Hey! I am back with a brand new chapter and I hope that everyone likes it. I am so incredibly sorry for the delay in posting this chapter. I am working on my Master's degree so I have been getting adjusted to classes and I briefly lost my writing mojo. I want to take the time to thank all of the great people that reviewed the last chapter. I think that is the most reviews I've received for any chapter so far. It is my sincere hope that all of you enjoy this chapter. As always I love to read your reviews so please let me know what you think of the story.
Eric's House in Shreveport
Greta knocked on Eric's door that evening. Normally, she would not bother him, but she was having trouble with Jax and Jade. Greta had been caring for the little ones since Dr. Cormier left around 4 a.m. that morning. It was now 6:00 in the evening.
Eric opened the door wearing a pair of black silk pajama bottoms. He figured it must be important for Greta to wake him up. But truth be told he had not been asleep very long anyway. Tara was sleeping longer than expected and that concerned him. He had watched her for a few hours and it was chilling to see just how still her body was in the bed. He wondered if that was what he looked like to her when he was asleep. Eric's worries were not limited to Tara's health. He had spent the better part of the day making arrangements. Many things would have to change now that he'd accepted the Magister position. Eric asked, "What is it, Greta?"
"I am sorry to wake you, Mr. Northman, but I have been unable to get Jade to take her bottle. She hasn't eaten since you fed her at 11 this morning. Newborns are supposed to eat every two hours give or take. If she doesn't eat soon we will need to call for a doctor." Greta's brows furrowed with worry as she spoke.
Eric walked out of the bedroom closing the door behind him. "What about Jax?" asked Eric walking next door to the night-time nursery. He walked over to Jade's crib and lifted her into his arms. "Where is the bottle?" asked Eric having a seat in the glider with Jade. The room was entirely blacked out but there were overhead lights to brighten the room.
Greta said, "I haven't had any trouble with Jax. He has taken every bottle I've given him and he finished each bottle completely. Maybe we need to call a doctor for Jade?" She retrieved the bottle from the warmer and handed it to Eric.
Eric said, "They don't have a pediatrician yet. Call Dr. Cormier and ask if she recommend someone."
"I'll go call her now," said Greta leaving Eric alone in the nursery.
He looked down at Jade and said, "You have to be hungry by now, little one. If you are sick when your mother wakes up she is going to panic. So you need to eat now." Eric moved the bottle to her mouth and she latched on almost instantly. "That's better. You certainly follow instructions better than your mother."
Jade grabbed onto one of Eric's fingers that was holding her bottle in place.
Greta walked into the room and quietly observed Eric feeding Jade. It was not a sight she would have ever wagered on seeing.
Eric sat there in the glider watching Jade drink the bottle until it was nearly empty and she became fussy pushing it away.
He chuckled lightly and said, "I suppose that means that you are done?"
Greta said, "That was amazing, Mr. Northman. I can take her now. She'll need to be burped." Greta grabbed a towel and draped it over her shoulder.
"I can handle burping her as well. Did you get in touch with Dr. Cormier?" Eric took the towel and put it over his shoulder and lightly patted Jade's back.
Greta nodded slightly. "She said that she treats many young werewolves in the area. She'd be more than happy to take a look at Jade if she doesn't start eating. Also, she's willing to be Jade and Jax's primary doctor."
"Good." Eric went to lay Jade down in the crib and she started crying as soon as he let her go. Her cry turned into a wail.
Next door Tara's eyes flickered open and she could hear faint crying through the thick walls. But she couldn't figure out who was crying or where it was coming from. Her head felt so fuzzy from the sedatives Dr. Cormier gave her. "Dr. Cormier," muttered Tara as she slowly started to remember why she felt so disoriented. She struggled to get out of the bed. Almost as soon as Tara stood up her knees buckled and she dropped like a stone hitting the floor with an audible thud.
Eric was in the room within seconds collecting her into his arms. "What are you doing?" he asked in a mildly amused tone. Eric put Tara back into the bed and had a seat next to her. "How do you feel?" asked Eric looking into her dark brown eyes. He didn't like to admit it, but he was concerned when she didn't wake up earlier in the day. Dr. Cormier had assured him that she would wake up in her own time but he hadn't been so sure.
"The babies? What happened?" asked Tara in a scared voice. She could remember going into labor and being in excruciating pain. Tara could also remember bleeding rather profusely as she gave birth, but anything beyond that was lost to her. "Where are my babies?" asked Tara looking up into Eric's eyes. She was terrified of what the answer would be. Tara couldn't remember a lot from the previous night, but she did remember that things got very bad...very quickly. Everything beyond that was part of some strange dream she'd been having all day.
Eric reached up and touched her face gently. "They are next door in the nursery with Greta. She was attempting to get Jade to take a bottle, but she is incredibly stubborn much like her mother. However, I was able to get her to eat. She's crying now because I put her back in the crib."
"They...they're okay?" asked Tara, her voice cracked as she spoke. Tears slipped down her cheeks, but there was a smile on her face. "I thought..."
"They are fine. You have my word." Eric lightly brushed away her tears. He always hated seeing her cry. Oddly enough Eric much preferred to see her angry than sad.
"I want to go see them. I want to hold them," said Tara swinging her legs over the side of the bed as if she were about to attempt standing yet again. However, the sudden movement sent a wave of pain through her body.
"If you stand up you are going to fall again. You are not strong enough to be on your feet yet. I will bring them in for a visit. You stay put." Eric leaned in and kissed Tara passionately. He let the backs of his fingers lightly trail down her arm. Eric flashed a smile and then left the bedroom.
Tara was stunned at the tenderness Eric showed in that moment. He liked to seem unaffected by everything and everyone, but she knew that she affected him. Tara just couldn't figure out just what affect she had on the Viking. She grabbed a couple of pillows and put them behind her back so that she was upright without having to support her own weight. With bated breath Tara waited to meet her son and daughter for the first time.
A few moments later Eric walked into the room cradling Jade and Jax in his arms. He made his way over to the bed and had a seat next to Tara. "I think these two have been waiting to meet you all day," said Eric. He gently handed Jax off to Tara.
Tara nervously held her son in her arms for the first time. Looking at his angelic little face took her breath away momentarily. She stared at him as if to memorize every inch of his face. Tara smiled looking at his head full of curly black hair. Her fingers lightly touched the soft curls.
Jax stretched tiredly in Tara's arms and his eyes flickered opened slightly looking up at the face above him.
Tara gasped softly seeing his gray eyes. "Hi...I'm your mommy and I love you so much," whispered Tara in a voice thick with emotion. She looked over at Eric and asked, "Who was born first?" She felt crazy for not knowing that about her own children. She couldn't believe that she'd blacked out on giving birth.
Eric said, "Dr. Cormier said that Jax was born first and Jade was about five minutes behind him. They were both having some trouble breathing after they were born."
Tara's eyes shot to Eric and gave him a worried look. She asked, "But they are okay now right? You said that they were fine." Tara's heart started to beat faster as panic began to set in for the new mother.
Eric said, "If you would have let me continue...I was going to say that I gave them some of my blood and they both recovered quickly. Dr. Cormier examined Jax and Jade and gave them a clean bill of health this morning. They are well enough to stay here with us. Dr. Cormier said that there is no need for a hospital stay."
Her eyes widened slightly. "You gave them your blood?"
Eric braced for an angry tirade to spew from Tara's perfect lips. He could tell by her uneven tone that she wasn't happy. "They were touch and go when I made it here. Jade was barely breathing at all. Jax was struggling to breathe on his own. I thought they might die if I didn't do something. And I couldn't just let them die. You might have still been breathing but losing them would have killed you. I know that you are mad but..."
Tara leaned closer to Eric and kissed him softly. "Thank you. I would be stupid for being pissed off about you giving Jax and Jade your blood. You saved their lives and more than that...as much of your blood as I've drank these last couple of months I am surprised they didn't come out with super human strength or somethin." Her eyes searched his for a moment. She bit her lip slightly as a million emotions ran through her body. The man that she loved with all of her heart had saved her children. That only solidified her devotion to Eric. There were so many things that she wanted to say but instead she said, "I'd like to hold Jade now."
"You are welcome, Tara. I would do anything for you," said Eric. There was an intensity that played in his eyes and his voice. The truth was he would do anything for Jade and Jax as well. Partly because of his feelings for Tara, but also because he'd been there through the pregnancy. He'd watch these little lives grow inside of Tara and he felt bonded to them through the blood. "Do you think you can hold both of them at the same time or would you like for me to take Jax back?" asked Eric concerned about how weak Tara seemed at the moment.
"I think I need to take it easy for now. I should probably just hold them one at a time," said Tara handing Jax back to Eric. She gingerly took Jade from Eric's arms prompting the little girl to fuss a bit until she was safely nuzzled against Tara's body. Jade gazed up at her mother sleepily and whined until her thumb found her mouth. She settled down seemingly content to be in her mother's arms.
Eric smiled slightly and said, "She likes to be difficult. Jade wouldn't eat for Greta until I came into the room to feed her. That is where I was when you woke up and decided to go for a stroll."
Tara smiled at Eric and in a flabbergasted voice asked, "You gave her a bottle?"
"Why is that so shocking? Was I supposed to just let her starve?" asked Eric curiously. He began to wonder if he'd misunderstood their relationship.
"No. I just mean that...I didn't know if you would want to...I mean I wasn't sure if you'd be interested in..." Tara trailed off not being able to finish her statement. She looked down at Jade's face and smiled at her animated movements. Tara was in awe looking at her little girl. Just like her older brother Jade had a full head of curly black hair. However, she had beautiful hazel eyes that seemed to sparkle to Tara.
Eric said, "When I asked you to move in here I knew what I was getting myself into. I knew what I was asking for. I wasn't just asking to take care of you. I was asking to take care of them as well. I will protect them with my life just as I protect you or Pam. This is my family."
Tara was taken aback by how serious and genuine Eric sounded at the moment. She hadn't been prepared for that and found herself at a loss for words. Tara gently rocked Jade as she tried to find the words to respond to Eric. "I'll never be able to thank you for everything you've done for me, Eric."
"You are mine...that is thanks enough. I am sorry that you had to go through last night on your own. I was with Nan Flanagan and..."
Tara cut him off and said, "Eric, you do not have to apologize. If it is any consolation...technically I wasn't here either because I passed out. Anyway, I figured you were being held up by the Authority. I told Alcide not to bother with calling." She had become well accustomed with how all consuming vampire business could be. Eric often took off with only a moment's notice. She gently rocked Jade and smiled watching her daughter move in her arms. The baby was cooing happily.
"She hasn't been that awake all day. I guess all she needed was her mother." Eric watched how enamored Tara seemed with the baby girl in her arms. He could count on one hand the times he'd witnessed her that happy. Both children had lighter complexions than Tara. Their Hispanic heritage was obvious. However, their face shape and composition more closely resembled Tara. Eric said, "The reason Nan wanted to see me last night was to tell me that Bill is now king of Louisiana. Nan was also here to present a proposition to me from the Authority. I'm the new Magister."
Tara paused and stared at Eric in disbelief. "What...what does that mean? What is a magister?" She could tell from the seriousness of Eric's tone that this was something major. She shifted Jade in her arms and sat up more so that she could pay attention to what Eric was saying.
Eric said, "As Magister I will preside over a tribunal for North America every two weeks. I will listen to the cases presented and I will issue a judgment against those brought before me. The old way of handling the tribunal was barbaric by human standards and the Authority has issued new rules, regulations, and procedures for how we will handle justice amongst vampires. It will somewhat resemble the court system you humans use. I accepted the position and was sworn in last night. I am telling this because...things will have to change now."
Tara stiffened in apprehension. She took in a breath and asked, "What kind of changes?"
Tara's shift in mood affected Jade almost immediately and she began to cry and fuss in Tara's arms.
Eric said, "Perhaps I should lay them down in the nursery so that we can talk about this. Normally, I would wait to tell you, but the changes will begin rather rapidly in the coming days." He knew how much Tara hated feeling like she had no control over her life, but there was no way around this particular situation.
Tara nodded slightly and handed Jade to Eric. "Try putting them in the same crib. I read that sometimes twins sleep better when they are in the same crib."
"Alright." Eric walked over to the nursery and laid both infants in Jax's crib and sure enough Jade seemed content to just lay there and not be held. Eric walked back into the bedroom and said, "You might be on to something. Jade let me lay her down without any crying."
"Yeah, I read it in one of the baby books that Sam bought for me." Tara stopped talking and looked at Eric expectantly.
Eric ignored her comment about Sam and pressed on. "Because of the nature of my new position we will need security here at all times. Having Alcide here every once in awhile will not be enough. I'll be assembling a security team starting tonight. The AVL has already provided a list of humans and vampires that have been vetted by them. Honestly, I was thinking of adding security anyway. That is why I had the gate installed at the bottom of the hill. Anti-Vampire sentiment is growing and so is the vitriol being spouted about the humans that support and love us." He looked at Tara a moment.
Tara snapped, "So essentially I am going to be living in a fucking prison with guards everywhere? Armed guards are going to be around my babies? For fucksake, Eric. How safe will we even be in this situation? Tell me that!"
Eric growled angrily and grabbed Tara's arms. He asked, "What would you have me do? Leave Jade, Jax, and you unprotected? Vampires and humans alike will have problems with me and will want me dead. The easiest way to get to me would be my progeny or my human girlfriend and her children. Not to mention your werewolf problem is only at bay at the moment. There are still members of Rey's former pack that would very much like to rip you to pieces and feed on your flesh."
Tara glared at Eric for his harsh treatment of her but she begrudgingly listened to his intense argument. She gave him a stunned look and asked, "I'm your girlfriend?"
Eric rolled his eyes at that question. "That is all you have to say about everything I just said to you?" demanded Eric letting go of Tara's arms and standing up from the bed. He would never understand humans try as he might.
Tara said, "You didn't answer the fucking question, Northman. I think I deserve an answer." She crossed her arms over her chest and stared at the blonde Viking whose back was currently turned to her.
"What would it matter? Why would it be so important?" asked Eric in an exasperated tone.
"It would be important to me because you've never called me anything like that before. You've said that I belong to you. You've called me your human. But you have never called me your girlfriend. That means something to me and you know it does or you wouldn't be avoiding the fucking question!" railed Tara. She threw a pillow at Eric's back. "Look at me damnit!"
Eric whirled around and laughed seeing that she had thrown a pillow at him. "A pillow?" He picked up the pillow and tossed it onto the bed.
"Well, I considered throwing this lamp at you...but I thought I'd wait on the heavy artillery until after I hear your answer," said Tara angrily. But it was obvious that under the surface she was smiling. Because even if Eric was unwilling to admit his true feelings she could tell that there had been a serious shift in their relationship.
Eric had a seat next Tara on the bed and asked, "Would it make you happy if I said that you were my girlfriend?"
"Don't fucking patronize me, asshole," said Tara with a glare.
He chuckled quietly and gently held her face in his hands. Eric leaned in and softly kissed Tara's lips. "Yes, you are my girlfriend. But you shouldn't need to hear that to know how important you are to me, Tara. I may not say the words you want to hear...but sometimes you have to let actions speak for themselves. Look at how much I have changed my life for you and the tiny humans since you came back into my life. Hell, in my Last Will & Testament I split everything I own down the middle and leave it to you and Pam."
Tara blinked in shock and asked, "You really did that? Why? Does Pam know? She isn't going to try to bump me off is she?"
"I did it because I want you, Jax, and Jade to be protected if I were to ever meet the true death. Yes, Pamela knows all about the change in my Will and she has no objections to it. She actually figures that you will have died off long before I ever do," said Eric.
She rolled her eyes at the last part. "Bitch," muttered Tara. "Won't she be fucking surprised when I finally ask you to turn me?"
It was Eric's turn to be shocked. He moved closer to Tara.
"Not right now!" said Tara laughing at the expression on the Viking's face. Tara couldn't think of a time when she'd been able to surprise Eric with anything so she was quite amused at the moment.
"But you will want me to...someday?" asked Eric seriously. "This is not something to joke about, Tara. Don't tell me something like this if you are unsure or you don't really mean it."
"You think I don't know that? I would be giving up my life. I would be giving up my humanity. I would be leaving behind a life I know for the unknown. By no means would I ever joke about the prospect of letting you turn me. I know in my heart there will come a day when I will want you to turn me. Let's face it at some point my body will breakdown, I will get old, I will die, and I will leave you behind. I'm fine with the rest of that shit happening because it is natural, but the thought of losing you...that is something that I cannot take. I don't want to be without you ever again and I don't want you to ever be without me either. I see the love you have for Pam and I've never seen anything like it. I want to feel that way. I've felt this way for a long time...I was just always so scared. But I'm not scared anymore," confessed Tara as she looked into Eric's questioning blue eyes.
Eric took a moment to digest everything that Tara was saying to him. He had wanted to turn Tara from the very beginning. When he first saw her in Fangtasia he just knew that he wanted her for his own. Eric knew that he didn't just want Tara to be his human. He wanted to turn her just as he'd turned Pam so many years ago. There were so many reasons he thought Tara would make a good vampire and indeed a good progeny for him. She was loyal to the people that she loved. She was resilient in the face of traumas that would cripple other people. She was prone to violence and took great joy in it. She was intelligent and well read despite coming from an abusive, impoverished, and neglectful background. She made him happy just by being with him. But at the end of the day he wanted to turn her to rescue her just as Godric had rescued him and he had rescued Pam. "When?" asked Eric simply after a long bout of silence.
Tara shrugged her shoulders slightly and replied, "I don't know exactly. In a couple of years when Jax and Jade are a little older. But mostly I am waiting until the Vampire Right's Amendment has passed. I would feel safer being turned after that. The world is too crazy right now and I want to make sure that Jax and Jade will be protected and that some lunatic couldn't try to take my kids because...I wouldn't be human anymore. That provision in the amendment is what is so important to me. If it weren't for that I would want you to turn me now that Jade and Jax have been born. "
Eric paused finally understanding why she wouldn't let him turn her immediately. Her fears were valid. They were living in a brave new world and nothing was assured at the moment. Some days it looked as if the amendment might pass and other days it looked like it would be an utter failure. Every misdeed by a vampire that was caught on film was used as fodder for politicians and special interests groups to push back against the progress the AVL was making. He smiled and kissed her softly and said, "I guess I should work hard to help the AVL to make sure the VRA gets passed in November."
Tara smirked. "Yeah, I guess that you should."
"Do you think you can actually be obedient as my progeny?" asked Eric quirking an eyebrow at her and then chuckled at the notion of Tara being obedient or even partially manageable.
She laughed hard and asked, "You call Pam obedient? If that is obedient then I think that I will be okay." But a small amount of worry did flicker into her dark eyes as she wondered how their relationship would change when he turned her. In her ideal scenario everything turned up roses, but from previous experience she was well aware that nothing in her life ever turned up roses. She usually ended up with the thorny part of the rose.
He chuckled and said, "Perhaps Pam is a bad example of obedient but she is one of the most loyal vampires I know. I know that I can always trust her."
Tara looked up into his eyes and said, "I hope that you will come to know that you can trust me too, Eric. I will never betray you. And not because I fear you...but because I love you. Fear only goes so far...I like for the things that I fear to die." Her thoughts were taken a moment to her father. She feared his rage and what he might do in service of his blood thirst. Victor had very nearly killed her the previous night. That was not an offense that she would soon forget.
"I do know that I can trust you. Why do you think that I have been telling you everything that I have been doing for the AVL? You and Pam are the only people that I have confided in and it will remain so." He kissed her temple. "I am going to get a shower. The sun is setting and it will be time for me to get started on my tasks for this evening."
She smirked slightly and kissed Eric on the lips. Tara did feel particularly important being privy to all of Eric's clandestine vampire affairs. "I should call Sookie and Lafayette and tell them about the babies."
Eric shook his head and said, "There is no need for that. Greta called them this afternoon and asked that they hold off on visiting until after sundown because you needed your rest. Your sister, Theresa, called this afternoon as well. Greta told her the same thing."
Tara smiled and said, "Thank you, Eric. I need to get a bath after you. I am feeling pretty fucking grimy right now."
He smirked slightly and asked, "Who says you have to wait until I am done?" Eric picked up Tara carefully and carried her into their bathroom. He set her on the granite counter top and started their bathwater. Eric bit into his wrist and held it to Tara's mouth. "Drink," ordered Eric.
She looked at his wrist a moment. "Why?" Tara didn't wait for him to answer. She moved her hair away from her face and started drinking Eric's blood.
"You are weak from giving birth. My blood will help you heal. Things are too hectic for you to attempt to heal naturally," explained Eric in a matter of fact tone as he watched her drink his blood. After awhile Eric thought that Tara had ingested enough of his blood so he pulled his wrist away.
Tara smiled at him and said, "I have to say...I do feel much better." She took off her night gown and climbed off of the counter top. Tara was grateful that her knees no longer felt weak and the dull ache she previously felt was just a distant memory.
Eric turned off the water and stripped out of his clothes. He climbed into the tub and turned on the jets. Eric held his hand up to help Tara into the tub.
Tara got settled in the tub with Eric and sighed happily feeling the water on her skin. "I can't believe that I slept the entire day. What the hell did Dr. Cormier give me?" asked Tara.
"Whatever it was it was too strong," muttered Eric angrily. He wrapped an arm around Tara and lightly ran the sponge over her shoulder.
"Don't be too hard on her. We were asking her to deliver twins on her own in the middle of the night without all of the hospital equipment. Besides, it all turned out alright in the end, right? I am fine and so are the babies."
Eric chuckled and said, "You are good for me, you know that? You make me hate humans a little less."
"Dr. Cormier...technically isn't human. She's a werewolf. And you are good for me too. In so many ways. You put up with my craziness...even enjoy it from time to time. And you love me even if you won't say it out loud...I know," said Tara. She reached back and put her hand over his mouth. "Shut up, Northman. Don't ruin it by saying that you don't love me."
Eric playfully bit her hand.
"Hey! You bit me," said Tara with a pout.
"You usually like it when I bite you," said Eric with an evil smirk.
"Not there, ass!" yelled Tara playfully.
"Forgive me," whispered Eric against her ear as he nuzzled his face against her neck and took in her scent. He had to resist the temptation to bite into her perfectly smooth skin. Eric could feel Tara's pulse against his lips.
"Last night when the pains first started...all I could think about was you and how much I needed you. I don't like needing people, Eric. I've never liked needing people because it's been my experience that people will always let you down," said Tara thoughtfully. "I can't believe my sister wasn't there. She said that she'd know when I was going into labor. Theresa said that a premonition would come and that she would be here."
"Lucky for you...I am not a person," said Eric cheekily.
Tara laughed and said, "You are more human than you'd like to give yourself credit for. It is like...you like people thinking that you are this psychotic murderous vampire. And by all rights you are...but there is more to you than that. You worry about me and I know it. I see it in your eyes when you look at me. It is like you are waiting for something bad to happen to me."
"I do not worry," insisted Eric. "You are my human...it is my responsibility to keep you safe from harm."
"Sure...that is the only reason. I guess that is why I tried so hard to ignore the pain last night. I didn't want to feel it because I didn't want you to feel it. I knew that you were busy and wouldn't be able to come home. I didn't want you to worry about me."
Eric was intrigued that Tara had been able to mask her pain from him. She had ingested a great deal of his blood over the time they were together. He should always be able to feel every motion that ran through her body. Eric confessed, "I did not realize that anything was wrong until I got this strange feeling inside of me. I knew there was something wrong with you but I didn't know what. How did you accomplish this?"
"I don't know really. I just started meditating the way that Theresa showed me. I meditated to block out all of the pain and the fear that I was feeling. I guess it worked since you didn't feel anything at all," said Tara rather pleased with herself. She went quiet for a minute as a question that had been lingering in her mind surfaced. She cautiously began, "Eric...when I was in Houston...could you still feel me then? Even though I was so far away?"
Eric was concerned by this development but was brought out of his thoughts by Tara's question. In an almost guilty voice Eric said, "Yes, I could feel you even then." He knew that she was hurting and depressed when she was in Houston. He knew that she was afraid. In some ways he knew that she was probably in danger. But it had been his bitterness and pride that prevented him from rescuing her. In an odd way he had wanted to punish her for abandoning him. But he'd never felt her in any physical pain or he would have gone to her. Or at least that is what he told himself.
"Oh," said Tara quietly. She tried to hide the hurt expression on her face. Tara didn't want him to know that his actions had affected her so deeply. But it was a heartbreaking blow. "Well, I had made my bed and I had to lay in it."
"I should have..."
Tara cut him off. "I wasn't your responsibility anymore. Wasn't your job to save me from my fucked up choices. You always saved me when it really counted. When I really needed you...you've always been there when I was yours. That's what counts." She wanted to believe that with all of her heart. But it hurt to know that Eric hadn't cared enough to help her. Tara abruptly stood up in the bathtub making water splash out onto the travertine floor.
Eric grabbed Tara around the waist with one arm and pulled her back down into the tub. He twisted her around so that she was facing him. "When are you going to stop running?"
"I'm not running. I just don't want to be in the tub any longer," said Tara evasively.
"Why?" asked Eric sardonically.
"Because I want to smash your fucking face that candelabra! But then I think...why am I mad at him? He isn't the one that told me to run off to Houston and get involved with a sociopath werewolf," said Tara laughing at herself. "I really am the queen of really bad fucking choices. Doesn't mean I still don't want to hit you with something."
Eric chuckled at his spitfire. "You know...some people have said that violence is not the answer." He trailed his fingers over her shoulder and then down over her breast.
Tara laughed and said, "The people who say that are pussies who either don't like fighting or ain't good at it. I ain't either one of those. I like fighting and I am damn good at it."
Eric laughed at her response and pulled her closer to him. He started kissing her and ran his hand lightly over her back.
Greta knocked on the bathroom door.
"What is it?" growled Eric.
"Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Velasquez, Mr. Compton, Ms. Stackhouse, Mr. Stackhouse, and Ms. Hamby have all arrived," replied Greta in a curt voice. She walked away from the door.
"I didn't think Jason would be showing up," said Tara.
He rolled his eyes and said, "You always did have a soft spot for Stackhouse."
She giggled and asked, "Are you jealous? I like making you jealous. All joking aside, you shouldn't be. Jason never saw me as anything other than his kid sister's best friend. Beyond that he didn't know that I was alive."
"I am not jealous," argued Eric.
13 Months ago...
It was a sunny late afternoon in beautiful Bon Temps. Tara was stretched out on a lawn chair in front of the Stackhouse home wearing a very flattering turquoise bikini. She was reading the Charlotte Bronte novel, Jane Eyre, while a portable radio played jazz in the background. Some people thought it was strange for a Black girl to lay out in the sun. But Tara had always loved feeling the sun on her skin. It made her feel like there was a warm glow surrounding her.
Sookie was out of town with Bill and had asked Tara to meet the plumber she hired to replace a broken pipe in the kitchen. Tara had been laying outside for a couple of hours and off and on heard banging and cursing from the house as the man and his assistant seemed to struggle with the job he'd said would be no problem. Tara snickered at that. She probably could have fixed the pipe by now. Plumbing was just one of the handy skills Tara had picked up during her childhood.
Tara loved Jane Eyre for so many reasons. Perhaps she felt a kindred spirit to a young girl raised by people who did not love her. Or perhaps she felt a connection to Jane falling in love with an older man that seemed incapable of loving her in return. Tara was in love with Eric and there was no denying it. But she often wondered how their story would play out. Would they get a happy ending or would she regret the day she set foot into Fangtasia?
Tara was so distracted by her thoughts that she didn't hear the heavy footsteps approaching her. She was only brought out of her thoughts by a large frame blocking her sun light. Tara lifted her sunglasses so that they rested atop her head. "Are you done yet?" asked Tara trying not to roll her eyes at the older man's snail like progress.
"No, ma'am. Turns out there was another corroded pipe in that wall that needed to come out. I could have left it but eventually it would have burst too and caused more damage. But don't worry I won't charge Ms. Stackhouse any extra. Her Grandmother was a good customer of mine for many years. I need to run to the hardware store and pick up some more pipe. I don't have enough now," said Deacon Wells.
Tara said "Well, at least let me pay for the extra pipe. You shouldn't have to lose money doing this job. Just let me go inside and get my purse."
The older man wiped sweat from his forehead and said, "I can't take any money from you. I'll be back soon." He offered a warm smile to Tara and then climbed into his truck. Deacon took off for the hardware store.
Tara smiled softly. Sometimes she hated Bon Temps but other times she did enjoy the closeness of a small town.
After Deacon had been gone for about two hours she closed her book and decided to go into the house to check on the assistant. He had looked dumber than a bale of hay and she didn't want him fiddling with anything while Deacon was gone. Tara pulled on a pair a denim cut offs and walked into the house. "Brandon, do you need any help?" She walked into the kitchen and saw that it was empty. Tara frowned but figured that he must be in the bathroom.
She walked to the refrigerator and grabbed a beer to drink. Tara took a long swig from the bottle and nearly spit it out when she heard a loud crash from upstairs. "What the hell was that?" muttered Tara. She climbed the stairs two at a time to find out what the commotion was. As soon as Tara made it to the top of the stairs she was greeted with the sight of Brandon rooting through Adele Stackhouse's belongings. "You fucking thief! Get out of here before I call the cops, asshole!"
Brandon dropped an antique jewelry box on the floor and ran after Tara with surprising speed. He grabbed Tara by her braids and pulled her onto the floor with one swift move.
Tara screamed in pain and tried kicking him as hard as she could. "Let me go, motherfucker! I'll kill you!" screamed Tara as she kicked and clawed at her assailant.
"Shut up, bitch!" yelled Brandon dragging Tara by her hair into Adele's old bedroom. He kicked the door closed behind them.
Tara managed to wrench her head away from Brandon and sprang to her feet. She punched him and tried to dart around him to get to the bedroom door.
Brandon grabbed Tara and threw her onto the ground. Being strung out on V definitely had its advantages when it came to speed. "Where do they keep the money and the jewelry?"
Panic set in and Tara spit at him. "You are dead! My boyfriend is going to rip your fucking head off and drain you!" Tara head butted him as hard as she could.
Tara spitting on Brandon and head butting him was the last straw. He started punching Tara in the face repeatedly. Brandon cut his knuckle on one of Tara's teeth. "You bitch!" He used both of his hands to strangle Tara. Brandon watched gleefully as the life started to drain out of her.
Tara struggled against him to no avail and soon felt her body starting to give up. Everything started to go black.
Brandon stopped choking her and looked stunned when he realized that she wasn't breathing. "Oh shit! Oh shit!" He quickly got to his feet and stared at her in shock. Brandon nudged her body with his foot.
Tara didn't move an inch and her face looked darker.
Brandon tried to quickly wrack his brain for a solution. Deacon would be back soon and he didn't want to have to kill the old man too. He grabbed the pillow case he'd been stuffing his loot into and ran out of the bedroom closing the door. Brandon tossed the pillowcase into the toolbox in the bed of his truck and then went back into the house to wait for Deacon.
Soon enough Deacon returned with the supplies necessary to complete the job. "Where is Ms. Thornton?" asked Deacon.
"Uh she went for a walk. She said to just lock up and leave the key under the mat when we leave. The money for the job is right there on the dining room table."
Deacon frowned but thought nothing of it. He went about his work and was done in about an hour. He collected his pay and locked up the house. Deacon slipped the key under the welcome mat and then walked out to his truck. "I'll see you tomorrow, Brandon."
"You get home safe now, Mr. Wells," said Brandon with a smile. He climbed into his own truck and followed the old man away from the Stackhouse place as the sun started to set.
Jason arrived at the house 30 minutes later to see if the plumbing job had been completed. He felt like the man of the house so he liked to check up on any work being done at the old Stackhouse home. Jason looked around and saw that all of the cars were gone with the exception of Tara's convertible. He tried to open the front door and saw that the door was locked.
Jason looked back at the lawn and saw the radio still playing, the lawn chair still out, and Tara's book lying on the lawn chair. He frowned wondering why she'd leave everything outside if she was locking up the house. Jason fished his keys out of the pocket of his tight jeans and unlocked the front door. "Tara? You here?" asked Jason. He looked around the first floor and didn't see anyone.
Jason had an uneasy feeling so he quickly climbed the stairs in search of Tara. "Tara?" He looked around and saw that his Gran's bedroom door was the only one that was closed. Jason walked to the door and knocked. "Tara?" asked Jason. He didn't want to just barge in on her.
He stood there in silence for a few moments before turning the knob and walking into the bedroom. The initial scene took his breath away.
Tara was sprawled out on the bedroom floor bleeding from her face and head.
"Tara!" Jason rushed over to her body and nervously felt for a pulse. He waited a moment to feel something...anything. And just when he was about give up there it was. He felt a faint pulse and knew that she was still alive. Jason scooped Tara up into his arms and raced down the stairs with her. All he could think about was getting her to the hospital. Jason ran out of the house toward his truck only to see a blur stop in front of him.
Eric had sped all the way from Shreveport as soon as the sun set. He had been in agony as he felt Tara slowly dying. His face fell seeing the dire shape his human was in. "Give her to me," growled Eric forcefully.
"W-why? What are you going to do?" asked Jason cautiously. "I am going to take her to the hospital."
"You of all people should know the benefit of a vampire's blood," said Eric in a cold tone of voice. He shook his head and said, "You will never make it to the hospital in enough time and she will die. Give her to me now!"
Jason didn't know what to do but he couldn't deny that Tara looked like she was on death's door. He reluctantly handed Tara over to Eric.
Eric laid Tara on the lawn chair and viciously ripped into his wrist. He pressed the bleeding flesh to Tara's lips and watched his dark blood disappear into her slightly open mouth. Eric's eyes looked over Tara's bruised and battered face and he could only think of vengeance in the name of his sweet Tara.
Tara was eerily still for a few minutes before her eyes began to open. She blinked slightly as her vision started to adjust. "Eric..." muttered Tara quietly.
Eric smoothed his hand over her hair. "I am here," he reassured her in a tender voice. "Who did this to you? What happened?"
Tara struggled to organize her thoughts as her body continued to heal. "I caught the plumber's helper, Brandon, stealing. Am I dead? Did you turn me?" asked Tara very confused.
Eric's eyes widened slightly and he shook his head. "No, you are still very much alive in every sense. But this Brandon won't be when I am done with him. Jason, do you know the name of the plumbing company?"
"I can do better than that. I know the asshole that did this. I went to high school with him. We played football together," said Jason through clenched teeth. "His name is Brandon Parks and he lives in a shitty blue shack over by the stream. You might want to be careful. His brother Bobby used to cook meth out there. Nearly blew the fucking place up a few times."
"Stackhouse...can you keep an eye on her for me?" asked Eric standing up.
Jason nodded and said, "Y-yeah. Sure. Of course, I can look after Tara." Jason picked Tara up into his arms and carried her into the house.
Eric watched until they disappeared into the house and then took off in search of this Brandon who would surely die tonight.
Hotel in Shreveport
Theresa sat on the couch in her hotel suite smoking a cigarette to calm her nerves. She was waiting on Alexander to return from his little errand. The two siblings were going to go to Eric's house together to see Tara and the babies. Theresa sighed inwardly at the fact that she had missed the birth of her niece and nephew. The whole reason she flew in from Las Cruces was to be there when Tara needed her. But things hadn't gone as planned that night. She was stunned out of her thoughts by a heavy knock on the door. Theresa walked over to the door and peered out of the peephole before letting Alexander into the room. "I was starting to get worried, Alexander. What the hell took you so long to get here?" asked Theresa nervously. She took a long drag from her cigarette and slowly blew the smoke out. The cigarette twitched her in her trembling fingers.
Alexander flashed his pearly whites when Theresa opened the door. At 6'0" he towered over his younger sister by several inches and always had. Alexander had darker Greek features like their grandfather, Nikos. His dark brown hair was cut close in a Cesar cut and he had dark brown eyes just like both of his sisters. He was quite a muscular man because he worked out on a regular basis. Alex closed the door behind him and kissed his younger sister on the cheek. "You've always been a worrier, Theresa. I told you that I would take care of it and I will. Getting the supplies I needed took some time. Luckily, we are in the south...the gun laws here are much easier to finagle. Where are the girls?" asked Alex glancing around the suite in search of his nieces, Caitlin and Michaela.
"They wanted to go downstairs to the arcade and I let them. I was too wired to have them sitting here looking at me the whole time. Besides, I think I blew through ten cigarettes while I was waiting to hear from you. They didn't need to be breathing in all of that second hand smoke. Do you think we made the right choice?" She quirked a nervous eyebrow at Alex as she took a long drag from her cigarette. Theresa had been furious the previous night after what Victor did. And in her haste she'd called her brother to tell him of the incident. She knew very well why she'd called Alex. He could be as ruthless as their father if not more.
Alexander took in Theresa's frazzled appearance and shook his head. He said, "I made the choice that was right for this family. You shoulder no blame in this. You are innocent of everything. I am the older brother it is my responsibility to protect you and Tara. Even if that means protecting you from our father. Now we need to head over there and see her so that she doesn't think we just forgot about her altogether. And you are sure she gave birth last night? Have you spoken to Tara today?"
"I am positive. That premonition came in loud and clear. I just happened to be halfway to New Orleans by then picking you up from the fucking airport. There was no way that I would have made it back in time. I hope that she understands. And just for confirmation I called the house this afternoon and the housekeeper, Greta, told me that Tara had given birth to Jax and Jade around 2:30 in the morning." Theresa walked over to the bed and picked up her purse. "We'll stop by the arcade and pick up the girls. We should stop off somewhere and pick up some flowers or something. I don't want to show up empty handed."
Alexander said, "Fine. I am going to drop by my room and pick up the gifts I brought for them. I will meet you downstairs at the car. My car is parked in the fire lane. You can't miss it." He winked at his sister and tossed her the keys before walking out of her hotel room.
Theresa took in a deep breath and put her cigarette out in a nearby ashtray. She headed downstairs in the elevator trying not to think about her father. As she walked off her eyes were pulled toward the gift shop. She smiled to herself and walked into the overpriced boutique. Theresa glanced at the selection and picked a large arrangement of long stemmed Calla Lilies and a couple of chocolate brown teddy bears. "I'll take these," said Theresa taking out her credit card and placing it on the counter.
After paying for her purchases she carried them out of the gift shop and walked over to the arcade. Theresa spotted her daughters and smiled a little. "Girls, it is time to go visit Aunt Tara. Uncle Alex is on his way down now. You can come back to the arcade later on."
The girls followed Theresa out to Alex's rental car and climbed into the backseat.
Theresa put the flower arrangement in the back and then climbed into the passenger side of the car. She looked at herself in the mirror and fixed her makeup. Theresa hated feeling so jittery.
Moments later Alex joined them in the car. He put on his seat belt and drove off headed toward Eric's house. Alex glanced over at Theresa and saw that she was still on edge. It made his blood boil when he thought about what Victor did to Tara and Theresa. Victor's single-mindedness could have killed both of his sisters in a moment's notice. And at the end of the day for what? To get revenge for something he wasn't even old enough to remember properly. Something that turned out to be patently untrue. Victor had always been selfish but he wasn't used to the man disregarding the safety of his own children. Alex knew that he would have to do what his sisters were unable to do...eliminate the problem.
The silence of the car was driving Theresa up a wall. She knew her brother better than anyone else and she could see the determination in his eyes. Theresa knew without a shadow of doubt that Alex had every intention of killing their father. She looked to Alexander and said, "I made those arrangements that we talked about. I have a restaurant reserved for Monday of next week. We'll have a nice little party for Tara and the babies. It wasn't right that she didn't have a baby shower or anything. Are your kids coming?"
"Yeah, they will be here. I want them to get to know Tara too. The three of us are brother and sisters. We've got to be a family. We're all we have now," said Alexander casually.
Eric's House in Shreveport
Alex pulled up at Eric's house and saw that there were several cars there already. "I see that we are not the only ones here to welcome the wee ones into the world." He found a place to park and then turned off the car. "Go on in girls...we will be right behind you," said Alex.
Caitlin said, "Okay." She and her sister hopped out of the car and walked up to the house.
Alex looked at Theresa and said, "You need to calm down. You are about to be in a room full of people. I need you to pull it together. No one needs to know about what is going to happen tonight."
"What if Dad is right? What if this Eric killed our grandfather?" asked Theresa.
"You are back pedaling because you are scared. And even if that were true it wouldn't matter. He nearly killed you and Tara last night. Obviously his priorities are all fucked up. And I talked to Uncle Stefan today. He confirmed Eric's story. Our grandfather took off before the Nazi invasion and our grandmother got involved with a vampire named Godric. He helped keep them safe during Nazi occupation and got them here to America. Our father has fabricated his own memories at some point and he let his paranoia get the best of him," said Alex.
"But what about the fact that he could never get a premonition about our grandfather?" asked Theresa.
"He was a dark skinned man roaming around a Nazi filled Europe. The easiest answer is that maybe he was killed. Or maybe he just died. He was 20 years older than our grandmother. This would have made him 48 or 49 when he ran off. Dad's premonitions didn't set in until he was 14. Our grandfather could have been long dead by then. What is going on with you?" asked Alex.
Theresa blew out a deep breath she didn't realize that she was holding. "When I called you last night I knew what I was setting into motion, Alex. It was what I wanted. But...it never occurred to me that something might happen to you. What if Dad gets the better of you?"
He smirked and then chuckled. "That is something you do not have to worry about." Alex climbed out of the car and grabbed the gifts he'd purchased back home. He carried in the floral arrangement that Theresa bought as well.
Theresa took a deep breath and then hopped out of the car with the two teddy bears she picked up. She knocked on the door and waited.
Greta answered the door. "Everyone is in the sitting room." She moved letting Theresa and Alex into the house.
Theresa walked into the room and made a beeline for Tara. She smiled widely seeing Tara holding one of the babies. "Who is this?" asked Theresa excitedly as she gave Tara a half hug.
Tara perked up seeing her sister. "I am so glad that you are here, Theresa. I was starting to wonder if you were going to show up tonight. Oh, this is Jax Shea Thornton." She nodded her head in Sookie's direction and said, "Sookie is holding Jade. She hasn't wanted to let her go all evening."
"I am so sorry that I was late getting here," said Theresa.
Alex stepped forward and smiled. "It was my fault that we were late. I ran a few errands and they took longer than I thought they would." He kissed the top of her head. His smile widened and he asked, "So you gave him the middle name Shea? I like that. What about Jade? What is her name?"
"Alex! I didn't think you'd be here so soon. I am glad that you are here too. I want you to meet everyone. I named her Jade Alexa Thornton. And don't get smug. I didn't name her Alexa because of you. I just thought it was pretty," said Tara with a grin.
"Well, I am going to tell everyone she is named after me. Is Eric here?"
She paused and quirked a curious eyebrow at him. "Eric is in his office...he's sort of busy. Why do you ask?"
"Do you think he'd have a couple of minutes to spare for me?" asked Alex with a smile.
"Uh, maybe. I will take you to his office," said Tara standing up and cradling Jax in her arms.
"Oh can I hold him?" asked Theresa motioning to Jax.
"Of course," said Tara handing the slumbering boy over to Theresa. She walked with Alex toward Eric's office. "Is anything wrong?"
"No, just wanted to talk to him about what happened last night with dad...let him know it won't happen again. I talked to Dad and he's very sorry," said Alex putting a comforting arm around Tara. "I'm sorry that Dad hurt you. I don't know what got into him."
Tara said, "It was crazy. He's as bad as my mother was...at least she had the excuse that she was an alcoholic." She knocked on Eric's office door.
Pam opened the door and frowned, "We're busy."
In a warning voice Eric said, "Pamela..."
Pam rolled her eyes as she let Tara and Alex into the office.
Eric chuckled and said, "Don't mind her. She is just irritated that I am Magister. She's worried she might actually have to do some work."
Pam cracked a genuine smile and said, "Fucks with my schedule."
Tara laughed and said, "Alex wanted to talk to you about my dad or I wouldn't have interrupted. I'll leave you to it." She patted Alex on the arm and walked out of the office.
Pam closed the door after Tara exited the room.
Alex said, "Theresa told me about what happened here last night. I got on the first flight to New Orleans when we hung up. I just wanted to let you know that my father is not going to be a problem anymore...for anyone."
Eric sat up in his chair a little more.
"If I was here I would have ripped his fucking heart out," growled Pam.
Alex said, "And rightfully so."
"And I trust that this vendetta dies with your father?" asked Eric.
"I hold no ill will towards you. My uncle Stefan says you didn't kill my grandfather. And even if you did as far as I am concerned he was fucking coward that deserted his family in a war zone. If he did meet an untimely end he deserved it," said Alex coolly.
"I am assuming that you didn't come in here just to tell me that," said Eric with a smirk.
Alex chuckled and said, "Touché, Mr. Northman. I need a favor. My sister Theresa is not as comfortable with death as I am. And she is quite on edge about my father's impending...vacation. I am concerned that the guilt might cause her to do something foolish. Like confess or accidentally implicate me or herself for that matter. Being a vampire...I was hoping that you might be willing to glamour her and make her forget what she knows about the situation. I would be deeply in your debt and I always pay my debts."
Eric said, "I'll be sure to glamour Theresa before she leaves tonight. Better that Tara doesn't find out the truth either. And as far as that favor is concerned...I would like to call that in right now."
"Of course. What do you need?" asked Alex.
"An associate of mine has become aware of a werewolf that has relocated to Shreveport. He is from the same pack that Tara's ex, Rey, was pack master of in Houston. He needs to die and soon. And unfortunately I am a little tied up here."
Alex's smiled widened. "That can be arranged. What do you know about him?" Alex walked closer to the desk.
"That information is still being gathered. I should have the intel by the end of the night. When I know I'll let you know."
"Fair enough. I am going to rejoin the party. Thank you for the help." Alex walked out of the office closing the door behind him.
Pam smirked. "I like him. Sometimes...shit just has to die." She walked over to Eric and sat on the edge of his desk. "This fucking Magister bullshit is a pain in the ass, Eric. And it is dangerous considering the climate these days. The power struggle within the AVL is getting worse and if we are on the losing side...they will wipe us out."
Eric leaned forward and through clenched teeth asked, "And what do you think the consequences of saying no to the Authority would be? You are either for them or against them. Right now they have the power so we are for them until something shifts."
She scrunched up her nose when Eric leaned forward. "The only thing that smells worse than babies are...baby werewolves." Pam paused a moment sniffing Eric again. An odd look settled on her face as if she smelled something unexpected.
He chuckled. "You better get used to that smell then. Now let's get back to work."
After two hours most of the guests had left for the night with the exception of: Bill, Sookie, Alex, Theresa, Caitlin, and Michaela.
There was a knock at the door and Tara said, "I'll get it." She looked out the peephole and frowned seeing her father on the other side of the door.
Alex saw her body language and walked over holding Jax. "What's wrong?"
"It's Dad," said Tara. "Eric specifically told him not to come back here ever again. He'll kill him."
Alex said, "Maybe I should handle talking to him then." He handed Jax to Tara and said, "Go on back into the party. I'll take care of the old man. He is probably just here because he knows you had the babies last night. I'll tell him to call you or something instead."
Tara knew when she was being snowed. "Alex? What the hell is going on?"
"Nothing. Quit being so suspicious. It isn't a good quality and it makes you get worry lines. We are a long lived people. You don't want to start looking old too soon." He playfully pinched her cheek. "Go."
Tara said, "Fine, but I know when I am being lied to, Alex." She walked into the sitting room with Jax and went straight over to Theresa. "Dad is outside and Alex went out there to handle it. I am worried. I have a bad feeling. Can you hold Jax for me?"
"Sure. Tara, maybe it is best that you let the two of them talk this out by themselves. He nearly killed you last night when you got in the way. I don't think he'd hesitate in doing it a second time," said Theresa taking the boy from Tara.
"I know...but something is going on I feel it. I've been having a strange feeling all evening. I had a weird dream while I was sedated and I can't remember all of it. But I'm starting to wonder if it was a premonition. I'll be right back." Tara walked out of the front door in time to hear a gunshot disrupt the silence of the cool night. Her eyes shot to Alex laying on the ground bleeding and Victor standing over him with a gun in his hand. "Alex!" she ran from the porch to her brother's side seeing blood pouring from his abdomen.
Everyone in the house ran outside having heard the gunshot. However, Greta had made sure to keep Michaela and Caitlin inside with the babies. Whatever was going on outside they didn't need to see.
Victor raised the gun as if he was about to shoot Alex again.
"You motherfucker!" screamed Tara. She waved her hand in Victor's direction and sent him flying into the grill of Alex's car with such force that it moved the car backwards. The more she used her powers the better she became.
Alex was coughing up blood but he motioned for the discarded gun to come to him. The gun levitated to Alex's hand and he pointed it at Victor's bruised and broken body. Alex fired two shots into the older man's chest and then flopped back onto the ground.
Eric and Pam sped out to the yard.
Sookie and Bill stood on the porch with their mouths agape. They weren't sure which was more shocking that Alex had just killed his father or that Tara threw the man across the yard without touching him.
Theresa rushed over to Alex and helped put pressure on the wound. She was already in tears. "You told me this wouldn't happen! You promised!" yelled Theresa. "We gotta...we gotta get him the hospital."
Alex shook his head. "No way to explain this to the cops that doesn't out all of us or get me locked up anyway. I'm too pretty for prison," choked out Alex.
"We're not just going to let you die! You don't get to make that kind of decision. I don't care if you are the oldest or not," said Tara. She turned her attention to Eric. "I know this is asking a lot. I know the blood is sacred and it makes a bond. But please...I need you to save my brother...please. Please don't let him die."
Pam said, "Quit the crying, Cupcake. And count this as gift because I didn't buy one." She bit into her wrist and moved down next to Alex. "Drink up, lover boy. Better you have naughty dreams about me than Eric," said Pam sarcastically.
Eric looked over at Victor's dead body. "Going to have to get rid of that."
Bill and Sookie walked out into the yard looking at the carnage. Bill walked over to Eric and asked, "What just happened here?" His gaze moved over to Tara and Theresa kneeling on the ground next to their injured brother. "And what the hell are they?"