The characters belong to Charlaine Harris; the mistakes are mine.
Sookie is checking her email a few months later in her little office space at her and Eric's house. She is reading an email from Niall's secretary. It seems that there has been a large money transfer that has taken place from a Fellowship of Sun account into a bank account in Shreveport.
Sookie is on alert that they will be looking to bring their anti-vampire message here. She is debating on the appropriate steps when her cell phone rings.
"Hello," Sookie answers.
"Hey Sookie, its Alcide."
"Alcide! Hi! How's Debbie?"
"She's great; she said for me to tell you hi."
"Well be sure to tell her I am looking forward to a lunch again sometime soon. So how are you settling in as Pack Leader?"
"I will tell her, and I've been busy that's for sure. It's also why I called."
"Oh, what's up?"
"I have been contacted by a Martin Newlin. He has bought a property, an abandoned church actually, and wishes me to place a bid."
"And?" Sookie not making any connections yet.
"The Fellowship of the Sun is led by a Steve Newlin. I could be wrong, but I am thinking this might be a cousin or something. Anyway. Since us Weres are not out in the open yet like your bonded but will be soon, my construction company has been called in to place a bid on some renovations to a church that has been closed down for some time."
Sookie seeing the potential problem now, "What are you thinking?"
"Well, I thought that you could go with me while I take measurements for the bid. You would have an opportunity to "listen" and we can decide what to do from there."
"That sounds good. When are you going?"
"In a couple of hours. Sorry for the short notice, but this guy is hard to pin down so I figured the sooner the better."
"No that's fine. Where will I meet you?"
"It's the old church on the corner of Maple and Fourth; do you know where that is?"
"Hmm. If not, GPS can find it for me. I'll see you in a couple of hours."
"Okay, see you."
Sookie hangs up the phone and thinks she knows why the money has been transferred. This must mean that they are going to try to create quite the center here. Well, she thought, we'll just see about that.
Sookie blinks to Gran's for a quick visit and drives her car to Shreveport to meet Alcide.
As she gets out of her car, she sees Alcide and she walks over to him. She has brought a notebook with her to look like she might be a secretary or something.
Alcide is speaking with a man while she approaches, "Sookie this is Martin Newlinn; Mr. Newlinn this is an assistant of mine, Sookie Stackhouse."
Martin's eyebrows rise, and Sookie notes that, but shakes his hand with a smile.
Sookie lowers her shields quickly and catches the following thoughts from him. 'All that is holy. The vamp bitch is here.'
Sookie did not bat an eye, and did not glance at Alcide. Martin motioned for them to enter the church as he began to ramble about what needed to be done. Internally he was also rambling, 'I wonder if I should text Steve, he will be able to tell me what he wants me to do. We are not ready to attack yet, but she and her vampire is our biggest targets…'
As Alcide began to take measurements and notes; Sookie continued to listen as Martin took out his phone and began to text.
Alcide not picking up anything from Sookie, continued on as normal hoping she could pick up on something.
Martin obviously has received a reply as he began thinking, 'okay, do nothing, act normal, try to get information, be friendly, we'll let her burn with her boyfriend, got it.' With that he put his phone away and offered Sookie his best smile.
Sookie returned it with one of her own.
"Miss Stackhouse?"
"Yes?"
"No, I.." he stammers pretending to be embarrassed and shy all of a sudden, "I mean its Miss and not Mrs., right?"
"Oh, well I have a boyfriend if that's what you are asking?"
"Oh, the pretty ones always do." He says while he thinks of all things he would like to do to her body before he watches it burn.
Sookie is repulsed by his thoughts, and is torn on how to handle him. She hides it well as she blushes and looks to the ground.
Alcide is apparently done, and turns to look at Sookie who gives him a subtle nod. Alcide no longer needing to stall for her; shakes Martin's hand and they depart.
As Alcide walks her to her car, "Did you pick up on anything?"
"Go ahead and work up a bid; I'm not sure how to handle this yet."
"Sure, and you'll want to wait for Eric to see what he has to say."
Sookie hesitates, "Of course, I'll be in touch."
Sookie and Alcide depart and Sookie makes a call.
"Mitchell?" Sookie says to Niall's secretary.
"What a pleasure! To what do I owe this honor, princess?"
"Mitchell, you sent me an email today about money transfers with the Fellowship."
"Yes?"
"Was there any more to them? Perhaps illegal that could be used as evidence and could be turned over to the police?"
"I actually did not dig. I just noticed the movement, the amount, and the area. I immediately sent it to you. Do you want me to look into it?"
"Oh, could you Mitchell? That would be great! I do not know what I would do without you!"
"Anything for you princess. May I ask how is everything going?"
"Everything is great, Mitchell and you?"
"Very well, princess. We all miss you around here. Niall has not been the same."
Sookie honestly touched, "That's sweet, Mitchell. Send everyone my love."
"I will, I will get to work on this right away for you and you must promise to take care, princess."
"I promise and thanks again," Sookie says with a smile.
Sookie hangs up the phone and continues to drive back home.
She is out by the pool when Mitchell gets back with her. It appears the Fellowship of the Sun is not all that is holy. Sookie smiles with all aspects of her plan in place. She opens her phone and dials.
"Alcide, don't bother with the bid." Sookie says with a smile as Eric walks into the kitchen.
"No, you need not worry further. I plan on introducing Martin to Eric. Eric will be very happy with me for awhile."
Sookie laughs and hangs up the phone. Sookie quickly fills in Eric about her day and her information from Mitchell.
"So I get to scare the hell out of him while you provide the evidence that will ensure their permanent removal from my area?"
"What do you think?" Sookie asks with a smile.
"I like it!" Eric says and takes off at vampire speed to get dressed.
Once dressed, Sookie says to him as she moves into his arms, "Remember we scare him, but don't hurt."
Eric rolls his eyes, but nods, "But I get to scare him…"
Sookie blinks them to the outside steps of the church where it appears Martin Newlin is getting ready to lock up.
"Mr. Newlin, I would like to introduce you to Eric Northman. He is the Area Sheriff since your church would be in his area; I thought it appropriate you two meet." Sookie says sweetly as she is still standing by Eric.
Martin, however, has dropped his papers and keys that he was carrying and makes the sign of the cross over the front of him. He has begun to sweat and is gasping for breath.
Sookie and Eric share an eye roll as Eric says, "Actually to make the sign of the cross correctly, you move your hand in the other direction. The way you did it isn't right."
Sookie almost laughed out loud as poor Martin made the cross sign again while correcting his mistake.
"I didn't realize the Fellowship was a branch of the Catholic Church?" Sookie asks to Eric.
"Neither did I," he grabs Martin by the back of the neck and the loop in the back of his pants, "Let's chat, Martin." As Sookie blinks them into the room she was in earlier.
Eric drops Martin and leans over him as Sookie blinks them into the room. "Martin, Martin, I want to express the immense joy your presence to my area has brought."
"You do? It has?" Martin is sure he is going to die and he begins thinking all the things that go through one's mind before it's too late. Sookie listens and realizes Martin has a lot of regrets.
Eric continues, "Yes, you see it has become rather boring in my area lately. Everybody does as they should; no one questions my authority…" Eric trails off like he is bored. Then with his vampire speed has Martin up against a wall with his fangs down.
"But you…you dare enter my area with the intent to do harm to me and my bonded. That is not good, Martin." He says as he sets him back on the ground and pulls at his shirt as if to straighten it.
"No, no, no,no" Martin begins, but gets no further. Eric lunges for his face with his fangs still down and proceeds to share with Martin all that Sookie had told him about Martin's thoughts and future actions.
Martin is shaking badly at this point so Eric shares his final piece of advice, "You and all your Fellowship friends will leave my area to never return. If you do, you will die. I will ask no questions. I make no pardons. This is your organizations one chance to not have war declared on them.. by me." He finishes that thought by wiping an imaginary speck of dust off Martin's shoulder before he adds, "A little incentive to keep you away," Sookie hands Eric the information that Mitchell had faxed to her. "This will be published in every newspaper in America if I ever see or hear a Fellowship Member in my area again."
Martin is shaking so badly that Sookie does not think he can really even see the paper.
Eric notices this as well so he continues as he casually walks away, "It outlines the ways your organization has been gaining funds. It also outlines the expenditures of that money. It would be fascinating for humans to learn that you are involved in all sorts of nasty things like prostitution, illegal adoptions and so forth. Tell dear Steve, that he and his people do not want to seek my attention again."
With that he motions to Sookie and she blinks them out of there.
Sookie blinks them into the kitchen and begins to make herself something to eat as Eric is nibbling on her neck. She laughs and turns in his arms. She knows that he is excited from the interaction with poor Martin.
Eric smiles as he purposefully removes her shirt and skirt, "What's funny?"
"You." Sookie says simply as she helps Eric remove her clothing.
"Hmm." Eric begins to lavish attention to her breasts and Sookie lets out a groan as she thrusts them out and she leans her head back. Sookie moves her hands down his chest to tackle the snap of his jeans as Eric stands up to remove his shirt. He lifts her quickly to sit her on the counter and Sookie lets out a hiss as the cold of the counter registers with her brain. Eric pulls her to the edge and pushes his pants down quickly. He is right at her edge when he stops and looks her into her eyes. Sookie raises one his hands to her chest and moves his hand to squeeze her breast; not taking her eyes off of him. She begins to stroke him with her one hand as the she continues to hold his hand with the other while with the other she drags it across her body moaning and panting while she does this. Eric enters slowly and quickly pulls out in an effort to tease her. The hand that was stroking him rises to wrap around his neck and pull him to her as she moves his hand to the side of her face. With her legs wrapped around his waist, she pulled him to her. He allowed it and entered her slowly. Both let out a groan as his penetration is complete. He moves his hand to hold her against him and begins to rock slowly within her. She places her hands on either side of her bottom to lift herself a little for better leverage.
However, with them never has the opportunity to stay sweet and slow for long. He lifts her and pulls her so that her bottom is completely off the counter and begins to thrust into harder and harder. Her hands are flat on the counter as she does her best to move with him. The feelings between them are growing stronger and fiercer in intensity and pretty soon both are lost in their passion as they are sending all they have to the other. Their mating is more intense because it is not just their bodies, but their mind and soul as well.
Sookie is panting, "Eric, I need…Eric."
Eric lets out a growl and bites into his wrist and brings it to her mouth. Sookie latches on and rises up so that Eric is holding Sookie free from the counter as she drinks from him. The feelings increase between him, and Eric unable to hold back, bites into Sookie's neck. As they both drink; they climax at the same time.
Eric licks her wounds so they heal as he continues to hold her. Sookie has her head on his shoulder and her legs fall a little from around his waist. He watches to ensure his bite marks disappear, and he settles her to the ground as she continues to try to calm her breathing down.
Eric is nuzzling her neck, and they stand there simply holding each other, calming each other through their bond.
Sookie walks into Gran's house a few weeks later, "Hello!"
"Sookie's here!" Gran calls as she rushes to Sookie. They hug and exchange greetings. Sookie looks around and greets the others in the living room. She spots Tara in the kitchen and waves to Octavia and Amelia on her way.
"Sookie, girl. I am sure glad to see you!" Tara says a little too friendly for Tara so Sookie drops a shield to hear Tara's mind. As they hug in greeting, Sookie gasps, "You're pregnant!"
"Shit Sookie," Tara looks around to make sure they were alone, "shame on you."
"I'm sorry, I was worried…So…"
"Yeah, I'm pregnant, and Sookie I know I am doing this out of order, but I am so happy. Is that bad?"
Sookie laughs, "If you are happy, Tara, you should be happy. Why is it a secret?"
"This is Amy's day; not mine."
"Please, Amy will be excited."
"And I don't want to disappoint your Gran." Tara says feeling uncertain.
"Please, Tara, her granddaughter is living with a vampire that owns a bar. You will be fine. Gran will only care that you are happy, trust me."
With that the girls exit the kitchen and join the party that had begun. Today was Amy's wedding shower. She had said yes to Sookie's brother, and Sookie gets to attend her first bridal shower. By what Tara said, she will be attending a baby shower next.
Amelia turns to Amy, "So when is the big day?"
Amy smiles, "Two months from today, actually."
"What are your plans?" Octavia asks.
"We are getting married here," Amy says as she turns to Gran with a smile, "I have my dress. Sookie helped Jason with his tux, and my mom," she turns to her mom, "is handling the flowers." Amy finishes with a laugh.
"What about a cake," asks Sookie?
"I have a bakery in Shreveport," Amy begins to go into every detail of the plan as the ladies appropriately oohed and aahed.
Sookie was helping Gran in the kitchen a little while later when Amy's mom, Linda, and sister, Brooke, joined them.
"Amy tells me you are dating a vampire?" Linda says with a smile, but there was something to her tone.
"Yes, ma'am." Sookie turns to face her.
Brooke adds, "I hear he owns a vampire bar and there are people that got killed there."
Gran gasps and spins, but Sookie speaks up as she lowers her shields, "That is untrue. You should not believe everything you hear."
Brooke sniffs, but says nothing further, but Sookie listens and hears a lot more. It appears that Amy's family is not thrilled that Amy is marrying Jason. They know all about his past; they don't trust Sookie's miraculous reappearance; and that she is dating a vampire. Sookie is stunned by the hate within these women's minds and quickly excuses herself.
Tara sees her quick departure from the hall, and follows her.
Sookie heads to the backyard and the side of the house to be free from eyes. She is furious. If those women were not related to Amy, she would have enjoyed giving them a piece of her mind.
"Sookie what happened?" Tara whispers so as not to be overheard.
"Linda and Brooke hate me!" Sookie says as stunned as she feels.
"What did they say?" Tara asked as she puts an arm around her.
Sookie relays the conversation the parts that they had said and the parts they didn't.
"I have a mind to go in there and let them have it!" Tara whispers fiercely.
"That's the bad part of this. They didn't say it out loud. Gran says I shouldn't anything against anyone as long as they don't say it."
"But its hate, Sookie. Are you going to tell Amy?"
"No, no I couldn't. She loves Jason so. No this has to stay between us. I won't do anything to ruin this for them."
"If you say so, I still vote we kick the bitches out of the house."
That got Sookie laughing and Tara joined in as they walked back into the house. The party was breaking up since Jason had arrived to help Amy with the gifts. Sookie had misunderstood about the gift registry. She had bought the entire China set that Amy had selected rather than just one piece. So there ended up being quite a bit for Jason to do.
Gran was fixing him a plate as Tara and Sookie walked in. Although Sookie looked fine, Jason took one look at her and hauled her outside.
"What's wrong?" Jason said furious that something had obviously been bugging Sookie.
"Oh, nothing. Tara and I were talking is all." Sookie laid a reassuring hand on Jason's arm as Tara came outside.
"I'm pregnant." She blurted out.
Jason whipped around, "What?"
"I'm pregnant with your best friend's bastard, what do you think of that?" Tara said roughly in an attempt to distract Jason from Sookie. It worked.
"Fuck Tara, aren't you happy about it?" Jason asked shocked that Tara had referred to her unborn child as a bastard.
"I am." Tara said with her arms crossed.
"You don't sound like it."
"It's just that you pull Sookie out here like something was wrong with her. I just told her. I thought she was telling you…" Tara trailed off, and Sookie thought Tara would never do well having to lie on the spot, "just don't you fucking worry about it!" She storms back in the house.
Jason whips back around to face Sookie, "What. The. Fuck. Was. That?"
"She'll be okay. Claudine was real moody remember?"
Jason remembered that Claudine had been rather scary, too. "Man, maybe Amy and I shouldn't have kids. I don't know if I could handle that," he motions to the door Tara just walked back in, "on a daily basis."
Sookie gets excited about thinking of the idea of Jason having kids, "Ahh, you'll be fine. Besides, with a sister like me…just call me and I'll blink you out of there!"
"Well al-right. That don't sound half bad." They walk arm-in-arm back in the house.
Sookie was all smiles, and Linda and Brooke's hate was practically forgotten.
Everyone had left and Gran, Sookie, Jason and Amy sat around the table as Jason polished off the food. Amelia had returned to the home she shares with Sam. Octavia had some errands she needed to run before it got late.
"Well, do you think Tara is happy?" Gran had asked of those gathered at the table.
Sookie nodded, "She seems happy."
Jason grunted, but said nothing since his mouth was full of food.
"I almost hate to say it, but do you think JB will marry her?" Gran asks as she busily folded her napkin.
Jason having swallowed his mouthful, "JB has always been a standup guy. I think he will ask her."
Gran was satisfied with that, but had something more pressing on her mind she turns to Amy, "Dear," she says as she places her hand over one of Amy's, "you know that I welcome you to my family."
Amy instantly on alert like the rest of the table, "Of course as I cannot wait to become part of this family." She finishes and smiles at Jason.
"As a family we are a packaged deal, my dear." Gran puts in.
"I know that, and I have grown to love you all." Amy begins to feel a little defensive.
Jason confused, "What's this about Gran?"
Gran holds her hand up at him, "Jason, I mean no disrespect, but some things need to be said." She turns to Amy, "Your mother and sister all but attacked Sookie, in the kitchen, in my presence, earlier."
Amy instantly looked embarrassed and turned to Sookie, "I'm sorry. I had hoped they would have kept their comments to themselves."
Sookie rushed to assure her that she didn't need to worry about it, but Gran interrupted her, "I think they kept most of their thoughts to themselves, but that doesn't really matter in this house now does it?"
Now Sookie began to look embarrassed, and Jason has realized that his future in-laws do not like his sister.
Gran continued, "As a member of this family Amy, Jason has told you everything. No secret has been kept from you. If the rest of your family were to discover the entire truth…I shudder at the thought."
Amy leans in towards Gran, "I promise you that your secret is safe with me. I cannot help how the rest of my family feels, but I have never shared their views. If you all accept Eric, then so do I."
"I know that, and I have never doubted it. I just needed you to know that they felt brave enough to voice their opinions."
"I will talk to them, and make sure they understand to keep their mouths shut in the future," she turns to Sookie, "I can't help what they think."
"Oh, I know. It's okay Amy, really. I don't blame you at all."
"If they can't accept my family, then they do not need to be a part of it." Amy said simply. Jason nodded furiously.
"No one expects you to do that, dear. I just wanted you to know what they said." Gran assures her. "Besides, we need to learn to all get along especially because if Sookie gets her wish we will be having a baby shower for you two soon."
Jason gives Sookie a what the hell look and Sookie looks back guilty but nods her head yes. Jason throws a wadded napkin at her, and she laughs as she dodges it.
Amy watches the play between the two and thinks to herself that if he loves her half as much as he loves his sister, she will be a happy woman indeed.
Sookie blinks back home, and realizes Eric is not home yet. Figuring he is busy with business, she tinkers around the house and ends up in her office. She is checking email and making replies when she hears Eric's corvette pull into the garage. She smiles to herself as she finishes up.
"Ho-ney, I'm home!" Eric yells from the garage.
Sookie instantly stops, gasps and slaps a hand over her mouth. Eric has just acknowledged for the first time that this is their home. Love and joy quickly flow through her and she shoots it at Eric as she blinks and is in his arms. Her arms are around his neck and her legs are around his waist.
"Wow, lover. That was quite the welcome." Eric says as he heads into the house with Sookie in his arms.
"I have a bit more in mind, Viking…" Sookie says throatily.
Eric groans and knows it will be a good night because she had just called him Viking…
Later that same night, Sookie is filling Eric in on her day.
"Sounds like you had quite a day."
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