Chapter 7

I awoke to the shattering realization that everything I've done had been for nothing.

My dear one was gone from me. Our bond had been destroyed.

I understood why I had been feeling so ill. The connection that I'd guarded for so many years had been ripped from my soul and I was cast out. My body was just reflecting the state of my psyche.

Pam had carried me to the back of her car. I lay paralyzed with my gaze fixed on her roof trying to comprehend what seemed beyond my understanding.

I loved her and I thought she loved me …we had a daughter together and now she had discarded us both. My little girl, what could I say to her? How could I tell her that her mother no longer wanted us? I've failed Adele. I'd always told her that we would all be together one day.

Why had she done this?

"Before you ask me the why behind her actions, I don't have the slightest clue. Maybe nine years flying solo would make any girl climb the walls or the nearest vampire."

A vice gripped what was left of my heart. "I've been alone as well."

"Wow really? Wow. I didn't think you could handle nine days…let alone years. What about that tart that was feeling you up just now?"

"I've been faithful."

Pam was stunned. "Wow again. I am alternating between admiration and contempt. Can I have the tart's number then?"

I didn't say anything and thankfully she dropped it.

"So is Adele blowing up buildings yet? Transporting between dimensions? I have to tell you if this kid turns out to be a telepathic waitress I'm going to be deeply disappointed."

"Not now…please"

"Fine. Where to?"

I thought for a minute. I couldn't leave now and Adele was still at her friend's house.

"Home." I replied.

Minutes later I found myself being supported by my child as I shuffled through the door of my apartment. Pam wrinkled her nose at the cheap furnishings but did not disparage my living conditions.

"Adele's room is not light tight so you are going to share with me."

She nodded and pulled me towards the sofa. I sank into it tiredly and let my eyes fall close. I could feel her studying me.

"I can't figure it out but you look different, older even. Tell me what you are doing so I can avoid it."

That didn't merit a reply so I didn't indulge her. "Tell me what you know."

She sighed loudly. "I don't know much since I have been alternating between Buenos Aires and Sao Paolo with treks to Bogota for a change of pace. I even went to Peru a couple of times- met a demon who could turn into a chameleon lizard. I had to let him ride in my panties just for the sensation. Anyhow the only reliable contact I have in Louisiana is Amelia. She and the other more annoying witch were the ones who were called to break the bond."

"Sookie called them?"

"Yes. Apparently she had them working on a way to break the bond right around the time of the Fae war."

The clamp around my heart got tighter. She had wanted to leave me even them. Pam went on.

"It took them this long to figure it out but our girl was in a hurry. Seems she'd moved in with Victor even before he became king. According to Amelia, Sookie had a hand in overthrowing DeCastro."

"She's going to be queen?"

"Oh yes. Victor was especially eager to let everyone know that Sookie was his and that he would take no other mate. She's got her own retinue and everything."

"What about Bill and the shifter." I asked quietly.

Pam pushed back her newly black hair. "I don't know about the shifter and Bill has declared his allegiance to Madden like the douche bag that he is. Seriously can this guy remain loyal to anyone? I know that we all have to survive but this vamp flips like a pancake at IHOP."

I looked around the modest trappings of my home and remembered Sophie-Anne's mansion in New Orleans that Madden would undoubtedly be occupying with my—his wife.

Pam went on. "That's all I know. The question is what are you going to do about it? If this is the telepath's choice can you really do anything about it?"

No. I no longer had a claim to Sookie and as such she was free to choose a new bonded. In this I was powerless.

"I need to see her-to ask her why she would do this to us."

"I thought as much. Well it's too late tonight and we best get some rest. Where is the little spawn anyway? I don't sense her here."

"Adele is with a friend."

Pam raised an eyebrow. "How modern of you to let her out of your sight. The first year after you turned me you wouldn't let me get my own coffin."

"My daughter is human…she needs to have some normalcy in her life."

"Your daughter is anything but human and the faster she comes to grips with that the better."

I did not reply.

TBC.

Okay I know that just made it a whole lot worse but I'm already working on the next chapter. Also does anyone have a good description of Victor Madden's looks? I lent my Nook to my sister and she has yet to give it back so I can't search the books for that. Thank you for all your comments and your PM's. They are what make me write faster.