfil my promise. Sookie was so used to people treating her like trash but she needed to learn it was unacceptable. She was a rare telepath, my mate and a fairy princess. She deserved to be treated like the royalty she was and I wanted her to feel as special as she was. The fact that I would get to rub our relationship in Compton's face was just a bonus.
Marching out of my day chamber I quickly located Sookie. She had fallen asleep in the library while reading a book. I picked the book, Pride and Prejudice, up off the floor where it had fallen. She was fast asleep on the sofa by the fire, her hand hanging down to the floor. All of this would have been adorable had she not got red rings around her eyes. She had been crying, again.
I quickly caught my temper, not wanting to wake her with the surge of anger over the bond. There was nothing to do but wait until she awoke so I could find out the cause of her distress. Picking her up in my arms, I sat on the sofa and laid her on my lap. Her head was placed carefully on my chest and I played with her hair as I waited. Over and over I tried to decipher her emotions through the bond but they were in too much turmoil to decode.
It took only a few minutes before I felt her stir, her eyelids fluttering open. Turning her head to look up at me, she gave me a warm and tender smile. The flood of comfort and joy at seeing me made my own heart ache. I could now feel her insecurity and belief of unworthiness. It made my arms hold her tighter.
"Good evening, honey," she crooned as she snuggled happily into my chest. She didn't want to talk about it.
"What happened, Sookie? You've been crying." The words were spoken softly and I made sure to push my love for her over the bond as I asked.
"It's nothing," she whispered and I felt a jolt of inadequacy.
Cupping her face in my hands I looked her in the eye. "I feel what you feel, dear one. I will spend my whole night waiting for you to tell me if I must. What happened?" Unexpectedly, Sookie began to sob. The tears rolled hot down her cheeks and she heaved with misery. She pushed her face into my chest and her small hands clutched my shirt in a tight grasp.
"I don't belong here," she cried into me. "I don't belong here!"
"Why ever would you think this, Sookie? You are my mate, my bonded, and my wife. You belong here and if there is ever a question of worth it would be I that wouldn't deserve you, my fairy princess." She looked up at ne with childlike eyes. The wide blue of them seemed vast, as if she were lost somehow.
"Bobby came by today. I was out having a walk on the grounds when he arrived. When I came in I…" Again the tears started and she pressed her face into my chest. I rubbed her back in soothing circles until she was able to continue. "When I came in I heard Bobby and Madeline talking about me. I didn't want them to know I heard so I crept up to the library and started reading. I guess I fell asleep." The tears were still running but she seemed calmer now.
I struggled to hold back my ire. I didn't know what they had been saying but I could guess. "What did you hear, Sookie?" She looked up me with pleading eyes but I pushed strength at her through the bond.
"They said I was trailer trash that wasn't good enough to be your whore let alone your wife. They said I was an embarrassment and a disgrace and it would do you a favour if I dropped dead. They said I was…I was…they said I was a freak and a dumb hick that just wanted your money. I heard them laughing about me and making jokes." I felt shame creep over her before she span to look at me with frantic eyes. "I've been treated like crap plenty of times. You wouldn't believe some of the things I have heard in people's heads, but the way they were talking…the things they said. I have never felt so small before." Her voice cracked as the sobs started once again. I held her to me and placed kisses on every part I could reach. This was exactly what I had been afraid of. I had tried to warm my servants but clearly it had done no good. Sookie wasn't used to living with lots of people nearby and hearing offensive things about you is one thing, but hearing them in your own home is quite another. She had returned to the place where she should be free to be herself and feel safe, only to walk in on a verbal attack. Of course she felt uncertain after such an experience.
"I love you so much, Sookie. I know what you are worth. I know better than you do, I think. I promise you, one day you will see how special you are." Kissing her tears away I held her until she began to calm.
I silently vowed to myself that any fool that made her feel this way would PAY! I would start with my fool day man and house keeper. I bet Pam would enjoy helping me. She always thought Madeline was full of herself.
Sookie POV
"You all know that I demand loyalty and respect from each of my subjects. It will come as no surprise that I expect such qualities to extend to my mate, my wife. Sookie is my equal and anyone who treats her with anything less than the respect you would show to me will find themselves being punished severely." Eric's fangs were down as he spoke to his subjects. I had been horrified to learn that the bar was opening three hours later than normal to allow for this 'meeting'. However, seeing the throne chair sat beside Eric's was enough to send me into a blind panic. I already felt stupid after all that had happened today but this…this was just too much.
Once Eric was done 're-educating' his subjects they all lined up to pledge fealty to both of us. I just sat and smiled politely. I could feel how much Eric was enjoying this so I figured I could tolerate it no matter how out of place I felt. At least, until I saw Bill get down on his knee before me.
"I pledge myself to you both. I hope you are happy," Bill looked only at me as he spoke and I could almost hear his heart shattering.
"Thank you," I whispered and I knew he understood the meaning behind my words. I wasn't just thanking him for his fealty. I was thanking him for accepting my choice and standing by me anyway. I felt Eric's hand tighten around mine as he glowered at my former love.
"I wish to speak to you privately, Compton, remain here until I am available to see you." I hated the way Eric was talking to Bill, although it came as no surprise.
"Yes, Sheriff," one final bow before Bill walked away and the parade continued.
"You seem very quiet this evening, Sookie," Eric remarked a few hours later. Most of the vampires had dispersed now and the bar was in full swing. We were still sat on our thrones as Eric wanted to make his new marital status clear to the 'vermin'.
"You know this makes me uncomfortable, Eric." I whispered. If I was honest it was much more than that. I had started to feel a little off. I had a slight headache forming and I was a little tired.
"I know you do not like this…what did you call it, again?"
"Pomp and ceremony."
"Right, but it is important. It is how we establish ourselves as rulers. You will get used to it. Until then," he leaned over to place a kiss on my cheek before turning to look at the bar and snaping his fingers.
"What can I get for you, Master?" Felicia was beside us in the blink of an eye. She cast me nervous glances as she spoke.
"Your mistress needs a drink," he stated matter -of-factly.
"Mistress?" The way her voice quivered with fear made Eric chuckle softly and my cheeks blush with irritation. Why had Pam scared the poor creature like this?
"A gin and tonic would be nice, please, Felicia."
"Right away," she called over her shoulder as she rushed away to carry out the order. As soon as she was gone I turned to glower at Eric.
"What was that?"
His eyebrows rose in challenge, "What was what?"
"Eric," I warned as I sent a wave of frustration through the bond. He chuckled quite openly now and leaned over to kiss me again. "Why do you enjoy this so much?" I asked him a little worried.
"Because for months I have longed for this moment never thinking it would come. Can I not enjoy a dream come true for a little while?" His answer instantly calmed me and made me feel guilty for bitching. Getting up, I moved and sat myself in Eric's lap. He opened his arms for me willingly before wrapping them around me in a claim of possession.
"Of course you can enjoy it, Eric," I told him with a kiss upon his lips. Never one to miss a chance, Eric deepened the kiss considerably. I heard the clink of a glass being placed down on the table next to us but Felicia knew better than to interrupt Eric. We kissed until I couldn't breathe then Eric reluctantly pulled away.
"I love you, Sookie. I'm sorry you can't enjoy this side of our relationship but I am grateful you are no longer fighting it. Do not think I don't appreciate this." I could see Eric's love for me shining in his eyes as he softly spoke. He tucked my hair behind my ear before kissing my forehead.
Eric picked up the glass that Felicia had delivered and handed it to me before turning and scanning the room. I took a quick sip. It was good and the alcohol helped me to feel a little better. "I need to go to my office for a while, Sookie. Will you be alright out here alone or should I call Pam?" I didn't miss the horrid look Eric shot to Bill who was still waiting for his meeting on the other side of the bar.
"I'll be fine alone, Eric. Please, don't hurt him." I felt a jolt of annoyance before steel like calm as Eric considered his response.
"I have no intention of harming him as long as he is cooperative. I do not like much of what has happened in the past but until you give me permission I will not seek retribution. However, I do need to make things between us all quite clear. You are mine, a fact that will NEVER change. He needs to know that I will not tolerate being challenged in any way."
I sighed, "Whatever, Eric. I trust you. Do what you need to do, I'll be fine." We kissed quickly before Eric stood and placed me back in my own chair.
"I'll try to get my business done as quickly as I can, dear one." I nodded and forced a small smile before watching my Viking vampire walk away. I had to marvel at the beauty of his ass as he walked through the parting crowd.
The bar was really busy tonight although I saw several disgruntled customers. I knew without my telepathy that I was the cause of the great displeasure on show tonight. I may have felt a little unsafe if I had not known, without doubt, that Eric would kill anyone who tried to harm me. The fact that they all knew it, too, only added to my security.
Watching the crowd I had noticed that the vampires on duty were both being very respectful and looking out for my safety. I had witnessed several vampires nodding at me in deference as well as stalking towards the worst of the scowling masses. I guessed that they figured looking out for me was in their best interests. I couldn't argue with it. I was sure a few fangbanger's had tried to throw drinks at me tonight. I really didn't want the drama.
I took another sip of my drink before scanning the crowd. It hurt too much to read them all the time but I was doing a quick scan every few minutes to make sure nothing too terrible happened. My head was properly pounding now and I wasn't sure how much longer I would be able to hold my shields up. The rolling in my stomach had also increased and I felt like I was coming down with the flu.
I wonder what time he will get here?
I know that bitch is cheating on me!
The blond on the throne is new. I wonder who she is?
Nothing new. I sometimes wondered if people knew just how boring and predictable they were? It was always the same stuff, over and over again. Getting up I marched through the crowd towards the washroom. I was a little surprised that the crowd parted for me, although I could hear the mutters and groans that the fangbanger's said under their breath. None of them were very complimentary. Squaring my shoulders, I held my head up and continued forward. Maybe Eric was right. I had to accept my place.
Relieved to find the washroom empty, I switched on the cold water and started splashing water on my face. It was only when the cool liquid touched my skin that I realised how warm I had become. The thought was short lived. Rushing to the nearest toilet I began to heave. I felt terrible as my stomach contracted, forcing out any and all of its contents.
Once my stomach was totally empty I moved back to the sink and swilled out my mouth. I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror. I looked normal, which was strange.
I spent a few minutes washing up before I returned to my seat in the bar. I just wanted to go home and dive into bed. I prayed that Eric wouldn't be able to feel how ill I was becoming. I didn't want him to worry about me. Tonight was about making his dream come true. I refused to ruin it with something as stupid as getting sick.
Eric POV
I couldn't help the smug grin as I stalked towards my office. I had fantasied about this moment almost as much as I had fantasised about Sookie herself.
"Sit down, Bill," I ordered, placing myself in my chair behind the desk. I could see the angst that the younger vampire was unable to hide in his expression. I had to admit. For such a fledgling, Bill was remarkably talented. He had more control than most I had seen his age, but he was still a pain in my ass.
"Sheriff, I would just like to say that…"
"SILENCE!" I roared. It was inconceivably difficult to hold in the laughter that bubbled up on seeing Compton jump, startled. "You do not speak unless spoken to!" My inner Viking did a happy dance on seeing Compton bow in submission. "I know exactly what role you played in Sookie's life, Bill. Regardless of any feelings you may or may not claim to have for her, you lied your way into her bed. You stole her virginity and failed to protect her. You have cheated her and belittled her…all before raping her and nearly killing her and yet she has defended you and saved you over and over. Sookie will always care for you. It is not in her to feel hatred to one she loved, but, beware. Sookie is MINE now and I will see that any offenses laid at her door, no matter how slight, are punished. With this in mind I want it to be clear that you are NOTHING more than friends with her or I will see to it that you become truly NOTHING. Do we understand each other?"
"Yes, Sheriff. You aren't going to ban me from Sookie's life?" The honest surprise in his voice gave me new respect for the vampire.
"You know Sookie well enough to know how foolish such a thing would be. I trust Sookie. I have no problems with you being friends…I just want to make sure you are clear where we all stand. It would hurt Sookie if I killed you…that doesn't mean I won't."
"I understand, Sheriff." He had relaxed now so we could begin to discuss other business. I had given this a great deal of thought. Of course, there was no denying I wanted to chop this vampire's head off. Not only for all he had done to Sookie but also for the endless taunts and lack of respect he had shown me. The fact that he was a boring jackass didn't help, either. However, what I had said was true. Sookie cared for him and so I had to give him a chance…besides, he would be useful. He would always be loyal to Sookie and there would be no better protection for her, after myself.
"Now that we have an accord I would like to discuss a few other things." Nodding, Bill sat back in his chair. I could feel an odd sensation coming over the bond but overall Sookie felt happy enough. "First, I will expect you to keep an eye on Sookie's house while she is living with me. I am sure she will stay there sometimes but her home is too important to her for anything to happen to it."
"Gladly, Sheriff."
"Am I to understand you are happy to be used as protection for Sookie when it is required?"
"As my Sheriff you do not need to ask, but I will always be here for Sookie. I would give my life for her, nothing has changed." I nodded. This was just as I expected.
"Good. In that case we are done."
"May I ask, Sheriff…?" I held my hand up to indicate he could speak freely. "What other protection have you in mind for her?"
"I will be employing four vampire guards and two werewolves. I also want to get…" My phone began to ring cutting me off mid-sentence. Knowing that Pam was screening my calls I quickly lifted the receiver to my ear. "Eric Northman."
"Viking, I have come to learn you and my great granddaughter are becoming serious." Great. Just fucking fantastic! Why in the fucking world would Pam put Nial through? The last thing I needed was to speak to that pompous asshole.
"Yes, Prince, we are." As if I would defend my relationship to him.
"In that case, I have some imperative information for you. It is vital you do not allow Sookie to drink from yo…"
"Sookie!" I cried. The pain hit my stomach first before striking my head. Bill was out of the room without another word. Dropping the phone I was hot on his tail as I ran into the bar. I never could have prepared myself for what I found.
Sookie POV
I had just returned from the bathroom when it happened. The air was thick with the heat of bodies. It was so warm I could have been blindfolded and told I was in a sauna. I would have believed it. I could smell the mix of smoke, perfume and alcohol. It was a fragrance I was used to and it made me feel comforted. I was in my own little world as I plonked myself down in my chair. I had long since abandoned my shields, I was just too weak. It had been a long time since I had been without a shield of any form so the voices were just a cacophony in my mind. I couldn't pick out one thought from another. It was just noise. So, it came as no surprise that I didn't see it coming.
I had noticed Mark earlier in the evening. He had seemed a bit aggressive and very drunk but nothing unusual, certainly nothing to worry about. What I had failed to notice was his dedication. He was a member of the fellowship of the sun and he didn't care that he would die. He wanted to punish the slut who was betraying her kind by marrying a vampire, illegally.
He approached my chair with a smile and leaned down as if he was going to kneel at my feet. In actuality he punched me in the stomach.
The blow caused the breath to leave me in one quick gasp as pain blindsided me. I didn't have chance to defend myself before he punched me again. This blow hit me in the chest and knocked me back. It was unfortunate that I landed with my head hitting the corner of my chair. I could feel the blood oozing out of a cut in my scalp. Fangbanger's were screaming as Mark circled above me, ready for one final blow.
"Get the fuck away from her!" Bill roared before throwing Mark to the other side of the room. I just about managed to turn my head in time to see the bastard hit the far wall and slide down to the floor. Then Eric obscured my vision. He gave me one small smile before everything went black.