Thanks to my beta, seastarr08!

Chapter 10: I Hear Your Voice

I licked my lips of the remainder of Sookie's blood. It tasted different but I was desperate enough to hold onto the small flavour that was so uniquely hers, that I may have been exaggerating it slightly. She was part fairy. I knew for a fact she was unaware of this. I would tell her eventually. I was interested in who was responsible for her, her kin. Fairies were usually very tight with their kin. I wondered if the Queen knew of Sookie's heritage and then quickly realized she didn't. Otherwise she would be sitting by Sophie-Anne's side already. I felt sharp fear. That would not happen. No one could find out about her fey background. Bill was too young and stupid to realize that she tasted of other, and what that other was. Fae were hard to catch, and I was sure he'd never tasted one.

"Are you okay?" Sookie asked. She had taken off her clothes completely and I realized I was still hard. I nodded stiffly. She was uneasy right now and we had no time to fuck like I wanted.

"We have much to discuss."

She frowned pulling on a bra that had no right to be on her luscious breasts. My fangs were poking into my lower lip, even though I had just fed. "Now?"

"No, not now." I watched her move, pulling on mismatching underwear and pulling on a pair of jeans I had retrieved for her from her home. "I have to meet with someone."

"Who?"

"A lawyer. You are welcome to sit with me if you wish." I suggested.

"Oh." she pulled her shirt over her head. Her hair was still messy from our tumble. I smirked, turning my body. She jumped, her eyes focusing on my erection. "Is – is that, um, okay?" she skipped over her words.

"Is this okay?" I asked raising a brow as I grabbed my length. She gasped and her eyes bugged out. "Or is it okay that you're sitting in on my meeting with my lawyer?"

"Don't..." She looked up at me, biting her lower lip and before I could control myself, I had her flipped on the bed and under me. She was speechless. "And you got my pants off." she mumbled. She put a hand to her forehead, pushing back her hair before bringing me down to her lips and I hungrily tasted the inside of her mouth.

I was thrilled when she breathed, "Eric, please." I pushed up her top and she lifted her arms to get it over her head, taking her bra along with it. Her leg went around my waist and I pushed halfway inside her. She bucked her hips and I halted, watching her writhe and moan about me to keep going. I pulled out and teased her clit for a moment, her begging becoming too much for me as I drove into her again. Her cries echoed in my head, her sighs, her heaving chest that grazed mine, her nails in my shoulders, her lips seeking mine – I was undone. And that feeling put me into retreat-mode. I should be running for the hills, to protect myself and my people. I had this same thought when we made love the first time. She was a chink in the armour I'd spent a thousand years building.

I stilled, deep inside her. Her heel dug into my ass, urging me onward. Her mouth was on my neck, kissing and sucking at the skin and I did my best to distance myself. I tried to ignore the position I was in and just think about how I saw the next year, the next few hours, playing out. She lifted her hips, whimpering, short noises of pleasure escaping her lips. Her hands were at my cheeks as I tried to envision leaving tonight a free man and returning Sookie to Bon Temps – only to never look back at her again.

"Eric," she said roughly. My name coming from her lips was a shock to my core, something I had no idea I had before her. "Look at me." Her voice was lower in her passion and her words – My eyes fixated on hers. "Do you want me?"

"More than..." I found the words falling from my tongue. I didn't finish what I was about to say, instead, I rotated my hips, causing her to throw her head back in ecstasy. That was beautiful. I retreated and found sanctuary in my lover repeatedly and with each thrust, I felt myself fall deeper into her . My senses were overwhelmed with her ragged breathing , crying my name and scratching and pleading for me to never stop. Never stop. I groaned loudly when I felt her walls clench around my growing erection with each thrust.

Her hands found their way to my ass and she pushed me back to her waiting plea for more. Our hips ground into each other and our passion consumed all thought and previous knowledge about anything I may have had. Her feet were curled on my calves now as I drove harder into her, our vigour increasing as we got closer and closer...

I wasn't even fully inside when she began to shake from her orgasm and I pushed all the way. She arched her back and her slick skin brushed mine. I shouted feeling my muscles tense and my spine stiffen. My head fogged over and I exploded; nothing but the exquisite pleasure of an orgasm and her writhing form to make a vampire hungry. I bit down into her skin and she clenched around my deflating length as she came again. She was gasping and I withheld for as long as I could, the blood drifting down my throat before I collapsed on top of her.

There was no movement or sound but her laboured breathing. "Jesus Christ, Shepherd of Judea." she mumbled. I didn't know what that meant, but it seemed like a religious cry and I had to say it wasn't the first I'd received. "You've got skill." she said.

I grinned, rolling off her heated skin. "I know." I stretched putting an arm under my head propping myself up to stare at her flushed skin.

"I know." she sighed. I kissed her cheek softly. She got out of her small moment of self-pity. "Shouldn't we get going?" My hand travelled down her stomach and between her legs. We really didn't have time.

"Yes, we should." I said, distracted by what I found there – a delightful reaction from the telepath. She gasped, inching away from my hand. "Not so fast."

"I can't, not again. I'm sore, I think," she said.

"Oh, okay." I nodded, understanding what that meant for human women. I kissed her lips and followed the path my hand just made, settling my mouth on her sensitive clit.

"Oh God," I heard her say.

We left the room a short while later, her small hand in mine. Two guards had been positioned outside our room and Sookie was startled, blushing when she realized they had heard us. I had no interest in encountering Sophie-Anne before the trial. A guard stepped aside and I let Sookie enter the room first where my lawyer was waiting. He looked surprised to see me bring someone, but quickly recovered.

"Mr. Northman," the vampire said. He eyed Sookie, smelling our sex and blood. I raised a brow and sat down with Sookie on the couch. He was across the coffee table from us. "You'd like to go over your last will and testament?"

"What?" Sookie burst.

I let go of her hand and accepted the will I had made two years ago when vampires had come out of the coffin. Sookie didn't say much else and I only marked down a few things and handed it to my lawyer who looked over them. I had noticed that she pulled her hand away and kept it to herself while I discussed small matters. I changed very few things, but added Sookie into my estate quietly and she hadn't even noticed.

I stood up and Sookie hadn't even realized it was done. It was getting closer to midnight when the trial would begin. She didn't say anything else and when I held her hand it was loose, unlike before. We reached the Queen's dayroom where we were escorted out to a waiting car to the junk yard that would be where our trial took place. It was usually where Louisiana cases were sorted. The Queen and Bill would arrive separately, on their own time.

I was pleased when Sookie squeezed my hand when we were in the backseat. I looked at her and her eyes were shining with trust. My brows furrowed, wanting desperately to know what she was thinking.

"I wish I knew what you were thinking," she said softly. "Just for the moment." I smiled slightly, that we had the same thought. I opened my mouth to respond when she beat me to it. "I feel like you're always ten steps ahead of everyone. That you've seen every scenario that could play out and have found a solution."

I wasn't so sure about that – but I certainly had envisioned what could happen. "I'm glad you trust me so," I said.

She frowned looking down. "I do, in some ways." The car pulled up and I wanted to ask her what that meant, but the door opened and we were ushered out.

I didn't grab Sookie's hand when we were in the middle of the yard. Sookie's nose scrunched up at the smell until she realized we were surrounded by vampires, all buzzing with the prospect of blood-shed. She stayed close to me; I didn't have to tell her.

"Who's the girl?" leers were thrown at Sookie, fangs down, as their expressions darkened. Her eyes darted around, her fear could be smelt for miles, leaking out of her pores. No one would do anything about it. At least not yet.

"Eric. What made you think it'd be all right to bring the girl?" the Magister's dry voice echoed across the yard, silencing the rowdy vampires. Sookie's eyes widened when she glanced up at his position on an old ratty armchair on top of a beaten-up car.

"I have a name," she said. I raised a brow at the Magister. "It's Sookie Stackhouse." She always had to say her full name.

"The telepath." The Magister nodded. Several whispers spread among the vampires. I really wish that fact hadn't been announced.

"Yes, sir," Sookie said, bowing her head slightly.

Just then, another car pulled up and the Queen exited, followed by Bill. The vampires, including me, bowed to her. I glanced up and saw Sookie standing still. I took small enjoyment out of her opportunity not to submit to Sophie-Anne, as I so desired I could.

"Now we're just waiting for Russell." The Magister smiled coolly. "I'd be careful if I were you, Eric Northman. He's after you."

"The Northman doesn't have to worry about anyone!" A voice shouted across the yard. There were several murmurs in agreement. It appeared I had most people in my favour.

"Enough! I did not ask for a bystander's opinion!" The Magister snapped and there was an eerie silence.

We waited.

The minutes after midnight ticked by.

Sookie was clearly impatient. Vampires were good at waiting, while humans would shift and fidget, which was exactly what Sookie did next to me. I could tell she desperately wanted to ask how much longer. Only when the Magister lost interest, were we all free to go.

Two hours passed when finally he sighed. "In my opinion, Russell has lost his chance to testify." There was a silent air of disappointment. I felt something change in the wind, however, and my guard wasn't down. My eyes drifted to Sophie-Anne who stepped forward, just like I imagined she would.

"I'll testify." she spoke up. There was a cackle from the Magister and a buzz of excitement over the witnesses. Sookie gasped and held my arm. When I didn't respond to her touch, she pulled away.

"I figured you would, Sophie-Anne." The Magister twirled his cane, looking beyond pleased with how things had turned out. "I've never cared for Russell. This could be interesting. Tell us what contraventions are against Mr. Northman."

Sookie was looking at me the same way she had when we were at the Fellowship. I should have warned her before hand, but – the guards hear everything. Sookie's emotions – fear, nerves, panic and affection – were all quickly becoming mine, I stilled for a moment, composing myself, before pushing all of those feelings away from my consciousness. I had to be on my own.

"Say your piece, Sophie-Anne. Eric, I know you understand the severity of your Queen bringing you in front of me."

"Yes, Magister," I said clearly. Sookie shrunk back out of the corner of my eye.

Sophie-Anne gave a wicked smile to me, before her eyes moved across the hungry vampires. "Eric Northman has been a loyal servant of mine for decades now." She spoke in her chilling, annoying voice. As if she had power. "He's always done his part, kept Area 5 impeccably in order and has assisted me in several situations that required intimidation. However, when I discovered the existence of Miss Stackhouse here, thanks to her cousin Hadley –" Sookie jerked in surprise – "I decided it was in my best interest and my Queendom's that I acquire such a useful asset. I sent Mr. Compton, who graciously left the allegiance of Russell, to retrieve the telepath up in Area 5."

A cold laugh left the Magister. "Bill Compton – how's your new child? Is this the human you protected?" Everyone turned to look at Sookie, the only human. She shook, unstable, unsure. "You killed a vampire under the orders of protecting her for your Queen. Too bad you didn't tell me this sooner." He wasn't sorry for wrongfully punishing Bill at all.

"I purposely did not give this assignment to Eric Northman."

"Why is that, Sophie-Anne?" The Magister twirled his cane.

The Queen gave a condescending look. "Eric Northman gets what he wants. I knew for a fact that if he knew of her ability he would covet her and most likely win her affection and the situation would be...sticky." Sophie-Anne turned and winked at me over her shoulder. I could hear Sookie grind her teeth. "She was mine. I lay claim. I did not want to compete for her with my sheriff."

"Especially one who is much older than you," the Magister added. The Queen did not look pleased by this assessment.

"Yes. Either way, the girl and he are in my land, they owe me their fealty."

"I don't owe you nothing!" I whipped my head at Sookie who put a hand over her mouth in mistake. I felt severe and crouched down when growls and slow approaches began. I bared my fangs at the crowd moving in on the interrupting human.

"Do not talk as if you have an opinion, you silly human!" The Magister raged. His eyes widened and his gazed fixated on Sookie in astonishment and fury.

"I'm sorry," she squeaked, unconsciously moving closer to me. I hissed at a vampire who had moved behind Sookie ready to snatch her. He backed off looking hungry and angry, circling back further into the crowd. So much for distancing myself from her.

The Magister waited until everyone calmed before returning his gaze to Sophie-Anne who was waiting for her turn impatiently.

"She needs much discipline. This is what I get for not personally interceding immediately."

"Indeed," the Magister sniffed. "Bill Compton has not taught her restraint as her...boyfriend." He said the last word as a joke.

"That is all about to change. I assure you, Sookie will be under my care from now on. I have no more time for games. Russell is planning on taking her again at some point and I can't afford another catastrophe like the one in Jackson for the previous few days."

"You certainly can't." The Magister tapped his chin thoughtfully. "You're final charges against Mr. Northman are..."

"Eric compromised Mr. Compton's mission. He has steered my investigator completely off his path – taking them to Dallas to help Godric was completely unplanned and not to mention another catastrophe. More people are discovering my telepath and I refuse for her to be flitting along without my watchful care any longer."

"Anything else?"

"I specifically instructed Eric to take care of William and no more than twenty-four hours later he was snatched by Russell's weres." A disapproving murmur spread across.

"Two strong strikes against you Eric. This is coming from your Queen, I can't take it lightly." The Magister's eyes glowed. "From what I can tell, Sookie is no longer your concern."

"Andre!" the Queen said. I could do nothing. Every alarm in my body sounded as I watched the Queen's second move in and seize Sookie's arms.

"What?" she screamed and struggled as she was pulled against his chest. My fangs bared and I was growling at Andre who didn't even glance at me.

"Your majesty!" I eyed Bill who stepped forward speaking up as he watched Andre manhandle Sookie away from the crowd and disappear.

"Eric!" I heard her scream behind the pile of junk. It was taking everything I possibly could to remain for my punishment. I lunged away when I heard her scream and then a muffle.

"Don't even think about it Northman," the Magister spoke. A few vampires stepped forward, ready to restrain me. "I'm doing you a favour. Who knows what your punishment would be if you decided to run and steal the girl."

"It would not be very smart, Eric." the Queen tutted. Vile, hatred filled my bones as I glared at my captors. I hadn't been in any sort of position like this, ever, and I did not care for it.

I closed my eyes and uncoiled my spine as I attempted to right myself. The Magister was right. I was being irrational and idiotic . Going after Sookie would be something Bill would do. I was not him. I opened my eyes again, still and composed. My insides were twisting and turning as her blood sang for me to bring her back to me. I did not. I remained.

As I always would.

"I believe this is a moment to put in the books. Eric Northman is charmed by a human," the Magister grinned. Several others laughed and I did not care for it. "I never thought I would see the day, Eric, I must admit. Compromising your judgement for a human? Not very smart."

"I am focused. I am here now for you and my Queen, Magister," I said.

"I request that Eric Northman be restricted to his area for twenty-five years. He is not allowed to leave it unless I ask him to."

There was silence and I looked up at the Magister who looked thoughtful. "Not my particular choice in punishment."

"I will do the personal punishment, myself. Tonight. I so love to inflict pain onto those who wrong me," the Queen's said. Her fangs were down and she looked at me with an eager joy I knew I would curse.

There was a long silence. "Eric, do you understand the new rules? The human will be with Sophie-Anne in New Orleans and you are confined to your area. If you so much as step out of bounds without your Queen's permission we will meet up again."

My jaw tightened. "I accept."

The Queen would be handing out my punishment in private, to which I was thankful for. She still respected me even when I betrayed her. The surrounding vampires were furious that my infliction would be invisible to their hungry eyes.

Andre stood outside the car that I had arrived in with Sookie. I felt a pang and had a visual of me tossing him aside, grabbing Sookie and making a run for it, just as two of the guards held me, leading me away to the Queen's car.

"William, accompany the girl back to my palace." I turned my head to watch Bill get into the back of the car where her blood was silent, probably knocked out.

I could not be emotional. I had spent a thousand years thoughtful planning and Sookie was already leaving me unhinged. I was most likely about to be defanged and restricted to my area and all I could think about was ways I could get Sookie out of this. No, this was about me. My mind shifted to Pam and I wondered if I could pull out my cell phone once we were seated in the back of her limo.

"I hope this helps you learn your lesson, Eric." Sophie-Anne said. I could tell she was displeased by my nonchalance at the moment. I nodded pulling out my phone.

"Pam." I said immediately.

"Master, all is well?"

Sophie-Anne raised an eyebrow, waiting for my response. "I will be receiving punishment from our Queen for my disobedience. I will be back in Shreveport tomorrow."

There was silence on the other line. My child was smart. "I will be awaiting your arrival."

"Good."

I saw a plan map out in front of my eyes. What I could do, what we could do. For the moment, I was helpless, but soon, very soon...This is where my connections, my power, would come in handy. I unfortunately could not make any move in the situation I was in with the Magister and all those witnesses. Arguably, I could do nothing tonight either, and most likely not until my fangs grew back. I worried over what that time would mean for Sookie.

I should not concern myself with her. I was my first worry. I would be back in Shreveport tomorrow and I would move forward to recovery and freedom for the following few months.

I saw the car pull up in the Queen's garage ahead. Bill stepped out of the car with an unconscious Sookie in his arms. I saw her blond head and the strong desire to break through the sun-roof, I was restrained as if my thoughts had been read. When Bill and Andre were firmly in the palace, I was allowed to leave the car.

Sophie-Anne was buzzing with excitement and I was steered firmly away from her day room further into the house. I saw the blond woman Hadley poke her head out to see us approaching before retreating into the room, closing the door firmly. So, she was Sookie's cousin?

Could I kill her?

To the very back I was shown to the dark room that I would receive my punishment. Three guards entered with me standing by the door. No windows, no escape. I immediately fell to my knees and bowed my head for my Queen who stood before me.

It would take a lot of her strength to hurt me. I was six hundred years older than her, I was a formidable fighter and had one of the strongest vampires as my maker. I had a fierce reputation, many loyal allies and all of this, scared the living daylights out of Sophie-Anne. I was not scared of this punishment. I had had my fangs removed before, thanks to Russell, one hundred years after I was turned. I knew the pain, the suffering I would experience as they grew back, but I could not be truly hurt by her.

A box was placed beside us. Silver weapons. Unsurprising. I was sure she could do nothing to me that would shock me. She wasn't a particularly original thinker. Blinded by expenses and popularity, the Queen of Louisiana was petulant and insane.

She reached down and pulled out a silver dagger, inspecting its sharp features. "Are you excited as I am, Eric?"

"I am ready to accept my wrong doings, your majesty." Without any anticipation, I was slashed at the throat. The only damage I could receive was silver poisoning. That would be...difficult to work around. Blood temporarily seeped from my neck before the wound sealed itself. The Queen's foot pushed my shoulder and I was on my back. Her guards surrounded me tying my arms and legs in silver to long poles in the ground. I was eagle-spread before my punisher.

I watched her pull out long silver spikes and pushed into my wrists. I was firm, refusing to cry out. She did so to my ankles. I could feel the silver burning internally and I flinched, the pain severe, coming to my eyes as I endured the intensity.

"I hope you learn your lesson," she said. I had seen quite a few movies and apparently, based on that classic line, she had too. I rolled my eyes, although she could easily mistake it from pain.

We had three hours until the sun would rise. And Sophie-Anne made sure I endured any bit of pain she could possibly squeeze in. She left the de-fanging for last.

I watched her approach me with the famished glint as my blood had been poured. She had taken some of mine down her throat and I hated her for it. I did not share my blood lightly. I had already been ordered by her to do so with Lafayette...

"Your blood is so powerful, Eric. I feel so...alive." She licked her fangs and the pliers were in her right hand. "We have twenty minutes before dawn. Just enough time." She seized my right fang and I prepared myself for the worst. I had not cried out once, or shouted, I had been mute and accepting of my torture.

When she yanked at the root of my tooth, I couldn't help but hiss. I saw it in her hand and I likened it to a human male having his balls removed. That would be awful too. At least the fang would grow back – for now, I felt castrated. Empty. A void.

She looked at the fang, in fascination. "Beautiful." A guard held out a handkerchief and she placed my fang in his opening hand. She went to my other and I felt the blood pooling in my mouth, dripping down my chin, my neck. The bloodlust and the tension were thick in the small room.

I was lying there, dizzy, in agony and feeling a supreme amount of rage that I was powerless to reign in. The silver spikes in my arms and legs were removed and I was weak drained. I had to be lifted and put in a coffin for the day.

I was too weak to move.

I was in too much pain to care about dignity.

And I was so warped with revenge in my head that I couldn't think clear enough to move one foot in front of the other.

And yet, my worry for Sookie was still profoundly undeniable.