A/N: I admit to liking Franklin. I didn't like that the show made him such a psycho with Tara. I kind of like Seren keeping a rein on him. Anyway, a lot going on in this chapter. I hope you enjoy.
Chapter 10
I
Seren visited Russell the next night. She drove to keep up the appearance that she wasn't shifting into anything other than human. She didn't want Russell to know how much of herself she was revealing to Eric. She was in her true form and was waved through security. She entered the mansion and spied Franklin hanging out in the foyer. She went to him and sat with him on one of the benches. He seemed even more weird than usual.
"What's the matter?" she asked.
"Why don't you hate me?" asked Franklin.
"I don't," said Seren. "I've never held you responsible."
"You're the only one who has never judged me, even when you have the most right to," said Franklin.
He seemed to be in a particularly melancholy mood, thought Seren. Perhaps, being all alone was too much for even a vampire to bear.
Seren took his hand and said, "Why does it bother you? Surely, you've done more terrible things before?"
"No, I don't think so," said Franklin. "Your mother was so fierce, so brave, defending her cub. I should have let her try to kill Russell, but instead I killed her. Or, I would have, if Russell hadn't have given her his blood."
"We both know the end would have been the same," said Seren. "My mother was not a match against Russell. Russell took the life that I was supposed to have away and that little girl I was died that night."
Seren gripped Franklin's hand and stared into his mad eyes and said, "Maybe, something of yourself died that night as well."
"You're a good person," said Franklin, with the beginnings of blood tears in his eyes.
"No, I'm not," whispered Seren, so low that only he could hear, even in a house of vampires. "I'm broken, just like you. But, I'm not defeated. I need to know where your loyalty lies, Franklin. Are you mine or are you Russell's?"
Franklin stared back and his eyes cold, deadly and nonhuman.
"Yours, Seren. You're the only one who has ever cared for me," he whispered back.
Even some vampires crave friendship and love, thought Seren. She wondered if the events of that night, which seemed if they happened a lifetime ago, had driven Franklin even further over the edge. She also wondered why the plight of a terrified girl had upset him or given him a moment's remorse. Maybe, because he had expected her to hate him and when she didn't, it had bothered him. Franklin expected to be reviled and there was much about him to revile, thought Seren. Yet, she remembered how he had avoided her whenever he came to see Russell. Until, one day when she had cornered him and discovered that he didn't avoid her because he disliked her, but because he felt a degree of guilt over his actions. He might be crazy and he might lose control of himself and kill, but he still could feel emotions. Seren had never met many vampires who felt anything, especially for someone not of their own kind.
Of course, Seren had always blamed Russell solely for what happened to her. Franklin had only been an instrument to Russell. With a tiny flicker of remorse, she wondered if she was any different than Russell, for she planned to use him as well.
It was then that Lorena came down the staircase, closely followed by Talbot. Lorena was wearing a little black dress and her hair was swept up on her head. She was outwardly beautiful, thought Seren. But, no amount of physical beauty could make up for how ugly she really was. Seren disliked her and with good reason. Lorena has taunted her as a child whenever she had come to visit Russell which, thankfully, had not been often. At least, as much as she could get away with, since she had been afraid to openly antagonize Russell. Seren also despised her for her lack of imagination. She was very one-dimensional for a vampire and it all seemed to revolve around Bill Compton.
"Did you bring that hunky Viking with you?" asked Talbot.
"No, and even if I did, I wouldn't allow your grubby little hands to touch him," said Seren.
Lorena had reached the bottom on the stairs and she leveled her gaze at Seren and Franklin.
"Oh, look, it's a reunion of Russell's freaks," she said.
"I may be a freak," said Seren. "But, I'm not so stupid as to love someone who can't stand the sight of me."
Lorena bared her fangs and said, "Take that back."
"Oh, the truth hurts, doesn't it?" said Seren. "It seems Bill is not into cruel, crazy bitches after all, since he moved on to that sweet, little human."
Forgetting herself, Lorena moved to Seren. But, in a wink, Franklin stepped in her way. Seren got up and, with a nod to Franklin, they began circling her. Lorena now realized the danger that she was in and tried to keep her eyes on both of them. She bared her fangs again and Franklin bared his back. Lorena flashed her eyes to Seren. Seren smiled, showing off a mouthful of razor sharp fangs.
"You...you're not supposed to shift," said Lorena.
"New master, new rules," said Seren. "You're fair game, now."
"Please, I just had the walls repainted and the marble floors polished," complained Talbot. "And if you get blood on that tapestry from the 13th century, I'll have your heads."
"Shut up," said Franklin and Seren, together.
"I'm telling Russell," huffed Talbot, who quickly left.
Franklin moved and grabbed Lorena from behind and held her. Seren smiled and moved towards her.
"Let me go, you crazy freaks," hissed Lorena.
"Oh, are we not having fun, now?" taunted Seren.
Seren stepped next to her and Franklin held Lorena's head fast. As Lorena watched, unable to look away, a reptilian tongue that was forked at the end came out of Seren's mouth of fangs. Seren flicked it at Lorena's face and pulled it back. Seren seemed to be thinking.
"Tastes like chicken," said Seren with a smile. "Laced with a heavy shot of fear."
"Rip her throat out," said Franklin.
"No, stay away from me," cried Lorena, twisting in Franklin's hands.
"I'm afraid Franklin is older and stronger than you. And I am not a child anymore that you can torment," said Seren. "Are you beginning to see that you just made a serious error in judgement?"
"Seren, that's enough," said Russell. "I swear, if another priceless vase or tapestry get destroyed, I'll never hear the end of it."
Seren stepped back and Franklin let go of Lorena. Lorena straightened her clothes and smiled victoriously at Seren.
"Russell, I don't know how you handle being surrounded by these-" Lorena began.
"Shut up," said Russell.
Lorena's eyes widened in a brief flash of anger, but she held her tongue.
"You will apologize to Seren," said Russell.
"What?" said Lorena.
"You do not come into my house and bare your fangs against my ward," said Russell. "If you have a problem with that, you can show yourself out."
Lorena hesitated for several seconds and then said, "I'm sorry, Seren."
"Now, there has been enough excitement tonight," said Russell. "I want to talk with Seren and I don't want to be disturbed, again."
"Yes, Majesty," said Lorena with a small bow.
As Seren and Russell left, Franklin hissed, "Watch your back."
With her eyes on Franklin, Lorena backed up to the staircase and then swiftly turned and disappeared up them.
In the study, Russell took a seat on the settee in front of the fireplace. He was casually attired in khaki slacks and jacket with a pin-stipe shirt with a hint of pink in it. He gazed at Seren, disapprovingly.
"All this freedom that the Sheriff grants you is making you reckless," he said.
"She provoked me. She always has," said Seren.
"She's stupid and weak and not worth your concern," said Russell.
Seren was silent and gazed into the flames.
"I suppose that I will have to kill her, now," Russell said. "You scared her and she's stupid enough to tell the wrong person about you."
"She may be stupid, but she won't do anything to risk your wrath," said Seren. "She won't say anything."
"On to other matters," said Russell. "What is the news, Dumpling?"
"Everything is falling into place, Majesty," said Seren. "I can assure you that Queen Sophie-Anne will fall."
Russell cooed in excitement and smiled at her.
"And the Viking?" he asked.
"What of him?" replied Seren. "He isn't a threat to you."
"Not right now," said Russell. "Are you going soft on me? Or maybe, you're enjoying this little vacation too much."
"Is that such a crime?" asked Seren. "He's more valuable as a ally."
"Only if you can control him," said Russell.
Seren said nothing in return.
"I'm sending my wolves for Bill Compton," said Russell.
"Can they handle that?" asked Seren.
"Sometimes, I get the feeling that you just don't like werewolves," said Russell.
"I'll keep the Sheriff from reporting his disappearance to the Queen," said Seren.
"And his human?" asked Russell.
"I'll keep my eye on her, as well," said Seren.
Seren looked at Russell and asked, "Why is Lorena even here?"
"She got wind that I was interested in Bill and she couldn't wait to try and get her hooks back into him," replied Russell.
"I still fail to see what benefit there is to having her here," said Seren.
"A maker and child bond is not so easily broken," said Russell.
"She has no influence over Bill," said Seren. "I have seen him with that girl."
"Then, I'll let whichever one pleases me the most, kill the other," said Russell.
"If you offer to kill Lorena, Bill might do whatever you want," said Seren. "Just a thought."
"Good point, Pumpkin," said Russell. "You always did have a ruthless streak."
"I got it from you," said Seren, gazing back at him.
II
Back in Shreveport, the next night, Seren presented herself at Fangtasia before opening. She walked through the deserted bar and found Eric in his office. She only looked at him and left, since it wasn't safe to say anything in there. As she waited in the main bar, he came out and took a seat at the counter.
"Where were you last night?" he asked.
"With Russell," said Seren.
"Is that why you didn't answer your phone?" he asked.
"When Russell calls, you answer. And you give him your undivided attention," said Seren. "You should remember that."
"I don't belong to Russell," said Eric.
"But, you would be smart to pretend as if you did," said Seren. "Is there a reason that you needed me?"
"I have a...guest downstairs," said Eric.
"And what exactly do you expect me to do with him?" asked Seren.
"Have you been trained to interrogate?" asked Eric.
"Yes," said Seren, warily.
"Then, you will help me interrogate him," said Eric.
"If you insist," said Seren. "But, surely you plan on doing that after closing?"
"Yes, why?" asked Eric.
"I think I should pay a visit to Bon Temps and visit the barmaid," said Seren.
"Is that so?" said Eric. "Why?"
"It would go better for you if she didn't think that you and I are sexually involved," said Seren. "She is the type of girl who would find that disturbing."
Eric thought for a moment and then called for Pam.
"Pam, prepare a check for Sookie as payment for Dallas. Give her a bonus while you are at it," said Eric. "Happy?"
Seren smiled and said, "Nothing says I care more than lots of money. But, just to be safe, I'll pick up some flowers on the way."
Eric gazed at her and said, "She probably won't believe you."
"Have you been a bad boy?" teased Seren. "Well, I see that I have my work cut out for me. It's a good thing that you're gorgeous. That should cover up a multitude of flaws."
Eric smiled and Seren saw his eyes focus on something behind her. She turned to look and saw Alcide step into the bar. She realized that Mason who was waiting outside in the pickup had probably seen him as well. This was not good, she thought, and it was not how she wanted to be introduced to Mason's relatives. Pam appeared and handed the check to Seren who barely noticed.
"What is he doing here?" she whispered.
"He owes me a debt, remember?" replied Eric.
Eric's smile widened when he saw the young boy who was probably the infamous Mason come inside. Evidently, their little romance was even a secret to Mason's family.
"I think your little secret is about to get away from you," said Eric. "Werewolves are a rather tight-knit group. They don't like outsiders, especially those with vampire ties."
Seren turned back to him and said angrily, "Did you do this on purpose?"
"Do I look crazy enough to risk your fury?" said Eric. "How was I to know that you would bring your little lap dog with you."
"Don't you call him that," said Seren.
Eric shrugged and turned his attention back to Mason and Alcide. Seren turned away from Eric and went to Mason who had just shook off Alcide's hand.
"Just what the hell are you doing here, Mason?" demanded Alcide.
"I could ask you the same thing," replied Mason.
Mason took Seren's hand and faced Alcide with her. Alcide gazed on her a minute and looked to Eric.
"Is this who you have been seeing?" said Alcide. "Are you crazy? You're dating a fangbanger?"
Mason made a move to Alcide and Seren pushed him behind her.
"Seren is my girlfriend," said Mason. "And I won't have you talk about her like that."
"Seren? Is this the Seren from Jackson that's Russell Edgington's ward?" asked Alcide. "Have you gone totally mad? Russell Edgington is a powerful vampire, do you think he's going to pat you on the back and welcome you to the family?"
"You're his ward?" said Eric, with his look of amusement now gone.
"Yes," said Seren. "You didn't ask about the specifics of Russell's relationship to me."
Seren turned to Alcide and said, "Mason is not mixed up with vampires, except for dating me. I would never do anything to harm him."
She turned back and held Mason's hand. She began to cry, "Maybe, you should just go with Alcide. I...I don't want to be the cause of any problems."
"Look at what you did?" said Mason to Alcide. "Are you happy?"
Mason cupped Seren's face in his hands and said, "I'm sorry."
He then tenderly kissed her and said, "I know who you are and that's all that's important to me."
Seren nodded and wrapped her arms around him as they kissed again. With flash of anger at Alcide, Mason walked out with Seren on his arm.
"Mason, wait," said Alcide. "I'm sorry."
But, Mason didn't look back. Eric watched them and felt a flash of anger himself. Seren would explain why she had left that little piece of information out about herself. Of course, he thought, it probably wouldn't have made any difference. She would still be here. He eyed Alcide who seemed still stunned by the news.
"Young love," said Eric. "Not that I remember it."
"Just what is my cousin doing here?" demanded Alcide.
"You will lose the anger when addressing me," said Eric. "Mason Herveaux has nothing to do with me, except for being under my protection."
"Protection?" asked Alcide.
"It's part of my arrangement with Seren," said Eric.
"What is Seren to you?" asked Alcide.
"Don't even go there," said Eric. "It's obvious that she only has eyes for that wolf of hers."
"Why did you summon me?" said Alcide.
"I want you to stay close, since I'm sure that I'll need for you to watch over someone," said Eric.
"Is that all?" asked Alcide.
"Isn't that enough? Unless, you want me to call Seren back and the three of you can have another go at each other," said Eric.
With a irritated sigh, Alcide left the bar.
III
At a knock on her door, Sookie opened it to see a huge bouquet of flowers in front of her. They were yellow roses. The blonde teenage girl that she had seen with Eric popped to the side of the flowers and smiled.
"Hello, may we come in?" she asked.
"We?" asked Sookie, confused for she only saw Seren.
"Oh, my boyfriend and me," said Seren.
She pulled a tall, handsome teenaged boy next to her and they both smiled innocently at her.
"Sure, I guess," said Sookie.
Seren handed her the roses and walked inside with her arm around the boy. Sookie couldn't help but think what a cute couple they were. The boy had beautiful and dark blue eyes that seemed to sparkle with mischief.
"Why are you here?" asked Sookie.
She was still wary, since this girl was an agent of Eric Northman even though she looked like she should be home doing her homework or something like that.
"Eric wanted me to give you this," said Seren, handing the check to Sookie.
Sookie took it in her other hand and looked at it, saying, "This is too much. It was just supposed to be ten thousand."
"He wanted to give you a bonus," said Seren. "He can be generous, sometimes."
"That's news to me," said Sookie.
"I bet that there are lots of things about him that would be news to you," said Seren.
Seren gave an impish smile and said, "And some of them aren't even wicked."
"I don't mean to be rude and all, since you're with your boyfriend," said Sookie. "But, I thought that you and Eric were, ah, together."
"Our arrangement is business only," said Seren. "I didn't set you straight that night we met because most people assume that about vampires and humans and it would be too much trouble to explain things to everyone."
"What kind of business can a teenager and a vampire have together?" asked Sookie.
"The top secret, hush-hush kind," said Seren with a smirk.
"It's none of my business, but where are your parents?" asked Sookie.
"You're right," said Seren. "It isn't any of your business. At least, not yet."
"What does that mean?" asked Sookie.
Seren smiled and turned to Mason, "I think it's time to go, Baby."
"Are we going back home, yet?" asked Mason.
"One more little errand and then it's just you and me," said Seren.
"Now, you're talking," said Mason, kissing Seren on the cheek.
"You tease," giggled Seren.
"I'm not teasing, I mean every little kiss," said Mason, kissing her on the lips this time.
"You keep kissing me like that and I just might forget about that errand," said Seren, smiling wickedly back at Mason.
Seren flashed Sookie a happy smile and then she left, hand in hand, with Mason. Sookie closed the door and looked at the check in her hands again. She was relieved to hear that Eric and that girl weren't really a couple. That was just too creepy even for a vampire. Maybe, he wasn't as much of a monster as she thought. Then, she told herself to not go overboard just yet. She went to put the check in her purse and find a vase for the flowers. How did he know that yellow roses were her favorite?