A/N: WOW! Another update so soon? I really do love you guys! :)

So I have to start by thanking you crazy kids for giving me such awesome feedback. I love hearing from you, it makes my day, and makes me feel all special, too. *hugs*

Thanks SO much to Chloelilybet, who was kind enough to point out a crazy error from Chapter 3 with her eagle eyes! I corrected it. Let us never speak of it again. LOL ;)

As always, thanks to my sister from another mister, Gabrielleblue, for being my test market (ha ha), and my awesome beta, Northwoman, who managed to get this done so quickly despite her insane popularity! Mouah!

Disclaimer: The lovely CH owns all. I just love taking her Viking for a ride. (Did I just SAY that?)

*OH! Please remember to check out my Picasa page, linked on my profile. I update it for every chapter with new pics for the story!*

Chapter 21

EPOV

The words left Tray's mouth, and I could feel the blood drain out of my face. My... mother. Is here? Jesus FUCK, why the hell was she here? Panic arose inside of me, but I realized it wasn't for my own well-being. I'd hate it, but I could handle her. It was for my father.

After she left, he was never really the same. They married young, and she was the love of his life. It devastated him when she turned her back on us, and though he'd dated a lot in the years since, I knew he'd never been close to anyone in the same way. I think it was one of the reasons our relationship was so strained for years after. We were both recovering from the heartbreak of losing her.

The thing I realized now, though, was that it wasn't even the fact she left, physically. It was that the woman my father knew and fell in love with had become a cold, uncaring, self-centered bitch. He was mourning her long before she was truly gone.

All these years, he hadn't seen her. And now, because of me, she was here.

And over my dead fucking body was I going to let her break my father again.

I snapped out of it, and looked at Sookie's concerned face. "I'll be fine," I assured her, as she got off my lap to let me up. I kissed her lips once, before I looked to my dad. I could tell how conflicted he was. I put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed, promising, "I'll take care of this. Don't worry, Dad." He just nodded.

As I moved to follow Tray out, I saw Sookie and Pam sit on either side of Dad to hug him. At the sight of the three of them together, I knew now more than ever that they were my family, and they were all the family I needed.

On the walk through the crowd, I was trying desperately to think of what to say to her. There was no way she was coming in, my mother or not. Tray walked alongside me and wisely stayed silent, though I could feel he wanted to say something. He was concerned, as he knew my history well, but he didn't ask questions.

As we walked out the front door into the cool night air, I scanned the lineup to find her. Not surprisingly, she was far removed, standing on her own and looking uppity, as if waiting was not something she was ever accustomed to. Ah, there's the mother I know. Too occupied dealing with her own superiority complex to mingle with "the commoners". Shocker.

She was a tiny thing, dressed in something right out of a Jackie O photo op. There wasn't a blonde hair out of place on her head. Her arms were folded in front her, clutching some designer bag, and her lips were pursed in an unamused line. This'll be fun. Right.

She turned when she saw me coming towards her, and her mouth opened a little, maybe in surprise, but I couldn't be sure. I hadn't physically seen her since I was fifteen, so I knew how different I looked, even if she had seen a picture or two. She never cared much to ask for any more than that.

A small, smug smile grew on her lips when I stopped in front of her. "What, no hug for your dear Mother?"

I skipped the niceties. "What the hell are you doing here? You're not welcome. I don't know what the hell you were thinking, what you wanted to accomplish, but the only reason I contacted you at all was for the ring. Otherwise, I could care less if I ever saw you again." My tone stayed cold and detached. I wouldn't let her get to me.

"Eric, my darling son, you forget yourself. I'm still your mother. I gave you life, and you owe me a world of respect-"

I cut her off angrily. "Respect? No, ELSA, you lost any right to respect when you walked out of your only son's life. I have a life here, and a family, and you will never again be a part of it. Give me the damn ring."

"I'll give it to you on one condition. I want to meet this girl you've decided to invite into OUR family. Like it or not, I will always be a part of you, and I have every right to be here. What is it you Americans say? Ah yes, 'it's a free country'. Agree to meet me tomorrow at my hotel for brunch with your girl, and I will happily give you the ring now. But I need your word you will show up. I know more about you than you think I do, Eric dear."

She was evil. But I wasn't a liar, and I wanted to get her out of my hair as soon as possible. I grudgingly agreed. "Fine. But if you say anything about this to Sookie, or hurt her in any way, I will leave. Are we understood?"

"Tsk tsk, Eric, do you really think so little of me? I will be on my best behavior. I'll see you at the Hilton at eleven tomorrow morning. Now, be a dear and hail your mother a taxi."

I gritted my teeth doing so, but when the cab pulled up, she handed me the white velvet ring box. I opened it to make sure the ring really was there, and happily slammed the cab's door once she was settled.

I stood there a couple more minutes on the sidewalk, looking down at the beautiful ring meant for Sookie. It glittered in the light of the streetlamps, and lifted my spirits. I couldn't wait to put it on her finger. I knew then that life was too short to wait for what you wanted. I would plan something special and romantic just for her, but I would do it sooner rather than later. I just needed to figure out how.

I closed the box and put the ring in my pocket, walking around the building to the employee entrance. I quickly made my way into my office, stowing the tiny box into the safe there. I knew it wouldn't have to wait long to come out again.

I walked back outside so I could go back through the front door. I needed the extra air, anyway.

Tray met me at the door, the concerned look still on his face. "You alright, bro? What the hell was that all about?"

I gave him a rundown of how we got to this point. Surprisingly, he wasn't all that shocked about my plans for Sookie. In fact, I'd say he was downright excited. I couldn't resist poking fun at his giddy ass.

"Yeah, I'll tell Sookie to get your bridesmaid dress ready."

"Fuck you. I'm just happy for you. Wait... do you think she'll go with green? It brings out my eyes." He batted his eyelashes at me.

I punched him in the shoulder. "Dude, will you please relocate your balls? Take a break, I think you've worked hard enough for one night, don't you?"

He grinned. "That's why I love being the boss man." He used his walkie to let the other security guys know where he'd be, just in case, then followed me in.

My eyes scanned the crowd to find Sookie, locating her on the dance floor with my dad and Pam. They were laughing and acting a little crazy, and were clearly having a great time. The girls were doing a great job distracting him. As I got closer I noticed Lafayette booty shaking behind them with Amelia, while Jason was apparently trying to see how many twirls Tara could take. I felt a bit of the weight on my shoulders lift, seeing they were having a good time despite the earlier events of the evening. Hell, it was still relatively early, after all.

When they walked up to me, Dad, Sookie and Pam turned to me expectantly, silently asking what had happened.

"Why don't we go back to my office, I'll fill you in," I said, nodding toward the employees only door. They agreed, and started to follow, but Sookie bolted out to grab Amelia's hand and drag her towards an unsuspecting Tray, who was now leaning against the bar. They were out of earshot, but it didn't take a genius to figure out my girlfriend was now in "Sookie: Matchmaker Extraordinaire" mode. She introduced them quickly before winking and scurrying back to my side. Damn, she worked fast.

She laced her fingers with mine, and said, "Just spreading a little love."

We entered my office one by one, and Pam closed the door behind us. Sookie and Pam sat on the couch, I sat at my desk, but Dad refused to sit. He stood, waiting expectantly for me to fill in the blanks.

"What is she doing here, Eric? I didn't know you two still even spoke." He looked a little pained about that thought. "You could have told me. I know despite everything, she's still your mother."

I shook my head, letting out a sad laugh. "Not a chance. I haven't spoken to her in years. Before this week, anyway. I, stupidly, contacted her for something, and she was just as charming as ever. I never in a million years thought she'd have the audacity to show up here. I don't even know how she found out!" I shook my head and went on. "She refused to wait in line outside. Then she demanded I meet her for brunch tomorrow at her hotel. Sookie," I looked over to her apologetically, "she wants to meet you. I don't want to subject you to her, but I think it's the only way she'll leave quietly. I just want her gone."

Sookie nodded, "Whatever you need. I can handle her." She winked and gave a sly smile, cutting the tension in the room.

Pam spoke up. "That woman is poison. She needs a serious ass-kicking. Want me to do it for you, Max?" I had no doubt she'd do it either.

I got up and put my hand on Dad's shoulder. He was trying, but it was obvious that after all these years, he still felt for her. I wanted to talk to him, but in private.

"Ladies, why don't you go back out? I think we're okay for now."

They both got up, understanding what I needed. Sookie pecked Dad on the cheek, and the two of them left us alone.

Dad walked over to the couch and sat down. "So are you going to tell me the whole story now? You're holding out on me, Eric."

I took a breath and told him everything. The ring, mother's wretched words and behavior, everything. When I finished, his eyes were closed. I asked him if he was okay, but he shook his head.

"This is all my fault. I haven't been honest with you. When she left, I was so deeply hurt... but no matter what, I still loved her. Even now, part of me still does. I think I've been holding on to a ghost. But I swore either way, I'd take care of her. And I've been doing just that, financially speaking. She's a spoiled, self-entitled, selfish woman. And it's all my fault. I should never have agreed to it. I just couldn't bear the thought of her in need. I know now I shouldn't have done it. So it ends, now. She has already gotten far more than she ever deserved."

I was stunned. My father had been paying for my estranged mother's lifestyle my whole life? It was wrong, but I couldn't fault him for his reasons.

"Dad, you need to move on. You deserve to be happy, and she's been holding you back."

He nodded. "I'm ready now. I'll call my lawyers in the morning to freeze her out of the accounts. God, I should have done this years ago. That woman has taken too much from us. She can find her own way. And Eric?"

"Yeah, Dad?"

He suddenly grinned from ear to ear. "When am I getting grandchildren?"

We burst out laughing, and I hugged him. Yeah, we'd be okay.

Overall, the night, business-wise, had been a great success. I was really proud of it, my dream finally coming to fruition. I worked out a few things with Pam and the manager, and shortly after closing, my family and friends headed out into the night. Though I wasn't the only one to notice Amelia and Tray were MIA.

Sookie was coming back to my place for the night, as we were too exhausted to drive back to Bon Temps. As we said our goodbyes in the parking lot, they all made plans for the rest of the weekend. Sookie asked Dad and I to come for dinner at Merlotte's the next evening, as she was working the dinner rush. For Sunday, she and the others agreed on a late lunchtime barbecue, inviting Dad and Pam as well. He looked overjoyed to be included.

We said our goodnights, and headed home.

I collapsed onto the bed fully clothed, waiting while Sookie got ready for bed in the bathroom. She shocked the hell out of me by coming back out, stripping naked and crawling under the covers next to me.

She laughed her head off when I ran to the bathroom, brushed my teeth with the speed of an Olympian, and hurled every last piece of clothing I had on to the floor. She was still giggling softly as I pulled her warm body close to me. I was suddenly feeling overwhelmed by the day, and she felt me tense up.

"Hey, baby, it'll be alright. I'll be there with you, and we'll deal with everything we need to tomorrow. See how it works? You protect me, and I protect you. It's only fair."

God, she always knew what to say.

I leaned down and kissed her, very softly. Brushing a curl of golden hair from her forehead, I looked at her gorgeous face, her bright blue eyes holding so much emotion in them. Nothing else needed to be said.

I held her close to me, making love to her slowly. I worshipped every inch of her body, treasured every part of her. She clung to me as we rode out our climaxes together, our bodies as close as could be.

It took every ounce of strength I had to leave her, if only for a moment. I cleaned up in the bathroom and returned with a warm washcloth for her. I finally settled back into bed, and she automatically curled herself around me. We drifted off to sleep almost immediately.

When I awoke the next morning, I was curled around Sookie's little frame. Sunlight was streaming in through the large windows, promising a nice day. I lazed for a moment, nuzzling my nose into Sookie's hair, when my eyes drifted over to the bedside clock.

SHIT!

The green neon digits shone 10:15. Which meant we had a little over a half hour before we needed to leave to meet my monster, er, mother.

"Sookie, wake up!" I spoke as loud as I dared, as I didn't want to give her a heart attack. She mumbled and yawned, stretching her body in a way that was not unlike a cat. The sheet slipped down past her waist, and I got an eyeful of glorious, perfect breasts.

Northman, you cannot fuck your girlfriend; you have no time. Down, boy!

"Lover, wake up, we're late! We have to leave in a half hour, we need to hurry-"

"What?" She bolted up and out of bed, suddenly full of energy, and dashed into the bathroom. I heard her call out, "I'll take my shower fast, and leave it running for you!"

I was now upright, sitting on the side of the bed, laughing at Hurricane Sookie, when she came dashing back into the bedroom. She flung herself at me, knocking me back onto the bed, and planted a big smooch on my lips. Giggling, she said, "Morning, baby!" before she dashed off again.

I still had a huge grin on my face as I got up to choose my clothes for the day, tossing them on the bed as I went. I pulled out dark jeans, and a light blue v-neck sweater, with a white t-shirt to go underneath. Simple, easy, certainly nothing too fancy. This wasn't brunch with the Queen, no matter how highly the woman thought of herself.

I headed into the bathroom just as Sookie was securing a fluffy towel around her body.

"Eric, what is it with us and oversleeping?" She questioned, disbelief on her face.

I quickly pecked her on the forehead and answered, "You just tucker me out, woman!"

I washed up quickly, exiting the shower in a record five minutes, surprised that Sookie was already dressed. She was fixing her hair into a ponytail, wearing a cute flowery dress in pink and white, with a white sweater and sandals. The outfit made her look oh-so innocent.

Truth be told, I was really happy she'd kept some clothes and things here. Not that I could say anything about it. I knew I was a sap a lot of the time with Sookie, but every now and then, I have to cough, spit and adjust my balls. I was a man, after all, dammit. Well, maybe not spit. Nobody needs that.

I threw my clothes on, then sat on the bed to put on my shoes. I quickly checked my messages on my phone, realizing there was one from the Shreveport PD, advising us to come down to the station this afternoon to see more about filing the restraining order. We agreed that after brunch, we'd stop by to get the order filed. Sookie was convinced he'd never really do anything, but we knew it was better to be safe than sorry.

By ten to eleven, we were in my car, on our way to the brunch from hell.

"Sookie?"

"Hmm?" She answered, still looking out the window.

I reached over to envelop her small hand in mine. "I'm going to apologize in advance for this. I'm not sure what my mother will have to say, but given how she's been with me, I don't think it can possibly be good."

She looked at me, giving me a reassuring smile. "Don't worry so much. Even if it's as bad as you say, I can handle myself. And if you're worried about what I THINK you're worried about... let me tell you something, Eric Northman. Nothing is going to scare me off. Not even a crazy mother-in-law." She looked surprised for a moment, knowing what she let slip out of her mouth. She turned beet red. "I mean... you know what I mean, right? Shit."

Good to know she was on the same wavelength as I was. That gave me something to be internally giddy over later.

"Yeah, I know," I said with a wink and a sly smile, bringing her fingers up for a kiss. She bit her lip and looked back out the window.

The River Rock Grill in the Shreveport Hilton was packed with people when we got there. We walked up to the hostess podium, and the waitress guided us to an out of the way table by the window, occupied already by my waiting mother.

"You're late," she said flatly as we walked up.

We weren't. It was exactly eleven. I rolled my eyes. "Lovely to see you, too, Mother. Must you be so charming?"

Miraculously, Sookie had a warm smile plastered on her face, as if determined to win the woman over.

"Mother, this is my girlfriend, Sookie Stackhouse. Sookie, this is my mother, Elsa Northman."

Sookie walked right up to her and stuck out her hand to shake it. My mother seemed almost surprised at this, and reluctantly took it.

"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Northman. What a lovely restaurant you picked." I grinned proudly at my girlfriend. She was so polite.

I pulled her chair out for her and settled her in before I sat down. My mother's eyes were darting back and forth between the two of us.

"My my, Sookie, you are a beautiful girl. Tell me, what is it you do?" She actually sat back and crossed her arms. This was an interrogation.

Sookie seemed to take it in stride. "Well, ma'am, I'm a writer, and I also work a couple nights a week at a bar owned by a friend of mine."

"You're a waitress?" Mother didn't even try to hide her disgust.

"No, ma'am, I'm a writer who likes to get out of the house and mingle with people a couple nights a week. I just happen to work in the bar so I can help the owner out, and see my friends in one fell swoop."

"How on earth do you make a decent living as a writer? I can't imagine making enough to survive. It leads me to believe your only intention in being with my son is for his money. And let me tell you, my darling, I won't have any of that. I won't have him involved with a gold digger!"

"Mother, that's ENOUGH," I started firing back, but Sookie put her hand on my arm to quiet me.

"Mrs. Northman, I assure you, I am certainly not after Eric for his money. He could be a poor as a pauper and I'd still love him just as much." She looked over at me with such warmth in her eyes, it calmed me right down. Of course, Mommy Dearest wasn't nearly done yet. Didn't they serve alcohol with brunch? Where the hell was it?

"I wish I could believe you, sweetheart, but let's face it. For someone who works in a BAR, the prospect of being taken care of can be quite alluring. I will not stand here and let some floozy come in and take advantage of family money!"

Sookie's face lost her smile. I was about to say something nasty to the she-devil in her defense, but she put her hand up in front of her, signalling for my mother to stop her tirade.

"First off, I am certainly no floozy. I was brought up by a Southern woman, Mrs. Northman. Do you know what that means? I was taught to be a lady, and to be independent and strong. Nothing in this world is handed to you, so I was taught the value of hard work. I could care less about Eric's finances, because I've taken care of myself by working hard my entire life.

"Tell me, are you familiar with the New York Times Bestseller list? Let me tell you something. I've gone to number one with my books FIVE TIMES now. I have an extremely lucrative career, my own nest egg, house, and car. In fact, I could retire tomorrow and still live comfortably for years to come. My grandmother taught me the value of a dollar, and she brought me up right. She also taught me to love with my whole heart, and I do that everyday, in every possible way.

"Can you even remotely say the same? I doubt that with every ounce of my being. In fact, from here, you seem like a petty, miserable person, who up and left her son when he needed her. Thank God he had a caring father to fill the void. And luckily for you, he grew up to be a wonderful man, who loves me and makes me feel special and appreciated, more than anyone ever has. I count my blessings everyday, and am thankful for Eric beyond the telling of it. So tell me... is there anything else you need to know?"

The look of shock on my mother's face was astounding. Remarkable. Wonderful! No one had ever put her in her place like Sookie just had. I was beaming with pride.

I turned to her, and casually said, "Lover, I think my mother is speechless. Tell me, would you like to get out of here?"

Without taking her eyes off my mother, now red with anger, Sookie calmly answered, "With pleasure."

With that, she put her hand in mine, and I helped her out of her seat.

Before we walked away, I leaned down to my mother, whispering, "As you can see, we put in a valiant effort. You didn't. Have a nice life."

Sookie took my arm, and leaned into me as we walked out of the Hilton together. One menace down, one to go.

A/N: Thanks for reading! Please, with cherries on top, remember to review! I just love it when you do. It doesn't take much to make me happy! :D xox