Chapter 14
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SPOV
I snap my eyes open. "Eric we have a problem." I say to him.
Eric spins me around to look at him. I do so as I he takes hold of my shoulders. "What is it Sookie?"
"There….there's a man in here." I say. "I don't know where." I look around.
"What did you hear, Sookie?" Eric says and I look back at him.
"He…well, I think he's from that church; you know the one on TV that likes to spew all that stuff about Vampires?" Eric nods and I continue. "He has been watching you, well, us since we came in from the restaurant. I guess that he's noticed the other Vampires in here tonight as well. They didn't know you were going to be here tonight, but I guess you and me are on their hit list." I put my hand up to stop him. "I'm not sure how they know about me yet, but he was thinking about me and you. However, he didn't come here seeking us out. He is under orders to capture as many Vampires and their companions as they can and bring them to the church outside Shreveport. Evidently there are teams out tonight. After they get as many as they can to the church, they are going to transport everyone to the main campus in Dallas. That Reverend Newlin character wants me too. I don't know how he knows me, but…"
Before I can say anything else, Eric pulls me close to him. I wrap my arms around him and bury my head in his chest. I get the distinct scent of sandalwood. Breathing deeply, I take as much as I can in and allow it to fill me up and calm my nerves.
Eric doesn't say a word as he pulls out his cell, hits a number, and pulls the phone to his ear. I barely hear the person say hello when he begins. "Bring Clancy, Maxwell and Felicia and meet me at the Jayne Marie's." He says into the phone. I hear the person on the other end but can't make out what they're saying. "Pamela, put guards on the warehouse, toss the vermin out and close the damn bar, for all I care. There is Fellowship here that wants to take the Vampires in the building, there are more outside, I would suspect." He looks at me as I nod to him. "How many are out there Sookie?" He asks me.
I close my eyes and push my shields. I start at the tip of the noise in the building and push out. I hear a few people close to the building and then a few on the street. I push still further and some out past the general chatter. I listen until I can get a sense of the different voices. At best guess I'm counting at least four people per van.
I open my eyes and look up at Eric. "The man said that there were three vans out in the parking lot. I am hearing at least four people per van, maybe more." I say to him.
He nods. "Pam, meet us in the main event room. I will collect the others that are here." He says and hangs up.
Eric looks around. He says something so quickly and quietly that I am unable to hear. But within seconds, five Vampires are in front of us. I had heard their voids before but didn't realize that there was this many. Eric pulls me closer and I'm instantly at ease.
"We have a situation." He begins. "There are Fellowship waiting to attack us when we leave. They are under orders to apprehend as many of us at they can and to take my companion as well as any you are entertaining for the evening to their church." He says.
I look at him wondering why he isn't telling them who and what I am. He ignores my look and continues.
"It is imperative that they do not get anywhere near this woman," he pulls me even closer. "Am I understood?" He asks them.
All five Vampires look at me and then back at Eric. I can tell by the look on their faces that they are concerned and confused at Eric's demand. But I am assuming, out of respect, they say nothing. Theie only response is a nod to Eric.
Before Eric can say anything else, we are joined by Pam and two other Vampires.
"What do you wish us to do, Eric?" Pam says. I haven't missed that she hasn't looked at me. Though I know she took all of me the moment she hit the room.
Eric looks down at me as if to ask me something. His eyes shift slightly as if he thinks better of it and looks back at Pam. "We will take them by surprise. I want as little human involvement as possible." The Vampires nod and then he looks to me. "Sookie, can you find the one you were listening to before?" He asks me.
I nod and close my eyes. I feel around starting in the back where I heard him before and then moving from area to area. It is a lot easier than I've found it before. It's almost as if once I deduce that the minds I hear aren't who I'm looking for, they become background white noise. It is really rather easy to sift through minds this way. I'll have to remember to speak to Eric about this at some point.
It only takes me a few minutes to find him. He must be close because he's getting nervous seeing us all together.
This can't be good. Why would they all come together like that? And that one they saw at the bar the other night, she's here now too. Jesus save me, they know something is up. I need to inform the others. If they spotted me or the vans then there is no way we are going to be taking them by surprise. I need to get out of here. The back door, I can get there quicker than the front. I need to tell them it won't work. Maybe we can get one or two later. But there are just too many now….
I open my eyes and look toward the stage. "He is heading for the back door." I look at the people around the stage and see a small overweight balding man heading toward the Exit sign. "There." I point.
In a flash, Pam takes off. Eric and the rest of us walk at normal speed as to not attract attention. When we finally make it to Pam, she gotten hold of him and is pulling him toward her. She quickly moves to the side as we do not want to be seen and we join her.
Pam has clasped her hand over the man's mouth and turns him to face us. Eric looks right into the man's eyes. "Where are the vans?" He asks him.
The man looks like he is sleeping with his eyes open. Eric nods to Pam and she releases his mouth. He doesn't scream, he doesn't move.
"Where are the vans?' Eric asks him again. I hadn't seen it yet but I swear this is glamouring.
He sways slightly and Eric nods. Though Pam released his mouth, she doesn't release her hold on him. "They are parked in the back corner of the parking lot."
"What is the make, model and how many?" Eric asks. I had already told him how many. I just couldn't figure out the make and model.
"There are three vans, all Dodge cargo vans." He says.
"Leave a message." He says presumably to the other Vampires without looking away from the man.
The others dart off, half through the back door while the others move to the front of the building. I'm assuming that they are going to approach the vans from two vantage points.
"Pam, take this one back to Fangtasia. See what you can find out about this Fellowship and how much they know about us." He says.
"With pleasure, Master." She says.
I look back and forth between them. It is like they are speaking a silent language. I knew that Vampires would be very different. I am beginning to see how different they really are.
Eric takes me out the front door and moves to the valet to get the car. The boy who helped me out of the car earlier is very quick and efficient in retrieving the car. Eric helps me in and moves around to get in. Not soon after, we are back on the road and heading in the direction of Fangtasia. I say nothing until we have been on the road for a few minutes.
"Eric, can I ask you a question?" I ask him.
"Of course, Min Kara," he says as he takes his hand and kisses my knuckles. I don't need a Bond to tell me that he's angry. His body language tells me that this night is far from over.
"What did you mean when you told the others to "leave a message"?" I ask him. Not sure if I want the answer or not but knowing deep down that I need to know the answer.
He looks at me for a moment and then turns back to the road. "I want to leave a message to those vermin," he growls, "that I knew what they were up too." He says to me.
"But you aren't going to…well…what kind of message would you leave?" I ask him. The only logical message would be to kill some or all of them. What other message could he send.
Eric looks at me again. "Sookie, I would do anything to keep us both safe." He says without answering the question. "You do realize that they were planning on killing as many Vampires as they could this evening, yes?"
"I didn't get that but…" I say to him.
"Sookie, there is no way they would hold us. You heard them. They are planning on taking as many vampires as they can to their Dallas compound. Did you get anything from him about the other groups that are out tonight?" He asks me.
I shake my head. "Eric, you didn't let me finish." I say with my own growl.
He looks at me for a minute. "What I was going to say is that though he didn't say it, I have no doubt that their end game is to kill as many vampires as they can. That Reverend Newlin may look and act like he is peaceful but I've seen him on TV and he seems anything but. I've also listened to some of the thoughts from his so called flock. They don't think highly of any Vampires and think less of anyone who converses with them. No, nothing more than they were all out," I say and then look down at my hands.
"Sookie, it is a concept that is older than time, an eye for an eye." He says. "It is a concept that we have lived by for centuries. This isn't the first time that some radical group has risen to destroy others. Humans, Creatures and Vampires alike have had to deal with this for as long as most can remember." He sighs. "Believe me Sookie, their triads and causes are nothing new. They need to know that we won't go down as easily as they would seem."
"I understand all that," I say to him. "What I'm asking is why you not wanted to question all of them." I ask him.
"What do you mean Sookie?" He asks me.
"Eric, you told the others to leave a message. But you told Pam to find out what the one in the club knew." I say to him. "Wouldn't it be safe to say that many of those in the vans would know things as well? I understand the concept Eric, but how do you determine which will live and which will die? It must be a grueling task."
"It is safe to assume that the one doing the scouting may have more information of the plan. But not to worry Sookie, we will learn all we need from the other's as well." He says.
"But why not just question the man with the others?" I ask him.
"If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle." He says.
"Eric, quoting me The Art of War isn't the answer. I understand the concept of the statement but there must be more to your decision." I say to him. "And to answer your question, no, I didn't hear his thoughts on any other team out hunting Vampires tonight."
He smiles. "You know The Art of War?" He asks.
I look at him. "Stop deflecting. There is more to strategy then just The Art of War. However if you insist: For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill." I say and cross my arms.
He smiles. "Indeed, however, The victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory. These Fellowship have no idea what they are dealing with, Sookie."
I sigh. "The world is full of fools and faint hearts; and yet everyone has courage enough to bear the misfortunes, and wisdom enough to manage the affairs, of his neighbor," I say.
"Benjamin Franklin may have been righter than he knew," "He says. "But to answer your question the message would be one of implanting a message to several of the vermin and glamouring others. Though killing would send as well, it would add fuel to a fire that is beginning to rage. I have been around religious zealots before, Min Kara," he says. "Killing them would be counterproductive at this juncture."
He pulls the car into Fangtasia's parking lot and stops. He turns to me and looks me right in the eyes. The spark of peace is replaced with, oh I don't know, determination. "But make no mistake, Sookie. I will kill anyone who tries to hurt you. I will not wait for them to strike. If we are met with an adversary, I WILL attack before they do. The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can. Strike him as hard as you can, and keep moving on." He says. The look on his face gives me chills. I believe that he will do anything to keep me safe. His proclamation should have sent me running to the hills. Instead, it makes me feel warm and secure. Like the only place I could ever be safe again is by his side.
"My, my," I say, "from Sun Tzu to Benjamin Franklin to Ulysses S. Grant. We are spanning the centuries tonight."
Taking my hands in his, he kisses both my palms and then looks at me. "From this point forward, your safety in paramount to my continued existence." He says. "You are my first priority. I have never had a priority above myself, not even Pam." He says softly.
I don't know what to say. Hell, what do you say to that? Eric doesn't wait for my answer. "Come," he says, "let's find out what headway Pam has made." He snickers. "She does enjoy a good interrogation."
Eric comes around the car and helps me out. Placing a hand on the small of my back, he leads me through the employee entrance and into the office where Pam is seated with the man. He still looks like he is in a daze. Since it's the same expression as before, I can only assume that this is a glamouring.
"What have you found out?" Eric asks.
She shakes her head. "Not much. He is not aware of much of their plan." She looks up. "He is aware of whom you are and that his orders were to get you at all costs." She says. "But I am not sure of how much of the plans he was made privy too."
"Maybe I should try?" I ask looking up at Eric. "Maybe he knows more than he thinks."
Eric looks down at me. "Sookie, can you pull memories out of someone's mind?" He asks me.
"Well, if I get him thinking about it, I may be able to get information out of him." I say. "But you will have to release him from the glamour." I look to Pam. "I don't think his mind is working right when you do it."
"Why do you say that?" Pam asks me. It's the first time she's addressed me directly and the steel look she is giving me is not making me feel all warm and fuzzy.
I close my eyes for a moment and try to listen to him again. This time I get nothing. I open them and look at her.
"Because right now I can't make anything out in there," I point to the man's head. "His mind feels like a swirling mess. Nothing makes sense in there and I can't read a thing." I say. "It reminds me of a lava lamp."
It's true. One minute he is thinking about a to do list, the next he is thinking he's thirsty, then the club, then his car, his shirt, a dog, all swirling together without rhyme or reason. It's actually making me somewhat nauseous.
I lean back against Eric.
"Sookie, are you not well?" He asks me.
I close my eyes and breathe in and out a few times. When I feel like I'm settled, I open my eyes. "Yes, Eric," I say looking up at him. "It's just makes me a little off center. I'm fine now."
"Sookie if this is too much," he begins but I shake my head.
"Eric, I'm fine. The swirling made me a little nauseous. I'm fine really. Let me do this, please?" I ask.
Eric and I look at each other for a moment. Pam snorts and takes us out of our own little bubble.
Touching the side of my face, he smiles. "Very well," Eric says and looks toward Pam.
"Master?" Pam asks him. "What good can she do?" Pam scowls at me.
Eric growls at her. "Pamela, restrain him so he can do no harm and then release his mind." He says. Turning to me, he places his hand on my arm. "Are you prepared for what you might hear?" He asks me.
I look into his eyes and see strength, warmth, and what is that, love? Yes, it's most definitely love. It's one thing to hear the words. It's quite another to see the emotion. His touch and expression gives me the extra boost of determination I need. He isn't questioning whether I can do this. He is concerned on how I will react. It is very comforting indeed.
I sigh. "Those people were going to take you and the other Vampires tonight. You're right, Eric. No matter how I would like to think that church going people wouldn't, I am certain that you would have been made to meet the sun. As for me, who knows what they would have done to me." I look at him and see the anger building. I touch the side of his face and he leans into it. "I will find out what I can. I understand that doing away with the others before would do more harm than good. But I will not stand by while they plot and plan to hurt and murder people I love. You're right. We need to know as much as possible if we are to finish this with as little bloodshed and human involvement as possible."
"He raises his eyebrow at me at the last statement. I just give him a smile. We stare at each other while Pam finishes getting the man ready.
"Whenever you're ready, Master." She says breaking us again out of our bubble.
Finally turning toward Pam, he nods and motions me to take a seat in a chair that has been placed before the man.
Once settled and know that the man is secure, I look at Pam and nod. She looks at Eric for confirmation. He nods his head and she releases the man from the glamour and he slowly comes back to himself..
Once he's fully aware, he looks around. I don't need to hear blood to know that the guy is panicking.
"What, what is going on here?" He says. Oh Shit, where am I. Oh FUCK it's her! I hear from him.
"What is your name?" I ask him.
"Bob." He says. Shit, Reverend said not to use our real names if we got caught. He said that we were to say nothing and pretend that we didn't know anything. If she can read minds like they think, she will know I am trying to lie to her. But can the Vampires tell too? That dude Whit said they could. And Clive told me he'd seen it. Fuck don't think about it. God if she knows my name, KEITH and knows I live in Monroe, they will be able to find me. OH SHIT! The one thing the Reverend said not to do and I go do. He told me to keep my distance. To just watch and make sure the others got them. That I wasn't ready for this kind of work. That I had to learn. Shit, OH FUCK what am I gonna do now!
"Keith, why would you lie to me?" I ask him.
"OH Jesus, save me," he screams. "In all that is holy, it's true. What are you? Are you a devil? Are you Satan's imp?" He asks jumping but the restraints keep him in his chair. "It's true?"
"What's true?" I ask him.
No don't think about the meeting. You heard them. If what the Reverend Newlin and Mr. Crawford said, she is dangerous. She is Satan's spawn and needs to be released from the grasp he has on her. Her mind and body aren't her own. It is being wielded by these…theses heathens. She is just an innocent corrupted by evil. She needs to be burned and purified in the eyes of the Lord just like the Reverend said. He told us that like this she's dangerous. That to keep away from her and just make sure that she comes along as quietly as we could make her. I knew we should have just gone and gotten her from that house of hers. Oh Shit, she's looking at me again. Can she melt my brain? I heard that on some show once. Maybe she can invade my head, take over my body. Oh Jesus, help me. Our Father who art in Heaven…. He starts to recite the Lord's Prayer.
"Keith, what is this meeting you're thinking about?" I ask him. "What do they know about me, about Eric and the other Vampires in the area?"
He looks up at me in shock. "I'm not gonna tell you NOTHING!" He screams at me and again tries to pull away from the restraints. "You are under the thrall of these here heathens. You need purification! You need to burn and cleans your soul. Holy Jesus, save us from this site and deliver us to your hands."
I lean over to place my hand on his arm. The images almost shock me they come so quickly.
He is remembering the meeting that the Fellowship had about us all this morning. I listen and watch as I hear everything to do with their plan to rid the planet of Vampires. They talk about strategy and how they are going about locating the Vampires on their, wait their list? What list? I see someone holding a folder and explaining which names are the primary targets to go for. Everyone, including Keith is nodding in agreement.
The image changes and then I hear about their plans for me.
On the wall behind the man I know from news as Steve Newlin, I see a picture of me that was taken at Merlottes. I know because I can see the bar behind me and I'm in my uniform. It must have been recent because I can see the faint line of Eric's pendant around my neck. I don't remember the picture at all.
"She is to be brought in unharmed," the Reverend says. "She's an innocent and needs our help. From what I'm told, she doesn't understand what she does. We have to reform her. We need to protect her. Her skills are needed for our cause. If what we have learned about her is true, she could be a great asset to our war. Imagine, turning a gift from the devil into a weapon for good and light." He smiles at the group. "His light will shine brightly on such an offering."
Tears spring to my eyes. How could they have found out about me so damn fast? I watch as the Reverend walks to the side and pulls up another picture of me. This time getting into my old car, so it must have been from before I met Eric. Then he flips to one of me coming out of Bill's house and then another of me walking hand and hand with Bill in the cemetery. Finally, they have one of me outside Fangtasia when I came in with Bill. Goodness they must have been following me for some time now.
"Alrene Fowler and her fiancé Rene have done so much for the cause. However, because of their close proximity to the Stackhouse girl, they can't bring her in. It would look to conspicuous. We need to convince her to come in for herself. The plan we discussed last week was deployed. However, we are unsure if Rene has fulfilled his task. Ms. Stackhouse has not reported anything however, on last report, her grandmother was not at the house.
Gran? What does she have to do with this? Truly, I'm not surprised at hearing Rene or even Arlene's name, for that matter. It's no secret that Rene hates Vampires. Moreover, Arlene, well, she's just Arlene. I mean she doesn't really think for herself ever. She follows along and right now, she is following this Church. I wonder how much influence Renee is having in all of this.
I listen further as they lay out more information about the Vampires, the monarchy and me. I hear a few more thing before everyone is dismissed. Then I see him. I can't hold back the tears that are threatening in my eyes. In shock, I pull away from Keith and shudder at what I've seen.
I look up at Eric. He moves at lightning speed to my side, kissing the side of my face and then the corner of my eyes, kissing my tears away before they can even be released from my eyes.
"Eric, they know about you and the hierarchy of Vampires. They know you are a Sheriff and they know about the Queen of Louisiana and the King of Texas among others around the country. There plan is to take out all Sheriff's first to weaken the defenses around the states and then go after the Monarchs. The other Vampires in the club tonight were only icing on the cake. They will not hit you at Fangtasia because it could be linked to them. They came the other night when I was here only to get an idea of your comings and goings. They are going to attempt to hit you all while you are out in the population, where a simple disappearance will not be so suspect." I pause remembering what I gleaned from Keith's mind. Tears fill my eyes once more.
Taken a ragged breath, I continue. "They…they saw me here the other night and watched as I left with you. Eric they have pictures of me; at home, at Merlottes, at Bills and a few here. One of my co-workers and her boyfriend from Merlotte's talked to the group about me and how um…funny I am. She told them about how I know things about people and that I use this little quirk to pull things out of people's head." I sigh. "She told them where I work and where I live and after today at Merlotte's I am surprised they didn't tell them about you. However, they already knew about me. What she told them just confirmed what they already knew. They had plans for me and they're not sure if Rene pulled them off or not. Oh, Eric, I'm so sorry!"
"Shh, my beloved, why are you sorry?" He asks me.
"Because if I had heard them the other night I could have stopped them and then or told you about them and we wouldn't be in this mess. You could have questioned them then and found out all about this." I say to him.
"But you were distracted by the undercover cop. Sookie, no one expects you to hear everything." He says softly to me.
He lifts my head to see my eyes. I have never seen such love and warmth directed to me before. Not, well, never in my memory anyway.
"They…" I look at Eric. "Oh Eric, they think I am the devil's spawn."
"Get out of my head you WITCH! Satan's spawn; his wrath will rain down on your unholy ways." Keith yells. "They were right about you. You are going to steal my soul."
Pam slaps the little man from behind. His head snaps to one side and it takes all his effort not to topple over in the chair. "Shut your filthy mouth you vile creature." She hisses at him. "Before I take you downstairs and show you what we do to people who try to kill us."
Keith starts whimpering and mumbling something that sounds like the Lord's Prayer again but this time he is saying it out loud. In his mind he was mumbling the same thing.
"Sookie, can you continue or would you like to stop?" Eric asks me.
I shake my head. "No, let's get this over with." I say.
Eric moves closer to me. "What else do they know?" He asks.
"What else were you told Keith?" I ask him. But he is trying to ignore me. So, I place my hand on his again. "Keith," his eyes shoot up to me. "What else do they know about us? How did they find out about the Vampire Monarchs?"
"I'm not telling you anything, Witch, Satan's Bride, Evil Mistress of the Dark." He says to me.
I can't think anymore. Reverend Newlin will kill me if they know all that we've done. I can't believe that they think us stupid. I can't believe they let that weird Vampire make that database. That will give us all the information we need on these bloodsuckers. All we had to do is break into his house when he was gone for the night. Who would have thought that a Vamp would live in Bon Temps of all places. I still don't know how Crawford learned about it. But who ever told him was right as rain. We found that software right where he said it would be. And vandalizing the house was only to lead him on a different path. Even if he did go to the cops, they'd gone and thought some kids were playing games. But he didn't. Yeah that Vamp knew better. Good thing he purchased that warehouse downtown. No one will think to look there. Oh, wait, oh CRAP!
I sigh. "Eric, they have a database on Vampires."
Eric growls. "Did you say, database."
I bite my lip and nod. "Um, is there any other Vampires that live in Bon Temps except for Bill?" I ask him.
Eric shakes his head. "He is the only one other than the few in Monroe." He says to me. "Why Sookie?"
"Um, well, I guess they found out that Bill was building that database on Vampires."
Eric moves closer. "Sookie, Bill told you about his project?" He asks me.
I nod. "They, umm, they stole it." I say to him. "Some man named Crawford purchased a warehouse downtown and they're going to be downloading all the information."
Eric growls and looks at the man. "What warehouse?" He asks.
"I ain't telling you nothing." Keith says. "Kill me! I will be rewarded in heaven!"
Man, I'm dead for sure. I can't believe that they actually showed us the place.
I close my eyes and see in my mind what Keith sees in his. "Eric," I say to him, still with my eyes closed. "The warehouse is down at the loading docks, the older ones by the expansion bridge. It is the last in line. Looks like it is black and the main door is yellow." I say to him. "I can see the bridge from the front so it must be right at the end.
I open my eyes to see both Pam and Eric looking at me. Eric gives me a slight crooked smile. "Sookie, are you sure?" He asks me.
I nod. "I can see it like a movie reel. I can even hear the sounds from the cars going over the bridge. That's never happened before. Usually I will get a glimpse a snapshot, maybe a few minutes of what they are thinking about at that moment. I've never been able to pull a whole memory before." I say softly.
"Satan, Devil Spawn, Mistress of Darkness, evil little Witch." Keith mumbles. "Your body is a temple for the Lord and you have disgraced yourself with these heathens. You are nothing but a WHORE!"
Eric moves quicker than I can breathe and knocks the man out of his chair.
"You will hold your pathetic tongue against my mate." He says. "Or I will promise you, you will die but not before I make you beg me for your DEATH!" He growls at the man.
Before I ask Keith anymore questions, Eric says something quickly to Pam and she removes him from the office.
"Eric, where is she going with him?" I ask.
"He is going to be glamoured and sent away. I can't risk that he will run back to the Fellowship." He says to me. "And I know how you will feel if we eliminate him."
I say nothing. I am not sure if he is telling me the truth or if he is telling me what I want to hear. But right now I don't care. I watch him as he moves to the desk. I lean back and look at him for a minute. After everything that has happen today, what we have learned and what they have been told. What will letting this man go look like to others? I sigh and Eric looks up.
"Sookie?" He raises an eyebrow.
"Um, Eric, will that make you look weak?" I ask him point to the door.
"What are you referring too?" He asks me.
"Letting that man go, will…I mean that's a Fellowship member, what will it look like to others in your, well community?" I ask him.
He smiles at me and I'm not sure what he is thinking but the smile looks almost prideful.
"My Sookie, don't worry about that now. No one will know what happen to that piece of filth except you, me, and Pam. The others will just know that he has been dealt with. And Sookie with my reputation, that can mean quite a number of things. If sending him off with no memory of his life will make you more at ease, then that is what I'll do." He says.
I shake my head. "But Eric, they were going to kill you and ME. I'm not…I mean…"
"Sookie, tell me what you're thinking." He says moving toward me.
I sigh. "Eric, my Gran always told me that her first belief is to do no harm to others." I pause. His eyes shoot to mine. Understanding fills them but before he can say anything, I continue. "However, she also would say that sometimes to take care of your own and those who depend on you, violence could very well be your only recourse. Now it's not like I want you to kill anyone that looks cross at you, but if we are threatened, I understand that sometimes in your world, heads will have to roll." I say to him. "You said you wouldn't tolerate any who would come after us. I understand that man was only a pawn and NO, I don't wish you to kill him. All I'm trying to tell you is that I understand that sometimes it will be unavoidable."
He looks at me for a moment as if he is thinking really hard. Leaning down he kisses me softly.
Leaning back he looks right into my eyes. "You are truly a remarkable creature, Sookie." He touches the side of my face and his touch makes me smile.
Straightening himself, he moves back to his desk. "Sookie, you need to make a verbal agreement that you will work for me." He pauses. "I need to contact the Queen and she will want to know how I knew about all this." He waves his hand to indicate the mess that was created tonight. "I need you to agree to work for me here and now." He says holding his hand out to me. I stand up and move around the desk. Taking his hand, he moves me to sit on his lap.
Before I can say anything Eric pulls me close and kisses me again. I can feel it in every part of my body. It is like he has set a fire in my belly and all I want is to get closer to him. When he tries to pull away, I pull him closer to me, trying to prolong the kiss. He takes his cue and slides his tongue across my bottom lip. Which, I immediately part to grant him entrance. I brush my tongue over his fangs like I did the other night and I get the same response. Eric pulls me closer and moves his hand up my thigh under my skirt. His touch getting closer to my very heated girly bits makes me squirm a little on his lap.
I let out a sigh as me moves his intentions to my neck. "Sookie, I know what I said before." He pauses and kisses me again. "I know I said we had time to finish the Bond." Another kiss down my neck, "but all I want is for you to be mine and for all the world to know it." He says and kisses me again.
Eric breaks free from our kiss. "Sookie, you're mine. Tell me you're mine." He says in a very husky tone.
I am lost in the feelings and emotions he is stirring in me. This feels so right, so true. I let out another sigh to his ministration and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is always what was meant to be.
"Yes, Eric, I was…I am… from the moment I saw you, I wanted nothing else. Make me yours. Please." I kiss him softly. "I..I can't explain it. I…I need to be with you. I…{kiss}..I…need to be connected to you." I say softly. I wrap my arms around his back and place my hand on his seal as the pendant is sandwiched between us. Instantly I feel a jolt pass back and forth between us. As he kisses me, I imagine a silver cord wrapping itself around us, binding us together. The cord is thick and strong. I watch in my minds eyes as each loop figure eights from his heart to mine and then around us. When I look at us through my mind, I see every part of me attached to every part of him. It doesn't frighten me or even concern me. It feels natural, comforting and perfect.
He pulls me to him and kisses me again and then takes my face between his hands. I stare into his blue eyes and see the seriousness and determination that they possess. "Do you feel that?" He asks me.
I nod. "It is as it should be," I say with a wistful voice. As if it's someone else speaking for me. "It is us."
He smiles. "You will be my Bonded before the sun rises. I promise you." He says. "But right now, I need to call the queen, so I need you to agree to work for me, officially," he kisses me again. "We will work out the rest tomorrow." He says.
"Of course, Eric," I say to him with a smile. "Whatever you think we need to do, will be fine. I have no knowledge of these things and I am just learning about your world. But I'm not stupid. I can see that even humans are going to try to use me whether it is the government or radical groups like the Fellowship. Once the word gets out, I am going to be vulnerable to all kinds of things." I look at the door, thinking about that man and then turn my attention back to Eric. "I am going to defer to your guidance in this. I don't expect you to just do for me. I want to be informed on what is happening, but I trust you, Eric. I will agree to your terms. I will work for you. If you think this will keep me out of the way of the Queen and other Vampires, let's do this. I know in my very soul that you will never let anything happen to me if you can prevent it." I smile at him.
Eric looks funny for a moment and then his expression changes. "Very good, Min Kara, I will tell you now that I will never take for granted the trust you have just placed in me. Why don't you have a seat on the sofa until I am done? I need to call the Queen and then the King of Texas." He says to me.
I nod and lift myself off of him. "But," he grabs my waist kissing it softly. "Don't you even think we are done, not by a long shot." He kisses my shoulder and then releases me.
I can feel the heat of my blush invading my body. Smiling at him, I nod again and walk over to the sofa and sit.
**********0**********
EPOV
I am in complete and utter awe of this woman. This new Sookie, or old Sookie, whatever, is going to take some getting used to. Not to mention her epiphany about what I will need to do to keep her and I safe. The other Sookie would have had a fit right in the middle of the office if she thought for one minute that I was harming a human. She would have demanded that I involve the police or human government in some capacity. I smile remembering our encounter with Long Shadow. Then I remember the aftermath of that situation and frown. I could have lost my Sookie that very night if I hadn't thought quickly. Compton did nothing to save her. If I hadn't staked him, he would have killed her. Yet another situation I will need to rectify in this timeline. I will take care of that soon. Sookie, however seems to understand that violence and death will sometimes occur in our world. What a difference time has made in this Sookie.
I have to remember that she is so different from my memory of her. I have to be aware of this more. Yes, I wanted to kill that Fellowship Scum. I thought Sookie would be despondent about it. I need to pay more attention to this Sookie. She is not the same. Well of course not. She hasn't been beaten and mauled. This Sookie hasn't been almost raped or murdered. She hasn't come in contact with vagrant Weres and psychotic Witches. She hasn't been betrayed by her first love. She hasn't had to question her decisions and the price they have cost her. She hasn't lost her family to the whim of a maniac. No, this Sookie is pure and clean. This Sookie is mine as much as the other was, but this one is much more. Her angelic ways radiate around her, more than they ever did before. She glows with innocence and purity, love and charity, trust and confidence. Could this have been what I was meant to see all along? I shudder to think that I was so blind that I couldn't see her in all her glory before. I cannot believe that I was so hardened that I missed all of this. But could I have been so blind or is it like Vivi said and she is MORE somehow. Is this the more? But it really is no matter. I will not be so blind again. This time things will be different. As long as I walk this earth, I will never take for granted the second chance I've been given to correct all my mistakes.
I need to finish this so I can take my Sookie home. I need to finish our bonding tonight. If I am honest with myself, I am more excited than I have been in 50 years. I can't wait to have her all to myself. To hold her and touch her again, to make her feel the way she has made feel time and time again. To relive the memory of my time with her when I was cursed, to take us back to where we need to be. However, none of that ever happen and this time I don't need to lose my memory or be cursed by a jealous, deranged Witch to confess and understand my true desires for my beloved. This time I know what I want and what I need. And it is all in my Promised One.
I sigh and mentally shake myself. Right now I need to focus on the issue at hand. This problem requires a level head and swift action. All of our existences are at stake thanks to that fool Compton and the eccentric behavior of less than deserving Queen, Sophie-Anne. If the last nail isn't in her coffin yet, this will surely finish her in the Council's eyes.
I pick up the phone and dial the queen's compound. It is answered on the second ring.
"This is Sheriff Northman. I need to speak to the Queen immediately." I say to the secretary.
"Yes, Sheriff, I will see if she is available to you." They say and I am put on hold.
A moment later the phone is reconnected and I hear her sigh. "Eric, what seems to be the problem?" Sophie-Anne asks me. "I'm a little busy." I hear a giggle on the other end.
"Sophie-Anne, please excuse the interruption. However, we have a problem that I need you to be aware of since you have personally spoken to me about him."
She sighs again. "Eric, what possibly could be the problem in your neck of the woods?" She laughs slightly. "You never have problems." She pauses. "Whom are you referring to?"
I pause for a moment. Damn straight, there are never any problems in my area, Sophie. Because I know how to rule.
"I must ask you; did you know that Bill Compton has been building a database with information about known Vampires?" I ask.
Silence.
"Your Majesty?" I say.
"How…what makes you ask about that, Eric?" She asks me. "Compton is living in your area." She says. "Aren't you aware of the workings of your Vampires?"
"Yes, but he insists he is here under your orders and doing something for you." I pause. "The reason I am asking is this. Sophie-Anne, it has come to my attention that members of the Fellowship of the Sun have gained access to this database. Once they've retrieved the information, there will not be a Vampire safe. From what I have been able to glean so far, they have plans to eradicate first the Sheriffs and the Monarchs and then take out as many Vampires as they can." I say to her. "So, I ask again, did you know that Bill Compton was creating such a dangerous weapon?" I ask her.
"How dare you presume to question me! I am your Queen and you will show me some respect, Sheriff!" She pauses for a moment. "And what makes you think it a weapon? It is information that we all need. How could it be considered a weapon?" She asks.
"Sophie-Anne, in the hands of the Fellowship, or in the hands of a Vampire that wishes to do harm to a Monarch, it is a weapon." I say. "This is why Council only has records of Genealogice for recording purposes and most aren't complete. Only a Sire knows all of the information regarding his line. It has been this way since before the Council. Vampires are free to roam this earth without notifying anyone. Only since its conception, have they requested that Children are reported to make sure we are adhering to their edicts. All others before can keep their anonymity if they so choose. I am not sure what all the information Compton has been collecting but in the wrong hands it could be very powerful against our kind."
There is silence for a long moment. I'm sure that Sophie is weighing her words carefully. In the grand scheme of things, she is relatively young in our world. Three hundred is a blink compared to some. Unfortunately, it isn't young compared to others in the States. Many have still have a lot to learn, Sophie included.
I hear her move and then a door shutting. "I see what you mean." She says and goes quiet once more. I wait for her to absorb the ramifications of all of this. "Do we…...well have you found out…That is to say do you know how they obtained the database?" She asks.
"It appears that someone informed the Fellowship that such a thing was being created and where to acquire it. Who, I am not sure yet. But they broke into Compton's home and took a copy of it while he was gone the other day. " I say.
"And you know this for a fact?" Sophie asks. "It wasn't sold or anything like that?"
Why would she think that Compton would have sold the item in question? "No, Sophie, we have been informed that members of the Fellowship gained access to his home and collected the material. It could be that Compton has no idea that the information had been taken. If he had multiple copies then he wouldn't have a clue." I say to her. But he should have known that there were humans in his house. But then again, he is very young. He may not have known."
"And the information you received is reliable?" Sophie asks.
"Indeed. I was out this evening. Several Vampires were at the same establishment I was enjoying. We were listening to a new up and coming band. I thought they may have been a good act for Fangtasia." I say and look over to Sookie and wink. She smiles. I don't want her to think that we just went there so I could get the band. Though it was an afterthought, I thought she would enjoy the band, the atmosphere and my dearest hope, the company. I return to my conversation with Sophie. "There were several Fellowship members in attendance. Their goal was to capture me and as many of my retinue as possible. Luckily, we discovered their plan and captured one that has informed us of their knowledge of Bill's work as well as their plans for our kind. Personally, Sophie, I am not surprised that it was easy for them to obtain the information. I went to visit Bill yesterday. He has no security on his house or safeguards. Any day walker could gain access to his home without his knowledge." I leave out how they knew about Sookie. I will handle that in my own way. I also leave out the reason for my little visit to Compton. We will allow that to rest for the moment. "I had suggested that he take up residence in a Vampire safe residence but he declined."
"And how did you discover their plan my good Sheriff?" She asks. "Were they talking about us in the men's room?" She laughs, "Or was your dinner one of the members?"
I smirk at her question. Oh this will be better than I anticipated. "No, Your Majesty, I have uncovered a rather rare jewel in my area. A true telepath is in my midst. Obviously, I contracted her to me almost immediately. She is part of my personal retinue as of today. I must confess that I was fearful that others would discover her and try to take her out of your Queendom."
She pauses again. "I see. Well, that was quick thinking on your part, I must say. And she discovered this plot how?" She asks. Ah, now we will see how much she knows. Not that I don't already know, but still, I like to see these things play out. Already, I have been privy to changes in this timeline. This very well may be another.
"She was with me this evening. While listening to the band, she overheard one of them. She acted fast and informed me of her discovery. We quickly took care of the situation and discovered what we could, with her help again." I smile at my Sookie. She looks nervous.
"And you didn't think to bring her to me? You didn't think that I may find her talents worthy of court?" She hisses a bit.
"Your Majesty, she doesn't wish to leave the area. I thought it prudent to contract her to the Queendom in some way that would not put undue stress on her or your retinue. I would suspect that an unwilling telepath would not do much in the way of gaining you much information. Who knows who may try to steal her away? I convinced her that being under contract to me would be in her best interest and she agreed." I say. "Contracts will be filed with you and Council tomorrow evening." I say softly.
"You…you are going to file with Council, but why?" She almost whines.
"To make sure that all know that if they want to work with Sookie, they will need to go through me." I say emphatically. "But we are getting away from the topic. Sophie, I am going after the database and the files they have copied, but what would you like me to do about Compton? You did say that he was here to do work for you. I do not wish to overstep, but, in light of the situation, many Monarchs will be calling for his head."
She sighs. "I will deal with Compton." She says. "You deal with this situation. And Eric, we WILL talk more about this later." She pauses. "Just make sure you dispose of this situation quietly." She says and hangs up without another word.
I smile.
"Is everything OK?" Sookie asks.
I smile. "Yes, the Queen just confirmed several things for me." I say.
"Like what?" She asks.
"First, that she knew of your existence. She didn't ask for your name or any other information regarding who you were. This tells me that she already has that information at her fingertips. Secondly, that she sent Compton here to assess you and possibly procure you for the Queen. Thirdly, that she had knowledge of the database and was planning on using it for her own benefit." I say.
"So what do we do now?" She asks.
"I need to make one more phone call and then we will be going after the database. I am concerned with taking you home. If the Fellowship knows about you, they will know about your residence." I say to her.
"Eric, what about Gran?" She asks with tears in her eyes. "She's supposed to be coming home tomorrow. What if they are there when she arrives?"
"Do you have any way to contact her?" I ask.
She nods and I give her a soft smile. "Call her." I say pointing to her purse where I know her new phone is. "Let her know that coming back to the farmhouse may not be safe. If she would like, I will send someone to her to collect her tomorrow and bring her to one of my homes." I say.
Sookie looks at me. "I am so much trouble, aren't I?" She looks down. "Your life was exceptionally efficient and orderly before I entered it."
I move at Vampire speed and kneel before her, lifting her chin to face me. "I promised I would protect you. I promised you that I would keep you from harm. The fact that Compton is after you or that his infernal project was stolen is not your fault. As for the rest, I am not sure what has put the Fellowship on your path, but I know that I am bound and determined to make sure they don't get close to you. I would no more allow the Fellowship access to you as I would the Queen." I touch the side of her face and brush my fingers down along her jawbone. "You are not too much trouble, dear one. I want you to trust that I will do what I need to do to keep you safe from all harm. I love you, Sookie, you mean more to me than anyone has in a 1000 years." I say softly.
She looks at me. "You mean that?" She asks.
"I will never lie to you Sookie. I will always tell you the truth." I say.
She sighs and wipes the tear away that has escaped her eye. "Okay, I will call Gran while you make your calls. I think I need to go with you to the warehouse." She says.
"Sookie, I…" She stops me by placing a hand on my lips.
"Eric, you need me to help you find the men, don't you?" She asks.
He says nothing. "I want to protect you just as much as you want to protect me. I would be a blubbering idiot waiting for your return, please?" She asks.
"You realize that some of it may not be pretty?" I ask her. "That we may need to use force?" I ask her without asking her.
She nods. "Eric, I am aware that the Fellowship has all but declared war on you." She says. "I have a feeling before everything is said and done, they will be the least of our worries," I sigh and look back to him. "I really meant what I said before. I know it's crazy but I…I don't know why, but I am okay with all of this." She says.
"Very well Sookie." I say. "Call Gran, tell her what has happen and see how she would like us to proceed." I say kissing her softly and then walking over to my desk. If my instincts are correct, Adele Stackhouse will be more than alright where she is at the moment. Nothing will be able to touch her.
I pull out a throw away phone and dial a number.
"Yes." He says.
"We have a problem." I say. I proceed to tell him all that I know. When I am done, there is silence on the other end.
"Stan?" I ask.
"This is happening faster than you thought," He says.
"Yes, but there is nothing we can do about that, Min Starka ." I say to him.
"I will not be able to get you troops by dawn. But you will have backup if you decide to attack them tomorrow. I will send spies into the church in Dallas. I understand they have a compound here as well. I will alert the Weres and get a few to infiltrate. We will take them at all fronts. Eric, are you sure that Sophie knew about the database?" He asks.
"I am more than confident. And she is planning on dealing with Compton alone." I say.
"NO, that won't do. Eric, I am making a Council decree and will have copy to you within the next few hours. Capture and hold Compton for questioning per Council orders. Do not inform the Queen or her minions. Keep him close and I will contact you." He says. "Do you have enough power to go in to the warehouse tonight?" He asks.
I look at Sookie who has just answered her ringing phone. I hear the voice and know that she's talking to Adele. I look at her curiously. Did Adele just call my beloved, Susannah?
I turn my attention back to Stan. "I have a way to find them. I will capture several and glamour the rest. We will have as little bloodshed as are able. Nothing will come of that, if we do. I will collect all that they have to hand and will wait for you to get back to me after Council is aware of the situation." I growl again. "Sophie has put us all in danger."
"I agree," he says, "Council will have no choice to act now. Are you prepared? I know you what you said, but…"
"I will do what needs to be done," I say to him.
He pauses. "Eric, Tomas is here with Godric. They are both taking to the air and will be to you within the hour. They told me to tell you not to start without them."
I laugh. "And why were they both there?" I ask him.
"Godric had received your email. He was asking for leave to join you, knowing that I would know his reasoning. Tomas had come first thing after sunset. My only thought is that Godric summoned him." He says. "Daxion is going to be furious if he knows the party started without him."
"I don't think I will need any more than my Maker and my Brother." I say. "For now. Daxionn will stay where he is. He will come when called, same as you."
Sookie hears this and looks up. I smile and nod to her. Letting her know silently that I will let her know everything in due time.
"Contact me when you are done, Eric." He pauses. "I take it your Promise is with you?" He asks.
"Yes." I say.
"You will be completing tonight?" He asks.
"I will." I say.
"Then do not let me keep you. Everyone is counting on the Prophecy between you two, you know." He says.
"And I will know more about this when?" I ask.
"In time, Eric; all in good time." He says.
Stan hangs up and I go to sit next to Sookie while she finishes her call.
*****0****
SPOV
I had dialed the number that Gran had given me and all I'm told to do is leave a message.
"Gran, I need you to call me as soon as you can. Something's happen and going home isn't safe. I love you." I say and hang up.
I watch Eric speaking on the phone. But mostly I watch his mannerisms. I listen to the tones of his words and what he says and what he doesn't say. I smile at him . My warrior, my Lord, My one, I think to myself. Then suddenly a poem I had read long ago comes to mind.
I met a King this afternoon!
He had not on a Crown indeed,
A little Palmleaf Hat was all,
And he was barefoot, I'm afraid!
But sure I am he Ermine wore
Beneath his faded Jacket's blue -
And sure I am, the crest he bore
Within that Jacket's pocket too!
For 'twas too stately for an Earl -
A Marquis would not go so grand!
'Twas possibly a Czar petite -
A Pope, or something of that kind!
If I must tell you, of a Horse
My freckled Monarch held the rein -
Doubtless an estimable Beast,
But not at all disposed to run!
And such a wagon! While I live
Dare I presume to see
Another such a vehicle
As then transported me!
Two other ragged Princes
His royal state partook!
Doubtless the first excursion
These sovereigns ever took!
I question if the Royal Coach
Round which the Footmen wait
Has the significance, on high,
Of this Barefoot Estate!
I smile. Emily Dickenson, you do have a way with words.
My phone rings and I pick it up.
"Gran?" I ask.
"Hello, Susannah," she says, "what you needed to speak with me?"
"Gran, listen we have a problem." I say.
"What's wrong, Sookie?" She asks me. I can tell that she is sitting up a little straighter. I don't know why I know this. I see her in my mind; sitting on a very old chair with a high back. I see a hand on her shoulder but for the life of me, I can't see who it is.
I tell her about the Fellowship and how they know about me and how I am worried about her and being back at the house alone.
"Sookie, don't worry about me. I will be fine. You stay with Eric. He will keep you safe." She says.
"But Gran, you can't be there. What if they come to get me and find you? You aren't safe." I say to her.
"Sookie, do you trust me?" She asks.
"Gran, of course I trust you." I say to her without hesitation.
"Then know that I will be safe. You don't have to worry about me. I will explain more tomorrow." She says.
"How…..what do you mean that you are safe?" I ask her.
"My darling girl, sweetheart no one is going to hurt me. I will be fine." She says.
"Gran, really, it isn't a good time to be stubborn. The Fellowship had plans for the Vampires and who knows what they were going to do to me. Gran, please let us come and get you." I say to her. "I would be so much more comfortable if you let Eric send people to get you. Who knows what will be at the house when you get there."
"Sookie, trust me. Zealots like these are a dime a dozen. I have seen many of them. You need not worry about me. I will protect myself. You have Eric to protect you. Just remember that you can protect him as well." She says to me.
"Gran, I don't understand." I say as I see Eric moving toward me to sit next to me. "How can I help Eric? I am just a little girl from Bon Temps." I say to her.
"You aren't a little anything Sookie. You remember that. Now, know that I will be safe. Tell Eric that I will leave word at Fangtasia on how to contact me. Don't worry Sookie, I will be fine. You worry about you and your Viking. Things are moving fast for you my darling girl. But know it is all by design. Trust in that. Trust in your instincts and trust in Eric. None of which will ever let you down, I assure you. Now is Eric there?" She asks.
I nod. "Yes Gran." I say.
"Good, stay close to him; as CLOSE as you can. Do what you need to do to stay connected to him any way you can. Do not second guess yourself. Do what you need to, to survive. Trust in your instincts and in your heart. Do you understand what I am telling you?" She asks.
"Yes Gran, I think I do." I say.
"Don't think, FEEL Susannah." She says. She has been calling me that a lot lately. The feelings that it brings up in me are warm, and strong.
"Gran you…" I try to say something.
"Susannah, you have a job to do and it's almost time for you to know. But until then you need to stay safe. Mind what I tell you my darling girl. Tell Eric to look for a message from me and I will be in touch with you both tomorrow. There is much I need to tell you and much you need to know. But this is more important right now. Protect your Vampires Sookie. Keep them safe and they will thank you for it."
She says goodbye and hangs up.
I look to Eric.
"I suppose you heard all of that?" I ask him.
"Susannah?" He asks me.
I nod. "Yes, but no one has called me it since I was a little girl." I say.
Eric gets a faraway look on his face and then his eyes snap back to me. "I heard everything, Sookie," he kisses the top of my head. "You have to trust that she has lived a long time," probably more lifetimes than can be counted. "And she will know how to protect herself and keep herself out of harm's way." He says to me.
I look at him. I really look at him and see that his eyes are not telling me everything that he knows. "You know something, don't you?" I ask.
He looks at me and I can almost hear the wheels spinning in his head. "I told you I would never lie to you. Yes, I suspect that Adele Stackhouse is not completely human. In fact, I feel that she has lived lifetime upon lifetime on this earth." He says to me.
"But how can that be?" I ask him. "I mean, I know she is old but…." I look at him. "What aren't you telling me?" I ask him.
"I know nothing for fact. But I believe you aren't completely human either." I say to him.
"What..I …mean…um…well…ummm, hmmmm," I shake my head, unable to come up with the words. "hmmm, okay."
"We will talk on this later." He says and kisses me again.
I pull back and look at him.
"What, Sookie?" He asks me.
"Stan is yours," I say looking into his eyes.
He says nothing but his eyes tell me all I need to know.
"Eric, don't be angry," I say to him.
"I'm not angry, Min Kara, I just am unsure how to respond." He says.
I shake my head. "Eric, I couldn't help it. I watched you. I heard what you said and what you didn't. I know you. I don't know how, but I do. I know what was said between you has more meanings than I could fathom."
"How did you…." He shakes his head.
"Eric, I don't expect you to tell me everything right now. We have only been together a few days. I don't expect you to trust…"
He stops me by placing both hands on my face. "I trust you more than I trust another creature, Susannah," he whispers my name. "There is no question about that." He says.
I nod. "Eric, you said that Pam knows none of this. How could she not? I've not even seen the two of you together and I know."
He looks to the door. "I've no idea," he says.
"Eric," I say and pull his attention back to me. "You can't keep her in the dark much longer. Too much is happening. You will need her." I say to him.
He pulls me closer. "What do you know, Sookie?" He asks me.
I look at him. What do I know? Nothing for sure. "All I know is what I feel."
"What do you feel, Min Kara?" He asks me.
I look into his eyes. Grabbing his face as he has mine, I kiss him. "What chance gathers she easily scatters. A great person attracts great people and knows how to hold them together."
He watches me for another moment and kisses me again..
He pulls away. "We have much to do before we can leave. However, I meant what I said. I want to finish the Bond before we rest. I fear what the Queen will do now. Especially now that she has been caught knowing about this infernal database. The quicker you are connected to me the better off you will be." He says to me.
I look up at him. "Is that the only reason you, well…" I look down.
"No Sookie." He says. "Look at me." He pauses as I raise my head. "My Susannah," He pauses. "My Beloved, I want you. I want you in every way. I know it is early but I want to give you everything. My life, my heart and my soul. I want us to Bond and later Pledge. I want us to have everything and I want to give you the world." He says kissing me. "I ask you to be mine, not to take something from the Queen but to make me the happiest being on the planet. You saying yes to me would make me happier than I ever thought possible." He says and kisses me again.
As our kiss ends, I look up into his eyes and my mind is made up. If I am truthful with myself, my heart already knew what it wanted; it just took my head awhile to catch up. Gran was right. I have to stop thinking and start feeling. "I want that too." I say.
He pulls me close again and I feel the emotions welling inside me. We sit there for a moment before either of us speaks.
"Sookie, are you alright?" He asks me.
I nod my head, afraid that my voice will give me away. I can feel the tears building in my eyes. I can never be away from this man ever again. I know in my very soul that it will break me in more pieces than I could ever put back together.
"Sookie say something." He says pulling me closer as I bury my head into arm.
"Please, stay. Don't ever leave me." I say to him. "I don't know what I would do if you ever left me. I can't explain the feeling, I just…" I choke up before I can finish.
He pulls me even closer. "Never My Beloved, nothing will part us." Pulling my hand to him, he kisses the back of it and then pulls me close once more. We stay like this for another minute while I compose myself.
***0***
Sophie's POV
"Where is he?" I ask Andre again.
"My Queen," he says. "He was at the Monastery going over several things. He will be here within the hour." He pauses. "Why don't you allow me to go for you?" He asks.
I shake my head. "No, once Rasul gets here, I need you to get to Arkansas and secure our interests there. Who knows what else that VIKING knows." I growl.
"Sophie, there is no way…"
I put my hand up. "No, I will not underestimate him again. How, HOW did Compton screw this all up?" I scream and begin to pace the floor once more.
I pace around a few more times and then turn back to Andre. "Didn't we speak to him not a night ago? Did he say anything about Northman? How could he have known about the telepath?" I ask him.
"I'm unsure, My Queen. Perhaps we should notify our spies and find out." He says to me.
I throw my arms up. "You do that," I say.
He bows low and I wave him off. I'm in no mood for this. As he walks out the door, Rasul makes his way in.
He bows as well. "Your Majesty?" He asks me.
"Rasul, my loyal Vampire. I need you to deploy parts of your security to Bon Temps." I say to him.
He looks at me with curiosity. "Bon Temps, my Queen?" He asks. "Isn't that in Sheriff Northman's territory?"
I growl. "It is. I need you to go and secure and return William Compton to court."
"Your majesty," He says. "Why don't you just contact the Sheriff. I'm sure he would be able to."
"Rasul," I scream at him. I've had enough with the questions and second guessing. I'm the fucking Queen. I'm the judge, jury and only opinion that matters. Right now, I need to get Compton back here before more are aware of what has happen.
I watch as Rasul bows and walks out.
Walking to the window, I look out. So, the Sheriff will gather the items and I will gather Compton and that will be that. No others….
I look back into the room. I told Eric to take care of it. I didn't tell him not to say anything to anyone. Would he contact others? No, he wouldn't….
I look around the room again. It seems awfully quiet. Too quiet, for my compound.
I pick up the phone and dial Fangtasia.
"Fangtasia, the Bar with the bite," The other side says.
"Get Northman!" I growl at the girl.
"Um, I'm sorry, but Master…" She tries to say.
"Just get him or your next breath will be your last." I yell at the girl.
She puts me on hold as the door to my chambers open. I see my two faithful guards detained and rush toward the door.
I'm stopped steps away from getting to them.
"Queen Sophie," the Vampire says.
"What's the meaning of this?" I yell at him. "How dare you…"
I stop when I look up again.
The Vampires in front of me are not here for a social call.
***0***