I'm back with a new chapter and an apology. Life gets a little busy around here with family, school, and work. I'd like to put out chapters more often but they'd be shorter and lacking in quality. I'm not willing to make that kind of sacrifice. I hope that my very dedicated readers will continue to follow this story. I'd like thank the following people for taking the time to leave a review for Chapter 24: CENAORTONFAN69, dispatcher652, Maverick37, isipare, MINAH25, laffertyluver23, SteVie'SGirL, persnikitty5, DC-78, Firefly-class, Jamille Shane, hazelbazel92, PerfectLover, kimyso. I hope that everyone enjoys the new chapter. It was a chapter to wrap up loose ends but there are a few bombshells tucked in there.
Eric Northman's House in Shreveport
Eric walked into the nursery and watched in silence while Tara moved around the room with a sense of urgency as she packed the essentials for Jax and Jade. He'd just spoken to Stefan downstairs and learned that their travel plans had been confirmed. It was official. Before dawn Tara, Pam, the twins, Sookie, and Jessica would be leaving Louisiana with the Daly family.
It was a heart wrenching decision but it was necessary under the circumstances. There was no way to weed out all of the possible moles on his security team. Nan was the media liaison for the Authority, she had the connections and resources to influence anyone: human, werewolf, or vampire. Not to mention there were scores of vampires he'd pissed off over the years; none more than Priscilla de Campo Bello. He could only assume that staking her mate of more than 300 years had left her a bit bitter.
Tara turned around feeling like someone was watching her. She nearly jumped out of her skin seeing Eric leaning against the door frame. "I hate when you do that shit, Eric. One of these days you are going to give me a fucking heart attack!"
He chortled quietly, "Well, that would provide the perfect opportunity for me to make you vampire. I'm not really seeing a downside to that scenario. I should have turned you the first night you showed up at Fangtasia causing trouble in bar and in my life."
She rolled her eyes at him and said, "I am not ready to be made vampire and if I had to be turned because you scared me to death you'd never be able to rest around me for the rest of your immortal life. You'd always be wondering when I'd stake you."
Eric closed the short distance between them and smirked looking down into her dark eyes. It always amazed him how expressive Tara's eyes could be when she decided to let her guard down. "I would be safe for at least the first two hundred years. You'd never be able to stay awake longer than I could and I would always rise before you did. My sweet beauty, you'd just have to find another way to exact your revenge."
Tara's eyes narrowed but they were alight with mischievous delight. "Fine then I'd never do that flicking thing with my tongue that you like so much. In fact, I wouldn't have sex with you at all."
Eric let out a deep chuckle and he teased, "You can barely resist me now. How much luck do you think you'd have resisting me as a vampire when all of your thoughts would be focused on blood, killing, and fucking? You could barely contain yourself tonight in my office."
"You underestimate my ability to be stubborn, vindictive, and malicious. Just because I wouldn't fuck you doesn't mean I wouldn't get my kicks. There are dozens of other options. For example, Pam could be a very interesting choice and I wouldn't have to do much convincing to get Pam to take me on the best ride I've ever had. I'd do it just to see the envy in your eyes," said Tara, her voice was teasing and seductive.
He frowned thinking about the time Tara tested that very theory at Fangtasia. He knew that she no longer remembered the incident because he glamoured her. However, it reminded him that she was still the petulant young woman that he'd fallen for. He swept Tara's hair away from her face and replied, "You don't like women. Pam has been trying to get between your legs from the first night she met you."
She smirked and said, "I never said that I didn't like women. I just said that I didn't want to have sex with Pam. Haven't you ever noticed my attentiveness when the strippers dance at the club? My interest isn't academic…I could dance and strip circles around them. You know that from personal experience. I look because I like what I see. Besides, I've heard the way Pam makes the girls scream in ecstasy in that office. You've never made me scream that way."
Eric pulled her body tight against his. His jealousy was bubbling over at the thought of sharing his human with anyone. That included his beloved progeny. "You are mine. Never forget that, Tara."
Tara's smirk widened seeing that she was pushing all of Eric's buttons just the right way. She kissed him softly. "You are going to miss me while I'm gone. Who else is going to piss you off like I do?"
Eric shook his head slightly. "Well, I will be working closely with Bill. He always manages to annoy me. Speaking of Bill…a similar attack was staged at his house tonight."
Her impish smile fell away from her lips and worry filled her chocolate brown eyes. "Was anyone hurt?"
"No one that you would care about. Sookie and Jessica are fine, but Bill wanted to get them out of town tonight as well. I've talked to Stefan and he's agreed to allow Sookie and Jessica join you in New Mexico," Eric explained.
Tara shook her head and sighed in relief. The fear that something had happened to Sookie was overwhelming. Their relationship was in a weird place at the moment but she still considered Sookie to be family. "Well, that will make this trip away from you a little more bearable. Sookie is usually great to have around when I am about to pull my hair out from frustration."
"I thought you might see it that way. So, have you packed everything? You won't have much longer to finish. Stefan is nothing if not punctual and the drive to Dallas is not a short one."
"I still have so much to pack for the babies. I don't want to leave anything behind. I don't have any cash on hand and I can't very well use your credit cards while I am in hiding," Tara said, she sighed afterward and looked around the room wondering what else she should pack.
Eric lifted up a black duffel bag and placed it in the glider. He said, "I've already taken care of that particular problem. The money in here should be enough to replace whatever you can't pack. There is enough money in this bag to take care of all of you for about six months."
Her eyes widened in disbelief. She had not been prepared to hear the timeframe Eric had in mind. Tara was anticipating a couple weeks at the most. "Six months?! Do you really think we'll have to be gone that long."
"I don't know. I can't make any promises or say anything definitive. I just want you to be prepared in case this turns out to be a prolonged situation. Going up against Nan is not to be taken lightly. You have the money to take care of anything you need. If anything more permanent happens to me my lawyer knows how my assets are to be divided and Pam knows the locations of my undeclared cash," said Eric.
Alex knocked on the door frame of the nursery and walked in with Pam. "I'm sorry to interrupt the two of you but…have you seen or heard from Theresa?"
Tara stepped back and cleared her throat. She took a steadying breath so she didn't start crying. The idea of losing Eric permanently was like a punch to the gut. She shook her head. "I've haven't seen Theresa since we first got back here tonight. I called her phone a couple times but haven't gotten an answer. I don't think anyone else knows where she is either."
Alex sighed and shook his head. That was not the answer that he was hoping for. "I realized Theresa's car was missing earlier when I was leaving with Pam. I texted her a couple of times. After Uncle Stefan called to let me know we were leaving I called Theresa several times, but it went straight to voicemail. I am starting to get worried about her. It isn't like Theresa to just take off without telling anyone."
Eric's gaze shifted to Pam. He noted how content his progeny appeared to be with Alex. After all of these years he was still figuring her out. Eric knew that they were still on a shaky foundation after everything that had occurred between them. However, Eric knew it was time to make things right before her departure. "Where have you been Pamela?"
Pam frowned and placed a hand on Alex's broad shoulder. She said, "I had to help Alex with something important. I felt you summon me but I couldn't really stop what I was in the middle of doing."
Eric's jaw clenched. He knew that she was trying to rile him up. His progeny and human were too much alike in that respect. "What were you doing that was more important than obeying your maker?"
"We found out that the shifter regained consciousness tonight. He can identify Alex was the person that tried to kill him so I went to glamour him before Andy Bellefleur could get to him," Pam replied.
"I didn't try to kill him, Pam. I was just a little overzealous," Alex reasoned.
Tara scowled a little at her brother. She understood his anger. Tara even understood his need for vengeance. However, she wasn't comfortable with how brutally Alex had attacked Sam. The shifter had done more good than bad in her life. Although when he was well again Tara wouldn't be against punching him a couple times for herself. She liked to settle her own scores. It was good to know that Sam was going to make a recovery.
Pam chuckled, "I was willing to believe that before I saw him in the hospital . I am shocked the shifter survived what you did to him. Frankly, he should be dead."
Eric glared looking at Pam.
Pam noticed the death glare she was receiving from Eric and bit back a satisfied smirk. "What happened here anyway?"
Alex said, "I have been wondering the same thing. Uncle Stefan was a little vague on why we had to leave town. I just know that something went down tonight and it's no longer safe in Shreveport for Tara and the twins. Or Pam for that matter."
He smiled looking at the pint sized blond vampire for a moment. Alex liked the idea of Pam coming to New Mexico for awhile. It would give him an opportunity to spend more time with her. Alex knew that he was just a pawn in her game. However, for now he was content to play his role.
Eric said, "You need to pack. I'll accompany you. We can discuss the events of tonight in private."
Pam rolled her eyes at Eric and turned on her heels to dutifully follow her maker out of the nursery. On her way out Pam winked at Alex.
Alex closed the door and shifted his gaze to Tara. "I am starting to get the feeling that Eric doesn't like me…"
Tara chuckled softly and went back to packing for the twins. "Eric's relationship with Pam is complicated. It has gotten even more complicated in the last few days. It isn't you that he doesn't like you… he just doesn't like the changes he's seeing in Pam. She's using you to get back at Eric. I hope you know that, Alex. You're my brother and I don't want to see you get your heart broken. Pam for all intents and purpose is a lesbian."
He chuckled and said, "It is cute that you are concerned about me but men and women work a little different. I know that Pam is using me and I am enjoying every minute of it. I get great sex and even better conversation. You can't beat that."
Alex would never breathe a word of it but he'd had gotten to know Pam in some small way the last few days. She felt that there was no one else to confide in. It began with the agreement that she could glamour Alex and erase any knowledge of her problems. However, Pam found that she liked knowing that he knew and cared.
Tara scoffed and then chuckled, "Well, passing up good sex would just be insanity. Besides it is one of the best perks of dating a vampire."
He frowned and said, "I don't want to think about you having sex with Eric."
She laughed and playfully elbowed Alex. "Like I wanted to hear about you having sex with Pam?"
"Okay, okay, I see your point. I just wish I knew where Theresa was. She doesn't go off the reservation much…but when she does," said Alex.
"I can't believe we haven't heard from Theresa. I talked to Caitlin and Michaela. They have no idea where she went. The girls said they woke up and she was just gone. It would be really nice if she was here to comfort her own children. Luckily, Rosemary showed up and she's been looking after the girls."
Alex had a seat on the daybed. "Are the girls okay? What happened?"
Tara sighed a little and said, "A vampire that has a grudge against Eric broke into the house tonight and went after my babies. I don't want to think about what would have happened if the girls hadn't decided to go looking for Theresa. They stopped by the nursery thinking she might be in here and caught the vampire. They pinned him to the ceiling until Eric and Uncle Stefan came up here to handle the situation."
"Are they okay? Are the babies okay?" asked Alex.
"The girls are fine. They were a little shaken up but they are good. The vampire never laid a hand on them or the babies. Do you think Theresa could have gone back to the hotel?"
Alex shook his head. "It's not likely. She is a little high strung after killing people. Maybe she went out somewhere to blow off some steam. I've been known to jog."
Tara laughed slightly and bit her lip. She realized then that it was a species characteristic. All of that death and destruction set something off in diviners.
Alcide Herveaux's House in Shreveport
Theresa moved swiftly around the unfamiliar bedroom with a sheet clutched to her nude body. Her eyes scanned the room looking for her hastily discarded clothing. One by one she collected the pieces, but a frown settled on her face when she came across the silk blouse she'd been wearing a few hours ago.
The gunmetal gray silk blouse had been completely shredded in their haste. At the time it had felt animalistic and passionate, but now it just seemed stupid and shortsighted. Unfortunately, her bra was in a similar state of disrepair. Theresa looked up hearing the shower in the bathroom shut off. She wasn't really sure how this would go. It wasn't everyday you had sex with a man after he watched his cheating girlfriend die.
A few moments later Alcide walked out of the bathroom with an oversized dry towel wrapped around his waist. He stopped in the doorway and frowned seeing the shirt. Theresa showing up at his door had been a surprise but he was glad that she had. "I'm so sorry about that. I don't know what I was thinking. I'm sure I have a shirt that you can borrow."
Theresa offered a small smile. "There is no need to apologize, Alcide. I enjoyed myself…blouse ripping and all. Thanks for the shirt. I think it'd be a little difficult explaining to my family why I am topless."
Alcide crossed to the other side of the room and opened a drawer. He looked through the options to find something that wouldn't fall off of Theresa. Finally, Alcide came across a Herveaux Contacting t-shirt and handed it to Theresa. "I hope this will be okay."
"Thanks. Would you mind if I grabbed a quick shower before I leave?" asked Theresa.
He shook his head. "Be my guest. I made sure to leave some hot water for you."
She flashed an appreciative smile and then disappeared into the bathroom to get a shower. Theresa knew that she didn't have any time to waste. The ever increasing text messages and voicemails from her family made it clear that her presence was required immediately.
Alcide glanced at the clock and knew that they didn't have a lot of time before they'd have to leave for Eric's house. He pulled on a pair of blue jeans and a flannel button up shirt. Alcide didn't know what Eric would require of him and he'd need to stay warm in the chilly October air.
He walked out to his truck parked in the driveway and began searching the floorboards for Neal's cell phone. It didn't take long to find the iPhone tucked beneath the driver's seat of the truck. Alcide shook his head and chuckled slightly. This phone had been the reason Theresa showed up at his front door hours ago.
Alcide winced thinking about the less than gallant way he answered the door. It wasn't that he had anything against Theresa, it had just been a bad night. For whatever Debbie was or wasn't, Alcide loved her with all of his heart. Abjuring her had been painful for him, but watching her death was too much for even his broad shoulders to bear.
Alcide was shocked to realize how quickly he'd adopted his father's method of coping. When shit hit the fan the old man went off by himself like a wounded animal and got drunk until nothing seemed to matter anymore. It was a trait that Alcide wasn't proud to admit he shared with the older man.
He was rude and scathing when Theresa knocked at his door that night. It wasn't that she was there for the cell phone that pissed him off. It was the look of pity that set something off inside of him. Alcide touched his cheek from where Theresa had punched him after he made a snide remark about her nephew. Alcide chuckled slightly thinking about the fire that burned in her eyes. It was in that light that he'd seen the temperament resemblance between Theresa and Tara. The two of them threw caution to the wind when it came to defending the people they loved. It was an attitude that he found endearing in both women. The rest of the events were a little fuzzy given the amount of alcohol he'd consumed that night. However, what he did remember was Theresa's hands gingerly cleaning his wounds and the overwhelming urge he had to ravage her on his living room floor.
Alcide headed back into the house and tossed a few things into a bag. He didn't know how long Eric would want him at the house. There was a chance he might not have an opportunity to come home and change clothes for awhile.
Theresa walked out of his bathroom having finished her shower just moments ago. She was dressed in the t-shirt he'd given her. "Uh, we sort of destroyed the zipper on my pants."
"I was in a bit of a hurry to get you out of them. Listen, I'll pay for the clothes that I wrecked. Normally, I am nothing like that," said Alcide. He opened his drawer and pulled out a pair of shorts.
"Stop apologizing. If I am not mistaken there is a plaid shirt around here missing most of its buttons. You weren't the only one that was a little overzealous tonight. Thanks for letting me borrow the shorts too."
He chuckled slightly and said, "Point taken."
Theresa pulled on the shorts and cinched them at the waist using the drawstrings. She stuffed her tattered clothing in her oversized purse. "I should get going. I need to check on my girls."
"I'll be following you over. I want to say goodbye to Tara and the twins…besides Eric needs my help," said Alcide, he grabbed his car keys and led the way out of the house.
Theresa walked out to her car and climbed in. She was parked behind Alcide's truck in the driveway. Theresa took out her cell and quickly sent Rosemary a text message.
*I am fine. I'll be there soon. We'll talk when I get there*
She started the car and took off toward Eric's house on the other side of Shreveport. Theresa glanced in the rearview and saw Alcide following close behind. She smirked only slightly and sped up to get to Eric's house sooner. She could hear incoming messages on her cell. Apparently, Rosemary was not satisfied with the scant information she provided. It would have to be enough for now.
She cranked up the stereo in her car and flew through the sleepy Louisianan city in no time at all. The deserted roadways made the trip a short one.
As she drove onto the Northman property she groaned seeing several cars lining Eric's driveway. There would be no brief reprieve. Theresa would be walking directly into an inquiry. Nosey didn't even begin to describe her family.
Alcide walked up to Theresa's car and opened the door for her. "Are you getting out?"
She laughed softly and said, "I was waiting on you and trying to answer text messages."
She climbed out of the car and bumped the door closed with her hip. Theresa frowned seeing more security than she was used to patrolling the grounds.
Theresa and Alcide walked into the foyer of Eric's house. She paused hearing several voices coming from the living room. It didn't take long for her to identify them as members of her family. It would seem that they were all in the living room. No doubt they were worried about her whereabouts. She'd only sent Rosemary a cryptic text. Explaining where she'd been wasn't something Theresa really wanted to do.
Alcide closed the front door and then frowned seeing the pensive look on Theresa's face. He rested a hand on the small of her back and asked, "Is everything okay?"
Theresa shivered slightly enjoying the feel of his firm hand on her back. She glanced at Alcide and nodded quickly. "I just want to change into something…less suggestive before I have to talk with my family. Wearing your t-shirt sort of screamed that we had sex."
The werewolf's expression changed and he took a step away from Theresa. He cleared his throat and said, "I should find Eric. I am sure that he'll want me to get started on whatever he has in mind."
Theresa groaned as she watched Alcide start off in the direction of Eric's office. She snagged his arm and all but dragged him down the hall where they'd have a little privacy.
"What?" asked Alcide.
"Don't be like that, Alcide. I didn't mean what I said as a slight against you. My uncle is in the living room. He's the head of our family. If he finds out that I was off getting my kicks when everything happened…he'll guilt me into feeling worse than I already do. I wasn't here when my kids and my family needed me."
Alcide's steely gaze softened hearing Theresa's explanation. "You had no way of knowing that a vampire would go after the twins tonight. If it is any consolation I am glad that you came by my house. I would probably still me sitting there wallowing in my own self-pity and guilt. Or passed out from drinking way too much beer."
She smiled slightly and pecked his cheek. "You have nothing to feel guilty about, Alcide. Debbie made a choice. The thing about making choices is that we have to be prepared for the outcome…come what may."
"I've never known how to stop feeling guilty. I know that I couldn't have changed Debbie's fate but that doesn't mean that my mind isn't trying to work out a dozen ways it could have gone differently. Maybe moving here to Shreveport was the wrong idea. It made her feel alone. I thought I knew what was right for her. In my arrogance I thought that I had all the answers."
"I guess we are peas in a pod in that aspect. I have more things to feel guilty about than I'd like to remember. It never goes away but some days…that little voice in the back of my head gets a little quieter. The softer it gets the more I am able to ignore it," Theresa explained.
"I just wish that I could have saved her. Everyone I know has a hard time understanding why I loved Debbie. Sometimes I wondered why I still loved her too. But there was a time…before the V when Debbie was amazing. Everything about her was amazing. V killed that and it killed her…"
She knew all too well the guilt that came with losing a mate to their own ignorance. Peter sealed his own fate by kidnapping their daughters. Theresa had known that much as soon as she'd told Alex and Victor. He was murdered for kidnapping the girls and because he knew too much about their family. For years Theresa blamed herself for bringing Peter into her life. The temptation to harness a diviner's powers was too great for most humans. The guilt surrounding his death was quieter now but it was still lurking in the corners of her mind.
"It gets easier, Alcide. I promise," whispered Theresa.
He nodded slightly. "You should get changed…"
Theresa smiled softly and quickly disappeared upstairs. She went into the guest room to get changed and was startled by movement in the room.
Tara got off the floor clutching a necklace in her hand. Her eyes widened. "Theresa, where have you been? We were so worried about you!"
It was then she took a moment to take in Theresa's appearance. Tara frowned as it became obvious where Theresa had been for the last few hours. She scowled at her sister and said, "You are unbelievable."
Theresa bit her lip watching Tara brush by her. "What part are you angry about? That I went missing or that I was with Alcide?"
Tara spun around and glared at Theresa. "What the fuck is that supposed to mean?"
"I don't think I need to spell it out for you, Tara. I know that you love Eric but…there is something going on with you and Alcide. Anyone with eyes can see that the two of you are close…closer than you should be under the circumstances…"
The younger woman blinked in disbelief. "I am friends with Alcide and that is all. Don't start pointing fingers at me because everyone has been looking for you. I can't be angry that you decided to have a little fun but leave your fucking cell phone on next time."
"Forbidden fruit always tastes the sweetest, baby sister. You don't realize it yet but I did you a favor," Theresa watched as Tara stormed out of the room slamming the door behind her.
She sat on the bed and sighed heavily. Theresa knew the comment had been out of line even if it was true. Tara might not have wanted to admit it but there was jealousy involved. Tara and Alcide's mutual attraction was the reason she was tasked with drugging him. They knew that Alcide would let his guard down around Tara. The problem was the younger woman let her guard down around Alcide as well. Too much so according to Theresa's premonition.
Five months ago…
Bill came to a stop in front of a dilapidated two-story Queen Anne style home. Brand new black shutters stood out against the peeling faded white paint. It looked to be the only work that had been done to the turn of the century home.
The modest unassuming house stood by itself in a particularly rural area of Bon Temps. It was obvious that the location had been selected for maximum privacy.
Eric landed next to the shorter vampire and smirked. He was going to enjoy putting Caius in his place. He'd never liked the pompous prick. Eric's distaste for the vampire went long before either of them ever set foot in North America. "Shall we, Compton?"
Bill rolled his eyes at Eric. He had to show off by flying instead of just speeding there like he had. The dark haired vampire strode up the rickety stairs and knocked on the door. He tried not to think about the treatment his progeny might be enduring on the other side of the door.
Eric sucked his teeth derisively and kicked in the front door with little fanfare. As this dwelling was occupied by vampires Eric didn't need to wait for an invitation. He walked into the house stepping over the debris as he did. Eric's boots clunked against the worn hardwood floors. His eyes scanned the antique furnishings in the living room.
However, the items that stood out the most were a pair of thrones that were positioned in the center of the room. Eric walked over to the larger of the two thrones and had a seat.
A moment later Caius and Priscilla vamp sped into the room.
Eric smirked and said, "Cauis and Priscilla, I am glad that you could join us. I believe that the two of you are in possession of something that does not belong to you."
Caius was a lean man that was nearly Eric's height. His bronzed skin made him look like a Greek god. He chuckled deeply but his eyes burned with hatred. "Eric…"
The Viking shook his head and smirked, "That is Sheriff Northman to you, Caius. Where is the little red head? She belongs to Compton."
Caius slowly circled the room keeping his eye on Eric. He knew Priscilla would be more than capable of restraining or staking Bill if the need arose. "Compton…owes me for the disrespect he showed at Merlotte's. We do not put the needs of humans above the needs of other vampires. His human smells…delicious. Looks like she'd be a good fuck as well."
"My understanding is that you decided to cause trouble with the locals. The Authority would not be pleased to hear that. They need for us to be viewed in a favorable light. Harassing the humans doesn't fit the bill. And if you feel that Bill has broken some kind of law…then you take that up with me."
Caius came to a stop in front of Eric and his eyes darkened. "I would have taken the matter to the Magister…if we still had one. But you made sure that we don't have one anymore."
Eric laughed and said, "I had almost forgotten that Jorje was your maker. You are as ignorant as he was."
Caius eyes widened and he stepped closer to the throne. "You dare speak ill of my maker in my home?"
"I like this place. It has a certain redneck chic appeal to it. I think I'd like to claim this nest as my own…along with all of the vampires in it. Starting with Priscilla," said Eric, he vamp sped up behind the female vampire and roughly bent her over the back of a couch. His strong grip kept her firmly in place.
In her fear Priscilla had not made a move to escape Eric's grasp. His hand firmly around her neck gave her plenty of motivation to do his bidding. With Eric's age he could rip off her head with little to no effort. Her eyes darted to Caius silently pleading for him to end this before it went too far.
Bill's eyes widened at the scene before him. He was starting to wonder if involving Eric was the right idea. The Viking's self-proclamation of being a great negotiator seemed to be every bit of a lie. Eric was doing his very best to goad Caius into attacking him.
Caius gritted his teeth and his eyes shifted to Priscilla. He saw fear in her eyes and that only infuriated him more. She was a fearless vampire and always had been.
"You know…your maker was quite the sadist. He kept my progeny bound in silver for days and methodically tortured her. Russell killed him before I could be repaid the debt he owed for the liberties he took with my progeny. He made you…perhaps I could abuse something of yours as payment," teased Eric.
He grabbed a hand full of Priscilla's hair and yanked her head backwards making her cry out.
Bill fidgeted and cleared his throat. "Eric, is all of this really necessary? We're just here to get Jessica."
Eric said, "I asked for your progeny and neither of them has offered any answers to her whereabouts. I am afraid that this might be necessary. If you are squeamish about it…go outside."
Bill shook his head. He walked over and picked up a chunk of wood from the door. He tossed it to Eric and said, "I'm not leaving without Jessica."
"That's the spirit, old man!" Eric nudged the splintered wood against Priscilla's back.
Priscilla glared at Caius. "Just give them the little bitch. Her incessant whining is beginning to piss me off anyway. I didn't want her here from the very start."
"Ah…so this was all Caius' bright idea. I am assuming it was his idea to move to Bon Temps without informing his sheriff?" asked Eric. His hand snaked under Priscilla's mini skirt and roughly fondled her.
She quickly nodded at Eric and said, "I didn't want to come back to Bon Temps. I knew we wouldn't be welcome but Caius insisted. He said he had a score to settle with you."
Eric chuckled and said, "You really didn't pick a good mate. He's willing to let me do my absolute worst to you…and Caius knows firsthand what I am capable of doing to such a young vampire. He's seen it with his own two eyes…maybe he is looking to replace you. Jessica is a very sexy young vampire. So many depraved and interesting things he can teach her. It would seem that you've become outdated."
Priscilla's eyes hardened looking at Caius. She believed there might be some truth to Eric's accusations. Caius had spent an inordinate amount of time with Jessica. The more the girl screamed, fought, and resisted his advances the more he enjoyed her being there. Priscilla knew all too well what he had in store for Jessica. "What if I tell you where she is…will you let me go?"
Eric's smile widened and he said, "Trading you for Jessica would not be suitable. I'd return her to Compton and leave here empty handed. That hardy seems fair given I had to come all the way to Bon Temps because Caius decided to take something that did not belong to him."
"Money?" asked Priscilla.
"I have more money than I need. And it wouldn't be as satisfying to me. I want something that Caius can't readily replace. What else do you have to offer, Priscilla?" asked Eric.
Caius said, "We aren't giving you anything including the little redheaded slut."
Bill growled at Caius. He wanted to eviscerate him for whatever he'd been doing to Jessica. However, for the time being he had to temper his fury to get her back.
Priscilla said, "Fuck him. I'll come with you and I'll tell you where Jessica is…"
"I think that is an arrangement that benefits me greatly. Where is Jessica?" Eric asked.
"She's bound with silver in the basement. Oliver is down there keeping watch over her…"
Eric asked, "How old is Oliver?"
Priscilla said, "He's only 70 years old."
He nodded to Bill letting him know it was okay to go retrieve Jessica.
Bill sped out of the room in search of the baby vampire.
Eric chuckled and his eyes followed Bill out of the room.
Caius saw that Eric was slightly distracted and decided to take his chances. He had one shot of killing the bastard and he was going to take it. Caius vamp sped across the room and grabbed another piece of splintered wood. He launched himself at Eric but missed by a mile.
Eric had baited Caius into attacking him and he was more than prepared. He easily moved out of the way and staked Caius.
The vampire's body exploded and rained down on Priscilla. She screamed and dropped to the floor.
Eric dropped the stake and kneeled down next to her. "Clear out of Bon Temps or the next time I come back I will make good on my threats. And I am far more sadistic than Caius could ever be."
Priscilla sobbed as she sat amidst her mate's remains.
"I am going to need some sort of confirmation that you understand what I am saying to you. I'd hate for there to be any sort of misunderstandings. Nod your head like a good girl, Priscilla."
She nodded her head but glared at Eric. Caius might have been a son of a bitch but she'd spent centuries with him.
Bill sped into the room with Jessica in his arms.
She was scantily clad, barely conscious, and covered in bite marks that were only slowly starting to heal. The silver she'd been restrained with was slowing down the healing process.
Bill's eyes darted to the mess that was once Caius and didn't even bother to ask what happened. There was really only one way for this to end. He had to die.
Eric offered an eerie smile and exited the house with Bill and Jessica in tow.
Bill said, "Thank you for your help, Eric."
The Viking glanced at Jessica and thought about his Pam. "She will heal in no time now that she is no longer under silver."
"I am going to take her home and stay with her for the night. I can't leave her alone," said Bill. He vamp sped toward home with his progeny in his arms.
Hotel in Baton Rouge
Paolo knocked on the door of a penthouse suite at the Ambrosius Hotel in Baton Rouge. Although it was relatively new the Ambrosius was a hotel chain that was popping up in major cities and state capitals all over the United States.
The five-star hotel served both human and vampire patrons. However, it was obvious that the chain catered to the immortal crowd. It's name announced as much.
The door opened and a scantily clad blond exited the room with a smile on her face. Fang marks were visible on both sides of her neck and there were drying streaks of blood down the front of her white linen dress. "Good evening. Ms. Flanagan will see you now."
Paolo watched as the obviously dazed young woman continued down the hall toward the elevator. He shook his head slightly and stepped into the penthouse. Paolo quickly scanned the high-end décor. This was definitely Nan's taste. The vampire had a taste for all things decadent and luxurious.
Nan walked into the living room looking pristine as always in a tailor fitted chartreuse skirt suit. "Mr. Sabato, I was wondering if you would make it here before sunrise. Have a seat."
"I was beginning to wonder the same thing. However, I made good time across the state. Thank you," said Paolo, he had a seat in a comfortable club chair.
The blond flashed a sugary sweet smile that belied the stone cold look in her eyes. "Can I offer you anything? A Tru Blood from the mini-bar, perhaps? They also have a lovely selection of blood donors here. The list is right there on the bar."
"Uh, no. That won't be necessary. I enjoyed a quick meal earlier in the evening from that insipid barmaid Eric and Pam insist on employing at Fangtasia. She is surprisingly delicious. I see why Pam has taken such a shine to her."
Nan's nose crinkled thinking about Ginger as she had a seat on the couch. "She is quite the moron. I am not sure if she was that stupid all along or has she been glamoured so much that she's been rendered her witless. So, tell me there has been success. I am not in the mood for bad news. I ordered AB positive and they sent me A positive. Her blood tasted a little tinny."
He scrubbed at his face tiredly. "I am afraid I must report that both operations failed tonight. The emissaries were detected and eliminated at both residences."
Anger radiated from her. "Paolo, you are really beginning to disappoint me. I asked you to get me information on the human and her family and you've come back empty handed. I told you to make sure my people got into Eric's house and nabbed those little brats…it didn't happen. Perhaps your loyalty does lie with your brother after all. If that is true…things are going to turn out very bad for you."
"You cannot place blame at my feet for your people's shitty execution of a plan. I have severed up everything on a silver platter for you: layout of the house, quickest way to the nursery, and easiest points of entry and egress. Short of committing the kidnappings for you I am not sure what more you could want me to do. As for information on Tara's family, my brother has not been very forthcoming. It seems to be a closely guarded secret. I've tried to get him to tell me about Tara's family but he's shut me down every time."
Her face contorted into what could only be described as a truly terrifying grin. "Now you are being helpful. I should have enlisted you to do the kidnapping from the beginning. I will plan something else to get Bill's progeny. I think I have been too broad. I should have been more micro in my planning. You have the access and Eric's trust. You are perfect for the job."
"I wouldn't be so sure about me having Eric's trust."
"What do you mean? I was under the impression that all of Godric's progeny shared a strong familial bond. He nurtured that idea in all of you. What has changed Eric's mind?" asked Nan.
"Although I have proven myself to be loyal to him, he is still being swayed by his progeny and his human. They are both still very suspicious of me. Eric's big reveal that I was working as a double agent for him didn't go over well. If I were to betray one vampire…who's to say I wouldn't betray my brother."
Nan scowled as she mulled the idea over in her head. "Well, Eric must trust you somewhat if he's allowed you to stay in his home. That is enough to get you in there and get the little werethings. It will just mean that you'll have to blow your cover. Eric will realize that you were playing him all along. You'll have my protection, of course. He won't be able to lay a finger on you."
Paolo closed his eyes and leaned back in the chair. That was the one thing he'd struggled with this entire time. Paolo was willing to kidnap Tara and the children and turn them over to Nan. He didn't care for humans or werewolves. However, he didn't want it to be linked back to him. Paolo didn't want to lose his brother. He'd witnessed the hell Eric could rain down on an enemy.
She leaned forward in her chair and leveled her gaze on Paolo. "Is there a problem, Paolo?"
The olive skinned vampire shook his head. "Not at all. Tomorrow night I'll kidnap the twins and bring them to you. Will you still be here or will you be back in New Orleans?"
"Yes, first thing tomorrow night I will be returning to New Orleans. Roman has requested the presence of all chancellors. Take the children to my home in Metarie. The maid will let you in," said Nan.
Paolo stood up and walked toward the door. He paused and said, "It will be done."
Nan smirked seeing the sullen look on Paolo's face. "Don't let me down, Paolo. You won't like the consequences."
Eric Northman's House in Shreveport
Eric walked into the nursery and closed the door behind him. He hadn't been sure that he would get a moment to say goodbye to the twins with all of the commotion going on in the house. Bill, Sookie, and Jessica had arrived just before the sun rose for the day. The King of Louisiana would be forced to spend the day resting at Eric's house. However, it was all for a good reason. Tara was happier about leaving now that she knew Sookie would be safe as well. More importantly it was another set of eyes to look after his children.
He stood in front of the crib watching the babies sleeping peacefully. A year ago he would have laughed at the notion of feeling any sort of paternal instincts for anyone with the exception of Pamela. A year ago he would have been unwilling to admit that he loved a human. It was funny how so many things could change in such a short period of time. It was funny how Tara had changed his life completely. She came in like a hurricane and tore his life apart. But in the same breath she rebuilt it in such a way that Eric found himself reveling in his new life.
Eric reached down and scooped Jax up into his arm first. Once the infant was secure he scooped up Jade with his other arm. He walked over to the glider and had a seat as he cradled both babies. Both infants remained asleep feeling secure in Eric's arms.
The connection that he felt with Jax and Jade was unlike anything he'd ever experienced before. He'd found himself wondering lately if this was what Godric felt for Saoirse and her children. It was a bond that he just couldn't comprehend back then. His blood coursed through their tiny veins but it was more than that. He loved them and it was a feeling that he'd only experienced once a very long time ago. Holding their tiny warm bodies in his arms took Eric back to his days as a human. He could still remember cradling his baby sister in his arms. Eric didn't realize just how much he'd missed that sensation until Jax and Jade were born. His relationship with Tara and her children was like his life coming full circle.
He once again had a human family to call his own and that idea scared him more than anything. Human life was so fragile. Eric was a Viking warrior but he doubted his ability to witness the slaughter of his second human family.
"You are going to go away for awhile, but I will always know where you are and what you are feeling. And if you ever need me I will walk in the sun to get to you because you are my children," Eric pledged, his voice thick with emotion.
The vampire closed his eyes for a moment as he tried to remember the words to a lullaby he'd heard at some point in the past. It was too long ago for him to pinpoint the time. However, the words did come to him.
Tara stood outside the door listening to Eric talking quietly to the babies. It broke her heart and at the same time made her love him even more. This wasn't the same vampire that refused to say that he loved her. This wasn't the same vampire that came to Houston and left without her. She did not know this vampire but the more she got to know him the more she fell in love with him. Tara knew there and then that there was nothing she wouldn't give or do to be with him.
As Eric finished saying the words to the lullaby he turned his attention to the closed door. "You can stop standing outside now, Tara."
The young woman pushed the door open and gave a sheepish smile. She was dressed comfortably for the long trip ahead in a plum colored, terry cloth, zippered jacket. She was wearing the matching drawstring pants and running shoes. She donned a black tank top underneath the jacket. "How did you know I was on the other side of the door?"
"I heard when you approached the room and I could smell you through the door. You will never sneak up on me, you know," said Eric. He smirked at her and then turned his attention back to the slumbering infants.
Tara smiled softly and kissed his cheek. "It makes life more interesting when I continue to try."
Eric said, "You do make my life infinitely more interesting."
"I know I do."
Eric walked over to the daybed where the babies' carriers were ready and waiting.
Tara joined Eric and helped him get the twins settled in their respective carrier and strapped in. Neither baby stirred during the quick transition. "Uncle Stefan has all of the cars loaded up and ready to go. Jessica is already secure in her travel coffin in the back of Alex's rental. Pam is waiting to say goodbye to you before she gets into hers."
Eric nodded. "Do you have everything you need?"
She looked around the room in thought. "Can I stuff you into a travel coffin and take you with us?"
Eric noted just how quiet and somber her voice had become. He knew the question was made in jest but Eric could see the honesty in her eyes. He reached out and lightly traced her cheekbone with the pad of his thumb. Eric shook his head and whispered, "Afraid not. You're going to have to make this trip without me."
Tara gently grasped onto the lapels of his shirt. "If you die on me…I'll never forgive you. So find some way to work this shit out."
His lips twitched into a smile. He dipped his head down and planted a tender but passionate kiss on Tara's lips. Eric took his time kissing her. He was in no hurry to let her out of his arms. His efforts were rewarded with Tara's heart rate increasing and her breathing speeding up as she became a little lightheaded from the lack of oxygen. When Eric finally pulled away from the kiss he smiled at Tara's sparkling eyes.
Tara smiled after she caught her breath. "I love you, Eric."
"I love you too, Tara. We should get the babies downstairs. Stefan will send someone looking for you if you don't return soon," said Eric. He lifted up Jade's carrier.
Tara grabbed Jax's carrier and followed Eric downstairs to the light blocked living room.
Theresa walked over to Eric and said, "I can take Jade out to the car. If you're ready."
Eric glanced down at Jade and lightly touched her soft jet black hair. He nodded and handed the little girl over to Theresa. Eric's attention shifted to Pam standing across the room by herself. He could see that she was struggling to keep her emotions under control. Eric's possible demise was unspoken but known.
Tara looked at Alex and said, "We should give them some privacy. You can help me get Jax settled in the car. I am still learning how to make these carriers snap into the car seats' bases properly."
Alex cast a worried glance at Pam but he nodded and took the carrier from Tara. "I'll get the little guy in the car. It takes a little finesse to get everything snapped into place."
Without looking in their direction Eric called out. "Pam will be ready in a few minutes. Come back then to retrieve her travel coffin."
Tara followed Alex out of the room and closed the French doors to give Eric and Pam some much needed privacy and quiet. The guards were still roaming around the house. Although, Tara didn't feel very positive about their overall survival. Eric would simply kill all of them if he could not determine the identities of the traitors on his staff.
Pam blinked back bloody tears. "I should be staying here to fight by your side, Eric. You are my maker. You shouldn't be going into this battle alone."
Eric reached up and cradled Pam's face in his hands like a delicate piece of porcelain. "I could never doubt your devotion to me, Pamela. I could not have asked for a better progeny to share my life with these last hundred years, but it is my responsibility to protect you. Despite your desires it is not the other way around. My greatest wish is for you to live as long as I have lived."
She sniffled. "What will a long life matter without you?"
He shook his head. "You were amazing before I met you. You were beautiful, slightly depraved, savvy, and independent. Pamela, you were by far the smartest human I'd ever come across. When given the choice of watching you perish and turning you…well, there really was no choice at all. If this is the end I want you to know that my decision to turn you was not in vain. I am proud of the vampire you have become."
"I'm not ready for it all to be over. If you meet the true death…I should be there with you," said Pam.
He shook his head. Eric knew that Pam would blame herself if he did meet his end. The silence was deafening for a moment. "As your maker I command you to stay with Tara and the twins. You aren't to leave their side. Do you understand?"
Pam knew that he was giving her an out. She couldn't disobey his command. Pam nodded sadly, "I understand."
"Good. If this is the end I want you to become a maker. I want you to become Tara's maker."
Pam gave up on trying to stop the crimson tears from falling. She looked at Eric in confusion. "You want me to what?" asked Pam.
"Tara wants to be a vampire and she cares deeply for you. I've come to recognize that as of late. She feels a bond with you. Tara trusts you, Pam. If I meet the true death I'd like to know that the two of you would be there to look out for one another."
She quirked an eyebrow at Eric and said, "If that is what you want, Eric, then that is what I will do. But I am begging you to make it through this because I don't think I could take being alone with Little Miss Sunshine for a couple hundred years. She is an unmitigated pain in the ass."
Eric smirked and asked, "Is she? That reminds me of someone else I know. Someone that I had to be patient with when they decided to throw tantrums."
Pam frowned. "I've never thrown a tantrum. I resent the implication that I am anything like your human."
"Do you happen to recall the trolley car of people you massacred when I left you to your own devices for a few hour?" asked Eric.
Her eyes lit up at that memory. It had been a particularly invigorating experience. There was nothing sweeter than draining a human and feeling their heart stop beating. The heady sense of power had been overwhelming to the young vampire at the time. "I was angry because you wouldn't take to the Governor's Ball that night."
"I had my reasons…one of which was that you were too wild at that point. I had not yet began to train you. So many beating hearts would have proven to be too much for you to withstand," said Eric.
"I just didn't like the idea of being without you. I still don't," said Pam.
He kissed her forehead softly and then looked into her eyes. "It is time for you to go, Pamela. There is no sense in delaying the inevitable I'll be in touch. You are the very best of me and I love you."
Pam kissed his cheek and broke away from him. She knew that continuing to stand there would make it that much harder to leave. Pam climbed into the travel coffin and smiled looking up at Eric. "There is one upside to you meeting the true death?"
Eric grasped the lid of the coffin and quirked a curious eyebrow, "And what might that be?"
"I'll finally be able to get between those chocolate colored thighs," said Pam, her grin was downright lecherous.
Eric gave a hearty chuckle and the smirked. "After I've met the true death and not a moment sooner."
Pam chuckled and said, "I guess I'll just have to have fun with the brother until you're no longer with us."
The Viking could see the pain behind her smile. He offered a parting smile before closing the lid of the coffin. Eric took his time making sure it was secure for transport. He walked out of the room and headed into his office. There was much to do. He was either going to resolve it quickly or die quickly.