Disclaimer: I don't own, the Southern Vampire Mysteries belong to Charlaine Harris
An hour later I was beyond nervous and panicked, I was heading straight for psychotic. Eric had managed to get me to agree to the plan, which he refused to tell me. Apparently, it was easier this way. I felt like I was putting my life on the line by trusting him. I was literally walking right into the monster's lair, because he had some form of a plan. I was stupid and reckless. When Eric had grabbed a quick shower, I had contemplated running. I even made it as far as to go down stairs. It was only when I was in the kitchen, staring at the keys that rested on the countertop that I stopped myself. I couldn't run away again, I couldn't leave him. If I went this time, I really would have to go for good, and I don't think I would survive for that long.
"Tell me again," I demanded. I was sitting in the passenger seat of the truck. Having done laundry yesterday, I was wearing my hoodie with the hood pulled up. I felt ridiculous, but I also couldn't resist the overwhelming urge to hide. I was trembling with anxiety while Eric lounged in the driver's seat. We had already passed into the city limits and were heading down town, near to where the Queen kept her private apartments.
"Sookie, relax and trust me. We walk in there and demand to see the Queen. She cannot reject my demand; I would cause too big of a scene otherwise and I am not above throwing my power around in this instance. Turning up earlier than expected will throw her off balance, giving us the upper hand. I will state that you are under my protection, thus buying you some time. I have this covered. Trust me." He shrugged his shoulders as if to say 'that's all'.
I had to admit it was simple, but there was a lot that could go wrong. What if we were spotted before we could get to the Queen? As the Queen was technically more powerful in hierarchy terms, she could also decide to just not accept his word. I was walking into the lair and all I had for protection was a Viking. Saying it like that, actually made it seem a little better. It could have been a hell of a lot worse.
"I'm terrified," I admitted as the car crawled in the late night traffic toward a side street that Eric said we would be able to park on. I had bats in my stomach, flying around and needing to escape. I chugged the bottle of blood I'd brought with me. I couldn't participate in Dutch courage anymore, but I still liked the idea.
"Trust me." Two little words that had so much meaning. I really did trust him, more than anyone else in the world, which was why I had actually gotten into the car. If anyone else had come up with this crazy plan I would have laughed in their face and then run in the opposite direction. I nodded my head.
Deep breaths, Sook. I told myself.
"We are here," Eric stated. He indicated and then pulled off down a narrow side street. There was no one else around, vampire or otherwise, but I could feel the oppressive blankness of a lot of vampires gathered close by. He pulled the truck to a stop in the depths of the side street where the car was covered from view by shadows. Anyone peering down from the main street wouldn't be able to see the truck. The keys were left in the ignition. I almost asked if he was crazy and then thought better of it. Few humans would stray into this neighbourhood if they knew the vampires inhabited the local buildings, so leaving the truck ready to go would make for a faster get away, just in case.
I hopped down from the truck and joined Eric, who was already striding down the small street. I had no idea where we were heading. The couple of other times I'd been here, I'd always used the main entrance. I didn't even know there was a back way in. The street stunk of vermin and trash, probably another ploy by the vampires to keep the humans away. We finally reached the end of the brick buildings that had been making up the sides of the street and found ourselves in a courtyard of sorts.
The buildings opened up to reveal a square patch of cobbles that backed onto the building that I recognised as the Queen's, just by the architecture. It also helped that I could feel the vampires on the opposite side of the wall. There was no one around outside, not even a guard, which made sense since I couldn't see a door.
"What are we doing?" I asked as Eric continued to walk forward with determination. Unless he was going to pull some Harry Potter magic, I couldn't see where he was going.
"Can you fly?" He asked as though it was the most mundane question in the world. I stared at him blankly for a second. Surely that would have been something I would have mentioned.
"No." I replied, unable to keep my face clear of my worry. I had been so anxious in the car that I had macerated my lip, nibbling with my fangs. Thankfully, it had healed but my fangs still wouldn't retract.
"Hold on tight then," he grinned at me as he wrapped one arm around my waist. The next instant the ground gave away beneath my feet. I had to fight to keep my squeak of surprise from breaking free. I clutched Eric tightly, even though it wouldn't hurt me too badly to fall, it was instinct. He moved forward at the pace he had been walking yet rose through the air until he was level with a fourth storey French window. As though he did this every day, he calmly stretched out a hand and pulled open one of the doors. They weren't locked. After this, I'm sure Sophie Anne was going to upgrade her basic security. Not every big bad vampire was going to come through the front door. "After you." Eric levelled us with the floor and let me step forward first since we couldn't fit through the door together. The solid wooden panels under my feet felt wonderful.
We were in a long corridor with several doors leading off on both sides. Every door was closed. No one was coming to investigate anything. So far, we were undetected. Eric held out his large hand for me to take, and I did so. He led me right down the corridor. We had barely gone five paces when I felt movement. I tugged on Eric's hand to let him know.
"Third door on the right," I whispered. Eric only nodded and continued. The door I had indicated opened just about as we were passed.
"Oh, hey, Eric. Didn't know you were coming over tonight," a happy voice called out behind us. Eric paused and turned around to face us. "How've you been?" The vampire was a bubbly brunette who appeared to be about twenty. She felt young as well, maybe a couple of years older than me in vampire terms. She was pretty and her eyes sparkled while she gazed at Eric.
"Hello, Carla," Eric replied in the tone he usually only used for schmoozing clients at the bar. "Looking delectable as always." He could have left out the compliment. We needed to get moving. The longer we were here, the greater the chance we would be discovered by someone who actually had more than one brain cell. I shuffled from foot to foot. "I have a meeting with Sophie-Anne." He completely skipped over her questions.
"Oh, she's still in her room at the minute." She supplied helpfully. "Who's your friend?" I couldn't help but notice the annoyance in her voice. She didn't stand a chance where Eric was concerned, not that he was giving her any indications about that. I had to suppress a laugh that we were walking blatantly into the vampire Queen's nest, and the first person didn't even recognise their most wanted person.
"She is just a very old, very good friend. I am introducing her to the Queen. She has just moved back to the area." None of that was actually a lie and I had to smile. Carla's eyes strayed down to where our hands were still joined. "Now, we must be going. You are most welcome at Fangtasia anytime. Have a good night." He sent her a knee weakening smile, complete with fangs and then turned. I was half a second behind him as he continued down the corridor. When I glanced up at his face, I saw the amused smirk on his face.
"Next on the left," I mumbled suddenly, surprising even myself. I couldn't read any of the vampires in the building at the minute. Yet, somehow, I knew exactly which blank spot was the Queen. Eric whipped his head around to stare at me. I shook my head, answering his unspoken question. I really didn't know how I knew. We were standing outside the door then.
"Ready?" His hand was already on the doorknob.
"No," I replied. I would never be ready to go through that door, but that didn't mean I wouldn't walk through it. Eric grinned, it was as if he was looking forward to the chaos that I just knew was about to unfold.
Eric turned the doorknob and pushed open the door. Security seemed really lax around here. We filed through the door which lead into a small chamber, almost like a reception room. One vampire was sitting behind a small desk, her blond head bent over a magazine. When she heard us, her head snapped up and her mouth popped open in surprise.
"You can't be in here," she started, staring at Eric as he continued to move forward. "Stop right there!" she screamed as he drew level with her. He sent her a bored glance, daring her to try and stop him. Still holding his hand, I trailed at his side, half a step behind. "Oh my God," she added as she got her first glimpse of my face, still hiding beneath my hood. At least this one recognised me. It didn't make any difference, by the time that recognition dawned, we had reached the next door which lead in the Queen's private rooms.
Eric again turned the doorknob, but this one didn't just open. We had found our first lock. He relaxed his grip and then in one smooth movement, sharply twisted the handle and jammed his shoulder against the wooden door. The lock snapped and the door flew open to reveal a living room. Sophie Anne was sprawled on a chaise longue, a human lying across her lap while she drank from his wrist. Her eyes widened as we walked in, followed closely by the vampire receptionist. The Queen dropped her meal's wrist and shoved the slender man from her lap. He landed on the floor with a shocked grunt.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" she asked, her eyes smouldering.
"They came right on through, there was nothing I could do against him," the receptionist said before we could respond. No one cared what she had to say.
"I told you I wanted to see you," Eric shrugged as he stepped forward. The Queen looked tiny in his shadow; the top of her head wouldn't even reach his shoulders. "You, get out," he spat at the receptionist, "and take him with you." He waved in the general direction of the poor human caught up in the middle of all this. He was only just getting, unsteadily, to his feet. The receptionist quickly moved forward to grab his arm and drag him from the room.
"Eric Northman," the Queen raged. Her perfectly manicured hands were flying through the air as she gestured. "You have no right to barge in here and tell my staff what to do." Sophie Anne's eyes finally landed on me, taking me in, rather than focusing on Eric. She turned, flaming eyes boring into mine. She didn't say anything to me. She snarled, showing off all of her teeth with a deep growl. She launched at me, hands outstretched and an enraged scream starting in her throat.
I bent my knees slightly and squared my position, bringing my arms up in front of me, ready to take the impact. I would not go down without a fight. The Queen never got to me. Eric grabbed her around the shoulders and used her momentum to spin her around. He flung her across the room her feet several inches off the ground. She skidded to a halt on the wooden floor, her pantyhose giving her no purchase. She straightened up, a feral expression on her face.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" she yelled. Her voice was lower, fiercer, than I had ever heard it.
"She is under my protection." I didn't relax my stance. I made sure that Eric was always between me and the Queen. I had learned a lot of self defence, but I would be no match for someone of the Queen's age.
"How?" The Queen raised one elegantly shaped eyebrow as she glared. "She's not human anymore and she's not of your line." She took far too much glee in saying that second part. She knew exactly what Eric had wanted those years ago. She was a conniving little bitch. "She wasn't even yours for years before she was turned." It was my turn to growl. Most of that hadn't been any of my choice.
"Maybe so, however, that does not change the current circumstances." I had no idea what Eric was talking about. I had the sinking feeling I was about to find out why he hadn't quite told me what his plan entailed.
"Go on." She began to walk to her right, circling around the chaise lounge and the bureau behind it. Eric moved with her, graceful as a leopard and even more dangerous. I kept in step behind him. There was no way I was putting myself closer to the Queen. "And do not think that I haven't realised you lied, Eric."
"Yes," he replied matter of factly, not at all repentant. "Sookie is under my protection, I came to declare our marriage." My eyes bugged out as I snapped my focus to Eric. I could see his expression. The only thing I could hear was the blood pounding in my ears. The Queen was just as shocked as I was.
"What? How can you be married?" Shock didn't even begin to describe what I was feeling. I had no way of finding out what was really happening. Saying anything would prove to the Queen that it wasn't true. I tried desperately to keep control of my face.
Eric shrugged his broad shoulders, as though the how was a minor detail. "She came back to me. It had been our plan before, and it remained our plan now. Why waste time?" My mind was reeling. Eric lounged against the wall, the epitome of relaxed. However, he was still keeping himself between me and the Queen.
Sophie-Anne stood up straighter and pushed back her deep red hair. She fixed the front of her short robe and turned to face me again. "There is one thing I can definitely say, you make life entertaining." Her grin was evil, almost enough to make me squirm. "Watching you two is like a soap opera. First you love each other, then you call things off, and go running. Yet it's all one big regret." Eric's eyes darted to me although nothing else moved. There was a question in his gaze that I couldn't answer here. "You mope for years." I couldn't tell which one of us she was talking to. Had Eric moped? "Then you finally find yourselves back together in times of adversity and end up married." She let the word drip off her tongue like it tasted disgusting. With that, she had had enough of me and turned back to Eric. "What will come next? Divorce, the pitter patter of turned children or, my favourite, homicide? But, oh wait, that's already happened. She may be under your protection now, but she wasn't when the crime was committed" she paused to stare at me. I got the distinct impression that there wasn't much she wouldn't give to be able to lay her hands on me. "But she still killed on of our own and she needs to be punished." If I'd had blood flow the colour would have drained from my cheeks. The sadistic punishments the Queen concocted were notorious in our state.
"Are you really going to punish her for something done in self defence, in the heat of the moment?" I realised then at Eric's question, that he had no idea how I had come to killing my maker. It was in self defence, for my sanity, rather than my physical safety. However, it had not been in the heat of the moment. I had planned it for months before I had actually been able to go through with it. It probably wasn't the best time to be forthcoming with that piece of information. "She is also under my protection. Even something you do in so called justice would not be looked upon favourably. I would seek vengeance tenfold." The Queen seemed to visibly settle down as though contemplating Eric's words carefully. "Besides, Sookie still possesses her telepathy. Think of what an asset she could be for you. Working, of course, in partnership with me."
"Fine," the Queen spat. "Given her unusual talents she will forego punishment for the death of Bill Compton, and work for me." Not once did she speak to me. If she acknowledged me at all it was to snarl. This wasn't the usual sophisticated monarch I was used to dealing with. Eric had succeeded in getting under her skin to get his own way. Of course, it was bullying, but in this instance I really couldn't find it within myself to care.
"With my permission." The Queen flashed her fangs. Eric growled, a deep sound that reverberated off the walls. "Do not try. Mine are bigger." He flashed his own fangs, complete with a warning hiss. "Although working for you, Sookie shall remain with me," Eric said evenly. I fought to remain quiet. I had spent far too long being someone's possession. I wasn't about to let it happen again. I had to remember that Eric was saving my skin, by putting his own life on the line. This I could live with. "Work should be arranged well in advance through me, unless an emergency situation dictates otherwise, and then it shall be at my discretion." He paused, waiting for a response. The Queen stood silently. I could practically hear the cogs turning in her mind as she contemplated. Would she take vengeance for Bill and cope with an enraged vampire twice her age, or deal, letting everyone live?
I stepped forward, beside Eric, taking his hand once more. His thumb drew small circles on my wrist, where my pulse point should have been. The atmosphere was tense as we waited.
"Fine," she finally said begrudgingly. I let out a silent breath of release.
"Good." Eric surprised me then by turning and placing a fervent kiss on my lips. I was so shocked I could barely respond before he was pulling away. It seemed I wasn't the only one relieved by the outcome of his plan. "I shall have the contract drawn up and delivered to you. Now, one more thing. I plan on returning to Fangtasia. It would be greatly appreciated if you would refrain from sending any more vampire squads." Neither of us was prepared for what came next.
"I didn't send any vampire squads. I don't have a clue what you're talking about?" She tapped her little foot, annoyed that we would dare to question her.
"Then how do you explain the raid that occurred just minutes after I arrived at Fangtasia?"
"I don't know," she replied. Her expression was one of butter wouldn't melt in her mouth. Too innocent.
"So we are supposed to believe it was all one big coincidence?" I was feeling very bold with my Viking vampire security blanket standing next to me.
"Of course not," she retorted with a huff. It was only after she'd finished speaking that she realised her mistake.
"Cut the bull shit Sophie-Anne," Eric warned. He ran a hand through his long hair. The Queen's hair had fallen out of its elegant up-do. You could now see the bobby pins and dark, soft curls, were falling down around her face. If anything, it actually made her look young, as though she was a child attempting to play dress up.
"I sent a vampire squad, but by the time they arrived there was already a team there." One name immediately jumped through my mind; Lorena. I had no idea how she could be behind this. As far as I knew she didn't have that sort of power, but she was crazy enough to be able to pull it off. Unless, I had some unknown vampire after me, she was the only other vampire that wanted me dead.
"How did you know Sookie had returned to me?" Eric was suspicious and rightly so. No matter what the Queen said, the security at Fangtasia would be increased for awhile.
"I had a vampire watching out for her return. If I promise not to send anyone else after you, will you please, just get the fuck out? I have had enough. You may not respect me, but I am still your Queen." She was huffing, her arms flapping around her in exasperation. She wasn't used to not getting her own way and not having everyone fawn over her.
"That is enough for now. We shall be in touch." Eric actually bowed. He bent almost double and one arm went forward, his arm making a swirling pattern with his fingers out stretched. I simply nodded my head and then followed Eric from the room.
It was unnerving putting my back to the enemy. My neck itched until we were out of the door and back into the corridor. We walked quickly through the mansion, this time using the more acceptable methods of exiting the building. We didn't stop for anyone, even when Carla called out to Eric when we reached the main reception hall. Eric brought out joined hands up to his lips and kissed my hand as soon as we were clear of the building. We didn't slow down until we were back in the car.
"What the hell was that?" I rounded on Eric as soon as the car was moving. The traffic had cleared considerably in the hour that we'd been inside. We were already nearing the highway. Eric threw his head back and laughed. "Now, don't think I'm not grateful for everything you did back there, because I am. But, seriously? What the hell did you think you were doing?" I hadn't even begun to comprehend that I was now somewhat safe. There was still the small matter of what was probably Lorena, but the Queen had been disarmed. For now, I was going to focus on the small matter of my marriage. "This is not a laughing matter!" I slapped his arm in frustration as he continued to laugh. I actually had enough strength within me now to make it sting.
"Sorry," he replied with a smirk. He really wasn't apologetic in the slightest. "I could not resist." At the sight of my fuming face he continued with his explanation. "It was the only way I could think of offering you protection that the Queen would understand. You are safe now, I thought that was what you wanted?" He quirked an eyebrow, taking both eyes off the road.
"Eyes on the road." I huffed. He may have lightening fast reflexes but I preferred not having to rely on them. It was also easier to stay mad at him if he wasn't looking at me. "So, we're married now?"I settled back into the seat, losing my will to fight. I shouldn't be fighting with him, he had done so much for me. He didn't deserve this.
"Of course not. You have been to vampire weddings." It was true, I had accompanied Eric as his date several years ago to a marriage between a King and Queen of two states. They had joined in union to join their states together. We had been acting as the representatives from Louisiana. "We would require an official to preside over the proceedings."
"But then why did you say it?" My head was spinning with everything that had just happened. I still couldn't quite believe that I was still walking the Earth. There had been, what I felt, a significant risk that we weren't going to come out of there alive, or at least without a massive fight.
"What Sophie-Anne does not know will not hurt her. She will likely find out in time. However, we shall cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, I have bought us some time. I am surprised that you are not more fixated on having to work for the Queen again." Eric settled back as the car cruised. We were heading north.
"I'll get to that in a minute. I was more concerned over the fact that I got married!" I let out a snort of laughter. There was a time when I was fairly sure I would marry Eric, under very different circumstances. "Thank-you," I added, sobering up. The situation was just so preposterous that I couldn't help but laugh. "Really, for everything. I know I've been saying it a lot, but I'm not sure how to convey how much this all means to me. I still can't quite believe you're here at all." I grabbed his hand, bringing it over to rest in my lap and squeezed it tightly.
"Neither can I sometimes." I didn't know how to respond to that little insight, so I chose to ignore it.
"So, I'm working for the Queen again? As though I haven't been doing enough of that in the past few years." It was a tossup between myself, Bill and the Queen as to who was most at fault for this mess we found ourselves in.
"Yes, but I should not worry about it. Right now, we have other problems. If the Queen did not send the raid to Fangtasia, who did? I will not be allowing the Queen to use you in such a way again." The last part was said with bitterness dripping from every word. It seemed I wasn't the only one that despised the Queen.
"I think it was Lorena; it must have been. No one else is after me and I'm assuming Fangtasia doesn't usually get raided." I didn't even bother phrasing that as a question. With the decreased tension between vampires and humans, and the strict policies that Eric upheld at Fangtasia, there would be no need for the police to raid.
"Oddly enough, there has not been a raid at Fangtasia since the night you first came to see me at the bar. There is one thing of which I am sure, Sookie, and that is that life is never boring with you around." He had a broad grin plastered across his handsome face. All I could think about was having the quiet life again; being able to snuggle up in front of a fire with a good book without worrying who was going to break down my door next.
"Sorry," I replied with a lopsided smile. Perhaps the excitement was part of the reason he was here. "In summary, we're not married and I'm not going to be working for the Queen in the immediate future?" This seemed like too good of a deal to be true.
"Correct. The Queen may try to get you to work, you are one of her strongest assets and always have been, but she also dare not cross me right now. I do not think it would be wise for you to work for the Queen yet."
"So, are we actually heading back to Fangtasia?" The last time I had run away from that place, I had been sure it would have been the last time I would ever see it. It was so strange how drastically everything could change in a couple of days.
"Yes. Lorena may have been behind the raid, however we do not know how she managed to pull it off. Shreveport, and Fangtasia, is likely no more dangerous than anywhere else right now." He had a good point. If Lorena had somehow managed to call the police raid, they would not be as willing to raid a popular bar that brought a lot of money in taxes to the city, if they hadn't found anything previously. "Relax, Sookie, you only have one crazy vampire after you now." He actually managed to hold his laugh in for a full second before it escaped. I could only shake my head at him in exasperation. He was definitely in a good mood after his confrontation with the Queen.
Despite Eric joking about the matter, I did manage to relax on the rest of our journey north. I kept Eric's hand in mine. It was comforting to have someone so close who meant so much to me. Thoughts of my family tried invading several times. Every time I pushed them back. I had no idea how they were doing and I didn't really have any way of finding out except to call. There was no telling how well that phone call would go.
"We are here," Eric told me softly, pulling me out of my thoughts. I had been remembering happy times of being with Eric. The dates we had been on and the countless nights just spent in companionable silence, each doing our own thing. It hadn't been unusual for me to spend my free evenings at Fangtasia writing on the sofa while Eric sorted through paperwork.
As we drove into the Fangtasia parking lot, we both looked around. The place was deserted. There wasn't another car in the lot and even the neon sign for the bar was switched off. "Where is everyone?" I finally let go of Eric's hand with one final squeeze. I hopped from the truck and followed behind Eric as he made his way to the staff entrance.
"It is Monday night and not all of the repairs have been completed. The bar should be back open on Wednesday." I nodded my head. Eric opened the door and silenced the alarm. "I wanted to assess the situation for myself."
There was the acrid stench of fresh paint in the air. It was the only sign in the corridor that anything was amiss. The storage room was fine, well stocked and ready for reopening. Pam's office was in its usual prim and proper state. Eric's office was the first room that held any true evidence for what had happened. It wasn't even messy, it was rather that nothing was quite in the right place. The paperwork that was usually stacked in neat piles was in one large pile in the centre of the desk which was scratched, spoiling the polished wood. There was no desk chair, no sofa and the refrigerator which kept him supplied with bottled blood was switched off. The computer monitor was cracked, as was one of the frames on the wall.
Guilt swept up in me as we continued on our way. The staff room and showers were fine, not a thing out of place. The basement, what I could see of it, was untouched as well. The main bar was the other area of chaos. This was where the choking stench of paint was coming from. The walls had all had a fresh cover of blood red emulsion. The vampire memorabilia that usually hung on the walls was stacked neatly on nearby tables. Some of the tables were missing, as well as the chairs. The main damage was the still boarded up front doors where the police had forcibly entered. Overall, it wasn't too bad, it could have been worse. I still felt terrible.
"I'm so sorry," I whispered as I stood in the centre of the dance floor, taking in everything. "I will pay for everything. Once I get some money. I still have my human bank accounts once I convince someone to give me access. I'm actually pretty good at the whole mind control thing. It should be fine, although I hope I don't have to use it." I was rambling and I knew it. Eric stopped me with a finger over my lips.
"I will not accept your money. I have more than enough to cover this. It will act as our refurbishment for the year." I had a feeling he was just saying that to placate me. However, I also had enough experience with him to know that arguing would be pointless. "I did not ask earlier," he continued, changing the subject smoothly. "Could you read the Queen?" He seemed genuinely interested as he began to guide me out of the bar, back toward the staff corridor.
"No." I replied slowly, taking my time so that I could phrase my answer as best as I could. "It was strange. I couldn't get a single thought, although I just knew certain things. For example, Andre wasn't in the building for once. He was racing as fast as he could to get back to his Queen, but he never would have made it in time. She was scared of you. Are we not staying at Fantasia?" I knew the basement and Eric's office were both light tight and there were even coffins downstairs in case anyone needed to stay over.
"No. That is an interesting development. Still nothing from me?" We were in the parking lot again by this point.
"No. Not a damn thing," I said through my bright smile. I was beginning to have even more faith in his words from earlier. He was powerful, perhaps he really could keep me out.
"See, trust me." He grinned back, the moonlight glinting off of his fangs.
"I do." I said softly.
"Good." He started the engine, bringing the truck to life.
"Where are we staying then?" We pulled out of the parking lot, heading to the east of the city, the side closest to Bon Temps. I had to admit that my stomach flopped.
"We will check into a vampire hotel. Although I believe Shreveport to be safe, for tonight at least, we should be sure." It was a smart idea. There was a reason he had survived for a millennia. The ride to the hotel was quick and spent in silence. I was still trying to overcome my guilt for the damage done to Eric's beloved Fangtasia. It wasn't too bad, it had definitely seen worse, but this was the first time I had been responsible for anything bad happening there. If it hadn't been for me, the raid would never have taken place. "Snap out of it, Sookie." Eric warned. "If it bothered me what had happened to the bar, I would have said. If you really need to guilt trip yourself, speak to Pam about it."
I quickly pulled myself together. I didn't want to have to deal with Pam right now. I desperately wanted to see her, make sure she was okay and take the berating she would give me for disappearing. I didn't want to hear what she had to say about what happened to the bar.
"Which hotel are we staying at?" I asked as we passed our usual hotel. It had been an almost monthly thing for us to check into a hotel room and forget about the rest of the world for a few hours. We wouldn't answer our cells phones, we wouldn't check emails and we wouldn't call work. Sometimes we just chatted, others we didn't move from the bed and occasionally we just lounged around watching expensive movies and ordering room service.
"Bella Muerte," Eric replied, not quite managing to keep the grimace from his face. "Our hotel," it made me smile to see him using that phrase, "is booked and it is another precaution, not following staying where expected." It wasn't long before we were walking into the hotel lobby and waking up the poor guy on reception.
"Good evening, sir, madam." He greeted us and I grimaced internally at the greeting. Did I really look old enough to be greeted using madam? I quelled my urge to seek more information from his brain. Without even having my shields forcibly locked, I couldn't get anything from him. Certainly no actual thoughts or images. There was a general impression of being tired, but that was all. Sometimes I still couldn't quite believe how good my control over my telepathy had become.
"We have a booking placed under Erikson," Eric replied, handing the guy his card without even being asked. Check in was fast, it seemed the young man just wanted to get back to his nap. I was grateful, dawn was only around an hour away. Eric was carrying both bags. I tried telling him I was perfectly capable of carrying my own bag, but he refused to listen to me. "I do hate this place," Eric stated as we were travelling in the elevator going up to our floor. I looked at him, puzzled. "It is just," he struggled to find the exact word he wanted. "Tacky," he finally settled with, earning a small giggle from me.
He was right. Most things were gimmicked up for vampire culture, so that the hotel seemed to cater to more people who were interested in vampires, than vampires themselves. Our room was representative of this. The room was dark, and not just because the light tight blinds and shutters were closed, but due to the red, silver and black paint on the walls. There was even a few movie stills from famous vampire movies on the wall.
"It's not that bad," I stated, taking it all in. It really wasn't, if you weren't used to more upscale hotels. The room was small, fitting in little more than a double bed, but there was an en-suite and it was safe. Eric didn't bother to respond. "I'm going to go shower." I grabbed my bag from him and made my way into the bathroom.
I quickly found myself thinking about everything that had happened in the past few days, in a good way. Showers were my place to hide from the bad things and be calm. The hot water sprayed down, steaming up the room and it felt wonderful. I was lucky beyond belief. Everything seemed to be working itself out, better that I could have ever hoped. Eric was speaking to me, in fact it was even more than that. It was just the nagging question in my mind of why he was helping me. I really had expected him to yell, and scream and kick me out that first night I had shown up at Fangtasia. I had also survived, which I saw as a major accomplishment. Plus, there was only one insane vampire after me now. My life was definitely far from perfect, but it was better than it had been in a long time.
I quickly dressed when I began to feel the first tugs of the sun's power in my chest. It was almost like a tugging sensation, and somehow I just knew I needed to seek out darkness. I was still using Eric's clothes as pyjamas. I would need to go shopping soon, as soon as I got some money. I was still towel drying my hair, considering how I would actually gain access to my bank accounts, when I opened the bathroom door. Eric was sitting on the edge of the bed, apparently deep in thought. As soon as the door opened, he looked up and an expression that I didn't recognise danced across his face, chased quickly by a brilliant smile.
"What?" I asked, my own smile playing on my lips.
"Nothing." He replied as he stepped forward to wrap his strong arms around my waist, picking me up. He spun me around once, holding me close, before kissing me. I smiled into the kiss, feeling lighter than I had in years. I wrapped my legs around his waist since he was still holding me up. I giggled lightly when he began to place feather light kisses along the edge of my jaw.
"What's got into you?" I laughed. He was happy. He simply shrugged his shoulders in reply and continued with peppering my skin with kisses. "That tickles," I mumbled as he reached the point where my neck met my scar and the sensation changed. I rested my head against his, my arms wrapped around his shoulders.
"You are beautiful," he told me sincerely as he stared in my eyes. In that moment, I had never felt prettier. I was dressed in his old clothes that didn't fit well, my hair was a wet, bedraggled mess, and I still felt beautiful.
"Thank-you, you gorgeous man." I replied, pulling him back in for another kiss. Eric walked backward until he hit the bed. We tumbled onto the bed, bouncing with the springs which caused us both to laugh. I was still scared to let this go further, but I didn't feel like that was what Eric needed in that moment. The kisses weren't leading anywhere. We were simply enjoying the moment.
I pushed him back onto the mattress. My hand turned his face away slightly. My next kiss landed on the side of his lips. They parted slightly, his fangs digging into the plumpness of his bottom lip. I kissed along his jaw despite the harsh stubble. He needed to shave. I moved along his strong jaw and down his neck, tracing the path of the vessels which ran just underneath the skin. A happy moan emanated from his chest as I nipped slightly. I didn't dare do anymore. In this respect, my fangs were still completely new and I didn't want to risk drawing blood. He didn't seem to mind as my kisses reached the point where his collar bones met.
I straightened my legs out until I was practically just lying on top of him. His hands stayed at my waist, making sure I wasn't going anywhere. I placed one final kiss on his chest before resting my head there, still gazing up at him. He seemed perfectly content, eyes lightly closed and a half smile on his oh-so kissable lips.
"You are staring," he told me after a couple of minutes. He opened one eye to peer down at me.
"I know." I replied, not caring in that moment. He closed his eye, not really caring either. He was simply gorgeous, there was no denying it and right now, he was mine. How long I would get to 'keep' him, I had no idea, but I would take whatever I could get. I remembered having very similar thoughts, for very different reasons, just after we had first started dating all those years ago. It was hard to believe that I had first met Eric almost ten years ago. So much had changed since then. "Eric," I started, gearing myself up to ask my questions again.
"Sookie," he replied, still in his good mood. I hoped my questions wouldn't ruin it completely. I kissed his chest once more. We weren't starting where we'd left off, far from it, but we weren't strangers. I still felt close to him, closer than I should have and closer than I deserved.
"Why are you here with me like this?" I swiftly moved a hand between us, indicating our current position, but meaning so much more; the kisses, the bed sharing, oh hell, we'd been making out. I felt like I was a teenager again.
He sighed deeply before replying. His eyes were shut again. He was hiding something. "Answer me this, Sookie. Why was I there for you before?" It was a strange question.
"Because you loved me." Back then it was obvious, we were living together and deeply in love.
"Then perhaps the reason is the same." He didn't elaborate and I didn't ask any more questions. It was more than I could comprehend. Was he telling me that he still loved me? That he hadn't stopped loving me? Surely, that couldn't be correct, not after everything I'd put him through. He could have his pick of women, he should have moved on. I hadn't moved on, even if I'd had the chance, I'm not sure I would have. He had been the love of my life. You don't simply move on from things like that.
The sun raised higher, closer to the horizon. I felt its power over me getting stronger. I slid down to the mattress, beside my vampire. His arms stayed wrapped around me, refusing to let me roll away. I placed my head on his chest and listened to the absolute stillness.
I awoke the next night to an empty bed. I knew as soon as my senses were coming back to me that something was off. It was strange how quickly you could get used to something. I had no way of knowing how long he had been gone. There were a couple of pillows tucked under my arm and chin, giving me something to snuggle up to. I sat up slowly, noting that the shower wasn't running. I was just about to send out the tendrils of my telepathy when he opened the room door and walked in. I wouldn't have been able to read him, but I would have been able to recognise his blank mind. It was like every mind, whether I could read them or not, had a unique print.
"Where did you go?" I asked as I stretched and yawned. I didn't actually need to yawn, but it was again a human remnant that my body clung to after years of the habit. He handed me one of the bottles of blood he was carrying. "Thanks." As he leant over I noticed that his hair was still damp, leaving a slight patch on the back of his white t-shirt.
"The room does not come with a mini bar or room service. I went to the vending machine." He practically huffed, clearly not impressed about having to fetch his own blood. I hadn't even known there was such a thing as a blood vending machine.
"Oh," I replied, not knowing quite how to reply. He sat down on the bed, there wasn't anywhere else, and began to drink his blood. He was dressed differently tonight. Every other night he'd been in his usual Fangtasia style gear of black upon black. However, tonight he was wearing what he chose to wear if he wasn't going to be out in the bar; dark wash jeans and a soft cotton t-shirt, usually in white. If he wasn't currently barefoot, I would have guessed at soft leather boots to complete the look. He was only ever more himself at home when he lounged around in sweatpants like everyone else. You were very privileged if you ever saw him like that. I had assumed we would be heading back to Fangtasia tonight to help out, but apparently not.
"I have a surprise for you," he stated suddenly.
"Really?" I asked, perplexed as to why he would have done something like that. He'd already gone beyond my dreams.
"Yes, you should get dressed." His eyes gazed down to my chest for a second. Still puzzled I got dressed, in the bathroom. By the time I was finished, Eric had stuffed our things into our bags and discarded our empty bottles. "Ready?" I stuffed my pyjamas in one of the bags.
"Yeah. Are you going to tell me anything?" I asked as we took the elevator downstairs.
"Why would I do something like that?" His cheeky grin was back in place. We handed our key over to the receptionist. Tonight it was a fresh faced girl who couldn't have been older than eighteen. Surprisingly, she didn't give Eric the eye too badly, even when he slapped on the charm. She simply accepted our key card and wished us a good night.
"And you're not going to let me drive either?" I didn't bother waiting for the response, I simply walked over the passenger side.
"How could you drive if you do not know where you are going?" That ploy had never actually worked, but I still used it whenever anyone was trying to surprise me by going somewhere. The city traffic was light this far out and soon we were on the main roads, heading even further out of the city. I didn't question where we were going until we passed the bowling alley where we had gone for our first date.
"Do you remember that place?" I asked, changing the topic of conversation from Eric's latest collection of cars. We really needed to get to know each other properly again. Cars had seemed like a safe starting point.
"Yes," he replied, a smile playing on his lips.
"I still can't believe you took me bowling!" It had been the craziest first date I'd been on, not that I had been on many. The bowling alley had been almost empty, only one other lane had been in use. I had been struggling to knock even half of the pins down, not having much hand eye coordination. Eric, of course, with his vampire abilities and natural talent, had knocked every pin down, every single time. He'd been forced to rein his strength in considerably, but apparently it was worth it.
"You were terrible," he laughed. It was true, there was no escaping the fact, that I sucked at bowling. We had laughed about it that night as well. Eric had swaggered around, showing off and giving me unhelpful tips. My skills had only gotten worse after each drink I had consumed.
"Thanks for the support." Despite my lack of skill, the night had been fantastic fun. In the end, Eric had resorted to helping me, just so that I could get my first strike. I had jumped up and down happily when the result came up on the little screen above our lane. I had thrown my arms around his neck and kissed him.
While I had escaped into the memory we had travelled some distance and were now on country roads that I would recognise anywhere. We were on the road leading to Bon Temps, about five minutes out from the town. Instantly, I panicked. One of Eric's hands grabbed both of mine, still my nervous wringing.
"Are we going to Bon Temps?" I asked, even though it was obvious. I needed the confirmation from him. Until I knew for sure I could keep the panic in check.
"Yes." Strangely, it didn't actually cross my mind at that point to ask, where exactly, within Bon Temps we were going. My mind instantly travelled to my Gran and my brother. I hadn't heard anything about them in nearly five years, anything could have happened. I couldn't bare most of the time to think about them, and the world of hurt they must have faced. It would have been the not knowing for sure that would have hurt the most.
They, like everyone else, had known that I had gone travelling with Bill on business for the vampire Queen. They knew I had been using my gift, although back then, they had both refused to admit my telepathy out loud or give it an actual name. It had always been referred to as my 'gift'.
I couldn't even think about what my brother would be doing now. He had been a womaniser of epic proportions when I had left. Five years could change a lot. He might have even settled down and started his own family. He would probably be still working for the road crew. He had always said that he wouldn't change his job; he got to work outside, got decent pay and got to laugh with his friends while he worked.
Gran was a different matter entirely. She wasn't exactly young. Anything could have happened. That was probably the main reason I tried not to think about home too much. It would have killed me if something had happened while I was gone. I liked to think that in my heart I would have known.
Eric's hand never wavered as I began to bounce in my seat from nerves. My foot tapped the floor as my muscles ached to move. I was going back home, or at least to my home town. I was strong, I could do this. I wouldn't run. I bit down on my lip a little too hard. The sweet tang of blood hit my tongue. I loved blood, as a vampire, I craved it. Yet my own was never quite right.
We turned onto Hummingbird Lane and I knew where we must be going. If we had been going anywhere else in town it would have been faster to go another way. Eric was really taking me home. I had no idea why. This was my surprise? A surprise trip home.
By the time we turned onto my old driveway, I had a heart beat again and I was counting my breaths. Despite my determination to stay, it was a constant internal struggle to not try darting from the truck. I desperately wanted to see my family, but it seemed like too much. I had done too much damage and nothing would ever be the same again. I was already lucky beyond words to still have Eric with me. Was seeing Gran asking for too much?
The truck came to a stop on the freshly laid gravel. The outside security light was bathing the area in a warm yellow glow. The little old house looked exactly the same. Perhaps it had had a lick of paint recently, but that was it. The paint was even the exact same shade. The shutters were still drawn on the second storey which was only used for storage since Jason had moved out when he turned eighteen. The living room curtains were shut tightly. An old rocking chair was in the corner of the porch. A book was placed on its seat, forgotten about from an afternoon reading in the shade.
"You can do this." Eric's voice was soft as he spoke. I could only nod my head. I didn't have as much faith in myself. I had no idea what Gran would think of me. Gran was definitely inside, I could her mind close by, as strong as ever.
Eric finally let my hand go to get out of the car. He waited until I got out, probably making sure I wasn't going to run, until he started strolling up the house. He took the porch steps two at a time and then rapped on the front door. Instead of waiting for a response, he walked straight inside.
"What the..." I started, following him slowly.
"Hello, Adele," he hollered as he walked down the hallway toward the kitchen. I was left standing on the porch, not knowing what was happening. I couldn't get my feet to move forward, and I couldn't go back. My childhood pictures, alongside Jason's, still lined the walls. The door to my bedroom still had the stupid wooden lettering of Sookie plastered on it from when I was fifteen. I'd never had the heart to take it down. All around it were pictures of me with my friends, including Eric. I couldn't imagine why Gran hadn't taken them down. Surely, they would just be a horrible reminder?
"Oh, Eric. I wasn't expecting you for awhile yet. How are you, dear?" I heard Gran ask. She sounded exactly the same. It was a very affectionate greeting, one that she used for her friends. Had Eric seen Gran recently? It was obvious that it hadn't been years. I had no idea what was going on. The panic was leaving me as I became more sure of myself. My curiosity was piqued. I needed to find out what was going on and being so close, I desperately needed to see me beloved Gran.
"I am good," Eric replied. "I brought you a gift." He stated, I could hear the smile in his voice. There was a soft sound as Gran's hand collided with the vampire, probably his arm.
"You!" She started, searching for words. "What have I told you? You don't need to do that." She huffed out the last bit as though she had had this conversation many times before. What the hell was going on? "I know, I know. I can't really stop you." She paused for a minute. When she started again, there was a touch of excitement in her voice. "Well then, where is it?" I had to giggle at Gran's question.
"I left it on the porch." It was only then that I realised I was the gift. My mouth dropped open slightly. Eric had planned this entire thing, surprising not just one but two people. I took my first tentative step forward and then I panicked. I wasn't invited in. There was no way that I could get in there. Gran would have to invite me and then she would know instantly what I was. My breaths began to come in faster puffs and my heart thundered in my chest. "Lover, are you coming in?" Eric hollered. I looked up to see him standing at the end of the hallway. My wide eyes met his. He nodded his head, encouraging me. Did I not need an invite? Were his words enough?
I stepped forward again tentatively, my toes reaching the threshold of the door. I didn't feel anything. There was no unseen force stopping me. I relaxed a fraction and took another step. Nothing happened. I grinned. Being able to just step inside felt like a massive obstacle had been overcome. Without even trying I could feel the waves of confusion and tentative hope rolling off of Gran.
You can do this, Sookie. I repeated to myself in my head. I made it to the end of the hallway where Eric was ducking back into the kitchen. I was hidden from view for a second but I could see Gran.
She was sat at the kitchen table, a puzzle book open in front of her. Her dark grey hair was piled up on top of her head in a rough bun, the glasses she had resting in her hair making it even messier. There were a few more lines around her shining blue eyes and perhaps another laughter line or two. Otherwise she was exactly the same. Her plump frame was dressed in her usual house coat and fluffy slippers were on her feet. Best of all, she had a bemused smile on her face as she wondered at Eric's antics. This was exactly how I remembered Gran.
Eric finally moved, to take a seat at the table. Gran's eyes darted back toward the door. The instant she saw me, huddled into myself in the kitchen doorway, her eyes widened. Tears immediately sprang up, yet otherwise she remained perfectly still for a second. I had no idea what to do apart from wait. Finally, she spoke, one single word, and my heart broke.
"Sookie?"
So there you go, the last taste of this story for a few weeks! I fly out to India on Friday and when I get back I go away again for a couple of weeks doing research. I'll be writing, hopefully, on my travels, so I should update pretty quickly once I get back.
I want to say a massive thank-you to everyone who is supporting this story and especially to the guest reviewers whom I can't respond to personally. You guys really help me get through my long days on rotations.
A massive thank-you to my beta whodat2010. She does amazing work with my stuff.
See you all soon
LF91
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