Disclaimer: I don't own the Southern Vampires. Sole copyright belongs to Charlaine Harris. I'm poor, please don't sue. Most of the characters are Charlaine Harris's... but some are mine! All the mistakes are my own.
Chapter Eleven:
"Noz? What's wrong?" Vexation was clear on his face.
"Nothing...nothing. The time is just right for your return." Noz wiped the expression off his face. "Redin will accompany you back to the human world. You may find his talents useful."
Redin nodded and reached for my hand, taking it into his. "When shall we leave?"
"Now, now would be best. This can be put off no longer." Noz said sternly.
"Noz, what is happening. How can I stop this Dark Soul if I know nothing about him?" I wanted to go home, but going into this blind was just insane. "Please tell me what you know."
"Alright." Noz said finally conceding. I had been trying to get the information out of him since I got here. He turned to Redin, "Redin, go get ready to leave. You may be gone a while. Meet us back here when your ready." Redin release my hand after giving it a little squeeze and took off running. Noz turned back to me, "Sookie, I will tell you what I know." Noz motioned for me to sit, and I sat cross legged on the grass. He joined me. "About four-hundred years ago, the Council had entertained the idea of letting a creature named Kerberos join our ranks. You know we do not just let just anyone stay in Aradia. We are very careful in choosing who is allowed to join us in our sanctuary. He was the last of his kind to remain in the human world, all of his kin have been hunted into extinction by humans and supernaturals alike. He is what you humans call a Dragon. When you think of a Dragon you may think them to be merely a beast, but that is not the case. Dragons are extremely cunning, very magical creatures, and this one is no exception. Their very bodies hold much magic and they were hunted for it. To ingest the body part of a Dragon would mean to take on some of the dragons power. For example if you were to eat a dragon tongue it is said you would never lose an argument, if you ate a Dragon's heart you could absorb his knowledge, or if you drank the blood of a Dragon it would heal all physical wounds making you invulnerable for a time. There are many...many uses for a Dragon." Noz looked over my face intently. I just gaped at him for a moment before regaining my composure and nodded.
"Noz, if he was in so much danger, and Aradia is a sanctuary, why did you reject him? Why not let him join you here?"
"Kerberos was never very fond of Humans or supernaturals. Dragons by nature are solitary creatures. Which is what made them targets. Sure, a human or even supernatural could not take on a dragon alone, but they would use battalions to take these powerful creatures down. Being the last of his kind, after he had spent century's watching his entire race slaughtered, he was especially spiteful. We knew even if we did allow him to stay here eventually his vindictive nature would overrule his need to survive, and then..." Noz trailed off, with a preoccupied look in his eyes.
"So how do you know he is this Dark Soul? I mean the prophecy is so vague." I said bringing Noz back from his musings to the conversation at hand.
"The Byangoma, the birds, the Council used them to read his future. We did not let him know their prediction, but they confirmed that he was the Dark Soul who would try to take over Aradia. We thought by refusing to let him stay here we could prevent it. But their was no change in the prophecy, in all our divinations, we still see the that a fight is inevitable."
"Will we win? Can you see that in your divinations?" I wanted to know if I even stood a chance, since I was going to be thrown into this. Head first.
"We can not see the outcome of this battle, only that there will be fight. One that you will lead. We are not omniscient." Noz's eyes bore into mine, and I couldn't help but look away.
"Okay, I get the whole Dragon thing, now tell me about him...personally." Might as well get as much information as I can before I am shipped back home to face God knows what.
"In his true form, he is the size of a human jet fighter and just as fast in flight. Bruise colored scales cover his body like a suit of armor. He has two large horns that adorn his head and talons that are as strong and as sharp as any sword. His body is quite formidable, but his magic is greater. Kerberos is the last Ice Dragon. His ice breath could freeze a creature in place, keeping the creature frozen indefinitely. He had strong water magic, much as you would compare to the Water Fae, although much more powerful. His real gift, the one that has allowed him to survive this long, is shape-shifting. He can take the form of any humanoid creature. Just as the Were-animals are Human and change to animal, this is a Dragon who can change into a humanoid." I gaped at him. 'Is this for real?'
"Noz, what do you mean humanoid?" I didn't want to sound stupid but I thought it best to clear that little point up.
"Kerberos, can change into a Human, Fairy, Elf, anything that takes a humanoid form. It is why we have not been able to locate him since we rejected him from Aradia. Do not think that we have not tried to find him ourselves, once we learned the prophecy could not be altered, we tried to find him and kill him." Noz was incensed.
"Well Shit." I was not so eloquent. "If you all can't find him, how am I supposed to? He could be...anyone!"
"You won't need to worry about that. It is your destiny to face him. It can not be avoided." I sure didn't like the sound of that.
Noz stood and I joined him. I guessed that was all he would say about that, and we stood silently waiting for Redin to return. I had everything I wanted to take home with me so there was no reason to return to the cottage. After a few minutes of silence, Redin returned.
"Are we ready to go?" Redin was donning a backpack now, I could see the bulge under his cloak.
"Yes," Noz said turning to me. "Sookie, I will have to spell you before sending you back. I am sorry for this but just as we did when we brought you here, we must knock you out for the trip." Before I even processed what he had said, I was out.
When I woke up, I was again laying on the crossroads. I sat up to look around me and felt a hand on my shoulder. "Redin?" I called out tentatively.
Redin pulled off his hood and came back into my view. "Yes, we are back in the human world. Pull up your hood, no one will see us."
I stood pulling my hood over my head, just as Redin did. We could see each other when cloaked, it was part of the magic. I really looked around myself now and realized where we were. The crossroads in Hot Shot. "So this is where the portal is." I said to myself. "Let's head out. There are quite a few people who I am eager to see." I said with a smile. I grabbed his hand and teleported us to my home.
We were there in a blink of the eye. I had landed us near the edge of the woods that separated my land and Bill's. I surveyed the area. I could see Amelia's car was parked in back of the house.
Noz told me that Amelia was fine when she was returned but I wanted to see for myself. It was only a couple of hours or so until sunset and I wanted to take care of this before seeing Eric. I hoped maybe Redin would stay here so I could see Eric alone. I didn't think it would go very well if Redin tagged along. I didn't think Eric would like how friendly Redin and I were, and Redin didn't much like Vampires.
'OK. It's now or never.' I thought before saying, "Let's go Red." Then I quickly added "Hey, keep your hood up until we get inside. We don't want to risk anyone seeing you." Redin nodded and followed me as I crossed the clearing to the front door. I thought it would be better not to scare Amelia by coming through the back as I usually would. It had been two months since I had been home. I removed my hood and knocked on the door.
I could hear Amelia in the house and when she opened the door she took one look at me and fainted. She dropped to the floor like a sack of potatoes. I fell to my knees by her side. "Amelia? Amelia honey? Can you hear me. It's me Sookie." I was nearly frantic.
Amelia's eyes fluttered open and with a whisper I could not have heard when I was mostly human, "Sookie? Is it really you?"
"Yes, I'm back. Are you all right?" I couldn't help but worry about my witchy friend. I probed her mind and it seemed to no longer scream at me. It was if I could almost adjust the volume in my mind. I couldn't help but feel pleased for a moment, before concern took over.
"Sookie!" Amelia's eyes widened and she threw her arms around me. I couldn't help but embrace her right back. She pulled away after a moment and looked me over. "You look...a little different." Amelia said carefully.
"Yes there were some...physical changes. Is it really so noticeable?" I was really fretting about what the people who knew me would think, after all I would hear it all.
"Well no. I don't think people would assume you turned into a suped up Sookie, but there is definitely a change. I don't think they will be able to put their finger on what has changed. You look great!" Amelia said pulling my hair back from my ears, she was looking at their delicate points. "These will have to stay covered though." Amelia stood up.
"Redin is here." I got to my feet as well. "He is going to stay with us for a while." I looked over to her to see her expression as Redin pulled off his hood and smiled at her while giving her a wink.
"Uh...okay." Amelia said carefully, looking unsure.
"Look, I will explain everything. Let's go in the kitchen. I'm starving." I shut the front door and we made our way to the kitchen.
Amelia insisted on making me something to eat. While she cooked I told her everything that had happened in the Otherlands. At times even Redin was surprised at some of what I said. I guess Noz didn't tell him everything. I told her about my training, my changes, my powers, the prophecy and all about the Dragon. By the time she was done cooking the room was uncomfortably quiet.
Amelia had made a delicious jambalaya with rice, sausage, green peppers, onions, celery, and hot peppers. She dished it into bowls and we all sat eating silence for a while when finally she said, "And this Kerberos could be anyone?"
"Yes." I replied. I had a hard time wrapping my head around that little fact as well. After a few more minutes of uncomfortable silence, I wanted to change the subject and asked, "So what has been going on since I left?"
"We have been working on a way to get you out of the Otherlands," She stated sullenly, "and things have not been going so well. In fact, I have to tell you something." She said as a look of regret crossed her face, and I dipped into her mind.
"No. NO!" I shouted getting to my feet, fear and anger flooding me. "You told Eric about Remy? Why?" My mind was a swirling mess. 'Oh my God...Hunter.'
"I...I'm so sorry. Remy called when you were away, someone has been out there at his home asking questions about you. I had to tell Eric. We couldn't have people, unknown people, inquiring on your whereabouts." Amelia said with tears now streaming down her face.
"Has Eric been there? Did he meet Remy?" I needed to know if Hunter was known to the vampires now. It's not that I didn't trust Eric, but there were others who would most certainly want to use Hunter for his abilities as they did me.
"No." Amelia said hastily. "Eric said he was going to go there tonight."
"What day is it? What time is it?" I asked looking around to the clock for the time. Sunset would be in a few minutes now and I was running out of time.
"It's Friday." Amelia answered in a panic.
"I have to go now. I'm going to Fangtasia to see if I can catch Eric and explain before he goes out there on his own. Then I will handle this. Redin, please stay here and watch over Amelia. I will return when this is done."
"I think I should go with you. You still don't know if this Eric," Redin said his name with distaste, "can resist the Fae in you. It could be dangerous."
"I can handle Eric, plus I have the cloak so if it gets bad I can just disappear and pop back. Please Redin, I need to do this on my own." I pleaded.
"I don't like it, at least let me stay in proximity to you until we know he isn't going to drain you." Redin didn't look as if he would take "no" for an answer.
"Fine. But promise you will let me bring you back when we know everything will be okay."
"Fine," Redin conceded, "let's go." Pulling his hood over his head.
I reached out and took his hand and looked at Amelia, "We'll be back. Please don't tell anyone I am home yet." I pulled my hood over my head and with that I teleported us to Fangtasia's employee parking lot.
It was just dark and I knew the Vampires would be arriving shortly. The human staff were there getting the bar ready for tonight's opening. I didn't release Redin from my grip and he seemed fine to remain there. I was waiting for an employee to open the back entrance so we could follow them in. I didn't think it would be good if a human witnessed the door opening and closing on its own. Even though I did know the layout of Fangasia pretty well, I didn't want to take the chance teleporting in. Luckily, we didn't have to wait long. A little red headed waitress drove up and parked. She must have been running late since she dashed for the door as soon as she turned her car off. I almost laughed when she stumbled in her absurdly high heels and short mini-skirt. She was in full fang banger attire.
I pulled Redin with me and we followed the waitress in and once in I moved Redin into the storeroom, I decided to project my thoughts to him as to not be overheard. I still couldn't read his thoughts but I could project mine to him. 'Please stay here, out of the way. I have to go to the room next door. I will be in shouting distance if anything goes wrong.'
Redin nodded and I popped into Eric's office. I took off my hood it let my smell permeate the room, then pulled it back over my head. I knew Eric would be able to smell it when he walked in. I just needed to see his reaction before letting him know I was here. It seemed like a good plan and I positioned myself in a corner of the room standing stock still, while I waited for him to arrive. It wasn't ten minutes later that he strode in.
I almost gasped at how good he looked. The image of him in my mind, that I had conjured so many times while I was away, did not do him justice. He was clad in his usual Fangtasia attire, black Fangtasia tee-shirt, black jeans, and black boots. He noticed my scent immediately. Eric looked around the room wildly sniffing the air. He walked to the door to his office as if he was trying to follow a trail. He took one step out and then he came back in shutting the door behind him. Placing his back to to it as to block the way out.
"Sookie?" Eric whispered. "Are you here?" His eyes squinting as if only he could look harder, he could see me.
"Yes." I replied before I realized I had even said anything, and clasped my hand over my mouth. 'Shit.' I thought and threw off my hood letting myself to come into visibility.
Eric just stood there for a moment taking me in, and I didn't move a muscle. His eyes were wide and his mouth hung open. I don't think I ever saw the Viking Vampire with that expression before, complete disbelief. I couldn't even find the words.
Eric moved at Vampire speed and took me into his arms laying a kiss on me that nearly made me faint. His lips crashed against mine and he was kissing me in a sort of frenzy. His kisses deepened and his hands were everywhere. My head was spinning. Our bond just barely humming in the background. I could feel my arousal growing and I had to rein in my hormones, there just wasn't enough time. The thought of Hunter pulled at the edges of my mind. I tried to push away from him and after a moment he let me go, taking a small step back but grabbing my hands into his.
"Eric..." I said searching his face. He seemed in control of himself. "my scent...are you okay with it. I mean, you don't have the overwhelming urge to drain me do you?" I crinkled my nose and my eyebrows pulled together. I had been fearing this for some time now.
"No my Lover, there are a lot of things I wish to do to you but draining you is not one of them." Eric said softly with a devilish smirk playing on his lips. He released my hands and placing his hands on my cheeks to draw me in for another kiss, never taking his eyes off mine. I almost lost sight completely of the pressing issue of Hunter, when the office door flew open and Pam rushed in.
"Sookie!" Pam exclaimed walking toward us then stopping in the middle of the room. "You're back!" Pam couldn't help the smile that crossed her face for just a second before she returned it to her usual expressionless mask. She didn't move an inch closer when I saw a line of blood appear on her neck. I knew who it was.
"Redin, Pam is my friend. Please let her go. She won't hurt me." I said sternly.
"Redin." Eric snarled and he pushed me behind his body as if to block me.
"No. No." I said, pushing past Eric and getting between them. Eric looked dismayed.
"I heard your name shouted. I was only looking out for you." Redin said indignantly. He still was invisible to the Vampires, and then he pulled his hood off, showing himself. He did not release Pam.
I walked over to him and placed my hand on the arm he was using to hold his sword.
"Please Redin. Trust me." I looked in right in the eyes, willing him to listen.
He pushed Pam away from him towards Eric and grabbed me and to put me behind himself, as Eric did just moments earlier. Redin raised his sword in a defensive stance. 'Just great. This is all I need. Male posturing. Now they are going to kill each other. Well fuck this. I'm not going to let this happen.'
Eric let out a vicious growl, "Sookie is MINE!" he said and looked like he would rip Redin limb from limb. Redin looked as if he would slice Eric's head off as soon as he was able. Pam just looked from Eric to Redin and took her place beside Eric, ready for a fight.
"I'll be right back." I said calmly looking right into Eric's eyes and I placed my hand on Redin's shoulder and teleported us back to my home, right into my living room. When we arrived Redin whirled around his face inches from mine, staring into my eyes with such intensity I thought he was trying to burn a hole in my brain.
"What..." I began to say when Redin's red eyes drifted from mine and rested on my lips before he leaned in and kissed me. I was shocked as his hand snaked up behind my head, tangling in my hair to draw me in closer. In all the time we had spent together he had never kissed me. His lips were soft and light on mine. He kissed me as if I was so delicate I would break, feather light and sweet. His tongue ran over my lips seeking entrance, looking to deepen the kiss, but I pulled away. "Redin?" I said questioningly, shaking my head in incredulity.
"It's not right. I care about you Sookie. I know you think you care for this Vampire, but what can he give you." Redin leaned in again to kiss me and I pulled myself away.
"Redin. I...I love Eric. You... well...your my friend." I said carefully. I did not want to hurt Redin and my heart ached to say it, but it had to be said.
"Please Sookie, give me a chance. I can make you happy. I can protect you. I will stand at your side as an equal. I will never try to own you as the Vampire does." Redin declared his head held high, conviction in his voice.
"If things were different, maybe we could be more than friends. Your very important to me and I care about you too. I don't think I would have made it through all I went through without you. But I need you to accept this. I need you to be my friend." I reached out to cup his face with my hand.
Redin cocked his head and raised his eyebrow. "Fine. I will be your friend, for now. The second that Vamp steps out of line, I will be there. I think with time you will see, I am the one you should be with. I am patient. I do not think it will be long before he screws up and shows his true nature." He smiled as if he had already won. I just looked at him confused. 'Where is all this coming from? He always flirted with me some, but it all just seemed friendly.'
"I better get back." I left for Eric's office. Eric and Pam looked surprised when I reappeared in the room. "I took Redin back to my place, so we can talk. Pam, I am so sorry about that." I said, then hastily looked straight at Eric, searching his face.
"Oh Sookie," Pam spoke up with a smirk. She was leaning against Eric's desk, "it seems you still have every supernatural male vying for your attention. You are so much trouble." Her neck had already healed, and I was relieved.
"Pam, leave us." Eric was sitting in his chair behind his desk and he stood up. Pam left the room quickly and gave me a wink on the way out.
"My Lover..."
I cut him off promptly. Hearing his voice say "Lover" started a throbbing down low. I know I would have loved nothing more to jump him right then, to feel his body on mine, but Hunter. "Eric before we...um...get wrapped up in something. There is something we need to take care of. Something I need to talk to you about."
He moved quickly across the room to hold me in his arms. He was inhaling my scent and placing light kisses on my forehead, my cheeks, my neck. I could barely clear my thoughts, with the swamp of lust I was treading through.
"Its...Its...about Remy Savoy." I said breathlessly. Eric's mouth was close to my ear and I could feel his cold breath as the words came from his mouth.
"Tell me." He whispered as a shiver ran up my spine.
"I will...as soon as we check on something." I almost moaned as I pulled away. I didn't want to be away from him but I knew there was time enough for that later. I grabbed his hand pulling him to his feet and said, "Hold on. We'll be there in just a second." I took us directly to Red Ditch.
