Chapter 3 The Blood of The Maker
Sookie was impressed. Maybe Eric had meant for her to be...and if that was the case, he had succeeded. This was, well sumptuous! The furniture and fixtures were far nicer than anything she owned. Even before all these new ideas she had presented him with, he wanted her to be comfortable. When the back of the plane had opened up and the loadmaster had driven on and parked their car...well there were not many who could top this!
Bill in his used BMW could just kiss her ass. He had been so proud of himself. He had scored the car for below ten thousand of the Blue Book value when a maker had sold it when their child had met the true death. And yet, whenever they went anywhere, she drove. He bitched and moaned about her "death trap" and yet did not have a problem with her driving him around in it.
Eric was checking everything around him. This was supposed to be perfect. That is what he was paying for. He believed in comfort. As Sheriff, his comforts had been somewhat on the shallow side. He was not paying luxury tax to Sophie-Anne. And the Authority had wondered just how much money he had. The Queen of Louisiana and The Authority had gotten enough of his money. It was best just to keep them guessing. With them gone, he was certainly going to enjoy his comforts again. Especially with Sookie. She deserved so much more. He was going to see that she got it.
"This is the third time I have been on a plane," she smiled at him. "The AA Bill and I took that time to Dallas...that was the first time I had flown and it was nice, I guess. I was offered the choice of a non-alcoholic beverage. But it was not anything like this."
"I like my privacy," Eric grinned. "And I am especially going to want the two of us to have our privacy," his smile got bigger. "And on board this flight you are to have whatever you want. There is a small kitchen with a galley and a chef. When you get hungry, he'll fix you dinner."
"Well yes, of course, a chef," she ran her hand across the leather couch and shook her head in disbelief. "All this space just for us. Eric, you know I was kiddin' when I said I was not going to be a cheap date. And I certainly do not expect you to buy for me the world."
"Sookie," Eric shook his head. "Do not apologize. Give me back the saucy Sookie. I intend to buy for you the world. I expect us to hold hands and stop and look in storefront windows while you show me jewelry that you like. Let me make suggestions about things I think you should wear. And I am going to buy for you things that I want you to wear for me. You have some of those pieces, all ready. Now that I have you to model them for me...well," his face was sincere, "I have only started to shop for you. I have some Viking pieces that I want to see you in. I am truly sorry that we do not have more time in L.A. The jewelry district is a pleasant experience. You can design and they can build your dream on the spot. We can always come back here, but I think you would enjoy New York just as much until your passport comes in."
Looking at her were the eyes of a man that loved her. Only her gran had held that kind of love for her. The kind that you could see on their face. The smile, the relaxed and happy look in their eyes. "Thanks for being so good to me. And I know outward signs are not a pledge of love or what is in your heart. And Eric, your love is enough.
I have had an engagement ring," she said with a shake of her head, her face etched with sadness. "Bill, the engagement ring he gave me...it was a CZ. It was silver with a platinum wash on it. I took it to a jeweler to sell it so I could have money to look for him...all they would give me for it was twenty-five dollars. I took the money and had lunch at Olive Garden while I was in Shreveport. I figured I might as well have something good from the relationship. I settled for a nice meal with lots of garlic. And those bread sticks that are dusted in garlic powder...I ate my weight in those. I was carb happy. Because in my soul..." the tears started to slip down her cheeks. "In my soul I was not happy," her tear filled eyes held Eric's, "even then I knew he was not who I loved in my heart of hearts."
"Sookie," Eric shook his head in disgust. "Bill is a cheap bastard. You know this to be true. I am just sorry you found this out at the expense of your heart. I love you. It is that simple. Your welfare is my top priority. And you shall not wear jewelry that turns you finger green," he added with a small smile, hoping to lift her spirits.
"Yes," she nodded in agreement. "And you are mine. I understand about you wanting to provide the best for me. Because I want to do the same for you. I just can't do it with money..." she shrugged. "All I have is my heart and soul."
"Lover," Eric pulled her into his lap. "Your love, that is all that I want. Money," he shrugged. "It comes and goes. Right now I have money. That means you have money."
"That's a lot to take in," she blew out a stream of air. "From living on tips and lies to living with a man that loves me and tells me the truth. And most importantly allows me to love him and is not ashamed or embarrassed to be seen with me."
"Ashamed to be seen with you...?" Eric drew back a bit and raised an eyebrow. "Compton was embarrassed to be seen with you?"
"Sometimes," she just shrugged. "Around other vamps, he was always apologizing for me being human. And less...you know, because I was not vampire."
"He really does carry the pet mentality," Eric snickered.
At that moment, to Sookie, several things became clear. "Fuck," she wanted to kick herself for being so naïve. "That's why he always had me drive. And the ring," she shrugged. "It was okay to spend my money on him. That was his right. He thought that was all I was good for was feedin' him."
At that moment, Eric had a flash of several different ways he could prolong Bill's life. Well, the best revenge was to live well and truly consider all the options for ending Billy Boy.
And live well, Sookie was going to do just that. "Lover, Bill is a cheap assed idiot. You cannot place value on what an idiot thinks or believes or has the audacity to say out loud.
You are all I want. I am all that you want. We shall do whatever the fuck we want. It sounds to me like we are in simpatico. Our love will stand while the world goes to hell around us. And we will still be standing despite what the world, or anyone else thinks.
I believe," he said with both of his hands cupping her face, "that vampire came to be so that I could be with you."
Smiling, she wrapped her arms around him and leaned her forehead against his. "And I believe that Warlow came callin' so we could have it all."
Kissing her, Eric leaned back onto the couch and took her with him. "There's the light, time for take-off."
"Eric," she nestled into his body and his arm went around her. "I get that you are old. And that you must know folks and all that. But how did you know where to start lookin' for Sarah?"
Eric was thoughtful. "Lover I want to ask you a question. Please, to the best of your ability, give me your answer."
"Okay," she nodded her head, a small smile on her lips.
"If you knew you were being hunted by bad, bad people, and trust me, I am not the meanest fucker out there, where would you run to?"
"Wouldn't run," Sookie shook her head. "I'd stay and fight."
Eric laughed out loud. "I love you," he kissed her soundly. "Why not?" he thoughtfully asked her.
"Because if I am gonna die, I am going to be surrounded by those things I hold most dear. And if I am lucky enough, I will be standing with those that I love and with those that love me."
"You amaze me," Eric kissed her again, softly, gently. "Not all think this way. Especially those that enjoy money that they did not earn. At one point, Newlin was at a yoga retreat in Ojai, California. Costs money to be there and Sarah is one that likes her money. When the boys in black killed her yogi and she escaped, where do you think she would run to next?"
"Someplace with money?" and you could hear the question in Sookie's voice.
Eric nodded yes.
"But, but I would...I don't know...maybe purchase campin' gear and take off."
"You mean actually sleep on the ground?" Eric chuckled. "Use a public bath? Cook your own meals over a camp stove?"
"Oh," Sookie chuckled, "I see your point. So, what is Sarah's idea of campin'?"
"She is staying in Beverly Hills. She is at the house of a friend of a friend. House sitting, I believe is the quaint term."
"Just how stupid is the girl?" Sookie said in wonder. "There are vampires who know her from FotS and she is stayin' in a house that is not even hers? Just makes you wonder how the human race survived at all."
Eric laughed out loud. "Lover, that is because the gene pool is populated with the likes of you. Hard working, loyal, industrious, and very, very smart folk."
"So just how did you track her down?" she asked.
"A lot of out of town vampires own homes in Beverly Hills. They have their glamoured humans in place. And vampires love to gossip, speculate and write story lines about what they think is going on in the house next door. Remember, we stay alive because we stay one step ahead. If anything deviates from the norm, all types of alarm bells go off until they know just what the fuck is going on.
Lights were noticed on in a house where the owners were known to be gone. I have a couple of friends living in their home in Beverly at the moment and they stopped by to look in the windows."
"Ah-h-h Eric," Sookie raised an eyebrow at him. "Would these two just happened to have gone looking for a free meal?"
"Maybe," he grinned. "And what they saw was Sarah Newlin."
"These two happen to have names?"
"Well yes. They are Cedric, King of Eire and Ian, King of British Isle. They had started out as human friends and had ended up with the same fucking maker. They both equally hated their fucking maker."
"Hm-m-m-m," she eyed him. "You would not happen to have anything to do with them maybe no longer havin' a maker?"
"Maybe," he grinned.
"So what was their story," she smiled at him.
"Back in the day, they had been young men who were proud of their family's distillery. Now they are vampires who liked to sniff their family's distilled spirit …and sometimes on a dare or a want to… each will empty a bottle of their own brand of Whiskey/Whisky and then puke their guts out, together."
"Oh-h-h," Sookie laughed out loud. "Why am I not surprised. Cleary Eric, you run with the finest of crowds."
"And that I do," he winked at her. "Anytime one of them feels the need to puke their guts out, the other one is always available to do likewise. Friends since birth, friends until death, friends in either Heaven or Hell, is their motto. They are good lads, sometimes a bit zealous in their regard to do right, but they have offered me sanctuary more that once and they are good company."
"Yes, I am sure Sarah thinks so," she grinned.
"Oh, she does," he laughed out loud. "They met her when they were out walking the neighborhood one sunset, sketching the houses as they talked architecture. You know, just being harmless looking humans trying to engage their next meal. She had just pulled up to the gate. They waved, she waved. It was history in the making," Eric shook his head in delight. "Cedric with his Irish lilt is the charmer of the two. He thinks she is a little bit sweet on him. He brings her chocolate covered strawberries that he says he picked from his garden and dipped in chocolate just for her. My boy'o is full of shit but it speaks well of him.
Of course, Ian shows up in his tailored three piece suit that he looks most sinful in and brings her flowers that he says he has just cut from his garden and she finds that most delightful as well."
"The chocolate is gonna' win on that one," Sookie grinned.
"Yes," he chuckled. "Yes. It is. Apparently Cedric has had his way with her out by the pool under the stars.
Ian did her in the pool while the man in the moon and Cedric watched the happy tryst."
"Oh eeuuu, Eric," she made a face. "I can see where this is goin'."
"Oh-h-h, when we arrive, tonight is scheduled the threesome. Only," Eric picked up Sookie's hand, "it is not going to be the threesome she envisioned. And the house that she is living in, well, it has a new owner."
"Fuck," Sookie shivered a bit in her soul.
"Yes," Eric grinned. "That was easy. Humans actually owned that house. I just offered them double what it was worth and we are now the new owners. We are going to continue to rent to the old owners until they come back next month and pack out."
"That easy..." Sookie regarded him, her voice soft.
"Yes lover," he cupped her cheek, "that easy."
"Are all vamps like this?" she asked.
"No," he shook his head. "As a vampire, you cannot do this by yourself. And there are few you can trust. I am also old. Wealthy. Godric was wealthy before he turned me. When he passed into the sun, he left me everything."
Sookie smiled at the mention of Godric's name. "He asked me if I would see to you," her voice was soft and gentle. "At the time I told him I just did not know if I could do that for you or not."
"But you liked me even then," he grinned. "I could tell."
"Well yes," she grinned back. "And if I had not been caught up in Bill's fuckery..." she hesitated.
"Sookie," Eric took her face and looked into her eyes. "Do not. The path we have both walked has brought us here. Remember, vampire exists so that we could be together."
"And everything else just got us to this time and place," her voice was sure and confident.
"Yes," he replied as he kissed her. "Yes," he said as he licked her lips.
"Yes," she replied as she straddled his legs and with one quick movement, Eric had unzipped his pants and she was moaning his name as he rocked back and forth. "Yes, yes, yes..." she kept repeating until there was nothing left of her, only Eric.
The plane began its descent and then they were on the ground, the car unload and they were on their way.
"I don't know that I would call those color switching Legos attractive," Sookie said as she was looking at all the things going on around her as they drove out from LAX.
"Yes," Eric nodded as he pulled out of the airport and onto the highway.
"Wow," she chuckled, "I can see what you mean about blendin' in. And we are not even in Beverly Hills yet. I think that was a Lamborghini."
"You are correct, lover," he grinned. "We are going to be making a stop or two along the way. There is a shop on Rodeo Drive called Basic Black that Pam swears by. Then when we are in Beverly Hills, I want you to meet Ian and Cedric so we shall be stopping by there first before we arrive at Casa de Hombre del Norte."
"The House of Northman," she smiled at him. "I like it. Just how many languages can you speak?" she asked.
"Forty-four, fluently," he replied, "I can fake my way through just about anything else. Godric taught me the ancient languages. Today's are based from those. Once you understand that, it is not much of a jump."
"Well just damn," she giggled. "Smart, a big dick, and rich." Taking his hand, she held it next to her check. "And kind, and considerate, thoughtful, truthful, loving," a heartfelt sigh floated past her lips. "And he loves me," she felt the tears start. "I love you Eric," she smiled over at him. "I," her voice caught, " I don't think I can say that enough."
"Sookie, lover," he stopped at the light and leaning over kissed her. "I promise you, I will never get tired of hearing you say that."
"On my gawd," Sookie laughed, "the palm trees really do announce that you have stepped across into Beverly Hills. Whoa! Not to mention the cars. Fuck Eric," she said as she watched a Rolls followed by another Rolls drive past. "Are you sure we are gonna' blend in this Bentley?"
Laughing he pulled up to the curb and gave the parking attendant the keys. "We will not be long," was all he said as another attendant opened Sookie's door.
"I will help her out," Eric growled.
"Yes sir, of course," the young male replied.
Hand in hand they walked into Basic Black. "Yes, no kiddin'," she said quietly to Eric. "Just look at those chandeliers and all this marble. No wonder Pam likes shopping here."
A lady approached them.
"The Coach suitcase, Mr. Northman, holds the required foundation garments. There are also three serviceable suits for business."
"Good," Eric nodded. "I need something that is California casual that says just fucking expensive."
"We have that sir," she bowed her head. "Mrs. Northman. My name is Samantha. If you would just come with me. I have something that just might do. It is a strapless t-shirt with linen lounging pants and a sheer jacket that is worn over the top and flows out around you. We have it in baby girl pink, which I believe would be most flattering."
When Sookie walked out with it on, Eric let out a low wolf whistle. "She will wear it. Thank you so much, Samantha," he smiled. "The bill please."
Ian and Cedric were doing the vampire version of pacing. They were sitting at a table, facing each other, playing Parley.
Ian was in some deep shit. Cedric was reciting something in ancient Gaelic. They both heard the Bentley. Saved by The Viking!
"I know that this count should be on me
But that is Eric and he comes on bended knee
To claim for his bride the treasure trove
That we have held since time foretold."
"Aye," Cedric eyed his friend and gave him the evil eye. "Just the luck of the Irish with you there, me British Isle boy'o."
Ian laughed. "Well, who is to say? I know your ancient Greek sucks. I was getting ready to respond in that to your smallish missive about mermaids," he said.
"Lucky fucker," Cedric laughed. "I was referring to an albatross."
"Now now," Ian responded in his best upper British. "In ancient times, an albatross was often referred to as a mermaid. I would have called your truth and I would own your ass for the next month."
Cedric was glaring at him as they both went to the door. "Me boy'o, sometimes I think your shit doth stink."
Laughing, Ian responded with, "You just cannot prove it old chap."
"Fucking Brit," Cedric respond laughing, as he grabbed Ian and messed with his perfect James Bond hair.
"Fucking maker," they both seethed. "God bless Eric," they both smiled. No way in bloody fucking hell were they going to let un-death separate them. And so into un-death they road and lived and on occasion even thrived and had a good time.
Their good times had always revolved around a very tall blond. When he had taken his very tall self to the New World, their good times had slowed down just a bit and they had to find their own entertainment and amusements. There were fun amusements to be had to be sure, just as not on a grand of scale as what The Viking could provide. And anytime Eric walked back into their lives...it was just...
"Bloody fucking hell!" they both shouted as they opened the door, "it is The Viking! And his Mrs."
The red head, Sookie thought, could only be the Irish named Cedric. The dark haired one in the impeccable suit had to be British Isle, Ian. Wow, Eric was not kidding, Ian really did look like the poster child for James Bond.
Whoa! Mrs.! She could maybe understand Samantha calling her Mrs. Northman. She had watched Pretty Woman. But now two of Eric's friends had called her Mrs.
"Ian, Cedric, this is Sookie," Eric beamed with pride as they went inside.
"Oh Mrs. Sookie," Cedric raised her hand to his lips, and placed there a smallish kiss. "I am Cedric. Lovely you are and a rare delight to behold. When The Viking called and said it was time to bring forth The Viking horde of jewels, well, we knew for sure he would had fancied himself a bride to take and make his own."
"Yes," Ian raised her other hand to his lips. "I am Ian. My brother there does speak the truth. We both wondered what manner of woman would bring The Viking to his knees. Clearly," he kissed her hand again, "you have exceeded even his dreams."
"She killed a Were with a shot gun," Eric said with pride. "Blew her face off."
"Well damn," Cedric dropped her hand and took a step back. "Not even a young vamp can do that."
Ian bowed at the waist to her. "Welcome, I see that Eric has indeed chosen the perfect mate."
"Ian, Cedric," Sookie smiled at both of them. "I am flattered by your nice words but Eric has not yet asked me to marry him. Just what makes you think he is?"
"We brought his mother's and father's jewelry," Ian said. "We just assumed that he was going to gift his bride..."
"Oh..." Cedric kicked Ian. "I see. He has not asked you yet lass. Well, just so you know, I am available and perhaps I do not come with such a..."
Eric hissed at Cedric and the amusement stopped.
"Just funnin' Eric, but perhaps not really. She smells of the fae."
"Yes, Cedric, I am well aware of what she smells and tastes like. And I was going to ask her to marry me when I had my mother's ring."
Both kings broke out in great big grins. Sookie was shaking her head at both of them. She thought maybe they knew that and had beat Eric to the punch line.
"Lover, I thought a walk on the beach, moonlight, these two serenading us in the background..." Eric squinted at them.
"Weres howling, bullets whizzing by overhead, screams of pain and delight," Sookie smiled at him.
"Sounds like the Mrs. is a' known' ya' Eirc me boy'o, only so very well," Cedric grinned as they all chuckled.
"I know one of you has the rings," Eric's eyes drifted over his friends. "And from the look of Ian has on his face, I would say that it was him."
With a smiled, Ian took them out of his pocket and handed them to Eric.
"My mother's torque," Eric looked back over at Cedric.
Walking over to a side table, the King of Eire opened a drawer and Sookie could see the circlet of gold flash in the light.
"Thank you," Eric said taking it from him. "You two," he raised both eyebrows at his friends, "take yourselves someplace else."
Hand in hand the lovers walked through the house and out the back door.
"Oh Eric," was all Sookie was able to get out. There was a huge fire pit and she could feel its warmth from where she stood. The area was lit by torches...torches she realized that would have lit Eric's village. A waterfall cascaded into a pool somewhere. The smell of roses on the chilled evening air was heavenly.
Sitting Sookie down on a bench, Eric knelt down in front of her. "This," he lovingly held the ring, "this belonged to my mother. As did the torque. My father had them made for her. Both are braided gold. The end caps on the torque are guarded by the heads of dragons, their eyes set with the blood stone. The dragon is what stood watch over our village.
Her ring," he felt the tears slip from his face. "She always told me her ring would go to my bride. It is also woven gold, with the dragon's head in the center. It's eyes set with the blood stone."
"Sookie Stackhouse," he said as he slipped the ring on her finger, "these are just the smallest of tokens of my love for you. The are all I have left of my mother."
"Eric," she felt the tears start. "No, they are not all that is left. You are her son. She lives on in you. How proud she must be of you.
I cannot begin to honor this woman who raised you. But I will love you with all that I am. And our children that will follow on, she shall live on in them as well."
"Yes," was all he said as he wiped the tears away and handed her his father's ring.
Holding up his hand, she kissed the ring and then slipped it on his finger and whispered to him, "I love you."
Kissing her, he moaned out, "And I love you."
For long moments, they were entwined in each other's arms.
Sitting next to her, Eric placed the torque around her neck. "This is what has been missing," he smiled at her. "I believe the ensemble is now complete."
"Time to go," she said wistfully as she ran her fingers through his hair and watched it shimmer in the firelight.
"Time to go," he replied.
"You gonna' be a maker one last time tonight?" she asked.
"Willa and I have yet to decide who gets that honor," they both heard Pamela drawl.
"There was no keepin' her fine blonde ass out, Eric," they both heard Cedric chuckle as Pam's fangs snicked down and glared at him. "And I canna' not but be admirin' your other child as well. A might bit on the scrawny side but pleasin' to the eye she is."
Willa said, "Fuck you," and gave Cedric the bird.
"Aye, boy'o, she is yours all right this very minute," he and Ian both laughed. "Nothing says The Viking like a robust fuck you!"
"Besides," Pamela air kissed Sookie. "I cannot have Mrs. Sookie spendin' her wedding night without her groom. I have tried that once or twice and it just sucks, not in a good or pleasurable way."
"Pam," Sookie eyed her, "have you been married?"
"Oh fuck yes," she smiled. "I was the Duchess of someplace and the Princess of something for about twenty-four hours. My husbands made for interesting snacks after I helped myself to the family jewels and cleaned out their vaults."
"Ian, Cedric," Eric smiled politely at them, "are you coming with?"
"Bloody fucking hell yes," Ian's face split into a grin. "We thought you would never ask."
"We have the gate codes," Eric said to the girls as they got into their Porsche. "This is our home and we are driving up to the front door. Since the house is in Sookie's name, we will have to be invited in but she will have the keys and codes. My lover is walking in like she owns the place because she owns the place. Sarah has been informed that the owners are in town to pick up a few things, say their how do's and that she is to expect them.
The estate agent said the bitch was all Miss Southern Hospitality. Wanting to bake something as a way of saying thank you for letting her stay. She said she was famous for her brownies."
"I hope she puts walnuts in her brownies," Sookie sighed. "I love those."
Sarah was going over the rooms with a critical eye. The cleaning team had been here today and the crystal chandeliers in each room on the ground floor looked fab-u-lous! What a glorious house! Wow! Fifteen thousand square feet! And that grand sweeping staircase that split and went up both sides was the stuff of Architectural Digest! "I would love to be here for that photo shoot!" she sighed with a righteous contentment.
Outside/inside there was a to-die for spa with not only a fire pit but a huge fireplace as well! The patio furniture was French antique wicker and was lovely, lacy, and delicate looking. The flowers were in full bloom and she liked to think that she was the mistress of this very fine estate. If the owners needed to be gone for six months or a year, she could be their caretaker! She would charge them nothing if they would just pay the bills! This could work! She could be charming and congenial. Why, she had won Miss Congeniality in the Miss Dallas contest! Everyone had loved her! Why, the owners would love her as well!
There was the delicate smell of brownies that she had just put in the oven and she would wait on the coffee or tea! But the staff and cleaned and buffed the gold coffee and tea service and she was prepared with the fine china laid out.
It was time for her to go change and sweep her hair up and look responsible! When they rang the doorbell, she would be there to welcome them home!
This was only going to be a meet and greet, the estate agent had told her. "I sure as fucking hope so," Sarah grinned. She had not done a three way before and tonight was going to be her first! The boys would be here at midnight and she was going to take a bubble bath just as soon as she finished with this business.
The Bentley pulled into the driveway. Eric opened Sookie's door. Pam had smirked and had levitated to go look in some windows. Willa was watching her older sister and decided to do likewise.
"She is going to learn all of Pam's bad habits," Eric said with a sigh.
"Going to?" Ian said as he and Cedric walked up. "I would say she all ready has."
"Eric, this is lovely," Sookie smiled at him as she admired the massive stone façade. "It looks like a French chateau. The rock detailing is amazin'. I cannot wait to see this is daylight. Although, the lighting design they have out here now is lovely." Putting her hand through his arm, they walked to the front door. Inserting the key into the lock Sookie pushed on the front door, said, "Eric, Pamela, Willa, Ian and Cedric, won't you please come in." Eric stepped in and disengaged the alarm and hand in hand they began exploring the bottom floor.
"Hello," Sookie yelled up the stairs. "We are here and are just lookin' around."
"Welcome home," Sarah called back down. "I am just freshening up some towels. I'll be down in a second. There are brownies in the kitchen for you!" Fixing her lipstick, she winked at herself and then swiveled her hips for luck!
"Oh how lovely, thank you, thank you thank you," she bowed her head to the universe and then began jumping up and down for joy! "I hear a Southern accent! She is just gonna love me to pieces! And I am just gonna love her and we are gonna have us a Southern girl love fest! Oh fuck! Maybe we are even sorority sisters!" she whispered as she hugged herself. "Oh shit, I could just end up living in that charming fairy princess guest house full time! I think I just peed myself!"
With a calm she did not feel and a stately presence she knew she made, Sarah began her way down the stairs. She could hear the voices and then she could see them, their backs reflected in the mirror from the foyer. The owner was a blonde! And tiny! And wearing a smoking hot outfit! Looked like she shopped at Basic Black! Oh joy! She had admired that outfit when she was in there last week but at fifteen thousand, that was just a little too dear! But, fuck yes! She wanted to air pump her arm! She could wear her clothes when she was out of town! And WOOF! Just look at what was mouth-waterin' standing next to her! "I am willin' to bet there is not a gay bone in his long, lean, muscular body! And the way her hand is travelin' up and down his ass, I bet he has a major bone in his pants!"
"Eric, I smell brownies," Sarah heard her lovely voice and smiled as they headed toward the kitchen.
"I just knew it, all Southern girls like brownies! I did good!" she bit her bottom lip and congratulated herself that her luck still held true!
Pam was snorting through her nose. "Look at that stupid fuck. She just wet herself. One look at Eric's back side and she thinks she can be Mrs. Northman," she shook her head and rolled her eyes. "You can see her sizing up her competition and wondering if Eric is interested in doing a three way. Show the guy who owns the house a good time and move herself in permanently. Now tell me that I am not the only one who just saw her pinch her nipples. Oh, she just did it again. Oh how nice, rubbing her crotch...oh no fucking way...! " Pam was gleeful.
"Would you look at that," Willa was watching in disbelief. "She just dipped her fingers into her pussy and is putting that behind her ears. It is obvious that she does not know Eric! She just has not one idea what a fuck head he can be," she complained.
"Now Willa..." Pam started.
"Really?" she hissed at her older sister. "Did he run off and leave you when you were just two weeks old? Leaving you in the care of another baby vampire. And Tara did what she could but fucking shit, there were things her maker did not bother to explain to her!" Willa hissed.
"Oh-h-h, do I hear unhappiness in the ranks?" Ian chuckled.
"Fuck off," both girls said in unison, turning to the vamp that stood behind them.
"Just like Eric, boy'o!" Cedric chuckled.
"Shut the fuck up about our maker!" they both said in unison as gave them an evil squint and the finger.
"At your service," they both said with a bow and an innocent look.
"Come on, it's about to get good," Pam eyed them. "The bitch is headed to the kitchen. We don't want to miss the show."
"Oh yeah! There are walnuts in the brownies," Sookie said with a sigh as she cut into the pan. "And they are still warm. A brownie is at its fullest potential with a great big scoop of vanilla ice cream with some hot fudge sauce and whipped cream on top. Damn," she shook all over. "That sounds so good I am eating that off your abs!"
"Oh lover, I think I like brownies, also," Eric grinned.
"Good evening," Sarah said entering the kitchen. "My name is Sarah and I would just like to thank you for allowing me to stay in your lovely home. I see you found the brownies. I made them from scratch just for you. They were a favorite in my sorority house. And I just love that ensemble you are wearin'" her smiled coved her face. "I was admiring it myself at Basic Black."
"Yes," Sookie smiled at Eric. "It is far more charmin' than the last outfit you saw me in. What was that...basic let's silver them together and let her flame up in the sun as well..."
"What?" Sarah stammered.
"Good brownie though," Sookie smiled at her as she turned around.
"Oh fuck..." Sarah gasped as she put both hands over her mouth and began backing up and screaming at the same time.
"Yes, you had Eric on that alter, pinned down with silver chains," Sookie took a step forward. "And you good folks wanted to flambé us."
The screams of "No, no, no..." kept coming out of her mouth as Eric leaned against the counter and watched her.
"She has shit herself," Pam said in disgust.
Sarah turned around and there stood Northman's child! A long wailing scream left her mouth and lifted through the air and then she slumped to the floor.
"Passed out, poor dear," Ian shook his head in disbelief. "The last time Pamela, you had that affect on anyone was Cedric. Remember when you both lost the bet to Eric," he smiled. "You made such an attractive couple at the ball. Cedric dressed as Cupid. And you made a beautiful Venus."
"That was a very good night," Eric nodded in agreement. "Poor Cedric."
"Me darlin' Pamela, she wants me," the king of Eire grinned, "I can tell. Do ya now not me sweetlin, wantin' me to take you in me arms and..."
"Do not," Pam grouched. "After that night, you are the reason I switched to girls."
"That's not what I heard," Ian chuckled. "And from where I was sitting, I could hear it all."
Pam glared at the King of British Isle and then bowed her head to her maker. "Only thing to do is take her outside and hose her off," Pam sighed. "I think that job belongs to the newest child," she smiled sweetly.
"Oh, I see it now," Willa bickered. "That is why you make a new child every hundred years or so. So you have someone to give the shit detail too. Here Willa, clean the shit off this human...and oh, by the way...don't drain them all the way. You have to listen for their fucking heart beat," she glared at Pam and Eric as she picked up Sarah's heels and drug her out the kitchen door. "And yes, we have money, in the Northman family, we pay the human when we feed from them. Oh, you need an ATM number to make that happen. Or a map to the fucking underground money vault. What? Did not stick that on a post it for you or beam it to you through the fucking maker bond? Fucking fuck heads," she bitched as she stomped along.
"Daddy Eric," Sookie smiled at him. "I think you are needed out in the yard with your baby vampire."
With a chastised looked and a nod of his head, he followed his youngest out the door.
When Sarah woke up she was out in the grass, nude from the waist down and wet and cold.
Before she could scream, Willa turned the hose back on and hit her in the face with the full force of the stream of water. Then they were back inside in the laundry room and Willa tossed her a beach towel. "Wrap up. Nobody wants to see you skank," was all she said as she walked out the door.
Wrapped up in the beach towel, Sarah shivered then caught a glimpse of herself in a mirror. Her make up was all over her face. She had major raccoon eyes. The tears started again.
"Come on," Sookie said as she stuck her head in the door. "You are a guest in our home and I am giving you the dignity of walking out on your own."
Together they walked to the living room.
"You are going to let me die with dignity?" Sarah asked as she sat down in a room full of vampires.
"Die? Dignity?" Sookie her head in disbelief. "Was there any dignity for those vampires that you experimented on, tortured and then sent to their true death? And when you shot my brother, you thought it was with a real gun. Eric staked out with silver on that alter!" she hissed. "Asking to spare me and only burn him. There was nothing dignified about that. You reap what you sow. You are a murdering skank in your heart and according to what my Gran taught me, that is the only place it counts."
Sarah saw her chance and she took it. "Your gran was a good woman, a holy woman. She taught you right from wrong and to turn the other cheek when a wrong was done to you. Sookie, we are both human. Raised on the good book. You know what is right. The time has come for you to turn the other cheek and forgive me and let me go."
Sookie started laughing. "Do you even know what that phrase means?"
"Well yes," Sarah sputtered. "I was a preacher's wife...of course I know!" she said in indignation. "I just told you. No matter what I do to you, Jesus expects you to forgive me."
"First of all," Sookie's face became death. "Jesus never advocated abuse. Never!" she hissed. "Second of all, there were a lot of lesser folks back in his day. The wealthy folks had a tendency to treat them like shit. The rich wore a lot of jewelry...lots of rings to show their wealth. And all those rings were very useful. So that when they struck a lesser, it was with the back of their hand and it was like being hit with a set of brass knuckles.
When Jesus said to turn the other cheek, if they were going to strike them again, it would now have to be with the open palm of their hand. And that was how they struck an equal. With their open palm. And when you hit a lesser back in the day with the open palm, that was your way of sayin' they were your equal and you just gave them all the rights of your equal. They could haul your ass into court and sue for damages. Jesus really was a rebel in his thinkin' and teachin'. You are just fucking without a clue," Sookie spit at her. "Yes, turn the other check so that they beat the shit out of you!" she snorted. "Yes, you should let them do that again! Fucking idiot!" she seethed as she went and stood beside Eric.
"Really?" Willa mouthed at Sookie.
"Yes," Sookie nodded back.
"Even Pam looks impressed," Eric noted. "So ends our Bible lesson for the day," Eric smiled. "So, Sarah," he brought Sookie's hand to his lips and kissed it. "This is how your human life is going to end and your life as vampire is going to begin.
One of my girls is going to turn you. They have not told me yet which one is going to do the deed. But when you rise tomorrow night, if it takes, vampire you shall be."
"But as a demon, I will never get into Heaven," she sobbed.
Sookie sadly shook her head. "The way you treated folks, I don't think you were going there anyway."
"Bitch," she snarled at Sookie.
"Check her eyes for contacts and let's get this started," Eric said standing, his gaze resting on his girls, "before I fucking break her neck."
"I'm doing it," Willa said.
"The score goes to the youngest," Eric smiled at her. "Do me proud."
"Fuck you," she squinted at him.
Turning to Sarah, Willa said. "Your ass is mine. I can see the contacts in your eyes. You have a choice, either remove them now or I will pluck your fucking eyes out."
They all sat around the fire pit watching Willa dig the hole.
"Once more," she said looking up out of the grave she was digging. "Why is it I have to do this?"
"Part of the bonding process," Eric answered in reply. "That is all I know. Ian, Cedric, you got anything you would wish to add to that?"
"She's a feisty one, Eric," Cedric smiled. "I like her. Reminds me of you in your younger and wilder days."
"About the making, Cedric," Eric said gently. "Do you know anything more about the making?"
"Nary a clue, but she looks nigh on fetchin' shovelin' that dirt over her shoulder," he added with a wiggle of his eyebrows. "Aye lass, I would not mind snugglin' into your backside and sleepin' there with you tonight as well."
"Are you fucking kidding me," Willa stopped her digging and jumped up out of the hole. "Are you really hitting on me and thinking that sleeping in the dirt with me is sexy...or something?"
"Lass," he grinned, "I just think you are sexy and will be even more so when you rise with your child in your arms. Motherhood shall cause your cheeks to glow like the blush of a rose and your hips to swell with a gentle roundness. And you shall be covered in the sweet smell of fresh grave dirt and wantin'a shower. I am very good at scrubbin' backsides and front sides as well."
"Does he ever stop?" she asked Ian.
"Bloody hell no," Ian shook his head in dismay. "I have had centuries of his bullshitting ways," he raised both eyebrows at Willa. "You have only had to endure a matter of hours. Consider yourself blessed."
Sarah sat quietly. She wanted to scream and run away but she was told to be quiet and stay put. Her maker was digging her birthing channel. Willa, her lover's daughter was going to be her maker! She would rise and be vampire at the hands of the one that should be her step-daughter! Or, maybe she would die the true death and be with God and his angels. Only, she had given up God and found her true self in her Yogi. Namaste, she sobbed to herself. Maybe this was just a fucking nightmare and she would wake up tucked up safe and sound in her parent's house.
"Good brownies," Sookie said to her. "Do you have the recipe written down someplace?"
"Yes," she said with a shaking breath. "It's in the kitchen. I wrote it down and stuck it on the fridge."
"Thanks," Sookie said. "It is really good. I will enjoy makin' those."
"This is all a little surreal," Sarah said. "I am going to say good-bye to my human life and I am sitting here talking recipes. I just did not think I would end like this."
"Oh," Sookie smiled at her, "this is not the ending."
"Okay," Willa hopped up out of the hole. "It is six feet. Now what?"
"You can either drain her here, with us watching on in the privacy of the hole, your choice," Eric said. "It can get a little tricky there at the end. You want her to have enough of a heart beat that she can drink your blood."
Willa's eyes went to Cedric. "You ever been a maker?" she asked.
"No," he replied with a shake of his head for emphasis.
"You really serious about sleepin' down here with me?"
"Aye," he grinned.
"You help me monitor her heartbeat and then I'll feed her. Pam, you covering us up?"
"Got the shovel," she quipped.
"Okay then, let's get this fucker done. I never did like you Sarah. And now, I am giving birth to you. That is some fucked up shit," she snickered quietly. "Into the hole," Willa said picking Sarah up and slinging her over her shoulder. "To the rest of my family, I'll see you tomorrow night."
"Tomorrow night," Cedric with a grand sweeping bow to his companions and jumped into the hole with them.
Sarah's turning was not pleasant. From her muffled screams, you could even say it was painful.
When you could no longer here Sarah's heart beat, Pam covered them up and then sat down next to the fire. "Has anyone ever heard of doublin' up on a makin?"
"No," Ian shook his head.
"No," Eric shook his.
"Interestin'," Pamela replied.
Then they all heard the quiet giggles coming up from the grave. And those were from Cedric. The loud giggles were from Willa.
Sarah knew something was different! A good different! A very bad girl different! She was covered in dirt and she also knew that she had to dig her way out of her mother's birth canal so that she could emerge as a new creature! She was a beautiful butterfly, emerging from a cocoon of warmth and magical change. And she was famished! And horny! And she was glorious!
The dirt moved easily away from her and when she slithered out of the ground, there stood her family! And in a glass was the most delicious smell ever!
"Drink," her maker commanded her.
"Yes, gladly," she spun around in the night air, oblivious to nothing and sensing everything!
Picking up the glass, she downed it and was handed another.
"Life," she cried out into the stars that sang for her, "this is life!"
"Actually, it is death," Eric said. "You have just been infected with HepV."
"No," she sobbed, "no. That is not fair! I have only begun this glorious journey!"
"Oh sweetheart," Eric smiled at her. "Your journey has not yet begun. Mr. Gus of the Yakanomo Cooperation is coming to collect you and I believe your final destination is Japan. You seriously upset some folk when you contaminated the True Blood supply. I believe they are going to be experimenting on you to recoup their losses."
"No, no...that was not me...that was the governor," she sobbed.
"Liar, liar pants on fire," Willa mocked her.
"Bitch," Sarah hissed at her.
A high-pitched wail left Sarah's mouth as she pushed both of her hands against her temples.
"I may be a bitch," Willa smiled at her, "but I am your maker bitch. And you will show respect to me and my family or I will explode your fucking brain."
"Yes, of course," Sarah sobbed, "please stop, please, please, please!"
"Good," Willa nodded in approval when Sarah fell into the subservient position. "Rinse off with the hose over there. Then use the shower over by the pool. Don't track any of that shit into the house or you will be cleaning the floors. Get cleaned up and dressed and there is True Blood waiting for you in the kitchen. Go heat it up and have some. As your maker, I command this."
"Will I know when she dies?" Willa asked Eric as she watched her walk off.
"Yes," he replied.
"Good," she smiled. "She used my daddy like he was tampon. Payback is a mother-fucker."
Dear Readers,
For those that are familiar with my stories, you know I have no shame. Hellloooooo to the kings of Eire and British Isle! Ian and Cedric, I have missed you guys!
As always, thanks for reading!
CES
Beacon Hill Brownies (from the wrapper of Baker's chocolate)
1 package or 8 oz of unsweetened Baker's chocolate
1 cup butter or margarine
5 (five) eggs
3 (three) cups sugar
1 TB vanilla
1 ½ cups flour
2 cups chopped walnuts
Melt chocolate with butter on low heat. Stir until smooth. Cool.
Beat eggs, sugar, vanilla in large bowl at high speed for 10 (ten) minutes.
Blend in chocolate at low speed.
Add flour, just beating to blend in.
Plus walnuts
Spread in a greased 13 x 9 inch pan. Bake at 375 for 35-40 minutes. (I have even done this at 350. Depends on your oven.) DO NOT OVER BAKE!
Cool in pan. Cut.