A/N: I know. Really. I know. I can't believe it's been so long since I've written anything. It's been an incredibly difficult year, I won't go into the details of why it sucked, but needless to say, my will to write went kablooie! I haven't forgotten all the wonderful readers who took the time to check up on me, wondering what happened, whether I'd be continuing to write, etc. You guys are exactly what brought me back to the land of the living, and hearing from you is what gives me back my mojo! So thank you for all the kind words. I really can't thank you enough. xo

Since it's been so long, here's a little refresher:

Sookie is in Switzerland with el doucho (I mean, Bill) for a vampire summit. She discovers by accident his intentions to hand her over to QSA to be her slave, and escapes. She's lost in the woods, and nearly dies, but a cursed Eric saves her life and brings her back to health. She learns from Eric's maker, Godric, that over hundred years ago, Eric was cursed by a scorned lover to wander eternity in misery, that is, unless he find his heart's desire. Sookie and Eric have a connection, they quickly fall in love, and bond. Pam comes to stay, and we meet the King of Switzerland, Christophe, who is Godric's child, and Eric's brother. He vows to keep Sookie safe from QSA and Bill.

When we last left them, Sookie had been declared the new Queen of Dance after an Xbox competition, and after some lovin' from Eric, Christophe enters their room to notify them that an intruder has been captured.

And here we are...

Enjoy!

xoxo Keri

Chapter 8: Red in the Morning

EPOV

I was done for. I'd lived over a thousand years, fought in countless battles, fucked and fed my way through existence... all with a song in my undead heart.

But nothing compared to this moment, this time. The little angel cuddled into my chest had completely taken me down, in the most wonderful way imaginable. Sookie was the light to my darkness, the warmth to my cold, the sun to my moon and stars.

The fierce Viking warrior had finally been conquered. By a human woman. Any other circumstance, I'd have thought she'd cast a spell. But I knew better.

I knew the warrior was still there, lurking just beneath the surface. Waiting. The instinct to protect my mate was overwhelming, especially given the precarious situation in which we found ourselves. I knew the great potential for everything to escalate into dangerous territory, but it didn't matter. Part of me was itching for a good fight; it had been far too long since I'd had the chance to really let out my frustrations, and though being with Sookie relieved me of a good portion of my tension, the thrill of battle was something I sorely missed.

A soft sigh came from my lover, and I leaned down to lay a kiss on her forehead. She muttered something incoherent and smiled, burrowing further into my chest.

When Christophe knocked on the door, I knew instantly it wasn't to bid us goodnight.

Sookie sleepily opened her eyes at the intrusion, and I shifted her gently out of my arms, saying, "Please stay in bed, my love. Let me deal with this, it will be safer for you here." I gave her a chaste kiss, and she nodded in understanding, pulling the blanket around her more tightly. I quickly pulled on my previously discarded jeans, and followed my brother out of the room.

We headed down to the main floor, to a room directly off the main entrance. Not overly large, it was filled by an old oak conference table, glassed-in bookshelves containing some rarer volumes, and a few couches. At the far end of the room, bound to one of the stiff, high-backed chairs, was none other than Bill Compton.

Instantly, anger radiated through my entire body, but I tried to keep it in check, unwilling to alarm my bonded. As soon as he saw me, however, Compton let out a furious howl, obviously smelling Sookie all over me. He fought to get at me, and the guards surrounded him, ready to attack should he have escaped.

In a ridiculously exaggerated Southern drawl, he bellowed, "The Queen of Louisiana will have your head! You have stolen my possession, and her asset! This is a blood offense! I demand retribution!" He struggled and fumed, the guards roughly holding his arms.

Christophe chuckled from the corner of the room, while Godric was perched quietly on a couch nearby. They knew how much I would enjoy gloating to the little twerp.

I crossed my arms over my bare chest, effortlessly making my biceps bulge. My size was the first step in intimidating the little mutton-chopped cretin. I grinned, and started, "Bill Compton. What on Earth would make you believe I've stolen this... possession of yours? I can assure you, I've done nothing untoward. Whatever has given you this erroneous impression?" I feigned innocence, but I couldn't help the grin that formed on my lips.

He glowered and spat back, "You know quite well to what I am referring! My pet has gone missing from the summit, and now here you are, half naked and smelling like her! I want my property back! She might have fallen for your charms, but she is a stupid child who does not know any better! I am her master, and she needs to be punished for opening her legs to another vampire so damn easily!"

I hissed, livid at his words, but a slimy smile crept onto his chalky face as he continued, "I suppose I should have known she'd run when she had the chance. Shame on me for taking it so easy on her tight, virginal little body -"

My anger could no longer be contained. In a flash, I was right in front of him, hand on his throat, growling in his face. He must have known he was out of options; why else would he be mouthing off so disrespectfully? Regardless of his intentions, I wouldn't ever tolerate him speaking about Sookie in such a demeaning way. She was worthy of so much more than that.

Godric and Christophe didn't budge a muscle, fixing angry glares of their own at the contemptuous shit. I knew if I really let my control go, I would likely remove his ugly head from his pasty body. But, as I tried to reign my anger in, my attention was drawn to the entrance of the room, to the approach of softly padding footsteps.

Everyone turned, as an angel quietly appeared in the doorway. She was a vision, dressed in the white nightgown and matching silk robe she'd laid out for herself before we'd gone to bed. It billowed out behind her as she moved. Her hair fell in waves around her face, and I could swear... was she glowing? A faint luminosity seemed to make her flawless skin come alive. She'd enthralled every vampire in the room.

My expression instantly softened, and I rushed to her side, wanting to protect her from the reality of the situation. I cupped her cheek and asked, "Angel, what are you doing here? Are you alright?" I somehow knew she'd hate me treating her as though she were fragile, but truthfully, compared to everyone else in the room, she was.

She immediately, and unnecessarily apologized. "I'm sorry, but you were so angry for a minute, and I wanted to make sure you were okay." She pushed love and worry through the bond. Did she not realize in my eyes, she could do no wrong?

Compton chose that moment to make his presence known. He venomously spouted, "Well, well. I supposed I was right. Underneath that innocent facade, you really are nothing more than a fangbanging whore. I can't figure out why anyone would want you, though. Your inexperience and lack of skills can't possibly keep anyone's attention for long." He sneered at her.

I was ready to tear him limb from limb, but Sookie reacted first. She stepped forward, angry tears threatening to spill down her lovely cheeks. She seemed to gather her resolve as she went to stand before her ex, and when she began to speak, it was in a low, controlled tone. "Now you listen, and you listen good, Bill Compton. We might have been together, but I was never yours. I know the real reason you came to Bon Temps. You lied, and manipulated me from day one. I gave you everything, and I was never any more than a toy for you. It was my own decision to leave, and I will never, ever go back. I ran, and I thank my lucky stars and whatever higher power watching over me that Eric found me. As far as you, or your pathetic excuse for a Queen are concerned, I am Eric's. I am his bonded. As such, I am lucky enough to be protected by this kingdom, and King Christophe. The combined age and power of Godric, Eric, and Christophe should be enough to make you weep in fear. You were warned, yet you still had the audacity to come back here. As far as I'm concerned, your undead life is in their hands, and I will happily applaud anything they choose to do to you."

Apparently, her words seemed to hit him where it counted. For a moment, at least. But, the miscreant proved he wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer because as Sookie turned back to me, he snarled, "It's just as well. You were more trouble than you're worth. Though I must say, taking your virginity certainly was fun."

Perhaps it was my blood in her system, I couldn't be sure, but in a flash, Sookie turned back to Bill, and slapped him hard across his smug, sallow face with all her might. It was enough to draw blood, and though she flinched and shook her hand in pain, I couldn't have been more proud.

Godric nodded silently to Christophe, who commanded his guards, "Take this worthless lump of flesh to the dungeon. I want him silvered and gagged. The last thing I want is to disturb the lady of the house with his infernal wailing. Allez-y."

Sookie and I gave them a wide berth as they dragged a protesting Compton from the room, heading for the dungeon, hidden deep underground. She buried her face into my chest, not wanting to watch the display.

Pam chose that moment to appear in the doorway, looking over her shoulder. "What the hell did I miss? Damn Jacuzzi bathtub!" She cursed, sending Sookie into a fit of giggles. But just as quickly, she took a short breath, and burst into tears. She was in shock.

Pam seemed to understand the mood swings of human women a little more than the three males in the room, and she immediately comforted Sookie with a sisterly hug, followed by a few barely audible, reassuring words. I couldn't help the territorial feeling that overcame me, but I held fast. I was glad my two favorite women were bonding so quickly.

After a minute, Sookie found her way back into my arms. I smoothed the remaining tears from her face, and tilted her chin up to give her a kiss. When it ended, her lower lip started to quiver again, fresh tears misting in her eyes. I shook my head, and touched my forehead to hers. "No, my love. He will never be worth your heartache. You are so strong, and I am so proud of you."

She bit her lower lip sheepishly. "Even if I slapped him?"

I smirked. "Because you slapped him!"

She started laughing, and I was happy to put a smile on her face once more. Over my (finally) dead body would I have a piece of shit like Compton making my beautiful girl upset. She'd dealt with far too much in her young life already.

When she stifled a yawn, Christophe noticed and offered, "Brother, why don't you take Sookie upstairs. We've done all we can for the night, and dawn is approaching. We'll discuss it more tomorrow."

I nodded, and Sookie turned, taking the time to say goodnight to Godric, Christophe, and Pam. They looked surprised at the peck on the cheek she each gave them, but regarded her warmly as we turned to head back to bed.

When the door and shut, without a word, Sookie shed her robe and nightgown, folding them neatly before getting under the covers.

I hadn't realized I was gawking until she crooked her finger in my direction. "Coming?"

I was naked in a split second, and practically dove into bed, making her giggle again. I trapped her warm little body under mine and commenced nibbling and nipping at her, wanting her laughter to go on forever. As much as I wanted her again, this wasn't the time. She was exhausted, and I simply wanted her in my arms and happy.

We settled quickly, and Sookie snuggled into my chest, her warmth spreading over my cool skin. In a little voice, she tentatively asked, "Eric?"

"Yes, angel?"

She paused. "What will they do with Bill? I mean... is there a plan for him?"

"I truly don't know," I answered truthfully. "If I were to guess, though, I would say Christophe will use him to set an example at the ball. It will be useful to show up and use him as proof of the incompetence of the queendom of Louisiana. Compton was warned once, and chose to ignore it. But do not worry, my love," I said, leaning down to kiss her. "We will care for you. This will all turn out well, I promise."

I sent her as much love and calm through the bond as I could muster, and it made her sigh happily. "I love you, too, Eric," she whispered, as she drifted off to sleep.

The next time I opened my eyes, I was disappointingly alone in bed. From what I could tell, Sookie had been in and out of the bedroom a few times during the day while I was at rest. My busy little bee... but what had she been up to?

I lingered quite awhile longer, reflecting on what was coming. We still had this night to ourselves before needing to make our appearance at the ball. I knew there were things I needed to discuss with Sookie, and much more I wanted to share. Tonight was a good night.

I unnecessarily stretched and rose out of bed, making my way toward the bathroom to take a fast shower. The bond was sending me little bursts of glee, which almost made me feel like giggling. I frowned to myself and grunted loudly to compensate. Vikings. Don't. Giggle. Nonetheless, I was happy to feel Sookie enjoying herself, whatever she was currently up to.

I dressed quickly and went in search of the source of merriment, but I didn't need to search for long. I opened the door to Pam's room, finding Sookie, Pam, and Christophe, apparently playing dress up with Pam's old clothes. All three were in hysterics; Christophe was stretched out on the bed, while my child and my bonded were doubled over in the dressing area. Both were dressed in incredibly outlandish frocks, all glitter and tulle. While Sookie was beautiful no matter what she wore... this was certainly putting that theory to the test.

Pam noticed me in the doorway first. She wiped blood tears from her eyes as she yelped excitedly, "Oooh, Eric! I think Cinderella's ready for the ball! Don't you think it's to DIE for?!"

I could only cover my mouth, as Pam turned my bonded to face me. Her hair was in a side ponytail, in some type of holder I thought I remember being called a "scrunchie". It was a shade of pink that was so bright it should have come with batteries, and was perfectly matched to the monstrosity of a dress she wore, which was puffed out in every way imaginable. She completed her look with matching dyed pumps, and white tube socks rolled down to her ankles. She struggled to keep her own tears of laughter at bay.

I looked at my brother, shrugged my shoulders, and said with a laugh, "I think it's a winner for the ball. One look at this, and they'll beg me to keep her to myself!"

Sookie feigned shock, but erupted into laughter once more. I joined Christophe on the bed while the girls giggled their way through a few more horrifying ensembles, thereby making a strong case for Pam to clean out her poor closet.

When my little angel looked more herself again in a pair of jeans and a figure-hugging sweater, I pulled her to me for a lingering, heated kiss. I could feel the way it made her heart flutter, and it made me desperate to have her alone and naked. Gods, I needed to control myself!

We ventured together to the kitchen so Sookie could have something to eat. As she was cleaning up, Godric called for us to join him in the library. The business part of the evening was starting earlier than I had anticipated.

Sookie looked worried as we took our seats on the plush couch. The fire was going strong, casting an almost eerie glow on the faces of my family. Pam was folded into the couch opposite ours, while Christophe leaned against the mantle, eyes following a pacing Godric.

A moment or two passed before my maker spoke. "Tomorrow night's gala will be a stressful event. I have called you here to ensure we all understand our part, and what I intend to pass." He paused, as if choosing his words carefully. "Sookie, my dearest, please understand, you are both loved and respected amongst our family. You must remember this before I tell you what is expected."

Sookie nodded, although she was deeply confused.

Godric went on, "Good. Then you must know, when we are at the ball, there are certain... behaviors that are expected from the humans accompanying any vampire guest. Do you understand?" It was clear to us all that Godric was doing his best not to offend Sookie.

I was surprised when she merely rolled her eyes in response. "Cheese and rice, Godric, you sound like a politician! You can sugarcoat it all you want, but I get it. I'm a lesser being than the vampires, I should stay quiet and submissive, only speak when spoken to, yadda yadda yadda. The douche gave me this entire spiel before we even left Louisiana!"

Once again, she'd rendered four vampires speechless.

Godric unnecessarily cleared his throat, trying to hide a chuckle. "I can assure you, dear one, you are in no way inferior. In fact, I daresay there is more to you than any of us realize." There was a brief, pointed look in my direction. "It is unfortunate, though, many of the vampires who will be in attendance do go by the backwards sort of thinking which leads them to believe what you say. It makes my heart heavy to think I once had the very same notion. I would like to believe, however, that age has made me just a little wiser." He winked at Sookie, which made her laugh.

"That being said, I have been working tirelessly to figure out the proper approach, one that will ensure your safety, and ours as well." He looked around the room. "I have contacted the Ancient Pythoness."

"The WHO?" Sookie blurted out.

"The Ancient Pythoness, my dear. She is the oldest of our kind, rumored to be one of the first to roam the Earth. She is an Oracle, and the authority above all others on this plain. She is fair and just, and is exactly who we need in our corner for a guaranteed victory. It is my hope that no matter how deranged the Queen of Louisiana has become, even she would know better than to argue the word of the Pythoness. Unless she truly wishes to meet a messy end, that is."

I was speechless. I was astounded my maker had gone to all the trouble of contacting the Oracle, not only because she was nearly impossible to make contact with, but that he'd taken such a drastic step to ensure Sookie's safety.

Christophe interrupted the silence. "Mon amour, did you speak with her directly? What did she say?"

Godric smiled widely. "Yes, in fact I did. She was exceptionally happy to hear of the union. She stated she became aware of Sookie's path the day she was born."

I squeezed Sookie's hand. It was my turn to be confused. "Godric, what are you saying?"

"I'm saying, my son, that according to the Pythoness, the vampire and the fairy princess are destined to be."

Sookie jumped to her feet, her breathing now erratic. Her eyes narrowed in Godric's direction. "What the hell does that mean? Is this a joke? Who the hell is the fairy princess?" In her anger, she was not putting two and two together. She stood almost defensively in front of me, her small fists clenched.

Godric beamed. "Do you not understand, my dear? You. The fairy princess is you."

One short, shallow breath came from her mouth... before she passed out, right into my arms.

Pam sat motionless, mouth agape. Godric covered his own with his hand.

And a shocked Christophe shook his head, quietly stating in a perfect accent, "Soooookieeeee, you've got some 'splaining to do..."

If I could have, I'd have passed out right along with her.

A/N: Remember, reviews make me happyyyyy! ;)