AN: As always big thanks to my beta, The Viking Trubie for editing this chapter.
I am grateful for all you reviews - constructive criticism is welcome as well. Big thanks to all followers and readers in general! I hope you are going to enjoy next updates as well. As always, I remind:
1. English isn't my first language, so sorry if the vocabulary isn't very sophisticated sometimes.
2. My characters are mostly OOC.
3. Not Bill friendly.
4. Over 5200 words today. GPOV and SPOV. Introduction to Sookie's first case and some serious troubles with her fae side. But I hope a crazy fairy will lighten a mood a little :)
DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN TRUE BLOOD OR SVM. MOST CHARACTERS WON'T BE MINE. THEY BELONG TO HBO AND CHARLAINE HARRIS.
Chapter 7
Nothing venture, nothing gain
GPOV
I admit that's not how I expected Eric and Sookie first meeting to proceed. Although, I can't say I am mad. I giggled a little and giggling isn't my thing – I'm worried spending too much time with Niall makes me a little loony as well. I knocked at the door and it opened instantly without anyone's assistance. This prick is always such a show off! His majesty was sitting in a leather chair holding a book. He looked at me with a little smirk on his lips.
"So, how was it?" he asked wiggling his eyebrows. I sat on the other chair with a huge smile.
"It was an… intense meeting." I sum up.
"Well, duh!, what were you expecting?" Niall put a book on the small table and crossed his legs. "Did they find a common ground?" I couldn't hold it in any longer. I started laughing like a crazy person. When I started I couldn't stop, I even cried a few bloody tears. Finally I took a few unnecessary breaths and calmed down. To Niall's credit he was just sitting there with a polite expression on his face, he even handed me a handkerchief. Finally he got pissed.
"Oh, stop it!" he erupted at least. "Spill it Gaul!"
"Fine, fine…" I sat more comfortably, wiping blood from my face. " Your granddaughter is a prideful, beautiful, smart and polite young woman…" I saw the old prick is getting more and more smug "So I was very surprised when I found her with Eric, on his desk, hugging my son like she was an ivy branch."
"No, she didn't!" laughed Niall. He didn't seem mad at all.
"Oh, yes! First they had a fight. Rather heated. Me and Pamela had to turn up the volume to make sure the music would drown out their yelling."
"They both are as stubborn as mules." said Brigant shrugging his shoulders.
"Yes. When there was silence I got worried a little. No one has ever challenged Eric like that – I was scared that he lost his cool."
"Let me guess… They found out the other way to… relieve their frustration?" Niall wiggled his eyebrows again. Maybe he and Pamela should meet?
"Pretty much. Eric's emotions were all over the place." I laugh softly. "Can you believe that he didn't notice our entrance into his office? And when he realized that, he hugged Sookie protectively and actually GROWLED at me!" I shake my head with amusement.
"Yes, I believe it. I told you they would be magnificent couple." Niall was very calm and clearly satisfied.
"Yes, you did. You will one day tell me how exactly you knew that… I haven't dreamt that Eric would already change… after one meeting." But I was glad. My son has been empty for too long.
After a few moments of silence, Niall sighed and became more serious. He took out an envelope from a drawer of his desk and handed it to me.
"I hope they will work fine together, because I have the first case for Sookie."
I opened the file and cringed. Very, very bad start. I was a little annoyed – Niall is going to throw Sookie in the deep end. Her first case concerns werewolves.
"Few days ago Jackson Herveaux informed Desmond about a very… bothersome activity he believes some members of the Long Tooth Pack are taking part in. According to him, few younger wolves are creating Lycantrophs. They are targeting young females."
I couldn't hide my disgust any longer. To be a were of any kind, you have to be born as one. In very few cases bite was able to turn a human into a were, but their transformation was never complete. In my long existence, I met only one Lycan – he was barely a teenage boy, younger in years than me when I was turned. I didn't know why someone did this to him, but the poor man was living in never ending torment. Transformations like this isn't meant for a human, so the body is constantly fighting it, turning into something between wolf and human. As far as I know werewolves aren't very keen for such acts, most believed them to be barbaric.
"Why didn't he inform his pack master?" I asked eventually.
"He did. But his main suspect is the leader's son." Oh shit…
"The pack is torn between loyalty to his current pack master and…well, they are conscious I think. Jackson claims that Colonel Flood will try to keep his son safe for any cost. Some of the members on the other hand claim that Jackson is spreading such gossips to deprive Flood of his power and position. Yesterday, someone damaged the car that belong to Herveaux's son. It won't take long for his family to look for vengeance. It looks like a war is on the horizon. That's why Herveaux decided to seek Desmond's council- an outside investigator is needed."
"And you think that Sookie will be able to do it? That's a lot you demand from her. Even if she will help find this person, and prove them guilty, there is no guarantee that Flood won't fight. There still may be a war, Niall."
"I know…but sometimes you can create peace without a fight. If someone is really turning female humans into lycans…then they are doing this for breeding purposes. You've heard the rumors that female progenies of such are stronger and heal faster than typical werewolves. Not sure how much of this rumor is true, but it looks like some morons decided to find out. Not only do they rob poor women from which they live, they rape them and rob them of their dignity as well."
I noticed king's eyes getting as cold as ice. It is known that the fae respect their females greatly – not only are they quite rare, but usually pose stronger magic than males. After a few seconds, Niall collected himself.
"Not mention that when a young girl goes missing, humans go on a rampage." He looked at his nails. "I will be damned if I allow some stupid mongrels to blow our whole world up because they have some sick fantasies!" We sat in silence for a few minutes. Finally the king stands up and pours himself a glass of some golden alcohol.
"I will inform Sookie about the situation in the morning. You call or text Eric and explain that he has to escort her to the pack meeting the day after tomorrow." I nodded shortly. I knew very well why Niall isn't his normal immature self tonight.
"She will be fine." I assured him. "Eric won't allow anyone to hurt her. If you are worried, I will observe from a distance as well." He sighs and puts his glass on the table with a loud thump.
"I made my decision when I let Sookie into this world. But I will not lie – I am scared that because of my actions she will somehow suffer. I'm not even talking about her… her death. But how do you think will she feel learning about acts that the wolves might or might have not committed? She is innocent and goodhearted. I don't want for her to become… like me or you."
"You can't protect her from the world. As a telepath, she has already seen in people's heads what they are capable of… If there is goodness in her, she won't lose it so fast…" I comforted him. His majesty only rolled his eyes.
"Look how philosophical you are…" he murmured.
"Have faith in her and Eric. After all, when nothing's venture, nothing's gain."
SPOV
Morning the next day
I felt someone shaking me lightly. I shrugged it off, like an annoying mosquito and turned in my bed. I needed some more sleep and because dammit Eric Northman, I was hot and bothered all night.
"Wake up sleepyhead… Papa is bearing gifts!" What? What Papa? What gifts? And in a second I was wide awake and sitting up straight on my bed. My fairy grandfather was indeed sitting next to me holding a silver gift box.
"Morning sunshine!" he greeted me with a big smile. I only groaned and lied down again. I felt the urge to put a blanket over my head and pretend that the real world doesn't exist. The plan seemed to be great until my stupid relative took hold of my ankles and simply dragged me out of bed. The second I collided with the cold floor I decided that I am willing to rule the fairies if that meant I could murder him!
"How could you?!" I yelled at him standing up really fast. Oh, he was still smiling… I wish to have some lemonade on hand to throw it at his smug, stupid face!
"Let's not start the day in the bad mood, shall we?" he scolded me. He actually scolded me!
"I would have been as happy as Larry if someone hadn't dragged me on the floor like a sack of potatoes!"
"Who's Larry?" he asked confused. I counted to ten in my head trying to not become a murderer.
"Forget about this and NEVER do shit like this again!" I threaten him with my pointed finger. He had guts to roll his eyes on me. He's unbelievable.
"I thought that you would be more happy this morning. I heard that you were almost riding a Viking's long ship last night." he said and blinked at me conspiratorially.
I blushed furiously. Oh my God, did Godric have to tell him?
"Please, don't speak about this in my presence." I begged him feeling my cheeks getting hotter every second.
"But why? I just find out from Adele that you are more likely still a virgin…"
"WHAT?!" Shock didn't describe my feelings in that moment.
"Such a beautiful young woman like you should have hundreds of men in her services. I hope you are not worried about sin and perdition?"
"Stop talking!" This time I put a blanket over my head. Please God… if you want to throw a lightning on me – now's the moment! I have never been embarrassed like that in my whole life. And being a telepathic freak, I had many occasions to taste some humiliation!
"I don't understand why are you so ashamed?" He took my blanket-shield and kneel next to me. From all of this, I actually had tears in my eyes. "Oh no!" he lamented when he saw that. "Just don't cry!" He took a tissue from his pocket and held them like a shield from a tears-flood.
"Then stop humiliating me, for Christ sake!" I yelled and throw a pillow at his head. He didn't moved when it collided with his royal face. He only rubbed his nose.
"Fine… but if you want to go sailing…"
"Grandpa..!"
"Just, you have my blessing!" He clasped his hands suddenly "Let's focus on something else, shall we?"
Anything…
"Fine…" I hissed. Niall smiled again and handed me a box. I raised one eyebrow.
"What is this?"
"Well, it's a gift of course! Are you expecting a bomb?" He joked.
"Oh, I don't know, you almost killed me a few seconds ago. First, by breaking my neck when you throw me on the floor and next I would be the first case of dying from humiliation in history!" Again this eye rolling. He must really do it often.
"Open and say if you like it!" He encouraged me with enthusiasm.
"You really don't have to…"
"Stop it right there!" he said with very firm commanding voice. Wow! The change of tone in him was very noticeable. I think I can hear the king talking. "I won't listen to I can accept a gift, blah, blah, blah, blah…" He added with very high pitch voice. I am not talking like that! Am I? "I literally have tons of money. I mean it! I have special rooms for that. One for gold, one for silver…do you follow me?" He raised his eyebrow expectantly. I sigh and nodded.
"Good." he said with satisfaction. "I wasn't allowed to spoil you for 25 years. And now I am going to. You will regret standing in the way of my mission! I cut off the head of the last person who tried to sabotage my plans!" He threatened me. I squinted. Does he realize that I am not the one to be spoiled? I think decapitating me might make it a little difficult…
"OK." I said shortly and opened the box. It was a cell phone. A very thin black cell phone. It was very pretty and I silently thank god that it was not jewelry. A cell phone is practical and I don't have one, so I can accept it with a clear conscience. "Thank you, Papa. It's really nice. It will be very useful." I leaned and kissed his cheek. It was nice to see my crazy relative actually beaming.
"I made my friends purchase it from Japan yesterday. It's brand new and has a lot of nice gadgets. But you can play with this later. Now, your Gran is waiting with breakfast."
"When did you talk to her?" I was surprised. I told her about my situation, but I didn't expect Niall revealing himself to my Gran.
"Since this morning. We are family after all. Get ready…unfortunately I have other things to talk about with you."
"About my powers?" Did Preston talk with him about my 'attraction' power and light?
"No, I heard that everything is fine in that matter. It concerns your job…" Oh… Some potential supernatural conflict? Great – that's what a girl needs in the morning. Truth be told, I was quite excited about this…with my telepathy and attraction ability, I can become pretty good at my job.
I was ready and downstairs in the kitchen under ten minutes – my personal record. When I walked down, Niall and Gran were laughing about something. Me, I am sure. I took a mental note to show my disappointment to Gran about gossiping about my virginity with my loony Papa. I let it slide for now. After greetings, Gran decided to get us some privacy and went to the garden.
"So, what is going on?" I asked, putting some scrambled eggs in my mouth. Niall started to describe to me the whole situation, and I completely lost my appetite. I felt rage thinking about someone hurting innocent women like that. I was almost sorry that we can't use some violent methods.
"So my job is to find the person or people responsible and prove they're guilty?"
"Yes."
"How am I going to do this without using my telepathy?"
"We will say its only partly true… Desmond informed Colonel Flood and Jackson Herveaux that he knows of an empath with a gift to detect lies. That will not scare them as much as your telepathy would, but definitely put the god of fear on the offenders."
I sighed and leaned back into my chair. That was quite clever. If they won't know that I can read their every thought, then they won't try to control their track of thoughts.
"Am I assured that this Flood and Herveaux will keep this a secret?" Lie detector isn't much better than a mind reader. I don't want people after me because of that!
"Desmond prepared a confidentiality agreement. If they open their mouths about this, they will lose far more than money." The corner of Niall's mouth was slightly up. This half smile of his was definitely scary.
"I understand that Eric will escort me…" I can't say I'm thrilled. I instantly remembered our first meeting and blushed again. Seriously, I doubt that I will be able to look him in the eyes.
"Yes… But after some considerations I decided that Preston will be nearby. Don't worry, he will cloak himself."
"Cloak?"
"Yes – simple spell that allow us to become invisible and in general undetected. Unfortunately, we can't keep it up in this world for too long, but I hope your meeting won't drag." I only nodded. They're werewolves after all.
"Will you upload me another manual? I don't know anything about these creatures." Niall only nodded and held his hand to me. I gulped and took it. I was a little nervous that I might end up unconscious again. This time the whole process was far slower. We were sitting like that for over fifteen minutes and I was getting inpatient. The last time it was over after five minutes. My expression had to betray me because Niall laughed softly.
"Well, we don't want you to lose all day again, do we?" he blinked at me. Oh… I guess it's better to lose a few minutes than a few hours. The download took a little over half an hour. I sighed loudly when it was over. Werewolves weren't as pleasant as I hoped. The most gross thing ever was the fact that they actually EAT their dead packmaster…I closed my eyes for a moment. Vampires can drain me, but thinking about animal teeth and claws ripping apart my body makes me shiver – I have never been the biggest fan of dogs.
"Are you alright, my child?" asked my grandfather softly. I opened my eyes and saw something that broke my heart – he was worried! His worry for me touched me. I wipe my silent tears and just hug him. I instantly felt better and I smiled when I heard him sigh.
"I will be fine." I whispered with power to his ear. "I will be very careful and Northman will be near, just as Preston." I moved away a little and looked in his eyes again. "I will ask him tomorrow to show me some light tricks. He says I'm pretty good. I will stay away from trouble, if necessarily, and I will even entwine the Viking like yesterday." I assured him and myself with a small laugh. "I will be fine." I repeated. My Papa, who I realized is in fact a pineapple, only rolled his eyes. I wanted to assure him some more but there was the doorbell. I frowned and checked it with my mind.
Damn, this weighs a fucking ton…who is this white trash? Why does my master want me to deliver this and be nice? Can't she move her lazy ass faster?
I wanted to tell him he can go fuck himself but if I would have answered like that to everyone who thinks bad things about me… I had been killed years ago. I calmed Niall whose body went rigid and, holly hell! What happened with his eyes and teeth?! I need to know more about fairies! Like ASAP. Around his eyes there were thin black veins and his teeth…the only thing that comes to mind was piranha teeth. Damn, will I look like that in the face of danger?
"Niall, calm down, it's just the delivery man." He blinked a few times and here he was- my old Papa.
"Sorry…I'm a little edgy. You never knew…"
"OK, just…I'll go to open the door. Whatever he has, its really heavy."
I walked to the door and pulling it open. Then I saw the flowers… Somewhere there must be a poor man but honestly…who cares? This was the most gorgeous flowers I have ever seen!
"Miss Sookie Stackhouse?" asked a voice, which sounded just like his thoughts – snobby.
"Yes." I said coldly. Well, I don't have to be nice if he acts like that, right?
"My master ordered me to deliver this to you." I checked his mind. I knew who his master was, and that this man really wanted to put the basket down. So I decided to be a bitch.
"Who is your Master?" I asked with a little smirk. Is this bitch retarded?
"It's Eric Northman of course! Where can I put it?" he hissed at me. Oh…bad move.
"Hm…I am not sure if I want to accept this." I said slowly…his thoughts became frantic.
Shit! Stupid bimbo! Master said that if she won't accept this, I will regret it! If I want him to ever turn me, then I have to be a good servant…what is wrong with this dumb blond?
"May I know why Miss Stackhouse?" he asked me with a tones of venom in his voice.
"Because… Excuse me, what's your name?" I asked sweetly. I think I heard a little giggle from the living room.
"Bobby Burnham." He said through gritted teeth.
"Mr. Burnham, the flowers are lovely, but its your attitude that gives me pause." I got a little worried because his legs shake a little. He better not drop my bouquet!
"Ma'am?" I nearly snorted. Finally, I rolled my eyes and took a step back.
"Just put it on the table in the living room."
Stupid white trash bitch!
I mentally show him my tongue. Doesn't he know other insults? I watched him walk in the direction of the dining room with mirth in my eyes. I walked after him. My Papa was sitting on the couch like he owned the place with a little smirk on his lips. He observed Bobby like a hawk.
"Who is this my child?" he asked me sweetly still watching the poor deliveryman.
"Bobby. Eric send him."
"Oh, is Viking trying to buy himself into your good graces? Maybe he hopes to go sailing?"
I blushed again furiously. I thought we were over this! Burnham was standing next to the table with a snicker on his face. He was… ordinary, except for his slicked back hair that shone like he just dipped it in shampoo. There was nothing about him that kept your eye. Expensive dark suit, expensive shoes, expensive watch… and a poor personality.
"I don't know and I don't care." I hissed and turn to Bobby. He still was thinking very uncomplimentary things about me. For example, now he's wondering why his wonderful master would look at someone like me. Just some slutty blond with big boobs living in a hovel. Well, that was rude! My house might not be Buckingham Palace but it's very maintained. And I am as far from slutty like this man is from being polite.
I despise people like that – with a good looks and money thinking themselves better than others. Not even that is the worst – the worst is the fact that they are sure everyone else is trash.
I felt something strange inside me. It remind me about my last session with Preston. I took a quick peek inside my 'light room' and almost screamed. My light went crazy again. This time it was circling the room, and attacking my mental shields like it was trying to free itself. I realized that I was losing control over my emotions. It was like my anger and I were holding onto all those years that I was tortured for what I was. It decided to erupt right now, fueled by my panic.
"OK, Bobby, you're gonna get your ass off my property! And if Eric ever orders you to bring me something, then just decline! The next time I see you, the next time I hear you thinking things like that about me in my own house, I will set my Papa on you! Are we clear?!" I asked with venom in my voice. He looked at me like I was a lunatic. I can't blame him – he really had no idea what wrong he did.
"Miss Stackhouse…" he started with a patronizing tone.
I felt anger building in me more and more. It was a different kind of anger, different from the one from last night. This man was like the hundreds of people I met – offending me, disrespecting me, thinking me no better than some trash just because I'm poor. I felt my hands shaking a little and getting warmer. Wait, what? I looked down and noticed them getting… shiny with my blue light.
Oh my God! A few things happened at the same time. First Bobby become frozen just like Rats two days ago. Second, Niall was in front of me and the worst, he took hold of my hand. It was a horrible feeling…I felt my light traveling from my palm deep back inside my body. It was like someone electrocuted me. I actually screamed. My grandpa held me like that for a few minutes and I realize that I am back to normal.
"I'm sorry, my sweet child." he whispered. "But losing control like that is very dangerous. You have zero control over your power and I don't wish you to destroy your house and fry this stupid human."
I nodded. Whatever got into me was finally gone… I looked at an immobilized Bobby.
"Could I hurt him so bad?" I murmured.
"Yes." said Niall simply. "Emotions take control over the light of a young fae sometimes, but you are stronger than I suspected. And you were holding your anger for too long…you need more supervision."
"And what about him?" I pointed at this poor excuse of a man. Niall snapped his finger and Bobby returned to normal.
"I was to deliver you the flowers. My job here is done. Have a good day." He finished like he was never frozen by fairy magic. Unbelievable…I waved him off irritated.
Stupid bitch…
I gritted my teeth and counted to ten. That was the second time today I wished to murder someone! Niall was slowly rubbing my back. There was puzzled look on his face. It irritated me.
"Let me guess…" I murmured. " You didn't expect such shit with me, did you?" I asked with a small hint of hurt. Can't I be an ordinary fae? Even among them I have to be a freak!
My fairy grandpa only laughed.
"You are a very rare case, my sweet child. I don't know about a fae possessing such a powerful spark and live as a human for so long." He shrugged. "It is possible that it accumulated and now its trying to free itself. Your light is very protective Susannah…"
I sense problems – that's the first time he used that name towards me. He was clearly talking with fairy Sookie right now. "Normally, it comes to you instinctively when your body is in danger to create a shield. Yours…it's bounded to your emotions so much."
"Preston said that too."
"Maybe its because of your telepathy. The fact that you usually were hurt psychologically. And it is very angry, I could sense it in the air." Niall was watching me very carefully. I on the other hand, wasn't able to look him in the eyes. "Some anger is a good thing. But that is a very tricky emotion – the longer you hold onto this, the stronger it gets. And when it finally erupts it can be very dangerous. For some reason, your light's first choice of action is to attack, not to protect."
I closed my eyes and inhaled slowly a few times. That was true – I was always biting down my remarks - in the Christian way I turned the other cheek. That how Gran raised me… that and the fact that I have so few friends that I was scared to lose.
"So what? Anger management program?" I joked lamely.
"Just don't fight with this for too long. This Ben…"
"Bobby." I corrected him.
"Whatever. Was one unlucky bastard to meet you today. Just promise me, the next time when someone upsets you – show them how pissed you really are. Even if it is their thoughts that caused your outburst."
"But what if I start to shine like Electro?"
Niall had a loud and clear question on his face. My Papa needs to know more about pop culture if he is planning on staying in the human realm.
"Just…you know, when can I use my light?"
"Everything can be fixed. Or swept under the carpet. " he assured me simply and smoothed down his elegant suit. "I'm afraid I have to go. We are trying to balance the time between this and the fae realm. That is not so easy…" I only nodded, because I have no clue what he is talking about. "I will send someone, probably Preston to keep an eye on you. Don't worry, you won't even notice him."
"But he'll still be there, right?" I mumbled. Niall blinked at me.
"Enjoy your gifts and relax. By the way, password to your cell is papalovesyou. Tomorrow will be hard. Relax and think about a strategy. Wolves are very secretive and they don't trust outsiders. Make sure that Northman won't go a rage and vamp on them, ok?" He hugged me then disappeared. Jesus, that teleporting shit is great. Just then, I realized that he said 'gifts.' Hm, some blunder probably.
I walked to the table carefully – I didn't expect Eric to send some hidden bomb in this flowers… but you know. I smell them with a gusto. I love flowers! That were beautiful – in every color you can imagine, many types, some of them I saw for the first time. I was happy he didn't send me some red roses. I smirked a little – Mr. Northman isn't cliché. I opened the envelope added to my bouquet. There in the elegant letters was written:
My Sookie,
I hope our next meeting will be as pleasant as the first one. True be told, even half as intense, would time well spent.
- E
I blushed furiously reading that. Damn, he also has to remind me about our little moment!
I sat down on the couch and turned on the TV to have some noise in the background. I laid comfortably and inspected my new cell phone carefully. Niall didn't get me a manual, and that's a shame too. I have never had a cell phone. Finally, I noticed a little button on the edge and clicked it. The screen came to life and I wrote down the password. Sweet of him, but you know- still a little creepy. I jumped when the cell actually greeted me with words 'Hello Sookie'. Damn, I have to turn it off somehow!
I was playing with this for a few minutes and finally admitted to myself that it will take me a month to learn how to use it. This little device had such strange functions… Like a fingerprint scanner, localize the target function, access to databases… I frowned – Interpol?! What the…
I glimpsed at the TV and something got my attention. I put the volume up. Reporter was speaking with some Asian guy who was informing, the last night there was a break-in in their laboratory. Someone stole the prototype of the cell phone, which was designed to be all-in-one for the agents of governor facilities. I saw the picture and felt a very unpleasant feeling in my stomach…
"Who is responsible for this theft in your opinion? And why did they do this?" asked reporter.
My bat shit crazy fairy grandfather, because… he is BAT SHIT CRAZY! I thought with fury.
"As always in such situations we suspect a corporate espionage. Our best agents are analyzing video footage and questioning the staff. We will find the guilty party." promised the man in a calm voice.
Yeah, good luck with that buddy. If my loony relative is responsible, and I am sure as hell he is, you will never find out. He probably just teleported in the lab and…what, he decided to take the first cell he saw for me? I closed my eyes and laid down. I looked at my beautiful cell phone. Stolen cell phone! God, I am a criminal in some sense…Fucking Niall!
AN: Important! On Friday there will be posted Chapter 8. It's mini-chapter that will gives the first look at our main villain. Chapter 9 will be posted on Tuesday/Wednesday as always. Next week I will present an original character – you are going to love or hate him completely.
So, let me know what you think :)
