Dark Storm Rising
Chapter 10
A/N: A couple of chapters back, I had Del mention their cousin Zeline Paquette, a literal wildcat with the Brigant Fae ability to channel electricity through a unique medium. She's grown up with the Northmans and has chosen to follow Ásatrú (the religion true to the Aesir). Zeline is the daughter of Jason and his ex-girlfriend, a wildcat Cajun shifter named Marie Paquette. The Northmans took Zeline under their wing and she is closer to the Northmans than she is to her dad, Jason, who is off camping with a new girlfriend and is unreachable. In Vodou (also spelled Voodoo) Lwas are entities much like saints. A mambo is a Vodou priestess.
Norse Notes: Northern cosmology is unique in presenting "destiny of the gods," or Ragnarok--a final battle in which the Gods and their followers will fight against the forces of entropy and destructive chaos led by Loki (whose element is fire) and Surt, the lord of Muspelheim (the primordial world of raging fire).
Building up the army of Asgard (the home of the Aesir gods) in preparation for Ragnarok is the driving motivation for Odin. Way back in Understanding when the goddesses are setting the Northman's wyrd in motion--Freya mentions that Odin is behind the girls' conception. He's had a plan for them for ages, literally!
A gythja is a priestess of the Aesir. Kirsten earns the right of fullrettirsorð ", full penalty, meaning that she can kill her sister's attacker with impunity.
Thanks AmaZen for editing this monster chapter solo while FDM reads thirty plus fics for the Eric & His Great Pumpkin competition. Please check out the competition entries!
As always, CH's characters are hers and hers alone. My characters and the concept of Daughters of the Blood are mine and mine alone.
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Everyone has their obsession
Consuming thoughts, consuming time
They hold high their prized possession
That defines the meaning of their lives
You are mine
You are mine
You are mine, all mine
You are mine
There are objects of affection
That can mesmerize the soul
There is always one addiction
That just cannot be controlled
You are mine
You are mine
You are mine, all mine
You are mine
Mute Math "You Are Mine"
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When it came to his special guest, Eric insisted that he be subjected to the same scrutiny as any other individual seeking access to the heavily guarded suites beyond the armed guards, video surveillance, and thumb print sensors. A dark elf, Fae, or some even more powerful being could easily assume his outward form, but fingerprints and scent would be difficult to replicate. As he walked down the corridor leading to the Royal Suite, waves of power washed over him. After a retinal scan, the guards bowed him into the suite. Two powerful women awaited him. The Ancient Pythoness was seated on a throne-like chair. Her wild, white hair, floated in a gossamer nimbus about her head as her sightless eyes stared directly at him. Next to her stood a tall, austere woman with proud, patrician features and eyes like green ice. Her long, unbound hair was the color of ripened wheat. She wore a blue, traditional Viking overgarment over a white gown. He checked a wave of apprehension. The presence of Finna Hrútsdóttir, High Gythja of the Aesir and eldest of the ancient Nordic priestesses, confirmed the enormity of the threat against them.
Eric knelt as the Ancient Pythoness and the Norse Gythja extended their hands in blessing. Finna sat next to the Ancient Pythoness and indicated that Eric should sit on the chair that faced them. The Ancient Pythoness's harshly accented voice broke the silence.
"The High Gythja and I have been summoned here through the powerful sendings of a deity. Our visions were alarmingly similar. We saw the entity that supports the axis of the nine worlds and the very fabric of existence shaken to its roots."
Finna nodded solemnly. "Yes the World-Tree is threatened. The prophesies are being realized. In the end times the dead will openly walk the earth; chaos, oath breaking, and violence will reign in the world of men. I believe that the Great Revelation fulfills the first part of the prophesy. Certainly despite all of its technological advances, Midgard is more chaotic and dishonorable today than at any former time in my existence. I was brought here by my lord Thor--the guardian of Midgard who roots our world firmly in the multi-verse. We are upon the brink. The end approaches unless our choices are true and our resolve is unbreakable."
"Thor has shown me that Kirsten must come into her own as a priestess now. She must be hallowed and strengthened, even as her sister must be hallowed and strengthened in another realm. To become great champions in the battles to come, they must withstand their ordeals and be willing to change for the sake of the greater good. This is their wyrd.
The dark hollows of The Ancient Pythoness's eyes fixed upon Eric.
"We go to battle in a dying world. The rogue states in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa have put the world on the brink of a nuclear disaster. Genocide and territorial battles abound. The winds have shifted causing climate change, famine, floods, and mass extinctions. No being of this realm will escape the consequences of these times. I fear that this attack reveals similar schisms within the supernatural community. Sides have been drawn and armies amassed. We have been heedless. Tomorrow night, when the others reveal what they know, we will learn the extent of this disaster. Now, my child, tell us of your sending and of what you have learned from the captured enemies."
Eric explained, "Eighteen years ago, I was taken through Sedir magic to the lowest world. There I saw the Bound One. He told me to "choose well," when the time came. This week my wife and I experienced another Sedir vision. We saw Ragnarok. We saw our daughter Adele standing between the armies of Odin and the Aesir and the armies of Surt and Loki." His eyes darkened. "We saw her death." Eric explained what the captured enemy had revealed and of his daughter's determination to offer up her enemy in battle during the blόt.
Finna's cool voice broke the silence.
"You saw a vision of what might be. Orlog, our individual strand of wyrd, is affected by the choices we make. Her fate may be otherwise. What is clear that the most fanatical of Loki's followers have rededicated themselves to his cause. If Ulswater has been set free, as you suppose, the Aesir have at least one traitor in their midst. For ages Loki has lain bound and suffering. As his time nears, his powers grow. Loki may lie upon a slab, in a bleak cavern, but his mind and voice, his powers of manifestation are NOT bound. Therefore He is not bound. He is Utgard, an outland intruder of giant stock. He is chaos. He is the true enemy. Our visions and what we know of him prove that his power increases. I fear that his forces are vast. He is bound through the magic of the Aesir. You are sworn to the Aesir. Your blood bond to your wife is more powerful than any in the history of the Vampire race. Have you ever wondered why?"
Before Eric could respond, the Ancient Pythoness' voice grated harshly,
"After exchanging our visions, the Gythja and I conjecture that the magic of your bonds to the Aesir has remained in you more strongly than in others. Your fate has always been tied to the Aesir. Down the ages, across the far-flung web of wyrd, the All-Father, who sacrificed his eye for the sake of knowledge and hung for nine days upon the World-Tree pierced by his own sword, perceived his future need and fixed the bonding magic of a pledged follower more firmly within you. This powerful bond magic lay dormant until it was awakened in your bond with your wife. It flowed from you into her, and from her into your daughters. By the instruction of the Lord Odin, the Lady Freya hallowed and fixed your seed within her, increasing the magic of the bond. Your bond magic flows from the All-Father. It is the same magic that binds Loki fast. To rise again, he must destroy all magic that is connected to his binding. Your family contains the last of that magic. If the bonds are released through death or magical extraction--the last links that hold Loki will be destroyed. He will arise. Heimdall will bow his horn and call the Aesir to Ragnarok, the last battle."
Eric sat in stunned silence. Fear for the safety of his daughters, wife, and unborn child battered him. His mind raced as he analyzed what they knew and what they suspected. Would Adele be safe in Niall's sanctuary? Kirsten was changing and he couldn't be at her side. Sookie, his beloved wife, was exhausted, frightened, and angry and he could not hold her and speak with her. The gods had placed his family on the knife's edge of destruction. There must be a reason - surely the All-Father had a plan. He clenched his fist and spoke with quiet firmness.
"In war there is no prize for the runner-up. We need to know for certain who is friend and who is foe, and how my family fits into the Aesir's plans."
Finna nodded. "These are our goals as well. Your daughter Kirsten must come to us tomorrow after the meeting. Your daughter has earned the right of fullrettirsorð. We will hold the blόt in your sacred grove while the moon is dark in three days. She must remain with us until then. We will summon you when it is time for her ordeal. The moon power will be strong for dark angers and passions. The dark moon is the time for dealing with attackers and bringing justice to bear."
The Ancient Pythoness leaned forward. "Is there more that you would ask us, or tell us?"
Eric hesitated. "My wife is two months pregnant."
The Ancient Pythoness folded her hands and seemed lost in contemplation. Finna smiled thoughtfully and regarded him kindly.
"You have an extraordinary family with a mighty wyrd. When I meet your wife, I will learn more. Do not worry overmuch. The new life the gods have granted you is not without a purpose."
The Ancient Pythoness's handmaids returned to the room, signaling the end of the interview.
As Eric undressed and prepared to rest, he reached out to Sookie from the core of his being. His body ached for her. His longing for Sookie went beyond lust and love. They were one in spirit. Like deep roots intertwining, their magical bond had grown and evolved into the core of their beings. Without it, their lives would be barren. He wanted to feel her all around him, to inhale the rich, sweet fragrance of her fertile body, to be wrapped in the familiar comfort of her arms. He sensed her exhaustion, fear and anger. But these things were nothing and her love triumphed over them. Before sleep took him, he whispered her name and groaned as her response flooded his mind.
Need you. Want you. Love you.
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(Later that afternoon)
Niall Brigant popped into Zeline Paquette's living room as the red sun sank beneath a pool of salmon and red clouds.
Niall had loved this great-great granddaughter from his very first visit, back in Marie Paquette's old bungalow south of Lake Charles. From the beginning, Zeline had been formidably intelligent and courageous, showing a rare gift for making correct decisions instantly.
At puberty, she had proven to be a true Sky Brigant, able to channel lightening and particularly adept at channeling it through a material object. Although she could channel with any object, her favorite tool was a bullwhip. Her Fae boyfriend, Charles, had helped her learn to channel through the whip until she could direct the power with lethal accuracy.
Embracing his great-great granddaughter, Niall asked, "Where is your father?"
Zeline shrugged. "Off camping with his new woman, somewhere in the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness." Jason Stackhouse could be a pain sometimes and Zeline was glad to have him out of her fur for awhile.
Niall's eyes flashed angrily. "And your mother?"
"She and her boyfriend went to New Orleans to their Hounfo, their Vodou house, to help their Mambo with an initiation. They're calling down a Lwa for wisdom and blessings. Anyway, I'm staying with dad now --just till LSU's fall semester starts. Maman's boyfriend and I don't get along."
The corner of Niall's mouth twisted with exasperation. "They are both useless! You mother put her man before you and Jason left you alone again without any thought for your protection! Will they never learn?"
Zeline's parents loved her, but in Niall's estimation they were both dead losses. It hadn't taken much encouragement to get Sookie and Eric involved as parent surrogates, with Del and Kirsten becoming the sisters Zeline didn't have. It was the Northmans and the Brigants who gave her what stability she had.
She looked into the Prince's troubled green eyes. "You worry too much grand-grand père. I can take pretty good care of myself. I have you and Aunt Sookie and Uncle Eric. Charles is always here for me when I need him, and mon oncle's vamps shadow me at night."
A wave of apprehension swept through her as she took in Niall's uneasy expression.
"Has something happened?"
Niall embraced her and explained all he knew of the attack on Del and Kirs. Zeline wept tears of sorrow and fury as he spoke.
"Our family has been attacked. Tell me we're going to make them pay," she growled angrily as she gathered her jacket, whip and motorcycle helmet.
"That is the plan," said Niall, cupping her cheek in his hand. "I have to go now. Your aunt, uncle and I will expect you at the Valhalla. Your uncle sends an escort to protect you. There is a box waiting for you at the VIP entrance with a change of clothing, courtesy of Claudine." Niall smiled slightly. "I've sent Claude to Alfheim. Claudine and Charles will be with me." He kissed her forehead and disappeared with a soft "pop."
Zeline secured the coiled bullwhip in her saddlebag, admiring the sleek lines and shining chrome of Charles' eighteenth birthday present. Then she tore off on the top-of-the-line Ducati 3000 motorcycle, aware that she was being shadowed by at least four Vamps.
At the VIP entrance to The Valhalla, she dismounted. Removing her helmet, Zeline shook out her very long, thick, chestnut hair and gave her bike to the human parking valet. She smiled when Pierre, a big Cajun vamp who had recently moved here from southern Louisiana wolf whistled.
"Bonjour beau…how's it hanging?"
Pierre leaned forward inhaling deeply. Zeline's tangy, slightly sweet scent was unmistakable.
"Mmmmm. It's not hanging at all when you're around cher. When are you gonna drop the fairy? Dancez avec moi! I'll teach you some new steps. Two Cajuns, we make beautiful music together! "
Zeline grinned. Her emerald eyes flashed with amusement. "I know you could beau. But, les vampires are sooo controlling and mon Fée takes good care of me. Besides, he can play in the woods with me when I change." Her expression darkened and her eyes flashed. "But now I need to see ma tante et ma cousine and take care of business."
She slung her leather jacket over her shoulder and headed through the door.
Pierre hungrily watched her bottom twitch as she walked away. "Someday I'm going to peel off those tight pants and get to know what's underneath."
His companion shook his head ruefully. "If you want to keep your nuts, you best mind your manners. Zeline's as good as royalty here. The Sheriff is very protective of his niece, shifter or no…especially now. She's of the inangard, the Sheriff's clan, and a war has started. She gets the same protection as Kirsten."
In a lavish executive suite, Zeline swept her hair into a dramatic, asymmetrical chignon accented with crystal hair pins, then slipped into a black silk sheath dress. She paused, half hidden behind one of the ash pillars at the entrance to The Valhalla's conference room. Her expression stilled and grew serious. Although she rarely picked up thoughts, she was very good at sensing emotions even among other supes. She remained absolutely motionless for a moment taking in the tableau and assessing the players. Nobility, VIPs and VIVs were everywhere. Her boyfriend Charles and her cousin Claudine stood beside her great-great grandfather who was deep in conversation with Alcide Herveaux. Claudine was dressed to kill in a 3-inch black stilettos and a black silk dress with a deep V neckline and empire waist, which focused attention upon her magnificent breasts. One of the Lafazia family's sons, probably representing his father and mother, was speaking excitedly to the glacially silent King Stan.
Oncle Eric's arms encircled Tante Sookie's waist protectively. Both looked grim, although Tante Sookie was as beautiful as ever as she leaned into his embrace. She recognized two of the other sheriffs. The one talking to a slightly dour-faced Pam was Victor Madden. That douche had thoroughly eye-fucked her, then tried to glamour her, when she had met him a year ago. Of course, that didn't work on her any more than it did on her cousins. There was also a dark, attractive Vamp with nineteenth century sideburns whose expression was at once intense and secretive. His dark eyes absorbed her beautiful tante like a long drink of cool water. Tante Sookie was simply and elegantly dressed in a white Prada sheath dress, her long golden hair elegantly twisted into a classic chignon. Oncle Eric would kill the dark-haired Vamp if he saw that look.
Kirsten was speaking with another dark-haired Vamp, this one tall and devilishly handsome, with a definite air of command. Kirsten smiled up at him, as he gazed tenderly down at her. A tall, Nordic female with long blond braids stoo with them. Zeline knew that Kirs and Jacques had fought, so this must be her new man. She took a frank, admiring look at his tall, perfectly proportioned body.
Zeline examined Kirsten intently as well, aware as only another supe could be of her cousin's changes. Kirsten was even more magnificent now that she had crossed. Against the cobalt blue of her silk dress, her skin seemed like peach tinted cream, and her register was exponentially more powerful. There was something special about this new man. Before stepping into view, Zeline focused and broadcast her thoughts to Kirsten.
Way to go ma petite amie! That was fast work!
Kirsten's eyes darted across the room. She said something to her vamp who regarded Zeline with an intense, appraising look. Tall, dark and handsome said something to Kirsten, whose mouth quirked in a wry grin before she hurried to Zeline.
The cousins embraced unaware of the many males in the room who were admiring the equally tall and beautiful blond and brunette.
Silently she said, I'm so sorry Kirs! I wish I had been with you that night…Next time you fight, I'll be there!
Kirsten's expressive face assumed a look of implacable determination.
"The first fight's coming up Z. It'll be a blόt, though the bitch doesn't know that yet. Will you be my second? If I go down, I want this bitch finished off."
Zeline's look mingled eagerness and concern. "Of course I will Kirs. If this is the bitch that cut Del, I'll claw her to ribbons." She touched the silver hammer pedant that hung about her neck, topped by the staring face of Thor himself, "I swear it."
Zeline nudged Kirsten and projected, Who's the dark vamp with the sideburns? Dude looks like he got stood up for a date!
Kirsten touched Zeline's temple so that she could receive her thoughts more strongly. Zeline was a weak telepath, Kirsten thought, because she never practiced. But contact usually did the trick.
That's Bill Compton. You know the big IT vamp. Rich as hell apparently. Lives with a concert pianist now named Alyssa Wood--Del's played with her, so Bill's met Del. Alyssa's got supe blood, so the dude likes to mix his flavors, I guess. He and mom were an item once, but there was some serious shit between them. He's in the wedding pics, so I guess they got over it. Anyhow, this is the first I've seen of him. Felipe wanted him here, so he had to come.
Zeline glanced at Eric who was eyeing Kirsten and Zeline with raised eyebrows. Because of the connection Kirs had established, his voice came through loud and clear to both of them.
It's rude to speak a foreign language in front of our guests, especially now!
Kirsten's lip quirked.
How else can I fill Z in on all of the dirt about the ones she doesn't know? If we whisper they'll hear us.
Eric's eyebrows slanted in a frown.
Then your information is better left unsaid and…un…thought!
Toller and the Nordic woman joined them. Kirsten made the introductions. Zeline curtseyed to Toller, who was, after all, a king.
Her eyes flashed with amusement when he announced, "I'm astonished that one family could contain so many beautiful women."
Zeline touched her forehead in deference to the ancient Gythja.
"My connection to the Aesir is through the Fae and my distant German ancestors, but I am true."
Just then, Felipe De Castro swept into the room with the panache of a stage magician. His hallmark cape lined with red silk swirled about him as he made his grand entrance surrounded by members of his retinue, two of whom walked in front with his standard, a dove caught in a falcon's claws. Despite her father's orders, Kirsten telepathically translated the Latin for Zeline.
" 'Beati possidentes,' means 'The happy who possess.'"
All of the non-royals bowed to the regent of three states, Zeline peeked up. His eyes raked over her boldly, from her sandals to her cleavage, finally sweeping over her face. His dark eyes narrowed speculatively and Zeline glared. Across the room Charles' face darkened and his hands began to glow. Niall gripped his arm. Charles hadn't missed Felipe's perusal or her flare of temper.
Felipe's arresting good looks would capture any woman's attention. He was a powerful, handsome man. She also knew from her relatives that De Castro was unscrupulous enough to take what he wanted. And what he wanted most was Del, now gone to the Fae realm. Zeline was afraid that she might be considered as a consolation prize. Was Felipe vindictive enough to wound Del that badly? From the look on Stan's face, he considered that a definite possibility. If they discovered that Felipe was behind the attack, Stan and Eric would kill him tonight. Zeline would enjoy watching the showy bastard die.
Felipe greeted the other royals; Eric and Sookie, then the most important dignitaries according to their rank.
When he approached Kirsten she sank into an effortless curtsy and murmured, "Mi Señor."
Felipe raised her. He, in turn, bowed. Kirsten's face flushed as every individual in the room including her mother and father, were obliged to do the same.
His dark, brown eyes softened, "Mi Doña. We rejoice that you have truly come into your own." He was fond of Kirsten.
Even as he played the role of affectionate guardian, Felipe's practical mind calculated what would be gained from Kirsten's crossing over. Kirsten Northman was beautiful, immensely powerful, and fertile. Many, many of the old ones would want her. The sooner she was betrothed, and under the protection of another powerful king, the better, though he would not see her unhappily wed.
Eric had informed him about Toller Hammarskjöld's visit, noting that they shared cultural ties and were linked by ancestry. Hammarskjöld's North Sea oil, shipping, and banking investments had made him immensely wealthy. As Kirsten's guardian and king, Felipe was entitled to a substantial percentage of her enormous bride price.
Felipe was genuinely outraged that the noble maidens under his protection had been attacked and violated. When he was informed of his darling Adele's rape and poisoning, he had crushed his custom mahogany desk with one blow. Adele should be his queen. Yet against his strongest admonitions, she had pledged herself to the barbaric Texan who would suspect him of the worst. But there was still time, once she returned, to change her mind.
Beyond his passion for Adele, and affection for Kirsten, there was the matter of his kingdom's security. The attack upon such valuable women in the heart of Felipe's kingdom made him appear weak, and the necessity of Adele's physical removal by the Fae galled him to the core. His response must be well planned and entirely lethal if his kingdom was not to be considered ripe for invasion by other kings and queens.
The entire group turned as deep, resonant voice announced, "All rise for The Ancient Pythoness of Delphi and the High Gythja of the Aesir!" Kirsten sank to her knees before the holy women as was her duty as a novice.
"Bless me Mothers."
The ancient priestess smiled toothlessly and placed her withered hands on Kirsten's shining head.
"In the name of the Great Ones, be thou blessed."
The Ancient Pythoness was reverently seated in a throne-like chair at the head of the vast oak table.
Her stentorian voice announced, "Heed me now. We come together as allies united against a common enemy. This is a council of war, not a formal banquet. We meet at the brink. I would have each member speak his or her mind freely and tell all that they know."
Eric looked about the room. His family, Toller, Niall, and Stan, and the priestesses knew that they existed in a world where the words of prophesy had become reality.
Felipe folded his hands, and leaned forward, his dark eyes flashing, "My entire kingdom is on alert. I have committed my troops to pursuing, engaging, and destroying, the creatures who planned this attack." His gazed shifted dramatically, from Stan, to Niall, to the shifter Calvin Norris. "Sheriff Northman informs me that both Vampire and Fae forces participated in this attack. Despite the differences among us, in this we must be united. If my suspicious are correct, this attack is only the first battle of a much larger conflict that will affect us all."
"My intelligence has revealed that Queen Maude of Minnesota, King Jacek of Wisconsin, Queen Natasha of Alberta, and King Mosiah Young of Utah have formed a clandestine alliance under the guise of trade. Utah's activities are of great interest to me. Mercenaries are flocking to these allied states. Significantly, all of these rulers and many of their followers have the same sire or grandsire, Valur Sigurdsson, King of Iceland." The king glanced at Bill Compton. " Tell them what you have discovered."
Bill's coolly impersonal voice broke the stillness. "They also have major holdings in a multinational known as Fenris Corporation. It is a corporation in which many rogue nations have invested and in which many prominent Werewolves, such as Mr. Herveaux here, hold stock. " Felipe regarded Alcide Herveaux with deceptive mildness. "Perhaps Mr. Herveaux could enlighten us further regarding Fenris Corporation."
Alcide Herveaux shifted restlessly on his chair, "It's true that many Weres around the world have stock in Fenris Corporation. Although the human community is unaware of this, the company is almost solely run by Weres. The CEO, Adolphus Eberhardt, is the council leader and chief lawgiver of all of the Austrian packs. His grandfather founded the company just after World War Two. Because of his generous aid to many supernatural and human refugees, Conrad Eberhardt was considered a humanitarian--a good leader and businessman worthy of the Were community's financial support. His first ventures were in coal and petroleum, later expanding to include gold, diamonds, and a number of other commodities. During the past thirty years Fenris has shifted the bulk of its assets to nuclear energy and is now the world's sixth largest nuclear energy corporation. They even have an ad campaign promoting nuclear energy as a clean, safe alternative to our energy problems. Some Vampires and a few prominent humans have investments in Fenris as well."
Toller's eyes were glowing silver during Alcide's speech. Felipe acknowledged him with a nod, "Your Majesty has some knowledge of this company?"
Toller voice was cold and level, but more heavily accented than usual. "I have heard much of Fenris, more than perhaps Mr. Herveaux or many investors know. As Iceland and Norway are heavily invested in Fenris, I made it my business to find out as much as possible. Fenris Corporation's current European ad campaign has won over many leaders who are deeply concerned by the environmental disaster that humans have unleashed. Fenris claims that we must not allow misinformation and scare tactics to influence those making the important energy decisions. Yet, they are secretly involved in making one of the most accurate and lethal nuclear weapons -- the Scythe Peace Keeper missile. What only a few Weres and prominent supernatural followers realize is that Fenris is guided by the master of misinformation, he whose cunning is unsurpassed. Fenris's CEO and major investors have always been among his most devoted followers. The corporation is named Fenris with good reason."
Finna Hrútsdóttir's deep, calm voice commanded everyone's attention, "Kirsten Ericdóttir will explain. It will soon be her duty to relate the lore."
Kirsten glanced about the room. Some knew the lore; others did not. She knew that she must explain it properly so that her king, the shifter, Victor Madden, and the other sheriffs would at least understand the symbolism of the name.
Her voice was shakier than she would have liked. Fortunately no one seemed to notice the tremor in her voice. "Fenris is another name for Fenrir,a great ravening wolf," she began. "He is the son of the Jotten Loki-- the evil trickster, the fire Jotten, always mischievous, deceptive, and scheming. He is sacred to many shifters because he himself is a shape shifter. He and his son Fenrir are sacred to some Were clans because he is considered to be the father of the Were race and his son the first true Were. For a time the gods kept Fenrir in Asgard, but the wolf kept growing and eating, until it became clear, that if he were not contained, he would destroy them all. The gods tried to bind Fenrir, but he broke every fetter they created. Finally Odin, bound Fenrir to a rock with a magical chain made from impossible things: the sound of a cat's footfall, the beard of a woman, the roots of a mountain, bear's sinews, fish's breath, and bird's spittle."
Her voice became hushed. "It is prophesied that when Ragnarok, the end time, comes Fenrir will break his chains and aid in the destruction of the worlds."
Stan growled, "Many of the children of Fenrir are our enemies. Offspring of Loki attacked our villages, killed our livestock and destroyed our sacred places. I will not deny that there are many Weres who are innocent of blood insult against us, but those who actively follow Loki must be hunted down and destroyed for the preservation of the Tree and the survival of our races!"
Both Calvin Norris and Alcide Herveaux rose, their eyes glowing, snarls upon their lips. Far away, across a timeless void, the Bound One shifted, delighting in the ripples of chaos it detected.
The Ancient Pythoness rose from her seat, her voice booming. "Peace! Such behavior is exactly what our enemies hope for. Hear the words of the prophesy as they were given to me:
Brothers will fight and kill each other,
Cousins will destroy kinship.
It is hard in the world
The seas rise and Surt cracks the earth
Bringing famine and death
An ax age, a sword age, shields are split,
A wind age, a wolf age, before the world falls;
No man will spare another.
"Is it your desire to play into the hands of the enemy? Never doubt that the being known to some as Loki, the master of chaos and dissension, is the force behind this turmoil. When he rises, which he most certainly will if you do not unite the world as we know it will end. He is the force behind the greed that caused the very climate of the earth to change. He has had ages in captivity to plan his assaults. Do you doubt that your weakness is his strength? Dividing the forces that would unite against him would further his goal and bring about Ragnarok! You, who are leaders and captains of your peoples, think well. Loki's allies are strong, organized. They have been promised great rewards.
If the mastermind was a vampire lord, allegiances would be demanded—and there would be war among the clans, possibly worldwide. Who are the powerful allies? If the attack upon the Northman Daughter Adele was overseen by a Fae lord, surely the vampires of Felipe de Castro, King Stan, and King Toller would join with the forces of Niall Brigant and there would be an inter-species war.
If one of the players is a Vampire King with many servants and children in prominent positions, the problem deepens. Sides will be drawn and there will be civil war among vampires. And if Weres take sides in this dispute as well, we will be engulfed in a world-wide interspecies war. The relative peace Supernaturals have enjoyed for nearly two decades will collapse. Loki understands very well that to divide is to conquer. Will you play right into his hands?" Her unseeing glare swept through the gathering as she sank back into her seat.
"Now, Prince Niall of the Álfar, please share with us what you have discovered."
Before speaking, Niall closed his eyes for a moment to review his knowledge and conclusions.
The presence of demons at the attack was significant. He was sure of that. But vampires as a rule did not lead demons, although they were not above employing them.
To command the obedience of so many demons, the middleman must be a powerful Fae lord. Who, of all of his enemies would be the most, determined and capable of such an act? There could only be one other who had the power, determination, and maliciousness of spirit to carry out such an offensive.
Opening his eyes, Prince Niall, the eldest and most powerful member of the Council, began to speak.
"I have inspected the demons and prisoners and have shared my great, great granddaughter Kirsten's memory of the attack. The Fae guards say that the demons are mercenaries hired out by a middleman they know as 'the Ice King' to abduct Kirsten, and rape and kill Adele. But 'the Ice King' is only one participant in this foul attack. The presence of the Vampire Brynjolfur indicates that the situation is more complicated."
His voice was filled with certainty. "The true mastermind behind this attack is crafty beyond our comprehension. He will use the designs of others to cloak his ultimate intentions. There is no doubt that my greatest enemy, the Fae Lord Sewell Ulswater, supplied the demons. The signature of his magic saturated the warded demons' minds. It was his magic that brought them into this world. The Ulswaters and Brigants have been adversaries for centuries. Eighteen years ago we defeated his forces here in Midgard and I banished him to the great chasm of Ginnungagap. A being of great power has released him and he is again at large. He would see my line extinguished and disgraced. Kirsten and Adele's abduction and defilementwould serve this purpose; he would certainly use them as pawns to force me to …abdicate my position…and release my retainers and territory to him."
If Ulswater were the only source of this evil, I would move to exterminate him immediately. Although my losses would be great, his would be greater. My warriors are more numerous and skilled and I have the command of legions of light elves and the backing of the Aesir." Here, he glanced at Alcide Herveaux. "There are also Were in my employ whose famlies have been connected to the Brigants for generations who provide support as scouts and bodyguards in this world."
While he paused, considering, Eric interjected.
"Under interrogation, both vampires admitted that they are sworn followers of the Jotten Loki. Bothvild, the female assassin, was hired by Ulswater to attack and poison Adele."
Niall resumed speaking. "I believe that my enemy has established links with adversaries of the Aesir--Loki, many Were clans, all of the Jotten clans of Jottenheim, and other supernaturals such as ancient vampires and their progeny who owe him allegiance. There are even humans devoted to him whom he has maneuvered into positions of power."
"Adele and Kirsten are magical beings whose lineage unites the three realms, human, vampire, and Fae for the first time in millennium. And now the tie is extended through Kirsten's link to the goddess Freya. It is essential that the supernatural community understand the magnitude of what has been set in motion."
He regarded each council member gravely, holding their eyes briefly.
"Ulswater's revenge involved striking at, Adele, the Brigant's most valuable asset. It is intimate and tribal, but I am certain that Loki, the Aesir's sworn enemy, had a hand in it as well. Adele Northman is a child tied to many worlds. As she matures, her powers will be vast. The Aesir claimed her and Kirsten from their conception and both girls are links to many realms, but it is Adele whose orlog will affect the wyrd of many realms. I suspect from the prisoners' revelations that Ulswater was freed by a deity sympathetic to Loki. Loki would not have had Ulswater freed unless Ulswater was sworn to obey him. The attack on Adele served them both.
There is more to be discovered but this much I do know with certainty. My great-great granddaughters are unifiers. They links the worlds by creating, bonds, both spiritual and physical, that have not existed for millennium, since early times when the worlds interacted more openly. And it is no accident that they were born in this time to such unique parents when the worlds are blighted physically and spiritually. For the time being Adele rests safely, protected within my sanctuary in Alfheim. Her healing progresses. I can say no more except that her ultimate fate is in the hands of the beings who aided in her conception. She is precious to them."
The council members sat in silence as the Prince's words permeated their thoughts.
The Ancient Pythoness' withered face turned unerringly.
"In light of the Prince's revelations, we will hear what Bill Compton has learned regarding the male rogue and his connections within the vampire clans."
Bill's cool voice could have been discussing the weather as he dropped his informational bomb.
"The rogue, who is now finally dead, was Brynjolfur Snorrason. He had been living in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia for the past century. Before that he roamed around Scandinavia. He was turned in the 10th century in what is now Norway. He is the child of Valur Sigurdsson the King of Iceland."
Toller snarled. Eric showed fang. Bill paused, his face impassive. King Felipe raised an eyebrow.
"King Toller, perhaps you can enlighten us?"
Toller's brows drew together.
"Valur Sigurdsson is a worshiper of the Jotten Loki and is my enemy in life and death. In my human youth, my father's chiefdom lay along the south-west coast of Sweden. Our clan was dedicated to Odin. My wife, Selin Sigurdsdóttir, was a seer, a priestess of the Aesir, dedicated to the goddess Freya. She and Valur were half-siblings, born twenty years apart. Valur was the oldest son and Selin the youngest child by Sigurdsson's youngest wife. Valur was supposedly killed in battle when Selin was an infant. So she would have no reason to suspect that her own brother would break thew and firth and become his sister's murderer. In a Sedir vision, she saw Loki breaking his bonds—she described Sigurdsson and his minions working for his release. She told us that the Aesir charged us with the task of destroying this creature Sigurdsson who had been made vampire.
While Selin was entranced—her consciousness stretched between the worlds--Loki perceived her and sent his vampire minion to kill her and destroy our village as a warning to mortals and to the gods themselves that, even bound, his power was immense and that his destiny was to destroy Midgård once unbound.
The very night that Selin spoke her vision and charged us with the gods' instructions, Sigurdsson struck our village. We had never seen nor heard of a vampire and did not understand his strength. He slaughtered our warriors, burnt our homes and butchered our women and children, feasting on the blood of their lifeless bodies, until only Selin and I were left alive.
Toller's voice deepened, his features taut with a grief he had never overcome.
"We stood back to back our swords drawn. Of course, his movements were a blur and he broke Selin's neck and took her to the ground. I called the gods' rage into myself and attacked, driving the creature into a burning house and Sigurdsson burnt like a torch. I was sure that I had killed him."
Toller smiled grimly as he recalled the satisfaction of that moment. His mouth tightened.
"But he did not finally die. While I was holding my woman, he escaped and went to ground. I prayed to the Lady Freya to give me Sigurdsson's nature so that I might fulfill my oath and avenge my wife, my unborn child and my people. And she led me to Aesa Stefansdottir, my maker, and a faithful follower of the Aesir in life and death. Together we sought Sigurdsson, destroying all of his children that we could discover, until one night he ambushed my maker and staked her."
Toller paused, his face bleak with the sorrow of those memories. A tear trickled down Kirsten's cheek. She could almost hear the crackle of the flames and the awful silence of the dead villagers. She could see Selin's head lolling unnaturally as Toller raised her to remove the leather thong and ancient blade from around her broken neck.
"And after all of these centuries we are still bound to our oaths and bound to the destiny to which the gods have called us. It was our destiny to be Kings and it is still my destiny to make this evil bastard definitely dead."
Eric shifted in his seat so that he faced Toller.
"I do not think that it is coincidence that Sigurdsson rules the only land where the huldufolk, especially the dark Fae, are still plentiful."
A silence settled across the council as each individual pondered what this information meant for his people and what he was willing to commit.
Alcide Herveaux spoke.
"I guarantee that the local Supe community will patrol the area, guard Sookie and Kirsten while they are in our territory, and keep our eyes and ears open. If an enemy is spotted, we will kill them on sight.
Calvin Norris who had listened, keeping his peace added, "The panthers have kinship ties to Sookie. Her enemies are our enemies. We'll fight when called upon."
Eric nodded and Sookie breathed a soft sigh of relief. While she had been sure that the kinship tie might commit the panthers, the support of the Weres and other Supes had not been certain. Kirsten was not a Friend of the Pack in her own right, and had no official status within their community.
Deep in thought, Felipe de Castro stroked his goatee. There would be other shifter communities involved in this conflict—many of whom would not be on their side. If events escalated, there could be an all-out interspecies war and the powers released during that could very well upset the balance of power, both magical and physical, across the worlds.
It was beyond debate that action must be taken. The attackers might have failed to abduct the girls, but the affront to the Fae and Vampire races was so dire that they must wage war or be perceived as perilously weak and cowardly.
As if they had shared thoughts Niall Brigant spoke.
"There is a greater being behind this than either Sigurdsson, who is greedy and calculating, or Ulswater, who is a malicious, power grubbing go-between. It is a power working for its own ends who uses the petty desires of lesser being to achieve its own objectives. If this being is Loki, some of the Were communities will fight for him for he was always a shape shifter although he is now bound to one form. Many European Weres reverence him.
I, of course, commit all of the resources of Alfheim to destroy all enemies and threats to my family. All of my retainers, twenty battalions of light elves, and any Supes in my employ will commit to this course of action. There can be no reconciliation with these adversaries. Make no mistake; they will crush us if we falter."
Eric, Toller and Niall shared an intense look. In committing his forces, Toller would create a bond among their clans. They would also owe him a very large debt and his pledge of support would augment his already favorable position as a suitor. In eradicating the forces massed against them, he might also secure his future with Kirsten. Toller confirmed his committment.
"My retainers will fight Sigurdsson and his followers. Because of our hostility, I have had informants placed in his kingdom for many years. They tell me that Sigurdsson has met with the Fae lord Ulswater and that they are connected in this aggression. My forces are closest and are in position to strike. Finland and Denmark will stand by me if this…crisis…escalates. Norway shares close ancestral ties with Iceland. She will declare for Sigurdsson when he asks her allegiance."
Felipe turned to Bill Compton. "Does Sigurdsson have any other children in North America?"
"Queen Maude of Minnesota, King Jacek of Wisconsin, and Queen Natasha of Alberta, are Sigurdsson's children, and Sigurdsson is King Mosiah Young of Utah's grandsire. Maude owes him allegiance. Michigan, her husband, would support her."
There was another significant silence as everyone contemplated the possibility of a civil war among the North American vampires as the obligations arising from debts and alliances were called into play.
"Utah is a definite threat. However, most of the Southeast and Southwest would side with us," Castro observed coolly. "The new queen of California has initiated overtures toward a royal alliance. She may side with us as well. Nevertheless, should this conflict become a full-blown civil war, there will be tremendous destruction. Humans will inevitably die. If the deaths are links to Vampires and other supernaturals, there will be new persecutions---possibly an all out war against the Supernatural community…"
He turned to Kirsten who had been listening intently.
"Querida, as a noblewoman of our people, you have a right to express your opinion."
Kirsten's eyes were glacial and quite ruthless, her voice low and intense.
"The attack would have happened no matter what we had done to prevent it."
She looked around the table until her eyes rested upon her father and mother
"Our beliefs teach us that to name a power is to summon its attention. I felt a presence …a powerful will…lurking behind the Lady Freya when I called her down into myself. She was aware of it, but she didn't acknowledge it. They are maneuvering against each other…"
She bowed her head and touched her forehead where the small abstract curves traced a tiny tri-spiral.
"I mean no disrespect to the Aesir, or my Lady, when I say this. I am glad that our enemies underestimated us. We're aware of them now. Their mistake has made us stronger. If they wanted to abduct Adele and me, they failed. And now I'm stronger than they realize. Adele will be stronger too. When they lost the battle, they lost the element of surprise. Now we know who they are and that they can be beaten. When I enter my ordeal, I will use Sedir magic to root them out." Her eyes blazed fiercely, "And when I offer up my enemy to the goddesses, they will join us in our battle."
Niall nodded. The old soul in the younger woman's body had recognized these truths.
"We are caught in an ancient struggle between the forces of chaos and destruction and forces of order. It has a name in every culture. For the Christians it is Armageddon, for the Norse it is called Ragnarok."
Sookie had held her peace as the massive iceberg of intent beneath the near fatal attack upon her girls was revealed. She perceived the worldwide misery such a conflict would create. The men saw it too; they were just more ready to launch themselves into the fray. "Men!" she thought, mentally rolling her eyes. "They only think in one direction." No matter how clever, they always defaulted to death and mayhem.
Speaking aloud she said, "Don't you think that there may still be a way around all out battle? It sounds like we're on the brink, but not quite there yet. "
She smiled at her husband who was shaking his head wryly. You just never knew with Sookie…
"You talk a lot about general destiny, your wyrd, and personal destiny, what you call orlog. Maybe it's our destiny to play a few games of our own. You say we're dealing with a devious being. Well, from what I've seen, maybe our best strategy right now has to use our knowledge of high stakes games." She smiled. "We own a casino. And I know all of y'all are very good at playing poker."
Niall nodded slowly.
"You may be right great-granddaughter. It seems we are agreed that Loki desires to destroy the old world order. Despite his binding he has manipulated world events; put his followers, human and supernatural, in positions of power and authority in the realms of international industry and politics, and is now almost ready to make his play. If he triumphs, all that we hold dear will be destroyed."
Toller nodded solemnly. "Fenris Corporation has influenced politicians and world leaders, whose greed has brought environmental disaster, armed conflicts, and terrorism to Midgard and now threatens the supernatural community. Their nuclear power plants and weapons span the globe, held by rogue leaders who will follow Loki's orders through glamour or natural proclivity."
Felipe's velvet-edged voiced added. "My entire kingdom is on alert. I will ensure that our allies gather their forces. Compton, you will assist me with any intelligence that you can discover through your data bases and research. On behalf of my sheriff and his lady, I acknowledge the friendship and pledges of support from the Weres and shifters. Your friendship will be rewarded."
The Ancient Pythoness's harsh uncompromising voice announced. " So, we are in alliance for the duration of this crisis. Kirsten, Ericdóttir will accompany me and Finna Hrútsdóttir, High Gythja of the Aesir tonight to begin preparations for initiation and battle, as will her young kinswoman. Pledged to the Aesir, she will be initiated also - the gods will make use of her powers. Should Kirsten fall in battle, she will stand for her kinswoman. All kindred, by blood or intent, must be present at the sacred grove in three days time in the full dark of the new moon. "
Zeline's eyes blazed with excitement and joy. Kirsten stared straight ahead with resolve. Bill's face was very cold and still. Only his dark eyes flashed briefly. But he could not object to the direct orders of the Ancient Pythoness any more than the kings present.
Niall embraced his great-great granddaughters.
"The gods are with you in this. I will be there to represent your Fae kindred and to stand witness for Adele."
Charles swept Zeline into his arms and held her tightly. He would not hold her again until after the blόt. Toller's eyes met and held Kirsten's. There was an almost imperceptible note of pleading in his face.
Be on your guard Sváss. The Goddess will guide you. I will be at your side should the need arise.
After Bill, King Felipe, his retinue, the shifter and the Weres departed, the priestess rose and called for Kirsten and Zeline. Eric and Sookie embraced them. Sookie's eyes swam with tears, but she held them back. She cupped her hands around her daughter's face projecting her love, and pushing back her fear.
I love you…I'll be there for you. Sookie's eyes became fierce. And you will survive this battle. I won't allow you to be…hurt…whatever the consequences are for me.
Mom I won't let you be hurt!
Sookie kissed Kirsten and hugged her tightly.
You've been trained by the best. You are the best. You just focus on whatever it takes to defeat this bitch.
Eric put his forehead against his daughters and whispered in Old Norse, "I am very proud of your Dottir. Never forget that Northmans are warriors and we survive and triumph because we battle well and wisely. All that you have learned and all that you have become must go into this battle with you."
Niall nodded to Claudine, who smiled mischievously. "This many not be the height of current fashion, but it is required for your present task." She snapped his fingers. The girls' hair fell free, and they were suddenly clothed in unbleached linen dresses that fell to their ankles. Zeline grinned and Kirsten suppressed a snort.
Zeline whispered. "You'd think that the Goddess of love would want something a little fancier…"
Finna smiled frostily. "She is also a Valkyrie and simplicity is better suited to initiation. We go now to the sacred grove where the Goddess awaits us."
******************************************
When all of the guests had departed or retired to their rooms, Sookie buried her face against the strong muscles of Eric's chest. They had been apart for over a week, a week that had changed the direction of their lives--a week that had taken both their daughters from them, but given them the promise of a new life. Eric's eyes brimmed with tenderness and passion. His hand slipped inside the neckline of her dress.
It's been too long min älskare. I want to touch, feel, taste, all of you. I need you now!
The fire of his touch ran through her and she shivered with need. It had been too long since they made love. She was still angry with him for making decisions about Adele's fate without consulting her, but the need in his eyes matched the longing in her soul. After all their years together, Eric's touch still made her knees weak and her heart pound. A delicious heat shuddered through her body as he planted a tantalizing kiss in the hollow of her neck and whispered, "It's time to go upstairs where we can be alone." He lifted her into his arms and rose into the night. Landing on a protected balcony, they entered a luxurious penthouse adorned with a Chihuly red and orange hand-blown glass chandelier. Enormous windows of lightproof glass surrounded their lush retreat. Moving down their private gallery of heirloom teakwood carvings and the sumptuous art of several centuries, Eric carried Sookie to their master bedroom with its California king four poster bed.
He unzipped her dress and hissed as it slithered to the floor, his fangs descending at the sight of her shapely golden beauty. Sookie shivered with anticipation as cool fingers trailed along the supple curves of her back, unhooking her bra and stroking her warm, silken skin. Her nipples firmed to Eric's touch as he worshipped her smooth, heavy breasts. In a voice husky with desire he whispered, "Pregnancy becomes you, lover. Your breasts are more beautiful than ever." His words sent a bolt of heat straight to Sookie's core, drenching her instantly. She unbuttoned his shirt, licking and nipping at his glorious chest. Eric groaned and seized her lips, scorching her to her toes with a passionate kiss. As Sookie caressed his fangs with her tongue, Eric's large fingers touched her slick folds. "So wet…so wet for me, my lover." Sweeping her up, Eric gently laid her on their bed. A soft moan escaped her as Eric began tasting her soft skin.
As his tongue and lips explored the rosy peaks of her breasts, fire raced through her veins, melting her. She gasped as he trailed open mouthed kisses down her taut belly to the swell of her hips. His voice was thick with desire as he parted the slick satin folds that no other man would ever touch.
"I watched him tonight wanting you. Even now, when he knows that he will never have you, he would give anything to be where I am, touching you as I touch you."
Eric paused to inhale the sweet fertile, scent of his woman, then flattened his tongue and licked her warm, wet core possessively. Sookie cried out, her hands fisted in Eric hair as a wave of pure lust surged from her toes to her fingertips.
"But he will never touch you. No other man will ever touch you. Because…" His tongue stabbed deeper, and a hot ache erupted as she pulsed up against him. She wailed as he pulled away, "You… are…"
He took her hand and wrapped it around his throbbing length … "Mine!"
Their tongues battled and swirled. As he entered her, Sookie rose up to meet his urgent thrust. Their bodies rocked in a savage harmony. She exulted in the power and beauty of her man even as he reveled in the scent, taste, sound and feel of the goddess beneath him--the beauty that was and always would be his and his alone. She began to tremble with each new thrust, as electricity seemed to pour through her. Her breath came in long surrendering moans. As she clenched around him, he bit, drinking greedily for the last time until after the birth, and exploded into her with a deep, shuddering groan.
They clung together through many waves of aftershocks until finally they were spooned beneath the sateen damask sheets. Eric's thigh pressed against her wet sex as one hand gently cupped her breast. As his other hand caressed her belly, Eric thanked his gods for the new, hidden life that grew within. Soon, Sookie would want to talk, and then - then they would make love again. Perhaps after that, they would relax in the Italian marble Jacuzzi, bathing each other tenderly, then love again, until the dawn took them both.
As Sookie dozed, the photos on their bedside table caught Eric's eye. His mouth quirked as he took in the sexy shots Sookie had created as a fifth anniversary gift. The woman lying beside him was every bit as beautiful today, and would be a century from now. His gaze turned to the wall directly opposite their bed, stopping on a treasured photo taken shortly after the girls were born. In it, Sookie was snuggled against him in a pretty spring dress and his infant daughters lay fast asleep upon his broad chest. Sookie's face was suffused with love, and his own visage was uncharacteristically soft.
Their home and even their penthouse suite were filled with photos, but of them all, this first family portrait was the most meaningful. After a millennium, it marked the beginning of a miraculous new life for Eric and unlike many human parents, he never took a moment of it for granted. He had been so certain, then, that he could always protect them and keep them from harm. But his vigilance had wavered for a moment, and their lives had been changed forever in the course of a single night.
As they rested together, Eric and Sookie were silent; the only sounds were the steady rhythms of Sookie's breath and heart. Once more, he inhaled the rich perfume of his woman's pregnant body. She began to wake and despite her physical bliss, he could feel a red thread of anger still humming in their bond. Eric kissed her shoulder, cupping her breast, and pulled her against him.
"You are still upset with me…"
Sookie took a moment to consider her answer, then turned to face him.
"At first I was furious with you. I was hurt that you just talked over my head. I know that you are a leader and this is a crisis. But I am your wife. For Christ's sake Eric! I couldn't be there with them…I couldn't fight for them…and when I touched their minds, they shut me out…then I was just terrified… I couldn't defend them, but I felt their terror. And you were there and you got to fight, and then you just made this decision without me Eric…you shut me out too. I could feel your emotions across the bond… and, what made me even madder, you could feel me and you closed the door to my emotions. Even though turning Adele wasn't possible, you took responsibility for Adele's future without counting me in and…and…I just can't bear that. "
"What would you have said to me?" Eric asked gently.
Sookie's mouth twisted into a wry smile. "I'd be a liar if I said I could have just let Adele go without a fight. I would want to fight for Adele's life. If turning her was possible and it was the only option, maybe I would have agreed. I don't want anything to happen to the baby I'm carrying now, and I understand the choices that you made. It's just that you didn't give me a choice Eric. It wasn't mine."
Her breath caught in a sob and he held her close as the weight of Adele's near death settled upon them. Even in the supernatural realm, even for immortals and near immortals, death came in an instant--the body collapsed, and the vital spark that animated it traveled beyond their grasp.
"Oh God, Eric I can't bear the thought of losing any of you! But I knew in my heart that Adele couldn't be turned, and I would have told you that if you'd only given me a chance."
Eric ran his hand gently up and down Sookie's back, loving her feel, her scent, and her indomitable spirit. He willed himself to swallow his pride for her sake—for their sakes.
"I am sorry Dear One." He paused. No other being would ever hear him confess such weakness, "I felt …desperate to try to save our Del." His voice dropped to a low whisper. "I have failed her."
Sookie shifted in Eric's arms, raising herself on one elbow so she could look into his eyes. She kissed his lips gently but kept a bit of steel in her voice.
"Before the girls were born I would have been on my high horse for quite some time."
Her lovely eyes stared intently into his, "But I've lived some since then, and we've traveled too long a road together for me to give up on you." She tucked a strand of his long golden hair behind his ear and began brushing feathery kisses down his neck and chest. When the kisses reached his hardening manhood, she whispered,
"…because…you…are…mine…"
In case you don't know of him, Dale Chihuly is an amazing and renowned glass artist. Google him --his work's amazing!
Also, please keep my husband Pat and our family in your thoughts and prayers. Pat was in a nearly fatal accident this Tuesday and had to be air lifted to the hospital. He is home now, but it will be many weeks before he is healed.
This was a long chapter. Please give me the gift of your review.
*hugs*