Chapter Four: Transylvanian Concubine.
Eric POV.
"So this is it." I said sounding suspiciously nervous as I took my shoes off at the side door which opened from the carport into the kitchen. I did not get nervous, I am a Viking for Odin's sake, why would showing this girl make my stomach feel like it was in knots?
"Nice." She said with a slight smile as we walked into the kitchen, her own shoes having disappeared to where ever they go before I even instructed her to take them off. "Very sheik." It was sheik, my style was that of masculine grace, everything being in mahogany furniture, or stainless steal (like the pristine kitchen) or in tones of green and brown as we ventured forth into the living areas. So why then was she so underwhelmed?
"Where do you live?" I questioned since my soon to be lover wasn't gobsmacked like the other few who have been here. My tone was deliberately blank as I questioned her (it was bad enough earlier that she would have picked up on those strange nerves) I was used to Beings of all kinds fawning all over me, to see that she didn't was just the slightest bit... hurtful, if not perplexing, I wanted this creature to fawn all over me.
"Right now I live in a waterfall, my home is almost made entirely out of glass, my dimension being that of a rainforest. On our third date we'll go there hey? It'll be much preferable than hanging out at the Shifter's diner."
She owns her own dimension, her house is made of glass and built in a waterfall? Yes I can see why my home in suburbia did not overwhelm her. I was almost sulking, having nearly missed her teasing completely. "What do you mean? The Shifter's bar was a fine choice for a first date." I said sounding overly innocent as I lead her into the lounge.
"Hmm." She rolled her eyes upwards. "If that is what you think a 'fine choice' is maybe I should pick the next date location."
"Less for me to plan." I threw back.
"That really wasn't much of a plan." She grinned sliding up on the brown leather lounge. "But that's besides the point, it's settled then. I will plan our second date."
"Very well then." I grinned a little intrigued as I watched her make herself completely at home, she looked so right sitting there on my couch, as if what was missing all along was her. "Where shall we go?"
"I know just the place but you're going to have to wait." She sighed in bliss as she slid down into the couch. "This is lovely, I do so love leather." Well I got that right at least. She looked up at me suddenly, her expression one of intrigue. "So Prinsesstårta what do you usually do when you're staying in?" The question felt utterly random in its normalcy. I had begun to suspect the strange with her and yet here she was looking very comfortable and asking about mundane things, this happening feeling far more strange then if she had... say had Bobbie appear doing that 'Gangdamn Style' that Pam just wouldn't shut up about.
"Watch a movie, catch up on any work I didn't finish at the club." I answered my banal answer boring even me, but my boredom evaporated completely when her little shorts and top disappeared turning into a silky singlet top and little shorts in an inky purple/blue colour.
"I can't sleep in denim." She said as explanation as if I required an explanation for her having 'less' clothing on. "And since we're going to watch a movie and all, I thought I'd wear cloths fit for snuggling."
"What movie are we going to watch?" I questioned, not at all phased with her presumptuous behaviour, she obviously asked what I usually did so she could follow that plan; it may have been her reference to 'snuggling' that had softened my reaction towards her also. I do not 'snuggle' with my meals but I have always loved the feel of soft female flesh, I would not mind 'snuggling' with her at all, I just need to get her into my arms (then into my bed preferably) I need to devise a strategy to have this most favourable outcome. "It's ladies choice tonight Vackra Mardröm." I smiled my most charming smile, the one that makes all the fang bangers faint without exception.
"That sounds suspiciously like first date talk." She teased looking up at me through her eyelashes, not fainting like I would have preferred.
"I believe I paid for your dinner." I smirked, knowing that we just walked out on the mutt.
"Was that before or after he bowed down to me and we walked out leaving only a threat behind?"
"I had every intention to pay." Innocently I spoke, realising for the first time that I have not as yet sat, rather I was just standing next to the two seater lounge she was sensuously draped over.
"I'm sure you did. What's your favourite movie genre?"
"How about we go back to what you were talking about?" I sat at her feet, thinking I'd rub those delicate feet, get her liquid and wanting. "What is the story of the White Wolf?" I asked as I reached for her foot, the nails painted a nearly black shade of purple, unfortunately however she suddenly transformed again, my unfortunate happening having her end up in my lap. It is very difficult to be Eric Northman.
"Firstly, I don't lose hair, so do not fear for your lovely furniture, secondly I can keep my claws fully retracted so don't concern yourself about scratch marks on the lovely leather. Thirdly... it's a long story."
I scratched my fingers over her back, her fur so silky under my fingers. I always liked to keep a hound even after I was turned, but they were not pets, they were creatures of war. The beautiful wolf in my lap seems to fit that description as well however and I do wish to keep her, so perhaps she is not so different to those I have kept as pets, just with rather pleasant side effects. "We have just under five hours until sunrise, I can listen to your long story." I said as she rolled over onto her back, allowing me to stroke her soft underbelly; the sight of the creature of my nightmares submitting to me was an unrealistic turn on considering she looked to be a wolf, but with those intelligent eyes staring at me it was not a difficulty to imagine her looking as she usually does.
"Very well then. Many years ago there was a legend created about the White Wolf, she was said to be who Shifter's and Wears were derived from, this may or may not be true, for it was her my DNA came from, I have learnt this much."
"Is she still in existence?" I questioned understanding now why the Shifter bowed before her, at the very least Vackra Mardröm was an ancient of her kind.
"I'll explain that in my story."
"Very well." I smiled at her nearly impatient tone, brushing my fingers over the sensitive flesh between her legs and torso causing a delightful shiver to pass through her furry body."
"She was just, brave and loyal to her pack, what every wolf strives to be, but one day a neighbouring pack encroached her territory." She quickly spoke, rolling back over, proving she is not as immune as she has so far lead me to believe. "They did not mean malicious intent, or at least not at that point. The pack leader of the other pack, fell for the lovely White Wolf immediately but she did not realise and, out of the goodness of her heart, invited the other pack to stay with them, for you see they had travelled a great distance, flood having left their lands baron."
"I'm am not really of mind to care about the trials of the wolves." I said wondering where this legend was leading, it sounded like most other tall tales, beautiful heroin, a nave and her succumb to his advances.
"Do not prove such contempt, that narcissism is such a poor trait, we learn through history, be it our own or another's, mistakes and triumphs are needed to evolve."
"I have offended you." I said sounding stiff realising my error. Her history would be that of nearly every creature (if not them all) these were her people who suffered, just as I would have been enraged if it were a Vampire she spoke on.
"Not so much, I expected nothing less from an ancient Vampire, it's just I'm trying to do this relationship thing since you're all 'I want you by my side' but shoot, there is no way you're going to consider me before yourself and that Cupcake is a really shit relationship." She shook her shaggy head and placed it on my chest, her paws curled under her.
"What do you wish from me?" I questioned wondering how I was going to make the adjustment of living for myself to considering another person as an individual rather than an entity like those of my retinue or as my childe or otherwise a subordinate.
"Right now I just want you to listen." She whispered in my mind, her thick, black eye lashes, the same ones she has in her 'human' form, fluttering over now closed eyes. "The other pack leader, having felt she was being kind to him for some other reason, put the charms on her. Time and time again the pack leader was deflected, the White Wolf having rejected him with tact the other leader felt he wasn't being clear enough in his want. Eventually he was tired of the... misunderstanding and decided to show her what he meant. So in wolf form he... well this is where the story changed if you are of wolf or shifter origins. A Wear will say it was... it was rape, for the offspring become divided, some having developed a multiple shifting ability, others having not had their DNA coded like a normal wolf, like a Down Syndrome babe in the human world, was now able to change into strange and unusual animals. The Shifter's say that the act was consensual, that as powerful as the other leader was, their DNA mixed and created another race of shifting babies, in essence evolving. This is the true reason why Wears and Shifters have never got along, maybe the young ones do not know of this legend, hating just because but this is so."
How very interesting (as interesting as a story about a wolf could be, but looking at the creature in my lap, the one my hands are busy caressing, I would believe they could be very interesting) but it did not answer my question. "What was the true reason the Shifter was treating you like royalty?" I wished to hear it from her, there might be other reasons.
"Is it not obvious? The White Wolf was some of , if not the oldest of their kind, the line having been altered makes it extremely rare when the 'pure' wolf traits show up, meaning that when they do, they are of the royal line, not a mutt cross breed but a direct descendent. I am royalty to him and his kind because a part of me is made directly from the original White Wolf. I am known as Loki, Lopt, Loke, or whoever depending on the ethnic group I am standing against and clearly I am not male, no matter what lore dictates." Brushing my fingers over her ears I murmured. 'I did not realise I was in the presence of royalty.' She changed once more, looking as inhuman as she had as a 'person' as did as a wolf, her head still rested against my chest tucked underneath my chin, her feet still tucked under her behind. "It is a title Prinsesstårta, I hold many, this does not change anything." She rolled her eyes. "I can't believe that's all you got from that part of my history."
"Why do you not care about your status?" I asked my fingers having not slowed in their caressing even though she was busting my balls again, then again, I like the sound of her and my balls in one sentence and considering how she is sitting, it wouldn't take much manoeuvring to have them acquaint on a more personal level.
But she was speaking once more, and I was interested in her answer. "I do important things with my time, this would not be achievable if I were to sit on a throne all day and night, just look at Sophie-Anne, case and point. I would like to find out how she was chosen, there is corruption in that story."
"I believe so, but because I have no interest in being King, I do not wish to call attention to it." It was believed that Sophie-Anne killed her lover to gain the Kingdom, she having married someone much older then her, he having been ruling before his untimely death, the Kingdom having been written in his Will, to be handed over to Sophie-Anne, but I was not in the Country at this point so I can not speak on these rumours as fact.
"Because it would be treason if you said as much." She nodded, her little fingers brushing over my lips to hush whatever I was going to say, which is a pleasing notion as the more she moves in my lap the less intelligible my words are going to sound. "Why would you find such surprise in me not wanting to act as Queen when you yourself, an over one thousand year old Vampire, who would be capable, do not wish to be King?"
"Did you just compliment me?" I questioned as I nipped at the little fingers that brushed against my lips.
"I have complimented you many times Vampire, you just don't hear everything I say." Is that so? I thought thinking back over every conversation we have had, my Vampiric memory helping out a great deal here. She had mentioned many times about my exemplary effort in raising Pam, but often her compliments were overshadowed with insult however and I chose to focus on the insult at the time. Perhaps I should listen to all her words, I would not have been so quick to anger otherwise. "Are you to answer my question?"
"You are already a Queen I am not a King, this is the difference."
"I see." A calculating smile befell her lips. "So if I say made you King due to my killing of Sophie-Anne you would except your fate?" She questioned overly sweetly.
"I do not wish to be King Vackra Mardröm." I said with a low growl behind my words.
"Then it will not be so, I will think of something else." She whispered against my lips and gently kissed me taking away my hostility. I do not recall why I had stopped kissing anymore, her kisses tasted so sweet as a whisper of her scent caressed my skin as if it were bare and I was not wearing jeans and a tank.
"Maybe we should move this into the bedroom?" I purred all fangs as she broke the kiss which turned into something so much more than I believe she originally planned, my hands having not been at all idle. Her breasts were so round and soft under my exploration, I would love to taste them.
"Not this date." She smiled from the chair she was in prior, having just teleported out of my lap.
I pouted as I rose unbelieving I was pouting just as my child had. Almost disgusted with myself I went and opened the cupboard of movies to pick something, anything as a distraction, I am not pleased with being denied. "I prefer action movies." I said answering her much earlier question.
"I like supernatural horror." She smiled at me innocently. "It's so ridiculous when you compare what is real and what is on the movie, but action is good too." She rolled over closing her eyes. "I'm good whatever you are, I'll probably just fall asleep soon anyway, I haven't slept in about three months, I'm starting to look a little dowdy." She laughed gently, self-depreciatingly.
"Dowdy is not a word I think when I see you Vackra Mardröm." Honestly I couldn't imagine someone looking any better. She was flawless in my eyes and I have superior vision.
"I'm not going to have sex with you tonight Vampire so you can save your silly compliments. I know exactly what I look like." She made a bit of a face as if she believed what she saw in the mirror was not acceptable.
"You are known as 'Loki' yes?"
"I was wondering when you were going to pick up on that." Little minx. I thought fondly, amused with her attitude. It has been many centuries since I have been spoken to like such, I am amazed to find I am liking the banter between us.
"He is known as the god of mischievousness." I smirked at her over my shoulder as I picked up a James Bond film, I like the action even if it is scarcely believable.
"Are you saying I'm hard to handle Vampire?" She questioned looking deliciously argumentative.
"Woman I could handle you quite easily, I have charm and skills you would have never experienced." I flirted.
She rolled up on her hands and knees, having a quite the feline stretch as I imagined gripping those round hips and sliding inside her scorching heat, it would take little effort to remove those barely there shorts she is wearing.
"Cupcake..." She purred, rolling out of her stretch. "...the control to be had on this night is not yours to possess." I growled, the DVD case snapping under my fingers as I realised just how easily she played me in that one little move. "I didn't meant to make you mad." She whispered suddenly in front of me looking contrite her toes brushing over the carpet, her gaze intent on them. "I just... I thought you liked the little back and forth we had going down. But the control..." She kept speaking not giving me a chance to respond even if I had known what to say. "...I get it, to be so relatively old and to lose so badly... I do I get it..." She looked up at me her eyes flushed with tears. "...I'm sorry."
I leaned down and kissed her tears away, groaning at the taste, losing my train of thought completely. Her tears tasted... they tasted like the snow in Sweeden, in the middle of the night when the family is safe and warm and well provided for in their beds. I took a step back from her, realising that it wasn't just a random imagery in my mind, rather it was my own family I saw; Aude who I cared for and the children that I loved. "Don't be." I said coming into focus once more, seeing my own living areas over one thousand years later. That night was the last time I had felt truly at home, my family having made it such, it was soon after that night that I had become what I am today, Appius having found me and turned me, creating the next hundred and sixteen years a living hell until I was released; with her, my nightmare of the most beautiful kind, I can honestly say I feel at home. "Don't be..." I said again, sounding slightly bewildered as tucked that crystal clear image away for later use. "...I lost my temper and that was wrong. I have far better self control than that." My apology came easy, it was not hard to feel remorseful that I brought my beautiful Mate to tears. I kissed her then, a real kiss, one ensuring she could taste my love. Love? Yes, love, how could I not feel love for my true Mate. She will be my Bonded as soon as I can arrange it, all who swear me fealty will owe their life to her.
"What happened to you in the last two minutes?" She asked, her eyes glazed over as she took a step away from me, proving how very effected she was with my kiss. "Your aura..." Her hand hovered over my arm, a whisper away from touching me as her eyes turned luminescent, lacking all colour as I believe she saw the unseen. "...Eric..." She whispered, causing my heart to beat in my excitement at hearing her speak my name. Her accent is like nothing I have ever heard before, all sorts of accents finding their place together, coming out as perfectly articulated, hauntingly spoken words. She must sing like an Angel. "...you are so beautiful."
For a moment I didn't say anything, I have been called many things in my life, but 'beautiful' in such a context is not one of them. In this moment I felt bare, stripped from all pretences, naked yet unashamed as she swallowed, looking like she was unable to deal with her amazement or awe or something... or at least that is exactly how I felt, and looking into those haunting eyes I could see my reflection showed the same expression as her own.
"What do you see?" I questioned taking a step closer so I could feel the touch of those hovering fingers.
"Everything. The colours... oh my gosh I have never seen anything like it... you're just... I'll try to paint it one day, but I've never... you're so... Vampire." She looked up at me sharply suddenly. "Eric... Eric Northman Sheriff of Area Five."
"Yes Vackra Mardröm, creature whose name or ranking seem to mean everything and nothing at the same time." I teased a little, but her words were serious, I couldn't find an ounce of insult in my statement.
"I want you to be mine ok? If we're going to do this I want everything." She answered her words soft as she seemed to look through me.
"If you are to be my woman what is mine is now yours, this is how our laws work." She snapped out of whatever trance she was in and slapped me before I had a chance to react, my cheek bones snapping under the force of her hit. Her sexy fangs lengthened as my own did, her eyes showing her anger just as my own would have been. "You will never again strike me woman."
"I do not want your things, your fucking house or car. I am not a pet nor a whore, I am able and self-sufficient, you will never again insult me like so Vampire, or otherwise be sure I will once more strike."
"What is it you ask for?" I questioned my tone somewhat curious, my anger abating as my bone fragments healed.
"Just you." She said softly and then once more appeared on the couch, creating a too great a distance between us since right now all I wanted to do was hold her. I was beginning to feel what must be whiplash as her ever changing moods messed with my own, but this switch I liked.
"You seek monogamy?" I questioned trying to put her request into something I could understand.
"I seek... a balance in our relationship... whatever that will be." She bit her lip looking up at me with dark eyes. "Yes, that is the start of what I seek, you see I do not share what is mine." She looked over my shoulder into the unlit fireplace, her eyes reflecting flames that did not dance, yet she saw them... I saw them, there in her eyes, what a world she must live in. "I am able to wield magic to get what I wish in life, but these are things and things, though nice, are unimportant." She said her tone low and seductive as her words caressed with the heat of the fire showing in her eyes. In this moment I cannot think of another moment in my life that had been as erotic, so seductive... and we are both fully dressed. "It means more when something is given freely, what has been given to me I do not share with another, I horde and covert." I tried as best as I was able to listen as she spoke, to not let myself fall in the abyss of sensation, but I shivered, I shivered in want, in need, yearning for that fire that was inside of her. "If you do not want me sharing my blood or body with another I wish the same respect." Once more snapping out an intense mood my Mate had begun to look like quite the child as she wrapped her arms around her knees, hugging herself closely as her eyes welled with tears once more.
I let my Vampiric memory do the work as one part of my mind watched her, wanting to make my Beautiful Nightmare smile once more. After once more listening to everything she had just said in the last three minutes, I believe I understand her sorrow and what caused her to lash out at me. She had many nice things, ones of her own making, and others having been purchased, but her existence was lonely, things do not create true happiness. When she said 'I do not share what is mine' I believe she meant everything including those she cared for (such as with the Telepath) being her own. My Mate is considered in some circles having ownership over the Telepath, which is why she threatened the Shifter and Pam, and went to great lengths to protect her. Yet Vackra Mardröm done the same with Pam, even going up against her own Maker to protect her heart and happiness... since Pam is now hers to, under her claim and protection because Pam claimed 'Pandora' as her own. Yes I understand now. "Then we shall have this balance." I said my thoughts having not taken but a couple of seconds. "The parameters can be worked out another night however, tomorrow if you are willing, give us a chance to clear our heads a bit and work out exactly what it is we both want."
"Fair enough." She smiled at me, the traces of tears completely absent now. "Everything is moving crazy fast, a good night sleep it is to be then." She held her hands out to me, reaching to me. "Snuggle with me then?"
I smiled at her, my Mate, my soon to be Bonded, my Chosen; she will make a fine Lady, my Lady. "I would be remiss to ignore that offer." I quickly put on another James Bond film, making a mental note to get Die Another Day replaced, before laying down with her.
"So Loki?"
"I wasn't always skilled at using my abilities, nothing would go right around me, I was known as a 'trickster' but it was on accident I swear. But I'm sleeping now so shh." True to her word in regards to falling asleep straight away my lovely Lady was asleep as soon as my arms were wrapped around her.
I spent the remainder of the night holding her like this, as the sun neared I realised what she meant when she said she was looking 'dowdy;' she was right but only as a comparison. As she slept she seemed to heal, her already spotless skin seemed to glow with health and vitality as her hair thickened and lengthened just a fraction. Her eyes having been like Sapphires before now glowed (on the occasions her eyes briefly flickered open) crystal clear, like what I remember the clearest, bluest sky to look like, too bright and shiny they were to look human but they were lovely, she is lovely.
I held her like this, ignoring the gun play and the beautiful one night stands that James Bond is known for, and tried to decide if I were to take her down to my quarters underground where I slept.
It wasn't much of a decision.
I picked her up, my love's weight unnoticeable in my arms, as I carried her through the house into what seemed to be the second bedroom (it being on the first floor) when I couldn't lay there any longer, the sun beginning to rise. I went inside it, having first needed to type a code to access the bedroom (as need to be done in any of the personal rooms) on the panel that sat next to the doorway. In the bedroom that housed an elaborate canopy bed and other equally as stunning furnishings (to Pam's tastes, so it was done in rosewood and pastels) I opened the wardrobe pulling a leaver that sat behind all of Pam's cloths (it was, after all, her room when she stayed here) which caused the false back of the wardrobe to slide down, revealing a staircase that lead down underneath the house.
In my quarters was a full bedroom and bathroom, only accessible by pinning in another code and donating a pint of blood. The first door needs just the code to open it, it vacuum sealing behind me the moment I step onto the touch sensitive ground, leaving anyone else stuck in a four by four, pitch black room unless they have shared my blood with me, it being needed to open the second door, otherwise they will be stuck in the little room until a hungry Vampire Viking Sheriff (AKA me) awakens from his slumber looking for a snack. I have not had another infiltrate my quarters to such a degree but if it were to occur I would feast heartily.
Content with my thoughts of violence, with my surprisingly wonderful night, I laid her down on my custom made bed, the gentle placement stirring her awake. "Now this I like." She stretched out looking too sexy for her own good as she tried to sprawl over the blood red sheets on my bed. She looked miniaturised laying there in the centre of my bed, like Alice (Pamela's doing, I would not have known that reference otherwise) after she had taken the shrinking pill. "It's so you Cupcake, all dark and seductive." She hummed her eyes fluttering back closed.
"What is it about me that seduces you lover?" I murmured, my gently spoken words encouraging as I slowly took my clothing off, stripping down to my boxer briefs. Perhaps with her mind half asleep I will finally hear those much sought after compliments.
"Your soul." She replied, her single word causing my heart to skip a second time tonight. "You are beautiful Eric, the sweetest cupcake in the bakery display, your decorations plentiful and intricately designed, the final piece of artwork a masterpiece, one which anyone would be honoured to claim, to bite, to indulge, but these are window dressings. There are many Beings out there who are beautiful like you are Prinsesstårta, but their soul has a tendency to unfortunately lack in substance, your soul... to have such... after living so long and still finding..." There were lengthy pauses between everything she had said (giving me ample opportunity to lay by her side) but I believe I had finally found that compliment I was after; not only does she think much on my appearance, but what it is that is on my inside is held with reverence... and her own heart I would like to dare hope. My love rolled over into my arms, fitting impossibly right, as if she were made just to snuggle with me like this with her head resting on my non-beating heart. "You are very much like a spoilt Prince Cupcake, pampered and doted on, expectant because of it, but I finally see what it is that causes others to speak on your greatness." She gently kissed my chest, my heart beating once more under her lips. "I'm really glad we're doing this relationship thing, whatever it is, will be, whatever." She yawned.
"Me too." I smiled at her as her luminescent crystal blue eyes blinked out of focus. "Whatever this is, or will be, is nice."
"Mmm." She hummed her agreement. "So Prinsesstårta..." She nearly mumbled. "...does anyone else know of your obsession with James Bond or is that something special I'm privy to?"
"I am not obsessed." I growled a little, trying to sound angry with her but it was hard to be anything other than elated with the lovely things she had said to me, my purrs were almost embarrassingly loud, would have been had she not too been purring.
"Batman maybe, or is it just those with the superhero type legacy that was the source behind your underground abode?"
"You were supposed to be sleeping." I growled, it sounding a little stronger this time but still lacking any heat.
"I was." She whispered. "And will be again in a few minutes but I had to seek exits when I woke, I'm terribly claustrophobic."
I felt my eyes widen with this knew piece of information, I didn't even think. There's a ventilation system in my quarters, to keep the mustiness away, so there was no concern with oxygen, but I didn't think that being underground would concern her when nothing else seemed to. "I am regretful I did not take that into consideration, the thought did not occur to me."
"It's ok, I'm fine, contractions are your friends yeah?" She smiled kissing my chest once more, my heart, though not beating, clenched at the feel of her touch. "I really just needed to get a sense on my whereabouts so I could teleport out of here without fear of appearing at some random destination with no hope of returning home."
"How does that work then?" I questioned my curiosity peeked now.
"I can appear anywhere I have been before, as long as I have an understanding where it is, and for original visits an item that came from that place."
"How very fascinating." I complimented watching as her fingers combed through my chest hair.
"I like your necklace." She whispered, teetering that edge of sleep I thought, it was only a guess since I do not keep pets, therefore I am not informed with humans sleeping patterns, but she seemed nearly asleep. "Thor's hammer is it not?"
"It was a gift from my Father." I said, having not thought through the ramifications before sharing something so personal, whether it was because of her gifts or because I needed to tell her something personal about me, that I told her I was not sure, but even after I did not regret my secret shared, no one else alive having known it was a gift.
"Will you tell me about it?"
"Like a bedtime story?" I teased reaching over to get a cloth off the bedside table to wipe away a trickle of blood from my ear.
"And then we can both sleep easy." She said by way of agreement looking so innocent, feeling so soft and warm as she laid in my arms in my safe place.
"Vackra Mardröm, for you my lover I will tell the tale."
"I'm listening." She yawned her leg being hitched over my own, bringing us nice and close. If anyone would have said to me, even a day ago, I was going two bring a stranger into my space and snuggle with her, dyeing for the day with her in my arms, I would have laughed, but now, now I love how she feels around me, how right it feels to have her heat wrapped around me, her body so close that it would take little effort to have her with me carnally. "Just listening." She giggled as her breath hitched as I rubbed my aching cock against her, it would be the first time in as long as I can remember, that I will have died hard.
"Mmm very well Vackra Mardröm, but do not say I did not offer."
"Understood." She smiled against my chest, her eyelashes sweeping against my bare chest as she closed her eyes for what I believe was the final time for the night.
"Once upon a time..." I begun pleased I chose such a beginning when her smile grew. "...there was a Warrior named Eiríkr from the Rus Clan, known otherwise as the Norsemen Clan, he was a young lad at the time, barely reaching his twelfe Winter when his Father Aðalríkr had him summoned, it was to be his first raid. The Norsemen Clan was to be retaliating against the Gotlanders Clan since they, the Gotlanders had stolen our villages Totem which was was crafted as the clans protector, his image that of Tyr the god of war, who was to be their idol which would watch over them and aid in their successes and make their failures tolerable. It was sport but the clans were a Brothers and looked out for the other but even in sport accidents happen. Eiríkr was young and eager so upon the morn of the battle, armed with his broadsword, a miniaturised version of his Fadir's, he attended the raid, only to stumble on some outsiders. It was his first real taste of combat, kill or be killed, and alone he stood having ran too far ahead. The young Warrior unsheathed his sword and battled for his life, two against one, though in the retelling there were far more, the outcome far more bloody then what actually occurred, felled one of the outsiders, having fought with desperation and cunning, but the other, a bigger bastard, had the young warrior by the scruff of his throat, cutting off his wind supply." I shivered as I recalled that sense of fear, the realisation that this was no longer a game, that it was honestly my life that was ending. I have been in some close call situations, but never have I been that close to death, my life slipping away from me as my vision blackened.
"I'll never let anyone put you in such a vulnerable place again." My love whispered, sounding just a second from sleep.
"Those choices are beyond man my sweet."
"I live outside of such rulings." She may have said but I could not be sure. "And Eric, what happened to you?" She questioned just a hint louder, the use of 'you' rather than 'him' (as I had been doing) making things feel real once more.
"My Fadir, leading the games on this day, found me in this position. 'Save yourself my Son' he had said, my vision nearly completely dispelled. 'A child of mine can defend themselves.' It was only later that I realised that Fadir was in position to slice the head off my capture, but I listened to him and fought my own battle. I reached into my boot and produced a knife, that I had mostly used for skinning apples, I thrust the blade where ever I could reach, a messy, desperate lunge that sliced my captures manhood, my simple knife having found its way through a weak spot in his leather armer." I smiled recalling my Fdir's pride continuing the tale to my Lady in my arms. "The Pride I held for myself, my Fadirs pride, it all evaporated into nothing upon my sleep, I tossed and turned, unable to forget the ashen face of the beast who tried to harm a mere child. My Fadir, he took me aside one night as my screams awoke him and he had explain to me, in not so many words, that all Warriors feel the blood on their hands, but it is a gift because it means we are still alive to face another day. He gave me this necklace that night, and promised me I was being watched over, at the time I believed he meant by Thor, since that is who the hammer is owned by, but I know now he meant that he himself was always going to be there for me."
"I love that story." She whispered. "I'm so glad you told me." Her whispered words were overcome with the cutest cat like purrs as she fell off that ledge into her sleep.
"I am too my lover, sweet dreams." I wiped away another trickle of blood and then allowed the sun to take me.
XOXOXOX
Loki's POV
XOXOXOX
I've never woken up in anyone's arms before, not like this, feeling my Eric hold onto me for dear life, was what made me realise why Eric Northman, the ancient Vampire, was my charge; we were to cure the loneliness in each other.
Best assignment ever.
But I have things to do today, I can't just lay in his arms.
I gave Eric a kiss on the cheek, causing him to mumble incoherently about his preference for me to stay with him. "I have to go Cupcake, but later I'll be at Fantasia, look for me." I whispered before kissing him once more.
Mine.
I sighed with the realisation, a real embarrassing sigh, one I'll never admit (to anyone else) about having, because it was a girlie, silly sigh that meant I was kinda' falling for the man that I had just kissed.
This was way too fast.
He's going to break your heart. Whispered one thought.
I know. Whispered another one.
I chose to ignore them both and just leave. He was male, it should have went without saying that my heart would end up being broken, but maybe I'll get a few weeks, months, years (hell I'd settle for days at this point) of happiness before the inevitable aforementioned heartbreak, because men have a tendency to do that, break my heart I mean, or die which ends in the same result.
Either way I have to go check out what this Sam Merlotte is doing when he's at home.
I think that's how the saying goes anyway, idioms aren't really my thing.
I gave my Prince one last kiss goodbye and teleported out of his arms to stand next to him, immediately he searched for my body (or at least I figured it was for me, I don't think with Eric's crazy security he has the habit of bringing many people here) before he dropped dead completely. It was only my presence that caused this activity (I was certain) in the first place, because I'm burning with overflowing energy, it's kinda' my deal, that way I can stay awake for weeks and weeks on end with only little repercussion.
I teleported home, having landed in my bedroom. Quickly I discarded my last nights clothing (they walking themselves into the hamper) and dived into the base of my waterfall for a clean up. The moment I was cleaned I used one of my elemental abilities to remove the water from my body and hair and dressed at the speed of light. It seemed to have looked like a casual bar last night, so I went for a checked collared shirt in purple and black and a pair of daisy duke shorts, matching them with a pair of black, wedge sandals; then I teleported into the parking lot of Merlotte's, checking first to make sure no one was around. Casually I sauntered into the bar, already soaking in the casual lunch attitude of the joint, it was nice, real nice after the intensity of last night. I was planning to have a chill night but Eric... I don't know what happened but it was like suddenly a light came on and he was revealing his true heart and soul to me, I don't know what caused it but I love it and I endeavour to search whatever 'it' is until my love transfers to him wholly and soully.
But enough of that.
Once more I shook myself from my Eric induced thoughts and went up to the bar. "Hey what can I get y'all?" Susanna's friend from last night asked. Tara her name tag read, she being no worse for wear after last night.
"I am going to fix 'er up right, mmmhmm cuz, you jus' leave this 'un to me." Laff called out, having poked his head through the serving window.
"Baby I bet you can." I flirted a little, with a 'come hither' smile, he was just so camp and playful. I adored Laff even if Eric didn't.
"Sweet Pea you know it." He purred snapping his fingers ducking further back into the kitchen.
"Lafayette leave Tara serve." Sam from somewhere down the hall (the hall leading to his office I assumed) "You're going to get behind in the orders."
"You'll have to excuse those two, I don't actually work here." She gestured her purple blouse and jeans combo. "But Sookie, she drank a bit much last night and had to call in sick." No... that wasn't the reason, I'd say Adele told her everything, I still feel like I'm going to talk to her tonight though, so I believe it's time Susanna and I actually meet.
"I be's happy sweet, 'Nilla Wafer got a bit wild last night." Laff called out, the patrons in the bar not even turning in his direction, his colourful behaviour being the norm it seems.
Tara rolled her eyes and offered me a smile. "Can I get you a drink since Laff is 'hooking you up right?'" She laughed a little.
"Juice would be nice, apple if you have it." I smiled back. I love the taste of apple juice, it tastes so forbidden.
"Coming right up." She smiled beautiful, white teeth.
"Tara?" I questioned as a thought came to me. "Of Tara Togs?" I had never heard of the place in my life but I really don't ever ignore my random inklings, except earlier in regards to Eric, but that was a different thing all together probably created from past fears not fact.
"Yeah, I own the place." She grinned a prideful smile.
"Awesome, I'll have to swing by sometime, I'm new in these parts and I kinda' want to try and look the part." She needed the business, that's why she volunteered to take this shift from Sookie, she needed the extra money and if I'm not mistaken twins are in her future, though no wedding ring is present, and she doesn't smell of another, so it must be some ways off yet.
"That would be great." She smiled again, her happiness something else. She was really proud of that Boutique having escaped her miserable childhood before making this for her very own. "We have just had the new Seasons stock come through, if you come by tomorrow you'll be first off the rack... so to speak."
"I love that, I'll be there for sure." I grinned excepting my apple juice. "You wouldn't have anything lacy would you?" My grin felt impish as I asked my question after taking a sip of my juice. I blame it for my sudden spark of wickedness.
"Baby Doll by the way that man was looking at you last night, I doubt you be needing any extra help." Laff teased with a noise of agreement from the kitchen, he having obviously been eavesdropping, his words having prompted Sam to my presence, who immediately came running out of his office.
"Loki." He gasped giving a bit of a nod, a little too deep considering the present human company but I kinda' liked it the same, since I was pleased that he never went with 'Majesty.' I don't like that term at the best of times.
"Hey Sam." I smiled a bit, resisting the urge to flash my fanglettes. I do not like this Shifter.
And then I smelt it.
Maenad.
I was up on my feet and behind the bar in a matter of seconds, having slowed down enough to make me seem somewhat human. I sniffed his neck and made it look like I had brushed his neck. "Lipstick." I gave as a reason since my curious behaviour (unlike Laff's) did not go ignored. "Somebody got lucky." I teased, sounding like we were just a couple of old friends.
"You two know each other?" Tara asked, the other patrons, though curious, quickly letting it go since my behaviour now has reasonable reasons behind it. One or two were holding secretive smiles though, that Cop for one.
"We go way back." I grinned settling at a bar stool again. It was lunch so most people were hanging around the booths, not the bar, I wasn't bothering anyone by sitting here.
"So what's news Loki?" Sam asked trying to seem casual. "Apart from teasing me about my sleeping arrangements."
"No real reason, just came for lunch and whatever." It was the 'whatever' he would be wise to fear.
"Great... uh well I'll be in my office if you need me, so bye now."
"I be's thinkin' you two had a thang." Laff teased bringing out my drool worthy burger. "And to bring that blond beefcake... mmm Sister you got some nerve."
"Blond beefcake?" Tara questioned (as I moaned into my burger) proving that she is just as much as a gossip as her Cousin.
"Eric Northman, famed Vampire owner of Fangtasia." Laff answered.
"We have a thing." I mumbled around my burger. I liked this conversation with Laff, he was very easy to talk to and it had been so long since I've talked to anyone. "But you old gossip you I'm not giving you anything else."
"Was it a date?" Laff continued to probe, ignoring Sam's calls for him to 'get back into the kitchen.'
"Eric says it was, but really, I was just hungry and we were out late and this was the closest place." I said after I had swallowed. "But Laff to eat your burgers... " I groaned. "...I could do that every day."
"Loki is it?" He asked with a proud grin.
"It was what Sam called me." I grinned back having a bite of my pickle.
"Well Loki baby, you be's needing anything at all, and I'll be fixing you up right hear?"
"Laff you're a doll you are." I blew him a kiss taking in today's ensemble of a mesh shirt and cargo pants, a bright purple bandanna and matching eye make-up.
"Sugar a girl like you could make a man want to play back on the home team." He blew my kiss back with an 'alright already' to Sam who had not stopped telling him to 'leave the customers alone and get back into the kitchen.'
I finished up my burger, pickles, chips and drink and went outside after paying (leaving a generous tip to make up for last night) and disappeared the moment I was outside. Trying not to giggle at my naughtiness (I blame the apple juice still) I snuck back into Sam's office, having needed to wait until just the right moment for him to walk in to sneak through the door since I had no as yet been in there so I couldn't just teleport.
When Sam had been called into the kitchen, I, like a literal whirlwind, had went through Sam's office and looked at everything, flying just above the ground, without touching anything, so my scent wouldn't be left behind. Having found nothing there I followed his scent and found that he lived in a trailer behind the bar; a bit natch if you ask me.
Sorting through the trailer, it being like a dogs breakfast, I found what indeed I was after; Sam was in deep dog shit, neck deep puppy.
I made copies of everything I saw nipping back and forth between my home Sam's trailer, ensuring I didn't touch a thing, my scent wouldn't be left on anything and Sam Merlotte, Masters or Mathers, or whoever the fuck he is, will never know what hit him; nor will William fucking Compton, fuck Sophie-Anne, I'm going to wear her gonads for earrings when this shit is over and done with.
"Dontanyon." I purred into my phone, always happy to speak to him, happier now that he's not my heart and soul.
"Sierra..." He purred back. "...lover, is there something I can do for you?"
"I have a thing... with this guy... and..." Laughter cut off my stupidity. "Ok, I get it, I sound like a teenager, I've already smacked myself for that one. But I do want a fave D."
"My Sierra, even if you do... have a thing... with some guy..." He hesitated in a near stutter which was so not as bad as I said it. "...I will always do favours for you... because it will only be a few years before monogamy bores you sweet Sierra."
"You just ruined maybe one of the sweetest things you have ever said to me." I teased before turning serious. "D there's been a Maenad sighted in the area, do you reckon you could put your feelers out?"
"How hot is the lead?"
"I just smelt her stench on a Shifter." Like rotten flesh, unwashed bodies and stagnant sex, Maenad's are disgusting, personal grooming is not a difficult activity.
"I'm on it Sierra."
"Take care D. Tell Macy hello from me." In three, two, one.
I heard a door open and close on the other end of the line. "Sierra says hello." I can't help it, I just know things.
"Goodbye D, Macy." I said receiving goodbyes back. Ok, devise a plan of attack for Bill, Sam and Sophie-Anne, plan a meditating strategy for a probably distraught Telepathic Princess and then get back to D about the Maenad, but first visit probably distraught Telepathic Princess.
Just another day right?
XOXOXOX
Eric's POV
XOXOXOX
Want.
Need.
Fuck.
Take.
Hunger.
Now.
Focus.
I was at Fangtasia without even realising when I had headed that way. There was to be someone meeting me here...
... maybe, soon...
...there was a promise...
... it would take the cravings away...
... maybe.
It must be her. I thought as a gorgeous blond Dancer stood by the Stripper pole, stretching out, preparing for her routine for later tonight. "Come with me." I demanded not waiting for an argument as I picked her up bodily and carried her down into my basement, chaining her up before she realised what was happening. "Do you want this?" I questioned my cloths already torn to shreds... if indeed I had been wearing cloths, I can't remember, I just need.
"Yes Eric." She purred, her Russian accent curling around my name. "Always with you."
"Good."
"Pandora please no." I heard Pam say, somewhat awakening me from this strange drug haze I had been feeling. It seemed Yvette hardly cured my crave to fuck but there was some inkling inside of me telling me not to go with it anymore.
"What the s...?" Whatever Pam was going to say was cut off as an irate brunette appeared in my dungeon. Why would the brunette care what I do in my own love dungeon?
"Lover... see something you like?"
"You would say that." Pam rolled her eyes.
"I take it she couldn't be stopped?" I asked in a purr, removing myself from the Dancer, approaching the scent I wanted more than anything.
"What can I say? She overpowered me." Pam sighed sounding real guilty, I don't see why, she brought me exactly what I wanted.
"Huh." What I wanted said her tone too gentle as she took in my naked form and the naked Dancer I had previously been in the process of fucking. "Well that answers one question." She looked me up and down, her sexy as fuck fangs out in full display. There is no one sexier than the woman of my Nightmares. She was wearing another little dress, this one dark purple, the ties tied over her breast barely keeping them in, the rest of the dress being skin tight, barely covering her arse. She gave a cold glance towards Yvette, pitting almost. "Whatever you're into sweetheart." She rolled her eyes skyward, clearly unimpressed with me.
"Should I be insulted my love?" I smirked high on sex and blood, on her ever lingering scent. "Many covert me and you look at me-."
"As if I was looking at the man who betrayed me." She interrupted. "Yeah I am." She flicked her curl over her shoulder and walked away, taking away her magic scent and everything that had made me feel, allowing me to think clearly for the first time tonight. Holy fuck what have I done?
"Eric." The whore Dancer purred. "If your little friend does not want to join us-."
"Be silent you wretched whore." I growled. She is not my 'little friend' she is Vackra Mardröm and is... was to be my Chosen Mate. "Deal with her Pam." I growled before going into my office. I cleaned myself up there, having had a shower in the attached bathroom, and then headed to do my throne duties, which was more an excuse to find her then anything since I could still sense her close proximity, that desperate need to fuck completely absent from my system replaced with overwhelming remorse.
"So what do you do Susanna? With the voices I mean." She was so calm and in control as I found her sitting on one of my tables, sitting opposite Sookie.
"I block them out with my shields." Sookie had replied as I went and sat on my throne, having walked past the ladies receiving no acknowledgement from either of them.
"Why?"
"Uh, so I don't go crazy." Sookie laughed playfully, causing a flicker of a smile from my Mate... my Mate who will never speak to me again... who looks so very beautiful in her natural state with her wings and fanglettes on display; I wanted to kill every man, woman and Vampire in this bar as they all looked upon her with awe.
"No Susanna, why don't you let the voices flow through you?"
"What would that mean?" Sookie asked intrigued.
"It would be less exhausting for you, and you wouldn't miss any of the important stuff, basically the voices, the constant blah, blah, blah, would just become white noise in the background."
"How do I do this?" Sookie asked her want clear. I want too. I thought in a sulk sitting on my throne watching the girls as Vackra Mardröm took Sookie's hands. Does anyone care about what I want?
"Oh don't we look surly this evening?" Pam asked in her usual, irritating drawl, appearing next to me as is her usual way when the door is closed, taking her smaller seat next to my throne.
"Don't try my patience child."
"You fucked up... Master." She tacked on when I glared at her.
"I know." I whispered when my gaze travelled back to Vackra Mardröm, her wings were showing, as were her fangs, a sign of extreme concentration I thought, since her expression was intent on whatever she was doing with the Fae Princess.
"Can you tell me... uh why? I'm not questioning you..." She hurriedly added. "...but you broke Pandora's heart for a bit of tail."
"I know."
"She's a fucking goddess Eric." Pam exclaimed since I was not giving her enough of a reaction with my monotone responses.
"I know."
"And you slipped it to some whore Dancer, after Pandora had earlier mentioned about her and the Daemon not being able to work because he liked strange."
"You will not mention his name to me child."
"I didn't." Pam drawled. "I just mentioned what he was, I don't even know his name."
"Do you have a point?"
"Why Eric, why would you do something so reckless?"
We had been speaking in Old Norse so no one else would understand what I was saying... but she might, so with that reasoning I answered. "After waking up with that gorgeous scent on everything Pam, I had to fuck, I had too, Fae are like a drug addicts blood compared to her, utterly repulsive, I thought nothing of the human I used to relieve my lusts, instead imagining her the whole time, her petite body under my hands, my mouth, my fangs. I want her and only her Pamela, there was going to be, there is still, none other from now on. I will be celibate forever if that is what it takes."
I expected my child to sympathise with me, but as Vackra Mardröm made it very clear recently, Pam is still a woman. "That's bullshit, you want to prove celibacy forever, how about trying for one fucking day first, the day Pandora slid out of your bed, yeah try that."
"Watch your tone with me child."
"Fuck Eric she could have been my Mummy, Pandora could have given us both everything we had ever dreamed of and then some and you fucked it 'cause you just couldn't keep it in your pants." She stood, the only other woman in my life, walking away from me. "Men are idiots, this is why I sworn off them centuries ago." Pam muttered to herself as she leaned over and kissed Vackra Mardröm hovering just above her cheek and then the Telepath on the lips causing Sookie to blush becomingly due to the (what I thought was) an unexpected kiss.
I know.
XOXOX
"Hey Boss?" Long Shadow asked in his usual bright tone as we were shutting up. He put on a good show for the customers, cold and calculating, uncaring like all the other Vampires, but when it was just familia Vampires he showed his true personality; he was like a puppy, overly affectionate to the point you wanted to tell him to piss off outside.
Or stake him.
"What?" I growled.
"Who were the hotties meditating in the middle of the bar?"
"She is mine!" Pam and I both growled.
Pam shrugged one shoulder, a habit she recently developed. "The blond is mine, the other..."
"She is mine." I growled when Pam trailed off to nothing. She mightn't know it yet but Vackra Mardröm was mine, I named her, we have a connection, it has to be true. "Long Shadow?" I questioned as I recalled a breach my Accountant Bruce had mentioned to me earlier. "You haven't noticed anyone putting their fingers into the till have you? There's been fifty grand taken."
"No Sir, I'll keep an eye out for it."
"Good, good." I said distracted, looking through the messages on my phone as Pam finished locking up. I had plans tonight and needed to make sure my schedule was clear. "Pamela." I said (it wasn't honestly a question) the moment we were alone.
"Eric?"
"I'm staying with you tonight and you're going to have that blood." Maybe then I'll get a little understanding.
"Sure Eric whatever you say." She said with her usual sadistic humour. Bitch.
We went to my place, into the 'tool shed,' it being used as a pretence, after I had collected Vackra Mardröm's blood vial from the fridge inside. Underneath it lived a torture room, assessable via a secrete passage way through the floor of the tool shed. "You've been dumped so you're going to make me sleep in a silver coffin. Nice Eric."
"It'll be for your own good child." I growled in absolutely no mood to be trifled with.
"Yes I'm sure it will be." She rolled her eyes skyward as I (with a heavy heart, I really did not want to see my child harmed) attached Pam's wrists to the wall with silver cuffs, chaining her there. She was a good kid, she didn't even scream even when her skin started to blister.
"I'm right here for you my child." I whispered stroking her hair as I fed her the blood of my Mate, blood I have not, as yet (if ever) have tasted.
Her eyes went wide, her body shuddering with expected bliss; she didn't even seem to notice the silver anymore at least that was some consolidation.
XOXOXOXOX
Author's Note
XOXOXOXOX
Hey sorry guys, I know I had posted this Friday night for twenty minutes or whatever before I realised I posted the rough draft, whoops, so I took it down when I realised and then I went to sleep since I had been out dancing all night and it was like three in the morning or something and I was like 'I'll fix it tomorrow; then tomorrow came and I was exhausted and then slept like all day , it being Saturday I totally could, brilliant day really.
Anyway problem solved now.
Now I know it's been like an age since I posted, but I was having ridiculous problems with FF, couldn't even log in or anything, but I didn't stop typing so I have two new chapters now, the second one just needing a little fine tuning. Yay, so Linda, so what's news? Alright, so Eric and Sam are both in the dog house, so next chapter (which I'll post tomorrow) we hear from Sookie and Eric. With Sookie she hears all about Gran's sordid past and with Eric he has a bit of a... pow wow with Twenty-four, Twelve, Six and Seven.. watch out for them Eric, or maybe he'd be better off watching out for the Maenad.
