A.N.- First, these are Charlaine Harris's characters not mine. Thanks Mrs. Harris! Second, my story would be nothing without my great beta, Ehee! *HUGS EHEE* Third, it wouldn't matter how much I wrote if you guys didn't like it. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! I hope you will enjoy this chapter too. I'm nervously waiting.

CHAPTER 21

SPOV

I woke up feeling like I had been asleep for days. My mouth tasted like it had a dirty sock in it. I had to go to the bathroom and I was hungry. No, starving. I looked around and could tell I was in a hotel room. There was a man sitting at a small table beside my bed. I still had all my clothes on. As I moved to stretch, he watched me curiously.

"You need to shower. There are clothes for you in the bathroom. When you get out, I will have lunch for you." He spoke without taking his eyes off of me.

"Who are you? Why have you taken me?" I asked, as if he would just explain everything to me just because I wanted to know.

"Miss Stackhouse, I would advise you to get your shower now. We will be leaving here in about an hour and we won't be stopping until we get to where we are going."

"And where are we going, may I ask?"

"No, you may not. Now if you don't mind, get your shower."

"No." I wasn't going to be ordered around.

"Listen, Miss Stackhouse, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. You either go take your shower or I will give you a shot and bathe you myself." He was staring holes right through me.

"Alright, alright, I'm going." I got out of bed. My body felt as if it was still asleep as I walked to the bathroom.

First things first, my human needs were calling. Within minutes I was standing under a stream of hot water. It felt so good to scrub myself. I felt disgusting. I was glad to get the hotel soap and the small bottle of shampoo. I got out and dried off. Looking into the mirror, I could see bruises on my cheek and jaw where the Were had hit me. I decided as I was getting dressed and brushing my teeth, which felt as if they had something fuzzy growing on them, that I would try to mentally reach out to Eric. I knew that he would be dead to the world but I had to try.

ERIC!!! ERIC!!! PLEASE HELP ME!!!

Nothing. Next I decided to try the bond. I pushed fear and helplessness to him. I pushed love and need to him. Nothing. I decided I would try one more time. I pushed with everything that I had. I barely felt his comfort. I knew that he had felt me. I didn't know where I was, I didn't know what else to do. This, at least let him know that I was still alive. I felt a lot better. Then there was a loud bang on the door.

"Miss Stackhouse, it's time to eat." The voice came from the other side of the door.

"Ok. I'll be right there."

At least, the clothes they had for me fit ok. They were a plain pair of jeans and another pullover sweater. I had fresh panties and socks, too. I was glad.

I walked out of the door to find a burger, fries, and a soft drink sitting on the small table waiting on me. I ate every single bite. When I finished eating, the Were told me to get ready to leave. I went back to the bathroom and took care of my needs and brushed my teeth again. Since I didn't know the next time I would get to use the bathroom or brush my teeth I thought that it would be a good idea to take advantage of it while I could. When I came out there was another Were in the room with the first guy.

"Ok, here's the deal Miss Stackhouse. You can be a good girl and walk out and get into the vehicle or I can give you this shot and you will be asleep for hours again. So, what will it be Miss Stackhouse?" the first Were was asking.

I just stood there staring at them. I really wanted to walk out of there and start screaming. Then maybe someone would call the police.

"Well, what's it going to be?" he paused. "And just to give you something to think about, if you walk out of here and start yelling, Jeremy here will beat the shit out of you and you will wish that you had kept silent. Then we will dispose of anyone that you alert to your problem." One look at Jeremy let me know that he would be fine with that plan.

"FINE!" I screamed.

They both smiled and gave each other a knowing look.

"Where are we going?" I really was tired of all of this and just wanted to know who they were working for.

"You will see when we get there."

"Who are you taking me to?" I asked.

"Miss Stackhouse, when we get to our destination you will be enlightened. So for now, just stop asking so many fucking questions." I could see how irritated he was becoming.

I pulled on my shoes and stood up. I guessed there was no hope in getting away. The Were pulled open the door and there were two more at the door waiting for us. They escorted me to a black Yukon. The first Were got in and went to the back seat. I got in and a Were sat beside me on that seat.

"You know, when Eric gets here, he is going to kill you for taking me."

The Were smirked and said, "We will see about that."

"Yes, we will." I smiled, knowing what I said was true.

Then he started the vehicle and drove away from the hotel.

EPOV

I woke during my daytime slumber to her call. She felt far away. I couldn't communicate with her through my mind but I could feel her through the bond. She was fearful and needed me. She was letting me know that she was alive and trying to let me feel her. She wasn't drugged and that was good. I wanted to take off after her but it would be to my own demise. I would find her and they would fucking pay. I finally gave it up and fell back to sleep.

The next time I awoke it was dusk. I managed to get up and shower since I was in a light tight room. The King had done well, arranging for our accommodations. There were clothes in the suite when we got to our rooms. There was blood stocked in the mini fridge. After my quick shower, I dressed and heated a blood.

There was a knock on my door. I opened the door to Alcide. I stepped aside to allow him to enter my room.

"Alcide, did you have any luck with your contacts?" I asked.

"Yes, Brian is the pack master in Columbia and he went to the airport early this morning. He immediately was allowed entry to the private hangar where her plane landed. He could smell a human's scent and Were. He called back early this evening and said the private plane belonged to the King of Georgia. He paid the guard to allow him to see the security tape and he said that a human girl was carried off the plane by a Were. There were four Weres in all. There was a black SUV waiting for them. They loaded her and left. He did not recognize any of the Weres on the tape."

"Are you ready to head to the airport?" I asked him.

"Yes, there will be a car waiting for us when we land in Columbia. I talked to Brian and he will have us a rental."

"Good work Alcide."

There was a knock at the door and Alcide opened it. Bill and Pam walked in and they each had a bottle of blood with them. I nodded at them as they entered.

"Master, are we ready?"

"Yes." I walked back to my room and picked up my sword. I couldn't wait to use it.

"Bill, do you have your database with you?" I asked.

"Yes, why?" He eyed me curiously.

"Alcide found out that the plane belonged to the King of Georgia. I would like to know more about him and if he has any children."

Bill sat down and pulled out his laptop. "This shouldn't take long." He turned it on and it only took seconds before he was pecking away.

My phone rang; I looked down to see who was calling. Sandy.

"Northman."

"Eric, the King has the plane waiting for you at the airport. He sent someone along to drive the car back and he sent you extra help. Two vampires, Samuel and David, they know that Sookie is under the King's protection. Keep in touch tonight. He wants a report on what's going on." Sandy stated flatly.

"Will do. Please thank the King for all of his help." I added.

"I certainly will."

After hanging up with Sandy, Bill was sitting there with a smile on his face.

"What did you find, Bill?"

"The King of Georgia has a couple of children still, but only one that is familiar with you and Sookie. Jonathan."

"Well, I guess we know who the hell is responsible for kidnapping Sookie."

Then my phone rang again.

"Northman."

"Eric, its Lindsey."

"I am on the way to board a plane, Lindsey. Is there something going on?" I didn't want to sound irritated. This could be important.

"Yes, I fell asleep today out of sheer exhaustion. I had another dream. There were four Weres traveling with her in a black SUV. They went to a house in Georgia. It was in a smaller town, but as they were driving they passed a road sign that read 'Atlanta 15 miles'. The house is a gray brick. It is out in the country and there is a long driveway to get to it. As soon as James woke I told him. He has some friends meeting him and will be heading that way at about 7:00. He told me to tell you that he will call you later." She was talking so fast that she started to breathe faster.

"Thank you, Lindsey." I was so happy that her dream would pay off this time. "I need to make some calls now. Thank you for your help."

As soon as I hung up the phone, I relayed the conversation to Pam, Bill, and Alcide.

"OK, I will call James and find out who he is bringing with him and where we will be meeting. Pam, you call and have us a vehicle ready when we land. Alcide, you need to get ahold of the packmaster in Columbia and explain to him that we won't need the vehicle since we will be going to Atlanta. Bill, you call Sandy and let her know what's going on and that we will be flying to Atlanta instead." I commanded. Then we all headed for the car. The plane was waiting and we were burning up nighttime hours.

As soon as everyone was in the car they immediately started dialing.

SPOV

I started to pay attention to where we were going to see if I could figure out anything. I tried to read the Weres minds but they were really difficult. I would just get a piece here and there. Mainly it was snarled emotions. I was real happy to be awake. But I had a feeling that when the sun set, I would be getting another shot.

We drove for hours. My butt was sick and tired of riding and I really wanted to get out and run like hell. I watched as we drove into Georgia and watched the signs as we were approaching Atlanta. He was going to stop for gas and once again I got the warning.

"Miss Stackhouse, I will be stopping for gas in just a few minutes. I want to remind you of your choices." The Were beside me stared at me and growled a menacing growl. "You stay silent and you can stay awake. If you get an idea to scream and alert anyone to your problem, then we will have to kill some unlucky person that you put into danger because you couldn't keep quiet. Do we have an understanding?" He eyed me in the mirror.

Then the Were beside me reached over and ran his fingers down my cheek and said, "It would be a shame to scar this pretty face of yours. Now wouldn't it?" He smiled at me.

I flinched when he touched me and pulled away. "I'll be quiet," I stated.

It didn't take long to get gas and we were back on the road. I wanted to jump out of the vehicle and take off running so badly. But I knew they were telling the truth. There was only one car at the station where he stopped. I wasn't willing to risk that lady's life just for a chance that I might be able to get away. They didn't seem hesitant about killing anyone who got in the way.

We drove for another couple of hours, maybe. I just sort of lost track of time. I was afraid to get to our destination, but at the same time I really just wanted to know who I was dealing with and why. It wasn't going to be much longer and the sun would be setting. My only hope rested in my blood bond that I had with a certain Viking. I knew that he would come for me but I wasn't sure that he knew where I was. I mean, it seemed as if they were purposely leading him on a wild goose chase.

How on earth did I get in Georgia anyway? I was in Las Vegas and the next thing I knew four men had me, then four Weres. Then I was waking up in a hotel room. Now, I was driving down the road heading out of Atlanta, it would appear from the road sign that we just passed. It looked like we could be getting closer to our destination because we exited the main Interstate that we had been traveling and were coming up on a town called…Sandy Springs. What in the world are we doing here?

He drove through Sandy Springs and took a turn to head into the country. We drove up a long driveway and approached a gray brick home. It was moderately large, but not huge.

The sun was sinking down over the horizon. I was happy that I was still awake and soon would be able to feel Eric. At least that's what I was hoping for.

We had come to a stop in the circular drive way and were about to exit the vehicle.

"Miss Stackhouse, the answers to all your questions are about to be revealed." The head Were spoke with a hint of satisfaction in his voice.

We got out of the vehicle and walked to the front door.

"What is your name?" I asked.

"My name is Larry."

"Good to know. Aren't you the one who hit me when you pulled me out of the van?"

"Yes. Why do you ask?"

"I know you will be dying soon. I just wanted to know your name. Eric will want to know who marked me this way. I do hope he will make it quick, but I think he is known for his torture, so good luck." I smiled as if I would get satisfaction at his torture. But I really hoped that it would be quick.

"Good luck to you too, Miss Stackhouse, because you are going to need it." He smirked.

We walked into the house and I was taken to the living room and placed on the couch. I leaned back on the couch and tried to relax.

When I woke up it was dark outside. I didn't see or hear anyone. It was a perfect time to escape. I stood and quickly went for the door. I pulled it open and two guards were standing there. They turned and smiled at me like they were hoping that I would try to run for it. One of them just shook his head from side to side at me. Then there was a voice from behind me.

"Miss Stackhouse, were you planning on leaving without saying good-bye?"

I turned to see who was speaking to me. Jonathan. I panicked because I remembered what Lindsey had said about Jonathan. I knew that he could hear my heartbeat speed up.

"You are behind all of this? Why? I don't understand." I stared at him, waiting for the answers that I had been pondering.

"Come sit down, Miss Stackhouse, and I will explain everything." He smiled at me, flashing his fangs.

I didn't really have a choice. I had to comply. I walked over and sat on the end of the couch. He sat in a chair facing me.

"There will be more changes in leadership. I work for Victor. He will be King soon. There is a matter that must be taken care of first. You see, your Viking is….in the way. He has a very valuable asset that we just stripped him of and now we can free ourselves from him." I couldn't believe what I was hearing. He smiled and continued. "You see, Victor wanted to kill him during the takeover but Felipe wouldn't have it. He knew of the Viking and wanted him alive. We really thought that he would rather fight until his death than bow to Felipe. But he surprised Victor and conceded. Quinn was not lying when he told us what a prize you are, and beautiful too." He reached out and stroked my neck. I shuddered.

"Victor will soon be King and you my treat, will be his pet."

"Like hell I will!" I was more than pissed.

He hit me across the face and knocked me onto the floor.

"It will be a joy to bring you into submission," he added, smiling. "The good news for you, Miss Stackhouse, is when your Viking arrives tomorrow night we will be ready for him and he will meet his final death. You will no longer have to be bonded to him." He laughed at the thought and I couldn't hold back the tears that escaped my eyes.

"I want to be bonded to him." I cried.

He hit me again and everything went black.

EPOV

Before I could even get all the numbers punched into my phone I could feel her pain. I could feel she was angry and that someone was hurting her. I growled and everything went silent in the car for a moment. I knew I had to get to her. The dumb fuck would pay for hurting her. I continued with the numbers and waited as James's phone rang. Once again I felt her. She was afraid and then more pain. Finally he answered his phone.

"James." He stated.

"I talked to Lindsey." I said.

"I'm on the way to Atlanta. I will get there at about 11:30. I have three friends with me," he said. He was a loyal friend.

"I won't get there until 12:30. I have two friends and my child with me. The King has sent two vampires also. We will be at the airport any minute."

"I will meet you at the airport in Atlanta. Do you have a car waiting for you?" he asked.

"My child is taking care of that detail as we speak."

"I will see you there, Northman."

Then we hung up. Pam was off her phone next. She arranged for a car to be waiting for us at the hangar. Then Alcide was off his phone.

"Ok, he said that he would take care of the vehicle and wished us luck. He also said that if we found that we needed extra people to give him a call."

Bill was still on the phone with Sandy. I was deep in thought when Bill interrupted my thought process with the results of his conversation with Sandy.

"Sandy said to take the plane whenever we needed to go. She said that Victor left this evening and we talked about Jonathan. She said that Jonathan had requested to move to New Orleans to work with Victor not long after the takeover. She also said that Jonathan came from Georgia. She was concerned about this new revelation." Bill continued, "I told her that we would keep her posted."

I nodded. We pulled into the hangar for the private plane and boarded. There was a human and two vampires aboard. I told the human the keys were left in the car and he left. We introduced ourselves to the other vampires and took our seats. David had already explained to the pilot the change in destinations. Sandy had called him after she spoke to Bill. He went to the cockpit to tell the pilot that we were ready for take off.

On the way to Atlanta we explained the situation to David and Samuel. They were excited about a good fight. We all were.

I couldn't wait to punish the fuckers who thought that they could mess with me or my bonded.

TBC

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