**********0***********

Chapter 21

**********0***********

SPOV

I roll over and try to open my eyes. But find that it's a little more trouble than I would think. When I finally do, I see that the shutters are still shut. I wonder why Eric didn't pull them back into place before he went down to his resting place.

After I think it, I have to laugh at myself. Of course he wouldn't pull them. Hello, still awake after dawn. Yeah Sookie, really intelligent you are in the morning. Not that I've had too many hours sleep. But I'm really not complaining. Oh and what a delight it was.

I look at the clock. It's well past noon. Goddess, I slept late. Well, I guess anyone would after the events of last night. Not to mention this morning, oh and that room under the club. Thinking about it brings back the memories. Smirking, I think back to how Eric and I ended the day and how wonderful he made me feel. Stretching, I feel the tell-tale signs of aches and pulls in many of my most intimate places this morning. But I'm loving every twinge. I feel like a woman very much loved and I can't wait to do it again and again…ugh! Susannah Aslin, you need to stop that train of thought this instant!

I throw the covers off and head to the bathroom. I notice that the light is on and Eric had left it open a crack. I can't help to swoon at his thoughtfulness. I'm sure he knew that I wouldn't want to rise in complete darkness.

I quickly move through a shower and throw my hair up in a twist before heading out to my closet. I pull on another bathing suit and grab a cover-up that I've never seen and know full well that I've never owned before. I look over the items that are hanging and the things in the drawers. There isn't too much but just enough of casual wear and a few dresses to get me through the next several days. Sally May must have gone shopping again last night after we left. I wonder where all my things are that Bobby was going to get and what has happen to them. I look around the room and see nothing that would resemble any bags or suitcases from the farmhouse. Perhaps they are still at the club or maybe they have been delivered but no one could get into the room. I'll need to talk to Sally May or Eric about this.

I trace my hand over a few new dresses that are the same line as the one she bought me the day before. I smile at the sweetness of her and remember that I will have to thank her.

I move back over to the bed and see that Eric has left me a note. I was hoping that I would wake with him this morning. However considering I fell to sleep finally well past sun-up, I think that wish is futile.

I pick it up and read his words.

My Darling Susannah,

Last night meant more to me than you will ever know. I believe that we will need to speak about what transpired during the Oath but I'm sure you can surmise that it wasn't your normal turn of events. Perhaps Vivianne and Dalia will have more insight into this.

Now, for what will transpire this evening.

We are expected at the club before midnight. A delegation will be there to take our statements on what happened at the warehouse and how we have come to know what they were in possession of. I or Tomas will brief you on how the questioning will go. However, all you will need to do is answer honestly and openly without giving away anything that you aren't directly asked. Remember that this delegation is from the Council, which Niall is a member of.

On this, Min Kara, I would like you to know that your documentation has been submitted to Council under the name: Sookie Stackhouse. Since that is the name you have gone by for some time and had used when we put the papers together. This is nothing, I assure you and once the information of your origins and lineage come to light, I'm sure Council will agree. If anything, know that there are those on the Council who already have knowledge of who and what you are. Their's as well as the word of both Fintan and Adele will go far in having them understand.

Once we have met with them, I will have Bobby and my attorney, Mr. Carlisle, put together an addendum to the initial documentation announcing your true identity. Though as of right now, Stackhouse is the only name that you are known by. This will keep you safe from Niall as well as others until you are revealed.

I am sure that you will want to use your given name soon enough. I beg you to allow us just a little while longer to solidify both our positions and to continue to keep you safe.

As for the rest of the day, please rest. We had a very active night and I assure you that tonight will be the same. Never mind what Fintan told us, I would still wish you to enjoy yourself today. The pool is ready for you and your handmaidens and I only ask that you are back in our suite by four this afternoon. I will be speaking with your guards later tonight regarding how to keep you guarded and when they will be able to enter our rooms.

I know I told you that we would see each other every morning. However, since you didn't fall asleep finally until well past dawn, I thought it more prudent that you sleep, especially since we know what is to come. I want you to be well, Min Kara. Holding you when you sleep and being the first thing you see upon rising is just as much a treat for me as it is for you. Do not fret, Min Kara. We will figure this and everything else out to make this desire a reality.

Know that you were the last thing on my mind and it took all my energy to leave you once the pull began. It wasn't an easy decision to leave you. However, I thought that perhaps your handmaidens and you may need access to our rooms this day. Otherwise, you would have woken once again in my arms.

Know that if you not in my arms, you are in my heart.

I love you, My Bonded.

Until I rise,

Eric

I tear up at his words. I don't know why. They are touching and full of love, but nothing to weep over. I close my eyes. I must remember that he doesn't leave me because he wants to but only because he has to.

A wave rolls over me and I suddenly feel a little dizzy. Bracing myself, I breathe in and out three times as I close my eyes and once again concentrate on my Bonded. I can feel the hum, the buzz and know that if I wished it, I could raise him from his slumber. But what good would that do for him or me? There is no reason I need him other than I miss him. He already rests well after sunup and is up well before sundown. This would be no different than having a man who went to work for the day. I'll just need to come to terms with this and be as brave as everyone thinks I am.

After a few minutes, I feel much better. The waves have stopped and I'm not attempting to will my body to calm down. Once I'm certain that I can move without vomiting all over the lovely floor, I Walk over to the nightstand and grab my phone that Eric so thoughtfully setup to charge. I check the messages. The first is from Tara.

"Hey honey," she says. "Girl, I heard what happened with Sam. He's madder than a hatter from what Laffy said. I'm sorry you had to deal with his form of crazy. Call me when you get a chance, okay. I want to hear all about your new man and what you are up too. I ran by your house yesterday on the way back from Reston but no one was home. Someone said that Gran went out of town but didn't know where. Guess I'll talk to you soon. Love you, honey."

I smile at my friend. Tara has had a really rough life. Truthfully, she is one of my only friends. She is strong, tough and usually scared out of her wits. When she finally got her act together and let the love of her life, JB Du Rone in, her life started to look up. She started her own little clothing boutique a year ago and I'm real proud of her. I'll need to find a way to see her soon.

The next message wasn't as welcoming.

"Sookie, where the Sam-Hill are you?" Jason yells into the phone. "I've been to the house, to Merlotte's and no one's seen ya since you high-tailed it out of there. You best be with Gran or I'll take you over my knee, you hear me little girl? If you are anywhere near that Vamp or any of his fangers, there will be hell to pay!"

He hangs up. I've got to remember to talk to Eric about this. It's not like we are going to be able to ignore Jason. He knows too much about me and has told too many people. I hope Eric will be kind and just glamour him. But I don't think we are going to be able to get away with that. If the Council or anyone else finds out that it was Jason who told the Fellowship about me; well, it won't go well.

The last call is one I didn't expect.

"You know you're in trouble, Sookie," Arlene says. "I knew when I saw you the other night that you were in over your head. There is more going on than you know. What can that Vampire do to you that got you to get all hot like that? Have you seen the news? Do you know what happen at the warehouse? That could be you next, Sookie. They're all killers. Just listen to me. The Reverend wants to help you. Just tell me where you are and we will come and get you. You need to listen to me. We want to protect and take care of you. Look, your Gran isn't around and I can only assume something bad has happened. Call me, Sookie. We will help you."

I look at the phone. Is she serious? The other night, she was willing to burn me, roast me or hang me out to dry. Now she's telling me that she wants to help me? Really, help me? She needs to help herself. Who were those people anyway? Where are her kids. Most importantly, why do I care? I sigh. Because she was my friend. Or I thought she was my friend. Guess you don't know about anyone, now do you?

Grabbing my sandals, I make my way back out into our room. Engaging the lock to open the doors, I walk out to see Dalia and Stefan standing by the door to the suite.

"Oh, my," I say and jump back a little. "Forgive me, I didn't expect you to be there."

I catch my breath and feel a little tingle in my hands. I try to calm myself. Neither of these two would do me any harm. The shock is what has startled me and nothing more.

"Lady Susannah," Dalia steps forward. "Please forgive us. We thought that you would sense us here." She says to me.

I shrug. I can sense them both clear as day if I think about it. I don't even need to drop my shields to know that they are in the room. "I…I must not have been paying attention."

"My Lady," Stefan bows. "We will need to work on that with you," he says. "We don't want you ever to be left unaware."

I look at him for a moment. He's right, of course. I am not only responsible for myself, but for Eric when he's down. We have guards and I'm sure there will be more. No doubt Eric is working with the witch, Amelia on some protective spells as well. However, when push comes to shove, I'm responsible for Eric just as much as he is for me. He relies on me to keep us safe and to keep my wits about me while he rests. I would expect the same from him.

But I should be able to be in my home and I should be able to have my guard down in my own bedroom, shouldn't I? There needs to be some place in our life that we can let our guards down. I sigh at myself. I'm being a stubborn child. I've had years to let my guard down. Those around me have sacrificed, some with their lives, so that I could grow up without much stress of what is out there. But it still isn't far. I need to squash these feelings. The days of being carefree and innocent are over. But, I can feel it inside me and know it will do no one any good to be so defiant.

Without saying a word, I nod to both of them and resign myself to act my age. All of my age and do what I know is to be done.

We head downstairs where I feel before I see Vivianne and Amelia. As we turn the corner I see them seated at the small table drinking some tea. Without looking, I sense someone in the kitchen and know without a doubt that it's Sally May.

"Well good day, m'lady," she says to me. "Did you sleep well?"

I nod and smile at her. "Oh Sally May, I love the new things you got me." I point down to the cover up and smile. "Oh and the dresses. They are so divine. I can't wait to wear them, thank you so much." I say to her.

She smiles at me. "Wasn't nothing, m'lady. Only a few things to start you up. I suspect you and your ladies over there are going to want to get a few things for what you and Mr. Northman are going to be required to attend." She smiles.

"I'm sure you're right. But thank you for what you've done. I'm relieved that I'll have something this evening to wear. I would have been concerned that I wouldn't do Eric proud."

"M'Lady, I suspect that you could go in tattered dungarees and work shirt and you would make the Sheriff proud." She says.

I smile at her kindness. "Sally May, do you know what happened to my things that Bobby was sent to retrieve?" I ask.

She nods. "We were just waiting on you to wake, miss. I'll have them brought to your room," she looks at me for a moment. "We will need to get working on filling this house with help soon." She says.

"Oh, well, I'll talk to Eric tonight and see what he wants to do."

She looks at me a little hesitant. I can tell that she wants to say something but the shake of her head tells me that she decides against it.

I open my shields.

Doesn't she know that she's the lady of the house? I think we are going to have a talk with Sheriff Northman and let him know. Sweet thing she is, I would think she's gonna need some direction. But her Gran looked to have all under control. I would suspect she would have clued her in on all of this. I'm gonna have to have words with these women. We can't have our Lady not know things. It just ain't proper.

"Ma'am?" She asks me.

"I'm sorry?" I shake my head.

"I asked if you would like something to eat? I was just going to start on lunch." She says.

"Oh, I'll wait," I say to her. "Maybe just a few crackers or something." I say to her.

"You feeling okay, Sookie?" Amelia looks at me.

I look to her as Sally May goes back into the kitchen. "Yeah, just a little off. I didn't eat much after we left here last night. I think I just may be hungry." I say.

She nods and looks to Vivianne.

I put on my smile and move to the two sitting at the table. Dalia has taken a position near my chair while Stefan has moved to stand by the door to the back patio. "Good morning," I say to them. "When did you get here? I'm sorry if you had to entertain yourself."

"Now, none of that," Vivianne stands and comes to escort me to a chair. "We are here for you. Not the other way around. You had a long night last night and I would suspect you barely got to sleep before dawn."

I smile thinking of my night once more. A shiver runs down my spine at the memory. How am I ever going to get through the day without my Vikings touch.

"Well that look sure tells me everything I need," she laughs. Her laugh only causes me to blush further.

The ladies laugh in unison and I see Stefan trying to stifle a smirk.

"Did you all enjoy the club last evening?" I ask. Deciding that a change of subject was in order.

Vivianne and Amelia both nod.

"Well, I'm delighted to hear that. I know Eric would be disappointed if you didn't have a good time."

Vivanne looks at me a little sideways. "Is something wrong, Vivi?" I ask her.

"Do you know that your accent isn't nearly as pronounced as it was yesterday?" She asks.

I think for a moment. I hadn't really noticed. "Perhaps you are just getting used to it."

She shakes her head and looks at Amelia. "No, it isn't that."

Amelia pats her friend's hand and looks at me. "It's still there. Just not as noticeable. Plus, I can hear something else in it. It's as if you've spent time abroad." She says. "Well you have, but you know…"

"Well considering it has been decades since I've been overseas, I wouldn't think it would have any bearing on my accent now. I think you two are just getting used to it." I nod my conviction.

Sally May brings me a few crackers and some warm herbal tea. I taste the tea and it's the best I've had in a very long time.

"Oh, that's good," I say to her. "What's in it?"

She smiles. "Just my own personal blend, M'Lady. You enjoy now." She says and returns to the kitchen.

I suggest that we take our party outside. One, I need to be in the sunshine. Two, I would like to be closer to the earth. I've no idea why, I just do.

Once we are all situated around the pool, Dalia leans forward to look me in the eye. "There is something on your mind." She says. It isn't a question.

I nod. "Well, Eric suggested I discuss a few things with you all this morning. It concerns what happened during the Oath last evening." I say to them.

They nod and I start describing what happened the previous night. I don't tell them everything because I'm not sure how much they are allowed to know. I got the distinct impression that an Oath given to a Sange Cap is not something that is common knowledge. I'll need to discuss this further with Eric.

"What was the energy you felt, Sookie?" Amelia asks.

"I can't explain it. I felt power all around us. It was coming through me and into Eric. But it didn't stop there. I felt it move to Tomas and Godric. Finally, I felt it dance around Stefan and Alcide." I look up at Stefan. "Did you feel it?"

He nods. "It was like a rope was tied to me and it was split like a fork tongue of a snake. Half was tethered to you and the other to the Sheriff. But it wasn't like I was divided. It was more like the rope split and came back together on the other side of the two of you."

"Did Alcide feel the same thing?" I ask him.

He nods.

"Sookie, Adele said you felt Eric wherever you appeared during your journeys. Is that correct?" Dalia asks.

I nod. "I would know exactly where he was. I think, if memory serves, this was the reason that my parents and grandparents decided to have us hide in Avalon." I say to them. "I wanted him so much, I think several times they caught me trying to call him to us."

Vivianne laughs. "I remember. You were so angry for quite awhile, Susannah."

I look at her and then another realization hits me. "You…you were there." I say.

She nods. "I was the one who suggested sending you to the reflection pool," she says. "You would only calm yourself if you could see your Viking once a day."

I get an instant flash of the reflection pool. Like the basin in Gran's room. This one would show me my heart. I remember Vivi taking me there not soon after we arrived. I was nearly inconsolable. She led me there and told me to say what I wanted. Seeing him wasn't the same, but it was all I could have at the time.

First my parents and grandparents allowed me to stay there for hours. Then I was limited in my time to an hour a day. They weren't trying to be cruel, but there was much for me to learn and do. They couldn't have me wasting away my days and nights on dreams and visions. It wouldn't be good for me. My mind at the time found it hard to pull away. My mind now, sees the wisdom in their thinking. Though, I do remember that no matter what else was transpiring, I was allowed my time at the pool.

I sigh. "I was a bit willful, wasn't I?" I ask.

Vivianne laughs. "That's putting it lightly. Though I for one could understand. You had been waiting for your Viking for so long. I dare say it was cruel for Patricia and Corbett to allow you time with him when he was a boy. I think that may have been harder on you then waiting until you were older and prepared to be with him."

I shake my head. "No, I wouldn't undo those memories for anything," I say quickly. "I treasure those moments we were together. I admit that until recently, any time those memories came to me, they were in the forms of dreams. But I would not change a thing, not anything." I admit it. If everything hadn't happen then I would not be here with Eric. I know it as well as I know the sun will set today. Some reason, Eric and I needed that time together. Regardless of how short it was. It connected us. I know it. But it still doesn't explain what happened at the Oath and I tell them so.

"Sookie, it is part of the reason for what happened last evening," Amelia says. "You and Eric have been connected to each other since the dawn of time. Connecting with him at such an early age, forged something between you."

"Lest we forget her marking. Goddess, I've never seen anything like that." Vivianne says. "I've known the Goddess to work in mysterious ways. But to have Eric mark you so…"

I instantly know that her thought process is incorrect. "NO." I shout at her. "It isn't Eric that marked me. It is I that marked myself for him."

"Are you telling me that you did that." Amelia points to the mark just over my heart.

I look down at it and smile. "In a way, yes. I offered myself to him. I wanted him to know me. I….I remember when he got his mark. It reminded me of Gran's books and I wanted Eric to know me again when he saw me." I say. "I wore my pendant then," I look off out to the lake. I can see him as clear as day. "I would hold my pendant up to his mark and it would fit. The two was the mark on Gran's books," I look at them. "It…it was us," I say softly.

"So you're telling us that the only reason you have that was for Eric?" She asks.

I shake my head. "Well, no, it was, well, us?" I shrug. "I don't know how to explain it." I look down to my mark on my hand. "It's like this," I point to it. "Gran had it, Momma had it. I wanted one. So it came." I shrug again.

I look at them. I don't know how to explain it any better.

"You wanted Eric too," Vivianne says.

I nod. "I wanted him so badly. I didn't know how to get to him," I say softly.

"You knew last night," Dalia says. "Do you know what happened?" She asks.

I shake my head. "I know that I joined with Eric in some way. I just…." I look at all three of them. "When…when Eric and I were bonding, even before we finished, I felt connected to him. Now with the Oath, I felt…" I trail off. I know it's on the tip of my tongue or on just this side of a memory and it won't come to me.

"Lady Susannah, don't try so hard," Dalia says. "It is something you know, I understand that. But you are finding it hard to put into words."

I nod at her and she smiles. "You are a combination of many beings. Each with their way of connecting, mating and bonding." She says to me. "I suspect that when you and the Sheriff connected the first time, it was of the connection brought on by your Fae roots. Those of Air and Water Fae choose their life mates and bind them with their powers. I believe that you would have felt a connection, similar to a chord attaching your soul to his." I nod and she smiles. "Then when you found each other again, the cord felt more of steel surrounding the both of you." I nod once more. She nods in return. "Okay, that is similar to the bond created by a handmaiden and her chosen mate." She turns to Vivi who nods in agreement with her.

"Susannah," Vivi says. "Both Fae and Handmaidens require stages to solidify their union. I believe as does Dalia that the blood Oath was the sacrifice needed to complete a Handmaiden Joining. That is why you received such a response. It was the way of the Goddess. When you and your Vampire completed your Bonding, you were well on your way to complete your Fae connection. When you and your Viking Pledge, it will join you through thought, heart, soul and deed. You will not only be joined by Vampire Law, but by Fae as well. The Goddess has allowed her mark on you and granted your desire to be marked by Eric. Once you complete your journey, none in any realm will debate or rebuke your connection to one another."

"But what about the daemons?" I ask her. "What do they say?" I ask.

"A bond between two of my kind is very rare." Dalia pauses with a look on her face that seems wanting. She steels her expression and looks back at me. It's only been a moment. But in that moment, I've seen more of Dalia than I expect she wanted me too. "Daemons are different. It isn't one thing that occurs. It just, well, when we see it, we know it." She nods. "As a female, we make our intentions known. If the male is willing, then it's done." She says. "But it happens so rarely that many don't recognize it when it happens."

I sit back for a moment. "Well, with me being a total collage of Supes, it's no wonder Eric and I keep getting these little jolts of power and connection every time we turn around," I say with a little laugh.

"Susannah," Vivi says to me. "You are blessed beyond measure, you know this, don't you?" She asks.

I smile and nod. "I know," I say. "I can't believe all that's happened. It's like every faerie tale come to life.

She laughs. "My girl, you are the original faerie tale. You are what we all dream of when we think of a happy ever more." She smiles.

I sigh. "Yes, but my happy ever more, is still a long way away. I'll settle for a happy minute, hour or moment at this point. Eric and I have a lot of work ahead of us," I turn to the three women. "You understand what is happening." They all nod. I sigh. "I know what you all said last night and I know that an Oath of Life is a serious matter." They all go to speak but I put up my hand and stop them. "I will release you from your Oath if you wish it. I don't want anyone to feel obligated to be here. I know that the next, well, however long it takes is going to be tough. I don't want any of you to get hurt. If you want to go, I'll not stop you."

They are all silent for a moment.

Vivi stands and moves in front of me. "Lady Susannah, I know the risk. There is no other place I would want to be. The Goddess leads, so I follow. She has given my hand to you. I'm your maiden to will," she bows before me.

Dalia stands and positions herself beside Vivi. "M'Lady, years past, I came to stand with your mother, your grandmother and father. I swore then to protect you and protect you I shall. No others matter to me and no life is more meaningful than yours. Your Viking has waited a millennium for you. I've waited twice as long. I am here to guard, to teach and to be your maiden to will." She too bows.

Amelia moves to stand on the other side of Vivi. "Lady Susannah," she begins. "Your coming to us was foretold through generations and generations of my people. Whispers and shadows of what is to come have been things that witches have thought on and proselytize about since the dawn of creation. I'm your maiden to will as the others before me. I am here to guide, to learn and to witness. I'm yours M'Lady. Do with me as you see fit." She too bows.

I look at the three women for a moment. I'm about to tell them to stand. That I'm nothing to bow to. Then I hear a whisper in the wind.

They are yours, My Precious One. Rule them as the Queen you are. Learn what you need to protect you and your Viking. Be what we all know you can be.

I blink and look at the three women again.

"So her light shines on me, so shall it on all of us. I pray that I'm worthy of such loyalty. I am honored to call you handmaidens and friends. Blessed be." I say.

They all stand. "Blessed be," they say in unison.

After our little re-pledging you could say, Sally May comes out with lunch. She has made delicious turkey sandwiches. The likes of which, I've never tasted before. I tell her as much and she smiles.

"Thank you, M'Lady," she nods. "I'll have dinner ready before you need to go to the club this evening. I'll also make up a snack and show Dalia where it is. You will need to eat. Keep your strength up," she says and returns to the kitchen. We all finish our sandwiches and talk about things that will be coming up.

"Sookie, we will need to shop," Amelia says. "There are some things we can get in town but I would suspect you will need more. When are you traveling?" She asks.

I shake my head. "I don't know. I've not checked my email yet today, but I don't think we will be going for a few days yet. Eric said that we will most probably need to meet with Council. The delegation will be here tonight to deal with this whole mess. But I think there is more going on than just Bill and his stupid database." I huff.

I move to get into the pool and the others follow except for Amelia.

"Where's your computer, Sookie?" She asks.

"Oh, in the kitchen, I think. If not there, then the study. I've not gotten a chance to work on it yet. I've been so busy." I say and lean on the side of the pool.

I watch as Amelia goes and fetches it and some notes that Bobby left with it. Soon she has it turned on and has my email up.

"Well, nothing much yet. But I'm sure that once other Supes find out about you, then Eric will get many other Monarchs and Sange Caps calling on you to assist them." She says. "Right now, I think the biggest issue will be this thing with Council."

I nod and huff again.

"Sookie, it will be alright," Vivi says. "Adele and Fintan will be there. No one will dispute who you are."

I shake my head. "Not what is concerning me." I say to her.

"Then what?" She asks.

"Niall," is all I say.

"He won't get near you," I hear Stefan say from the door. "You can count on that."

I smile at him. I may not know Niall. But I know what he can and has done. He isn't going to be easy to defeat or put in his place. Not by a long shot.

"Eric said that my name was listed with Council as Stackhouse. That should give us some time. I wouldn't think that Niall would know where I've been. Otherwise he would have come for me long before now."

Everyone nods in agreement.

We swim around until, Dalia comes to sit by the side of the pool. I can tell that there's something on her mind and it isn't the weather.

"Sookie, have you discussed what happened at the warehouse with the Sheriff?" She asks.

I Swim over to her and hold onto the side. "You mean after we left?" I ask.

"That, among other things," she says.

I shrug. "Well a little. I know that Eric needed the situation taken care of. I know that they got the database and I think Godric stayed behind to see after the clean up."

She nods. "It's been on the news. The warehouse went up in flames and the bodies weren't recovered." She says.

"How do you feel about that?" Amelia asks.

I turn to look at her, still perched on a chaise lounge with my computer in her lap.

"Well, I don't like the idea of anyone dying. But it really wasn't my call. Eric has to remain strong. Not only for me and him, but for everyone in his bloodline. He can't appear weak. The Fellowship needs to know that they aren't dealing with some guy that's just going to cower in the corner. Eric needed to send a message," I say softly.

"So you condone what he did?" Amelia asks again.

"It's not a question on whether I condone it or not," I say. "We aren't human. If the fellowship is going to mess with us and the government and police aren't going to do anything about it, then it's up to Eric to defend us." I say.

She nods at me and turns her attention back to the computer.

I look at Vivi and Dalia. "I'm not wrong, am I?" I ask them.

"No," Dalia says.

"It's not a matter of right or wrong. It's more of where your head is at." Vivi elaborates. "If you were all up in arms, we would have to have a discussion about the differences between well, Humans and us. But you seem to have that part down."

I smile. "I remember just about everything, Vivi. I lived with Supes longer than humans. In fact, even when we were on the run, or hiding, or whatever we were doing, we seemed to always surround ourselves with other types of creatures."

She nods. "We tend to do that. Even with the Reveal of the Vampires, the rest of us still feel comfortable around others like us."

I decide to table that conversation for another time. I know that Vivi and Dalia have lived a long time. Longer than me, actually. I'm curious how they stayed hidden in plain sight as it were. But for now, I need to get back to what Dalia was referring to.

"Is there something else I should have heard from Eric?" I ask her. I know that Eric promised he would never lie to me. Doesn't mean that he won't keep things from me when he feels it's warranted. I may hate it, but it's part of who and what he is. I'll have to accept it.

"No, I was just wondering how you handled the whole thing and what happened with the fellowship?" She asks.

"Well," I look around. "I didn't expect to see Arlene there. I most certainly didn't expect her and her so called love of her life, being the ones that were talking to the Reverend about me. Most importantly, I didn't think she would be so hateful and cruel." I say to them. "They preach love and joy and then want to hurt and kill. I mean, what kind of examples are those?" I ask.

"Sookie, this isn't the first time that people have blindly followed someone because they said it was "God's Law." Vivi says. "These types of people are sheep," she says.

I turn to her. "Eric called them and others sheep too." I say.

She nods. "Of course," she says. "Anyone who just blindly follows is sheep. The Reverend Newlin is just the most recent leader of these sheep."

I nod. "Yeah I know," I say softly.

"What's bothering you?" Dalia asks.

Amelia had closed the laptop and came closer to the side of the pool.

I tell them about my brother's involvement. How mean he has been and that I know that he's involved with the Fellowship, the same as Arlene. I then tell them about my messages and what they both said.

"M'Lady," Stefan says. "Do you still have the messages on your phone?" He asks.

I nod. "I was going to tell Eric about them when he rose," I say to him. "The phone is on the table," I say and point to where I left it.

He nods and goes to retrieve it. He quickly pulls out his own phone and makes a phone call. I presume it's to Alcide, but I can't be sure.

"Sookie, you realize that your brother is a big problem." Dalia says.

I nod. "Yeah, but we have to deal with this delegation tonight and the Council. Not to mention Niall and goodness knows what else. I just didn't think he was first and foremost right now."

"Sookie," Dalia moves closer to me. "Your brother has a lot of information on you. Granted, it's only since you were five and a lot of it he doesn't understand, but he still is a walking, talking encyclopedia on Sookie Stackhouse. Now granted Susannah Brigant is unknown to him or the Fellowship. But if the Reverend's people start digging into you, they are going to come up against a wall that they aren't going to understand." She looks at Stefan who nods and returns to his phone call. "We need to find out what he told the fellowship and we need to know fast." She says.

I think on that for a moment. Goddess, Jason has done it again. Since he came to us, he's been making my life miserable. He's done everything in his power to hurt me. Even when I tried to be a good sister, he would throw it back in my face.

I can feel myself getting heated.

"Sookie," Vivi says softly. I look at her but she isn't looking at me, she's looking at my hands. I look down and they are starting to glow blue around the edges. "Honey, if you want to practice your light magic, come out of the pool. We've no idea if it's electrical or not."

I look at her in confusion. I hadn't thought about my lights as she called them as anything other than beams of concentrated light. Could they be electric. Yeah, question number one hundred and one on the day's list.

I close my eyes and take slow breaths again. Trying to find anything that would calm my nerves. Finally I rest on Eric and slowly I start to come back to myself.

Both women smile at me and they stop the question and answer session. I guess that's good. I don't want to hurt anyone or myself for that matter because I don't know how to control my anger.

After swimming around for a bit longer, Vivi and Dalia instruct me to get out and move over to the grass near the lake. A towel is placed under me and as soon as I sit down, I place both me hands and feet in the grass. I close my eyes and feel a wonderful sensation.

"What do you feel, Sookie?" Dalia asks.

"Peaceful," I say to her.

"Good," she says. "Now I want you to breathe. In through your nose and out through your nose."

I do what she says. Soon I can almost feel the rhythm in the lake in front of me. I feel the water moving with my breath. As if I'm willing it to move.

"Open your eyes, Sookie. But don't stop breathing." Vivi says.

I do what she says and look at the water. Just like in my mind's eye, I see the water moving with my breath.

"Call something to you," Vivi says.

"What?" I ask. But it doesn't feel like I actually said it.

"Something alive," I hear from somewhere beside me.

I think about how beautiful the flowers by the edge of the water would look with butterflies flying around. Within a span of two heartbeats, I see several butterflies floating down and resting near the flowers.

"How pretty," I say, again knowing it's not out loud.

As if the butterflies can hear me, they move closer to me. One landing on my leg, the other my foot. While still another floats down to rest on my shoulder.

I smile at all of them.

"Thank you for coming to visit me," I say in my mind speak. "You can go home now."

All of them move in unison and move father down toward the water and out into separate directions.

I close my eyes and feel the ground, the heat, the energy and thank it for coming to see me as well.

When I move my hands, I release my connection to the ground. I turn to see both Vivi and Dalia smiling at me.

"How did I do?" I ask.

Vivi smiles. "You used to do the same thing when you were little. You loved to play with butterflies. You said it reminded you of sprites and pixies."

I remember running through fields and playing with several butterflies and fireflies.

I smile at both of them. Felling calm and centered for the night's events.

I'm about to ask them if I should try anything else when I suddenly feel Eric and know that he's up.

I quickly excuse myself and run for the stairs. I can sense that Stefan and Dalia are close behind, but stop at the door to the rooms and allow me to enter on my own. I scan the room, but know that he's still down in his safe room. I hit the switch on the shutters, knowing that Sally May must have open them earlier and head to the closet and to the hidden elevator. I almost want to try to move to him but decide against it. I would hate for Eric to get startled by my instant presence. How do I know I can pop to him? Well I just know.

The doors open and I run to the safe door. Putting in my code, I hear it disengage and I pull it open and run in.

"I will speak to you soon," I hear him say as I watch the phone he's holding, close.

Before I can ask him who he was speaking to, he has me up in his arms and I'm being flown to the bed. With a wink, he has me on my back and is brushing his hand over the side of my face and down my arm.

"You smell of sunshine, Min Kara," he says as he begins to kiss down my neck as he makes quick work of my bikini straps.

"Eric, I missed you so much," I say to him.

Kissing down me, he is soon between my legs and laying kisses on my most intimate of parts.

"Eric," I moan to him. "I…OH…"

"I love the way you say my name, say it again," he says as he returns to his ministration.

"Eric, my King, own me," I say softly.

He changes position and before I know it, he's using mouth, fingers and goodness knows what else at a speed that even Vampires would be envious of.

I hear screaming and something in me tells me that it's me, screaming Eric's name.

Before I can completely come down, Eric is up and over with me straddling him.

The feeling of his sheathed inside me is absolutely without question the best feeling in the world.

"Move, Min Kara," he says in a growl. "Show me how much you missed me."

I growl right back at him and start to move. The feeling within me is so intense, I've no idea where my emotions stop and his began. Somewhere in the recesses of my mind, I hear a small voice saying I should be concerned about that. My libido and other parts of me tell that voice to shut up.

I feel myself closing in on him quicker than I would expect. With every downward thrust I make, Eric meets me mid way with one of his own.

"You…Eric…." I moan at him as I increase my ministration. I move one way and then the next which results in another growl from my Viking.

I smile. "You…you like that?" I ask him between thrusts. Repeating the same motion, Eric lifts up to a sitting position with our chests rubbing against one another. My pert nipples rubbing against his steely chest. Without thinking I press my chest to his and feel the surge between us when my mark meets him.

We both release with a shout and growl that just spurs us both on. In the midst of everything, I lean in and bite his neck and he does the same to me. Which just sends us both back over the edge in a blast of colors, light, heat and Goddess knows what else.

It could have been minutes, hours, even days later when I come back to myself. Still straddled on Eric with him still buried inside me.

I pant, trying to catch my breath. Suddenly I feel Eric's heart thump once, twice and a third time.

I look up into his eyes and smile. I love feeling his heart.

"Three beats," I say to him.

He pulls me closer. "You literally make my heart sing, Min Kara."

"Only for me?" I smile at him again.

Kissing me softly. "Only for you."

He moves us both and moves me into the center of the bed. This time when he enters me, it is slow and steady. Still strong, but the passion has changed into something else. The need is still present. It's just something more.

Several times over the next hour, I feel his emotions as well as his heart. It does something deep inside me that I never thought possible. The emotions are so intent that words will never do it justice. I fall into the emotions and bask in it for all that it's worth.

***0***

BPOV

"I demand to know what is going on." I scream at the guards. Well scream may be an over exaggeration. I've not been able to speak since yesterday when Northman left. The combination of the torture and lack of blood has left me very drained. I hate to admit that I'm still in need of fresh blood every day. I'm used to it. I've never had to go without and now I've been deprived for several days. My body is feeling the effects of such treatment.

Not soon after dusk, I awoke still chained to the wall. The silver has now burned severely into my skin. Even with the leather strapping over the cuffs, it hasn't prevented much. I look at my arms and growl as best I can at what I see. Northman will pay for such treatment. I'm an agent of the Queen. No way she will stand for this. When she's through with Northman, he will be on his way to his final death. I'll glean favor from her for giving her a reason to rid her kingdom of him and perhaps I will not have to resort to any further actions.

I look back at the guards. When I woke, two Were animals were standing guard over me. They are such vile creatures. Sophie only uses them for manual and menial labor. That is all they are really good for anyway.

The guards were soon replaced with two Vampires. One I'd seen before. The other I hadn't.

I attempt again. "Where is Northman?" I ask. "I demand to see him at once. If you two knew what was good for you, you would release me before I report to our Queen you were in on such cruelty to her faithful servant."

Neither of them moved. If I didn't see them, I would think they were possible in my imagination. Perhaps they are. Maybe the lack of blood has left me delusional. I've never heard of such a reaction to starvation in a Vampire. But it could be possible.

I look back and forth between them again. "Are you listening? Following Northman is suicide. The Queen will have you all dust on the ground for your blind obedience to an arrogant Sheriff. I'm warning you. You will not survive this. I promise to request leniency if you let me down now."

They said nothing. I close my eyes and try to find any kind of relief from the pain I now feel. There is nothing. I reach out to find the soft, warm feeling of my maker. It's faint, but I feel it. Pulling it closer I try to wrap it around me. But as quickly as I feel it, it's pulled away and the feeling of an iron door comes crashing down around me.

My eyes spring open and I know that red tears are streaking my face. Realization hits me. I'm alone.

***0***

SPOV

Not soon after our last coupling, I feel his emotions change. I know we will need to get up soon. There is much to do and I'm sure a few things will need to be done before we leave for the club.

With great reservation, I move away from him and grab my things, reading myself to leave.

Eric is right behind me, except he's stripped the bed and grabbed our slewed clothes on our way to the door. Silently, he enters the code and we make it back up to our rooms.

Placing the discarded clothes and linens in the hamper I didn't even know was there, he pulls me with him to the bathroom.

I feel a wave roll over me. Stopping in my tracks I put a hand on my tummy and another on the door frame. Eric is at my side in an instant.

"Are you unwell, Min Kara?" He asks.

As quickly as the wave came, it leaves.

I nod. "Yeah, I'm fine," I say to him. "I haven't eaten since lunch and you gave me quite a workout. I'm going to need to eat soon."

He looks at me and I can feel the concern, no worry in the bond. "I shouldn't have taken so much blood." He says.

I put the hand that I had on my tummy to his chest. "No, it's not that. I just have to remember to eat, is all. It's nothing to worry about Eric. I'm fine now."

He helps me over to the counter and lifts me up to sit down while he gets the shower ready. I look longingly at the tub and I know he can feel my need.

Eric turns and pulls me into his arms and holds me close. "We will have time later for some soak time, Min Kara." He says softly.

I hope he's correct.

I follow as he leads me into the shower. I know we don't have much time so any more 'funny business' is going to have to wait until later.

We make quick work of washing each other and are out within ten minutes. Eric kisses me and leaves me to get myself ready while he goes to dress.

When I come out, I see that he's chosen and charcoal gray suit with black silk shirt and shoes. Two buttons undone at the collar and no tie. Yummm, I can kiss his neck anytime I please.

He turns and smirks at me as he sends me the lust I'm sending him.

"What?" I ask him.

"I can feel you," he says.

I nod. "That's the point, isn't it?"

He laughs and moves over to me as I finishing tying my dress. It took me a minute to figure it out when I put it on. It is a soft rose with a full skirt that ends at my knees. The top is two pieces that drape from the waist over my shoulders, crossing in the back and coming back around to tie at my waist. I check the bow and slip into the nude sling backs that are on the floor.

I smile to see that most of my things have been hung in the closet. What little jewelry I own is in a little built in draw by my unmentionables.

"That dress is beautiful on you." Eric says and pulls me toward him.

"Isn't it?" I ask. "Sally May got it for me. I think I'm going to need a few things if we need to meet with people like the delegation," I say. I mentally go through what is in my checking account and figure that once I start working as Eric's telepath, then I'll have more.

"I'll make arrangements to have credit cards issued to you, Min Kara. You and your handmaidens will be able to shop till you drop as they say." He moves to get a set of cufflinks. I notice that they hold the same seal as on his back and the outer seal of the marking on my chest.

"Eric you don't have…"

He moves quickly and puts his hand over my mouth. "Min Kara, we are bonded. Soon we will be pledged and as soon as we can, I'll marry you according to human custom. What is mine is yours, now."

I shake my head. "Eric you don't…"

He kisses me to stop what I'm sure he knows will be an argument. The kiss is a thorough kiss. It almost makes me forget what I was thinking, almost.

When he releases me, he touches the side of my face. I lean into it. His touch is just about as intimate as anything else he does to me.

He brushes his thumb over my cheekbone. "We are one, Min Kara. We have waited lifetimes to be together. I've created a fortune fitting a queen, and now I have her." He kisses me again. "Let us not squabble over this. You will not win and I will not yield. My entire life has been working toward our future. Is it not proper for a husband to provide for his wife and family?" He asks.

I shrug. "Yes but…"

He cuts me off again. "Do you not consider me worthy to give to you what any creature would give to his mate? Susannah even the creatures in the jungles and forests provide for their mates. I am no less willing to do so than a mountain lion or leopard would be. Allow me the honor of being your mate in every way I may."

"But Eric, mountain lions and leopards don't go on shopping trips," I say to him.

He smiles. "No, but none will be Queen some day, either." He says to me. "None will be having meetings with other Monarchs and Vampires that hold to propriety and ritual. You will be seen as mine and as such most will expect you to look a certain way."

"So you're saying that I have to dress better than I do?" I ask him. Starting to get a little defensive. I know it's childish but he basically said I need to dress to impress. I know that. But no one likes to hear that their clothes are garbage.

"Min Kara," he says and brushes down my arms. "You always look beautiful. You are the most radiant creature I've ever laid eyes on. You looked like a summers day the moment you walked into Fangtasia. What you wrap yourself in will only emphasize what is already there. Nothing will change that." He pauses for a moment. I want to argue more but he continues. "We have the means and the capability to live, dress and enjoy our lives as we see fit. You will be my Queen, Susannah and I wish to treat you as one."

I gulp and nibble on my bottom lip. "You really think I'll be Queen?" I ask him.

He pulls me over to sit by him on the cushioned hassock in the middle of the closet.

"Sookie, you know this as much as you know anything. I'm not sure of the entire prophecy but I do know that it includes me rising to the throne."

I nod. "Yes, but I'm not a Vampire," I say to him.

He kisses me softly. "No, but you are immortal. You are my Bonded and soon Pledged." He says. "You

WILL be my Queen."

At the words Immortal, I think of my parents. I'm not immortal. I can be killed. Granted, I'm tough stock and it wouldn't be easy. But something or someone had killed my parents. Someone had killed my great grandmother and countless others. No, I can be killed. That alone is a danger to Eric.

"What has you so concerned?" He asks. "Goddess, how I wish sometimes that I had your ability. For nothing else but to see what is going on in that beautiful head of yours." He brushes a few hairs out of my face and looks down at me. "But until such time, if ever, she grants me such a gift, tell me Min Kara. What has you worried."

I swallow again. "Eric, I'm all these things," I roll my hand around. "But I'm not immortal. Something killed my parents. Someone killed my great grandmother. I can be killed. That knowledge alone is scary. But to think that someone could use my demise against you. Eric, that is…."

He touches my lips again with his fingers. "You worry on things that don't deserve your attention, Min Kara."

"But…."

He shakes his head. "No," he pauses. "Think Susannah," he puts his hands on both sides of my face. "What is different about your parents and yourself?" He asks.

I look at him for a moment. I don't really understand what he's saying.

He smiles. Probably because he feels my confusion. "What is the difference between who your parents were and who you are?"

I think on his question for a moment. What makes me different? Well other than the obvious. I mean what is the difference? Daddy was Fae and part handmaiden. Momma was Fae Dae and Handmaiden. I'm the product of them. So I inherited all of their traits. Including their DNA.

I sigh. "Okay, so, I'm all the things my parents were. But Eric, Handmaidens are supposed to live for a really long time. My parents both perished."

He pulls me close. I know he feels the emotions welling inside me, waiting to come to the surface.

"Susannah, you are everything your parents were and then some. Yes, handmaidens are supposed to live close to eternity. Your mother, shouldn't have perished. Something destroyed both of them. I promise you that I will find out what happened to them. But you are missing one important piece."

I look at him, again in a state of confusion.

"Me, Min Kara," he says softly. "You have me. You are my Bonded. We have joined in more ways than one. You are to be my pledge and you take my blood on consistent intervals. You my dear Susannah, are as close to immortal that you can get. You may be injured but I doubt that even what killed you parents would harm you."

"But how can you be so sure?" I ask him.

He touches my face. "I just do."

We sit there for a few moments before we get up and I head to the bathroom to finish my make up and hair. Looking down, I realize I'm almost out of lipstick. I'll need to head out at some point to get some more.

"Min Kara, something disturbed you when you rose. I felt something in the bond early and then later I felt some other disturbing feelings coming from you." He says from our bedroom.

I drop the tube of mascara I had in my right hand, while the left threw the applicator into the sink and I ran out to Eric.

"You felt that?" I ask him.

He nods. "Imagine my surprise when I became aware and felt you. It didn't last long and then I felt other feelings so I was drawn back into my slumber. I thought this too, may be something else related to our bonding. But do not deflect the question. What upset you?"

I tell him about the messages I received and then the conversation with the girls.

Eric rises and comes to stand in front of me. "You say Stefan has your phone?" He asks.

I nod. "He didn't give it back to me yet, so I assume he still has it." I say to him. I pause and then decide to plunge right in. "Eric, what are we going to do about Jason?" I ask him.

He takes my hand in his. "Let us deal with the delegation first and see where everything stands. I most probably will get orders to apprehend any and all that put me, the state and my retinue in harms way. That includes you," He says and kisses me.

I smile as he continues. "Then we will go from there. But make no mistake, Min Kara. Any that try to harm you will meet the broad side of my sword."

I had no doubt in my mind that he was telling the truth.

***0***

Jason's POV

I walk into Merlotte's and see Clive and Dexter were sitting in a booth. I walk over to both of them and sit down. Neither of them looks particularly happy. I had gotten a phone call this morning telling me that things didn't go well last night and I should try to get in touch with Sookie and have her meet me somewhere.

I called and left a message but I didn't hear back. I even took a run back out to the farmhouse. Her and Gran were nowhere in sight. Hoyt told me that his Momma had said that Gran went out of town. Hope Sookie had the good sense to go with her. If she's with that Vampire she's gonna be in a world of hurt.

"What's going on?" I ask both me.

"Had trouble the other night," Clive said. "We had that blond Vampire. But…"

"You had him? What do you mean you had him?" I ask.

"You see the news?" Dexter asks.

I nod. I'd seen the news. What of it.

"You see that a warehouse went up in smoke?" Clive asks. I nod again. "Well, we had people in there. I..well me and Arlene got out before things went real bad but." He looks around.

"But what?" I ask.

"Your sister. She…"

"What about my sister," I growl at them. "Was she with that Vamp?"

Clive nods and I can feel my blood pressure rising. That girl never knew how to mind.

"That ain't the point." Clive interrupts my mental scolding of my idiot sister.

"Well what's the point?" I ask him.

"Look, I don't really know what happened. All I know is one minute me and Arlene had her by the arms. The next, she was burning and we let go. Then all hell broke loose. I don't really know what happened. But there were like five people left in the warehouse and no one seen them since."

"Well….well, call the cops or something. Tell them what you know." I say to both of them.

They shake their heads. "And say what, Jason?" Dexter asks. "That we've been trying to catch Vampires and one got mad?"

I shrug. "Look, I don't know what you tell them. All I know is that you had him and you let him go. What about the one on the other side of the cemetery from my farmhouse?" I ask them.

"We went looking in there the other day for more stuff. Guess that's where they found the database. Looks like he cleared out. They couldn't find hide nor hair of him and they sat on the place well after dark. If he was in there, he knew we were outside. He never came out." I say.

"Well smoke him out," I say. "Like they did to that group in Charlotte." I had heard on the news that a house was found to have five or six Vampires in it. Someone had set fire to it during the day and took them all out. It was a beautiful sight according to the good Reverend.

"We are thinking about it. But Reverend Newlin is out at his compound. We are waiting for the go ahead." Clive says. "After the warehouse, we don't want to put any more suspicion on us then there already is."

I shake my head. "So what you need me to do?" I ask.

Clive looks at Dexter and then back at me. "You speak to Sookie yet today?" Clive asks.

I shake my head. "No, I don't know where she is. I left a message but no answer." I say.

"Well call her again," He says.

Just then, Lafayette walks by on his way to the back room.

"Hey Laf, you spoke to Sookie lately?" I ask him.

He looks at me with a real confused look on his face. "What you talking about?" He asks.

"Sookie, have you seen her?" I look around. "She ain't in today."

Lafayette looks at me again. "Jason Stackhouse, stop wasting my time. I need to get back to the kitchen and have no time for your fool questions."

He turns and walks away.

I look back at Clive. I shrug. "Maybe he is still mad about the conversation she and I had."

Clive looks at me kind of weird like he's been thinking of something else or something. He's got this real far off look on his face. I shrug and look back to the both of them.

"So, what are we gonna do now?" I ask Clive.

"We wait." He says.

***0***

EPOV

I take Sookie's hand and lead her out of our rooms and down to the kitchen. There still isn't any furniture and Sally May seems to be doing everything in the kitchen. Our household has tripled in the last few days. I must remember to speak to Sookie not only about the decorator but about hiring help as well. I'm sure her handmaidens as well as Sally will help her. But this needs to be done. Since my Bonded will soon be my Pledged, the house is hers to rule. I will need to also find time to talk to her about the security and rooms. By Thor's hammer do we have much to attend to.

We are greeted by Sookie's Handmaidens, Stefan, Alcide, Tomas and Godric as we come into view. Sally May makes quick work of ushering Sookie over to sit with the women and eat. I question Stefan and Alcide as to their dinner. But they, as well as Sally May, assure me that they've already eaten.

I nod and walk with the men toward my study. Sookie will be some time and I wish to get an update about the day's events.

I sit down and the others follow suit.

I nod to Alcide who has several folders in his hand.

He places them before me and begins to speak. "Eric, Stefan informed me of the messages that were left on Lady Susannah's phone. I immediately dispatched several Weres to do recon." I nod and he continues. "Jason Stackhouse was found at his worksite a little after four this afternoon. It seems that since he's the supervisor, he really only sits in his chair and reads the paper." I open the first folder to see pictures with date and time stamps of the vermin. Alcide continues. "I just received a call that Stackhouse met up with two others just over an hour ago at Merlottes. We are tracking down the info on the other two."

I look up at him. "I'm certain that they will be Fellowship. Perhaps speak to Sookie on this. She's seen them both."

Alcide nods and continues. "As of right now he's at the bar. He did go to speak to Sam Merlotte at one point. But when he returned, he didn't look any happier. Don't think Merlotte told him anything good." He says. "The other one, Arlene Fowler is a piece of work. She's had three husbands and Rene Lanier who just went missing would have been number four. Apparently, someone left a box of video tapes at the local precinct that implicates Lanier for the murder of at least two women. Rene hasn't been seen in a few days and our recon heard her talking to someone on the phone saying that she's afraid to go the police. Evidently, they came to question her this morning. When she said she didn't know where he was, they left."

I shrug. "Let them chase their tail on that one," I say.

Realization forms over his face. He nods and continues. "She has two kids, ages seven and nine. She owns a car and very little else. She's worked for Merlotte for nine years and just recently got involved with the fellowship," he pauses. "Recon got to her at Merlottes. Other than several phone calls taken in corners and outside and her grumbling about not being appreciated for the good waitress she is, nothing. I've got the Recon sitting on both of them. If they get near the Fellowship or that Reverend, we'll know about it."

I nod and turn to Godric and Tomas. "Any idea on how this will all go down this evening?" I ask them

Godric shakes his head. "I would assume it will be quick. Liken it to a human police interview."

I scoff at that. "Human's are inept at anything they try." I say to him.

"Yes, Sange Cap. However, you have taken the Telepath for your own. Without that protection, I dare say Lady Susannah would be in a car driving to wherever the Council is at present. She would have been taken hours after you informed the Council of the situation. The delegation isn't coming to take your Bonded, Eric. It would be suicide and they all know it.

"Then why the insistence that Sookie be there this evening?" I ask.

I remember reading the email from Council representation. It formally requested the newly contracted Telepath to be present at the proceedings.

"Eric," Tomas says. "Your Bonded is a rare find. I would suspect that there may be others who would benefit to know what the humans in this scenario were thinking."

I know that Tomas is most probably correct. But the idea of having Sookie so close to the Council, even if it's just a representative, makes me entirely uneasy.

After a few moments of thought, I decide that Tomas must be correct. If I know my brother, and I do, he would have thought about this situation from every angle.

We speak a little more on what will transpire this evening and what we have learned. Right now, it isn't much.

"I've news from New Orleans," Tomas says.

I nod for him to continue. "The Queen is sequestered as well as the rest of her immediate staff. Her child has been taken from her side. I do believe that one of her guards was taken to his final death when he attempted to guard the door. The other one is bound in chains and is in the torture room." He pauses. I've seen that room before. It is something I never wish to see again. Tomas continues. "Rasul would like to speak to you. I understand that it's of a personal nature and knows you can help." He says. "I told him that you would call him once everything with the delegation is completed."

I nod and look at the others. No one had anything to add, so I stood and made my way back to Sookie and the Handmaidens. I heard them talking about going shopping tomorrow. It sounds like Sookie's looking forward to it. I feel through the bond that she's excited at the very least.

I lean in to kiss her neck. I hear her perfect sigh and feel her emotions shooting to the stars.

I chuckle and then look at the table. "Will you all be joining us this evening?" I ask them.

They all nod. "We will," Vivi says. "Until the delegation arrives. They we will be departing. We don't wish to make any suspicious." I nod in agreement.

Not soon enough, we are all carted up and are making our way to the club.

When we enter, I'm again greeted by Pam.

"Master," she says and then looks to Sookie. "Mistress."

Sookie smiles. "It's nice to see you Pam. But you are Eric's child," she says.

"A status that doesn't seem to be so exclusive, now is it?" She asks.

I growl at her and I feel her internal recoil.

"Well, be that as it may," Sookie says. "You don't need to call me Mistress if you don't want to."

She blinks twice. "It is what my maker and Sange Cap requires. So shall it be."

I make my way into the office and escort Sookie over to the couch. The others have excused themselves to the main room. That is, all except Dalia who is waiting at the door.

"What do you have for me, Pamela?" I ask.

She moves to stand in front of the desk. "The delegation is on their way and will be here by midnight. Our guest is doing fine, I checked on him at night fall. Several Monarchs have called you including Stan and Daxion." She pauses and I motion for her to continue. "Jennifer called just after sunset. Evidently Council has requested her presence here this night." She looks back at Sookie and then to me. "You know why she's coming?" She asks.

I nod. "Peter Threadgill is missing. I'm sure they have reason to believe that Sophie is behind it. It came on thetail of their Pledge being ratified. The Delegation most certainly wouldn't want to waste time going to Arkansas and decided to have her meet them here."

She nods. "Very well," she says. "The conference in Rhodes is set to go on as scheduled. There had been talk that it would be delayed once more. However, someone, I don't know who, is insisting that it go as planned. It has been moved to the Hotel Giza, however."

The mention of the hotel makes my entire inside flip over. Sookie looks at me and I can feel the concern in her. I quickly send her calm and temperance.

"Pam, please find out if there are any other Vampire ready hotels in the area of the Giza please." I say to her.

I can feel the confusion in my child. "Eric, the Giza is one of the nicest Vampire hotels in the country. Surely you wouldn't want to go.."

I growl at my child again. "Pamela," I begin to say.

"I'll do it," I hear from the couch. I look over to Sookie. "Pam has so much to do. Let me track down another Hotel for you, Eric." I say to him.

He nods. "As you wish, Min Kara."

Pam just turns and gives Sookie a look. "Does she do filing and payroll? I may be able to put her to work."

"Pamela," I start.

"No, Eric. It's okay. I'll do anything you both think will help. I don't like to sit around and I hate being bored," she says and then turns her attention to Pamela. "If you think I could help, just let me know."

She goes to stand. "Eric, you and Pam have some work to do. So I'm going to go out in the bar."

I beat her to the door and touch her face.

"You don't have to go," I say to her.

She smiles and kisses my hand. "I know. But it's better this way." She says. "I'll see you soon."

Sookie opens the door and walks out. Leaving me with my childe. I give her a look as I return to my desk.

"What, I was being nice," she says. "You can't expect me to sit on her lap and call her Momma, now can you?" She asks and puts a hand on her hip.

I shake my head. "Just mind yourself," I say.

We move over to the documents in front of me. I look through a few of them and see a note from the accountant.

"I saw that when I was doing payroll," Pam says. "He found a ten thousand dollar discrepancy in one of the accounts. He went back and checked to see if it was in error. He actually found over forty thousand dollars missing over the last six months."

I look at the documentation. This time, Long Shadow will not have a chance to harm my Sookie.

"Send Long Shadow in to me," I say to her.

She looks shocked. She brought Long Shadow in on this deal when we first thought of the club. Pam thought that his allure would be a good pull. Well, she also thought putting me on display would bring in more vermin as well. So far, she'd been right on both counts. When I questioned Long Shadows loyalty, she swore that he would be a good business partner even if he didn't swear his fealty to me or our genealogică. I took her word for it, though I was skeptical. Not many that work for me do not hold some kind of fealty to me personally or through the line. However, I allowed it because it made Pam happy. It's not that she was involved with him. I'm sure they have had a tryst from time to time. However, Pamela's desires lean toward a more feminine nature. Perhaps they had shared a meal or two. Whatever the reason, she just liked him and Pam doesn't like many. Her desire to have him on this project shadowed my judgment. I was soft and allowed someone close to use that could harm us. Now he will recant and make retribution or meet his final death.

"Surely you don't think…."

I put my hand up. "Send Long Shadow in," I say to her.

Pam gives me one last look and walks out the door.

I lean back in my chair and close my eyes. I feel my Bonded in the club and find myself swimming in her emotions. I smile at the thought that this now will be our lives from now on.

***0***