Author's Note: A big Thanks to "Acelticdream" for her very encouraging review. I truly appreciate it, and with me parched for reviews for my story yours was a big glass of cool water.

I would request again...PLEASE REVIEW. let me know what you like and dislike.

12. If Only - Chapter 11

Eric POV (Fangtasia)

For once in my life, I was wishing Sophie-Anne was more petulant than she was already. Strange wish, I know, and for a vampire like me who has never taken shit from anyone ever, it is a surprise that I am subject to such an irritating and demanding queen, but a double surprise that I wished for even more of her irritation to dominate what was going on in my head right now. I would have been at peace by now if I had not gotten the call from Godric earlier.

I was just driving into Fangtasia's parking lot when my phone rang. Seeing it was Godric I knew it was going to be about one thing I was trying to get off my mind since I had risen this evening. I answered it reluctantly.

"Godric…"

"Eric my child, have you reached Fangtasia?" his voice was neutral.

"Yes Godric, I was just pulling into the parking lot."

"I see. Anna has made a request to visit Bossier city tonight, she says she needs to retrieve something very important from her leased apartment there and she obviously needs clothes and all necessary papers to stay in Dallas. She says it's very important that it is done tonight."

"Anna? She is not leaving yet? She is staying in Dallas? Do you think that is wise Godric? I think you should ask her to leave. We should not get involved with her, or whatever her person ensues."

"Yes I have decided to call her Anna whilst she is here and no; I am not making her leave. She is here for a reason and I am willing to hear that reason even if I am not willing to involve myself I am still willing to listen to what she has to say. You have made your decision to leave and not listen and not involve yourself and I have made mine. I have delayed coming to Shreveport for a week since Isabel and the King are bent on throwing me a Farewell party coming Friday expectantly, you will be invited of course along with Pamela and Sookie as well. I think it would be enough time to listen and understand why she is here and then make her understand why we can't involve ourselves in whatever her reason and her person ensues."

"Why waste that much energy as well Godric?" I wanted her sent back to wherever she came from, if she was there for 700 years she can stay there for another 700 years. She was of no consequence or significance to us other than a reminder of how we were forced into submission.

"I told you that I have made my choice, I do not wish to quarrel about her. I am not as quick to pass judgment as you. I just called you to inform you of her movements, but since it's of no concern to you anymore as her maker, I will not even bother with informing unless it is related to your Capacity as Sheriff, So, Sheriff Northman, a Vampire who is currently a personal guest and under my protection will be entering and leaving your territory tonight to retrieve some personal belongings. You have been informed."

Before I could answer, Godric had disconnected the call.

I was still sitting in the car staring at my phone seething, when I felt Pamela pull up into the space next to mine.

"You are frowning again." She stated standing outside my window in full Fangtasia attire complete with A deadly tight black leather corset and red 5 inch heels.

"You are nagging again. What will it take for you to stop hounding me for a few hours?" I got out of my Corvette, looking at her pointedly.

"Chanel? But You know, you are going to have to tell me what last night was all about sooner or later. I'd rather have it sooner than later. You are my master, and I know you do not owe me explanations, but the queen is coming tonight and devil knows what she will be dragging in with her as a special guest, you need to be at the top of your game, especially with Stackhouse being in the same premises as the queen."

"This is precisely why I do not want to explain last night tonight. It is too… Complicated, and I need to be as you say 'top of my game'." I started walking towards the back entrance of the bar. The Bar was just opening up for business. Pam strolled in after me but said nothing further, but my head was not in the game, not in the game at all.

The Queen had arrived on designated time with her whole entourage, including 4 of her children and also another 8 vampires, 4 of which belonged to Nevada and the other 4 were from Mississippi.

We were in the basement where she had brought me alongside 2 fangbangers under the pretense of feeding, but I knew better. Sophie-Anne had something on her mind and I often hated whatever was on her mind.

"Eric, I have decided that you no longer need to sell the V for me." she said to me, snapping me out of my misery.

I was expecting anything but that. What with all the goading and threatening and teasing and slamming she had been subjecting me to for the past year and a half, she wants to stop now, now when finally it's going smooth.

"I see my Queen, do you care to express the reason behind this abrupt decision?" I asked my voice filled with irritation.

" Eric..Eric..Eric", she got off from the chair she was seated in, walking around the table that was separating her and me. The fangbanger she was feeding on a moment ago still kneeling in front of the chair.

She straddled my legs facing me, guiding my hands to be placed on her silk covered hips and grinding against me roughly before devouring my lips in an all too consuming and dangerous kiss. She has been doing this a lot lately, making me wonder if she is really afraid of me trying to take her throne from under her, hence the frequent display of power and dominance from her.

"Nevada and Mississippi have both sent me marriage proposals Eric… I am tired of being what they call, Hand to mouth, and I feel that only wealth and allegiance will bring Louisiana to the glory I wish for it to have." She said breathily against my neck after breaking the kiss.

"I see, so have you made your decision yet?" I asked straining to focus on the matter at hand than her tongue licking on the side of my neck. Her little fingers undoing the buttons on my dark burgundy silk shirt.

" Well, I would have, but I had an epiphany." She smiled in her most devious way, and eyed me with lust that made me suspicious.

"You see Eric, though Nevada's offer is very tantalizing, I am not sure that I do want to get involved in the kind of politics Felipe runs. The way he gained the most profitable state in America and also keeps tabs in international vampire politics, let's just say makes me a tad bit apprehensive as to why he would send me a proposal, when he could have any one. From the old world and new…" She paused at my sharp reaction.

"Yes, Eric, it's true, though I still do not know who his maker is exactly I have reason to believe that Felipe's maker is a vampire with a deep link and perhaps a very important position in the old world politics, and we don't want those to come knocking on our door now do we? But what's more curious is why now? I heard through the grapevine that there is some kind of tumult in Old world politics, something big coming up, and with Felipe spreading out to me like this, I can only think that perhaps the tremor is coming to New world as well. Louisiana may not be rich, but we are extremely important and as you know perhaps the only state that is home to the descendant witch coven of the Original witches coven and all that historical bullshit associated with us." She was making a lot of sense and with the events that transpired last night I could not help the feeling of fore-boding again.

"So what was your epiphany my queen?" She chuckled undoing the last button on my shirt and running a finger from my navel to my chin.

"Well, the whole thing got me thinking, that if I don't go for Nevada and go to Mississippi instead, then well, I would be sharpening our own stake. Felipe wants Louisiana too badly, if i am any judge of the way he is pursuing me, and I am still trying to figure out why. I can't stand Russell for a minute. So I was thinking if I could only secure myself by marrying a powerful enough vampire with no strings attached, I would perhaps be at more advantage. I mean it's not all about money, more about security. It is just an idea. An idea I am still playing with, because no matter what, I do not want Old world politics to come play in my yard."

"My queen, what's on your mind?" I was getting impatient. She was placating me or teasing me, I was not sure but I knew the answer of this question would be a blast.

"I want you to ask Godric to marry me."

It took me a moment to understand what she was saying. Godric? Why Godric? I asked. Unable to hide my shock.

"Yes Godric! Because, he is one of the most respected vampires in the new world, because he is old and powerful, because he has no strings attached, because if there is any vampire I can stand to be my spouse for a 100 years it would be Godric, because I know that Godric is ridiculously rich, perhaps one of the richest vampires in America and he seems to not want to spend any of that money which I can seriously use right now, and because, Godric is the maker of one of the most brilliant vampires I have come across and maker of my most trusted Sheriff..." I raised an eye-brow at her declaration skeptically.

"You may not feel it Eric, but I trust you more than I trust any of my subjects even if half the time I am afraid you would snatch my throne from me. Godric is soon coming to reside in my state. I will marry him give him the status of my consort. His position would be secure, your position would be secure your child's position would be secure and no one would hold it against me, since I won't be favoring any state over the other. And no one would want to mess with a pair of the fiercest vampire warriors known in the new world."

I must've been gaping at her because she burst out in her irritating laughter when she looked at me. the laughter that made me grind my teeth. Godric? She wants to marry Godric? Godric would never agree to such a thing. I have known him for 1000 years, and he has never even mentioned marriage in passing. He did not even keep pets. The longest commitment he has ever made was to me and I was his vampire child. He has enjoyed a free no-strings attached existence and honestly for Godric I do not think there is any other kind of existence possible.

"Sophie, the way I know Godric, I do not think he will agree to this. He has recently been through the huge ordeal that was his episode with FOTS, he is looking for peace and wants nothing to do with politics. This is one of the reasons he is moving to Shreveport because Texas vampires all still very much defer to him. The way I see it, Nevada is not that bad a choice. He has the power to crush us even if you have 2 of the oldest and most powerful vampires residing in your state. He could easily over-take, but instead he is asking for alliance which is a good sign, as for the old world politics, we all know that our leashes are only as long as they are allowed to be. If they wish to interfere they will interfere there isn't much we can do." My mind drifted off to that unpleasant place again as I uttered these words. If only Sophie knew that the vampire in who's lap she is sitting and the vampire who she wants to marry have a more direct connection with the old world than perhaps any other vampire in America. The connection that has been dormant for 700 years almost but suddenly came to a spark just last night, not a hundred feet away from where we sat. I wondered if there was a connection between all these events.

"Eric, it's just an idea. Like the humans say 'putting it out there'. I want you to mention this, but also tell him in the clearest way possible that there is no pressure. I am grateful enough that he is coming to stay with us. I am considering alliance with Nevada but still I want a backup plan that is not that filthy rat of a vampire Russell."

"I promise that I will talk to Godric about this, he may even have a solution to your problem." I said to her with a fake smile. As she finally got off my lap.

"I had one more matter of business with you Eric." She said watching me button up my shirt.

"Yes your majesty?"

"Can you think of a way of getting rid of Bill Compton by any chance?"my head snapped up to look at her to see if she was serious, she was staring at her perfectly groomed nails.

"Bill Compton?"

"Yes, now that we are packing away our V dealing, I think it would be wise to tie up all lose ends. Not only does Compton know too much, he is also not worthy enough to be in possession of my greatest asset."

" I see… you wish to take Sookie to New Orleans?" I was not sure how to feel about what the queen was saying.

"Oh no, no Eric! Pshh, Taking her to New Orleans would be putting her in an even larger spotlight, and I know that will not make her happy, and I don't want an unhappy telepath, No, I want you to claim her, when and if you are able to get rid of Compton."

" If you pass an edict, I can still claim her without getting rid of Compton, I am much older and powerful than Compton."

"Compton is a pesky little rat Eric, I know for sure that he has links in the AVC, if we try that, he will whine and complain until they come knocking on our door. You know the Law! He is almost done with the database project so I will say… find or create a proof against him in … 2 weeks time, and by the third week Sookie can be all yours and I am sure you can keep her…Happy!" She was right, with our V dealing, the most unfavorable thing would be the involvement of AVC. Apart from that I knew I had wanted Sookie since the first time she walked into my bar but right now the last thing I needed was claiming Sookie and framing Compton on my plate. With Anahita's arrival things in my universe had suddenly scrambled.

I was still lost deep in thought as we were climbing the stairs out of the basement when I felt something strange, like a change in the air all of a sudden. Before I could comprehend or investigate what just happened, I felt a searing tug in my gut. Like someone was raking my guts inside me. It was of such intensity that I almost lost my balance. What in the name of heavens was going on? Then I felt fury, not mine but Godric's fury like I have never felt before. I examined our bond closely, before I experienced another tug. I was panicking now. Godric was furious, he was angry enough to tug me which he hadn't done since I was a new born. I descended the steps I had just ascended, and swifted into the store room. I needed to be alone for this. Sophie-Anne did not notice my sudden fleeing. I was grateful for that. So, Godric was furious at me or at something related to me, but he was not calling me. Then it suddenly occurred to me. He had Anahita with him, Did Anahita do or say something that offended Godric? Had Godric discovered something about Anahita that was not right, that was highly likely, what with the circumstances she had come to us and such. Was she a spy and scout and Godric had found out? Was Godric hurting her? I quickly checked my bond with her, but it was numb. Was she blocking me? Could she do that? I wanted to scream. The idea of Anahita being at the mercy of a furious Godric froze my bones. No matter what she had said or done or what her intentions or mission was, Godric would not harm my child but still the fear was crippling. I knew of it. I took out my phone from the pocket of my leather jacket, trembling, almost crushing it in the process.

My head was screaming at me, all I felt was fear, fear for my child, no matter what she had done or said, she was still my child. I noticed Pam, standing by the storage room door looking worried at my agitated state. The call went to voice mail after ringing forever. I redialed. Looking at Pam, who nodded and took out her own cell to call Isabel. I repeated the process twice more before the call went straight to voice mail. Which meant Godric had turned off or crushed his cell in rage. Suddenly it all stopped. Godric's fury coming to me through the bond snapped shut. Anahita was still numb. As if she was in day-rest.

"Eric?" Pam said slowly as I kneeled down on the hard cement floor out of sheer exhaustion and more panic. As I slowly regained composure, I straightened up.

"What happened Eric? Is Godric all right?" Pam sounded unsure.

"Yes, he is all right, but I need to go to him. I'll wait for the queen to leave and then I'll see if I have enough time to make it to Dallas." I wanted to fly to Dallas at that very moment but I had not received a call from Godric. Only a tug. I did not know what had made Godric so furious, there was no doubt I was dreading facing him already but I needed to do it.

I made my way to main bar area slowly. The party was in full swing as I scanned the whole area I noticed Compton and Sookie sitting in a booth in a corner with their backs towards the stage and facing towards the bar. So they finally made it. As I took seat facing them, Ginger readily place a true blood in front of me. I could see agitation and apprehension in Sookie's body language as she straightened up from leaning against Compton and started fidgeting with the glass of Gin and tonic placed in front of her. I knew she was itching to ask me about the phone call the day before. Why and how and what and where. She looked up at me from her glass her pretty mouth about to open to shoot out a question, I slowly and very deliberately shook my head. She took the hint, which I was not expecting and did not say anything where as Compton stiffened some more witnessing the small exchange between me and Sookie. I wondered if I had chosen to lean forwards and put my finger on Sookie's lips would Compton's bones have cracked because of extra stiffness. I chuckled under my breath which the couple sitting in front of me noticed.

At this point I really did not care for questions or curiosity. I was worried, tense and I just wanted the queen to leave so I could fly to Dallas. I knew the reason Sophie-Anne wanted Sookie to be here, she wanted to show off her 'invaluable asset' to both Mississippi and Nevada envoys. I searched for the Mississippi vampires finding them covered in fangbangers. I did recognize King Edgington's second in command and child Betty Joe amongst them.

I looked for the Nevada vampires who were now seated against the queen. There were 4 of them, all male. I knew one was Felipe's child Lorenzo who was also a sheriff in the state of Nevada. Lorenzo was Hispanic and just a little over a century old. He was a powerful enough vampire for his age and was known as a great tracker. 2 looked more like Lorenzo's followers but the 4th one held my interest since he had entered the Bar earlier. He was not a young vampire but around 400 years if I was any judge. He was introduced as Travis and was said to be the king's advisor, a position he had ascended to very recently. I did not know why my intuition kept nudging my attention to him.

I closely watched him. He was sitting in one of the extended booths facing the pole dancing platform where one of my best dancers, Yvetta was putting on quite a display for the whole party alongside the queen and Andre. It was apparent how all vampires were salivating watching her dance. Queen was taking a particular shine to her yet this Vampire Travis just sat there looking at the table. I noticed how every now and then a fangbanger would make their way to the table and how he would ignore. By the time the track finished on which Yvetta had been dancing I saw him getting up and making his way to the bar. I saw the attention of the humans shift suddenly. I noticed how Chow was wary of the Vampire but nonetheless handed the vampire his true blood. The vampire then slowly turned around and though his back was towards us I felt him looking at Pam at the entrance, who was looking back at him with an expression I had not seen Pam give a Male vampire for a very very long time; interest and then lust. How strange!

As if on cue, the said vampire turned around and looked at me before he got off the bar stool and made it towards us. He had pitch black hair done in a messy surfer dude cut which was thankfully held back very nicely from his face. A very defined jaw, but It was those eyes that made him stand out. I knew those eyes, The pale grey of those eyes was stark but very animated, it almost sparkled.

"Sheriff Northman, My name is Travis, I am advisor to the King of Nevada Filipe de Castro. The king asked me to pay his special regards to you personally." His accent was a mix of many but closer to Spanish.

"Thank you Travis, I hope you will return the favor as well by giving my regards to King Filipe De Castro."

"It will be my honor Sheriff. I must say that I have heard many a tales of you over the years and it's finally a pleasure to meet you in person." I nodded. Almost dismissing, but I was wondering what tales he was exactly speaking of. I did hear what he was saying but what I was seeing was that he had not once looked or acknowledged Sookie. Whose scent was enough for any vampire to take note and then concentrate tonight as it was her special time of month. It was even hard for me to keep my fangs retracted. Other than that he was an awfully confident vampire. I must admit that it is one of my pleasures to make lesser vampires squirm. Godric does chastise me for it, but as I sat there making myself as scary and intimidating as I could it seemed to have no affect on the vampire in question. I also noticed that the whole bar was now staring at the exchange happening between me and the very cocky and peculiar vampire.

"I plan to visit Louisiana often for the duration of the King's conquest of your beloved queen. I hope I will get to visit Fangtasia again and see it in its full glory on a regular customer's night, The popularity of Fangtasia has even reached Las Vegas. I myself own a vampire bar in Las Vegas."

"I see…" I narrowed my eyes at him slightly telling him that this conversation was getting longer than I deemed necessary. When he did get the hint and ignored it, peeked my interest and I continued "...well, you are most welcome to drop by any time it pleases you. What is your bar called?" I noticed that now even queen was attentive towards us.

" It's known as 'The Tease'. Not half as original as the name 'Fangtasia' and also the interior is not half as lush as yours. Not to forget the whole throne display thing you have going on, its extreme genius, but I guess it would only work if a vampire as legendary as yourself is perched on it"

He said, looking around the bar casually and noticing how everyone was watching us as well. I for one was trying to decipher if he was genuinely praising my bar or being sarcastic. I had heard about 'The Tease' it had opened around a year ago in Las Vegas and was one of the most popular vampire bars in the world and the highest earning in Las Vegas and perhaps all of America. I appraised the Vampire in front of me again. He sounded like he was kissing my ass for some reason, his words said 'Fanboy' yet it was not matching up with how my intuition was sizing him up. He was not a weak vampire, I could tell as much, he was not over-enthusiastic despite what the conversation was suggesting, He was definitely not propositioning, I was not getting that vibe from him. His clothing did speak of very sophisticated taste. He was a vision in himself as the whole bar was proving literally drooling over him. Around 6' 2", lean and muscular. He was wearing a white button down dress shirt, sleeves rolled up with a sleek black silk vest and black dress pants. I approved of his clothing. And his posture as well and noticed Pam behind his shoulder staring at his back side with lust again. I took a peek at Sookie who was blushing and stealing glances at the said vampire and me. I could only imagine that it was what she was hearing from the humans that was making her blush so deliciously. Compton looked his usual constipated self.

"Thank you Travis, As this is also my domain's operation center, I thought the throne would be good for symbolism of my Authority in this Area." I decided to be Civil. Yet carefully addressing to him who was the boss and how I was not appreciative of his obvious mention of a bar superior than mine. I am conceited that way. What annoyed me more was the way he was still looking at me. There was no lust or appraisal in his eyes, just mirth like he knew something I didn't.

"Indeed" he nodded, now smiling. This exchange was getting on my nerves now, even if not a soul in the world could say that I was anything other than bored. He ran a hand through his messy but well styled hair and I noticed strands of golden in there. He leaned down and said something in my ear that made my bones freeze for the second time that night.

"Qudrat ast bejahat mubalgha Erikir." (Authority is overrated Erikir)

This was not happening! When did I step into this badly written Soap opera?