The Continuation of Hold Back The Dawn
Chapter 12
If I live to be a hundred years old, I will never forget the look on Nan Flanagan's face when me and Bill walked into the American Vampire League Banquet Dinner.
We paused together under the brightly-lit entrance, my hand resting casually on Bill's right forearm. His right arm round my waist and his left hand hidden in the pocket of his tuxedo trousers. We were both smiling so confidently. Bill wore a white tuxedo jacket with a black bow-tie and black trousers. I wore my floor-length mint green chiffon dress that Jessica had helped me pick out in the Monroe Mall.
The upper bodice of the dress styled after a Grecian pattern, with criss-cross gold~robing fabric over my shoulders. I wore my hair up in that french twist I can make all by myself. My tiny golden hooped earrings and of course, the exquisite diamond tennis bracelet that Bill had given to me for the year anniversary of our meeting in Merlotte's.
I actually felt well put together and strangely comfortable somehow, even though the excitement of that glamorous event was still tingling through me.
Every person in the banquet hall seemed to turn and look at me and Bill as we walked in. Nan had a particularly sick and sour look on her face. There she stood, fifty feet away from us, to the right side of the banquet hall. She had been talking to some foreign dignitary, then she had turned to see us standing in the spotlight. And there wasn't a damned thing she could do about it, except stare at us with those cold green peepers of hers. She couldn't walk up to Bill and cause a scene. She couldn't say one mean or condescending word to either of us. There were too many important people in the room. Too many folks of stature that Nan and the AVL needed to impress.
So there was nothing Nan Flanagan could do. But be gracious. And smile!
This was the beginning of Bill's plan. To catch Nan unaware. To put Nan in a public Catch 22, where she could not interfere with my being there, at all. She could not object to anything that was happening. There were television cameras, reporters all around us.
It was all be very public. Totally out in the open. Out of her control, as Bill said.
And that's the way Bill wanted things. Nan would have to continue to smile. Continue to keep up appearances. Her public face cracking into one million pieces. Bill said, Nan would never get him alone. Not that evening. And she would not get me alone, either.
We would not allow her to. Momentarily, Nan recovered her composure. I saw her facial expression morph into a fake, stupid pleasant grin. Her eyes flashed her displeasure like neon lights! As she slowly approached us. I think I saw actually saw some color in her vampire cheeks, which I know is impossible. Nan was so angry. But she could not do anything about the fact that Bill had brought me to the AVL Banquet!
The reporters started buzzing and I heard the general public asking questions:
"Who are they?"
"Hey, that's Bill Compton...the spokesman for the AVL. He's a vamp!"
"Wow! Look at that beautiful couple standing at the entrance. Are they vampires? He looks familiar..."
"Who is she? Her dress is gorgeous! That color looks so good against her tanned skin."
"Is that his wife? She's so pretty. What's her name?"
I listened to the random thoughts of the people standing closest to us, as Nan walked slowly towards us. Bill and I were causing a stir. And with Nan walking into the limelight that we created, she would have to dial back the last bit of any residual nastiness. Her eyes were a blaze in her still~ grinning face. She locked a defiant stare onto Bill. Then quickly ,a cutting glance at me, then her eyes back to her AVL spokesman. She stood in front of Bill for one brief moment, then turned to his left side, joining us for the photo op. Smiling. Smiling for the popping camera lights. Bill followed Nan with his eyes, absolutely smirking back at her.
Of course Nan knew immediately what Bill had done.
"What the hell do you think you are doing… bringing her here?" Nan said quietly through her clenched jaw.
Bill was calm, composed and rather amused. "I have an invitation that reads 'Bill Compton and Guest,'" he said smoothly; "This beautiful lady is my guest, Nan. Shall we find our table, Miss Stackhouse?"
I turned up my nose slightly, looking at Bill and ignoring Nan.
"Yes, indeed, Mr. Compton...let's!" I said, smiling.
The camera lights had momentarily blinded me. I held on to Bill's arm for support. Bill moved forward and we stepped away from Nan, leaving her standing alone with a couple of photographers, her mouth slightly open. As we walked away, two other photographers rushed up to us and started taking pictures. The flash from the bulbs continued to startle me. I had not expected any one to take our picture.
Bill smiled and placed his cool hand over the back of mine holding me steady at his forearm. It was a soothing gesture that helped me relax a little more. As the photographers kept popping pictures, I tried to keep on smiling as Bill was. Everything Bill did was so easy and confident. He was used to it, of course.
He did look so handsome in his white tuxedo, I could barely take my eyes off him myself. It was wonderful to be with Bill like that. The two of us seemed to be the center of attention, as we walked between the banquet tables, down the little aisle way and Bill lead me forward to the front of the room.
Bill was supposed to sit on the elevated stage near the podium with Nan. But he changed his seating at the last minute, without Nan's knowledge, so she could not object to it. Now me and Bill were seated together at a table for eight, just under the stage. Bill said, that way, he could stay close to me all evening, but still be near the principle people whose thoughts he wanted me to read. Bill had thought ahead of each and every step in detail. And, up to that point, everything was happening as Bill had planned.
It was part of our plan. Bill had decided who his principle players were. Those individuals whom he thought may have had pertinent information that he needed. After 'glamouring' some of them, Bill had determined that they were being fed some bits of information, so nothing would 'leak.' Or, Bill said, these key players were the 'carriers' of secret intel that wasn't being divulged except to certain members who had a 'need to know.' Bill said, those people would not cause trouble until the appointed time.
It was maddening, because these 'players' keep changing, Bill said. Bill also knew that some of these enemies of mainstreaming were vampires. And that's why Bill didn't want me around them. I could not read a vampire's mind. And by exposing me to too many of them...I was only turning myself into 'vampire bait,' as Bill had said, with my unique smell, my blood.
Bill worried so about that. But, as I had argued with him, if I could read the 'right' human's mind, the right prime minister, the right foreign liaison... maybe I could get just the right piece of information quickly that would lead Bill and the AVL to the source of the discord. It was certainly worth a try. The banquet was very public, so I would be near Bill all of the time. Atleast…that's what we thought…
Our eight-person table was specifically designed by Bill Compton, with place cards for the six people for whom Bill was most concerned about. Bill could not have made things any easier for me! Over dinner. That's how I would read their minds. Each in turn. And with Bill's charm ~ and with my 'loveliness,' Bill said, as a "two punch" distraction for both vampires and humans alike ~we just might get lucky enough to find out something interesting.
So, the night before the AVL Banquet Dinner, while lying in bed together, Bill had taken a pen to several pieces of notepaper. There, he had given me the 'lay of the land.' The plan.
Bill informed me, moving clock-wise from Bill's left, our dinner table mates would be seated in this order:
The Countess Magdelina from Poland.
She is widowed. Bill said she's a very influential and wealthy benefactor. The Countess has ties to the powerful foreign factions, who have a vested interest in showing their support for the American vampires. Bill said she knows a lot of key people around the world and The Countess can call in quite a lot of strategic markers. Her late husband was deeply involved in the world~wide political scene. And deeply involved in politics in their part of the world. Bill said her income is derived in part from her sole ownership of a diamond mine in Ghana.
She is not a vampire.
Next to the Countess, there would be seated Victor Buono, a Greek businessman.
Bill said Victor comes from a very old, respected and well-connected family on the Isle of Crete. He owns a famous family winery business and several race horses. Bill said he has a fascination with gambling and all things supernatural. He is not a vampire, either, luckily for me. But he IS married to a German vampire!
Generally, Bill said, his wife does not accompany him on his business trips. Bill said he keeps her far away from public view nowadays. And for good reason. She was once a confidante and friend to Queen Sophie-Anne of Louisiana. Yeah, I was finding out, it's a very small world, after all.
Much to Bill's consternation, there would be two other vampires that Bill had to include at our table. Other than Bill himself, of course:
Evel Dunstein - [yes, pronounced 'evil '] A young, single, wildly successful vampire, He is a Czech entrepreneur, making a name for himself in the vampire world. Bill said he was 'turned' only about fifty years ago by a female vamp who he had met while visiting Prague one Spring. Bill said Evel had fallen hopelessly in love when he was still human. She did not feel the same way about him. The female vampire had just wanted to feed on Evel then get rid of him and his loving advances towards her.
Instead of taking the love Evel offered, this female vampire thought it might be 'fun' to turn him. Evel thought being turned by her would bring the two of them closer together. But no, Evel's heart was broken.
And although he has managed to amass quite a fortune in a short amount of time, through trading commodities in the stock market, and through his three thriving Mercedes-Benz dealerships, Evel still pines for his absent Maker. Bill said Evel has not seen her in over thirty years. Who knows where she could be? Or what she could be involved in? Too bad I could not read his mind.
And last but definitely not least, there is Mackenzie Bloom. Bill called him, "The vampire's vampire." Old ~school. Kind of scary. But very, very charming.
Bill said 'Mack,' as he referred to him, was a peer of Russell Edgington. Over three thousand years old! And he did remind me of Russell a little. Old world. Dignified. Seemingly above any pettiness. Straight to the point. And the point was always The Blood. Mack carried himself as though he were a 'cousin' of Count Dracula himself. Dressed all in black. His hair silver-white. A sweeping full salt~and~pepper mustache that curled up at each end. His eyes were the bluest blue almost like Bill's.
Mack appeared to looked how Bill might have looked had Bill grown into an elderly gentleman.
As I stared at Mack across the table, I wondered who had 'turned' him at his age? Bill had said he did not know, either. That Mack had never talked about his Maker. Mackenzie Bloom was absolutely not of this world. He came from a cloak and dagger world. A world that no longer existed. Bill said Mack lived in France. But not Paris or Monte Carlo, even though Mack was heavily into the antiquing world and the shipping industry. He had amassed treasure upon treasure of fine art and scultures, Bill told me.
But Mack prefers to live in a very small town in France. A non-descript place although very beautiful, on the coast. He conducted his business 'very close to the vest' and most often in the greatest of secrecy. Maybe Mack was too obvious a choice, Bill had said. But he had to include him because Mack has been a player in so many big vampire business dealings throughout the years. He has so many foreign allies. And Mack is old enough and disciplined enough to have the monetary connections to wreck havoc behind any international scene. Again… too bad I would not be able to read his mind. But as things turned out, it would not matter.
Mack was sitting directly across from me.
Then rounding out our table, moving to my right side was the beautiful Angelique Conti, of course, dressed that night in royal purple like a Dresden princess. Her dark hair falling in heavy tendrils across her bare shoulders, down along and framing her strapless dress, reaching to her amble breasts, which could not go at all unnoticed by any males at our table.
Her eyes were intently on my Bill.
Apparently I was, by no means, the only woman seated at our table who found Bill Compton irresistible.
And sitting next to Angelique on my immediate right, was her mentor and patron, Colonel Adibisi. I was almost shoulder to shoulder with the decorated Colonel, who seemed to have brought nothing but uniforms to New York City. His plethora of medals seemed to way down one side of his uniform tan jacket. They appeared to stretch across the left side of his coat and were very prominent, which I am sure was the Colonel's intent. I could go on reading his mind all evening, I was sure of it.
Those were me and Bill's dinner table companions for the evening. The cast of characters that Bill was most concerned about. I only had two chances to 'work' on them, mind~reading or not. There at the banquet dinner and once again at the AVL Conference on Monday night. Two chances to listen to the humans' thoughts and two chances to keep my eyes peeled and my wits about me concerning the vampires actions. I was a pretty observant. And so is Bill.
After Bill introduced me to everyone, we settled into our appetizers, which the waiters began to serve as quickly as possible. The humans had a choice of salad or soup. The vampires were offered cocktails made with Tru:Blood.
"Colonel, I'm so sorry that your wife could not join us this evening," Bill said somberly; "I do hope it is nothing serious."
Colonel Adibisi shook his head, pulling his soup bowl towards him.
"This happens on occasion, Bill," the Colonel said; "Marla does suffer from migraines. I worry about her. But she tells me she had brought with her some medication that seems to help, " he said.
*Well, Marla's had quite enough of this 'vampire business' and wants to go home now.
I don't blame her really. I'm ready to go home myself*
Colonel Adibisi's thoughts were like an open book to me.
"Please, extend my deepest regrets to Ms. Marla," Bill said politely; "we shall all miss her graciousness tonight."
"Thank you very much, Bill," said Colonel Adibisi.
The dinner went on and on without me gaining any insight into more 'vampire business' from any of the humans. Random thoughts. About the conference. The décor. The food. Everyone was being polite and conversational. Reading the humans thoughts was going no where at first. The entrees came and went. Then the desserts. I watched Bill as he ate his Tru:Blood Gelete. He seemed be enjoying every spoonful. Only Bill was very good at being agreeable. Even if he hated the blood creations, no one at our table would know it. Finally, when the waiters asked the humans whether or not we wanted after-dessert coffee, the conversation seemed to take a challenging turn.
"My dear," Countess Magdelina smiled at me; "I hear that congratulations are certainly in order. Have you and Bill set a date, at all, for your up-coming wedding?"
I smiled back at her shyly shaking my head. "No. We haven't. Not yet."
I glanced at Bill; "There's been so much going on lately..."
*Mother of God, is she crazy?* These thoughts, from Angelique. *I would marry Bill Compton tonight, if he had asked me! Dear God. How can a man like Bill be attracted to someone like her? She's so...so backwoods! I know they come from the same place, but Bill has certainly outgrown that little Louisiana town. He is destined for so much more now! Bill is going to go nowhere but up from here, with the AVL and into the political sphere. There is no telling how far his Star can reach. Maybe into Congress. Or the Senate! Bill Compton is the most incredible vampire...man, I have ever known. If only he were mine! My life won't be the same after I return to Turkey....*
"Sookie?" I heard Bill gently calling my name, after a moment.
I was stunned by Angelique's thoughts. She was in love with Bill. No doubt about it. And she was probably right about all the other things she was thinking. Bill could easily fit into a larger political world. Bill was the vampire that everybody would support for any political office.
'Huh? I'm .. I'm sorry, Bill?" I said in confusion.
"It was only I, Miss Stackhouse," said Victor Buono; "just hinting at asking you to sketch me in for a dance, later,maybe" he said. *Sookie is so pretty. Beautiful eyes and lips. She seems rather naive but refreshing as hell. She must be very smart. How is it that she's brave enough to have a relationship with Bill….a vampire? *
"Oh, certainly, Mr. Buono," I smiled. "I'd love to dance with you, later…"
"May I also extend my request, Miss Stackhouse?" said Evel Dunstein. He had been checking his blackberry, at the table. Not paying much attention to his table mates. Suddenly, he too, was asking for a dance. And Mack Bloom was staring at me, too, but he never said a word.
"Of course, I'd lbe delighted to dance with all of you," I said, glancing at Bill, who looked so proud of me; "Please…everyone please, call me Sookie."
"And you must call me 'Victor,'" he said with a twinkle in his eye. Then he winked at me. Was he flirting with me right in front of Bill? OH, my stars! The man is married! To a vampire! There was just too much going on just then. The humans' thoughts were beginning to spin and explode in my head. I was so on overload as they talked and my ability to read their thoughts was super~charged. I was not able to accomplish any blocking whatsoever:
Countess Magdelina: * I need to get out of these shoes! But more than that...I need a good stiff drink! Not these watered down bullshit drinks that are being served here. Damn why do these things have to take so long? When will Bill Compton speak at the podium? Already I am done. This thing could drag on for hours!*
Anqelique Conti: * Bill looks so handsome tonight. He smells so good. And he's looking at Sookie as if she hung the moon. It is obvious, he is so in love with her. It's written all over his face. His body language. He has missed her terribly. I guess I never really had the slightest chance with Bill...*
Colonel Adibisi: *This Sookie Stackhouse person must know full well that Bill has important work to accomplish here. But just like a little b*tch in heat, she flies to New York City to be near him! She has no clue that she is only making things far more difficult for him! I am not at all surprised. Blond, selfish and of course, not very bright!*
I immediately stood up, startling Bill, who blinked at me.
"I'm sorry," I said; "please excuse me everybody." I could not listen to another thought! I had to get away from Colonel Roland Adibisi as soon as humanly possible.
Bill looked up at me with concern.
"Sookie...are you alright, sweetheart?" Bill had taken my hand.
"I'm fine, Bill...Just fine…going to the ladies-room, that's all." I sighed, trying to paste a smile back on my lips. I looked into Bill's worried eyes. I tried to act as calm as possible. At that moment, I really needed to talk with him, but I dare not draw undo attention to the both of us by pulling Bill away from the dining table. Beside, Bill was going up to the podium very soon. The last thing I wanted to do was cause Bill to worry about me.
I tried to convey to him with just my eyes that everything was fine. Bill squeezed my hand before letting go.
"Well, my dear," piped in the Countess; "I will go with you. We go in pairs, don't we? We women always need to take care of something in the ladies~room. Especially before any program starts. Bill, don't you begin things without us now."
Bill and the other men were standing up, as the Countess and I prepared to leave the table.
"I certainly shall not, Your Highness," Bill said. His blue eyes never left my face. Bill looked relieved, not quite so concerned. He could not follow me where I was going, so he just needed to relax. I think Bill was glad the Countess was going with me. I could not have a conversation with Bill about how overwhelmed I felt right then. At least with the Countess, I could concentrate on her thoughts alone.
"May I make an observation, my dear? You don't look like you are having much fun so far tonight," said the Countess, as we walked out of banquet room and into the door ~less ladies-room.
There were only a couple of turns through a series of huge columns of marble pillars and a tiny international sign for 'women,' that announced you were about to walk into the ladies facilities.
Fortunately, we had the place to all to ourselves. I looked at the Countess. She had mousy ash- brown hair piled high on top of her head, a small studded and jeweled tiara tucked into her elaborate hairdo. Her features were keen. Her features reminded me of a bright-eyed, curious greyhound. Her nose very long and her lips thin almost non-existent. She appeared to be a very intelligent and attentive person.
"I'm alright, Countess" I smiled a weak smile at her; "just a little tired."
"Well, I suppose so, being engaged to a vamp!" she cackled. "You keep late hours."
She winked at me.
"Yeah, you're right. Some of that comes with the territory. Sure," I sighed.
The Countess was trying to be upbeat and friendly with me. I could see that. She spread out her flowing yellow skirts and sat down on one of the off-white tuffets facing the huge mirrors, then pulled out her compact from her tiny purse. She looked into the mirror, as I was standing behind her. She started powdering her long nose.
"Tell me," she glanced up at me from the mirror; "are you madly in love with Bill Compton?"
*Poor little thing! She seems overwhelmed at the moment. A long way from home. Even to be with her beloved Bill. Is she really ready for the vampire-lifestyle? Is she truly ready for the life of being the wife of an AVL spokesman? I've had my share of vamps! hah! And it's never easy under any circumstances. Maybe Sookie is having second thoughts about the marriage. About everything. Bill is a handsome devil. But who could blame her?*
I don't know why I felt it was o.k. to share my most intimate thoughts with the Countess. But there seemed to be a genuineness about her that I liked. I liked that she was thinking kind things about me. And being understanding about me and Bill. And not being malicious about it. I looked into her reflection in the mirror.
"Madly in love? Yes. I don't want to live my life without him," I said quietly; "I don't even want to try. Yes. Madly. Truly." We held each other's eyes for a moment.
She nodded her head. "I can see that you are, my dear. I've known Bill a long time. We've crossed paths several times through the years. And I know I've never seen him quite so happy as he is this evening. I have no doubt, that Bill's happiness is centered around you, Sookie."
*She's definitely stronger than she looks. Sookie is not having second thoughts at all.
I am sure she won't let Bill get away without a fight*
"Tell me, Countess Magdelina," I said, somehow knowing that I could talk frankly with her; "Is there any information you have, that I can share with Bill to help him wrap up this awful stalemate that's going on between the AVL and the so-called 'friendly factions?' Foreign or domestic? These negotiations are takin' a really long time."
Bill would probably think me crazy for talking to the Countess like that. He would think I was being foolish and dangerous. And this was definitely not part of our plan. But I felt totally trusting in my intuition with the Countess. And her thoughts of course.
She looked at me then, a bit surprised. She arched one of her sculptured eyebrows.
"My, my. You DO want Bill home for Christmas, don't you?"
I came to sit beside her on another tuffet in front of the mirrors. "Yes ma'am. Indeed, I do. Christmas is too long. I want him home a lot sooner than that." I smirked.
The Countess placed her compact back into her purse, then retrieved her lipstick case. She considered her lips, then after a moment, pulled the cap from the case and twisted up the tube of red color, drawing on a blood-red top lip.
"I understand completely. I'll tell you what," she said thoughtfully; "Just because you are such a determined little thing. And because, just in the last few minutes, I have grown to like you very much indeed-and because I believe you are a very courageous and capable young woman and just what Bill needs-if I find out anything that might help you get Bill Compton back to the great State of Louisiana at least for a little while, I promise. I will certainly pass along that information to you, Sookie," The Countess spoke emphatically. Then she painted on her blood-red bottom lip.
I watched her in the mirror for a moment. We had had a meeting of the minds.
The Countess turned and looked at me, a wistful smile on her lips.
"I believe you should start thinking about being married to a very important person, Sookie," she said; "Bill is destined for greater things. I am sure you realise that."
*God, she does remind me a lot of myself when I was younger!*
"Thank you, Your Highness," I said sincerely; "Me and Bill haven't talked about it much. But I know what you're sayin'. And I won't hold Bill back. I would never do that to him. I want whatever he wants, too. In the meantime, though, we would be very grateful for anythin' you come across."
Even stranger than my conversation with the Countess was the feeling that I had just made a new friend. Somehow I knew, she would actually keep her promise.
And become a trusted ally.
"Sookie..."
As the Countess and I were leaving the ladies-room, I heard my name being called behind us. I stopped short and turned around to find Mackenzie Bloom standing just inches away. I was totally startled.
Mackenzie Bloom. The 'vampire's vampire,' as Bill had called him. Over three thousand years old...older than Russell Edgington even. He stood there in his black tuxedo, his silver hair almost reaching to the collar of his starched shirt, his piercing blue eyes looking down into mine.
"Sookie. May I have a word with you? he asked me smoothly, spreading his fingers in a friendly gesture, in complete control of every movement of his body.
The Countess took one glance at me then back at him.
"Mack, you sly dog. If the mountain won't come to Muhammed…Well, Sookie, you're a big girl. I'll see you back at our table, my dear. Very soon, I hope?"
Mack Bloom said nothing. Just kept staring at me. I know what the Countess meant without reading her mind.
"I'll be there in a minute," I said, still looking at Mack.
"Alright. I will inform Bill that you are on your way," said The Countess.
She gave Mack Bloom a backward glance. Then after a long, knowing pause she turned and walked away, her nose in the air, her yellow skirts flowing.
After the Countess had left us, I glanced quickly around to see if there were any other people standing in the secluded hallway. Of course there was not. Most everyone was either finishing their desserts and coffee or taking their seats for the start of the AVL committee meeting. Bill was most likely already on the stage with Nan or just at the podium by now. Mack Bloom had picked his timing well.
"How can I help you, Mr. Bloom?" I tossed my head back, I tried to sound care-free.
"Please...everyone calls me 'Mack,'" he said, in his velvety voice; "just as you are Sookie, I prefer the relaxed familiarity of first names. I won't keep you. I only wanted to make sure that you understood that, I too, would be most honored to have the opportunity to join you in a dance, this evening. If Bill doesn't object, of course."
I forced a smile. "Of course. Why would Bill object?"
"Well, he might," said Mack, sheepishly; "You have so many on your dance card already. Vampire-to-vampire, I would understand Bill's concern. Perhaps you wouldn't understand."
"No. It's perfectly fine," I said; "I don't think there are any dance cards around here tonight. I mean, that's kinda old~fashioned, isn't it? But, I promised a few people a dance and it's alright to promise one more. It's not Bill's call. If I had a dance card, though, it would be full, that's for sure."
"Little wonder," he said almost at a whisper. He took a step towards me, his blue eyes burrowing in, his lips flashing a white toothy grin; "Sookie, you are magnificent. You smell incredible. And you are the most beautiful lady to walk through those doors this evening. If I were Bill Compton, I would not share you with anyone. Not even a dance." He smiled engagingly at me. I was beginning to feel really uncomfortable.
"You are too kind." I said evenly, trying to deny every instinct I had to take a step backward from him; "I appreciate your compliments, Mack. But, Bill has nothing to worry about. For every dance I give away, Bill Compton gets ten more."
I smiled at him, trying not to bat my eyelashes too much.
Then I saw him take another deliberate step towards me. "Ten dances. That's not all Bill Compton gets, is it?"
"What did you say?"
"Sookie…I have not been able to take my eyes off you, since the moment you came through those doors with Bill," he said slowly; "Bill is a very, very lucky vampire, indeed. Do you have any idea how special you are, Sookie? Any idea of the affect you have on me?"
Mack leaned his body forward. And then, as the fog lifted from my mind, I was momentarily dumbfounded to realize that Mack was trying to glamour me! Yes, that's what he was trying to do alright. Oh, my God! As he bore his blue eyes into mine, I also noticed his nostrils flared a bit. No doubt about it, this ancient vampire was picking up my fae scent, smelling my blood and trying to get me under his influence.
"Yes," I nodded; "I do understand."
Mack smiled. He was momentarily satisfied that his 'glamouring' technique was working somehow. "My sweet Sookie…I thought you might," he said.
"I understand that you would come out of the banquet dinner room over here to me... knowing that I am human and thinking that I would entertain a romantic proposal from you!" I went on slowly; "...when you think the vampire I am engaged to is out of earshot and out of sight. Bill considers you a friend of his. At least he did! Now Mack, this is not very nice of you. Not at all."
My heart was pounding wildly. I could feel it in my ears. Part of me was very much afraid of him, but another part of me was so angry that he would even show up like this to try and take advantage of me while Bill was otherwise occupied. I hoped my blood pumping was not just turning Mack on, even more. I wondered if Bill could sense my fear, my anger. Of course. Mack could pick up on how my blood was racing.
Mack's facial expression changed when I scolded him. His jaw slacked. He said nothing. Only looked at me as if I were a ghost. He thought he had successfully glamoured me.
I was not going to tell him that I was not susceptible to their vampire mind control.
"Mack," I addressed him strongly; "yes, I will dance with you this evening, if that's what you still want. But we are sharing nothing' beyond that. You understand, don't you, Mack? I am not interested in you. I am Bill's. And Bill is mine."
I reminded him of the vampire code of conduct in these matters. Of course, Mackenzie Bloom, the vampire's vampire, was fully aware of it already.
I backed away from him then. He watched me with those watery blue eyes of his, all his finesse and confidence was completely burst like a soap bubble. He was probably wondering to himself why his 'glamouring' skills were not up to snuff tonight. Good.
Let him wonder.
I took two more steps away and then I turned around to see Bill walking towards me from the other end of the hall. I started walking back towards Bill. I sighed deeply, so relieved to see my vampire's handsome, yet concerned, face. We fully embraced each other.
"Sookie," Bill said, pressed my cheek against the starchy cotton of his tuxedo shirt; "Sookie, you are trembling. The Countess said that you were talking with Mack Bloom-"
"Yes. I'm o.k." I said quickly; "I'm fine..."
I looked up at Bill. "Mack was just, just … asking me for a dance -"
I turned to look in the opposite direction. Mack was gone. He had literally disappeared.
"He was just here a minute ago," I said, still holding onto Bill's arm; "Did you see him?"
Bill shook his head. "I only see you," Bill said; "Sookie, you should not have been alone with him. I have a million questions. What happened at the table? Tell me why you really left? Did the Countess say anything to you? I could feel you were upset about something. If Mack Bloom laid one hand on you, Sookie, I swear, I will introduce him to the True Death before this banquet is over!"
I saw the consuming worry in Bill's eyes, his face. He was suddenly so furious. I was the last thing Bill needed to worry about that evening. I couldn't help it. All of a sudden, I burst out into a ridiculous laugh! I am sure it was because of the sheer relief I felt at being close to Bill again. It was amazing how comforting I felt by his presence. I put my arms around him again. I couldn't stop laughing! It was altogether stupid. I hugged his neck tightly. Bill circled my waist.
"Sookie..." Bill's voice was so calm. His face immediately lightened up, the tension was gone; "Tell me... what's so funny?" I tried to catch my breath.
"Mack...Mack… tried... to... glamour me!" I finally managed to say.
"Did he?" Bill was not at all surprised by this news.
"Yes!" I said; "It was almost as funny as when you tried to glamour me. Remember? On our first stroll together?"
"I'll bet you were not amused by Mack. Ah, as I recall, Miss Stackhouse, you challenged me to it." Bill said, half a smile on his lips, searching my eyes.
"I know I did. That was awful of me. We both found out very quickly …that was an impossible thing to do, didn't we?" I had regained some composure.
Bill nodded slowly. "Hmmm. Well. So did Mack. Which explains why he fled.
Did you kiss Mack, too?"
I burst out laughing again!
I am sure it was the laughter of relief. Because I was safe again with Bill. And Bill joking with me about it had made me feel so much better.
All in due time, I would tell Bill everything that had happened with The Countess.
But not then. And not there. I let the relief wash over me. Now I understood there was a real reason why Bill had not wanted me out of his sight that evening. Bill was not just being overly cautious. Now I could fully appreciate Bill's concern.
I had no idea what Mack Bloom was capable of. Would he have taken me off into the night against my will?
Thank God, we will never find out.
I knew Bill had to get back into the main dining room. But I clung to Bill for a few minutes more. Laughter and tears are so closely related. I had tried to control my fear very well that evening.
I know Bill understood.
End of Chapter 12 …. To Be Continues…..
