A/N- Hey Gang, I was able to "borrow" a beta while my wonderful, fabulous, Jade is on a family emergency. (Keep her in your prayers please) Thanks to Hearttorn, for your quick reply and assistance. As always most of the characters are property of Charlaine Harris. Gabby however is mine! I hope you are enjoying the ride so far. Thanks for all your support and wonderful reviews. Remember they are the substance we writers crave! So keep them coming. The next chapter will have lots of excitement as our journey gets a little more dangerous for our Sookie. Eric is going to have his work cut out for him!
Hugs
Char
Chapter 12
SPOV
I shut the bathroom door, my head spinning from all that was happening. I couldn't help but laugh as I thought about the night. First, there was the teasing incident, then the whole Gabby mix-up, and finally finding out that that there was a war with my fae family. To top it all off, it sounded like I was smack in the middle of the fight. Going to the sink, I glanced in the mirror. I repaired my smeared eye make up and smiled at my reflection. I had to admit I looked pretty good. My eyes were bright and there was a glow in them. I knew the reason was the tall, gorgeous, Viking that was on the other side of the door. It was amazing how feeling cherished and loved could make a girl feel beautiful. I never had experienced these feelings; not even with Bill.
I smiled to myself as I thought about my Viking. I couldn't believe how happy I was. Even though we had only been back together a couple days, I was happier than I had ever been in my entire life; I felt at home. It was even better than the time we had spent together when he had lost his memories. Sure I enjoyed our relationship then, but I always felt a little guilty because he wasn't fully Eric. Now though, he had all his own memories back as well as our memories, and he loved me. In fact, it seemed like he kind of adored me. That thought sent shivers down my spine. Giggling, I gave myself a quick hug. Looking back at my reflection, I nodded- yep being loved by my Viking sure did make this girl feel beautiful. I headed towards the door ready to conquer the world.
Opening it, I was met by a quizzical (word of the day) stare and a broad smile, all coming from Eric. Before I could blink an eye, he was at my side. I slipped my arms around his waist, pulling myself against him as I snuggled into his chest. Surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly pulled me closer.
"Lover, I do not know what happened in the other room, but I appreciate the results. You must tell me about this, later." He gave me his sexiest grin, placing a kiss on my forehead. "However, we must finish our meetings." He hugged me tightly to him before releasing me, leading me to a chair he had placed near his. As we took our seats, there was a knock on the door.
"Gabby, you and Pam may enter." Both vampires walked in their smiles aimed directly at me. Pam even winked at me when she thought Eric wasn't looking. Of course he saw her; he saw everything. He narrowed his eyes and hissed quietly. "Pamela, enough!" She bowed, but continued smiling. I shook my head and laughed. Eric glanced at his child and then at me, a frown creasing his forehead.
"Ladies, are you ready to continue?" Pam and I both nodded. "Gabby, I have been thinking about your earlier assessment and I agree. I believe Breandon's forces are going to try and kidnap Sookie in order to make Niall weaker. I am not sure how, but I believe he would be interested to know this new information." She had assumed her business persona once again.
"I'm sure the Prince could be of assistance, but he will not appreciate his people working with us so my involvement with them must be hidden." Standing, she bent over the desk towards Eric, hands resting on its' corners. "These sources are too valuable to me. Eric, they have my oath that they will remain anonymous." They stood staring at each other for what seemed to be an hour. I wasn't sure what was going on.
"Alright Gabby, I will handle the meeting with Niall and I will not request your sources." His voice was low and his eyes became hard. "However, I will do whatever is required to keep her safe, and on that you have my oath." Eric's voice and eyes were deadly as he pierced her with his gaze. Gabby lowered her eyes in submission, nodding.
"I understand Sheriff, I would expect nothing less." The air was heavy with tension and I didn't know what in the heck was going to happen, but I was always the one to jump first and so I did.
"Wow that was intense!" I glanced up at them both and went for broke. "Now, what is the next thing on our agenda? Obviously we can't call Grandfather tonight since we still have the meeting with the trackers. Maybe I'll call him tomorrow afternoon." Anger, frustration, and anxiety whipped around me as Eric stood to his full height. Grabbing my arm, he pulled me to my feet. His eyes were blazing, and his voice was colder; if possible it sounded even more deadly.
"Sookie, I command you to do no such thing!" I snapped my head in his direction, my eyes glaring into his. I felt another emotion flow from Eric, but I was too ticked off to give it much notice.
"Excuse me? You did NOT just give me a command!" I tried to pull my arm from his grasp. "Eric, let me go, you're hurting me!" He dropped my arm as if it suddenly had burnt him, and in a blur was out the door. "What the hell was all that about?" I sat down with a thud and looked at Pam. Locking her eyes on mine, she sat down next to me. She never broke our gaze as she asked Gabby to leave us alone for a moment. She continued to stare at me until the door of the office shut.
"Sookie, he is new to all these relationship issues. He has never had a woman for whom he cared so much. You are his bonded, to a vampire that means you are his mate; his spouse. In this case you are his mate that he loves very deeply. He was just trying to keep you from harm, and in his own way he was trying to guide you. Remember, Eric is not use to asking. He is used to commanding. He did not mean to offend you. He just dealt with you as he does everyone else instead of communicating and explaining himself." She sighed unnecessarily and sat back deeply into Eric's chair
"But Pam, you know about relationships." Feelings of sorrow and confusion pushed into my mind. It was Eric and I needed to go to him. I started to get up, but Pam held my arm gently but firmly.
"Sookie, I know these things from being a woman, but also because I do my research and of course I have acquired must of my knowledge from Dear Abby." I smiled a little shook my head.
"I have to go to him, he's hurting." I pulled again on her grasp.
"Listen to me, you must talk to him, don't be angry and get stubborn with him. Communicate and explain things to him. He will respond. There is no need for you to leave, he is coming." With that said, she dropped my hand and sped to the door, exiting as he opened it.
He began to pace in front of the sofa, running his hand through his hair. I knew this was one of his tells when something was bothering him. I wanted to give him time to take the lead, but it was killing me to see him so upset. Finally, I decided on a hands off approach even though it was killing me not to wrap him in my arms.
"Eric, honey, I'm okay. I shouldn't have overreacted." I looked down at the fingerprints laced around my wrist. They were already starting to bruise. Oh hell, this was going from bad to worse. I casually tucked my hands into my lap, covering the bruised wrist with the other hand. I was hoping he had been too busy pacing to notice the move. "Honey, will you please come and sit down so we can talk. Remember you told me this morning we had to trust each other and discuss our problems." He stopped pacing and his eyes fixed on mine. He stood staring at me for a moment before coming to sit in his chair. I was still seated in the one next to him. I wanted to take his hand in mine, but I couldn't without showing the bruised one. So I just sat demurely, (today's word of the day) waiting for him to say something.
"My love, I have much to learn about relationships and communication." He spit out the last word as if he had tasted something horrible. This was a good start and I was more than willing to give him a break and make it easier.
"Honey, I overreacted, and you know how I open my mouth sometimes before I think." Glancing at him I smiled. "See, you are already learning. You were wise not to comment." His posture relaxed and his eyes met mine, full of love. I melted into a gooey mess right then and there.
'I am sorry I spoke to you in such a manner. It was simply habit and I did not stop and consider how it would effect you." His fingertips gently ghosted down my cheek. "I will learn to explain situations; I will learn to talk to you. I will not issue you commands unless I have no other alternative. You have my word." I locked my gaze with his sapphire one which seemed to burn a trail down to my very soul.
"Min älskar, do you forgive me?" Suddenly I was lost in his eyes, and all I could do was nod. Taking my hands in his, he gently tugged, pulling me into his embrace, but before I could stop myself I cried out in pain. His eyes flew open wide.
"Lover?" I was cradling my sore wrist with my other hand.
"Oh it's nothing Eric, I must have just pulled too hard or something. Maybe you can give me a little blood and it will be brand new." He held out his hand to me.
"Lover, let me see what is wrong." I shook my head refusing. I was trying to make this easier on both of us. His left eyebrow arched upward as his eyes burned into mine. "Sookie, give me your hand." This was a command he issued.
"You have to promise me something first." His eyes narrowed slightly and he seemed to change his tactic. He took a deep unnecessary breath.
"Whatever you require lover, now give me your hand." His hand was still held out towards mine. I glanced up meeting his eyes. Boy, sometimes I forgot how intimidating he could be. It was a good thing I was beyond all that; well, most the time.
"Honey, you have to stay in here with me, and I would like it if you would try and not break anything." He blinked rapidly and his tension encircled both of us. He nodded once more. I slowly held out my wrist for inspection.
He started to reach for it with both of his, but seeing the bruises he stopped and sat motionless. Eventually, he took my hand gently between both his own, bringing it to his lips, and placing a kiss on my palm. As he bowed his head, his tension was replaced by shame.
"Sookie, I am so sorry, I am so sorry." My heart was breaking over his misguided shame.
"Eric, honey, it's only a few bruises. You just held my wrist too tightly, no big deal. I know you didn't do it on purpose." His head was still bowed so I placed my other hand along his jaw.
"Please, just look at me." His head slowly lifted, and I was shocked to see his eyes rimmed with red. I gasped as my own tears flooded my eyes. Throwing my arms around his neck I drew his head his head down onto my breasts. "Eric, please don't be upset , I'm okay. It was an accident. Please honey, you have nothing to be ashamed about." His arms wrapped around my waist kneeling in front of me as I continued to stroke his hair.
"I would never hurt you, you are my life, and you are the most important thing in the world to me. I would meet my final death for you. I would never hurt you." I sat stroking his hair sending love and comfort to him. We sat there for a few minutes. Finally, I knew we had to deal with what had happened. I pulled back, lifting his face upward. Looking into his eyes I knew I was the only one that could get him to listen.
"Eric, I know you love me. I know you would never hurt me; this was just a mistake. Please don't feel guilty about it, forgive yourself and let's learn something from it." I stroked his cheek with my fingertips, lowering my lips to softly kiss his. "Everything has changed, now that I know you love me. Honey, there is no one I trust more than I trust you." The emotions that were coming from him seemed to change and morph into more positive ones. His despair and shame were replaced with love and amazement. His arms clenched me to his chest.
"My precious little love, I will never be worthy of you, and I do not know why the gods have blessed me so richly, but on my life I will always put you first. I will never cease to love and cherish you above all others. I swear to you, I will never knowingly hurt you."
Bending his head, he placed soft kisses along my jaw line, and trailed them up my cheek. He rained kisses on my eyelids, the bridge of my nose, my forehead and finally my chin. His tenderness and love swirled and enveloped me. I had never felt so special or cherished. His large hands cupped my face, and as he lifted his towards mine, he placed several feather soft kisses on my mouth. His tenderness was my undoing. I sighed his name as tears fell down my checks.
"I love you , Eric, I love you." I sobbed into his mouth as our lips met. Pressing myself into him, I tried to physically become a part of this wonderful man who loved me more than I had ever been loved. My actions pushed him over the edge as he growled my name in desire before his lips claimed mine.
He kissed me as if he could never get enough. He was claiming me as his heart– his love; I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was the most important thing in his life. As I felt all of these things flooding the bond, I was almost overwhelmed. I clung to him, never wanting to let him go.
His mouth and tongue ravaged mine, his hands caressed my arms, my face, and I lost all reason as he ran the back of a hand over my breast. I whimpered as his hand moved away, finally coming to rest on my neck. He continued caressing, and then bending his face to it, he began stroking my skin with his tongue. I was becoming undone. He pulled his lips from mine with a growl, frustration oozing from him as he rested his forehead on mine.
"My love, am I forgiven?" His voice was rough and heavily accented. I noticed this happened when he became extremely emotional. Catching my breath, I rested my hand on top of his, I mumbled softly as he continued stroking my face. I gathered my thoughts and took a very deep needed breath.
"Honey, I forgive you. I know it was an accident and I know you would never hurt me. Please, let's just forget about this, for me Eric, please?" I pleaded with my eyes and my emotions. I wanted this whole episode to just be over. He sighed heavily in resignation.
"I will agree with your request, only to please you. However, I will make amends." He pulled his forehead from mine gazing into my eyes deeply. "I will make amends, my love. No one will ever hurt you again," Bending down he placed the softest, sweetest kiss on my lips. He mumbled against my lips. "No one my love, not even me." He kissed me again and took a step back, as he brought his wrist to his mouth biting hard. He held it out to me.
"Lover, you must take at least a small sip to heal your bruises." I nodded and complied, taking a small mouthful before he pulled his wrist away, sighing deeply. He brought my healed wrist to his lips, kissing it gently, and stood to his full height. He surprised me by changing the subject.
"I understand you need an explanation about Niall, but it is getting late and we must meet with the trackers. We can finish our discussion on the way home, if it is agreeable?" I nodded, wanting this night to just be over. I wanted to be in the library curled up with my Viking relaxing.
"That's fine with me. Let's get this finished then maybe we can go home?" I smiled hoping he would be as agreeable.
"Of course, I know you are exhausted, and we both need to relax. Lover, I also feel your longing; I too wish to be home. Let us finish our business so we can leave." Leading me to my chair, he sat down after I had taken my seat. A few moments later Pam entered the office.
"Yes, Master?" She stood glancing at both of us.
"Have Gabby come in and then wait ten minutes before you bring in the Were trackers." She bowed leaving the room as he turned in my direction.
"I believe it is wise to have Gabby sit in on the meeting with the Weres. She may gain some insight; also she may have some ideas about tracking these fae." He watched me carefully and relaxed as I nodded and smiled.
"Honey, if you think that's best." He blinked rapidly surprised, but only acknowledged my statement with a slight nod. His eyes shifted to the door.
"Gabby, come in and take a seat." She swept in, seating herself before I had even turned to see her open the door. This time I blinked in surprise, smiling I shook my head.
"I will never get use to vampire speed." Gabby glanced at me and returned my smile.
"Sookie dear, it is most useful. We will have to have a girl's night and discuss all types of vampire secrets. You will be amazed." She winked and turned to address Eric switching gears. "What is your plan? I know there are two Weres waiting to meet with you." She raised her eyebrow waiting for a response.
"It is quite simple, I wish you to attend the meeting. These are Were trackers that I have hired to search Sookie's grounds and the woods within a few miles around her home. Perhaps it will assist your investigation and if you have any suggestions, please feel free to give us your insights. I want this situation with the fae resolved as quickly as possible. Also, if you have any other suggestions about the security of the club, please inform me.
"Of course Eric, I knew the situation was dangerous; however with the introduction of Niall's possible involvement, I believe it has become deadly. We need to rectify this as soon as possible, for everyone's safety." He nodded.
"I agree, I believe the trackers have arrived. Come in Pam." Eric stood as Pam ushered two large men into the office. They were large, muscular and pretty non-descript, typical body guard type men. Both men were introduced to Gabby and myself and then took their seats near Gabby. The larger of the two handed Eric a folder.
"Mr. Northman we found a few different scents around Ms. Stackhouse's home. We found many Were scents, including that of Alcide Herveaux, the Shreveport Packmaster. "They both looked directly at me. Eric took my hand stroking it with his thumb.
"Yes, that is not surprising. My bonded is a friend of that pack and Herveaux is a personal friend." Both men were surprised, and it seemed that they looked at me with a new admiration. Gabby blinked, but did not respond. I knew she had been taken aback. "Please tell me about the fae scents you discovered." The Were nodded, continuing.
"If you will look at the second page of the report, you will see that that we have discovered at least seven different fae scents that have either been on the Stackhouse property or the woods nearby. These were all fresh. Four of these are males only three are female. One of the newer female scents has been as close to the home as the front porch. We also did find an older scent in the house. It was female."
I inhaled deeply as my hand flew to my throat. "They've been at my house, not just around it but actually at my house. Oh my god!" I started breathing rapidly as I imagined attacks of all different kinds. "Oh my god, I can't believe they've been at the house." I was becoming a nervous, emotional mess. Suddenly, I felt comfort and love wrapping around me like a warm blanket. I knew it was Eric and just as swiftly I felt my anxiety diminish and disappear. Taking a deep breath I turned and smiled at Eric for a few moments.
"I'm sorry, I guess I just had a bit of an anxiety attack, but I'm fine now." He gripped my hand a little tighter, and somehow I knew all he wanted to do was pull me onto his lap, wrapping me in his strong arms; the place I felt the safest. "Gentlemen please go on." My eyes shifted from Eric to the trackers. The Were continued his findings.
"There were also two of the male fae who had been all over the grounds several times. We found nothing in the home." The tracker sat back in his chair. Eric glanced at him as a crease formed on his brow.
"I'm wondering," Narrowing his eyes he looked towards Gabby. "If you have the scents of fae that are friendly and have been on my bonded's property previously, could you distinguish them from the scents that you found? I would like to know exactly how many enemies we are facing." The Were in charge nodded.
"Yes of course, we could eliminate any fae if we have their scent. It can be as simple as having a piece of their clothing. We have logged all the scent traces by GPS coordinates." Eric and Gabby nodded smiling.
"This is perfect. I will have someone deliver the fae clothing to your office by tomorrow morning and I would like you to return here with a report." Eric gave out his directives and the trackers stood.
"As soon as we have what we need, we will do an elimination and report back to you. Is this time convenient?" Eric nodded and stood.
"Yes this time is suitable and I will be waiting for your findings." With a nod of his head both were dismissed. When the door closed Gabby stood.
"This will be very helpful to my investigation. I will meet with my people before dawn and if there is any news I will contact you." She came around the desk and started to hug Eric then stopped. "Sookie dear, do you mind?" I was a little startled but nodded.
"No go ahead." Well didn't that beat all; she was asking my permission to touch him. My smile spread as I looked up into the very amused eyes of my Viking. I winked at him and continued smiling.
She hugged him quickly and turning did the exact to me. Oh what the heck, when in Rome. I hugged her back and gave her a genuine smile. Stepping back she smiled shaking her head,
"A friend of a Were pack? Sookie , I can't wait till you tell me all the details. You are quite remarkable and much more than I expected." She quickly placed a kiss on each of my cheeks before turning back to Eric. "And you, Northman, You have found a very rare jewel indeed. You should protect her with everything you are. I believe you have found a one-of- a- kind treasure." She kissed his cheek and started toward the door. Eric wrapped me tightly in his arms pulling me against his chest.
"Yes, you are quite right. I have discovered a very unique and wonderful treasure and have no doubt; I will protect her with everything in my power." She nodded and shut the door behind her.
I turned and snuggled into Eric's embrace. "Honey, can we go home now?" I laid my head on his broad, chest. "I'm ready for this night to be over. I want to go home and relax with my favorite vampire." He nuzzled his face into my neck inhaling deeply.
"I am also ready to go home and relax with you." I pulled back pretending to be startled. I was trying hard not to burst out laughing.
"Oh honey I'm sorry, I think you misunderstood. I was talking about Pam. We are having a girl's night." I bit my lip trying to keep myself from smiling. He frowned and a look of disappointment moved quickly across his face.
"Oh that is just as well, I need to catch up on some work." He started to pull away. I smiled at him and started heading to the door. Glancing back over my shoulder I started laughing.
"Gotcha again!" His eyes widen and his face lit up with happiness. I tried to make it to the door, but of course he caught me, sweeping me into his arms as he twirled us around.
"Oh my lover, you will most definitely pay for that." He stopped spinning and captured my lips with his own. The world stood still. Finally breaking our embrace I gasped for air and grinned.
"Eric, take me home." I didn't have a chance to say anything more before we were in the Vette racing home.
