Chapter 3
She woke early, very early considering she had been kept awake until dawn. Not that she had been complaining but as she stretched out her tired body she knew two hours sleep just wasn't going to be enough. Unfortunately, she also knew that there was no way she was going to go back to sleep. Not today. It was Christmas.
Carefully she peeled herself out of the death grip of her vampires. It was a routine she still found rather funny. Especially, like today, when the vampires in question ended up in a face to face embrace having both been curled around her. She spared a moment to admire them, pushing down the desire to get back into bed and do very naughty things, before heading for a quick shower.
"Merry Christmas, cousin," Claudine sang as she appeared in the kitchen out of nowhere. Sookie had quickly dressed in an old pair of comfortable jeans and a red wool knit jumper and was now sat at the breakfast bar sipping a cup of coffee and nibbling on a fruit salad.
"Merry Christmas, Claudine. What are you doing here? I thought you were going to be at the palace for lunch." The fairy giggled and sat down opposite Sookie.
"I am but I thought I would warn you." The wide smile on her face was the only thing that stopped Sookie from flying into a panic.
"Warn me about what?" Sookie asked getting up and pouring another coffee with extra cream and sugar.
"Thanks," Claudine murmured taking a sip as Sookie sat back down. "Did you know that no fairy has been invited to Lumos palace for a meal, hell even a meeting, in seven centuries. Nial is giddy at the thought of having Christmas dinner with Albright. He sees this as the first step into forging a new alliance with the Wiccae. He knows such a friendship would help stabilise his position and the position of our family in fairy. I haven't seen him this excited since I was a little girl. Just a heads up." She broke out into giggles again. It was obvious she found great amusement in the situation.
"Okay. Is everyone going then?" Sookie had spent weeks trying to organise a way to see everyone in one day. It had been her grandfather who had finally told her to relax and invite her fae family to the palace for lunch before going home to her vampires. She had been so thrilled at the idea she had flung herself into his arms. He had been knocked back by her attack but it had only made him hold her that much tighter as he kissed her hair and chuckled softly. He loved her so much and was so proud of the leader she had become.
"Claude isn't coming. He has a new boyfriend and wanted to spend the day with him. The others are staying in fairy as you don't really know them but Nial and I will be there." Sookie smiled fondly at her cousin. If she was honest she was glad it was just the two of them coming. She loved Claude, as she did all her family, but she still thought he was a grumpy asshole.
"Good. I want to give you your gifts." At the thought of presents the fairy's eyes lit up and she clapped her hands together.
"Yey! I better start getting ready then!" She popped away leaving a smiling Sookie alone once more.
As she finished her breakfast Sookie thought about the reactions Sam and Alcide had had to their gifts. She had gone to Merlotte's to see Sam and he had swung her around in his arms before introducing her to his new girlfriend. He had loved his watch although stated that it was way too much and that she really shouldn't have bothered.
Alcide had had no such conviction when he had been given the season ticket to his favourite baseball team. She had left it until he had dropped her off at home at the end of his shift. He was getting a few days off as she was going to be with her vampires or in another realm. He had been vibrating with euphoria and given her a big kiss on her cheek before driving off to be with the pack.
Sookie had decided it felt really good to give and she was looking forward to seeing what reaction Godric and Eric would have to their gifts. She had to admit that she felt slightly proud of herself. Their presents had not been easy to acquire but she had the feeling they were going to love them. She had spent months trying to think of what to get. What did you get someone who had been alive forever and had everything they ever wanted?
Looking at the clock, Sookie realised she had been sat idle for too long and hurried to get her things. She was expected at the palace and with the time difference she would only get a short time there as it was. She picked up the box she had prepared the night before and left by the stairs and then she teleported herself to her second home.
Warm arms surround her as soon as the box was on the floor and she leaned into the embrace with a soft smile.
"Merry Christmas, my child," Albright murmured into her hair. He smelt of candy floss and flowers with a hint of something musky like old books. Sookie knew the smell well and she breathed him in deep.
"Merry Christmas, papa. I love you." At the tender words they each gripped tighter to strengthen the hug.
"I love you, too, my Sookie. I miss you terribly." He pulled away to smile down at her. "So like your mother. I am proud of you, Sookie. The guard tell me you have been working hard to stop those retched traitors." Sookie smiled shyly and nodded. He took her hand in his and led her out of the room. The box floated in the air behind them as they moved. "Your fairies are here. Nial was most eager to discuss forming a new alliance between our kinds. I told him I would leave all the details up to you. I hope you don't mind?" Sookie just shook her head and smiled wider. She was just so happy to be back with her grandfather. She would never tell Godric or Eric but she missed him living in Louisiana. She was so busy working that even when she was in the realm she rarely got to spend any time with him and it hurt to be away from a man she had come to love as much as her gran.
They quickly reached the grand dining hall. It looked just as you would expect the dining hall of a palace to look like. There were fine paintings covering the walls and the table was long enough to fit a small army around it. The table settings were solid gold and the centre piece was only out staged by the grand chandelier in the ceiling above them. Nial was already seated beside Claudine at one end but they both jumped to their feet when Albright entered with Sookie.
"Merry Christmas, Nial," Sookie sang with a smile. She hugged him gently before sitting next to her grandfather at the table. It was odd for her to have the two sides of her family in one place. She was close to Claudine and she loved Nial but she had never really gotten that close to him. She just found it easier to embrace her Wiccae side than her fairy nature. She supposed being bonded to two very powerful vampires probably didn't help with that. "Here," she said taking out three packages from the box and handing them out so each person had one.
"Sookie," Albright groaned with a frown. He had warned her not to worry with gifts but she had graciously ignored him. Nial and Claudine smiled widely and their eyes sparked as they took their treasures without complaint.
"Oh Sookie! It's wonderful, thank you," Claudine gushed as she tore open her gift to reveal a family blanket. Sookie had spent hours (it had taken months) knitting and stitching to make a multi-coloured blanket. She had then used her magic to infuse it with love and warmth. The idea was that when a member of her family was under it they would be suffused with the love and affection Sookie felt for them. Sookie could tell she was about to be bombarded by a hug from her cousin but they were both distracted by Nial's slack jawed expression.
"How in the wold did you get this?" He asked with awe shinning in his eyes.
Sookie shrugged her shoulders. "I asked around until I found someone who could help. In the end all I needed was the right focus and I could summon it. I know you want to find who killed Fintan and having the knife he was killed with will allow you to do that. I made sure to cover it in a magic cloak so no one else can summon it and you and other members of my family can touch it without harm but it is still iron. If you use it on another fairy, one I am not related to, it will kill them." The toothy grin she received from her great grandfather was far from comforting. In fact, it sent a shiver of cold down her spine but she steeled herself and ignored it. She wanted her grandfather's murders to come to justice, too. Especially as she suspected they also murdered her parents. She knew this had been the best gift she could give Nial. She didn't know how much it would hurt having your enemies kill your child to get to you but she knew how much it hurt to lose those you loved.
"Thank you, Sookie. This is the best gift I have ever received. I promise you I will make those you harmed our family pay." Sookie just nodded with a small smile and turned to look at Albright. His eyes were rimmed with tears. She placed her hand over his.
"I can't bring her back for you but I can show you how happy she was and how you still have family that loves you." He didn't speak but stood, placing the photo album down on the table and pulling her into a bone crushing hug.
"Thank you," he whispered into her ear. It amazed him how kind his grandchild could be. She was a constant surprise to him and he loved her all the more for it.
"Aw you look so cute in pigtails, Sook," Claudine giggled from where she was sneaking a peak at the album. Sookie lifted her head to rest her chin on her grandfather's shoulder and stuck her tongue out at her cousin. Nial and Claudine laughed heartily at her.
They ate their Christmas meal in jovial spirits as they talked. Sookie's hand would occasionally trace the patters on the leather cuff bracelet which was now on her wrist. It had been a gift from Nial and Claudine. They knew how much she still secretly suffered. They were the only ones- apart from Albright- who knew what had happened to her in the year away from her vampires. Sookie tried not to think of it. The magic in the cuff was already helping. She could feel it soothing away some of her pain but she knew it would never be powerful enough to fix her completely. She knew she would have to do that and until she summed up the courage to tell her bondeds she would never be able to heal fully.
Albright had given her the best gift, however. It wasn't much to look at, just a plain platinum ring but it was rare magic. The ring would allow Sookie to travel through time. Sookie knew such magic was very dangerous and held endless restrictions. She knew she could never go back to save a life or anything like that but it would allow her to spend more time in the realm with her Grandfather. She would no longer have to worry about the time difference. She could just go back home to the time she was expected. It was perfect.
The ring meant she could spend as long as she wanted in the realm. She thoroughly enjoyed not having to worry about time. She knew how much it hurt her vampires to be in the realm while they were awake. They allowed it because they knew she had duties to perform but Sookie tried very hard to be back for the hours of darkness. Being able to enjoy a full Christmas meal with her family was a wonderful treat. They had talked about the alliance and agreed on terms. They discussed u state of both realms and the vampire kingdom. They said prayers for gran and Jason. It so much to Sookie and she was truly happy…if only she could escape those rotten memories. They didn't talk about it, they all knew better than that, but it didn't stop Sookie from thinking about it. She supposed it was so much worse because now the memories were mixed with an overwhelming guilt. She knew she should tell Godric and Eric. They deserved to know but she didn't know how. She would think about it tomorrow.
Once the meal was done, and Sookie couldn't move having eaten so much, Nial and Claudine said their farewells. They were needed back in fairy. Sookie gave each a hug and a kiss before promising to ring Claudine later in the week.
"You are longing for your vampires," Albright had pointed out as he walked with her around the garden. They hadn't said much since they had been alone but that was what was so special about their relationship. They enjoyed each other's company and didn't need words to express that fact.
"Am I that obvious?" Sookie asked. She had been missing her vampires greatly but at the same time she didn't want to go. Albright stopped their walk and turned to look at her. His fingers skimmed her cheek.
"I recognise that look on your face. You are very lucky, Sookie. You have two homes. You know this will always be your home, no matter where else you may choose to reside. Go be with them. It has been a good day and I will see you soon." They had hugged once more and she had teleported back home. She arrived just as the last rays of sun dipped beyond the horizon.
"Pam, what are you doing here?" Sookie was sat on the sofa enjoying the fire and admiring the tree as she waited for her vampires to get back. They had each wished her a very merry Christmas upon waking (which they had then enthusiastically ensured she had.) But once dressed they had told her they needed to collect something and would be back within the hour. They had refused to give her any details but the gleam in Godric's eyes told her it was a surprise worth waiting for.
"Eric called and told me if I wanted to see you today I had better come while he was gone because then he and Godric were going to make sure you were off limits." Pam shrugged before handing Sookie a small wrapped box.
Sookie opened the box carefully to reveal a beautiful set of emerald earrings. "They're beautiful, Pam. Thank you."
"I am glad you like them. Now, may I finally find out what you have gotten for me?" Pam begged. Sookie rolled her eyes.
"Y'know, Pamela, you can be kind of a brat." They both laughed as Pam shrugged.
"I know but you try living with Eric for a few hundred years. I assure you that you will be a brat too." Sookie got up and selected the correct boxes from under the tree before returning to the sofa and handing over the gift.
"Merry Christmas, Pam."
Pam tore into the paper with vampiric speed leaving bits of paper fluttering in the air around them. It looked like some sort of weird gift storm.
"These are beautiful. Thank you, Sookie." Pam spoke in an emotionless voice but Sookie could see the affection in her eyes as she looked between the two dresses and Sookie.
"I know pastel colours are your thing," Sookie explained.
"What is this?" Pam suddenly asked with wonder as she fingered her main gift. It was a gold rope bracelet with two interweaving chains. "I can feel power from it."
"That is the true gift, Pam. It's a sister to sister spell. It means that as long as you are wearing that bracelet you will be able to call me for help. I know you can take care of yourself and Eric will always look after you, too but I worry. I know we have a lot of very dangerous enemies now. No matter what, you can use that bracelet to summon your sister to help you." Despite her best efforts Pam felt the bloody tears leaving her eyes and rolling down her cheeks.
"Thank you, Sookie. I am very fond of you my sister. This means a great deal, thank you." The words were whispered into Sookie's ear as Pam clutched her in a tight embrace. Sookie could feel the love flowing between them and she was pleased Pam knew how important she was.
"What did we miss?" Eric asked in a dry tone. Pam and Sookie parted to see him leaning against the doorframe. His arms were folded as if demanding answers but there was a small smirk on his face as his eyes sparked with love for them both.
Sookie felt her whole body shiver with lust as she looked over at Eric. His muscled chest rippled under the black tee he wore. Never before had she been so grateful that vampires were not affected by the cold. It didn't help that both Eric and Godric were sending lust, love and anticipation through the bond in waves.
"Mind your own business, Eric. Some things are between girls and you just have to butt out." Pam snapped as she tried to wipe her tears up.
"You made her leak?" Eric asked Sookie with an arched eyebrow. Sookie just shrugged before getting up and crossing the room until she was standing right before him.
"Aren't you going to give me a kiss hello?" She asked flirtatiously. Eric's lips were on her before she could blink. The kiss started out soft and slow but quickly deepened as Eric stood to his full height and splayed both hands on Sookie's back to pull her closer. Sookie moaned into Eric's mouth as she felt her hips press up against his at the exact moment his tongue plunged into her willing mouth. She knew she would have to break away to breathe soon but that only made her cling to Eric that much harder. Eventually Eric moved his lips to her throat and trailed them down her neck before landing at her ear.
"Hello, dear one." Sookie felt her head spin. She still couldn't fathom how a creature as stunning as Eric could want her.
"I suppose my time is up," Pam pouted. "I'll see you tomorrow, Sookie." She picked her gifts up and patted Sookie's shoulder on her way out. Eric immediately picked Sookie up and placed her back on the sofa before standing and pointing a finger at her.
"Don't move," he ordered and then dashed from the room.
"What the hell?" Sookie complained when Godric began tying a blindfold over her eyes from behind.
"We just want to make sure your gifts remain a surprise, little one." Godric assured her as he sat beside her. He took both of her hands in one of his and after kissing the palms he held them, restraining her.
Sookie could hear Eric placing parcels down in front of her and she could feel the growing anticipation in them both. It was almost too much to take. She felt her own excitement growing.
"Where have you been?" She asked trying to distract herself.
"The club. That is where we stored your gifts so you would not discover them. Bobby met us there with you final present," Eric explained before sitting down on the floor beside Sookie's legs. She could feel his cool body press against her.
"Okay, you can look now," Godric allowed as he released her hands and whipped the blindfold away. Sookie was squealing in delight within seconds of regaining her sight.
"His name is Loki," Eric explained with a smile. Sookie was bouncing in her seat as she looked down into the eyes of the most adorable golden retriever puppy.
"I didn't know it was possible but I actually think I am jealous, of a dog!" Godric complained.
"I know what you mean," Eric teased but both of them were beaming at the childish joy on Sookie's face. She was so happy. As she hugged the puppy in her lap her love and happiness flooded the bond making them feel more at peace than ever before.
"I love him!" Sookie crooned as she played with pup's ears and giggled at his wagging tail. "Thank you, so much." Tears began to fall from her eyes as she was once again overwhelmed by the love she felt for her vampires.
"It is our pleasure, little one," Godric promised as he wiped her tears away and replaced them with a kiss.
That wasn't the only gift. They bombarded her with sexy nighties, lingerie, jewellery, chocolates, tickets to concerts and expensive perfume. The puppy remained her favourite. He sat happily on her lap, licking her face every time she forgot to pet him. Both Godric and Eric took turns hissing at the dog when he did so but he only bared his teeth and growled back at them, unafraid and tail still wagging. That made Sookie giggle uncontrollably meaning both vampires couldn't remain angry at the dog. It brought her too much joy.
"He really is a Loki," Eric complained. "I think that mutt is going to be nothing but mischief and trouble," he predicted.
"Just like the owner," Godric retorted wryly.
"I resent that!" Sookie complained hugging the puppy closer to her body. Both vampires just laughed at her outrage. They could feel her amusement and agreement over the bond. "I love my gifts, thank you." Sookie kissed each vampire both smiling devilishly. "Now it's your turn," she announced as four parcels floated out from under the tree. Two landed in Godric's lap and two in Eric's. "Merry Christmas!"
"Is this a witch's charm?" Godric asked stunned. Both vampires had opened their first box to reveal identical leather cords that held a unique pendant attached.
"Yes. I made them from my own blood, too which means no witch will ever be able be able to influence you. Witchcraft will not work on you as long as you wear your charm. In fact, fairy magic won't work either. That's why I made it from my own blood." Both vampires put on their necklaces as she spoke. They were speechless.
"But I thought these charms were never given?" Eric asked slightly alarmed.
"It means my magic won't work on you- unless you allow it to. They aren't given out because witches don't like the idea of people being resistant to their power. I trust you. I know what it means but I would rather you be protected from all magic and risk not being able to defend myself against you than only protecting you from some magic. You won't hurt me and now no witch can hurt you."
"Thank you, little one. I am honoured that you would show me this much trust." Godric spoke solemnly before leaning down and kissing her deeply. Loki began to growl causing Sookie to break away from the kiss giggling. Godric hissed.
"Now open the other present," Sookie ordered both vampires.
"Where the hell did you get this?" Eric shrieked in delight. Sookie was hit with a blast of excitement. In his hands was a large sword but what made it special was the family crest that was carved into the hilt. Eric's family.
"I had it made. Pam helped me find the crest and I got a goblin friend of mine to craft the sword. It's the strongest weapon of its kind." She explained proudly.
"I know. I can feel it. Goblins are known for their craftsmanship. But this," he traced the crest with his finger, "thank you, my love." Eric got to his feet, carefully placing the sword on the floor, and kissed Sookie deeply. He used his hands to cup her face as he poured every bit of love for her into the kiss. The puppy growled.
"Damn mutt!" Eric cursed pulling away. Sookie was giggling again. Both Godric and Eric were frowning at the dog in her lap which only caused her giggles to turn into full laughs.
"So, little one, what could you have gotten me?" Godric asked to calm her. It worked. She was instantly still and watching him with excitement. It was clear to both vampires that this was the gift she was most proud of. Her feelings were flooding the bond causing them to smile in wonder. He tore the paper away slowly to reveal a white crystal nestled in a black box amongst tissue paper. Picking out the stone his eyes widened and he gasped. The stone fell back in the box and his eyes shot to Sookie. "How?"
Sookie grinned like a fool. "What is it?" Eric asked intrigued by his maker's reaction. He had been exchanging gifts with his maker for a thousand years but never before had he felt such a reaction.
"A wishing stone," Godric said. His voice was full of awe and wonder, reverence. At the name Eric stilled. His eyes scoured Sookie's face in worship.
"How could you have gotten a wishing stone?" Eric asked astonished. It seemed their girl really could do anything.
"I made it." Godric was reeling. Just when he thought he couldn't be surprised any more she said something like that. A wishing stone was rare. Like, dead doe-doe rare but to have made it…it didn't bare thinking about. Power like that was unimaginable and if anyone found out they would never rest until Sookie was theirs. "Don't worry," she whispered placing her hand on Godric's. "No one knows. I am safe. It took a few goes but I finally figured out the right combination of magic, will power and potion. You have one wish to do anything you want. Use it wisely."
Eric could sense the conflict within his maker and he knew that if he wasn't careful Sookie would be hurt by the turn in Godric's emotions. Not wanting the wonderful day to end in such a way he did what he did best.
Loki was picked up and carried to the kitchen where there was a bed and food already set up for him. The door was closed behind him. Then a worried Sookie was lifted up and placed on a Vikings shoulder, immediately shocking Godric into the present, and carried up the stairs to the bedroom. At her yelled complaints and frantic wiggling to get free Eric merely laughed heartily and smacked her ass.
Sookie scowled at both of them as she was dumped on the bed like a sack of potatoes. They were eying her like the predators that they were with hungry eyes and fangs down all the way. Her annoyance evaporated, morphing into lust and need.
"Are you ready for us, lover?" Eric asked licking his lips. Sookie felt her insides quiver as wetness pooled on her thighs.
"Always," she vowed.
In a blur of vampire speed all three of them were naked and lying on the large bed. Godric sat back against the head board with his arms behind his head. He had pulled Sookie into his lap so that her body was flush with his. It was his way of telling them he just wanted to watch this one. He knew there would be plenty of opportunity for a more…active role later in the night.
Eric started at her breasts. He licked and nipped at them until she was quivering with need. "Please, Eric," she begged. He obliged her by placing a nipple in his mouth and sucking. His fangs grazed her but he was careful not to bite. That would come later. One hand toyed with the other nipple as he sucked while his free hand travelled along her body, teasing her into supplication.
When his hand finally reached her apex Sookie bucked her hips. Eric let his long fingers travel down to toy with her nub. He rolled it around between his finger and thumb before pinching it.
Sookie hissed as Eric surrounded her. She could barely think straight as she felt him sucking on her nipple and playing with her sex. Her hips bucked, she was desperate to feel him inside her. "Please," she panted as she felt his fingers ghost over her entrance. "Please."
Eric pulled away from her nipple, not stopping his teasing fingers, to look her in the eye. "Tell me what you want, lover," he demanded.
"Please," she begged. He removed his hands causing her to whimper.
"Tell me," he ordered firmly. "What do you want, Sookie?"
"You, please Eric, I need you!" She was writhing and panting as she became overwhelmed by the lust in the bond.
Eric let his fingers drift back down to lightly tease her nub but they did nothing but stoke her desire, there was no relief. "What do you want?" He repeated fighting a smile as he looked down at his angelic love. He could see in her eyes, and feel over the bond what she wanted but they were trying to get her to be more vocal. They thought it would help her become more confident.
"I want you to fuck me until I come screaming your name, Eric!" Sookie finally roared as she looked him dead in the eye.
"It would be my pleasure, lover," Eric boasted. In one thrust he was all the way inside her. She gasped at the size of him but he didn't give her time to adjust. He began slamming into her at a frantic pace. Sookie had to grip the sheets in both hands as she felt Eric ride her. Her body moved against his instinctively as she let him guide her. She felt her stomach muscles tighten as the pleasure built and built. With each thrust she felt like the bond between them was strengthened. She was his and he was showing her why. Her mind was lost to the sensations he was creating. She felt herself climbing higher and higher until she was flying in a wash of blinding white light.
"FUCK, I LOVE YOU ERIC!" Sookie screamed as she came violently. Her skin glowed and her pleasure was spread through the bond causing both vampires to come screaming, too.
Eric gasped as he felt her milking every drop of his release. When he was left with only after shocks he leaned over her to look directly into her eyes. "As I love you, my Sookie." He kissed her tenderly on the lips and fell to the side.
Sookie curled up in between her vampires. She felt her body still shuddering with aftershocks and there was a peaceful numbness. She felt sated but it wasn't enough. Her body may be happy but she wanted more. She curled up, resting her head on Eric's chest. She would rest for a moment but then she was going to show her vampires just why they loved her. She knew they wouldn't complain.
It was going to be a very merry Christmas indeed!
AN: I am not sure how much of this story I will be able to write before Christmas as I want the Twilight story to be done by the end of the year (as it's much shorter). Just in case I don't get a chance to update before the 25th I would like to say a massive MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all. Thanks for reading and keep those reviews coming. They really do help me keep going. xx