Apologies for the extended wait. Real life has been crazy but a big thank you to everyone who's still following and cheering me along.
*Not mine. Darn it all!*
Chapter 10
The near scalding shower beat against my weary shoulders as I washed the last of Claudine's magic away. The girls & I had gotten home a little over an hour ago and eaten a quick lunch consisting of chicken Caesar salads and Claudine's "special" peach iced tea. Though I'd smiled pretty for a few memento pictures before our disguises fell off and Amelia hightailed it back to Bon Temps, inside, my nerves were still rattled. Claudine, bless her heart, had tried repeatedly to calm me but there was only one person who could do that and he was still dead for the day.
Once I was squeaky, sparking clean, I grabbed a towel while still trying to block the image of Clancy's melting face out of my mind. Automatically, I checked our bed assuring myself Eric was still safely tucked in and crawled up beside him. He was right where I'd left him, lying peacefully on his side, his arm draped over the empty space I'd occupied earlier. A little muscle strength and a whole bunch of wiggling later, I was where I needed to be most and as I stared at my husband's beautiful resting face, the damn broke free.
My sobs were jagged and harsh, my imagination replacing Clancy with Eric. "I won't let them take you from me," I swore to the dead viking in my bed, wishing he could really hold me. I don't know how long I wept, my face buried in the crux of his armpit, but in the middle of it all, his hand reanimated and clutched my head.
"You alright Wife?" he mumbled and a faint swell of comfort moved from him into me.
I knew how difficult it was for Eric to fight the day's influence, having had to practically beat him awake in Rhodes, so I wiped my face and patted his. "I am fine Husband," I whispered. "Get your rest. I love you."
"Love you," he murmured, puckering those luscious lips as if to kiss me before going under again. I lingered a bit longer, relaxing in his embrace then breathed a deep cleansing sigh. Our exchange, no matter how brief, had been just the medicine I needed.
"See you soon," I said, giving him one last kiss goodbye. "I'll be waiting for you." Feeling infinitely better, I shimmied off the bed and slipped into my new flowery sundress with matching wedge sandals. Once my hair was thrown into a loose French braid, I whipped up the unbaked sweet potato casserole and was on my way.
Jason's truck was the first to greet me as I pulled into the driveway and in the time it took me to park and get out, he'd bounded down the back steps and swept me up in a big bear hug.
"It's good to see you Sis. You look great!" he beamed.
"Thanks," I smiled, tousling his sandy blonde hair. "You look good too. New Orleans agrees with you."
"Sure does," he said as I retrieved the casserole and made my way inside.
"Hey Sook. Ham's heating in the oven," Amelia called. "Everyone should be here shortly. Is Claudine coming?"
"She's on a date," I replied, "but said she'd try to make it and might bring her mystery man with her." I hadn't been surprised when Claudine shared her plans shortly before popping out but I was a little shocked when she'd mentioned they might make an appearance together. I'd never met any of Claudine's suitors so I had no idea what to expect but knowing my cousin, the possibilities were limitless.
"What happened to Alcide?" I asked and my brother shrugged.
"Maria wasn't up for a road trip. They said they'll catch you on the next one."
I'd been looking forward to catching up with Maria Star but after the morning we'd had, it was probably best. Truthfully, I wouldn't have been all that upset if Hoyt, Holly and Sam had bailed too. Amelia put the casserole in the oven and after a quick check on the green beans, I grabbed a pitcher of sweet tea and a beer, handing Jason the latter.
We adjourned to the porch and for the first time in a long time, my brother and I really talked. He told me all about life in New Orleans, how much he liked and respected Alcide and appreciated running with Alcide's new pack. "They ain't a bunch o' backwater inbreds," he pointed out. "Their pack master is a Navy Seal."
Though there was pride in his voice, inside, he was envious of Alcide's full Were status and disappointed he'd never be anything other than a half Panther Man. I was just grateful the pack had accepted him so he wouldn't be alone during his "time of the month."
"Did you go to Mardi Gras this year?" I asked, changing the subject and Jason perked right up.
"You bet," he smiled devilishly. "Bourbon Street was Titty Heaven! We're talkin' wall to wall titties."
Amelia snorted. "So what you're trying to say is you got an eyeful."
"Maybe a mouthful too," Jason added, earning an eye roll from Amelia & me.
"Well as long as you were entertained," I laughed as Hoyt & Holly pulled up.
"Hey Bro!" Hoyt called. "You got the race on? Junior's gonna win this one."
"You're crazy!" Jason countered. "Jimmy Johnson drives circles around your boy."
I'd learned long ago nothing ends brother/sister bonding time faster than football or NASCAR so it was no surprise when Jason promptly abandoned me for Hoyt, a fresh six pack and the race.
"Boys will be boys," Holly quipped and I laughed while quickly fetching her a glass.
"How are the wedding plans going?" I asked, pouring a fresh round of tea.
Holly cheerfully shared they'd set the date for June 15th and had chosen the state park close to Rustin as the location. It was real pretty there with a lush green landscape that led all the way to a small lake. Their color scheme was butter cream and buttercup or in layman's terms, white and yellow. Mrs. Fortenberry had initially scoffed that her darling boy wasn't having a church wedding until Hoyt reminded her nature was God's original house. Apparently, Holly hadn't shared her Wiccan beliefs with Maxine and Hoyt was covering for her. Though I thought that was smart thinking on their part, I still wondered how they'd dodge the religion issue if and when any new children entered the picture. Thankfully, that can of worms was not my cross to bear.
"How's Cody handling this?" I asked. Cody was Holly's son and according to Jason, "a darn good ball player." It'd been just the two of them pretty much Cody's entire life since Holly's deadbeat ex split shortly after his son's birth. Even though Cody was almost grown, making space for another man in your mom's life could be a difficult adjustment.
"He's happy for me and he likes Hoyt," Holly replied. "They go fishing together and he's glad I won't be alone if he gets a sports scholarship and starts college next year. He even offered to give me away."
"That's so sweet," Amelia remarked and I nodded in agreement.
"What can I say?" Holly replied proudly. "I got lucky in the kid department."
A small pang stabbed at my heart because I knew I could never make that statement. However, I quickly squashed it reminding myself I'd traded the traditional white picket fence life for a never ending adventure with the vamp of my dreams. Not a bad deal when you really thought about it.
"Sam's here and he's got someone with him," Amelia remarked, pointing down the driveway. When the truck got a little closer and we got a better look, my jaw dropped. Snuggled up next to Sam, was Claudine.
"Sorry we're late Cousin," she sang as they walked hand in hand towards the porch and I greeted them at the top of the steps, mouth still gaping.
"Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Back the turnip truck up," I said, stunned by the couple before me. "Sam's your date?"
My former boss blushed while Claudine nodded happily. "Yes. We've been seeing each other since your wedding. That's not a problem is it?" my fairy godmother asked, arching her brow and snapping me out of my stupor.
"No! Of course not," I replied, shaking my head. "It's just unexpected, that's all." I turned to Sam and playfully punched him. "You sly dog!"
"Can you blame me?" he replied, tenderly looking at Claudine. Sam's thoughts, though blurry, confirmed he was head over heels in love and he grinned as he left our little hen party to join the guys inside. As soon as the door closed behind him, I eyeballed Claudine.
"Ok Cousin, SPILL! I thought you only dated a certain type." I kept the meaning behind the question guarded as I didn't know how much Holly knew and wasn't about to accidentally out my fairy godmother.
Claudine smiled. "I thought so too but it turns out, we share a love for many of the same things, particularly nature and running. He's really quite the charmer once you get past the scruff," she winked. "We jog together almost every morning."
I wondered if Sam ran as himself or Dean the dog figuring either one would be make good company. However, I was also aware the fairy population had significantly decreased over time and as a female, Claudine might be expected to produce a pure offspring. Then again, as a shifter, could Sam become one? Unfortunately, that question was too personal to ask in present company, if ever, but I was dying to know. "Will the family have a problem with this?" I asked cryptically and Claudine's smile widened in understanding.
"I have permission Cousin. There will be no retribution for this decision."
"What are you, in the mob?" Holly asked and Claudine laughed.
"No Dear," she answered happily. "There are those in my family who follow ancient, outdated traditions."
"Like arranged marriages?"
"You could say that and thankfully, none of them have any authority over me. Anyway, Sam is a wonderful partner and we enjoy each other immensely."
"T.M.I. Cousin," I said while attempting to erase the image of Claudine and Sam making whoopee from my head. Not that I was offended. I just didn't want to imagine them that way.
"Speak for yourself Pollyanna!" Amelia said, peeking in the window at Sam then returning her attention to Claudine. "So he's really good huh?" she prompted.
Claudine gave another wink. "He's an animal!"
The tea I'd been drinking spat out of my mouth as Amelia and Holly echoed my laughter. "You're so bad!" I choked.
"Actually, I'm quite good," Claudine retorted causing all of us to roar louder so much so, Jason came to the front window and yelled.
"Keep it down out there. We're in the final laps."
"Pardon us," Amelia quipped. "We didn't realize watching a bunch of cars drive in circles took that much concentration."
Jason grinned and flipped us the bird while Amelia feigned shock and disbelief.
"Come on girls," I giggled, grabbing the pitcher. "It's time to reclaim our turf."
Fifteen minutes later, amid groans of testosterone laden protests, we all gathered at the table. The food was as wonderful as the company. Hoyt and Holly's upcoming nuptials were further discussed as well as Jason's new job and the general goings on at Merlotte's. When Claudine began showering Sam with random compliments, Jason became slightly envious. Thankfully, his tiny brain was functioning at full capacity and he kept his icky quasi-incestuous thoughts to himself. I was grateful no one brought up our earlier mission and guessed Claudine had given Sam the gory details so I'd only have to rehash it with Eric. Once we'd eaten, I passed around the pictures I'd taken of our cottage, the mountains and the ice hotel and when all was said and done, the vote was unanimous. Eric and I'd had the perfect honeymoon.
"Speaking of your vampire," Claudine said, glancing outside at the setting sun. "It's getting late. I should go."
"And I'm needed back at the bar," Sam added as they stood to leave but I knew full well they were going to his place. Claudine hadn't stopped touching him in one way or another since they arrived and as they waved goodbye, I really hoped she wasn't toying with Sam's heart. This was the happiest I'd seen him in a long time and if two beings as different as Eric and me could make a go of it, why couldn't they?
"We're gonna get goin' too Sook," Hoyt announced. "I promised Momma we'd stop and check on her."
"Thanks for coming," I said, automatically fixing a "to go" plate for Maxine. Despite all the hateful things she'd thought about me over the years, Gran wouldn't have expected anything less. "Y'all give me a holler if you need any help with the wedding."
"Will do," Holly replied while Hoyt took the plate and they left for Maxine's house.
"Jason and I'll do the dishes," Amelia offered as I shut the front door. "Why don't you go freshen up."
"Since when am I your kitchen bitch?" Jason snarked.
"Since now!" Amelia shot back, snapping him with a towel. "Your sister's had a hard day and is expecting her hubby so get to work." Jason grumbled so she took a different approach…bribery. "If you do a good job," she said sweetly. "I'll buy you a beer."
"Why didn't you say so in the first place," Jason grinned, tying the towel around his waist. "Let's get to work. I'm thirsty."
They dove into the dishes while I scurried off to the bathroom to take care of my human needs, wash my face and brush my teeth. I'd felt Eric rise just after Claudine and Sam made their exit and his presence was steadily growing stronger. I couldn't wait to feel his arms around me. He'd become as necessary to my well being as breathing and I finished as fast as I could before dashing to the front porch.
My body shook with happiness as I closed my eyes and tilted my head back, feeling my viking's close proximity. "Eric," I sighed, knowing he could hear it for at that very moment, he landed right in front of me.
"My Lover," he smiled, his blue eyes sparkling as I leapt into his open arms, kissing him with everything I had. Eric reciprocated my affection, growling and pulling me as close as we could possibly get despite our pesky clothing. His fangs were distended and nipped at my lips but I didn't care. I wanted to be nipped along with a few other intimate things.
"Hungry," he rasped when I paused for some much needed oxygen.
"Not alone," I managed as he kissed my neck in that one place that always turned me into jelly. I wanted nothing more than to strip him down and jump his bones but the thought of a possible "Brother Interruptus" was equivalent to a bucket of cold water. Eric reclaimed my lips as he carried me into the house, his hands tightly clutching my backside. When we passed the kitchen, he paused and threw a wad of cash at Amelia and Jason.
"Leave us," he said, never tearing his eyes away from mine then resumed his tongue laden assault.
I vaguely heard Amelia squeal and Jason shout a hearty "Thanks Man!" followed by his truck speeding away as my viking kicked in my old bedroom door, swiftly removed our clothing and threw me onto the bed.
"Yes!" I moaned as the Gracious Plenty burrowed deep inside me while my viking's skilled tongue flickered over my nipples. He grunted hungrily, sucking them into stiff peaks before moving lower and feasting on my core. One minute and two strategically placed fingers later, his fangs struck my femoral and greedily sucked me into oblivion. I was still twitching when he lifted and impaled me, his huge hands gripping my hips.
"So wet," he grunted, thrusting forcefully and I exploded again as he pumped me through wave after wave of ecstasy. My nails clawed and scratched wildly at his back sending him into a literal fucking frenzy. I thought I might be pounded to pieces and relished every minute of it. Judging all the racket we were making, you'd think we were two primitive cave dwellers who just discovered sex.
"Come with me," I panted, freefalling into my final orgasm which proved to powerful for Eric's control. He hissed and cursed in several languages, emptying himself inside me and we collapsed together.
"I'm glad you are feeling better," he said, gently playing with the hair on my head while I fiddled with the ones on his chest. "I thought earlier the Fellowship might have discovered you."
"Not a chance. Claudine's magic was in overdrive." I left the bed long enough to grab my cell and showed him a picture of the old me.
"Impressive," he remarked. "Perhaps you can wear that for me sometime."
"EWWWW!" I cried.
"I love you Sookie," Eric said, suddenly quite serious. "I'd find you desirable at any age."
"You sweet talker," I cooed, planting a kiss over his lifeless heart.
"So why were you crying hard enough to raise the dead earlier?" he asked, concern in his eyes. "Did the Fellowship harm you?"
"Not physically," I answered. "Arlene said some horrible things about me right to my face but I couldn't do anything or I'd have blown my cover. Her nastiness is the least of our problems though." I sat up and faced him. "They fried Clancy as their grand finale in their hate filled show."
Eric pulled me in for another kiss and engulfed me in soothing comfort. "It must have been difficult to watch."
"I closed my eyes after the initial shock wore off," I admitted, "but nothing will ever block out those screams."
"I knew he was weak," Eric said as though I'd just told him I'd stomped on a cockroach. "I'll have to contact his maker and His Majesty."
"Well you better take notes cause I'm just getting started."
Eric listened as I rehashed the whole horrible experience. He stayed calm through my description of the place, the revelation of multiple FOTS centers expanding throughout the country and even Whit's Children of the Sun program but when I told him about the shadow man and the list, his rage was palpable.
"Could you see what was written?" he asked, handing over my clothes, prompting me to dress quickly.
"No but I did have the B's follow him and Whit. I told them we'd summon them tonight."
"Good. Call them now," he ordered as he flipped his cell and began dialing feverishly.
I grabbed my purse, fishing for the compact while sprinting to the living room. Quickly, I opened the device and shouted. "Ukweli. Matokeo. We need you here." I laid the still open compact on the couch to give them a soft landing just in case they came through the tiny mirror then backed away, not knowing what to expect.
The knock on the door startled me but not as much as two massive women squeezing out of an object the size of my palm would have been. I threw open the door just as Eric emerged from the bedroom.
"What did you find?" he prompted as the B's stepped inside.
"We followed the men our mistress bade us to," Matokeo said. "The execution was done on Whit Spradlin's orders. He had twins, Jethro and Cletus Burdette, capture your underling specifically for the ceremony today. Steve Newlin had no knowledge of this."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Newlin and Whit had a video conference and Whit was severely reprimanded. The reverend may share Whit's principles but he hadn't planned an attack this soon. He was waiting."
"For what?" Eric and I asked together.
"He intends to open FOTS centers in every major city and have a nationwide vampire sacrifice as a show of their strength. He is angry and worried Mr. Spradlin may have brought unneeded attention to their organization so soon."
"He should be," Eric spat. "I'll mount their heads to my wall."
"Honey," I reasoned. "You can't just go in there and kill everyone. You'd only prove the point they've been trying to make and further demonize your kind. Besides, we can't prove anything. There's no body and from what I witnessed, no one in that chapel is going to say anything."
"I can't just sit and wait for them to take another vampire. They must pay."
"And they will but we need evidence to prove their crimes to the human authorities."
"What of the unknown man?" Eric asked, returning his attention to the B's. "Sookie said he gave a list to Whit. Did you see it?"
"We did," Ukweli replied. "It has the names of all vampires in your area, including you. Clancy was an easy target because his routine never changed but make no mistake, they plan to take all of you."
"We need to know what else this man revealed," Eric said, pacing like a caged animal. "Can you identify him?"
"Yes," said Matokeo. "I followed him home. A Mister Bobby Burnham, living at 423 Sycamore…"
"Meet me at Fangtasia," Eric seethed, his fury erupting as he took to the sky.
"Honey!" I screamed, running to the car. "Don't kill him yet!"
If you guessed Bobby's about to meet a horrible demise, you're right. I never liked him or his attitude towards Sookie. Regarding Holly's son Cody, yes I'm guilty of utilizing the classic soap opera child aging in order to suit my story but since they are background characters, didn't think anyone would mind.
If you liked the idea of Sam and Claudine, enjoyed Sookie and Eric's reunion or have any cruel and unusual punishments you'd like to see Eric inflict on Bobby, PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW.
Peace!
Hippychik