Precious Love

by InLoveWEric

Revised and re-posted due to Errors: When Eric finally regains his lost memories, he realizes the depth of his feelings for Sookie. Only to find that he's too late. Can he fix what has happen? What lengths will he go to for his Precious Love? E/S AU Mature audiences, please

26. Chapter 26

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

Chapter 26

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

EPOV

I brush Sookie's hair out of her face as she fades off into slumber. I know she must be tired. I do not remember much about expectant women from my clan but I do remember hearing about fatigue. It wouldn't stop many of them from doing what they had to do. Many couldn't afford to be home and on rest. There was too much work to do and they had to do it. I do remember many deaths of children and women of caused by complications with or during the birth.

I take a deep breath that I don't need as the anxiousness and panic fills me. I feel Sookie pull herself closer to me. Even in her sleep, I feel her sending me love and comfort. I send it back and soon I feel grounded. I must not think of such things. There has been over a thousand years since I concerned myself with female matters and children. I know there must have been just as many advancements to assist women in such endeavors. I must place my trust in the women close to My Bonded. They will make sure she does what she must in the upcoming months.

I rise and head to the door. Dalia is standing on the outside of the suite. I know she and Stefan feel me so they enter.

"Report," I took from one to the other. I already know that Tomas and Godric have gone to rest. I'm unsure of how long Godric can stay up. However, that knowledge may be something we wish to share at this time.

Dalia nods. "Amelia's teacher, Octavia Fant, is on the first flight from New Orleans and will be here before our Mistress rises in the morning." She pauses and I nod for her to continue. "Security is in place and several precautions are in place until the teacher can arrive. Stefan and I will not leave M'Lady's side until you rise."

I nod. "Very good," I say. "Are the Handmaidens informed of everything that is in place and what still needs to be done?"

Dalia nods. "Amelia assures me that her wards will stand. However even if they don't, a warning will alert us of any creature approaching that wishes to do Sookie or you any harm."

"And what of our trip?" I ask.

"Vivi and Amelia insist that they will be able to get her at least started for the trip. More can be done when we reach Dallas."

I nod to both of them. "You understand what is at stake at this point?" I ask them.

They both nod to me. "I'll expect nothing less than excellence when it comes to My Bonded's safety."

"Regent," Stefan says. "If I may speak freely?"

I look at him for a moment and then nod. "My Liege, there isn't anyone that holds fealty to you that wouldn't lay their lives down for your bonded," he looks at Dalia walks out of the room and then turns back to me. "Alcide and I pledged to you and your bonded. Nothing will be more important to us that the safety of her and your child."

"We have many that will be used during this time, Stefan. I know you haven't had first- hand knowledge of Hallow's wrath…"

"My Liege, that is where you are wrong." He says to me.

I look at him. There is something in his words; pain, sorrow, anger.

"I know the damage that Hallow can inflict. If it is the will of the Goddess, I would go to my death protecting you and yours against the likes of her." He says with almost a growl.

I decide that this is a conversation for another time. Dalia comes back with a envelope in her hand.

"My Liege," she says, holding it out to me. "This appeared downstairs. Amelia has examined it. It has no magick attached and she said that she senses Fae presence."

I take the envelope and nod to her. "I will be heading to rest in a few moments."

They both nod as I head back into the bedroom. I look at my sleeping beauty again and think about what has been done for her safety. I just hope it will be enough until I rise.

Grabbing a pad from the drawer, I begin writing. When I'm done, I open the envelope and see the packet that is inside. I read through it and then place it back in the envelope.

My letter to Sookie is rather lengthy today. Much will need accomplishing once she rises. I smile at some of the more entertaining things she will do. I intend on making our trip as enjoyable as I can. However, there are things that we need taking care of before we leave.

I sigh when I look at the packet that I am leaving with her note. The documentation appeared on my desk not soon after we spoke. One look and I knew that it was what Fintan promised me when we spoke. I did get enjoyment out of reading the life he's forged for my Promised One. However, I wonder how Sookie will take all of this. Everything she learned last night and this morning, she's taken in stride. I hope this doesn't send her over the edge. I wanted to be with her when she read it all, but dawn has come and gone and the sun is rising. I don't want to wake her just to leave her with the knowledge and no support. With all she has learned in the last two days, I feel this can't wait until my rising. Amelia, Vivi and Dalia all know what she will be told and they will be with her until I can arrive. I hate this but there is no way around it. The rest cannot be stopped and I can't risk her being in the safe room for more time than she needs to at this point. Perhaps the knowledge of whom and what she is should be discussed with Dr. Ludwig with respects to what can harm her. Something weakened her parents to the point that they could be destroyed. Until I hear otherwise, I'm erring on the side of caution.

Besides, we need her to sleep and rest. She will need her strength and all the energy to grow our child.

I position myself so that I'm lying down next to her and pull her close to me. I try to get her as close to me as I can and it still seems to be not enough. So much is happening so quickly. I know we have both waited centuries for this but it's still a lot. I rest my hand on her stomach and she places her's on mine.

"Mmm, Eric," I hear her moan.

I look down at her and smile. She is still sleeping and yet, she is calling me. Perhaps she feels my emotions in her sleep once again. Hmmm, I wonder how much she feels.

I kiss the top of her head and send her love, compassion and calmness. "I love you, Min Kara," I say.

I hear her sigh as she pulls me closer, wrapping her small hands around my arms as far as they will go. I smile at her. I have waited an eternity for her and I would have waited for another if it meant that I would find her and be with her like this right now.

Kissing her head again, I move out of bed and over to the entrance to the safe room. I close my eyes once more and send her all the love I can. She is going to hate that I had to leave her this morning. However, from what we were told, it will not be safe for her to stay with me every night. I will speak to her about this when I rise later.

I walk into the elevator and move down to my room.

Once there, I look around. It seems empty without my Sookie. I feel the pull of the day and know that soon, I'll think of nothing. Perhaps the time I spend upstairs with Sookie in the early mornings will be beneficial to both of us. I will not have to miss her as much.

I walk over to the bed, strip and lay down. I close my eyes and within moments, nothing.

***0***

SPOV

I walk back into the grove that I had been in before.

"Wow," I say to myself. "If I'm going to keep coming here, then I think I should get frequent flyer miles," I giggle at myself.

"You had questions?" I hear from behind me.

I turn to see a bright light. A light so bright that it should be hurting my eyes. But all it does is make me feel warm and loved.

I nod slowly. "I…why is Eric so worried, My Goddess?" I ask her. "I mean, I know that he has memories of another time, but…"

"He has memories of one other time," she says. "But he has feelings from many."

I look into the light. I know the look on my face shows my confusion.

"Come," she says," I turn and see a basin on a pedestal. As I get closer, I know it's the one that Gran used to have in her sitting room so long ago.

"Look and know," she says.

I stare at the light for a moment and then look back into the basin.

It isn't the first time looking into the basin. So when the feelings of water flowing around me begin, I'm not concerned.

Suddenly the colors and water still and I see everything coming into focus.

I watch as if I'm above myself. It is a strange feeling but not one that frightens me. It is calming almost, like I'm looking down on the world as a spectator of a play or movie. Maybe above is not a good analogy, maybe a bit off to the side, separate but still here. As the image comes into focus, I look around the room. I can tell just by the smell that I am at the farmhouse but it looks, well different. It's the small things; a different chair, a picture or two different. Without thinking, I have already catalogued all the things that are different than they were just a few days ago when I stood in the same room.

I look to the doorway as I see a very young version of Gran come in followed by Fintan who is holding a little girl. Both Gran and Poppa look the same way they did in Eric's kitchen. However, they both look a little care worn. I walk a little closer to see who they are carrying and notice that the girl is a fourteen year old me.

"What's going on?" I ask. My voice sounds funny. It sounds as if in a vacuum or underwater. Neither inhabitant of the room acknowledges me.

"Gran, please, what's going on?" I ask again.

Still nothing happens. It's in that moment that I know that I am not here, but only meant to observe. I don't know how I know this, but I do.

"Fintan, this isn't going to work." Gran says to him in hushed tones.

He places me on the couch and looks back to Gran. "My beautiful Mate, we have no other choice." He says as he looks from her to the sleeping me.

On closer inspection, I see that my right arm is covered in bruises and there is a rather large gash on my forehead that has stopped bleeding only within the last few minutes. My breathing is shallow but steady so I know that I haven't received fatal wounds.

"You can't take her away from me." Gran screams. "Who will watch over her?" She asks. "I can protect her. I just need some more strength. I will go to Our Lady, she will assist me and…"

Fintan takes her hands in his. "My love, we have no idea what or who attacked her." He says. "They could be Niall's warriors or perhaps my brother's or uncle's. Hell it could be someone we have no idea of." He says. "There are too many variables to even think of them all."

Gran shakes her head. "It could have just been an animal." She says. "How do we know…."

Fintan pulls her close. "The scents I smelled were not of a normal animal," He pulls back. "It's too dangerous, we need the Viking's help and we need to protect her."

Gran pulls away. "He's cold as steel and his heart is sour to anything other than himself and his businesses. How do we know that he will accept all of this?" She waves her hand. "She's fourteen, Fintan. Not even a woman yet. She is too young to be anywhere near him yet. You know what he's like. You've seen it firsthand. What if he decides to take her and…."

Fintan touches her face. "I've known the Viking for a long time." He points to a sleeping me. "She knows his heart. He is a true and just man, he has only forgotten. He will remember the promise. He will be mad that she was kept from him, true. But he will do everything that he can to protect her." He sighs. "My love, I thought when I left, you would be safe. Apparently, that has not been the case. First, they destroy Corbett and Patricia. How they did that, I don't know, but we don't have time to debate it. There are too many coincidences to dismiss that this may be related to their deaths. Something is after her. I'm not entirely sure what it is, but staying here under your protection and mine has not stopped it. We need to send her away. We need her to be safe." He says.

"Then allow me to go with her. I will take her. We can go to Avalon." She says.

"My love, we've tried that. She doesn't age there. She needs to grow up, Adele." He says. "Vivi will see to her care." He says. "She has vowed that she will protect her with her life."

"But…" Adele says.

"My love, we have been through this. We have consulted with Her Grace, Our Lady and your sisters. Everyone agrees that this is the only way to keep her safe. She needs to come of age. She and the Viking have waited far too long as it is." He says.

"But what…what if he says no?" She whispers.

"I leave now to speak with him. Her Grace will be there as well. If necessary, Vivi will appear. He will see reason. With his help, we will send her away and she will be hidden until she is ready." He looks out the window. "Perhaps some know of our Susannah. But none but your sisters and her Grace know of the Viking and his role." He says. "If you take her, it will just be confirmation that something else is at foot and you could be tortured for information. This way it looks like you are just letting her go."

I watch as Gran melts into a ball on the ground. "I…I can't lose her too." Gran says. "I lost you years ago, I've lost my son, my only son and now you want to take my precious little girl away from me." She shakes her head. "I can't bare it, Fintan. It's too much."

I want to run to her, embrace her. Tell her that all is well and I'm fine. However, I am stuck in my spot and Fintan leans down to pick her up.

"My one true love, this is not the end. I know of the sacrifices you have made, that we've both made. However, you have eternity to be with our girl. She will need you in time. You know of her destiny. Let her grow and be ready. We can't risk her life simply to keep her close to our hearts." He says.

It feels like hours until Gran stops crying.

She sighs and looks up at him. "You need to go," she says. "Hurry back to me."

He kisses her softly. "You know I will."

Fintan stands and I hear the unmistakable POP of him leaving.

Gran moves to pick me up off the couch and cradle me. "To keep you safe, I'll do anything to keep you safe."

****0***

The scene changes similar to how it had when I looked into the basin.

Now, I am now standing in the corner of a room that I've never been in before. I see Eric sitting behind a desk that looks nothing like the one at Fangtasia. He is typing away on the keyboard. Suddenly, he looks up and over to where I'm standing. I know that he can't see me but he looks like he is looking through me toward something else. Perhaps he feels my energy in the room. However, I don't think that is possible. I'm not sure what I am exactly in these visions but I can assume that I'm not exactly present. Maybe it's another's memory. At any rate, I am now standing looking at my Viking and I know that regardless, I love him more than anything.

Once he returns to his tasks on the computer, I look around the room and see a neon sign on the wall that says White Fang. I wonder if this place is one that Eric opened before or instead of Fangtasia. I am certain that this is some sort of dream or vision of long ago. I never remembered getting hurt by an unknown animal at fourteen. However, I decide to keep watching to get my answers since there is no one here to help me.

I watch the door open and a very slick looking Pam saunters in. She is wearing a very tight green silk dress and her hair is piled up high on her head. Her shoes alone are to die for. She looks elegant and sleek. A far cry from the attire she darns for Fangtasia.

"Do you plan on coming to the floor?" She asks. "I've seen a few vermin that may entice you tonight." She smirks at Eric. "We can play best out of five?"

"Pam, I thought we had a group coming in for training?" He asks her.

Training, what kind of training is Eric talking about?

She sways over to him and leans in over his desk. "Don't worry, master," she says. "Several of the prospective Doms are already upstairs. The new group will be in shortly. Screening will start on time, as it always does." She laughs.

"Pamela, getting into training Submissives was your idea. Do not take the training lightly." He says. "Many of our community are paying us a great deal of money to train their new pets and slaves properly."

"Oh master, you have enjoyed it as much as I have," she giggles. "Plus, they have no idea what we are, so it's perfect."

Eric leans back. "I've just gotten word that Her Grace is coming to meet me tonight. Prepare the conference room and get back to your tasks at hand." He says to her.

"Eric, Her Grace is coming to see you." She says. "But…Eric, what's going on?"

"Mind me, Pamela," he says. "Do as you are told and see that we aren't disturbed."

"You…you never keep anything from me. Tell me what's going on." She says more of a command than a request.

Eric stands and leans over the desk sending Pam backwards into the chair. "Don't presume that just because I spoil you that I will not punish you. Mind me childe and do as I say." He says very sternly to her.

I roll my eyes. I guess some things never change.

Pam looks down. "My apologies, Master. I will make the room ready and return to my duties." She says.

Eric leans back. "Get on with it then." He says with another growl.

Pam looks up at him and I can see the red ring of tears just on the verge of falling. She picks herself up out of the chair and leaves.

I watch as Eric walks over to the glass wall directly across from his desk and looks out. I step over to see what he's looking at. The wall looks out over the main dance floor that is now packed. I watch him close his eyes and take a breath I know that he doesn't need.

I reach out to him but stop just before I touch him. I look at him thinking what I wouldn't do to hold him right now. He looks so, well lost.

I hear a knock on the door.

"Enter," he says.

"Master, your guests have just arrived and Clancy is bringing them up the back." Pam says. "They will meet you in the Conference Room."

Eric nods and walks toward the door. I follow him as he makes his way to the conference room. Within minutes, a tall woman with translucent skin and gray hair joins us. Her eyes are closed and two others accompany her. They appear to be helping her along.

Eric makes no hesitation to bend a knee in front of her.

Bowing his head, I hear him speak. "Your Grace, you honor me with your presence." He says.

"Eric the Northman, Viking Warrior, and Vampire King, stand my friend." She says.

"Your Grace, I am not a king." He says.

"You will be in time. Do you not remember a promise that was given to you?" She says as she sits down.

Eric moves to take a seat and I can tell that he's thinking.

"Your…Your grace, I am to be a king?" He asks her.

"You know this to be true. Why do you even ask?" She says.

"But I've waited…almost a thousand years, I've waited…." He says.

"You waiting will be over soon, Warrior King. Ten years hence all your dreams will become a reality." She says.

"Ten…why do I…"

She holds up a hand. "With your permission, I will call on someone who will explain."

I watch Eric nod.

All is silent for a moment and then I see Fintan POP into the room.

He walks over to Eric. "Hello my old friend," he says.

"Fintan, I…I heard you had gone home?" He asks him.

Fintan smiles, "An unavoidable distraction I'm afraid. However it was not as foolproof as we thought." He says.

Fintan sits down. "You remember the promise that you were give so long ago?" He says Eric.

Eric nods.

"I have come to tell you that the fulfillment of that promise is my descendant." He says.

"A…a Fae? You are telling me that my Promise is FAE?" He growls.

"Hold your tongue, Viking," Her Grace says. "She is more than Fae, more than human, more than all." She says. "She has been forged for you as you have for her. Her Fae quality is just one of many that make up your Promise One."

"But…but she's in danger." Fintan says.

I can see the anger swelling in Eric. "Explain." He says.

"Northman, many years, decades, centuries have been used to try to hide your Promise One. We thought…." Fintan looks to Her Grace who nods. "Eight years ago, we created an illusion. One that was so powerful that it would hide my granddaughter and keep her safe so that she could grow and be ready for you. I left my family so that they would be safe. However, it seems that it was not enough. Several years ago, my son and his wife were killed. I'm not sure how it was done since both were immortal, but they were indeed destroyed and we never knew how. Nothing has happened for several years and we thought that those that were sent after my son never made it back to your Promise.

However, today, something attacked my granddaughter. It seems that they are getting close. We need to get her away."

Eric stands up. "Where is she?" He growls. "I will bring her to my side and keep her safe." He says. "If she is my Promised One, then she should be by my side."

"Viking, calm yourself," Her Grace says. "She is only fourteen; she still needs to grow up."

"Fourteen in my time was ancient. She will be safe with me. Once we bond…"

Fintan stands now. "She is too young still. We need to hide her until she is at least twenty. You will have your Promised One soon but we need to keep her safe until then."

I can see Eric pacing like a caged animal. "Then what would you have me do? Why even tell me she is close and not allow me to have her. What cruel intensions are these?" He growls.

"Northman, we need you to help us keep her safe." Fintan says. "Vivi has pledged to take her away, but we need to hide her. Any area connected to my family or I will just be suspect." He says. "We need you to hide her. Vivi will protect her. Our Lady will watch over her. However, she needs to be hidden; far away from any of us."

Eric sits down. "I…I know where to hide her. Vivianne will be with her?" He asks.

Every one nods. "She will be her guide." Her Grace says.

Eric nods. "I want to see her first." He says.

"I…."

Eric puts his hand up. "If I'm to protect her and keep her hidden, I want to know that she indeed is my Promised One. I want to see her."

Fintan stands up and nods. "Very well," he says. "But she needs to leave tonight, so come with me." He says.

Fintan stands and Eric stands beside him. A gripping wind pulls at me and we are back at the farmhouse and standing outside.

"Adele," Fintan calls. "Invite the Viking in." He says.

"Fintan…no…I…" Adele yells back.

"Adele, do it." He says.

I hear Gran sigh. "Viking, please enter our home."

The two men enter the house and I find myself back in the parlor almost immediately.

Eric stops when he sees the small me lying on the couch. He walks silently over and kneels in front of the girl. Touching her face, he sighs and this awakens her.

She smiles as she reaches up to him. "Mo rí laochra, conas is mé ag iarraidh ar do shon." She says to him.

"Min Kara He says silently back to her. "I..I've waited a lifetime for you." He says.

He touches her hand to his lips and kisses them.

The girl smiles again and falls back to sleep.

He looks at the people in the room. "She will leave tonight. Pack nothing for her. All she will need will be provided for her. No contact will be made directly with her. If you wish to speak with her, it will go through me. No others beside Vivianne will know where I send her." He stands. "But make no mistake. The only reason I'm sending her away is so that she will be safe until the time she is of age. No one and I mean no one will interfere with me making her mine when the time comes." He says.

"None here would oppose it, Viking. All we want is to keep her safe until she is able to come to you."

He looks back to the girl. "Does she know who she is?" He asks.

Gran nods. "She will again. We have hidden it from her for the past few years to help her with attempting to adapt to her surroundings. But Vivi says she will need her to know who and what she is to help her grow into herself."

He nods. "What excuse are you to come up with regarding her hasty departure?"

"We will tell anyone who asks that she received a scholarship to an overseas school. Since she is a little different to begin with, it will not be hard to convince them." Gran says.

"Different?" Eric asks.

"Northman, the girl before you is Fae, Dae, and Handmaiden to Our Lady. There is much she is but one gift she possesses is that she is telepathic." Fintan says. "She can't read Supes very well and I am certain that she is unable to read Vampires. However, humans are a little taken back by her ability."

Eric growls again. "You kept her someplace that didn't accept her?" He asks.

"It was the only way to hide her, until now." Fintan says.

Eric looks at Fintan with fire in his eyes but says nothing. Instead, he leans back to the girl. He looks like he is inspecting her.

"She will have my blood to heal her." He says.

"NO, she's just…" Adele says and lurches forward. Fintan grabs her to hold her to him.

"I'm not going to do a mutual exchange. This will be for her to heal and for me to sense her." He says.

He looks back at Gran. "What is her name?" He asks.

"Susannah," Adele whispers.

Eric touches the girls face again. "Susannah," he says with longing in his voice.

***0***

The scenes change again. This time is quick succession. I see myself growing up. I watch Vivi and I leave on a plane. I watch us land at a private airfield and arrive at a large estate. I am in a very beautiful ancient home, I'm not sure where, but I'm thinking it's Sweden by all the snow.

I watch as time passes for me and I start to grow into the person I am now. I watch as letters come periodically from Eric but they are very few. I watch as I learn to use my powers and learn more and more about whom and what I am.

The scene slows and returns to real time. I watch Vivi and a younger me in a very large room.

I am sitting at a table and am lifting things with my mind.

"Again, Susannah," Vivi says.

I hear myself huff. "I've been at it for hours." I say. "Can't I just read for awhile?" I ask her.

"Susannah, you have had six years to perfect your skills. You will be returning to your Viking soon. You need to know what you're doing in order to protect the both of you." She says. "He will be counting on you as much as you will be counting on him."

The me sitting at the table nods and starts working again.

There is a knock at the door and Vivi goes to answer it. A maid has a letter in her hand. Usually the letters are addressed I've seen through the visions have been address to Susannah and Vivi just hands them over. This one, she opens herself.

I watch as her face goes white as the snow around them.

"Vivi, what…"

She looks up at me sitting there. "It's Adele…she's, she's been killed." She says.

"What!" The other me screams. "HOW…."

Vivi shakes her head. "I don't know but Eric is sending the plane for you to attend the funeral."

The scene changes again. I now watch over mourners at Gran's grave site. The younger me looks around. I can tell that she doesn't know many of the people there.

Suddenly, I'm no longer watching but am Susannah standing there watching the people watch me; including my brother who just glares at me.

After the services, everyone walks back to the house. Vivi informs me that she will be returning in a few hours. That she is being sent for. I nod my understanding and walk up the steps and into the house.

I watch from the sidelines as more and more people come to pay their respects and leave. Jason hasn't come to talk to me yet but I can tell that he is angry. I have no idea why he is so angry. He never wanted me around in the first place. He has had his wish for the last few years. Unless it's my return that is making him angry; which could be the case.

Once the last of the visitors leave, it is just Jason and I still in the house. I busy myself in the kitchen, trying to clean up. Oh hell, I'm avoiding the confrontation that I know will occur between us. I look out the window and see that the sun is still high in the horizon. This is the only time I wish I had the power to will time.

I knew from his letter, that Eric would be here soon after dark. I am nervous and excited on many fronts about that news. However, right now, I fear that I need him for more than an embrace.

"Why did you come back now?" He asks.

I turn around. "I…I wanted to say goodbye." I say to him.

I know our story. I know he isn't really my brother. I know he was put into our family to keep us safe. However, he has been here with her and not me. I missed her so much.

"You left; you ran off one night and never looked back. What are you doing here now?" He growls at me.

"Jason…I…I didn't run off…I got…well…I couldn't come home." I say to him.

"If you didn't leave, Gran would still be here." He says. "They wouldn't have killed her and she would still be here." He says.

"What….what are you talking about?"

"It's your fault she's dead. I knew the moment they came that they were looking for you. She wouldn't say anything. She said she didn't know. I know it was a lie. I told them that you left one night and never came back. I tried to fight them off and the next thing I know, Gran's dead and they told me I had to make a deal or I would be dead too." He says.

"Jason, who is 'they'? What are you talking about?" I ask him.

Jason says nothing. He goes to the door and opens it. In walks a man that looks very similar to Fintan but slightly taller and a little darker. His eyes are as blue as my grandfather's though. Except his eyes are evil.

He smiles at me. "Fáilte banphrionsa bhaile ." He says. "Táimid tar éis fanacht chomh fada le haghaidh do thuairisceán"

"Cad ba mhaith leat le linn ?" I ask him.

"Ba mhaith liom rud ar bith leis an Stag. Dhíth agam ort, mo banphrionsa cóir." He says smirking at me.

It makes my blood run ice cold.

"Who…who are you and what do you want with me?" I ask.

"Ahhh, using English are we?" He laughs. "Such a crude and awful language, but alas, you have not been trained in the finer ways, now have you?" He pauses and I say nothing. "Fine, I will indulge my princess this one thing. My name in Breandan Brigant, my princess; I have waited lifetimes to get close to you."

"Leave this house." I growl at him.

He laughs again. "You have no authority here. This is no longer your home." He says walking in.

"What do you want with me?" I step back until my backside hits the counter.

He laughs again. "Oh my, you are sweet," he says. "I want you to be mine. I want to chain you to my side and make you bow at my feet and watch as your patriarch falls. I want to see my nephew fall over in grief. I want to end this infernal story telling of saviors and protectors. I want you mine, my young princess." He says. "And your legacy will become mine."

"Why…what business is it of yours if I…."

"You don't get it, do you?" He asks. "To allow you to live and fulfill your destiny will be counterproductive to my plan. You see, you are a mutt, an abomination of true Fae blood. Your family consorted with others and as such made you." He says. "But alas, you hold a key that I need. You hold the reason I've waited. Your destiny will be mine. Your children will be my warriors. Your life will be mine to rule and mine alone. And when you help me get what I need, I will watch you burn."

"I've done nothing to you." I say to him. "You are mad if you think I will come to you willingly." I say to him. "Don't think I don't know what a mess you have made of our kingdom." I shout at him.

He steps forward. "That kingdom is MINE! It was stolen from me and I want it returned. You will help me get it." He says to me.

I see his teeth lengthen and he growls once more. "You have no idea what you have done to me." He says. "NOW come to me."

"Hey, you said you wanted her, to get revenge on some dude name Fintan." Jason says. "You said nothing about taking her. You said if she came, so would he."

"Shut your mouth, human." Breandan says.

I watch as an arrow appears out of nowhere and strikes Jason in the heart. He falls to the floor with an expression of shock on his face.

I need to get out of here. I turn to look out the window and notice that the sun has set. Eric will be here soon, but I need to get out of here. I run to the back door and swing it open. I'm down the stairs as I hear Breandan at my heels.

I take a few more steps when Eric drops down in front of me.

"ERIC RUN!" I scream at him.

I run into his arms. "We need to get out of here." I say.

"Min Kara ," Eric says holding me to him. "I smell Fae. What is going on?" He asks me.

At that, he hears a laugh and looks up to see Breandan moving out the door. "Ah, Viking, good," he laughs.

Eric goes to move to him but within seconds, he and I are surrounded by many large creatures. I look to him but Eric can't seem to move.

I try to move them with my mind, but they only move a few feet. I try to call for anything that will help us but it appears that all the iron items have been removed from the house. I am sure that Breandan had Jason do that before my return. I look around thinking. I set myself to cast my shield except I'm too late.

I look up to see Breandan aiming a crossbow at us.

"Say goodbye to him, Susannah," he says.

I wave my hand and watch the crossbow land on the other side of the yard.

He smiles. "Clever trick," he says.

But before I can return to my shields, several other arrows fly in from places unknown. I deflect several but I can't seem to do them all. I do seem to get one to hit Breandan and that releases his hold on Eric.

"Susannah, move!" Eric growls as he launches himself at Breandan.

I move to the side as I see several other vampires land in the yard. I hear the unmistakable POP of Fae and know that many other are appearing.

I pull myself into a shield as I watch the battle commence.

Many are dead or dying on lawn. Eric is desperately trying to get to me.

Out of nowhere I see a wooden arrow sailing toward Eric.

I look into my Viking's eyes. He turns to see what is behind him.

Before it hits.

I scream…and everything goes black.

Sitting up, I look around to see beautiful green grass with beautiful white rocks scattered here and there. In the distance, I can make out the marble alter that I remember. I smile looking towards the edge of the cliff and seeing the water kissing the sand. I breathe deep the air around me and hold it as long as I can. I have missed this place.

"Are you well, My Childe," I hear from behind me.

"My Lady," I say in a gasp.

"Welcome home," She says.

"Was that real? Is that what he remembers?" I ask.

"It was real, or rather another's memory of a reality that is no more." She says. "You have been trying to get this right for some time now. Several times, I had to right a wrong. That was one of them." She pauses and I see the light moving toward me. "But no, that is not what he remembers. I fear that the feelings of that time remain, in both him and you."

"So that is not my reality? My Eric is safe?" I ask her.

"Yes, My Childe, your Eric is safe. Your reality is what you remember. That was given to you as a warning." She says.

"What about what he remembers?" I ask her.

The light moves but doesn't dim. "My Lady, please," I sit down back on the grass. "Please, I need to know what he knows. I need to know why he's so upset. Why things are frightening him."

I feel warmth again and know that she is trying to comfort me.

"My Childe," she says. "Knowing your past lives will not assist you. Not now, anyway. You have much to do and much to take care of now."

I instinctively put my hands on my stomach.

"I just..he was so upset when I came to speak with Momma." I say to her.

I can feel the air lighten and know she finds it amusing. "Your Viking is strong but doesn't like when things are taken out of his hands. Such is the way with many of his time."

I want to say that it's like this was many in this time. But I keep my mouth shut.

"Will you at least tell me why he's so afraid?" I ask her.

"He is afraid of losing you," she pauses. "Susannah, he watched you slip away from him; emotionally, physically and metaphysically in the previous time. He is afraid that you will do it again. Fear is not something that the Viking is comfortable with."

No, I don't expect it would be.

"Give him time and your love, Childe. He will find great comfort in that." She says.

"Why show me a timeline that he doesn't remember? Why not show me what he does so that I can help make sure that it doesn't repeat itself?" I stand and move over to the bench.

"Childe, you both have work to do. You both have tasks to fulfill and roles to play. Your Viking remembers the last time so that he could protect and find you. You must in turn have knowledge and protect him and yours."

"I…I don't understand," I say to her.

"You will in time," she says.

I stand and take another breath. "I thought this place was only in my dreams." I say to her.

She laughs. "This place will always be here, whether you remember it or not." She says. "It's in your blood to seek guidance here."

I look toward the light and can just barely see her outline. "I wish I could see you again," I say with a slight tear welling in my eye.

"You will," she says, "in time you will."

I nod and look back at the arch , remembering the conversation with my mother. "I understand why I had to be hidden until I was ready, but did Momma and Daddy have to die?" I ask.

"Little one," she says. I close my eyes and can feel the warm embrace of the wind. "Fate and Destiny work in mysterious ways. Unfortunately, like everything in this world, there are two sides. You must accept the dark with the light, the in with the out, the happy with the sad, and the good with the bad."

I wipe away the treacherous tear that has escaped my eye. "I know," I say softly.

"My beautiful girl, your life has just begun." She says.

I laugh. "Finally, a thousand years is a long time to wait."

"A mere blink in the eye of your eternity, my darling." She says. "You have much to do and more time than you could possibly imagine."

"Will I know the whole prophecy now?" I ask her.

She laughs again. "In time, you will know all you need. For now, you know enough."

I sigh. "I was afraid that was what you were going to say."

She laughs again. "Little One, you haven't changed much, now have you?" She asks. "I must caution you on a few things."

"Speak and your words will lay steadfast in my heart, My Lady." I say to her, remembering that I've said those words before.

"Yes, they will need to be in your heart." She pauses. "There are many that will attempt to destroy you and what you have." She says. "Learn from the mistakes of the past. Remember what was just shown to you."

I think on her words. I'd been so concerned about Niall, I handed given anyone else a second thought.

"Breandan is coming for me?" I ask.

"He will try. You must warn your Viking. You must prepare." She says.

"I…I need to kill him." I say.

"Many will die, my Little One. It's just how it will be." She says. "If you wish your life, you will need to fight for it."

I nod looking out at the water. "I wish they would leave us be." I say. "Niall, Breandan, Bill, the Fellowship. I want my Viking and my Destiny. It's been a long wait." I say.

"Keep in mind what is being shown to you. You have to learn why other times have failed. You will keep this in your heart and allow your Viking to plan." She says. "You are his other half. He has waited as long for you as you have for him." She says.

I nod again.

"Another thing," she says. "You must realize who and what your Viking is." She says.

"He…he is my promise. He is whom I've been waiting for." I say to her.

"He is, however, he is also who he is." I must look confused because she continues. "Your Viking has been prepared for this as much as you, my Little One." She says. "He is also from another time and another place. In his day, men were men and needed to show who they were and what they were made of." She says.

I shake my head. "But Eric doesn't have too," I say. "He is the strongest and most powerful Vampire in the area. No one and nothing will ever challenge him." I say with pride.

I hear her laugh. It rings out like a hundred church bells, beaconing those around to its house. "You have stars in your eyes when it comes to your Viking, now don't you?" She pauses. "In many ways you are correct, in others…."

"You are telling me that he is going to get aggressive?" I ask her. Because if that's the case, I already saw some of that last night and it was hot!

"Not aggressive, but more possessive, obsessive, protective of you." She says. "It cannot be helped. He is who he is. He will defend what's his no matter what." She says, "Especially after you are with child." She says. "It's instinct to protect his young."

"He won't hurt me," I say.

"No, but it doesn't mean that you should not understand where he is coming from." She says.

"I'm sure I'll be fine," I say with a smile. Because if what I got a taste of last night is a preview, I'm going to be one very happy Faerie.

"You will need to be strong, Little One. Your Viking will be brave and strong. However, when it comes to you, his possessive nature will take hold. He will not tolerate anything standing between you. You must know that he will never allow another to be with you." She says.

I am shocked. "I don't want another. I would never want another. I've wanted him for nearly a millennium, why would I ever turn to another?" I ask her.

"It matters not if you want another. Others will want you. Others may very well challenge him for you." She says.

"But…but he doesn't have anything to worry about." I say.

The view in front of me changes. Instead of the rocks and grass, I see snow and hill. On it is several snow leopards' moving around in front of us. I can tell that several are only cubs. One looks a little larger.

"See how the mother looks after her cubs?" She asks me. I nod. In the distance, I see a wolf coming closer. Out of nowhere, another leopard moves in and attacks the wolf. Within minutes, the fight is over and the leopard comes toward the others. The mother stands and bows to him as he protectively circles her and the cubs.

"The male of a clan always protects his own." She says. "It matters not if the Wolf was moving around the clan or if the Wolf was only curious about them. The Alpha will never allow him even close enough to do them harm." She says.

The images fades and I am again looking at the lush green grass.

"Your Viking will protect you even with the slightest hint of an attack." She says. "If the other is someone who is interested in you, he will do everything to show not only his dominance over him but of you. Your Viking will never allow anything to happen to you if he can help it. And if something does happen to you, be prepared for him to, well what's the word, go off the deep end." She says.

"I…love him with everything I have. I will make sure he always knows that." I say.

"Remind him of that often, little one." She says. "Now, you will need to return and be vigilant. This day will prove to have many changes for you. The first of many, I am aware of." She says.

"But…nothing has been solved. I know no more than when I came." I say to her.

"You know more than you realize my Little One. You have been given insight into another time and place. Use the information to protect yourself and your Viking. He needs you just as much as you need him." She pauses. "Now, there is much that will happen today. Know that all that will happen is with my blessing and occurring because Fate has designed for the two of you. Remember this and bask in the love of your new family." She says.

"Remember you are loved, Little One." She says to me.

I nod. And then change the subject. "Eric told me the Veil is coming down," I say to her.

"It has," she says.

"But…how…how am I going to protect myself from Breandan and Niall?" I ask her.

I feel rather than see a smile on her face. "When the time is right and you need the answer to that question it will come to you." She says.

I sigh. Why did I think I would get a straight answer.

"Perhaps you are not asking the right questions," she says to me.

Did I just say that outloud.

I hear her laughter again. "Oh, how we have missed you here, Susannah," she says. "But know this. Sometimes when we receive answers we do not understand, it isn't the answer but the question that is wrong."

Okay, I can play this game. "What is the right question?" I ask.

"The question should be, how do you right a wrong?" She says.

How I right a wrong? I say in my head. "I…I don't understand." There, that's honest. She would know if I wasn't being honest.

"Many wrongs have been done. There are those that can make it right. When the time comes, you will know how to protect yourself from these creatures. The question should be how to correct their mistakes and right the wrongs that have plagued many for centuries."

I sigh. "Okay, how do I right the wrong?" I ask.

"By walking the path placed in front of you and never dwelling on pasts or dreams…." She says.

***0***

I open my eyes and see that the sun is now shining into the room. I let out a sad sigh, knowing that if the windows are open, I'm in our room and not down with Eric. I know that he was going to leave me when I fell asleep. Doesn't make me like it.

I miss him so much. I move onto my side and suddenly a wave of nausea hits more intense than any I had yesterday. I'm out of bed and into the bathroom in a flash. I make it in there just before my stomach up- ends itself.

"Sookie!" I hear from the other room.

I try to say "In here" but it comes out more as a groan.

Dalia comes in, followed but Vivi and Amelia.

"Honey," Amelia says. "Are you okay?" She asks.

I rest my head against the porcelain and marvel in its coolness.

I sigh. "Yeah," I say. "I should expect this now, huh?" I ask.

She helps me up and back to bed. I hadn't noticed that Vivi left until she returned with a Royalty Blended and a cup of tea.

"Sally May is getting breakfast ready for you," she says. "Drink both of these. It should help."

I look over to the clock to see that it's barely eleven in the morning. I shake my head. I'm sure that we only went to bed a few hours ago. However, for some reason, I am not tired.

Next to the clock is a very big envelope. On the top, written in Eric's elegant scroll is a note for me.

I pull myself up in bed and rest against the headboard, bringing the bottle of blood to me. I drink half of it before I come up for air and look around to the women in the room.

"Sorry about that," I say to them and start drinking again.

Once I'm done with the bottle, I rest it on the nightstand and take the cup of tea.

"You feeling better, M'Lady?" Dalia asks.

I nod. "Sorry to scare you."

She smiles and nods. "It's to be expected."

Amelia leaves saying something about checking on breakfast.

"We've got a lot to do today. Do you think you'll be up to it?" Vivi asks.

I nod. "I'm much better now," I say.

I put the half cup of tea down and reach for the letter and envelope.

I look over to Vivi and Dalia. "Do you know what this is?" I ask them.

"I've got a feeling I do," Vivi says. "But read it first and then we can talk."

I nod and open the letter.

My Beautiful Bonded,

I want you to know that even though we had some rather disturbing news yesterday, it will still be the most wonderful of my existence. To know you are carrying my child is the most wondrous and joyous thing. I hope you know that no matter what, you and our child will always come first to me.

We will be heading to Texas night after next at first dark. You will need to shop today for clothes to wear to court. Once in Dallas, you can shop as well. I know that your things have been brought to you from the farmhouse. There are certain protocols and requirements that need to be adhered to in the presence of a Monarch. I'm sure if you search your memory, you will remember a time when you were instructed on presentations of court. I'm sure either Adele or Patricia instructed you on the politics of it all. It will become part of our daily life soon. We should get used to it.

Next is something that is in the large envelope for you. Please forgive me, but I've already read it. I wanted to make sure there wasn't anything in it that would upset you too much. I will understand your anger. It was from Fintan to you. But know I only looked out of concern for you and our child. I admit that he and Adele have done a very thorough job.

Regardless, I am sure that you are going to be a bit upset about what you read. I have spoken to Fintan and there is no way around it. The veil is coming down and it cannot be put back. Any humans that were under the spell are not aware of you any longer. Supes, on the other hand are. That is why the shifter knows who you are. I have also learned that Jason will remember you because the magick done to change his mind was not the same as what Fintan used. Vivianne equates it to glamour of a Vampire. Jason's mind was wiped of his old memories and false ones were put in their place.

Fintan sent these documents over to you. They are your new identity. Rather it's your old identity with some modifications to bring it up to date. He has left a number to call him if you have any questions. I left your phone in the front sitting area, charging.

I want you to know that I love you very much. That regardless of your name, Stackhouse or Brigant, you are my Susannah and you are my life now. Nothing and no one will ever change that.

Please read over the documents from Fintan and call him with any questions.

I love you now and for eternity,

~E

I sigh and close my eyes. I let a few tears drop. I am no longer who I was. Then again, I never really was Sookie Stackhouse. It was just an illusion, a farce, to keep me safe. The name never belonged to me. Though my physical body stayed five, I was Susannah Brigant for centuries. I have to remember that.

I sigh again. "Okay, let's see the life my grandfather has forged for me." I say to the room.

I pick up the envelope and open it.

The first thing I see is my Birth Certificate that shows my name in very elegant scroll. I trace it and smile. I really do like my name. It shows that I'm 24 years old and that I was born in Charlotte, North Carolina to Patricia and Corbett Brigant.

I see a copy of my parent's death certificate. I shed another tear for them. They left this world to protect me. I just wish I knew how they killed them. With my parent's heritage, it must have been something really big and bad if it took out these beautiful people.

I sniff back and look at the documents that say we lived in the old Stackhouse house for two years before moving first to Vermont, then overseas to Ireland for several years. All the while, I was homeschooled by my grandmother.

We returned to the country when I was eighteen years old and settled outside of New Orleans with who looks like now my cousins. No mention is made of Gran's death but I'm assuming that it's to start the cover story for Gran and Poppa.

I pick up another paper and eyes pretty much pop right out of my head. I see a copy of College Diploma from The University of Cambridge, England. I look at it closer. The degree is in Modern and Ancient History. I let the diploma drop out of my hands when I see another document stating that I also have a Master's degree in Anthropology from The University of Oslo.

The last document shows that I have been working at remote University in Russia for the past year.

"Is he fucking kidding?" I scream.

****0****