Chapter Three

Sookie's POV

It has been close to two weeks since the night a goddess came into our lives. After telling us all about herself, Aurora thought it was only right she give us some time to come to terms with her arrival. I have been to Fangtasia four times since that night and she has not returned.

As I sit here on the fifth night in Eric's booth, I can see pain in Bastian's eyes. Pam comes over and informs Eric he has a phone call in his office and he asks Bastian to stay with me while he takes it.

"Bastian, she will come back," I say.

"Sookie, I don't know or care of what you're talking about."

"You can't fool me Bastian. Every time someone walks in that door you looks to see if it's her."

"Sookie, you're mistaken. I care not if the creature returns."

"Oh, she's a creature now. What if I was to tell you she's in the club right now, but masked as she was the first night we meet her?"

This is a cruel thing to do, but I can't watch him shut down anymore waiting Aurora's return. I've really come to like Bastian and hope he will stay in Shreveport with Eric. I sit here for the next minute, watching Bastian look at every person in every booth seeing if she is there.

"Bastian, she's not here, but you have to come to the realization you miss her."

"Sookie, of course I'd wish for the creature to return. It would give Eric and I great comfort to know we had a weapon as powerful as a death dealer at our command."

Vampires are the worst of all the supes when it comes to reveling their true feelings and I have just had enough of their crap for one night. So I ask Bastian to tell Eric I'm tired and heading home. He gives me nod and watches me walk out. On my drive back to Bon Temps, I think over my discussion with Bastian. Would what he said be true and he was just pretending to like the death dealer and use her as a weapon? I know this is something Eric did at the start of our relationship when he found out I was a telepath. Was his brother capable of the same deceit?

As I turn into my driveway, my mobile phone starts ringing.

"Sookie, why did you leave?" asks Eric.

"I was a little tired and decided to go home, Eric. I didn't want to disturb your call so I asked Bastian to tell you goodbye."

"My love, I have finished my business for tonight. Why don't I come to you and you can disturb me till dawn?"

As I am about to say yes to Eric's little statement, a girl can never say no to the idea of being able to disturb a sexy Viking, I am brought to a stop by the creature standing in my backyard. It has a large pair of wings the color of blood stretched out in the moon light. Fear sweeps over me and I let out a scream of pure terror.

"Sookie what is it? Are you alright?"

I can't speak. The fear is overwhelming. I am staring at death and I know it. I watch as the creature turns around to look at me. There are those jade green eyes of Aurora's. I take a deep breath as the smile spreads across her face and she jumps into my mind.

"Sookie are you alright?"

"Aurora you scared the crap out of me. I didn't know you had wings and what is it with the color?"

"Now you know why I'm called a death dealer. Am I not the epitome of death it's self? But, to answer your question, my wings turned red after I took the first life of my brothers killers. I think they're a little on the pretty side myself."

She lets out a sweet sounding laugh and I have to laugh at her comment.

I am brought out of our silent little conversion by Eric screaming thru the phone.

"Eric, I'm okay. Aurora just gave me a little surprise."

"The death dealer is with you?"

"Yes, Eric, I'm with Aurora, so everything is ok for now. Why don't you and Bastian come to my place?"

I don't know why I suggest Eric and Bastian come to Bon Temps; it just seems the right thing to do.

"We're leaving now, my lover. We shall be there soon."

With that I hang up and get out of my car to tell Aurora that Eric and Bastian are on their way.

"So, my little fairy, I hear you've told the vampires I'm here."

"I'm sorry. I didn't know you didn't want me to. I can call them back and tell them not to come if you like."

As if that will stop Eric. Aurora lets out a little giggle and I know she has heard my thoughts.

"It's ok, Sookie. Let your vampires come."

"Where have you been Aurora? It's been nearly two week since you left."

"Did you miss me, little fairy?"

"Aurora, come on. Stop calling me a little fairy and explain where you have been. Bastian has been going crazy awaiting your return."

I know once the words leave my mouth that they are true. Bastian cares for the Goddess and that is that.

"I was with my father. Time travels differently in our realm. I was only there for one day."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I thought maybe you decided not to come back."

"Sookie, I was always going to return, but for now why don't you come stand in the moon light and feel the beauty of its power while we await the arrival of your vampires?"

I pick up my bag and go to the back door to unlock it and turn of the alarm. After placing my thing inside, I return to the back porch to see the beauty that is the death dealer standing in my yard. Her long black hair waves down to her waist, while laying perfectly between her large red wings. Her skin is the color of coffee cream, not tanned, but enough color to make her shine. She wears a simple pair of blue jeans with a black corset and matching black pumps. She looks like a super model, after air brushing, on the cover of one of those fashion magazines. NO, she looks better. She turns to look at me and those perfect jade green eyes sparkle in the moon light. I am looking in the eyes of heaven itself.

"Sookie, your vampires are coming up the road. Maybe you should heat them up some bloods."

"Okay. Can I get you anything?"

"I'd love a half blood and milk if you have it."

"One death dealer milk shake coming up."

"I like that. It's more of a goddess thing than a death dealer thing, but I still like it."

We both laugh a little then I turn to go get my visitors their drinks. When I return I know Eric is here, I can feel him through the bond, but I can't understand why he hasn't come to the back door. When I step outside I understand. They've gotten out of Eric's corvette and freeze at the site of the death dealer in my back yard; I realize both Eric and Bastian haven't seen her wing before either.

"Eric, Bastian, I have a blood for you here, if you've finished staring at Aurora's wings."

Aurora laughs and moves over to the porch to have her milk shake. Even only knowing her for a short time, I can really feel a connection with her. I wonder if it's a goddess thing.

"No, Sookie, it's not a goddess thing, and I feel the same myself about you, little fairy."

Eric looks from Aurora to me and I just give a little shrug. I notice Bastian is just staring at Aurora and it seems like he is fighting the need to touch her. I give him at little smile, which he returns ever so quickly, but it is there for a second all the same.

"Aurora, why has it taken so long to return and why return to Bon Temps and not Fangtasia?" asks Eric.

"Eric, as I said to Sookie before you arrived, in the realm I was in time moves differently. I was only away a day. And I have not returned to Bon Temps instead of Shreveport. I have returned to say hello to your little fairy. This was just where she was when I looked."

"Aurora, you were here before I arrived. How did you know I was going to be here?" I ask.

"I can see a little into the future Sookie. It's something all dealers can do outside of our realm," Aurora replies.

I start to rise to get a jacket, as it is starting to get a little cool out on the porch, when I see a flame flash cross Aurora eyes and a sweet summer's breeze start blowing around me. I take my seat again and just smile at Aurora.

"Thank you," I say

"You are more than welcome, my friend," says Aurora.

Eric and Bastian must have just felt the breeze wash over them, because they both turn to look at Aurora.

"You can change the weather, dealer?" asks Eric.

"That I can, Viking."

"What else can you do?"

"What else would you like me to do? Maybe a nice little lightning storm?"

Again Aurora eyes flash with fire and the sky is filled with flashes of silver and blue. She moves from the porch and winks at me while raising her left hand to the sky and just then a lightning bolt flashes from the sky to rest in her palm. Dancing about, the bolt of lightning grows with power as Aurora quickly points her hand toward a large oak resting on the boundary of the woods and my back yard. The silent night fills with a crack as the lightning bolt hits the oak and splits it into two.

We all sit in silence and Aurora closes her eyes and the lightning storm vanishes as quickly as it arrived. She slowly walks over to the fallen oak, places one hand on the tree, and, in a flash of light, the oak returns to its former glory, standing tall and proud in the night sky.

Bastian rises from his seat to offer his hand to Aurora as she returns to the porch, making her way up the stairs. The look of pleasure that passes over Bastian face once their hands make contact is amazing. He almost looks completely human. Aurora releases her grip from Bastian's hand and makes her way over to the seat on my left. I register the loss of her touch in his eyes.

"Well, dealer, I can see you'd be a great friend to have in a battle," says Eric.

"Viking, you should know I can read your thoughts and I know what you really want from me."

Eric and Bastian actually turn a little white with the knowledge that Aurora can read their minds. I feel the rage rising in the bond from Eric and then, just as quickly, I feel joy and calm. What happens next shocks me. Eric throws back his head and bursts into laughter.

"Well, this could be interesting for you and my brother," Eric says.

"That it shall be, Viking. From your brother's thoughts I'm amazed he has not launched from his chair and pinned me to the ground for a taste."

This gets more laughter from Eric and a small giggle from me, but I quickly stop at the sound of a growl growing from Bastian's chest. Unfortunately this only motivates Eric in his laughter. Aurora moves from the seat at my left to stand in front of Bastian. His eyes widened as she lowers herself onto his lap and he quickly wraps his arms around her waist, pulling her close to his body. This action makes her wings vanish into thin air.

"I never said I didn't like what you where thinking, my night walker."

Bastian closes his eyes and takes a deep breath of her scent and the smile that spreads on his lips is bliss itself.

"Well, brother, maybe you can stop moping around Fangtasia and be of some use to me now that your goddess has returned."

Bastian beams with joy and then sadness. Aurora leans her head into Bastian's neck, giving him a little nip that makes his body shiver.

"Bastian, I'm not going anywhere at the moment,and, while I'm here, I shall help your brother and his bonded any way I can."

"Thank you, my little dove. I like that sound of you being called my goddess."

"As do I, my sweet."

"Is what you said true dealer? Shall you help myself and my bonded?" Eric asks.

"Viking, you have just become the most powerful vampire in the realm. I will stand with Bastian at your side and strike down any who stand in your way," Aurora replies.

"Well, I'm glad that you're going to be staying Aurora. It makes me happy to know that Eric and Bastian have your help if they need it, but for now why don't we say goodbye to the boys and go get some sleep," I say.

Eric gives a nod knowing I am getting tired. As he grabs my waist and pulls me in for my goodnight kiss, I notice Aurora give Bastian a slight nod and move off the porch rotating her shoulders and with a pop her wings are back and stretch out in the moonlight. Bastian slowly steps down, standing to the right of her out stretched wings. With a sweet smile from Aurora, Bastian raises his hand running a finger along the top ridge of her wing. This makes him growl with desire and her moan with pleasure. I love watching them interact. It is new and peaceful.

Eric places a finger on my chin to bring my attention back to him and I have my own moan of pleasure as my Viking crushes his lips to mine, slowly tracing my bottom lip with his tongue. All thoughts of Bastian and Aurora float out of my mind and I melt in the arms of my vampire. With a laugh, Eric brakes away from our kiss to give me a wink.

"Nice to know I can still make you moan, my lover."

I blush and turn to see if our interaction had been caught by Bastian and Aurora. To my shock, Aurora is walking away from Bastian and slowly raising her wings like she is about to take flight. With one beat of her wings, she is moving up into the night sky.

"Aurora, where are you going?" I ask.

With confusion on her face, she beats her wings one more time, spinning beautifully in the night air, to land just at the base of the porch.

"Was it not you wish to sleep, Sookie?"

"Yes, but you don't have to leave."

"But are not Eric and Bastian leaving to allow you to sleep?"

"Yes, but I thought maybe you'd like to stay with me."

Eric and Bastian give her a nod to say this is their wish as well. With a shocked look on her face, she shrugs her shoulders and with another pop her wings vanish and she moves to stand on the porch at my side.

"My lover, we shall return tomorrow night. We have much to discuss," Eric says.

"Eric, I have to work. Why don't you and Bastian meet us at Merlotte's?"

"As you wish, lover, but please keep the dealer close at all times. We shall arrive as soon as we can."

"Eric, we'll be fine and we'll see you and Bastian tomorrow night."

Eric turns to Aurora and she gives a nod.

"Dealer, it's best that until we decide what to tell people you are, that you address yourself as Bastian's girlfriend and nothing more," Eric says.

"I understand, Viking. And fear not, I'll play nice with the humans," Aurora says.

Eric and Bastian give a low chuckle to Aurora's comment and turn to walk to the Corvette. I wave goodbye as they exit my drive on their way back to Shreveport. Aurora is looking at me strangely, but I just let it pass. Walking into the house, we pass thru the kitchen and I give her the two dollar tour, how to use the microwave, where I keep the cups. When I feel she can make her own milk shake, we go up stairs to see where she'll be sleeping.

"Sookie, why do you wish for me to stay here? Do you feel as if you're in danger?" Aurora asks.

"No, I just want you to stay with me," I reply.

"You show me great honor with this gesture. Please allow me the peace of mind that if I feel there is something I can gift to you I may have the right to do so?"

"Aurora, you don't have to do anything. It makes me happy to have you stay with me."

"As you wish, little fairy, but know now that the gifting stands."

"I don't really know what that means, but I'm tired and we'll talk about it in the morning."

She gives me a cheeky little smile as I turn and make my way downstairs. I think on the way that my grandmother would be happy. I now have someone living with me. Smiling to myself at the happy thoughts of Gran, I change into my night gown and crawl under the covers. It only takes minutes and I'm dead to the world.

I wake the next morning feeling like a million dollars, as I move off the bed and place my feet on the carpet. It feels thick and soft and the air around me is warm with the sweet scent of a summer breeze. Jumping in the shower and feeling the lovely hot water hit my cool skin is like heaven. I feel happy and relaxed and new. This is going to be a great day. After finishing my shower and dying my hair, I look over to the clock to see it is three pm. I have to be at work by six, so all I need to do is get dressed, grab something to eat, and be on my way. As I finish dressing and making my way into the kitchen, I hear voices. And it hits me, I have a goddess in the house and the other voice coming from the kitchen is my brother. SHIT.

Rushing into the kitchen, I can see Aurora at one side of the kitchen table drinking her milk shake and Jason at the other side diving into a large home cooked breakfast.

"Good morning sis, or should I say good afternoon," Jason says.

"Hey, Jason. What are you doing here? And where in the name of the gods did you get that monster breakfast?"

"Day off, and you friend cooked us breakfast."

"Aurora, you cooked?"

"Of course, Sookie. After I was awakened by Mr. Stackhouse's arrival, I thought it only right I provide a meal as he was kind enough to go and collect your mail after announcing his arrival."

"Sis, it's really good. There's a plate in the oven for you too. I still can't believe how quickly you got this all together. I was only at the mail box maybe ten minutes."

"What can I say, Mr Stackhouse? It's a talent."

As I move to collect my plate from the oven, I can see the grin spreading across Aurora's face at Jason's belief she had cooked this meal with her own two hands. I wonder if she waved a wand. I hear Aurora choke back a giggle and I know she heard the wand comment.

"So, sis, when did you get all the work done to the house? Must of cost a fortune."

At Jason's comment, I look around to see what he is talking about. I can't believe I've missed it. The whole house looks brand new, the paint is perfect, the floors are shining like they have just been stripped and polished. Then I remember the feeling of the carpet under my feet and the instant hot water in my shower. The house is the same but everything is shinny and new. Then I remember the conversation with Aurora last night, the gifting still stands.

"Mr. Stackhouse, the work to which you refer was a gift from my boyfriend's brother to your sister," says Aurora.

"Call me Jason. So, you're dating Vampire Eric's brother?" asks Jason

"Yes, Bastian and I are dating, as you call it, and please call me Aurora."

"That'd be right. All the hot chicks are taken by the vamps."

"Jason, don't be rude. Aurora, can I please see you in the lounge for a moment," I say

Jason doesn't even raise an eye from his monster breakfast, as Aurora and I move into the lounge.

"Aurora, what the hell have you done?"

"Do you not like your gift, little fairy."

"Please stop calling me little fairy, and I like it very much, but you can't just go around zapping old things new. People will notice and remember we are to keep you under cover for now."

"Sorry, Sookie, it was just when the sun came up this morning, I realized your home was not light tight and I was required to seal my room. I decided, while I was at it, I could give you and Eric a little gift."

"I forgot about the sun. Is there anything else you've done I should know about?"

"Well, I have also added a safe room under the house for Eric and Bastian. The entrance is hidden behind the left wall by your fire place."

I am happy that there is now a place for Eric, if he ever decides to stay over. My hidey hole is just a little too cramped for a six foot plus Viking. But I can't have Aurora zapping things just at the drop of a hat.

"Ok, Aurora, thank you very much for my gift. I like it very much, but in the future we have to talk before you go doing your goddess thing."

"Don't you mean waving my wand, little fairy?"

"Whatever you do, please don't do it again until we talk about it. Now let's go finish breakfast / lunch as I have to be at work soon."

As we return to the kitchen, Jason is placing his plate in the sink and he just stares at Aurora as she takes her seat.

"So, are you sure you're happy with the vampire Aurora?"

"JASON!"

"It's ok, Sookie. I can promise you Mr. Stackhouse there is no other I would choose to have at my side at this time then my Bastian."

Jason takes the hint and kisses me goodbye while giving Aurora one more look before leaving. By the time we finish our meals, we have to make a move or I am going to be late for my shift at Merlotte's.

"Sookie, I'm not getting in the human death trap you call a car. If you were to allow me to wave my little wand…"

"NO! Just get in the car before I'm late to work Aurora."

"Sorry, little fairy, that I can't do. If something were to happen, I am at my most powerful with my wings exposed and to do so in the car would result in your instant death. But if you were to allow me to upgrade your vehicle…"

I can tell the look I gave her was one I've used on Eric tons of times. What is it with supes and my car?

"Can we compromise for today? I can shimmer you to your place of employment."

"Shimmer? I'm not going to like this am I?"

"It's very safe, Sookie. Just take my hand and let us be on our way."

Placing my hand in Aurora's I feel the lovely buzz of fire flies on my skin and she gives me a soft calming smile as we take a small step hand in hand. The sensation is amazing, like ripping thru time. I have to close my eyes before I fall over. But three small steps later, Aurora is telling me to open my eyes. And there we are standing in Merlotte's car park. I look at her with amazement, but she just shrugs like it is something she does every day.

"Ok, let's go in and I'll get you seated in my section. The sun has almost completely set, so Eric and Bastian should be here soon."

"As you wish, little fairy."

Entering Merlotte's thru the customer entrance was always weird, but I don't want to raise any questions by bringing Aurora thru the back staff entrance. After seating her in my section, I place my purse in Sam's office and get Aurora a drink before checking with Tara on my tables.

The hour passes quickly as I place food orders and check drinks, always keeping a close eye on Aurora. She has taken the same pose in which I first saw her at Fangtasia, resting back in the seat with a book in hand, not noticing anyone in the bar. It amazes me that a goddess is so at ease sitting in a small bar in Bon Temps. I feel the moment she pushes into my mind.

"Sookie, am I doing something not to your liking?"

"Of course not, why do you ask?"

"It's just you keep looking at me as if I had my wings stretched out for all to see. I can do it if you like."

"Keep you wings where they are. I'm just checking on my new roommate. Can I get you another milk shake?"

She gives me a sweet smile and I know she likes the term I gave her as my roommate. I move behind the bar to make Aurora's milkshake, not wanting to ask Sam, just in case he starts asking questions. But, as I am pouring the milk into the half filled glass of blood, Sam grabs my shoulder.

"Sookie, what in the hell are you doing?" Sam asks.

"What does it look like, Sam? I'm making a drink."

"Please, don't tell me you now drink blood like that damn vampire you're dating."

"No, she's not, dog. But, if you don't remove your hand, I may have her add a little collie to my drink," Aurora says.

Sam drops his hand from my shoulder and turns to see Aurora standing in front of the bar. Her voice is laced with acid and it makes my skin crawl. I know straight away that Sam can tell she is powerful. Aurora has started to glow just ever so slightly, and I notice a small wave of fire running over her fingers. I have to calm her down before she kills everyone here. If things can get worse of course they do, this is the exact moment Eric and Bastian walk into the bar.

I give Eric a panicked look and he and Bastian move at vampire speed to stand on either side of Aurora.

"My little dove, you need to calm down and move away from the shifter," soothes Bastian.

"Bastian, I have all intentions of sporting a new fur coat before this night is thru. Have you not heard? Collie's in this season."

"Shifter, why is my brother's mate going to skin you alive? Not that I mind, but I think it will upset Sookie if I don't stop her," says Eric.

"You stop me ,Viking! You and what army?" Aurora scoffs.

"That's enough, Aurora. You will calm down and give my brother the respect he deserves in public," says Bastian.

I understand what Bastian is trying to tell Aurora. No one speaks to Eric that way, and if we are to keep what she is a secret she must act the part. But she does not like the idea of bowing down to anyone. Fire flashes across her eyes, as she pushes away from Bastian and Eric moving towards the door. Eric motions for Bastian to follow Aurora outside.

"Sookie, I think you and the shifter need to accompany me outside for a moment," says Eric.

"Are you sure it's safe to have Sam around Aurora right now?" I ask.

"Bastian will see the shifter is not harmed. I know you feel the connection. She will not go against his wishes."

As we move from behind the bar, I notice a burnt hand print where Aurora had been standing just seconds before. Sam notices it as well and runs his fingers over the mark. I look at Eric and can see that he has realizes Aurora is every bit as powerful we all believe. Entering the car park in search of Aurora and Bastian, we can all see the glow of red behind the trees. With each step we take the conversation between the two becomes clearer.

"You need to calm down, my little dove, before you set the trees alight."

"Bastian, I need to leave this place. It was a mistake for me to come here."

"I cannot allow you to do that, my love. I will not survive you leaving me."

"As you will not survive me staying either. Bastian, do you know what dealers drink?"

"Blood."

"Yes, blood, but what you do not understand is that I require the blood from other supernatural creatures to survive. This synthetic blood I have been consuming is not enough. The reason I snapped back there is I'm hungry."

"Then the answer is simple my sweet, drink from me."

"That I will not do. If I am to drink from you, we must mate and Bastian I don't believe you wish this."

"I want nothing else but you. I wish to spend all my remaining nights by your side."

"Bastian, to do this you would become more like me. Some of the power I hold would transfer to you and I fear it would kill you."

"Aurora, do you wish to leave me?"

"No, Bastian. I do not, but if I must I will."

"Then let us try just a little. I will not drink from you, but you must try and drink from me."

As we watch, Bastian pulls Aurora into his arms. I fear he will burst into flames, but his touch is like magic. Her flame turns from red to blue. He kisses her slowly as she softens to his touch. The kiss turns from soft and calm to hard and frantic in seconds. Bastian's hands seem to be touching every inch of her skin. As Aurora brakes from the kiss and slowly runs her tongue up Bastian's neck, I hear him let out a hard rough growl. The lust coming from the two is like a train powering down a hill. Eric grabs me and pushes me up again the nearest tree, crushing his lips to mine. I want him now as I've never wanted anything before, not even my boss standing inches away can make me stop. I need to quench my hunger for Eric.

Our sudden movement brings our presence to Aurora's attention, she breaks away from Bastian before biting his neck and stares straight at Sam. It is her eyes that make me push Eric off. No longer does she have those beautiful jade green eyes, not now. Staring down at my boss were a pair of blood red eye's intent on one thing, DEATH...