AN: Father in Law is improving Thank You everyone for your prayers and best wishes!
—– Present —–
"Well, shut my mouth" I muttered as I planted myself next to Hunter. I tickled him and sighed if it's not one thing it's another.
"Lover" Eric asked worried as he sent comforting feelings through the bond. I ignored his curiosity for a moment as I gathered my thoughts.
"Jason been arrested on the account of two murders in Bon Temps. Gran is in bed heart-sick." I explained softly. "Jason's no killer." I said softly but firmly.
"I second that Eric" Pam said sarcastically. "He doesn't have the right brain cells for it."
I snorted quietly Pam never missed an opportunity to dig at Jason's intelligence. She had talked to him once, a single ten minutes but he had made an impression.
"His bail is?" Eric said drawing out his checkbook.
"Seventy-five thousand" I said bluntly my lips twitched as Eric slipped his checkbook back into his pocket.
"I'm going to need my other checkbook." Eric said walking across the room to open his safe. Eric had multiple bank accounts more than I could wrap my mind around.
I set to work repacking Hunter's travel bag. My gut was twisted with worry and confusion as I moved about the room.
"Pam thanks for the room, it's amazing" I said politely as I buckled in Hunter. Some things with Hunter were getting easier. He no longer felt like a wiggling slippery football in my arms.
"This isn't one of your huggy moments is it?" Pam asked her eyes darting to Eric who smirked and I flipped them both off and climbed into the car. I smiled as she laughed at my brass action.
I turned the music off and leaned my seat back while Eric put the car in gear. I spent the forty-five minute drive staring happily at Eric. I loved watching the shadows dance across his face and how his eyes changed with his mood. My breath is taken every time he smiles at me with love in his eyes. I was allowing myself this sliver of bliss before the upcoming storm.
Eric parked and I took a second to ground myself before scooping Hunter out of his travel seat. I relaxed a little as Eric stood by my side when we entered the station.
I felt my hackles rise as I spotted Alcee Beck, Andy Bellefleur and Sheriff Bud Dearborne standing at the front counter chatting.
"Sookie Stackhouse it's been a coon's age." Sheriff Bud greeted me warmly. I liked him he worked hard and was a fair and honest man. I may or may not have helped him out a time or two back when I still lived in Bon Temps.
"I'd like to see Jason" I requested politely ignoring Alcee and Andy's nasty grumpy scowls. I could see in their minds that they firmly believed Jason was guilty.
"Well that's not going to be happen' tonight Sookie" Andy Bellefleur said rudely adjusting his belt.
"Why not? Well go on" I said making a hand motion for Andy to explain it to me.
"It's passed visiting hours. You may see Jason from 2 to 5 on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Also the town's bailsman isn't open at this hour." Alcee spoke slowly as if I was mentally handicapped, which in a way he believed I was.
I could feel my temper rising at two of the three law men's thoughts and I turned my head and sweetly looked at my husband and said full of sass "Love you didn't forget the checkbook did you?"
"No" Eric huffed for show handing me Hunter as he placed his checkbook on the counter.
"Sookie.. Jason was arrested for murder. The evidence is all over the crime scenes." I cut him off.
"And I'm telling you Andy Bellefleur right now that you're barking up the wrong damn tree. Jason ain't no killer. Actually whose death is he being accused of?"
"Maudette Pickens and Dawn Green" I nodded my head thinking.
"Everyone in this town knows that those two women were Jason's most frequent pick ups. We all know that Jason is as easy as a sliding of a greasy log backwards." I said defensively. "So it's logical that his DNA would be all over the crime scenes and on the girls. Was there anything else in common besides them both sleeping with Jason?"
"Now Miss Stackhouse there's no need to fly off the handle now." Alcee said rudely but as his mind flashbacked my eyes snapped to his and I glared at him drawing the memory out. I saw the two girls lay out in the morgue as Andy and Alcee discussed the vampire bites. They weren't drained and it didn't scream 'vampire' but hate.
"Eric sugar pay the man" I requested softly. My eyes on his, he could read my sudden fear. This could be very bad for the vampire community.
"Sookie, Jason's guilty" Andy yelled blowing up and slamming his hands on the counter. I could read that he was truly concerned that Jason would bolt and I would be out this large sum of money.
"Andy Bellefleur you're a good detective, but I'm warning you don't be counting your chickens before there hatched and shame on you for condemning my brother before he's proved legally guilty. All men are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law." I hissed wiggling a finger in his face as I bounced Hunter.
I handed Hunter back to Eric as I felt Jason's mind move closer towards us.
"Sooks" Jason hollered in relief. I met him with a tight hug. I was startled to note that he was crying on my neck so I let him cling to me. Somehow being the baby of the family didn't matter I was still their rock.
I 'shushed' him and finally he moved back and looked at me earnestly with his sweet puppy dog eyes and said "Sis I didn't do it. I swear on Momma and Da's grave I didn't."
"Jason Michael Stackhouse you better be shaming the devil by telling me the truth." I warned firmly grasping his head and focusing solely on his mind. I didn't budge or let go until I was satisfied he was indeed innocent.
I turned and spoke to Bud "Sheriff Dearborne I promise that Jason will be available for questioning at anytime and will stay within the county but for the near future he'll be staying at my house in Shreveport." I said matter of fact shooting Jason a 'not a single word' look over my shoulder.
I led our small party back to the car and buckled Hunter in his seat as Jason slid in the back. His mind flaring to life with fifty or so questions and I sighed. Cat's hoping out of the bag tonight.
Ooo—- Past… Sookie is 17 winter…Past —-ooO
I knocked on the back door. I could hear Sasha giggling as Eric rushed her out the front door. Really her mind was simple and sweet not a malicious or evil thought in her head more like puppies, picket fences, rainbows and chubby babies. Poor Eric, I laughed she was enjoying him for now but her eyes were firmly on Dave Jackel's who was the prefect Husband and Daddy material she was looking for.
"What's so funny Fairy Princess?" Eric asked as he steps into the kitchen and I made a childish hand motion that it was secret as I pretended to lock my lips and throw away the key.
I burst into laughter when Eric pretended to catch the key and my breath hitched as he placed his fingers to my lips trying to unlock my secrets. My gods his eyes… they're so bright and intense with happiness.
"So if you won't reveal this secret of yours may I at least ask why I am graced with your ever so charming company tonight" Eric asked lightly and my eyes moved towards Godric lurking in the doorway and my smile widened.
"You still brought your new house mates and their pet's right?" I asked towards Godric. I had called him and causally offered my services for a small fee.
"Yes my dear fae" Godric answered with a graceful head nod.
Eric's eyebrows shot up but he was relieved. I looked at him square in the eyes and smiled "and your new Piano will be here Thursday try not to fuck on this one, beds are easier to replace and I scheduled a plumber to come out tomorrow night at eight pm. of course you will have to pay him time and a half."
"I thought you quit" Eric said surprised.
"I did but it's been six weeks and you're clueless without me so I'm taking pity." I said teasingly as he growled. I noted he hadn't stepped back he was lingering in my very personal bubble. He smelt of snow and the salty air of the sea-side.
I broke out of my thoughts when Godric got my attention by speaking "Sookie it pleases me that you no longer smell of wolf but I offer my condolences if you're separating caused you pain."
I smiled amused at his wording. "I'm fine, actually it was a relief we almost did something 'really' stupid. Alcide and I are friends, the best, but unfortunately our feelings don't run deeply romantically."
"What do you two have going on tonight?" I asked helping myself to a Dr. Pepper.
"Nothing until your appointment at midnight with Godric's newest nestmates."
"So anyone up for a round of catch?" I asked and I not so much as received positive nods before I teleport out of the kitchen. I land and brace myself on the roof as Godric zips out the front door to the woods to the east as Eric goes out the back headed to my sanctuary.
I trace their voids moving through the surrounding area. I giggle as I picture the two vampires as roadrunners. I lock my eyes on their location they've changed strategies, now there a team moving together. This spot would never work again but honestly it was worth the laugh.
The hour mark past and I wrapped my magic in as I concentrated cloaking my scent. I stood silently a full minute as they both stood waiting. 1279 to my sad 9 now 10th win.
I coughed as both their eyes turned sharply on me.
"Hi" I breathed as I popped between two ignored yet bemused vampires. "I win!"
I giggled as Eric spun me around goofily "'I win', that's all your cheating wicked ass has to say?"
"Yep" I said averting my eyes because I was seconds away from kissing him.
I blushed as my feet connected with the ground and Godric grinned reassuringly while giving me an all knowingly look. I had to force myself back a few steps. I might be in love with Eric but I had to remain at a respectable best friend distance. I knew I couldn't hold a candle to any of Eric's sexual conquests. I had lost him once and the pain and struggles with my magic that I went through those long five lonely months I never wanted to experience again. I keep trying to convince myself that I could settle for friendship.
I chatted with Godric about his latest interest in religions and modern science. I listen to him as he shared his treasured knowledge of the world. Eric had confessed his worries about his maker a month before our fall out and I could sense his concerns were valid. Wrapped up in Godric's tales I had missed when Eric tossed an arm over my shoulder I leaned into him unconsciously. Surprised when he pulled me into him, he was practically purring as my magic thumped with happiness.
I hated when I had to part from Eric when the door bell rang.
"Eddie and Mitchel this is Sookie Stackhouse she will be interviewing you and your pets you have requested to move in." Godric said lightly but his own supernatural power of over two thousands years washed over the room showing he meant business. "No harm is to become of Eric's human. Is that understood? The punishment is death."
I cocked an eyebrow at Eric who mouthed "Later" and I nodded.
I started with Eddie his mind was one of the lightest vampire minds I had ever encountered it swirled and move peacefully in a white grey of peace, tolerance and acceptance and his human pet was actually his wife before he had been turned ten years before. He was a newborn with the control of a vampire ten to twenty times his age. Hell I'd place him with Godric on his ability to control himself as I watched him through his wife Laurie's mind.
I led the couple out of Eric's home office with a smile. "There fine and would be great for your nest Godric but Eddie is a mere infant among your kind and is, hmm, an orphan I suppose. Ten years but his self-control is remarkable."
I took Mitchel and Jamie back next and Mitchel was like every other vampire mind, a dark peaceful void. Jamie cared for Mitchel but she was a risk with violent tendencies and she had no knowledge of vampires.
I escorted them out politely and motioned for Godric and Eric to join me. "Mitchel would be fine but his 'pet' has no knowledge of vampire kind and she has a violent streak. She was raised by religious nuts and would most likely view you as demons."
"Thank you Sookie" Godric said as he handed me a check for seven hundred dollars.
"Oh and Laurie isn't just his pet she was his human wife. I know that is frowned upon but she's been his rock through out all of this. They lasted ten years it wouldn't be wise to separate them now. He'll most likely turn her in the future." I added. Eddie and Laurie were important. I could feel it but not explain it rationally.
I stepped out on the back porch and closed my eyes enjoying the smell of the air. Winter was headed forLouisianafast this year, the smell of the trees so thick and the smell of snow. I jumped when Eric pulled me out of my peace.
"Would you like to fly with me?" Eric asked "we haven't in years."
"That would be amazing…slowly out to my cabin please."
I held back a blissful sigh as his large arms wrap around me. I placed my arms around his waist and this flight was more of a slow dance as Eric hummed a lovely melody while we drifted lazily towards my cabin.
OOoo Present….Gran's house ooOO
"Sookie?" I could tell by his mind he didn't know where to start asking questions.
"Jason" I said his name slowly so his eyes would settled on my mine. "You know I'm 'special' and how my gift works." He nodded his head eagerly not wanting to say anything in front of Eric and I smiled. "Jason it would be easier if you'd just ask your questions. Yes we all know I can read your mind but I don't know which questions you really want answered since their going off like pop rocks in there.
"Whose baby is this?" Jason finally asked as we pulled into Gran's drive.
"Hunter Northman my son by an unexpected adoption" I said handing Hunter to Jason who cradled him with a surprising ease.
"He's a cute kid. I'm gonna spoil you rotten." Jason said before continuing his questioning. "Northman… like your old boss in high school?"
"Yes exactly, I married Eric shortly before vampires came out of the coffin." I counted to myself and I placed a hand on Eric as Jason's mind went red and grew hot as the implications of my words registered.
"You're…your're" I cut him off before he could call me a fang banging whore.
"Jason calm down and go inside we just spent seventy-five grand bailing your sorry ass out of jail. You will be more respectful. Once you've cooled go get Gran out of bed. I have a lot of explaining and confessing to do tonight." I said authoritatively taking Hunter back from him.
"Okay" Jason said nodding his head.
My little family got settled in the living room and I leaned against Eric as Hunter relaxed in his travel seat.
"Sookie my dear" Gran greeted full of affection "and Eric good to see you again my boy."
"Gran.. Eric and I have placed Jason's bail and I personally can reassure that Jason had not one ounce of anything to do with these murders. But just because he's innocent doesn't mean the law believes it, so until the real murder can be caught Jason will be staying inShreveportwith me. Where he will be under twenty-four hour a day surveillance."
"What about my job?"
"Catfish said that he doesn't feel comfortable having you out working till this is sorted out. He reassured me that he firmly believes your innocence and your job will be there once this situation is figured out." Uncle Bartlett said remotely. I smiled, the evil soul that once resided in that man was now nothing more than the prefect Stepford Uncle that I could over ride with any command. If I order him to jump off a bridge he would. Eric placed the power in my hands. I have been making difficult calls since childhood and had my family not needed him he would have been dead long ago.
"That solves that" I offer to the quiet room.
"A lot's going on here, were going to need coffee" Gran spoke but before she could rise Uncle Bartlett was out of the room. "That man" Gran huffed playfully as she retook her seat.
"Now Sookie lets start simple child being as I'm not as used to digging into your life you've always been rather private." Gran said understandingly. "But first I must thank you for helping your brother."
"Always" I said giving her a quick hug "let's talk about Jason before we get into what you need to know about me. Now we all know Jason slept with both Maudette and Dawn hours before their death and they have nothing else in common besides them both having fang marks."
"Were they drained?" Eric asks speaking for the first time his voice full of power.
"No, this wasn't a vampire, if it is we might be screwed and be in need of help, because it would have to be a very, very old one." I said turning my attention to Eric.
"Why'd you say that?" Jason asked hotly.
"It's hard to resist the temptation. A warm dead body is a very filling meal like a 'Thanksgiving' Jason that vampires rarely or never get." I explain easily shocking Gran at my bluntness.
I waited for Jason and Gran to calm before continuing "this could be bad. This screams hate crime, hate murders. If this psycho moves on from fang bangers to actual vampires we would be looking at a lot of unwanted attention and possible vampire deaths or acts of terror." I said dramatically to Eric who smiled amused how I let my imagination run wild.
"Fang banger?" Gran asked with a shocked expression.
"A woman who loosely gives blood to vampires for sex." I explain.
"Oh" Gran mutters softly as Jason explodes "like you."
"Jason Michael for your information I have only slept with or banged one man or fang as you'd would crudely put it in my entire life." I hissed ready to pop him a good one when Eric placed a cool hand on my shoulder.
"Apologize Jason! One should never speak that way to family. Your sister has taken time out of her life to come and help you show them respect and you best be listening to them." Gran scolded but I could hear her mind putting the pieces of my life together.
"Sorry Sook" he said embarrassed by his childish temper.
I nodded accepting it, sometimes brothers could be so damn blinded it wasn't so much that Eric was a vampire, yes he was worried I'd be drained but mostly it was realizing I wasn't innocent that had him bothered.
"I'll come out tomorrow night early evening with a few other vampires and Sookie and we'll see if we can't sort this out." Eric offered and I smiled.
"What about Fangtasia?"
"It's Tuesday we will close it down siting something or another."
"It might even boost the business Wednesday" I said getting sidetracked.
"Perhaps, if we don't figure this out tomorrow I'll have Sookie stay out here with maybe Bill" I could feel Eric's laughter as my nostrils flared in disgust "Pam, Eddie, Alcide and Trent for protection and help clearing up this mess."
"Y'all are welcome to stay but first I want answers so out with it." Gran offered.
"Gran"
"Don't Gran me girl, now get your motor a running."
"Gran I'd like you to meet Eric Northman my husband and our child Hunter." I said in a rush. "Eric is a vampire and has been my best friend for a long time. He's helped me learn to control my curse and use it well." I was holding my shields tight not wanting to hear her hurtful and sad thoughts.
"Why would you help her?" Gran asked curiously to Eric.
"She was refreshing a breath of clean air after years of pollution. I was drawn to her and her gift, her blessing was captivating but her personality was even more so. When she was a child my attentions were honorable and a bit selfish. No I never planned on her being more than an asset but she grew on me over time. She is the first human to have my love in my long life."
"You're a vampire, then how do you have a child." Gran asked holding Hunter a mix between confusion but overwhelmed by love.
"Gran Hunter is adopted. Hadley was his birth mother and due to her wild ways her delivery went bad and her lover turned her into a vampire moments after Hunter was born. She has chosen to not be a part of his life and requested for me to raise him as mine."
"Oh my sweet Jesus" Gran cried clutching Hunter to her chest.
"I'm sorry Gran" I whispered sadly as I held her.
"Can I see her?" Gran asked.
"That all depends on Hadley Gran. Right now she's too young to be around humans."
"Sookie you seem to know a lot about the supernatural." Gran said worriedly she was flashing back to my biological Grandfather for a second.
"I'm apart of that community, with my telepathy I'm well-known."
We talked and Jason crashed in his old room. He wasn't to be alone he'd have an alibi from here on out.
"I insist that you all stay the night. The sun will be rising soon."
"Okay" I agreed placing Hunter in the old infant travel cot that Uncle Bartlett dragged down from the attic.
"He's beautiful Sookie" Gran murmured.
"Thank you."
Next Chapter Soon... Please Review could really use a little bit of happiness!