A/N: Hi! I'll make this brief so you can get to your drug of choice. There is A LOT going on in this chapter. Pam drops quite a few F-bombs so if your sensitive to that, well... Also there's a small lemon drop in this chapter that contains an interesting action. Let's just say...if you've ever had sex while pregnant this might have happened to you, if not I hope it doesn't gross you out, though I've read much more colorful stuff on this site. I'm just giving a heads up. You've been warned. Enjoy! I'll see you below.

Disclaimer: I own none of the characters or anything else here. I'm writing purely for shits and giggle purposes. Please don't sue.

One last thing, big shout out too my totally awesome Beta, slcurwin, for putting up with me. She laughs and all the right places and makes me feel so smart. Thanks!

Chapter 21

'Eric Northman! You better be okay or else I'm going to kick your ass!' Sookie was searching their bond and trying very hard not to panic.

"Where is Eric?" Pam couldn't feel Eric through their connection but that didn't necessarily mean he'd been ended. He'd closed their link before but there were usually extenuating circumstances.

The queen was being helped off the floor by a cautious Sigebert, "He went after the assassin. It was odd, he moved just before the arrow struck. Unfortunately for Miss Cater, she was the next person in the path of the arrow and did not move fast enough."

"Pam, we need to find Eric." 'Gran, can you keep the queen entertained until we get back?' She needed a distraction for the queen.

"Miss Stackhouse, I've known Northman a long time, he is quite capable of taking care of business and himself. As an asset to my state, I cannot allow you to just wander about. I believe it would be best if you came with me." There was something about the look in Sophie-Ann's eye that sent shivers down Sookie's spine. Despite protocol, Sookie was about to tell the queen exactly what she could do with herself and her state when Pam's practicality came to the rescue.

"With all due respect, your Majesty, but I believe Miss Stackhouse is correct. The bond I have with my Maker has been dampened or blocked somehow and I don't believe he is responsible for doing so. Sookie is tightly bonded to Eric and I believe that combining our links will allow us to locate him much more efficiently. Besides, officially she is a part of Eric's retinue foremost and as his childe I have responsibility over her in his absence. I am sure King Davis and Mrs. Stackhouse would be more than willing to divert your attentions until we can return."

The Queen looked like she was about to argue for a moment, when she noticed the sizable crowd that had gathered not to mention that she knew the entire room was still listening in. This was too public a place to appear anything but gracious and concerned. She nodded her head slightly and said, "Alright Pamela, that sounds acceptable. I expect a full report either from you or Northman before dawn. You may both go." She turned her attention to Adele, "Now my dear Mrs. Stackhouse, I hear nothing but wonderful things about your 'frozen treats for Vampires'.

While Gran, with Bubba as her ever present shadow, and Stan Davis led Sophie-Ann back toward the Louisiana booths, Pam and Sookie quickly found a side exit meant for staff that led into the bowels of the hotel and followed the dimly lit corridor.

"Why do I feel like the queen is up to something?" Sookie wondered aloud.

"Because most vampires, especially those in power, usually are," Pam answered.

"But she's been so sad without Hadley or that creepy Andre. Eric made it sound like she'd lost the desire to rule…."

"HA! Please! That bitch may have become queen with Andre and her other children's help but she's kept the throne for as long as she has because she's clever, deviously so. Don't trust her because you pity her. That's exactly what she wants. Now, can you feel Eric or should we head back to civilization?"

"The pull is stronger in this direction," she pointed to the left toward the underground parking garage. As they got closer, Pam put a hand on Sookie's shoulder and motions her to be silent. It was unnecessary since she'd already stilled to listen to the mind's coming from the loading area.

'Those fangers have no idea what's coming for them.'

From another head she picked up, '…can't believe those morons on the city council actually caved to the vamps demand! Well, after this they'll think twice about making deals with devils.'

A third man's thoughts barged in with a familiar chill that ran up and down her spine. She knew that tone with its cold rage that clouded all sensible thoughts from his mind. It was Steve Newlin, and his words echoed in his hate filled mind as he spoke to the few men gathered around. "Just remember to stick to the plan and not only will there be a few hundred less fangs in the world but we will open the eyes of the world to the true definition of monster. Everyone will see and not be able to delude themselves any longer to the truth. They will burn in Gods holy light and we will be hailed as hero's for bring their kind to an end." Steve continued to talk but Sookie could not listen anymore. Besides, she got the information she needed to bring their little party crumbling down around their feet.

"I can't listen to any more. We need to find Eric, c'mon." Sookie whispered as she pulled Pam past the door to the garage.

"What about the Three Stupids? It doesn't sound like they're planning a Sunday picnic. Shouldn't we at least sic the Scooby gang on them?" Pam had been watching waaaay too much late night T.V. again.

"Don't worry about those guys right now, I've got their number. We'll deal with them once we've got Eric. Let's go."

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

It was an hour before dawn and a thick fog descended upon the city of Rhodes. It was oddly chilly for a mid-summer's morning and the dense mist had an almost oppressive feel to it. While Eric struggled to regain consciousness, he was aware of three things of immediate concern. First, he was recovering from a massive head injury and for the moment could remember nothing of the evening's events. Second, he was outside. Exposed to the effects of the sun that would rise soon and even with the haze, those deadly rays would burn through it well before he could find shelter. Had he been drained? He couldn't remember, but he was as weak and vulnerable as a newborn human. Thirdly, he was not alone. The hooded figure was bent over another body and was shrouded in the shadows of the dark alley. There were no street lights close by from his meager point of view and even if his sight had not been affected due to the head wound, he doubted he'd be able to make out more than the feminine outline under the cloak. That is until she spoke, and he could pick out a few more clues. Her heavy accent was definitely from the highlands of Scotland but the brogue she used was from a dialect just as long dead as his own native tongue. It was recognizable to him because as a human he'd traded with people from the northern most parts of Scotland.

"Your Mate and Childe arene far, Norseman. Donna worry a boot the Pythoness, she's aware of the detour in your path and will speak to you on the marrow. Fare thee well warrior from the north." He caught sight of a strand of bright crimson as the figure bent to lift the body and vanished into the shadows and mist.

Within moments he heard the cry of an angel. His Angel. Sookie. "Eric?! Oh sweet baby Jesus! What the Hell happened? Pam he's here!" Try as he might he couldn't get his voice to work and when he tried communicating mentally with his beloved, he found that too was lost to him for the moment. All he could think of to do was stare at the pendant that had escaped the confines of her magnificent bosom and was dangling precariously close to his nose. So, he flipped it. Using what little energy he had left and a great deal of concentration, he managed to send the amulet over her right shoulder with his telekinesis. It was a pathetic attempt but she got the message loud and clear.

"What the flying FUCK happened here?! He looks like he's been drained but"….. Pam took a sample of the air. "We need to move, there have been other vampire's here, recently. Is he conscious? Shit! Fuck, what a God Damn mess…..." Pam continued a colorful diatribe of swearing that would have had a passing sailor blushing in shame. It usually got more proficient whenever she was pissed or scared and she was feeling both of those emotions in spades at the moment. She yanked her phone from her pocket so fast that she ripped a huge hole in the seam. "Motherfucker, these were my favorite pair of pants!" She grumbled curses under her breath as she hit speed dial. "We found him. It's bad. Did Adele and Bubba get there yet? Good. We need blood, a lot of it. Have Bubba run to the hotel and get as many donors as will fit in the car. No, Adele's concoctions won't be enough. He needs A LOT of REAL blood. We'll be there in twenty."

As she carefully placed the device into the pocket of her suede jacket, Sookie said, "How are we going to get him to the car? He weighs a ton."

"I'll carry him." She picked up Eric as if he was a sack of dog food. It wasn't the weight it was the bulk. Sookie waddled as quickly as she could behind Pam as she left the alley and made her way back to the car. "I'm more worried about this blood loss. I didn't see enough on the ground or smell it in the air, to believe clumsy ass drainers got to him. It had to be another fucking vampire or Were. Fuck, for as much as we know it could have been some homicidal fucking fairies! I swear to all fucking hell, when I find the fuck-tard responsible for this fucking fuckery, I'm gonna make them wish they never fucking existed!" As they got to the car, Sookie opened the back door and slid across the back seat. Pam slowly lowered Eric onto the seat while Sookie helped as much as possible then cradled his head in her lap crooning to him that he was safe now and out of danger from the sun.

"Pam, bite my wrist. I'll feed Eric to help sustain him until…."

With the absolute last bit of strength he had left Eric yelled out, "No!" At least he hoped it was loud enough to hear, he wasn't healing due to the loss of blood and his throat had been badly damaged. He felt a strange wave of darkness take over his senses then the feel of skin press to his. He almost refused to drink. He knew if he started drinking from Sookie now he'd take way too much and endanger both her and the small lives she carried. However his reflexes kicked in and he began to suck, weakly but enough to begin healing his throat at least.

Pam knew Eric would never forgive himself or her if she allowed him to feed from Sookie in his state and that Sookie wouldn't stop trying until he began to mend. So as quickly as possible (without harming her) she pulled Sookie from the back to drive while she took Sookie's place and bit her own wrist to start the process. She knew it wouldn't actually provide much nourishment because of her non-living status but it'd be enough to sustain him until living blood could be provided. As his childe Pam was hoping the blood of his that ran through her veins would be enough to keep him from dusting come sunrise. As old as Eric was she knew that whether in the sun or in the safety of a deep dark hole, it wouldn't matter when the sun rose. If he went to rest without enough blood in his system he would turn to dust during the day. She'd seen it happen before and she was terrified it might still take place with Eric.

She was wise enough not to mention this to Sookie. God only knew what that crazy fairy princess would do. Going off half cocked to save the world despite her safety was a common occurrence. This was especially true when her family or those she considered as such were involved. Hell, she'd once even taken a stake for a complete stranger, but that's another story.

They arrived at the safe house that Eric had arranged for earlier in the evening. Eric hadn't been too trusting of hotels after Adele's ominous dream about the Gizeh. The safe house was a rental but it was in Sookie's name which took care of unwanted vampires and the wards Octavia and Amelia had spent the entire evening erecting took care of the rest of the supe community. It was a large three story house built in the late 1800's and was large enough to fit their whole party including the guards and the witches. Interestingly, the queen had not been invited but Mr. C and his nieces had. The girls were bunked up on the third floor but Desmond chose to stay at the hotel with the queen. The other Sheriff's had been discreetly warned, as had the queen, but all had chosen to 'keep up appearances' and ignored the advice.

Bubba had just arrived a few moments before with the donors, and they began the process of feeding Eric. It was time consuming, but they were able to get through all five and have Pam glamour the location and events out of their head before being forced to her day rest.

Eric, by this time, had healed enough to control his hunger and began drinking True Blood once the 'cattle' had left. Usually, he only managed to fight his day death for half an hour after dawn but the foggy mist had turned to a heavy rain and that allowed him another hour before he felt the pull. He flat out refused Sookie's offers to provide blood herself for him until the evening. He needed the blood he'd taken to gain a hold, before he trusted himself NOT to drain her of all her delectable blood.

Eric went to rest with the beat of three hearts echoing through his chest and rose to the same rhythmic peace. He reached for the carafe of warm blood on the nightstand that must have been placed there recently by Adele as it had her scent on it. He could tell that Sookie had left the bed at some point during the long day because she wore another of her maternity dresses, but she'd been asleep beside him long enough to warm the side of him she'd snuggled against.

When Eric set the empty glass back on the side table, he noticed the time on the clock. It was nearly sunset, maybe less than half an hour before hand. He had been at rest much longer than normal at this time of year. However, considering the extent of his injuries the previous night, it was to be expected. He was feeling fully healed and in desperate need of the amazing body he'd denied himself the night before.

"Lover," he purred in her ear as her curled up behind her, pressing his arousal into her barely covered backside.

"Hmmmmm….Errrrrric," she hummed. He hips began rocking slowly but it was obvious she was still dreaming.

"I'm hungry for you my love. All of you, your warm body, the sweet nectar you hide between those luscious thighs and the ambrosia running through your veins." He pushed the bodice of her dress down enough to reveal her breasts. They had been impressive before her pregnancy but now…. Now the mere sight of them drove him wild with hunger. He latched onto her right bud and began to suckle as his hand wandered down over her belly, as it quivered with movement, and into the hidden heat between her legs where he began ministrations on her clit.

Sookie's eyes popped open at the sensation of Eric feeding from her overly sensitive nipple and her hand immediately threaded its fingers into his hair and pressed him closer. They'd discovered a few weeks before that her milk had already begun coming in and that Eric could ingest it just as easily as any of her other bodily fluids. This development was not only Interesting but also puzzling to Dr. Ludwig. Her milk didn't make him physically ill but seemed to actually add to his strength. When tested, they discovered it was mixed with her blood. In normal human pregnancies this would have signaled a red flag but in this case it pointed to something they'd been suspecting for a long while. The children she carried could be more vampiric than fairy. Wouldn't that just put a wrinkle in the old meddling fairy's plans?

Sookie opened her legs wider to allow Eric better access but managed to warn him, "We don't have…ahhhh… much time…mmmmmm… before we need to be at the…..oh God…..hotel."

He grunted his acknowledgement of her words but continue with his attentions. Their hips rubbed together creating the most delicious friction and added to the aching need in both of them. Eric released her breast and had her on her knees with her panties missing within minutes. He pushed inside her with a force that made her gasp and began a steady, quick and hard rhythm that sent her over the edge within minutes. Eric followed soon after. They lay there for a few moments trying to recover from the sudden on slot of lust when Sookie's phone rang.

After fumbling through the tangle of sheets to find it, Sookie answered with a slight pant, "Hello?"

A familiar chuckle could be heard from the other end of the line, several to Eric's ears, that told him Adele was not alone in the room she was calling from but not who her company was. It puzzled him why she would be calling by phone if she was just downstairs.

"Did you run for the phone dear, or are you breathless from other activities?"

"Gran! Eric just rose a few moments ago. We were just about to get ready to head out as soon as full dark hits."

"Well, baby girl, y'all best get a move on. The sun's been down for fifteen minutes. Pam and Bubba are already here. She said y'all should come straight to her balcony before heading to the queen. There's something important she needs to discuss with you both."

"Well that's cryptic but okay. We're on our way. Bye."

Sookie shut the phone before Adele had a chance to say anything more. Eric had zipped into the shower while Sookie finished her phone call and was half dressed by the time she'd managed to roll off the bed and right her clothes. "Why is Adele with the Pythoness and how long has she been there? Bear had strict instructions not to let anyone in or out during the day. And where are the children? I don't hear anyone else in the house. What did I miss today?"

"I imagine about as much as we missed last night. We need to get a move on like Gran said. So I'll tell you and everyone else once we're there but the trial begins in two hours and we have to be there since I'm the star witness." Less than ten minutes later, Eric landed on the balcony of the Pythoness' suite. Eric had agreed to just wait until they arrived at the hotel before discussing what happened to each of them while they were apart.

Eric was none too pleased when they entered the room to find Adele, Sarah, Hunter and the AP deep in conversation. The old crone grinned wickedly and rasped, "Good, it is about time. There is much to discuss and do in a very short time. Miss Stackhouse, please enlighten us on the events from the day before we have the Viking explain his adventures of last night, and be brief."

Sookie took a seat on the elegant sofa next to her children as Eric slipped in behind her. She was very aware of how irritated he was at the moment. For Adele to be with her alone (without Pam or Eric in attendance) was one thing. She was an adult and technically not under his control just protection. Yet, for the children to be in attendance when he'd specifically given orders for them to be kept away from the Summit was a blatant disregard of his claim on them, the Pythoness' especially should have known better. Besides, as far as Eric was concerned, they were all 'HIS'!

"Well," Sookie began, "soon after Eric went to rest for the day, I informed Bull, Bear and Charlie of the information I picked up from the FOTS people I 'overheard' while searching for Eric. They alerted the security staff here and all the fake luggage and coffins those turds were distributing as 'lost or unclaimed' to each state's delegation, loaded with enough explosives to destroy a small third world country, were collected and neutralized. Newlin, who actually had the gall to be here personally after the last stunt he pulled has been caught and is being held for trial later tonight. Let's just say Russell Edgington was ecstatic to find his Lieutenants attempted murderer here of all places and immediately filed charges against him. Since his crimes have been mostly against vampires, it was decided his trial and punishment shall be handled by the Vampires. His trial is before the Queen's and he's being held downstairs."

"He's been screaming for a lawyer for the past few hours and demanding he be released to the human authorities. This will be decided soon enough," The Pythoness added. "Please continue Miss Stackhouse."

"Well, Gran then spent the morning and most of the afternoon in the kitchen replenishing her supplies for tonight while the children and I took turns 'keeping Eric company'. A little after three this afternoon, the AP's people arrived at the house insisting on all of our company. I was told to stay with you until you rose and then get you here as soon after dark as possible." Sookie blushed slightly knowing everyone present was aware of how 'soon' that had been.

Eric was about to protest to the aged seer about her interference with HIS family, when Sarah interrupted by snickering at Sookie's comment as she put one hand next to her mouth and 'whispered' to the old crone, "Lala says deys wose dan bunnies, but I fink dey jus wike ta 'bond'." The little imp actually used air quotes for the last word because she knew she wasn't allowed to say fuck or sex. Apparently 'bond' was just as bad when Adele and Sookie said her name at the same time.

The AP raised a silver eyebrow at the Viking, with her sightless eyes it was a little disconcerting to see her turn her head in his direction. "It is true that you are bonded?" There wasn't a single clue on her face about how she felt or would feel about this information.

Eric nodded, "Yes, my Lady."

"Have you pledged?" she inquired.

"No we have not, my Lady."

"You should, soon, before the young are born. I foresee many problems being averted if this occurs tonight. Your claim over them will be indisputable, to anyone."

Eric was struck mute. He'd considered pledging to Sookie before, for more reasons than just her safety, but he'd thought waiting until after the twin's birth would be better. So he hadn't even broached the subject yet.

"Forgive my ignorance, but is that similar to marriage? Because if it is and it'll keep them safer, why in the name of God, haven't you two done this before now?" Gran was annoyed enough with their history of what she saw as childish antics. She would have mentioned marriage long before but was under the impression it was illegal, which it was, in human society.

The Pythoness nodded, "It is more binding than human marriage and unusual enough between vampires that aren't royalty but it is considered a more permanent claim, especially in this case. If done tonight, before the entire clan, it would be completely incontestable. This would give Eric complete rights in our community over not just Sookie but her unborn children as well, since they are technically a part of her during the ceremony. Once born, they will continue to be considered a part of the pledge until they come of age. No one will be able to break this after the fact and all prior contracts would be null and void. Consider wisely North Man."

'Eric, what is she talking about? Why do I get the feeling she's alluding to someone specific?' Sookie asked mentally as she stared into his fathomless blue eyes. She was keeping Adele and the children from prying with her shield's and since they couldn't 'hear' Eric without 'going through Sookie' then they were able to keep their conversations private if needed.

'The Pythoness has a reason for everything. I was going to wait to broach the subject of pledging until after the twins came. I never thought about the implications for the children. I believe this would indeed be a wise move and may even get Adele to quit nagging you about going to Vermont. I understand that this is not traditionally what you consider a marriage and on such short notice but…..'

She interrupted his thoughts, "Are you asking me to marry you?" She didn't even realize she'd said it aloud. When Eric's words mirrored his thoughts she gleefully said, "Then yes you giant turd!"

"Excellent! Now that it is settled, we need only discuss what happened to the Viking before we begin preparations." The crone said. The children were confused as to what was going on but Adele gleefully began to 'fill them in' as Eric took a moment to kiss his soon-to-be-wife.

Once he'd regained his composure, Eric dropped the proverbial bomb. "It was Appius. My maker has returned."

A/N: Now before you all come at me with rotten fruit and pitch forks let me explain a few things. First, remember that my main goal is to keep the events that occurred in the book series the same but just to change how or when they happen. So on that note, you should not be surprised that Appius is back...well maybe. We'll find out more in the next chapter.

Second, it truly annoyed me that CH has left the string that is Steve Newlin's character, dangling in the proverbial wind. I know she ties up Sarah Newlin's story line in the short story included in the companion guide but so far nothing's been heard from him since CD. I'm not sure if CH will bring him back during the last book but I decided to be a little more direct with the hate-whore. His fate I have yet to discover (since I'm posting as I write) but be assured it will be very interesting. Any suggestions on his 'fate' please feel free to give them.

Lastly, I've discovered that you, my dear little minions, are tease addicts. I've gotten more review responses for the last chapter than I have since chapter 16. So I'm going to start offering a sneak peak to those that review each chapter. It won't be long but it's something to satisfy your need until the next chapter is posted. I'll warn you though, I'm barely writing as I go so if I don't answer your reviews right away pleas don't think I won't. I also enjoy every comment I get and have girly fan girl moments whenever I see a few of my favorite authors review my work. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I'd like to apologize to ladyblue40 about not responding for this chapter since I got notification of your review a few hours before posting. So instead I'm going to give you an extra long preview of the next chapter. I'd also like to thank . for being my 500th reviewer! Whoo-Hoo! You too will be getting an extra treat! So Thank You to all of you that take the time.