I do not own these characters, they belong to Charlaine Harris.
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I sat in the background again between Octavia and Diantha. Felipe-making use of his charms- made the phone call to the Shreveport coven leader. I could barely remember what she looked like since the witch war so long ago. I remembered her long gray hair though. Felipe beaconed for Octavia to talk to her and she patted my arm as she went. Bill came over to sit next to me in her absence.
"So how are you doing Sookie?" I smiled a weak smile at him and shrugged. It was sweet of him to ask, but I couldn't honestly answer that at this moment.
"Do you think they will help?" I asked instead.
"I'm not sure. I think with Octavia here they probably will. It doesn't hurt them at all, they can do it from any distance." I nodded again and then thanked him. That's when Octavia came back and Bill got up to give her the seat back.
"They will help. They will meet us here in twenty minutes. They have to gather supplies and contact their Seer. The Seer will be able to check things out and give us more information on what we are up against. Bob should be here by then." I smiled at her and gave her a hug.
"Thank you for all the help Octavia. While we wait, how have things been going in New Orleans?" She filled me in on her boyfriend, the repairs on their house, and the despair still in the city. We talked away until Bob showed up.
Octavia and I got up to greet him and make introductions. Bob still looked the same. He was tall and skinny and looked like he had just gotten off work at a funeral parlour. I still remembered his time as our cat-it was a terrible mishap that Amelia had made. I would never bring it up, but part of me wanted to cuddle with him just the same. After I thought that, I heard Eric softly chuckle. He must have picked up what I was thinking from our blood-bond. I looked at him and winked. I turned back to Bob then.
"Thank you so much for coming Bob. I'm glad that you would be willing to help." He hung his head, slightly shook it, and looked up at me sheepishly.
"Well, a few memories came back to me from my time at your house. You were always kind to me, even after I threw up on your blanket. You were also very kind after I was turned back. When Octavia said that you were in trouble, I had to help." I smiled at him.
"Well I appreciate that." We chatted for a few more minutes and then Octavia took him to a booth and they began talking about what was to be done. I stood watching them for a moment when I felt Eric coming up behind me-I always felt it when he approached. He wrapped his arms around me and whispered in my ear.
"So you wanted to cuddle with the little kitty did you? Wouldn't you prefer a big Viking instead?" I couldn't help but bust out laughing. Leave it to Eric to make a comment like that in a time like this. One of the many reasons I loved him. People looked at us in confusion. I think they all thought I had lost my mind to the shock. They were probably right. I turned around and buried my head into Eric's chest. He was right, I would much prefer cuddling with my Viking. He kissed me on the head and whispered to me again.
"Lover, why don't you go lay down in one of the booths. Nothing can be done until the other witches get here and then there is really nothing you can do until we figure out the course of action to take." I appreciated his sentiment.
"Eric, you know that I couldn't rest right now. Thank you though. I love you." He squeezed me and kissed me again.
The witches showed up about ten minutes later. There were five of them in total. I thought I recognized a few of them from the witch war. Octavia and Bob greeted them first, made introductions, and then lead the silver haired leader over to me.
"Nice to see you again. Sookie isn't it? We are going to get set up. We will need you to point out the people once the Seer gets the picture. We have brought a large cauldron this time so that more people can look on. All you have to do is point them out and tell us who or what they are." I nodded and smiled a weak smile at her. My job would be easy, but I was nervous about seeing all my friends allied against me in my own home. It only took the witches a few minutes to get set up and then we all headed towards the table the cauldron was on. I was the only one, besides the witches, who was allowed to stand directly beside it. Eric stood behind me, he would have no problem in seeing over my head.
"Now Sookie, just point out and tell us who everyone is. Make sure not to touch the cauldron or the water. We don't want to loose the image. It will make a scan around every room of the house and then move to the outside. Let us know if someone is missing that you thought was there too." I nodded to show I understood. The picture started appearing before our eyes. It started in my kitchen. Amelia was sitting in one of the kitchen chairs. Remy sat opposite her and Mr. Cataliades was on the end, tied up. I said all this out loud. I looked at Octavia when I mentioned Amelia and I saw her shake her head sadly and frown. I glanced at Bob as well, and there seemed to be a spark in his eyes. It didn't look as hateful as I thought I would see. The picture continued then to the living room and I concentrated on the image. The living room held Alcide and six other men.
"That's Alcide, but I don't know the others. They might be part of his pack. I recognize one of them. He was at the witch war, but I couldn't be sure about the rest. He is that one." I pointed to a man I had seen a few times when I had dealings with the Shreveport Weres. Everyone nodded at me and the image continued down the empty hall and to my bedroom. Jason was in my bedroom sitting in the chair beside my bed. Dermont was relaxing on my bed with Sandra Pelt cuddling next to him. I guess it was obvious that they were working together now. I wonder how long they had been together. Jason looked a bit conflicted, but mostly angry. I again pointed them out and told them a quick brief on Dermont and Sandra. I was very unsettled by seeing them though and Eric wrapped his arms around me to comfort me as the image continued back through the hall, to the empty spare room, and up the stairs. Sam was sitting at the top of the stairs. I couldn't imagine what he was doing there, but part of me hoped that he was watching out for Hunter. I wondered if his heart would still be good enough to do that if he really was under a spell. I pushed that out of my mind though as I told everyone who and what he was and the image continued to Amelia's old bedroom. Hunter was there. He was playing with some G.I. Joes that Jason had when he was little. My heart beat a little faster when I saw him. Eric gave me another squeeze. I explained to everyone who he was, of course I left out that he was gifted. When the image continued my heart gave a little pang. I wanted to keep watching Hunter to make sure he was completely safe. I told them that we didn't think anyone else was there, and the rest of the scan confirmed it. Having the Seer was perfect because now I didn't have to explain how we knew the exact number of Werewolves in the house. The image went dark then and everyone started talking in soft murmurs.
Felipe took charge and cleared his throat. The room went silent and all eyes turned to him.
"Witches, do you think you can undo any spells put in place in and around the house?" The Shreveport coven leader and Octavia both looked at each other and nodded. Octavia was the one to speak.
"We can conjure a spell that will undo any done to the people inside the house and it will inactivate the wards on the house. A few of us, can also put a spell into the Weres' minds to take away their sense of smell. That way, no one will hear or smell you approaching. Once Dermont's spells are inactive, they shouldn't want to fight you. That is unless there is another reason they are there." Everyone nodded at this. It made me worry though. What if there wasn't a spell on some of them? What if some of the people I loved wanted to kill me with their own free will. That thought made me start to shake and my heart began beating faster. Eric sent me calming waves and rocked me gently in his arms. It only helped a little, I was still worried and nothing he could do would change that. Felipe began speaking again.
"Can one of you come with us and communicate with the others?" The witches nodded and Bob stepped forward and said that he would come. Felipe continued.
"Good, we will surround the house. Eric, I know you called for a mandatory meeting of your area's vampires. I do not think that will be necessary now. I would however like for you to chose 10 vampires to come with us. They will join ten of mine. We will surround the house and wait for the word that the witches have done their part. The rest of your vampires Eric, I think should surround Fangtasia. We want no one interrupting the witches as they work. As for the rest of mine, I want them spread out in the woods around Ms. Stackhouse's place. We want no one to escape. We will not kill unless we are threatened, but no one is to leave until we are sure. Does everyone understand the plan?" Everyone nodded their heads in agreement. Felipe then walked over to me.
"Sookie my dear. We will need you to go into the house to let us in. I'm sure Eric will come with you so you should be safe. Bob will be near you until he gives us the clear, but I think he should stay near you after that, just in case. Bob do you agree?" Bob nodded his head and came to stand near Eric and I. Bill walked up to my other side then and spoke.
"I would like permission to enter with Eric and Sookie. My invitation into the house is still valid and I would like to be there for added protection." I smiled warmly at him. I didn't want him to be near any fighting, but I couldn't help but be touched by his offer. Eric nodded before I could shake my head in disagreement. Felipe nodded his head and then looked thoughtful.
"Is there anyone else who can go freely into your house dear Ms. Stackhouse?" I thought about that for a second. Before I could answer Pam came from behind and spoke.
"I can. I would be honoured to fight by my master's side." I twisted my head around Eric's body to look at her. I gave her a warm smile too. I then answered Felipe's question.
"Eric, Pam, and Bill are the only ones." Felipe nodded and turned to speak with some of the vampires that came with him. I loosened myself from Eric's arms and turned to Bill and Pam.
"Thank you. You really don't have to do this though. I don't want any of you hurt. You either Bob." I glanced at Bob then. Bob just smiled and shrugged showing me that he didn't care what I thought. He had a spark in his eyes and I glanced inside his head. He was excited! I shook my head and looked at Pam.
"I go where Eric goes. I don't want to miss the fun. You always bring fun around Sookie. Plus, how could I be a bridesmaid if the bride is dead?" She winked at me then. Oh that Pam!
"I told you I would die for you Sookie. I'm going." I looked Bill in the eyes. I could tell he was serious. My heart twisted in different directions. I was still touched, but I didn't want anything to happen to him. I still loved him, but I loved Eric more. All of this went through my head and then I let out a defeated sigh. Eric bent down to whisper in my ear.
"I'll protect you my lover. Once the spells are dissolved, there will be no fight. Don't worry my Sookie." I shook my head.
"Everyone always says not to worry right before something bad happens to me. I am going to worry Eric! Those are my friends in there! And my family! I'm scared not just for myself, but for them as well. Stop telling me not to worry!" Eric looked at me with an amused smile. I could feel from the bond that my little speech just excited him. He was preparing for battle and he always got a kick out of that. I let out a huff and shook my head. I couldn't stop any of them. Eric looked at our group and began making plans.
"Well then. After Bob gives us the clear, I will grab Sookie. Bob would you mind being carried by Pam?" Bob looked at Pam and she winked. He smiled and said no.
"Good. I will carry Sookie in, Pam will carry Bob behind us. We will enter through the front door. The back porch will make too much noise. Bill, you can chose to be lead or tail." Bill never taking his eyes off of me answered.
"I will take lead, that way no one can jump at you or Sookie." Eric nodded in appreciation. I wasn't minding their new acceptance of each other, but again I still hated seeing my loved ones involved. Eric continued.
"Once inside, Sookie yell your invitation. I will then move you upstairs. I know you are worried about your cousin's child and it looks like a good stronghold. Pam, I would like you and Bob to follow us upstairs, and Bill keep a watch on the stairs. Keep your eyes open for Dermont and Sandra too. After the others enter then Bill I would like you to join us upstairs. Do you all understand the plan?" We all nodded.
"Perfect, I will go relay this to Felipe. I will then go speak with the area vampires who are waiting for orders in the warehouse." He let me go, looked at Bill and nodded,-they must have been speaking in their hidden language-and then he left.
Bill came up to me and gave me a hug. That must have been what Eric nodded for. Otherwise Eric would very likely have shot back over to my side. I accepted the hug and sank into him. I closed my eyes and spoke in a weak voice.
"Bill, you could get hurt. Are you sure you won't change your mind?" Bill gave me a soft squeeze.
"Never Sookie. I've told you that and I meant it." I sighed again. You can never argue with a vampire. I heard Pam laughing then and I looked up at her.
"Don't tell me you are scared Sookie? After everything you have been through, this will be a piece of cake. You humans always amaze me with your worries over nothing." Bill gave her a cold glare. I just smiled at her. I knew Pam was teasing. Pam is, well, just Pam.