Disclaimer: I don't own the Southern Vampires. Sole copyright belongs to Charlaine Harris. Most of the characters are Charlaine Harris's... but some are mine! All the mistakes are my own.

A/N: Sorry this chapter took so long. I was a little nervous about posting it, seeing as this is the first time I have written a Pam POV. **crosses fingers**

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Chapter Twelve:

Eric

Redin and I stood in the doorway, as we stared at the scene before us in utter shock. The small round room was a mess, not a stick of furniture had survived the apparent battle that took place here. Piles of rubbish lay strewn across the floor and dark scorch marks peppered the area. Sookie's Fairy cousin, Claude, was standing in front of Sarit. He had obviously been torturing her, making him the evident victor of the battle. She was on her knees bound with heavy silver chains, her wrists were bound and were tied to her ankles behind her and her blue skin was turning black wherever the silver touched her. Claude's left hand began to glow and a light shot out of it like a spear piercing her armor and punching a hole in her right shoulder which looked big enough for me to put my fist through. The Fairy paid no attention to us as we entered, while Sarit let out a deafening scream before she seemed to slump forward, causing the silver chains to dig further into her flesh. I briefly wondered why we had not heard or smelled anything from outside. Standing in the room, I still did not smell the Fairy's blood. 'Was this place spelled? Has Claude gotten more powerful? What was he doing here? If he was torturing Sarit, then he must know what was going on with Sookie. Why was the Fairy back on this side of the portal? This could not be a good sign. Have they come back for good? Has Niall opened the portals back up? Twelve years is not a long time for a Fairy…something must be wrong.' My thoughts raced, as the questions flooded my mind.

And as if that was not enough of a surprise, when Sarit's face came into better view, I could see her razor sharp teeth gleam, they looked just like Redin's, except for the two elongated fangs. Sarit was a vampire! She was the one I smelled outside. I have never in all my years seen a turned Twilight Elf. Who knew it was even possible? I scrutinized her then, even battered, she was a magnificent looking creature, her cobalt skin looked just a tad lighter, and the red in her eyes only seemed to glow brighter. She was much the same as she had been, other than the tell-tale fangs. Her long black hair was in one long braid at her back and she was dressed in battle armor that was similar to the armor worn by Redin…tight, flat black, and hugging every inch of her impressive form. I was surprised that Sarit did not have her cloak on. 'The Fairy must have surprised her or he would not be looking so well.'

I stood there for a moment just watching them. Claude looked much the same as the last time I had seen him, since Fairies age very slowly. He was wearing dark brown skin tight leather pants and a forest green tunic, his long black hair pulled back at the base of his neck with a leather tie. It looked much like something he would have worn to his club, not something one would have worn to battle, but Sookie always did say that he was vain.

Thinking of Sookie broke through my idle thoughts and I said, "Are we interrupting something?" A smirk came over my face and my fangs ran out. As I took a cursory glance over to my right to look at Redin, in order to gauge his reaction, his face was a picture of confusion.

"Eric. Redin." Claude said giving me and Redin, both a nod, finally acknowledging our presence.

"Fairy, what are you doing here?" I replied as I eyed him skeptically. I never trusted the Fairies and I certainly did not trust this one. I was well aware that it was possible the Fairy still held some sort of resentment towards Sookie for the death of his sister. He claimed he did not, but I would always be skeptical.

"Niall has sent me to retrieve Sookie." Claude said staring at me defiantly. I stared back letting out a low growl in warning. I was not sure what he meant by "retrieve."

"So Niall knows of the situation?" Redin boldly interjected.

Even after all these years I am still unsure about Redin's relationship with the Fairies. I knew Noz was close to Sookie's family but I was not so sure where Redin's loyalty stood. I massively disliked not having that knowledge. I have thought long and hard on the subject of the Fairies' return. I have not suggested the idea to Sookie, but I knew there was a possibility that someday the Fae might want to take her. After all, her Fairy powers had grown, and that combined with her Shaman powers, she was a force to be reckoned with. The Fae are a waning race, and even though she is only an eighth Fae, she has the spark and that might be enough to make her suitable to procreate. With the Fairies, it would be expected for someone of the Royal line to produce an heir to the throne, and with Claudine gone, I wondered who would step up to do this for Niall. There are not so many heirs left in the Brigant line, but I hoped there were enough that Niall would have no interest in her in that way.

The Supernatural world seemed to work in that way though. Weres, Shifters, Fairies, and Demons felt the continuation of their bloodlines was top priority. This was a huge weakness that we, as Vampires, would never have. We can make children at will, not biological children, but if we wished, we could double our numbers in three days. Of course we have strict rules in place to prevent that, but if push came to shove, it could be done. 'That is why we Vampires are top of the food chain and always would be.' I smiled at the thought before I refocused all my attention on the Fairy.

Claude turned his head to face at Redin as he spoke. "You mean the situation where a group of Vampires have been kidnapping half breeds and turning or killing them?" Claude cocked his head slightly and looked at me. "Or the situation in which the Vampire High Council has turned a blind eye to this rampaging Vampire group and have allowed this abomination to continue, knowing all the while that the treaty was being broken?" Claude laughed, tossing his head back, but it was not in humor. This was much worse than I had thought, and still he continued. "Or the situation where a member of the Fae Royal Family has been abducted?" Then he looked me right in the eyes and said, "Yes, Redin. He is aware."

The growl in my chest got louder as he spoke. I so infuriated I did not know where to place my anger. I knew I had to calm down as now was not the time. "What does he plan to do?" I asked through clenched teeth.

"What do you think, Vampire? I am to get Sookie out of harms way. Then we will take care of the problem," the Fairy said as if I was a dolt.

"What do you plan to do with Sarit?" Redin asked. A serious look was plastered on his face as he eyed Sarit's slumped body. He knew as well as I that if the Fairies got involved, this could potentially lead to war. The Fairies may be decreasing in numbers but it does not take many to take down a large number of vampires, with the right Intel, that is. Fairies have no restrictions as to when they can move about, so they can travel day or night. Their ability to teleport makes it all the more effortless to hit their targets anywhere in the world, and their magic is strong. The last time we fought against them, the casualties were devastating for both sides, and it was many years before a Vampire could rest anywhere but in the ground. Although now, to our advantage, we vampires have regained our numbers, yet the Fairies have not. I hoped this was enough to keep Niall from doing something foolish.

"The abomination was just about to tell me where Sookie is being held, when you two so rudely burst through the door." Claude looked down at Sarit, placed his hand on her right shoulder and squeezed, his fingers digging into the gaping hole. Sarit shrieked and Claude looked pleased as he said, "Now, you will tell me where Sookie is being kept." Claude drew back his hand and it looked as though he was going to strike her.

"Wait." Redin said and Claude whipped his head around to look at the Elf. For a moment I was sure the Fairy would tell the Elf to fuck off, but surprisingly he took a step back from Sarit and inclined his head to him.

Redin walked over to Sarit and knelt in front of her. He rested his hands on her knees as he crouched on the floor. He was staring intently at her face as he spoke, "Sarit, how did you become like this?" clearly indicating her new Vampire status. His fingers ran over her cheek in a soothing manner that I often used with my Sookie when she was upset.

Sarit lifted her head slightly to meet Redin's eyes and hers burned with shame. "He turned me three weeks ago." Her answer was barely audible. Neither I nor the Fairy moved. We both choose to see how this would play out.

"Who? Why?" Redin asked as he slid his hand under her chin to hold it in place.

"Sargon. He...he is..." Sarit began to cry in earnest unable to continue through her sobs, her red tears leaving purple trails on her blue skin.

"He is what?" Redin coaxed in a calming tone.

"He is too strong. You can't win." Sarit whispered, shaking her head back and forth in a quick and jerky manner, unable to break Redin's grasp.

"What makes him so strong Sarit? Tell me." Redin's voice dropped and it became seductive in an instant. I was impressed at the reaction he caused in Sarit. Her eyes glazed over and it seemed he almost glamored her. I had not known that Redin was capable of such a thing. Thoughts of him using it on Sookie flew through my mind and I growled at the thought, earning me glares from both the Elf and the Fairy. I decided to think more on that later.

"He can affect the physiology of bodies of most supernaturals and humans alike. It's how he is able to turn even the unturnable. He forces their bodies to accept his blood. But that's not the only thing..." Sarit trailed off as fear rippled over her face.

"There is more?" Redin asked.

"He can temporarily absorb the powers of the creature he drinks blood from. He is trying to find the combination that lets him retain the power he absorbs. He believes it comes down to something on the genetic level. I don't understand much more than that." Sarit seemed to break out of her trance and what she said stunned me a bit. "Redin, please just end it. I never wanted this. I can't say no to anything he commands. I am trapped. Please free me. I beg you. I can't spend the rest of my existence being his slave. You can't understand what it is like. He is an awful creature, even for a Vampire." Her face was pleading and I wondered if the Elf would comply.

"I may grant you what you wish when you tell me where he has Sookie." Redin replied his voice resolute.

"Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Cabin near the lake. Do it...now." Sarit said closing her eyes, waiting for the blow that would give her final death. But Redin did not give her what she wanted, he just stepped away. I was a little bit surprised; I had wondered what he would choose to do.

"Well, I have what I need. She's your problem now." Claude said and popped out of the room.

"Fuck!" I shouted at the space that the Fairy previously occupied. 'Fucking teleportation.' I thought furiously, it seriously gave the Fae an advantage.

Sarit's eyes flew open and she let out a scream of frustration. "You said you would do it!"

"I said I "may" do it. I did not say I would do it." Redin said nonchalantly. "Plus, when I kill him, you will be free." I was impressed with the Elf. It was very sly of him to play on his words.

"You won't win Redin. He will kill you and I will be eternally his slave!" Sarit yelled as she struggled against the chains that bound her.

"I will make arrangements for you Sarit." Redin's tone indicated his decision was final.

"And if you die?" Sarit hissed.

"Pfft. Enough of this nonsense." Redin scoffed, then he turned to me. "We can leave her here. I will make arrangements for Sarit on the way. We should move now. Claude will go to Niall with the information. He will not make a move on his own. It buys us some time to find her first. You know what could happen if they get there before we do...don't you?" Redin asked as Sarit continued to sob.

"It's already too late." I stated. I knew that the Fairies being pissed at the Council was not good. The treaty we had was flimsy at best, it was written and signed over five hundred years ago. The Council was to hand over any Vampire who was killing a Fairy without provocation to the Fairy Royal Court for justice to be served. The same went for the Fairies. They could not kill a Vampire without provocation, and they must be handed over to the Vampire Council for judgment. That was the basis of the treaty. Sure, it got broken all the time, but it did prevent Vampires and Fairies from mass-slaughtering each other. A few killings here and there was not enough to go to war over and was often overlooked, but If Sargon's actions were known about by the Council, and all these years he had been killing and attempting to turn those with a fairy bloodline, it would definitely be taken as an act of hostility. The Council's lack of action would be seen as support for the actions of Sargon. If the Fae felt that the Vampires truly broke the treaty, then it would be war, and I sincerely hoped that would not be the case. I knew that is Niall was smart and that he would use the Weres and Shifters as allies against us if it came to it. As far as the Demons, well a lot of them are more like mercenaries, hired guns and could be bought by the highest bidder. I wonder if Niall would expect me on his side, or regard me as an enemy.

I knew there were three distinct paths open to me at this point. One...I could side with my kind and give any information I had to the Council, that would certainly move me up in status politically, but surely this would be seen as a betrayal by my beloved. Two...I could side with Niall. I could give him any information I had about my kind. I could tell him exactly where to strike to do the most damage, but this would lead to my final death I was sure. I would be seen as a traitor to my kind and would never be safe again, and hence Sookie would never be safe. Three...I could take Sookie and run. I could leave everything behind, we could take the boy if she wished, but we would have to go underground. In that way, we could stay neutral in the situation. With a war, they would be too busy to spend much time looking for us, and when the dust settled, we would see who was the victor and plan our next move. I am no coward; I love a battle as much as the next Vampire, but I have stayed alive by knowing when to pick my battles. I hoped that more options presented themselves in the very near future because the decision would change our lives no matter what we choice we made. I knew I would have to discuss this with Sookie as soon as I got her back. I thought all of this through quickly and said "It would be best if we got there first. How long do you think it would take for Niall to show up with his forces?"

Redin looked thoughtful for a moment, "I think within the next twenty four to forty eight hours and they will wait for daylight to strike." I nodded in agreement. "You think he will take her to Niall's kingdom permanently...against her will, don't you?" Redin said, more like a statement than a question.

"I do not know but if we can get there first, get her out before an attack..." I trailed off knowing that he would follow my meaning.

"Then what do you plan to do once we have Sookie? I will do what I can, but I cannot ask my people to interfere in this, there are too many varying races and not all of them would be on the same side. I can not let this tear the sanctuary of Aradia apart. Aradia must stay neutral."

"Sookie and I will make that decision when I have her back." I stated flatly

"So if she wanted to leave, to hide somewhere, you would just leave everything behind to be with her? Your kingdom? Your subjects? For her?" His eyes narrowed with suspicion and something else I just couldn't identify.

"Yes." I said simply. Of course it would not happen just like that. I had already planned for an escape long ago. I am always one to have a contingency plan; I only had to set things in motion.

"In your own twisted Vampire way, you do love her, don't you?" Redin asked. His face went blank giving nothing of his feelings away.

"You always question me! Have I not proved time and time again that she is my world, my everything? Of course I love her! You constantly question my intentions and I've grown tired of it." I turned my back on him and strode out refusing to have this conversation again. "Fucking Elf." I grumbled under my breath.

We needed to head to Oklahoma. It was about 400 miles from here, less than a four hour drive, at least when I am driving. Pam could be there with backup in under two hours. We could get there tonight before dawn breaks if we didn't linger. Redin could search during the day and we could break Sookie out at first dark before the Fairies had a chance to make their move. If there were other prisoners besides Sookie, we could release them and possibly avoid an out and out war, which, of course, would be the best case scenario.

.~~~~~~~888888~~~~~~~.

Pam

I had sent a couple of Were guards to secure our young telepath. Eric wanted him taken to a safe house until this was all over. So, I contacted the troops calling those in the field back. Marco and Shane were headed straight to Oklahoma. The Sheriffs that were still here at the estate, along with some of the Vampire and Were guards we have on staff, were also taking their leave to join them. I was not very happy when my Master informed me that I was going to be playing nursemaid to Hunter and sit out of the fight. He expected me to protect the boy if things went wrong. I had not realized the situation had escalated to that point yet, until he ordered me to the safe house as well.

It was less than five minutes later when the guards returned, but they did not have the telepath in tow. "What is the meaning of this? Where is the boy?" I spat. 'Fucking stupid Weres!'

They bowed their heads, the one on the right stepped forward and the guard by his side just stood there looking at the ground. "He is not in his room. I radioed in to see if any of the other guards on duty had seen him, but they had not. He must have slipped out."

He was a hideous looking Were and I couldn't stop looking at his mouth as he spoke, he was missing some key teeth and the ones he did have looked ravaged by his poor dental hygiene. 'Time to get yourself some dentures, dog boy.'

"How is this possible?" I snarled, as my fangs ran out. The Were took a small step back but stayed silent as I took a step forward, "Answer me you worthless piece of shit! How in the hell did he "slip" out?" I was furious! All these guards and people just seem to be slithering in and out and as they fucking pleased. It seemed no matter how diligent we were with security, there was always a hole to be exploited. Most of the time we had been able to detect and stop such events, but this time, we failed.

The snaggle-toothed Were was looking guilty and said, "Well, no one was assigned to his door. He didn't leave out the front or back doors. He didn't take any of the vehicles. We just don't know how he got out." I couldn't believe this bullshit. He was one of Alcide's pack...Perry, Terry, Larry, Harry…whatever. 'Ugh! Where in the depths of depravity does Alcide find these hicks?' I thought, knowing I had to come up with something quickly. The little shit snuck off the premises while I was busy organizing and gathering the Intel we needed. I knew there were other ways out of the building that only Eric, Sookie, Hunter, and I knew. I was sure Hunter had used one of those ways to get off the property and that he had called his Were, Mason. There were not many that would pick him up in the middle of the night.

I flipped open my phone. I had a pretty good idea where Hunter was headed, when I noticed the guards were still standing there gaping at me. "If I throw a stick for you, will you leave?" I said while dialing the panther leader, Calvin. The Were gave me a small growl and I waved him off. 'I have no time for dog training'. I thought and caught myself breaking into a grin. 'Better get the little shit back or Eric will be pissed.'

"Do you know what time it is Vampire?" Calvin Norris answered in a gruff voice.

"I'm aware...I have a job for you. I need you to send a couple of Panthers to intercept Hunter, he is heading to the crossroads and I need him stopped before he gets there. I need him held until I arrive. Two thousand sound fair?"

"Done," Calvin said and hung up. I always appreciated the Panther's brevity, and I wasn't forced to play nice. Cash took care of that.

I made my way out to the garage. I figured I would take the Corvette since Eric had my car. I took advantage of every opportunity to drive his Vette. I loved to watch his face as he was forced to re-adjust his seat and mirrors after I was through, and I made sure to play with every knob and dial. In his irritation, he would spend twenty minutes fiddling with it. 'Ah... the little things.' I found my nest provided me with plenty of amusing little moments.

I made my way down the road with my foot plastering the pedal to the floor. 'Nothing like a little speed to cheer me up,' I grinned 'This Vette kicks ass.' I needed to get to the crossroads and then make my way to the safe house. If my pain in the ass little "brother" would have just stayed put, then we could have been there already. But NOOOO, the little "hero" had to take to acting just like Sookie, and I'm sure he'd have some fabulous excuse as to why he pulled this shot. I couldn't help but smile a bit to myself, looking forward to watching him squirm once I got him back.

.*****~~~~~~*****.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed it. Please hit that little blue button and make my day. XOXOX