Thank you all again for the wonderful reviews. They kept me going this week even when I panicked, thinking I'd never finish in time. And now without further adieu….Welcome to California!
Chapter 3
"Was your in-flight snack to your liking, Mr. Northman?" I asked mischievously, peering between my legs as Eric healed my wounds.
He smiled and rose, licking his fangs. "A true delicacy!"
I laughed and smacked his conveniently located butt. "Well, glad you enjoyed it cause I didn't even get a nut." Eric's eyebrow lifted and the bond tickled.
"Lover, you've had two nuts, multiple times. But if you're still hungry…" He zipped into the small alcove at the front of the plane and was back in a flash, a canister of cocoa roasted almonds in one hand and sea salted cashews in the other. He chuckled when I took both and made a sweet & salty mix. "Greedy are we?"
"No," I replied slyly. "A very sexy viking advised me to keep up my strength."
"That he did," Eric agreed and his head nodded approvingly. "Eat quickly though, Lover. We land in less than fifteen minutes." I froze, mid chew, and went into panic mode which of course, Eric felt. "I don't understand your fear," he soothed. "You've met the queen and she seems to like you. Plus, she owes you her existence."
"That may be true Honey," I huffed. "But it doesn't change the fact that while you look like you've stepped off the pages of GQ, I could be on the cover of Wanton Slut Weekly."
Eric's eyes twinkled. "We are bonded and newly pledged, Dear One. It is expected. Besides, Her Majesty is notoriously late and she loves to make an entrance." I breathed a sigh of relief then quickly began dressing.
"Tell me more about the queen Honey," I asked as I pulled my disheveled hair back into its all purpose pony tail. "I met so many vamps the other night, I can't recall her."
"Her Majesty is very beautiful," Eric began and I rolled my eyes.
"Of course she is," I said impatiently, making a get on with it motion. "Anything else?"
"If you can manage to hold your tongue for a moment," Eric teased. "I have something for you." Love and trust softly floated through the bond as he opened my laptop and began typing.
"You crave information regarding our kind Sookie and I agree. Your ignorance is a weakness. Therefore, I installed Compton's database so you can learn everything you need to know about your potential allies and/or enemies. At least he was finally good for something." I snorted and Eric continued. "Study hard Lover, but keep this between us. The program was not meant for human eyes and that vow is the sole reason Bill was able to gather so much information."
I felt like I'd just been given the pass code to the Bat Cave and the fact that Eric had enough faith in me to share this knowledge was HUGE. "I understand Honey," I said as I sent him a whole heap of love, "and I won't betray your trust."
Eric smiled as he handed me the laptop and gently kissed my forehead. "I know you won't, Min Älskling Fru." He left my side to make some calls and I turned my attention to the queen's bio page.
The moment I saw the Her Majesty's picture, I was amazed I'd forgotten her. Eachra, pronounced Ach-rah, was the perfect image of Old Hollywood glamour. She had an hour glass figure, milky white skin, raven black hair and emerald green eyes. Made vampire at age eighteen in 14th century Ireland, she'd crossed the Atlantic shortly after The French Revolution and taken over California at the turn of the 20th century. Her net worth was estimated at approximately five billion and she was known as The Collector.
When I asked Eric to clarify what that meant, he explained Eachra's passion was making children. She loved it so much, their numbers were unknown. It was estimated she'd made 60% of California's vampire population and they were all male. Most had been soldiers because war always attracts makers. "When you are dieing on the battlefield," Eric added. "An alternative to death is very tempting."
"Is that how you were made?" I blurted and Eric immediately shut down.
"No," he replied coldly and I felt a swirl of deep despair so painful, it made me want to cry. Gently, I smothered the hopelessness with all the comfort and love I had and Eric softened. "That discussion is best left for another time, Lover."
I silently agreed and wisely changed the subject. "Why only men, Honey?" I asked while I packed up my laptop. "I thought all vampires enjoyed both sexes."
Eric smirked. "It is the queen's preference and she loves the attention." I giggled as the plane came landed and stopped inside a private hanger. Peering out the window, I found that unlike Vegas, there was no waiting car but there were two Britlingens scanning the perimeter. Eric quickly ushered us out and proceeded to call an impromptu security meeting.
I learned since the B's could only be seen by us, we…meaning me…had to carry out the charade by not reacting to them. This way, we'd have the advantage of gathering intel as well as the courtesy of knowing when we weren't alone. That was a relief since I'd been concerned about unseen voyeurs in our bedroom or anywhere else the mood might strike my viking.
As we finished our briefing, a distant thumping began vibrating towards us. I glanced in its direction as two bright headlights cut through the darkness and the thumping grew louder. It took me a moment, but I recognized the blaring hip hop song from Jason's "Gangsta" faze. A Bentley stretch limousine came into view and Eric wrapped his arm around me.
"I told you she loves to make an entrance," he said playfully.
The luxury transport pulled up twenty feet in front of us, its glistening chrome rims spinning to the beat of California Love, and a dozen vampires emerged. The dark vamps were dressed in matching gang attire right down to their black shades and bandanas and they all had major bling. I was stunned as they rolled out a red carpet, closing the gap between us, then bowed and stood in two lines of six.
Right on tempo, the Bentley's back door blew open and the queen appeared on the red carpet, perfectly posed as if she were waiting for the paparazzi. Her svelte body was tucked inside a figure hugging mermaid gown made of deep green taffeta with black lace overlay. Flawless, ebony waves framed her eternally youthful face and a pair of black cat-eye sunglasses were perched atop her pale nose. An enormous emerald hung from her neck and I was so amazed by the spectacle of it all, I half expected someone would pop up and snap a picture. After a lengthy pause, for what I assumed was dramatic effect, Her Majesty motioned to us.
"Welcome to California Sheriff," she greeted. "I am honored to host you and your bonded pledged." She nodded to me and I curtseyed politely.
"It is we who are honored," Eric replied respectfully. "Thank you for receiving us on such short notice."
"It is no trouble. After all, I have the distinction of being the first kingdom to do so. Florida and Georgia are spitting stakes," she laughed then turned towards the car and we followed. As I passed each of her vamps, their fangs snapped and I could feel my viking's tension. However, before he could do something extremely Eric, Her Majesty spun around and angrily ordered.
"RETRACT YOUR FANGS NOW! Mrs. Northman is my guest and her husband is older than I am. He could stake you with his pinky. Do not show them disrespect or I'll be forced to punish you." She then addressed Eric while shaking her head. "Forgive them Sheriff. It's the terrible twos."
Eric nodded he understood but I was confused. "Terrible twos, Ma'am?" I asked, hoping I wasn't overstepping my boundaries.
"Yes," the queen lamented. "The second decade of vampirism. They've learned to feed without killing but now must master impulse control. It is most difficult. These males were born out of the gang wars of the 1980's and they've carried their lack of respect from their old life into this one. It can be quite tiresome and irritating. I appease them by allowing the things they loved before like their affinity for jewelry and that retched noise they call music."
I bit my tongue to keep from laughing as we climbed into the car, the unseen Britlingens right behind us. I settled next to Eric on one of the two enormous leather couches and surmised the vampire crew had a lot to do with the pimped ride.
Eachra announced she'd planned a night out and that I was underdressed so we stopped and purchased "proper attire." Honestly, I felt the queen's taste made me look like a cheap hooker. Eric's bulging pants and appreciative leer only confirmed it. Still, she meant well, so I sucked up my extreme discomfort and spent the next few hours visiting Her Majesty's "alternative"club.
As weird as it was…and it was…eventually I got used to it…sort of. It's hard to relax when you pass by a random blow job while dressed in the equivalent of a leather band aid. Eric, on the other hand, was enjoying the show. Particularly, my reaction. "If only Pam were here," he mused.
"I'd never hear the end of it," I snapped and he mercifully took pity on me. "Would you like to dance Lover?"
My wise viking knew exactly what would distract me from the surrounding sexual circus and I happily accepted. I ended up having a fantastic time and as the night wore on, and I had a few drinks, my moves became more brazen.
Meanwhile, the queen and her posse were busy putting on their own show. When I scanned the room for potential trouble, most of the patrons were to preoccupied with their own deviant acts to care. However, I did identify a few drainers and discreetly relayed the information to Her Majesty.
"In this town," she hissed, "everyone, alive or undead, is a bloodsucker. Thank you for your concern." She motioned to two of her vamps and they disappeared into the crowd. "Shall we go then?" It was an order but I didn't care. I was more than ready to leave this place forever.
As the clock neared 2am, the limo weaved through the streets of Brentwood and we entered a high walled compound. The marbled mansion was an opulent structure almost as beautiful as its owner.
"Your home is amazing," I complimented as we passed the perfectly manicured lawn. "But may I ask how your neighbors reacted to the vampire next door?"
Eachra's fangs peaked out as she replied. "My home was here first and I've never given them any reason to fear me. I believe the general consensus was anyone is better than OJ." The car parked and we were greeted by a testosterone filled staff and led into the residence.
I'd have appreciated the gorgeously decorated home more but with all the vampire and human men wandering around and taking advantage of the clothing optional dress code, it was hard to focus. Even so, Her Majesty's stud farm paled in comparison to my viking and I clung to him tightly.
As we followed the queen through the great hall, she tapped a few passing males and they immediately joined us. She reached a pair of enormous double doors and threw them open, revealing her bed chamber. My stomach dropped. This was so not good.
"You're welcome to join my party," she invited as she stepped inside and began undressing. Her entourage followed and I could see where this was going. While I tried to keep myself from becoming violently ill, Eric bowed respectfully.
"As tempting as the offer is Majesty," he smoothed. "I'd prefer to spend time with my bonded lover."
"I don't blame you," the queen replied, fixating on me. "She is enchanting. It's a pity I prefer men. You are dismissed." She managed to wave us away before disappearing into the sea of bodies, and we were escorted to our room.
Once inside, the B's broke their silence. They'd been so good at their job, I'd forgotten they were there. Then again, the evenings events had been extremely distracting.
"The queen is an ally," Ukweli immediately reported.
"However," Matokeo added, "her mounting personal vampire population should be monitored. She has an army if she chooses to use it and they are fiercely loyal."
"You are to be commended for your efficiency," Eric praised.
"It is our assignment," Ukweli replied proudly. "And we are well compensated."
"Even so," I cut in and smiled. "We're still grateful."
"I'll notify the Pythoness of your findings," Eric said as the B's took their posts. "Let her handle the queen. For now," he ordered. "NO ONE enters this room until my bonded awakens tomorrow." Ukweli and Matokeo bowed as he closed the door and we were finally alone.
The bond opened wide and I was cloaked in Eric's lust. "I've wanted to tear this thing off you from the moment you put it on," he growled as the leather contraption fell to the floor in pieces. "And I've been hard for you all night."
"You made that point vividly clear," I replied, eyeing his zipper. "But I need to know. If I wasn't here, would you have joined the queen? I saw her checking you out a few times tonight and figured with your reputation, you've probably had sex with her and she wanted a repeat performance."
"Lover," Eric said lightly. "I shouldn't have to answer for anything I may or may not have done centuries before you were born." He paused and gazed into my eyes. "If I were still unclaimed, I would have accepted. However, need I remind you. Whatever my past, until you, I never bonded and pledged myself. It is you whom I love and desire." My insides fluttered as my viking firmly pressed his cool lips against mine and shooed my silly self doubt away.
"I'm at a disadvantage," I whispered hoarsely as I came up for air. "You've got instant access while I still have to contend with your tedious clothing." I tugged at his jeans and he chuckled.
"I wish nothing more than to fuck and feed from you Lover but you must dress." I eyed him suspiciously and he continued. "You would not be comfortable here so I am taking you out."
"To the beach?" I responded hopefully. "I've never seen the ocean but don't we need the queen's permission?"
Eric beamed and opened a set of French doors that led to a private balcony. "We're sneaking out. You must become accustomed to flying with me and now is a good time to learn. I can't risk you vomiting in an emergency situation." He winked while referencing the result of our last ill fated flight.
"Hey, I was drunk remember? And it was Pam's fault." I giggled then quickly threw on my yoga pants, Louisiana State t-shirt and sneakers. Eric picked me up piggy back style and when he'd deemed the coast was clear, we flew into the night.
This time, the ride was exhilarating and I inhaled the salty air as we neared the Santa Monica Pier. Eric landed behind a building and we quickly blended into the crowd. Now that the vampires were out, most businesses stayed open twenty four hours to accommodate the nocturnal tourists and it was paying off.
Eric and I joined hands and strolled through the crowded amusement park. In that moment, I felt completely normal. We were like any other vacationing newlywed couple…except that one of us was technically dead. My viking sweetly doted on me and encouraged my touristy behavior. I gobbled up a hot dog then we stopped inside a souvenir shop. There was so much to choose from, it made my head spin. Finally, I picked out two shark's tooth necklaces for Jason and Amelia and a gift for Pam that read, "My mom went to Santa Monica and all I got was this lousy T-shirt." I knew she'd rather be staked than wear it but her reaction would be worth the price.
For his part, Eric bought an extra large backpack and filled it with my purchases plus a beach blanket, a couple of towels and a bottle of water. He led me back to the vacant place we'd landed and in an instant, we were airborne again.
My viking flew along the coast high enough so we wouldn't be noticed. I was enjoying the bird's eye view when we spotted a dark and secluded alcove. Eric made another perfect landing and when my feet touched the sand, I threw off my sneakers and ran to the water's edge.
"This is perfect Honey," I sighed as the waves lapped my toes.
"Am I to be rewarded?" Eric asked as he placed his arm around me and leaned in for a kiss.
"You can have anything you want," I replied coyly. Heat radiated from me and in the blink of a vampire, we were both naked.
"I intend to have all of you My Lover," my viking leered. "But first, let's get a little wet." He took my hand and pulled me further into the surf, but I stopped.
"I can't Honey," I said tentatively. "I've seen Jaws to many times to count. There's no way I'm going in there." I hoped he'd change his mind and ravish me until I couldn't see strait but he just smiled.
"That fear is easily assuaged Lover. I'll be but a moment."
Before I could protest, Eric dove into the dark waves and was gone for what seemed like an eternity. I could still feel his presence but was nervous nonetheless. Suddenly, he reappeared about a hundred yards out, carrying a body twice his size. He spun three times then released the shark and it flew far out to sea. Proudly, my viking returned to my side and proclaimed. "It is safe My Lover. Come." With reassurance like that, who could refuse so I laughed and bounded into the surf.
As we frolicked in the waves, Eric decided to play a little game and began lifting and dropping me into the water. Each time he'd go higher but would catch me as I landed and I giddily shrieked, enjoying his version of a thrill ride.
"I love your spirit and the package it comes in," he complimented a little later as he slowly dried my waterlogged body. "Now I shall take you properly." His fangs dropped and my core responded.
"You better not be teasing me again viking," I playfully warned as my hand gripped his stiff third leg. "Because if we don't have sex within the next five minutes, my ovaries are going to explode."
Eric licked a few remaining drops of salt water from my neck, sending shivers down my spine. "We can't have that now can we?" he replied hungrily and laid me on the blanket.
Our bodies entwined as he showered me with kisses and his talented fingers traversed the inside of my thigh and burrowed into my waiting entrance. I moaned my approval as my hand glided across his broad back and landed on that perfect ass. Instantly, Eric became a vampire octopus and mercilessly awakened all of my erogenous zones. Who knew my inner elbow could be so sensitive? As my first orgasm hit, I found myself impaled in one swift thrust. Wantonly, I wrapped my legs around Eric's waist, trying to force him deeper.
"Don't stop…So good…Oh YES!" I panted as I rode the euphoric waves and my viking. Eric grunted and pulled me into another passionate kiss, furiously thrusting from below. The position stimulated my elusive g-spot and I came again, my fluids soaking him. His powerful arms possessed me as he reverently stroked my back and began whispering his beautiful language.
"Se min vackra älskare, en gudinna bland män. Hon har värmt mit iskalla hjärta och återuppväckta min själ. Jag håller henne framför alla andra för utan henne är jag ingenting."
As the words caressed me, Eric pumped faster and faster until he'd reached vampire overdrive. The sensation was divine and when he spoke the final word, he called my name and bit. Our bonded love enveloped us as we climaxed together, claiming each other, body and soul.
"Holy Hell," I breathed…that is, when I finally could. "You're gonna fuck me to death."
My body was still shaking as Eric placed his hands behind his head and smirked. "Could you think of a better way to go?"
I fell into his chest laughing hysterically. "No Honey. Not when a viking sex machine is involved."
We lay there a while longer, lost in our comfortable silence. I knew it couldn't last but sighed anyway when Eric gently nudged me.
"Thank you for tonight Honey," I said as we dressed.
"I am happy it pleased you Lover," Eric replied and secured the backpack. He picked me up, Rhett Butler style, and gently flew us back to the mansion. I reveled in his strength and sank into his embrace and before long we'd showered every bit of sand off us and Eric joined me in bed.
Though I'd already drawn the black out curtains, I was taking no chances where my viking was concerned. "Isn't it dangerous for you to be here, Honey?" I asked.
"I will stay until you sleep Lover," Eric tenderly replied. "There is a guest coffin for me behind the second door inside the closet."
I ached at the thought of him not being there when I woke and struggled to keep my eyes opened. Eric's arms encased me and as he murmured softly, I whispered, "I love you," then surrendered to blissful unconsciousness.
Forgive me for being fashionably late tonight. Writing against a deadline proved more difficult than I'd expected. I'll be breaking over the holiday weekend to relax with the family and begin pondering chapter 4. Here's hoping everyone has a safe start to the summer season.
Peace!
Hippychik
*This is what Eric spoke:
"Behold my beautiful lover, a goddess among men. She has warmed my icy heart and reawakened my soul. I hold her above all others for without her, I am nothing."
Let's all say a collective Awwwwwwwww and I'll end by shamelessly begging for your reviews :D
