Wow, it's been so long since my last update, but I've been so busy that I couldn't concentrate enough to keep writing this fic. I love it, and I love all the people reading it because I never thought it might become so long and that is thanks to all of you.
Thank you for reading and reviewing, and I really hope you enjoy this new chapter.
Chapter 29. Lessons, Powers And A Wedding To Plan
Eric POV
We decided to take advantage of Claudine's information, and it began by teaching Sookie the potential she hadn't dared to know yet; incredible powers that were born from within her and that she would manage to master with a little practice.
"Your eyes give you away." I said appearing behind her before she could react. "You show me the way and you must hide it until last moment. That second will make the difference between dying and staying alive." I hated being rough to her but if she wanted to learn she had to do it fast. We did not have much time, and we did not know for sure if Niall was going to follow some kind of calendar. Had he thought of a particular date to attack? We had no idea, we didn't ask Claudine and she did not say a word about it. But if Brigant suspects of her, something quite possible, would he trust her with that kind of details even being his own blood? The answer is no, because he had already proved that he was more than willing to use Sookie for his devious plans. And I would never allow that while I had the necessary power to fight.
"I know!" She snapped angrily.
"You've asked me to teach you to fight, and maintaining control is crucial, Sookie. Your enemies won't wait till you're ready." She nodded and closed her eyes, breathing deeply. "You're right, I have to continue. Again."
I placed myself in front of her in an attack position, fangs extended included, and waited for her to make the first move. "Remember, trick your adversary is more powerful than any attack. If you can keep that in mind you will exceed your enemy." She nodded a second time and both of us stayed motionless, her eyes fixed on mine without showing her intentions. Yes, she was getting it, but then she began changing. Her eyes began turning red, full of fury, but I knew she could control it. It wasn't like the first times when that power took control over her, even teleporting her to an unknown place, now my Sookie was stronger.
"I have no idea what you're thinking. So let's continue, you're doing very well, my lover." She did not answer, she remained cold as ice, and I could hardly feel her through the bond. That should have worried me but it was part of her fairy condition, to be able to hide, even from me.
I took the first step and pounced on her when a slight movement of her head told me to go to the right, but running toward that side I smack myself into the wall, and a moment later I heard her laugh.
"I've done it!"
In any other circumstances I would have felt frustrated and furious, and my opponent would be already bleeding and dead, but what Sookie managed made me feel even more proud of her. She was becoming a creature capable of facing any danger, and though I knew she might defend herself or defeat her enemies, I'd never cease to protect her.
"I have the feeling that something has changed inside of me." She said softly, dropping to the ground. "It's like something new, something I've never felt before, and I get a little scared but I know my powers wouldn't hurt me, and I must accept them with all the consequences."
"I'm proud of you, my angel." I bent down in front of her brushing the hair off from her face. "I've always been, but now I believe you're complete, that somehow you have evolved until becoming a stronger and more powerful woman than you ever thought you might be." A shy smile spread across her face. "And you've changed me as well."
"You? How?"
I laughed because she didn't even imagine it. How could she not? "Really?" She did not answer. "Well, you have. Until I met you I wasn't able to see the world the way I see it now. Apart from Pam, I did not care for anyone else except my businesses or my position as sheriff. I did not believe to have the right to feel affection or love, except for…"
"Pam."
"That's right." I smiled. "Listen, no matter that you now have powers or you don't need my protection. I will always be there for you, even when it's going to be obvious that it won't be necessary any longer."
Her expression turned grim. "Don't say that, please." She begged with teary eyes. "I will always need you, but above all I love you and that will never change. I don't give a damn about the powers, I'd return them in the blink of an eye if that got me to be with you forever. But we both know that we're going to need them now more than ever, or otherwise Niall will win, and we can't allow that."
"Of course not."
While Sookie took a shower I summoned Pam and within seconds she knocked on the door of the suite. The three of us needed to have a talk about new changes and the information Claudine provided.
"Hi Pam, I didn't know you were coming." Sookie dressed in shorts and a t-shirt and with her hair wet waved at her. "I'd have put on something more appropriate."
"It's okay, Sookie, you look beautiful." I hastened to say before Pam will gift her with one of her flirtatious comments. "I told her to come because I think it is time to talk about certain things, and inform Pam of it as soon as possible is the best, don't you think?"
"Yeah, sure." Sitting down beside me and with Pam in front of us, we stayed in silence. I wasn't sure if Sookie would want to start or she preferred that I did it, but none of that mattered when it was my progeny who broke the silence.
"Okay, what is it? Have you two secretly married?" Being subtle wasn't her thing, at all.
"I'd never do that to you, Pam." Sookie assured her, getting up and leaving me to sit beside her. "But there are some things that we must talk about and we believe that for now is better than just the three of us know."
Pam looked at me first and then at Sookie. "But what about Amelia? She's a very powerful witch and your friend."
"Pam, a few hours ago Claudine showed up in our bedroom to tell us about Niall Brigant's plans. He is going to attack us, we don't know when, but he will soon." I said no more, reaching out to grab Sookie's hand. "He is gathering an army of fairies, wolves, shifters, even vampires…in essence, he's recruiting anyone willing to help no matter they are mortal enemies. So we must be careful with our words but be prepared, because he won't ever give up."
Exhaling loudly she got up and walked back and forth around the room. I waited patiently for her to finish thinking, but Sookie was nervous, perhaps thinking that Pam wouldn't choose our side. An absurd thought, but I understood that it worried my lover.
"What you're saying is that he has gone mad, because otherwise I could never understand. What kind of fairy allies with vampires? And why? What can he offer them to fight for him?"
"Sookie." I replied ruefully.
"What?!" She snapped furious, fangs extended included.
"He wants to kidnap her, take her away from me, all of us, and take her to Fae to strengthen his blood line and impregnate her so a future fairy baby is born and he can manipulate him to his advantage. That's what Niall wants, to get back the power that he can barely keep now before his lineage weakens in a way that he's no longer able to confront his enemies."
"I know it's crazy," Sookie said getting up and stopping in front of her, "and at first I didn't want to believe it either. But I know him, I know what he's capable of, and Claudine confirmed my suspicions. Niall has never loved me, he was only interested in me when he realized that he could get something from me that he has searched unsuccessfully for too long." Pam didn't interrupt her or changed the gesture. "I have no right to get you involved in this because if you hadn't met me we wouldn't be telling you that we're about to start a war, so it's your decision. If you want to leave and stay away until it's all over, I won't blame you. Eric won't blame you." I would; actually I'd be very disappointed if Pam did. "I have new powers that I still don't understand but I know that won't be enough to defeat him. He's gathering an army and we're not even half a dozen. I know Eric will do everything possible to find allies, even among those who hate vampires but they are indebted to them. I don't intend to manipulate you in any way, but I must know if you're on our side. When we return to Louisiana I'll need an answer, and whatever it is, I will never stop considering you a friend." Sookie began walking toward the bedroom and I wanted to follow her but I did not.
"You're wrong, you know?"
Pam's four words that made her stop. Her hand was already on the doorknob but she remained motionless, her back to us. "Why am I wrong?"
Moving at vampiric speed she stood behind her and putting the hand on her shoulder. "I've never turned down a good fight, and I won't stay aside while there's a possibility to feed on the delicious fairy blood."
"Pam…" I started saying but I kept quiet when hearing Sookie's laugh.
"Aren't you even going to think about it? You know, to make things interesting and mysterious." My young lover joked.
"My master knows that I'm unable to resist such a tempting offer." And so, as if our conversation had never existed, Pam and Sookie disappeared into the bedroom to choose clothes for dinner.
Meanwhile I took care to make some phone calls to inform my contacts that I will require their presence soon. I didn't give details, just a date and time to meet with them to present my plan. They didn't need to know more, because for now there was still a lot of work to do, and Sookie and Pam, and soon Adele and Amelia, would be a part of those plans.
Niall POV
It is common that Fae entry opens up on several occasions as we fairies like to play between dimensions, especially with humans. It is so fun to take other forms to deceive, play and scare them. Or just seduce them to prevent boredom to be too…boring, because I don't think there is any other word to define it.
However, whenever Claudine returned to Fae I knew she had been on Earth, perhaps having fun or maybe spying, I don't know for sure, but what I am convinced of is that she does not trust me as she had done previously. I can see it in her eyes, the same ones I've seen grow and change over the years, and now they're different. I'm not able to read her as I did before, not even the slightest gesture betrays what she's thinking. It worries me what that might cause, because if using my power is useless to know her secrets, how can I trust her?
"My dear, I am so glad you are back." I said as I heard her footsteps approaching. Her scent betrayed her even I had taught her well to mask it. "How was your trip?"
After a few seconds she walked into the room, one of my private rooms, but remained near the door. "Good, it was…successful."
"I am sure it was." Leaving the pages I was writing on, I got up and walked to the balcony from which I could see the vast expanse of beauty that was part of Fae. An impressive garden in which animals and plants unknown by humans coexisted without being threatened by barbarians from other dimensions. "Come, talk to your old grandfather."
"You are not an old man, Niall. Your silver hair does not mean you're not young, because you are. Your strength and power keep your reign in this world, as has happened over the past centuries." I won't lie, I loved hearing her praise me. "But it concerns me that you've made a hasty decision."
"Hasty?" I did not like her insinuating that I was wrong. "What makes you think that, little girl? Do you believe you are wiser than me or I don't know what I am doing?"
"No, my lord," she answered quickly, bowing her head. "But vampires are bloodthirsty creatures that won't hesitate to attack us, and why? The girl does not mean enough to start a war, and perhaps you can't win. Why take chances?"
She was infuriating me and I showed her with an icy stare that made her took a step back. For the first I saw fear in her eyes and something else: a secret. I knew she would not be able to maintain that level of concentration for much longer, and very soon I'd know what she was hiding from me. "I apologize for scaring you, my dear, but you know that a king should never be questioned. His decisions are the law, and I reign in this dimension because otherwise chaos would be everywhere."
"And what will happen when you can no longer reign?" She dared to ask whispering. "Our lineage weakens and no child has been born in Fae for centuries. It's impossible for you to stay…"
"Enough!" I hissed feeling my blood boiling. "That is enough, do not ever question me again or there will be consequences."
"Yes…highness." She muttered before turning and leaving. I might have stopped her with a word or a gesture of my hand, closing the door before she could leave, but I did not. It was not convenient to reveal that I wasn't able to maintain control all the time, so I needed to calm down.
"Claudine, wait." She did but didn't turn around. "I know I am strict but always fair." There was no reply. "And I am also aware that you do not approve of my decision, but you must obey."
"Yes, my king."
When Claudine left I knew I'd never have her supporting me as I would have expected, but it surprised me that she showed me her distrust so openly. What was she hiding that was more powerful than her own family?
"Did you summon me, my lord?" Out of nowhere Rhys appeared, one of the most attractive specimens, and who supported me and obeyed all my orders with no question. He would become one of my best weapons.
"Yes, Rhys, I summoned you. I have a mission of vital importance for you and I hope you don't fail."
He nodded inclining his head. "Never, my king. To protect Fae is more important than any personal desire. My mission will be accomplished as you order, and I will return with the satisfaction of a well done job."
I reached out my hand and stroked the blond hair falling over his forehead, and then lifted his chin to contemplate him. Blue eyes, pale skin, athletic body… "You are the perfect man to carry out the mission that I am going to order you." In my hand appeared a photograph. "This woman is called Sookie Stackhouse." I handed it to him and he studied it carefully but without pronouncing a word. "Very soon she will move out to live in Shreveport, but for now her home is located in the small town of Bon Temps, in an old house in the suburbs. It is away from the road and there are no neighbors to cause problems." He looked up and waited for me to continue informing him. "Find her but be careful, you must do it by accident. I do not mind the excuse, I leave that detail to your choice, but make contact with her as soon as possible. Show yourself charming and gentlemanly, polite and willing to please her. Immerse yourself in her life and become a part of it. Get her away from the vampire."
"A vampire, my lord?" He asked surprised and confused. "He will kill me before I can…"
"Do not worry about that," I cut him off, "I will help you. I will manipulate your essence so she's the only one feeling attracted to you, in this way the vampire won't suspect because you'll only meet her during the day."
"I will fulfill your order, my king."
"Good. Now I want you to get through the portal to arrive to Bon Temps. Investigate all you can about her but don't make your presence known. I want every detail studied to perfection so there is no fail, understood?"
"Yes, my lord."
"Go now, and report back to me with every new thing you find out."
Rhys vanished and I knew he would not disappoint me. Now I only needed to wait and soon Sookie and her vampire would face the most powerful feeling: jealousy.
Eric POV
Seeing Sookie pretending in front of her grandmother and Amelia was too hard, but I gave her my word that I wouldn't say anything during our stay in New York. Enjoying some of the wedding preparations would distract her, at least for a few hours until we were alone and she started thinking about Niall Brigant's diabolical plans.
"Okay, we need to talk." Amelia told me sitting down opposite me in the living room of the suite Sookie and I shared. She walked into the room without knocking, usual for her, and demanding an explanation. "I know something's up, I notice in Sookie's eyes. She's my best friend, I know her and I can see she's really worried. Please, I need to know, Eric." My lover should have understood the witch would eventually realize what was happening, and now the responsibility of telling her or not rested in my hands. "You doubt because you think it'd be a betrayal to her but we both know that Sookie Stackhouse can be a very stubborn woman, and even if she believes that I won't be able to face it, she needs to think again."
"I shouldn't talk about it. Sookie made me promise…"
"I know, but I'm her friend, I care for her, and I need to understand what we are facing. She's stressed, unable to relax and she was really close to tell me something on the boat but she hesitated at the last second. I want to think that she did it because we were with Adele but…"
"Amelia, you're a smart woman," I said, believing my own words, "and with little research you'll find out for yourself. But I can't betray Sookie's confidence, and I won't."
She chuckled nodding. "That's why I know you two are made for each other. There is no way for you two to do something that might harm the other and that kind of trust is not easy to find." I waited for her to get up and leave but she did not move. "But you also need to understand the position I find myself in. This trip was not only to buy a wedding dress and stay away from Shreveport and Bon Temps' gossip, and that's fine. Yes, we're having a great time but Sookie… It's incredible but she has become a vital person in my life and it kills me to see her suffering and not know the reason." Her pleas would have no effect on me, because I wouldn't betray Sookie under any circumstances.
"I'm not gonna get anything, right?" No answer, no need. "Okay, I understand. I know what I'm asking you is too much and you are in your right to refuse. But at least I need you to answer me one thing."
"Go on."
She intertwined her fingers and rested the elbows on her knees. "If things get worse or comes the crucial moment, will I be informed of the plans? Will I be a part of the team facing the battle?"
No direct questions about Sookie or what was happening with Niall Brigant, so I responded. "I have no doubt about it. Sookie would never allow you to be in danger for not knowing details. You are important to her and that's all you need to know for now."
"Thank you, Eric."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
When Sookie came back it seemed her mood had improved, maybe spending time with Adele and Pam got her to relax, and for the first time since we were in New York I saw her happy.
"Hi Eric, I've missed you." Sitting down on my lap, she kissed my lips, wrapping her arms around my neck. I was not going to complain about seeing her so relaxed but I was curious. "I had a great time and I suddenly feel things are going to get better, hasn't that happened to you?"
"No, but what do you mean?"
She gave me a sweet smile, as if she had a great secret only she knew about. "I'm not sure but it's more of a feeling. I don't know, as if I had suddenly ceased to be afraid and I am ready."
"Ready for what?"
"For whatever. I don't care what Niall believes he can do to us, there will be no way to separate us. And when we are married," she whispered, kissing me, "there won't be a chance of anyone standing in our lives. It'll be you and I as one person, and soon, very soon, my love, immortality will unite us forever."
We kept kissing for a few more minutes until Sookie got up and I was going to do the same but she stopped me. "Wait. It's been a very long day and I feel like taking a bath. What if you give me half an hour and we meet in the bedroom?"
"I'll get the bath ready for you."
After lighting some candles, lowering the lights and using different aromatic bath salts, I told Sookie that everything was ready and left her alone after a passionate kiss. I gave her thirty minutes or I'd come back for her to carry her to the bed, and in the meantime I waited in the bedroom.
Something changed in her, and maybe I'd have to talk to Adele to make sure Sookie was alright. I liked seeing her so sure of herself but we shouldn't take Niall Brigant for granted. We'd be crazy to think that he'd remain hidden for much longer or he wouldn't have begun to use another of his weapons. Sooner or later we'll find a new attempt to get us separated, and it will take place very soon.
"You look so concentrate…"
Another proof that Sookie's powers were growing was that she was now able to catch me by surprise. I could feel her in the bond only when she wanted me to and I guess she wished to surprise me. I know she'd never do it if we were in danger so that's why I haven't said anything about it.
"Sorry, I know I shouldn't play like this but…I like practicing." I reached out and sat her down on my lap. She was only wearing the silk robe and it opened as soon as I pulled the belt lightly. Her naked body was exposed, completely nude sitting on me and I was still dressed. "It might be useful to us at some point, don't you think?"
"Yeah, but I still don't like it. I'm used to feeling you all the time," I whispered, brushing her wet hair from her face, "and when you close the bond it's like a part of me vanishes. I think I'm describing exactly the same thing you feel when I do it. I'm selfish but I won't apologize for it."
"I don't expect you to, it wouldn't be your style." She joked and the tension of the moment faded. "I love you just the way you are, but right now, my dear and sexy fiancée, I'm not in the mood to talk. What I feel like doing is…" And touching my ear with her lips she whispered everything she wanted to do and what she wanted me to do to her. With lots of details.
"My lover, I am your humble servant."
In less than a blink I had her laying on the bed, legs open and my mouth and fingers making her enjoy. Her moans were intense and her breathing ragged. She lost control of her body and her hips rose in the air, but I put her back down on the bed, holding her motionless for the maximum pleasure. There were no limits between us and mutual trust allowed sex to be, for lack of a better definition, from another world.
"Eric…Eric…" My name was pronounced among groans and whispers, while her eyes remained closed and her hands clung tightly to my hair.
A long exhalation announced that she had reached the climax and was so immobile I feared she had fallen asleep, or worse, fainted. But my fears did not become real when her beautiful eyes opened and looked at me giving me a wide smile.
"Are you okay?"
She nodded and took me by my hand so we were at the same height, laying down beside her we were facing each other, staring into each other's eyes. "What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing. Everything. Sometimes it seems like I have a million things in my head and I can't focus on any of them. But other times…"
"Other times?"
She chuckled. "You're gonna laugh." I did not and she kept speaking. "I think I'm beginning to understand how a vampire's brain works, and it scares me a little because there's darkness I've never experienced before and I feel like it's starting to grow inside me." She was right, there is darkness in a vampire, I have it and I'll never be able to let it go. But what if Sookie was harmed by me? "You understand me better than anyone else, don't you? You know exactly what I'm talking about, because no one – not even the immortals – survives as long as you do without that inner darkness. And it's what we need now, more than ever."
"Sookie, darkness won't give us victory…" I started to say but she stopped me by laying her finger on my lips.
"It will, though perhaps in a different way. You have fought for centuries to defend yourself and Pam, just as you have done for me since we met, but now it is different." I tried to ask why but I did not get a chance. "I have power and I know it's not as great as I would like, but my share of light makes up for your darkness, and together we will defeat our enemies."
"I love you, Sookie Stackhouse."
I would love to know if you liked this new chapter because I'm doing a great effort to keep writing all my fics and I don't want this one to be unfinished.
Thanks for reading this one.
:K
