CHAPTER 10
Both Eric and I have been shaken by our experience. Felipe was called immediately and Bill's demise explained. When we are asked for his reasons as why he would do this, we decide honesty is the best policy; Jealousy, plain and simple.
He wanted me back and couldn't accept the fact I no longer wanted him and the obsession with me which had grown over a period of time had unhinged him, he wanted me and the way he saw it Eric and the baby stood in his way, he had been stalking me for months but none of us had any idea he would go so far. Pam, Karin and I are all questioned but due to the protection my son had and the fact we had added that Eric was holding him at the time of the attack, we were all within our rights to kill Bill. Even though that isn't what happened at all and we all lied through our teeth.
I am not sorry Bill is dead; he had indeed clearly become bitter and twisted. Well, more bitter and twisted than he already was and always had been and all because I loved Eric and it had warped him. I am beginning to wonder how many more deaths I am going to cause. I thought that when I had become a vampire it would make things better not worse, as now it seems I am responsible for the destruction of an entire race of Fairies, the drainer and now Bill; but then all of them deserved it, didn't they? My lingering final hint of humanity is warring with the practical conscience free, kill or be killed mindset of a vampire.
I have just received news from Mr Cataliades, shortly after talking to Felipe that war had broken out in the faery just like it had been predicted, the remaining water Fae who had tried before to kill me wanted to finish the job now I was a vamp, Niall had apparently reluctantly agreed that now I was a vampire I was a threat to the Faery, but he wanted to keep order there and protect his own position, so he had agreed to the representatives including Jabberjak to leave the Faery to try and kill me, when word had got back that all three attempts had failed civil war broke out – again with the result that, with no portals open to escape the entire race had eventually been wiped out. I am now sitting in Eric's office with my head in my hands; Eric is out in the bar with Asvaldr. I just want to go home so I send a mental message out to my husband.
Eric I want to go home.
The office door opens and Eric is standing there looking at me, he open his arms and I run to him and he embraces me. It is then it occurs to me that our son is not with him and I pull away.
"Where's Asvaldr?" I ask slightly panicked.
"You should come and see," Eric replies and leads me out to the bar, my mouth drops open as I see Pam sitting holding him blowing raspberries on his tummy and Karin is standing behind Pam pulling silly faces and Asvaldr is giggling loudly.
They both stop and stare as they see the grins on our faces.
"Please, carry on," I say unable to hide the amusement in my voice. Pam stands and hands Asvaldr back to me.
"You two abandoned your son with us, we had to amuse him somehow," she replies curtly.
When we are back home, we feed our son, and lay him in his crib, it is almost dawn and I am beginning to feel it. We climb into our bed and fall into our day death in each other's arms.
I awaken with a start, I glance across at Eric and see he is still dead, I go and check Asvaldr, he is sound asleep and then I look at the clock it is dark and I wonder why Eric hasn't risen, just as I am thinking this I feel his arms around me.
"You are up quickly" he says as he kisses me, and leads me back to the bed.
He lies me down and climbs on top of me, I feel his arousal and I suddenly feel that it's not right not with our son in the same room.
"Eric stop" I say firmly pushing him off me.
"What?" he asks.
"Eric, our son is over there, it's... not right" I say.
Eric nods sulkily, "You are quite right, of course, but if he were a normal baby there wouldn't be a problem".
He crawls off the bed and peers into the crib.
"Min vackra son, du är vaken, kom till pappa" he says lifting Asvaldr out of his crib, he bites his finger and offers it. He smiles as Asvaldr feeds from him. I watch them for a moment before I eventually pull myself away and go to warm up some blood for us.
"Eric what did you say when you picked him up?" I ask as I hand him a mug of blood.
"I said my beautiful son, you are awake, come to your daddy."
I smile and lean up to kiss his chin, "You really are just a big softie" I whisper.
I see Eric's expression harden at my words, "When it comes to my family, I display certain emotions and characteristics which could be interpreted as love, but never forget I am still a vampire and I will always be a Viking, so never mistake those emotions for weakness Sookie". I hear the clear warning tone in his voice.
"I know that" I say "I'm sorry I didn't mean it like that, I just like this softer side to you, as you are so wonderful with him". I stop as I feel Eric has closed down the bond.
Eric turns to me and nods but doesn't say a word.
"Eric?" I ask.
"I do not wish to be seen as softer, I am not soft I am a loving father there is a difference" I hear the distinct edge in his voice.
I've offended him, shit I didn't mean to, "Eric I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. I love you with all my heart," I realise how I can get out of this, and so I get down on my knees in front of him, "forgive me" I say.
"Stand up Sookie" he says coldly.
He gently places Asvaldr in his crib and leads me downstairs, he grabs me and rips off my clothes, he pushes me to the ground and with no preamble he takes me roughly, I scream out in shock at what he has just done and he slaps his hand over my mouth, I am trying to push him off but he is too strong he overpowers me I hear myself screaming NO and STOP; When he reaches his climax he bites my neck hard and he doesn't make it pleasurable.
I am so shocked I can't speak, he was so cold so calculating he didn't care for my feelings at all... he raped me.
He pulls out of me, stands and leaves the room without a word. A blood tear trickles down my cheek and I quickly run back upstairs and dress. I hear Eric come in behind me.
"Sookie" he says coldly.
I don't answer him, I am so shocked he would do such a thing.
"Sookie" he says again, he is beside me now, and he touches my shoulders, ""I needed you to see I was not soft or weak" he says unapologetically.
I shake my head and shrug him off me as I don't want him near me at the moment.
"Sookie come here" he says sharply, but instead I step away from him.
"Sookie come here."
"NO" I shout.
"SOOKIE!" I watch as he lifts his arm and hits me hard, knocking me to the ground and he holds me down.
"Do I need to punish you again?" he hisses.
"Eric, no, please don't," I beg…
I scream and as I do so I open my eyes and realise I am in bed, Eric is standing over me shaking me; his hands are on my shoulders, he is looking concerned.
"Sookie what happened?" he asks.
I sit up and take in my surroundings, "Eric?" I say hesitantly.
"Sookie, what is it my darling what happened to you?" he sits down and pulls me to him, I freeze suddenly as he holds me and then I realise what I have just experienced was obviously not real, but Eric senses my tense demeanour.
"Sookie, my lover tell me what has happened?" he asks clearly beside himself.
"Eric slap me so I know this is real life" I ask.
He stares at me as though I have lost my mind, and to be honest I feel as though I have.
"No" he replies.
I climb off his lap and look at the clock, and then wander over to the crib; Asvaldr is awake and staring at me.
I turn to Eric, "Is this real?" I ask.
"Sookie, what is going on? I rose and I thought you were doing so too but as I drew closer I saw you were thrashing around and screaming".
"Bad dream" I say eventually.
"Sookie my darling, vampires don't dream" he says.
"Well I had one," I say defiantly, he immediately sits beside me and takes my hand.
"Tell me" he says.
"No" I reply I can't tell him that in my mind he has just violated me and beat me.
"Why?" he asks.
"Because it was bad" I say.
"Then tell me," he persists. "Sookie do I have to command you to tell me because I will" that hard voice makes me remember the dream again and it makes the fight and anger rise in me.
"Ok fine, you beat me and you raped me," I say and immediately regret it, the look on his face is awful.
"What! Why?" he says.
I tell him the story from beginning to end, and he listens carefully without a word, when I have finished he holds out his arms to me and waits for me to come to him. I hesitate for a moment and then I move closer I freeze slightly as his arms come around me but he just holds me and I slowly relax and snuggle close. It is only then he starts to speak.
"Sookie, it is true I don't like to appear soft or weak. However, it is also true I love you and our son with all my heart and would die for you both. I would never rape you or treat you in such a way; I would never use sex as a punishment. Yes you are my progeny, but first and foremost you are my lover and my wife".
I nod and he pulls me to him, "Call Cataliades see if there is anything in his books about this, if not we call Dr Ludwig".
I nod again and reach for my phone, Eric stands and reaches for Asvaldr he bites his finger and feeds our son, whilst watching me closely, and I realise that this has clearly shaken him to the core.
I manage to reach Desmond and he is concerned by what I tell him, he promises to look and I hang up.
About an hour later the phone rings, its Desmond, he sounds worried. "Sookie, I need to see you immediately," he says.
"Ok" I say.
The line has gone dead and I am left just staring at it. I look towards Eric, and tell him what happened and all sorts of scenarios are going through my mind, but I hope whatever Mr Cataliades has found out he can help. About 20 minutes later he is standing in front of me in the house.
"Sookie, my child tell me the truth now, did you kill Bill yesterday?" I take a quick glance at Eric and then nod.
"The truth Sookie, I will ask again did YOU kill Bill?" I glance at Eric again, who nods and then I slowly shake my head.
"Then who, was it Asvaldr?" he asks quietly. I nod and he gives a me a slight grimace, "I thought as much" he says.
"Tell me how, exactly how and I can work out how this happened".
Just then Asvaldr starts to cry so Eric disappears and fetches him down when he sees Desmond he reaches out and Desmond absently reaches out and offers his finger to my son as he does so, Asvaldr grabs it and Desmond's head swings around and he stares at my son his eyes wide. He concentrates and then closes his eyes and when he opens them again Asvaldr lets go.
I am watching with interest and so is Eric, something important is obviously happening here, Mr Cataliades looks at us and smiles.
"Your son has just shown me the whole incident from Bill's point of view, what he was thinking and what happened. Tell me Sookie I want to be clear, there was protective bubble around Eric?"
I nod "yes" I say.
"You entered this bubble and you took the stake out of Eric's chest and you kissed the wound and licked it?"
"Yes" I say.
"Very good, I am clear so far. Right then when Bill said that he may as well be staked and Asvaldr obliged him, the stake Bill had previously used on Eric, flew across the room and struck Bill, killing him?"
"Yes" I say again.
"It was definitely the same stake?" he asks.
I nod, "yes it was" I confirm.
Mr Cataliades nods again and then thinks a moment before he speaks again.
"Now think carefully, Sookie, when the stake struck Bill was the protective bubble still around you, Eric, Karin, Pam and the baby?"
"Yes" I say, "I stood up to approach Bill, but the bubble sort of went with me but it disappeared as soon as Bill turned to dust".
Mr Cataliades nods, "In which case I know exactly what happened, you licked the wound caused by the stake which Bill used, that, combined with the protective shield and Asvaldr killing Bill with the same stake somehow created a negative link between you, Bill and Asvaldr and caused the negative viewpoint and thoughts Bill had of Eric to be transferred to you, and Bill's perspective of the incident to the point he died to be transferred to your son, what you saw in your dream was what you have received from Bill. How he believed Eric treats you and it is now in your head, and as you are an... Unusual vampire in the fact you were part human part Fae before coming over the usual rules don't seem to apply, you are technically dead like all vampires, but just before you rise, you seem to enter a semi conscious state more akin to being asleep, and it is when you were in this state the 'dream' occurred".
"This is all a bit complicated" I say.
"Indeed my dear, but all perfectly logical, I need to remove these negative thoughts from your mind."
I nod "Yes definitely."
"Very well, come here my dear".
I move closer and Mr Cataliades pulls me so my head is on his lap, and then he holds his hand over my head and starts whispering, I see a similar flash of light to when he gave Asvaldr his gift, and then a sound, not the beautiful sound of birds singing but a groaning and gurgling sound. My head feels warm and then I feel normal. I try to recall the dream and can't remember a thing.
"Has it gone?" Eric asks anxiously.
I nod, "Thank you Mr Cataliades" I say.
"I apologise to you all as it appears it is entirely my fault, your son is a remarkable boy and I misjudged his strength and power, he did by instinct what he believed to be the right thing not knowing what the potential consequences could be, every piece of magic used has consequences, you need to teach him that."
He pauses and then continues "I was going to tell you this later but as he has demonstrated it already it is only right I tell you of the full extent of his gifts."
Eric and I look at each other and wait.
Mr Cataliades sighs, "From you Sookie, he has your improved telepathy skills, he has also inherited the ability to mind speak with anyone he trusts completely, I believe this is a gift which Eric bestowed on you to communicate with Pam? and with that, the ability to transfer the thoughts of others, for example the way he told me what happened yesterday from Bills perspective. He has the gift to see the intentions of people whether they are good or bad, and to react accordingly and as you know, he received this gift from me I also bestowed on him a healing gift, if you or Eric or anyone he trusts completely gets hurt he can heal you with a touch of his hand and he also has the power of telekinesis - the power to move objects with the mind which he has demonstrated and used to great effect on Bill, both in moving Bill himself and the stake to kill Bill, but where he received this is a mystery".
The atmosphere is thick and we stare at Asvaldr.
"It is a lot to take in, but you have a very, very special little boy there and you need to teach him to use his extensive power well".
"We will" Eric replies firmly.
I nod "Thank you Mr Cataliades" I say I am still reeling by this.
"You are very welcome."
"Just one thing, why were you in such a rush to get here if all it took was that hand thing?" I ask.
"Because my dear, those negative thoughts in your head would have reproduced and eventually it would have consumed and destroyed you – like it did Bill, and I wanted to clear them before they had started to do so."
"Wow" I say. "Erm can you delete what happened with Bill out of Asvaldr's mind as well, as it can't be healthy for him having Bills warped point of view in his head?"
Mr Cataliades nods and Eric hands over our son to the demon, he repeats the procedure and the same light and groaning noise fills the air.
When it is complete I touch his head, "Asvaldr can you tell me what happened yesterday?"
I close my eyes and there is nothing, I smile, "It's gone" I say.
We watch as Mr Cataliades stands to leave, Eric shows him out thanking him profusely, when he returns he sits beside me still holding our son.
"I think we need to start training and teaching our son now" Eric says soberly.
"I agree, it's just so unbelievable."
"I know my darling" he says he pulls me close and kisses my head; I am too stunned to react to the touch and simply rest my head on his shoulder.
We realise now that we have to stop treating Asvaldr like a baby, and teach him. It has been a steep learning curve and one with no helpful hints as we are totally unique. Eric and I sit and discuss how we are going to approach this, as we want to teach him without drawing unwanted attention to his gifts.
We decide on a policy that in private we will talk to him as though he is an adult, and do our best to guide him, in public we will do what I have been doing talking to him and explaining things in the cute way you do when dealing with a child and if we need to we speak to him we do so with our minds. It all seems pretty straight forward but telling him that just feels weird, he's a baby for god's sake, sitting and discussing how we are going to train him and guide him and what we are going to do in public, he just sits there looking at us.
I look at Eric helplessly, "Do you think he understands?" I ask.
I suddenly feel Asvaldr's hand on mine, and I feel understanding and love coming into me.
My mouth drops open, "What?" Eric says.
"He understands" I say "when he touched my hand he showed me in my head" I lift him and hand him to Eric, "Show your father" I say.
Asvaldr touches Eric's face and I see Eric's mouth drop open just as mine did. "He seems to need to touch us to do this" Eric says when he finally composes himself, "I suppose as he grows bigger and stronger he will be able to do it without the touch".
I nod, "I guess so" I reply "I assume as he learns to talk he will send words instead of feelings?"
Eric nods.
"I wonder if we can do a three way thing?" Eric asks suddenly looking excited.
I move close to Eric and I touch Asvaldr's hand Eric grasps his other one, and we open our minds up to our son.
I feel a surge of love.
Sookie, can you hear me, and can you feel our son's love? Eric says to me silently.
Yes this is so strange, I feel so privileged we can communicate with our son like no other parents.
Eric looks at his son, Asvaldr, we will teach you like this and verbally, do you understand?
I feel the surge of positivity coming at me.
He's saying yes Eric; I am getting really excited now.
I am so proud of you my son, Sookie are you ok?
I realise I am crying I let out a small laugh and nod my head, I'm fine, I'm just being a silly mommy!
I am stunned when both Eric and Asvaldr laugh. Eric reaches for my hand and squeezes.
There is nothing silly about a mother's love. Eric says.
We are suddenly presented with a mental picture of a Viking sword and Asvaldr stares intently at Eric.
Do you want me to teach you how to fight with a sword, my son?
The positive thoughts are there again. Eric nods and looks pleased.
I will teach you everything I know, Eric says firmly. The picture of the sword remains, this time a thought of questioning and feelings of curiosity fills me and Eric frowns, Do you wish to know of my life as a Viking?
The picture of the sword vanishes and the positive thoughts grow stronger.
Eric smiles, then I will tell you. he looks a little shocked that anyone would want to know about his life as a Viking.
Asvaldr turns and looks at me, now we are presented with the feelings of love and I am getting a mental picture of Jason, Amelia and Sam. Ok, this is harder I close my eyes and open my mind up fully to try and get all the information I can. Then the answer comes to me swiftly.
I open my eyes, You wish to learn about love and humanity as well, you want to spend time with my human family as well as our vampire family as you want to see how humanity clouds judgement and how it can enhance a situation to show mercy?
We get the flow of positive thoughts again and I feel kind of proud I had got it all.
I nod I don't think your Uncle Jason is the best example though I think.
What the hell is this, I am getting reproach and then love, my son is scolding me.
Jason loves me? I am still sceptical as Jason is so selfish but I don't doubt my son.
We then get a mental picture first of Jason, then Sam and a questioning feeling, he wants to know what they are as he realises they are not totally human.
Jason is a bitten Were Panther, he is known as two natured, Sam is a born two natured, he is a pure shape shifter and he can turn into any animal he chooses, I explain.
Maybe it is time your mother took you to the Were Pack as well so you can study them? Eric chimes in thoughtfully.
We get the questioning feeling again. I quickly respond.
Your father is referring to the two natured who turn into a specific animal, in this case wolves, they consider themselves superior to the other Were's. Vampires and Were's don't generally tend to get on together, but when I was human I became a friend of the pack because I helped them out a few times, so I am different, but they don't think too much of your father.
And I don't think too much of them either! Eric adds.
The training goes well, I describe love in its different forms the love of a husband and wife, the love of a parent and child, brother and sister and between two close friends and the subtle differences between them. I explain the need for honesty in relationships with people you love as if there is no honesty there is no trust and I try to explain the little things which trigger loving thoughts about people who mean the most to you.
My son asks some pretty probing questions in a basic manner with pictures and emotions especially when he comes to trust, and he asks how I felt when I had discovered Niall had betrayed me. He asked if anyone else I had loved had betrayed me and I told him a modified version of my relationship with Bill and how I had discovered how he had betrayed me.
He asks Eric about his maker and how vampires have evolved over the years, we are so engrossed we don't notice the time passing until Pam comes in, Eric looks up.
"What do you want?" he asks.
"Forgive the intrusion but you failed to arrive at Fangtasia and I came to check all was well, I have been getting some strange things through our bond tonight" Pam says looking at us all in turn.
Eric stands "I am well, we had a few issues earlier – residue from Bill's demise but it has been rectified".
"Will you be joining us tonight?" Pam asks.
Eric nods, I stand to leave as well, Eric shakes his head, "Sookie stay here with Asvaldr and call the dog to arrange a visit to the Were pack, they all pledged protection to our son so they should see who they are protecting".
I nod, Eric gives me a lingering kiss and caresses my cheek and then plants a swift kiss on Asvaldr's head and then he is gone.
I find my phone and call Alcide.
"Hi Alcide" I say as he answers.
"Sookie, what can I do for you?" he growls.
"Erm, I was wondering if Asvaldr and I could come and sit in on your next pack meeting, I won't bring Eric as I know that makes things... erm... strained, but I think as y'all pledged to protect him you should meet him," I wait for Alcide's response.
"Sookie we would love to see you again, you are always welcome to our pack meetings you know that."
"Great, when is the next meeting?" I ask.
"Actually it's the night after tomorrow and we have a couple of new Weres - two teenagers who are changing for the first time, as it is the Full Moon".
"Would you guarantee my safety and that of my son?" I ask I am not keen on the idea of being the lone vamp in a room full of Were's on the Full Moon.
"You will be safe, you have my word" Alcide says.
"Ok" I answer "Thanks Alcide".
"You are welcome" he replies.
I hang up and turn to my son it still seems strange speaking to a baby as though he is an adult.
"We are going to the Were pack meeting on Thursday, it is the Full Moon and you will see the Weres change from human to wolf form, there will be two boys there who are changing for the first time. I have never witnessed this before, so it is an honour for us to go and see it".
I get positivity then a mental image of Eric and a questioning emotion.
I shake my head, "No, we will not be going with your father, Weres and Vamps don't trust each other and it would only cause problems which we don't need" I pause,"sometimes Vamps and Weres join forces when it is an issue which affects both communities but that doesn't happen very often".
I get understanding in my head.
As the evening progresses, I find myself talking out loud to Asvaldr more and more and telling him things and explaining what I am doing and why. I have him in a carrier on my chest so he is in contact with me and I suddenly get a mental picture of me and then Eric and the now familiar questioning sensation.
"You want to know how your father and I got together?" I ask.
I get positivity, "This is a long story," I say with a grin.
I sit down, I start at the beginning how I met Eric through Bill, and how I met Bill, I sit and talk remembering the early days when I thought Eric was a complete asshole, and how much I loved Bill, I recall the time Eric went with me to the orgy at Mimosa lake to help me find out who killed Lafayette. I smile at the lasting memory I have of the outrageous Lycra leggings he wore that night, and how he kept me safe and yet tried it on with me at the same time, I recall how he saved me from Long Shadow who had tried to kill me after I had discovered he had betrayed Eric. I recall how he pursued me relentlessly at first for his own gain, trying to get me to leave Bill for him.
I tell how he saved me many times, protecting me with his body when we were trapped in the house when the Fellowship of the sun opened fire on the building, I smile as I remember how he conned me into taking his blood by sucking out a bullet he had been hit by, I tell how he had paid to have my driveway re gravelled, how he had forced Bill to confess how he had been coerced into getting close to me on orders of the queen and to seduce me so she could use me, and then I tell how I found him that night running naked down the road, with no memory of who he was, I tell how I protected him and hid him and how I fell in love with him.
I tell how this was one of the occasions where the Were's and vamps cooperated to rid Shreveport of the witch who had cursed Eric, I tell how Eric had saved me from Andre when he wanted me to become bonded with him and Eric had stood in to save me from doing so. I explained how that was when the blood bond was first forged between us and how he came to me when I was left holding a crude bomb in Rhodes to stand with me until it was taken away.
I mention Quinn as he was there too and give a brief explanation as to who he is and what he is and what he was to me at that time. I tell how I saved Eric and Pam when the building was bombed and how we had finally become a couple, how he came to me when I had been captured by the homicidal fairies and tortured and how bad he had felt because he had been unable to get to me sooner. I smile as I tell how he had tricked me into marrying him to protect me from Felipe and how we had plotted to kill Victor.
I tell of the grim days where he was promised by his maker to the queen of another state and how we were nearly finished completely when I had used my Cluvel Dor to save Sam instead of to release him from having to get married. I tell how we were saved by a coup in the queens court and then how I had changed my mind and agreed to finally be brought over as a vampire, how I had realised I couldn't grow old and die and how I couldn't put him through the pain of watching me do so. I talk and talk I tell of the night Eric turned me, how he made it so intimate, the last supper he had laid out for me and the song he had playing in the background as he turned me. I talk of the ceremony at Fangtasia where I married him again, properly this time, and of my unending love for him, I stop suddenly as I feel a surge of love wash over me and look around to see Eric standing in the doorway his arms folded staring at me.
"That was a pretty concise description of our relationship to date" he says dryly.
"Asvaldr wanted to know how we met" I say defensively.
"I hope you told him the child friendly version," he says with a grin as he sits beside me. He strokes our sons head, "Have you heard enough my son?" he asks.
I get contentment in my head.
"I think we will take that as a yes," Eric murmurs.
oooOOOooo
I am getting ready to go to the Pack meeting, Eric is pacing around because he is angry that I made it clear he wouldn't be coming with me. I have patiently pointed out to him that they have all pledged to protect me and so if anything happens they would be made to pay. To which Eric grabbed me and said but that would be all very well, but retribution wouldn't bring us back if we were dead. I had also tried to tell him Alcide had assured our safety but he wouldn't listen. In the end he could see why he couldn't be there but before I could go I had to agree to Pam and Karin hiding outside and at the slightest hint of trouble I would call them.
I am looking at my reflection in the mirror, its been a while since I wore such casual clothing, I check out my figure, nobody would ever know I had ever been pregnant, let alone given birth only weeks previously. I pull on my boots and get ready to leave, I don't need to dress up for the cold weather but I do so out of habit, I have my winter boots on, jeans, a cream sweater and the beautiful red coat which Eric had bought me many years previously, when my other one had been beyond help after it got covered in Debbie Pelt's blood and brains. I have wrapped up my son and placed a hat on his head, and placed him in the carrier around me. Eric approaches me and strokes our sons head, and kisses it.
"You take care of your mommy" he says to him.
"We will be fine" I say as I reach up and kiss Eric's chin, he pulls me closer and kisses me on the lips. I go and get in the car waiting for me outside, Pam is driving and Karin is sitting in the back. Eric comes out and Pam winds down the window.
"Be on alert, any trouble you get them out of there" he demands.
"Yes master" they both reply.
As we are heading to the pack meeting Pam looks at me "Explain again why you are doing this?"
"Because the pack pledged protection to me and Asvaldr, so we thought it was a good idea to attend a pack meeting so he could be introduced to the pack and because we want to teach Asvaldr about the different Supe communities".
She nods and says no more.
I stroke Asvaldr's head and silently I speak to him through my mind taking care not to look either Pam or Karin in the eye.
We need to be on alert but please don't get blasting anyone across the room, a gentle shove like you did at Merlotte's will be fine and I will know, ok?
I get a positive reaction back and I smile.
Alcide is waiting for me, when we pull up and he frowns when he sees Pam and Karin. I quickly jump out "Thanks for the lift Pam!" I say loudly and Pam starts to reverse to look as though she is heading away and raise my hand in farewell.
"Why did they come with you?" Alcide asks suspiciously.
"They were just dropping me off, Eric is at Fangtasia and my car is out of action at the moment" I lie, (hopefully convincingly).
Alcide nods and his eyes travel down to the baby in the carrier on my chest, he moves forward slowly and reaches out to touch Asvaldr.
"Asvaldr, this here is mommy's friend Alcide, he is the Pack master of the Shreveport Were's" I say.
Alcide smiles "Happy little guy isn't he?" he says, Asvaldr looks him straight in the eye, "He looks like Eric" Alcide says.
I nod, "Yes everyone says that."
"Come on lets go in," Alcide gestures to the open door. As we step inside the general hum of voices stops and the room falls deathly silent as every eye is on me, the air is shimmering and there is an expectancy hanging, the pack are on alert and ready to change.
Alcide shows me to my seat, and addresses the Weres. "You all know Sookie, she is a friend of the pack and we pledged protection to her and her son, so she has come to introduce him to us, now he has been born. We chose tonight as this is a special night where we welcome two new cubs to adulthood. It is highly unusual to have a vampire as a friend of the pack but Sookie was human when this honour was bestowed on her by our late lamented Pack leader, Col. Flood, and how she chooses to live her life has no consequence as to her status within this pack. You all know she has recently had a baby, which is a fulfilment of the Julienne Prophecy and as such we are doubly honoured to have her as a friend of the pack and have extended the Pledge of Protection to her and her child". Alcide stops speaking and looks around the room.
I have taken Asvaldr out of his carrier and am struggling to take off my coat, Alcide comes to help me and lifts my son from my arms. The pack immediately surges forward to see the child and there are lots of oohs and aahs from the female pack members. They had not wanted to approach me, but as my son is in the arms of the Pack master it appears he is now fair game.
"Is he a vamp Sookie?" asks Anna Marie, as she offers her finger for my son to grasp.
"Kind of, I think" I say. "We are not too sure yet, but he sleeps when we are down during the day and he drinks my blood and Eric's blood" I stop at the looks I am getting. I reach out and take my son back from Alcide.
"You have a beautiful son," a voice from the side of the room says, I turn and see Davis one of the older Weres, who has known me since before I became a friend of the pack, he pushes through the crowd surrounding us, and smiles at me, so I am shocked when he suddenly stumbles backwards.
"Davis you ok?" Alcide says.
"Yeah sure, not sure what happened but yeah I'm fine" Davis frowns and takes a step back.
Why did you do that? I think quickly.
I am presented with a picture of two boys changing into Were's, and the two Were's who didn't pledge the last time I attended a pack meeting, I then see Davis in the same picture.
I am now desperately digging around in Davis' head but not getting anything incriminating, I try Vinnie and Harley, the two Were's who did not pledge to me again I am getting nothing, they are not thinking about whatever it is that has spooked Asvaldr.
I think quickly, "Alcide can I meet the two new Were's?" I ask innocently, thinking fast, I didn't want to do it this way but it seems it's the only choice.
Alcide calls them forward they look nervous, so I smile reassuringly at them and keep my fangs firmly concealed.
"Hi guys" I say brightly. These are the boys who Asvaldr has just showed me. "You guys are going to be joining the best Were pack in the state tonight. Alcide is a good leader and a fair one. As a friend of the pack I hope you chose to serve the pack well". I stop everyone is staring and then breaks out into applause.
This is what I was hoping for, if they see the pack is benign towards me it will be harder for them to go against them.
"Thanks Sookie that was good of you, boys come here and pledge protection to Sookie and her baby, the rest of the pack did this last time she was here before her baby was born, we will repeat that pledge now.
"Alcide, what happens if anyone breaks it?" I ask innocently.
Alcide looks stunned, "I only ask because when Bill broke it and tried to kill Asvaldr when Eric was holding him, he was killed on the spot, but that is vampire law, I was just wondering what Were law states, just out of interest" I look innocently at Alcide, and he smiles.
"To start with, nobody would break that pledge; we are not like devious vampires – no offence Sookie."
"None taken" I say brightly.
"But should anyone break the pledge, they too would die on the spot – I would kill them for dishonouring the pack and breaking the oath."
"Good to know" I say my smile stretching across my lips. I glance at the two boys and they have gone very pale, I am hoping that this will be enough to persuade them not to do whatever Davis has told them to.
Alcide smiles again, "Sookie, I personally guarantee your safety and that of your son, you have been around us before when we have changed and you have been safe, but you seem jumpy this time."
"I'm a mom now" I say simply.
The female Were's nod and murmur in agreement, the two boys are looking more and more uncomfortable, especially when their mothers come forward, and place their hands on the boys and assure me their boys will not harm me and that they totally understand my cautious attitude."
"Ok, then boys step forward for the pledge" Alcide commands.
It is too much for one of the boys, he turns to his mother "Mom I don't want Alcide to kill me!" he screams.
His mother wraps her arms around him as the rest of the pack stares, "Jakey what are you saying?" the female Were says gently.
Tears start to pour down the boy's face, "Davis told me when we turned we had to leap at Sookie and drag her baby away and kill it and then Harley and Vinnie would take care of her because they didn't pledge last time, he said we would be forgiven because it is our first change, I don't want to kill a little baby mom, and neither does Joe – do you Joe?"
The other boy shakes his head adamantly he looks terrified and tears well in his eyes, I feel sorry for them. The pack is staring at Davis, Vinnie and Harley who are standing in the middle of the floor looking more than uncomfortable.
I step towards the boys smiling, "You are very brave" I say. They look at me and try to smile.
Alcide takes command, "Boys take the pledge" they do so and then he gestures them to the side.
"Davis, Harley and Vinnie" he says in a cold clear voice the three are dragged forward by three female members two of them are the young Were's mothers and they are not happy.
They are snarling and starting to change. I step back out of the way and make my way backwards towards the door for a quick getaway if needs be.
"Davis you have dishonoured the pack, the cubs were not full Were's and you coerced them to help kill not only a friend of the pack, but a friend of the pack who we have pledged to protect. You will be executed for this", he looks towards Joe and Jakey's mothers "you may dispose of him as you see fit as it was your cubs he tried to corrupt."
The two female Were's don't need telling twice they complete the change and leap on Davis and tear him to shreds. Alcide calls command again, all the other Were's are in danger of changing at the excitement and violence, he calls the two boys forward.
"Joe and Jakey your time has come to change for the first time, and tonight you have proved yourselves honourable trustworthy members of the pack. The pack circles the boys and cheer as the boys change for the first time, the air around the pack looks almost alive as the rest of the pack changes and as one they all leap at Vinnie and Harley and within seconds the two rogue Were's are dead.
I have watched everything and so has Asvaldr, I have been getting intense interest and concentration through our bond. Alcide stands and howls and the pack respond with a chorus of howling.
Alcide comes towards us slowly, he is still in wolf form, and I think he doesn't want to scare Asvaldr but all I am getting from my son is intense curiosity as he takes everything in. He sits in front of me and licks my arm, I crouch and let Asvaldr touch him.
"This is Alcide in his wolf form" I say to my son, he reaches and touches the wolf on the head, Alcide turns his head and licks Asvaldr's hand. I get an intense feeling of shocked awe from Asvaldr which is suddenly eclipsed by worry I look at him and realise the worry is not coming from Asvaldr at all, I am feeling Eric's presence through our bond, I realise he must be outside so I quickly send a mental message to him.
Everything is ok, stay where you are.
I get a message back I felt anger and fear, are you sure you are both ok?
Yes we are fine, honestly and we will be out in a moment.
Sookie I got a message from our son, he spoke to me, not pictures or emotions, he used words, he spoke to me! I now feel Eric's excitement not only from his words but also from the surge of emotion through the bond.
I stand up, all the Weres are getting ready to go out and hunt, "Erm thanks guys for letting me come and watch it's been... interesting!"
As one the pack come towards me, and they lie down in front of me. I smile "Thank you it means a lot – we are going to go now if that's ok with y'all?" They all stand up and circle me as I walk toward towards the door.
Alcide stands and walks to the door and waits looking at me, as I reach him I crouch and whisper in his furry ear, "Thanks Alcide see you real soon" I stroke his head and he whines at me. Asvaldr reaches out and touches Alcide's head and smiles at him.
I open the door and leave, as I walk across the parking lot Eric appears out of the shadows, he walks towards me and his nostrils flare, "Sookie you and our son reek of dog!" he says disdainfully.
"Eric what did Asvaldr say to you earlier?" I ask.
"All ok" Eric says.
"Well he was right, All was ok!" I say with a grin.
Eric wraps his arm around me and he leads me to the car to go home.