Not The Other Man Chapter 13
Sorry its been a while, my dear loyal readers. Decorating the house for Christmas is no little thing. We deck the halls, the roof, the windows, the rooms, the floors, and the cat. So yeah, been very busy.
Anyway, we left off with some badness happening. Poor Sookie has found herself kidnapped, injured and in all sorts of trouble. And what has happened to Sam? Dear me, these two just cant cut a break, can they? Will Sam be able to find Sookie and save the day? Read and find out. Oh, and don't forget those marvellous reviews. They do make my day! None of the characters are mine, although I'm willing to put in a bid for Sam Trammell's backside. :P
The heavy door flung open with a bang, startling the Viking out of his angered pacing. Before he could register the intruder he received a fist to the jaw, one that actually managed make an impact. Eric felt blood spurt into his mouth and his fangs ran out. He grabbed the assailant, his hands claws digging into the shoulders of a much shorter man.
"Shifter," Eric growled, shoving Sam away like a piece of unwanted laundry. Eric had no time for the shape shifter and his jealousy. He turned his back, ignoring the dishevelled state the bar owner was in. Sam's lip was dripping blood, his eye was black and he was supporting his side. Despite this, Eric had his own concerns.
"Where is she?" Sam growled, his hands clenched so tightly the knuckles were white. His jaw was tight, his teeth grinding.
"Where is who?" Eric growled back, turning on Sam.
"Sookie. I know you had something to do with this." Sam indicated to his wounds. The vampire's nostrils flared as he took in the scent of blood. Tearing his eyes from the crimson stains he met Sam's blue gaze. There was anger there, certainly. But his concern was tantamount.
"I had nothing to do with what you are suggesting." His brow furrowed, taking in the smaller man. "Pam is missing."
"What?" Sam's eyes widened. This was going from bad to worse.
"I believe it was Green." Eric was moving to his desk. Sam tried to figure out what he was missing.
"Green?" He asked dumbly. What did a colour have to do with Sookie going missing?
"Yes, Redmond Green. The vampire I had Sookie and Pam investigate. Did she not tell you?" Eric's eyebrows raised, sensing that he may yet be in with a chance. However, this was not the time.
Sam glared.
"Yes, she did. But why would some vampire kidnap Sookie? He didn't even know who she was."
"It appears I have underestimated Green's power in this region, not to mention his commendable memory."
"So it is your fault!" Sam moved to attack Eric again, his anger making him rash. Eric growled low in his throat, warning Sam to back off. Amazingly, Sam heeded this warning, despite his rage.
"It is useless for us to be fighting. Sookie is missing. Pam is missing. It is fair to say that they may both be being held in the same place. If we work together we have a better chance of getting them before Green takes his revenge." Eric's voice was calm, quiet. Sam forced himself to use his better judgement here. As much as he wanted to take a pointy piece of wood to Eric, he knew that he'd never find Sookie on his own. He was going to have to go along with the Viking. But he sure as hell wasn't going to let the vampire ride in like some white knight and save the day. No siree.
"Where do we start?" Sam finally asked, begrudgingly.
"Green's club."
…
"I am going to talk with Green. You need to stay out of the way. Try not to be noticed. We might have to use you later." Eric looked down at the brown collie beside him outside the club. They had decided it would be more beneficial for Sam to be as a dog, than a person. This way he could skulk outside the club without drawing too much attention. And he would be able to pick up any scents that he wouldn't otherwise be able to decipher.
The dog gave a yip and the vampire left him, entering the club. Sam quickly trotted to a nearby alleyway, his nose to the ground. Apart from the strong stench of urine, refuse and city pollution, he was having difficulty finding any trace of Pam or Sookie.
Eric strolled into the club as though he owned the place. And, by rights, as Sheriff of Area 5, he did. It did not take him long to locate Green, the ever pretentious vampire having positioned himself above his followers like a king. Eric rolled his eyes. He was very much not in the mood to play games. And he was not going to be stroking Green's ego.
The younger vampire stood immediately, seeing the Viking approach. His fangs were out and he was braced for a fight before Eric could even crest the stairs. The groupies and fang bangers situated on the couches watched with morbid interest. It was rare that they got to see actual vampire dealings.
"Redmond Green," Eric drawled calmly. His voice was dripping with violence.
"Northman." Green nodded, his eyes wary. He looked as though he were about to hightail it over the balcony in an effort to escape.
"That is 'Sheriff'." Eric's voice was like steel. Suddenly the fang bangers made a concerted effort to look elsewhere.
"What can I do for you this evening, Sheriff?" Green's voice was all smarm. Eric bared his fangs.
"You have something of mine."
"Your Childe?" Green flashed a grin, very pleased with himself. "You didn't think I would recognise her after all these years? Especially when she gave me her name? Tut tut Eric. You should know better." He seemed very pleased with himself. Eric's eyes scanned the area, looking for an advantage, as well as monitoring the quickly approaching security.
"You are a fool, Redmond." He chastised. Green glowered.
"You can have her." He hissed, his hubris bruised. "She was worthless anyway. Didn't give up a thing. Although, I did have some fun with her. Did you know you'd made a screamer?" Green's thin lips pulled back over his yellow fangs in a feral grin. "I found something of yours that is far more valuable."
Eric could not comprehend the stupidity of this vampire. Was he seriously admitting to kidnapping not only Eric's Childe, but his property as well? If he wasn't going to kill the moron himself, the tribunal surely would.
"Where is she?" Eric repeated, his voice icy.
"Which one?" Green asked, jovially. He was actually enjoying this. Obviously he had some false sense of confidence that Eric wasn't going to rip him limb from limb in front of all of these witnesses. He was severely wrong.
Eric glowered, his eyes burning into Green's skull. His muscles were tensed, ready to attack.
"You only get to choose one, Northman. Who is more important? You're freakish Childe? Or your whorish telepath?"
Eric growled, the sound building low in his throat and emanating past his lips. Despite the heavy pounding of the music, the sound carried and caused the hair to stand up on the back of several onlookers' necks.
He moved to attack. Before he could reach Green he bellowed in pain, silver netting draping across his flesh. Two large body guards appeared from behind him, wearing thick gloves as they pulled the silver tighter across his flesh. Eric hissed, feeling his skin peel and tear. He was quickly subdued, a huddle mass on the floor.
Green, cocky now, sauntered over.
"Not everyone in this area is as loyal to you as you might think." He stopped before Eric, smirking down at the Viking. Green gave a final grin before delivering a swift kick to Eric's face.
…
Sam followed his nose along the outside of the old building. He was relieved when he rounded the corner and the thudding sounds of heavy music weren't so loud. He loved his bar so much right at that moment. He hoped he'd get to see it again. He hoped he'd get to see a lot of things again, after this night was over. Assuming he got through it alive. Damn Eric and his vampire crap. All Sam wanted was a nice quiet life. A nice quiet life with Sookie. He wanted to settle down and enjoy living.
At that thought he stopped short, cocking his head to the side. Did he really think that? Was he really ready to settle down? Have kids? Marry Sookie? Or was that just the dire situation turning his head? Now wasn't the time to be making any sorts of decisions. Now was the time to focus and find Sookie.
His nose led him to a door nestled between two dumpsters. Despite the putrid stench, Sam was picking up on something that was making his tail wag like mad. It was perfume. Sookie's perfume. He'd know that subtle scent anywhere. He stuck his nose against the crack at the bottom of the door. He was picking up something else. Blood. A growl broke free at that. He scratched the door, letting out a bark. He had to get in there.
There were sounds from inside, yelling, someone arguing. Sam pulled back and hid himself behind a pile of rubbish. The door swung open and a large vampire stepped out. He appeared to be arguing with another vampire. Sam didn't wait to find out what it was about. As soon as the two vampires were clear of the door and focussed on each other, he slipped past them and into the hall.
Wishing he'd shifted into something smaller and less conspicuous, Sam tried to find Sookie's scent again. She had to be here. She'd definitely been here recently, if her scent was anything to go by. Voices ahead warned Sam that there were people coming. He slipped inside the nearest open door. Not wanting to risk his luck by shifting back into a human, he tried to hide behind a desk. The room was obviously an office of some sort. He could still see out of the open door and tried to contain his surprise as he saw Eric being dragged past in a silver net.
This was definitely not good.
The vampire appeared to be unconscious, or at least that is was Sam thought until Eric opened his blue eyes and caught Sam's gaze. The shifter was surprised that Eric knew he was there. Eric winked before shutting his eyes again. What was he up to?
Sam waited until the hall was cleared before slipping out. He watched the guards take Eric through a door at the end of the hall. It looked as though it led to a basement area. Waiting, he saw them re-emerge and disappear up another hall.
Taking his chance, Sam approached the door. With a quick glance around, he shifted back into his human form, trying the handle. It was unlocked. And it did indeed lead to a basement area. There appeared to be several small rooms attached to the larger room and Sam tried to figure out his best options. He didn't want to go opening doors all willy nilly, in case he opened one on someone he didn't want to meet.
He didn't get the chance to think on it any further. A light switched on and there were footsteps heading down the stairs. Sam acted fast and shifted back into his dog form, for the first time that night feeling the pain of the sudden changes. His previous wounds weren't helping, but he didn't often shift so many times in one night. His body was feeling it. He had no time to find a hiding place and the vampires were upon him.
"What the fuck is a dog doing down here?" A very unattractive vampire hissed. That must be Green, Sam thought. Sookie had described him as being quite ugly. Sam tried very hard not to growl. Instead, he made his face as friendly as possible and wagged his tail.
"Must have snuck in the back door, boss." one of the lackeys replied. Green eyed Sam with interest.
"Hmm. Well, I guess snacks do come in all shapes and sizes. And I am feeling peckish." He grinned.
Sam eyed the three vampires. Apart from Green there was the guard that had spoken before. And on the other side was an equally large vampire. One who looked vaguely familiar. Sam couldn't stop the whimper that sounded in his throat.
"That's the dog from that bar!" The vampire hissed, moving to grab Sam with hands that had hit not all that many hours ago. Sam pulled back, baring his teeth. If before had been bad, now was definitely getting a lot worse.
Oh no! How is Sam going to get out of this one? And what has Eric got planned, now that he has been captured? Is Pam still alive…undead…whatever? And Sookie? What's happening to her? Read and review and make me happy!