Know Thyself
Chapter Twenty Nine
Normally, I prefer to walk on my own two feet, under my own power, but this was as far from a normal night as I'd had in a good while.
I was in such a state of exhaustion and shock and relief, I wasn't even concerned that Eric was carrying me like a child all the way to the black vehicles that were to deliver us back to Russell's private plane. I barely recalled the car ride, too. I just cuddled up close to Eric and let my head rest on his shoulder. His arm was around me, but I hardly felt it. It was as if my whole body had just shut down, and I was almost numb. I wondered if it was some self-preservation response.
This time, Bill and Yasuka were permitted to ride in the same vehicle, and they were sitting across from us silently. No one spoke at all, but the silence wasn't uncomfortable. I wondered if the others were just as emotionally and mentally drained as I. This had been one hell of a night, and vampire or not, it had to have taken a toll on some level.
A few times during the ride, my eyes met Bill's, and we just held each other's gaze for a while until a bump in the road, or a sudden shift gave us an excuse to break away. I knew I would never, ever look at Bill the same way again after the events we had shared these past many days.
I had recently forgiven him for the things in our past that had gone terribly awry, but now I knew I had moved far beyond simple forgiveness. Bill had risked himself for me, and for Eric, and he had done so at great peril to himself. Whatever sins he had committed in regards to me were no more, as far as I was concerned. They were history, ancient history, and I knew they would never again cause me another moment's anger or grief. Bill might no longer be my lover, but I knew I had my friend back now.
And really, my friend had always been there, waiting patiently for me to come to a point where I could see him clearly and accept him. I was sure I had come to that point now.
I wasn't sure however that I would be able to adequately put those thoughts into words, but I hoped when Bill looked into my eyes he understood. He smiled gently at me once, and I like to think he did understand. I summoned up just enough energy to smile back a little, and at the same instant I felt Eric squeeze my shoulder.
"I need to call Pam," Eric asked after a bit, and he looked at Bill. "Do you have your cell phone on you?"
Bill nodded and handed it over. Eric spent a few minutes quietly briefing his child on our current situation and giving her a probable time frame on our return.
We drove the final few miles and before long we had arrived at the airstrip. We piled out of the car, and the vampires said brief farewells with one another before we loaded into the plane, which was already prepared for takeoff.
Eric and I took up position in the seats we had used before, as did Bill and Yasuka. I heard voices, both spoken and in thoughts, and I was surprised to see Baako Edusai and the other two witches come through the door and down the aisle toward the back of the plane. The African witch nodded at Eric as he passed, Eric returned the gesture, then he and his two colleagues continued to the far back of the plane, taking the seats in the very last row. I grinned at what I assumed was a safety strategy; from that position, they could keep and eye on the vampires. I couldn't say I blamed them for their caution.
"I have some work for them," Russell said, his voice coming from behind me, startling me. I peered up at him, and he nodded toward the witches. "Since they were already in the country, they were agreeable to re-arranging their schedules to accommodate me."
I didn't ask what work Russell had for them, but it did remind me that I had a truckload of questions for Eric at some point in the near future. The very near future.
Russell then slapped my vampire on the shoulder like they were old buddies, and tossed Eric a shirt before settling into a seat right across the aisle from us. Eric thanked him and pulled the shirt, a light colored tee that was a size or two too small, over his head.
"I was pleased with the outcome of the trial, Northman," the vampire King of Mississippi said in his thick southern drawl. "I haven't witnessed a challenge in, oh, I don't know how many centuries. It was a fine display." Russell paused, looking thoughtful. "I do sometimes miss the old ways."
Eric smiled sightly. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself."
"It's a shame about Victor," Russell continued; shaking his head. "He certainly earned his fate, but from what I've been told he was a fine Sheriff, a real earner for Felipe'."
"That he was," Eric said simply, and there was something in his voice I couldn't place. I looked up at him, but he was staring straight ahead.
"You won't make it back to Shreveport before daybreak," Russell stated, and he cast his gaze back at Bill, including him in the statement. "You're free to rest at my mansion again, if you like."
"Thank you," Bill stated.
"As always, you're very generous," Eric said.
Russell laughed. "Well, we can call it that," he said and he stood up. "I'll just let the pilot we're ready to go."
Once the King left, Eric put his arm around me and pulled me in close to him. I rested against him heavily and closed my eyes, breathing in his scent and enjoying the feelings of warmth and safety he roused inside me. I tensed involuntarily as the plane engines began to rev up, getting louder and louder. Then we were moving, then flying, then sleep borne of utter exhaustion took me away.
I drifted in and out of the broken and light napping that comes with travel; it was as though I was in semi-dream state. I heard Eric and Bill talking, discussing the logistics of our return to Louisiana, and the situation with Yasuka. That last part piqued my interest, and I tried to listen, but after a few minutes I decided it simply wasn't worth the effort and I let myself fall back into slumber.
"Sookie," I heard Eric saying some time later, and I felt myself being shaken lightly. "Sookie, we're here."
"Hmmmm?" I mumbled, and even though a part of my brain was registering the need to open my eyes, I was simply unable to do so.
"Is she ill?" another voice asked. That was Russell.
"No," Bill answered; he sounded far away. "She's just had too much to deal with. It's been a hard week."
"It's catching up with her," Eric said; I thought he maybe sounded a little sad.
"Let's get her to my place as soon as we can, then," Russell said.
I felt cool, strong arms take hold of me behind my back and under my legs; lifting me like a doll.
Eric carried me out of the plane and we loaded us into a waiting car. My eyes fluttered open a few times, but I was really in a kind of daze. What was wrong with me, I wondered? My body was simply not responding, I couldn't form a coherent thought, and I felt like even the energy I expended to breathe was too much. I wondered briefly if this was like a crash after an extensive adrenaline rush, but before I could think about it further, I was gone again.
I woke again when we arrived at Russell's mansion; this time Eric didn't even bother trying to rouse me, or if he did, I hadn't realized it. He carried me up the stairs and lay me on the big four poster bed in the same room we had shared before.
I had enough of my senses left to kick off my shoes and I heard them thump as they hit the floor. Eric helped me with the rest of my clothes, and then got me tucked in under the silk sheets and and the big fluffy blanket. The pillow felt amazingly good under my head and I sighed heavily. I slid one hand out from under the covers and reached toward Eric.
"I can't stay," he said, but he placed his hand in mine and I felt the bed shift as he sat down beside me. "It's nearly dawn. I have to take shelter."
I whimpered a little protest, but knew it was pointless. I felt Eric's hand stroke my hair back from my face, and he leaned down and kissed my lips. I opened my eyes - it took an extreme amount of effort to do so - and I saw my beautiful vampire's face glowing above me.
"Are we really safe now?" I murmured, and Eric's face went soft.
"Yes. You're safe with me," he answered, and he kissed me once more. My eyes closed again, and I heard him chuckle.
"I'm not sure which one of us will sleep sounder this day," Eric said, and I could hear the smile in his voice. I had no energy to respond, but I felt Eric lean down, felt his lips at my ear.
"Will you say the words for me again?" He asked gently, and despite my nearly comatose state, I knew exactly what he meant. "I want to hear you say it. I want to go to my rest hearing the words in my mind."
I had promised myself I wouldn't say it again, not until he did, but I was past the point of pettiness at the moment. I struggled to open my eyes a tiny amount, and with all the strength I could muster I reached my left hand up and touched Eric's lips.
"I love you," I whispered, and I felt him kiss my fingertips, one by one, and my eyes closed once more.
"Thank you, my lover," he said softly; and then I couldn't fight sleep anymore. My head sunk further into the pillow, my body relaxed and the last thing I remembered was hearing Eric speak to me in a beautiful language that soothed me as surely as a lullaby.
When I finally woke, it was gradual. And painful. My body was stiff and sore, and I knew I probably hadn't moved at all in hours. I stretched a bit, arching my back and flexing my legs and arms. I rolled onto my stomach with a moan, and flipped the pillow over to the cold side and hugged it to my face while I waited for my brain to catch up with the fact that I was awake.
As I lay there, I let myself consider all the events of the night before. The trip back from Nevada was still just a big, tangled blur to me, but I recalled every single second of the trial in vivid detail. And now that I had a chance to sleep on things, literally, and now that I wasn't in fear for my life, I was more anxious than ever to get some answers about this so-called Covenant.
I shook my head and pushed myself up to a sitting position. The blinds were closed down, but a diffuse glow of pale sunlight was drifting in through the window. I noticed with some amusement that the alarm clock, the one Eric had broken quite thoroughly, had already been replaced, and I gasped when I realized it was very, very late in the afternoon. I had been hanging out with vampires too long, it looked like. I had very nearly slept the day away!
I crawled out of bed, stretching a little more, and saw that a pile of clean clothes had been placed neatly at the foot of the bed; along with a towel, robe and the personal items I had brought from home. I pulled on the robe, gathered everything else in my arms and headed for the door, wondering if the daytime guard, Liddy, would be waiting for me again. A quick scan of the minds in the area confirmed that she was, and I favored her with my brightest smile when I opened the door.
"Good morning!" I said cheerfully, and Liddy just scowled. She was annoyed to no end that she had to escort me around once more, but she was reminding herself the pay was good.
"It's afternoon," she said, and started walking down the hall toward the bathroom while I followed. She leaned heavily against the wall and placed her arms across her chest.
"When you're done, we have lunch prepared for you," she said; then she made a grand gesture of looking at her watch. "Though since it's closer to dinner, you might have to heat it up."
I smiled again, doing my best to try to break through this woman's tough shell. Wasn't happening.
"Thanks so much! I'm sure it will be great. I won't be long."
Liddy just raised an eyebrow and went back to the business of being annoyed, while I stepped into the bathroom and turned on the water in the shower.
I washed my hair and scrubbed myself down from head to toe and when I was about halfway through I realized I was absolutely starving. I brushed my teeth hurriedly, dried and brushed out my hair, and was dressed faster than I had managed in a good while. I felt clean and comfortable in jeans and a light blue, form fitting sweater. I did an experimental smile in the mirror before gathering up my things and heading back out to face Liddy, who was making a mental list of all the things she needed to pick up at Walmart later.
I dropped the robe and my bag in the bedroom before following Liddy downstairs toward the kitchen area. Once there, she pointed at the refrigerator, and inside I found a big plate of food - some kind of meat with abundant sides of vegetables - covered with plastic wrap. I assumed that was mine, and I took it out and popped it into the microwave while Liddy watched me from across the room.
Just as I was sitting down to eat, Lucas bounded into the room and I smiled at him hugely, pleased to see a familiar - and friendly - face. He went to the refrigerator, grabbed out a can of Coke, popped it open and took up a seat at the table with me.
"So I guess the information I sent to Bill worked, huh?" he said without preamble. I nodded my head and took a swig of my own drink.
"Yep, it sure did," I affirmed. "As it turned out, the guy in charge of that website was the same vampire that was trying to get Eric and I killed."
Lucas' eyes went wide and he leaned back in the chair.
"Whoa, no way! Really? Man....." he trailed off, shaking his head, and looking more than a little shocked and even afraid.
I took a few more bites - the green beans were really good - and waited for the information to sink in, waited for Lucas to come to terms with the enormity of the conspiracy he had helped to uncover. He didn't say anything for a while, but I could hear his thoughts, and he was pretty pleased with himself for being a part of something that was so important. He hadn't been given many opportunities in his life to make a difference, or to find develop skills in any certain area. This was huge for him, and I smiled to myself before politely retreating from his head.
A loud chime sounded then and I took a peek at the clock; it was clearly the one hour till sundown warning. I heard the sounds of shuffling feet as the activity throughout the mansion in preparation for the vampire King's rise.
"You want to take a walk with me? Have a look at the rest of the place?" Lucas asked as I finished off the last of my dinner and headed to the sink to rinse off the plate.
I shrugged. "That would be great," I said, and I meant it. Russell's compound was enormous, with a resplendent period charm that I loved. I had never really gotten a chance to look at it as the times I'd been here had been in the middle of crises. I stole a quick glance at Liddy, wondering if I'd be allowed to roam freely with Lucas. The teenager followed my gaze and waved a hand.
"Don't worry about her, she's cool," he told me; I assumed he knew more about the disinterested guard than I did.
We headed out of the kitchen, and Liddy fell in behind us, but I noticed she stayed at a polite distance. We started moving from room to room, with Lucas pointing out interesting little things about a certain painting or knick-knack.
It was amazing the things Russell had collected over his long life; I found myself being drawn into the feel of the antebellum charm that was the hallmark of the mansion. I remembered once thinking that Scarlett O'Hara might very well be seen coming down the stairs in a place such as this, and the more I saw of the home and the grounds, the more I thought my initial reaction had been correct. It was exquisite, and I felt a brief, sad pang when I thought how much my Gran would have loved it.
We spent the better part of an hour chatting and walking; I found I really enjoyed Lucas' company. He was a genuinely nice kid, nice person, I corrected myself. We were taking a circuitous route back to the main entrance, and as we passed by a room with a door that was half-closed, I heard the sounds of singing, and I paused and cocked my head to the side with interest. A listened harder and realized it wasn't really singing I was hearing, more like chanting, like something one would hear in a religious service. My curiosity got the better of me and I took a few steps toward the door and peeked inside.
"Oh, the witches are doing their thing," Lucas explained, coming up beside me.
"And what thing is that?" I asked softly.
Baako Edusai and his companions were standing together in a sort of triangle configuration with their hands held in front of them and their eyes closed. I felt like I was spying; okay, I was spying, but after what I saw with Hallow I had become, if not suspicious, exactly, of witches, certainly intrigued by them.
Lucas shrugged. "I have no idea," he admitted. "They put warding spells on rooms and stuff like that for safety. We get them here from time to time, more now that Russell is married to Indiana."
"Why is that?" I asked, turning away from the ceremony, or whatever it was.
Lucas's brow furrowed. "I'm not sure, really. I mean, I know Bartlett is really big on security, like I explained before, so maybe he's rubbed off on Russell." Lucas paused, and his face turned red and it took me a moment before I considered what he said, then I couldn't help but grin, too.
"But," Lucas continued, "It's also like Russell takes his own life, his own safety, more seriously now that he's married. Like he has something to live for, I guess." He shrugged. "I know it sounds stupid, since they're vamps and all."
"No," I said softly, and my gaze returned to the witches. "I don't think that sounds stupid at all."
Another chime sounded, marking the fifteen minute warning, and Lucas sucked in a sharp breath.
"Ah heck," he said, looking at his watch. "I was supposed to go to the front gate and pick up some package that was delivered earlier."
My eyes went wide, and I was a little taken aback by his sudden panic.I wondered if Russell was really that strict with his people. He didn't strike me as the type, but then again, I didn't work for him.
"Go on," I said, and Lucas backed away, looking apologetic.
"You know the way back, right?"
I smiled. "Don't worry about me. Get going!"
Lucas turned and literally sprinted down the hall; I felt a warm presence come up behind me and I turned around.
Baako Edusai was standing there, robes and all, and looking at me with interest. He was tall, and now that I could really get a good look at him, I saw he was maybe in his fifties, with greying hair that suited him well. His complexion was deep and luminous, like melted chocolate. He had kind eyes, I noticed, and I smiled up at him.
"Hello, Mr. Edusai," I said politely; I was so accustomed to meeting vampires I almost forgot to hold out my hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Formally, I mean."
The witch took my hand, not in a handshake, but rather in an old-fashioned gesture of familiarity, and bowed a little at the neck.
"Indeed it is, Ms. Stackhouse. You are the roommate of the young witch, Amelia Broadway, are you not?"
It took me a moment to formulate a response. The witch was looking at me intently, and though it didn't make me uncomfortable, not exactly, it was definitely different; I found I couldn't look away. There was power behind his gaze and I didn't even consider trying to get into his head.
"Yes, sir," I said finally, and I was sure I had my crazy Sookie grin on my face. "She speaks very highly of you."
Baako laughed; a rich and pleasant laugh that put me at ease.
"I'm glad to hear it. I've only met her once, briefly, in New Orleans, but I was impressed by her attention to detail and organization. She has great potential. Perhaps I will call on her the next time I in the area." He winked at me then, and grinned. "You will let her know I said that, will you not?"
"Absolutely!" I said, and I could barely contain the rush of excitement I felt just then. Amelia would be thrilled beyond words when I told her what her witchy idol had said.
The other witches exited the room, and Baako turned and spoke to them briefly; they were making plans to head out to dinner, which struck me as a little strange for some reason, though I knew it shouldn't. Witches had to eat, too, right? I just had a hard time picturing this group ordering at Cracker Barrel.
I watched as Baako and his crew started to head down the hall; I knew this might be my best, if not only, chance to ask him what I wanted to know about the knife and the spell. I clenched my fists over and over, not sure exactly how to broach the subject, and not even sure I wanted to. Eric and I had become close, and I thought I was starting to understand him and his motives, but this thing with the Covenant was really scary, mainly because I didn't have the first clue what it meant. I wanted to know, but I didn't want to know.
But as I watched Baako turn the corner and go out of sight, I decided I needed to know.
"Mr. Edusai!" I called, and a jogged a little bit down the hall, trying to catch him. He poked his head back around the corner as I approached, and I bit my lower lip.
"I'm really sorry to bother you, Sir," I said quickly, and then I looked at his companions. "And I know y'all are trying to get out of here to go to dinner, but if I could just have a couple minutes of your time..."
"You want to ask me about the spellbinding on the Covenant blade?" Baako asked with raised eyebrows.
I tried not to let the surprise show on my face, but I wasn't sure I succeeded.
"Well, actually, yes I did, Sir," I stammered, feeling off-balance. I got the impression this witch knew a lot more than he let on,
Baako turned to his group and told them he'd meet them at the door shortly, and once they had departed he smiled at me and held his hands out in front of him.
"What do you wish to know?"
My first instinct was to say 'everything!' But now that I was here with Baako, I found I really wasn't sure what to ask. I was acutely aware of where we were, in the home of a vampire King, and I wasn't sure how deep this deception that Eric had concocted went. If it even was a deception. I tried to formulate an inquiry in such a way that it really didn't sound like I had no idea what I had done. Or hadn't done.
"I was just curious about how that spell worked," I began slowly, choosing my words with care.
"Your vampire partner didn't explain it to you before the ceremony?" Baako asked, and I noticed he sounded less than surprised.
"Not really, no," I said, and hoped to heavens I was wearing my poker face. "All that was explained to me was what I heard at the trial."
I considered my words. That wasn't a lie, was it? No, definitely not a lie. Spin on the truth? A resounding yes.
Baako nodded, placed a hand lightly on my back and we began walking very slowly back down the hallway.
"When I was weaving the spell, I did so under the assumption that the blade would be used for vampire ceremonies only. That is to say that the individuals that would be under the effects of the spell would be immortal. I regret that."
"Why?" I asked, feeling a terrible sense of foreboding running up my spine.
"The spell's attributes will last for one hundred years. That is but a drop of time for most of their kind, but for you, it was a decision that will last for the rest of your natural life." He looked at me with narrowed eyes. "I pray that you took care in considering this fact before you agreed to the Covenant."
Well, I thought to myself, I'm sure I would have considered it carefully, had I known about it. I tried to keep my face neutral, but inside I was waffling between rage and fear.
"Okay, so will the spell actually work differently because I'm human?"
Baako stopped walking and seemed to frown.
"No. Once the blade came into contact with your blood, the spell was activated and it will work the same as it will for your vampire. He will be an extension of you, like your hand. You can not deny him, or harm him, without denying or harming yourself."
"When it touched my blood?" I repeated softly, and I hadn't realized I had even said the words aloud.
"Yes," Baako answered, and there was suspicion in his voice and I cringed at my error. "The vampire Priest used the blade on you to spill your blood, did he not?"
"Oh, it's not that," I said, side-stepping the question so I didn't have to out and out lie. "I just didn't realize that was the moment the spell started to work. It's really, uh, fascinating."
And I hoped I sounded fascinated. I watched Baako's face closely, and if he didn't believe me he wasn't letting on.
He smiled at me again, and then lifted up the large sleeve in his robes to reveal what even I recognized as a very expensive watch.
"I must be going, but I hope my answers have enlightened you somewhat."
"Oh yes, " I said quickly. "Very much so! Can I ask you just one more thing?"
He nodded and I steadied myself.
"Just out of curiosity, is it possible for the spell to only work one way?"
Baako cocked his head to side in confusion. "You mean, if only one individual uses the blade to seal a Covenant with another?"
"Right," I answered slowly. "Like, if a vampire cuts himself, but then the other person doesn't?"
Baako's eyebrows shot up, and he stared at me intently for a moment, then he began to laugh, a hearty laugh that came from his belly. He placed his hand on my shoulder.
"The spell would still work on the one that was cut," he said, smiling hugely. "But I don't think we ever have to concern ourselves with that."
"Why?" I asked, trying to match his smile for the sake of appearance.
"Well, that would mean a vampire had chosen to bind his fate and assets to another that was not under the same obligation. And truly, my dear, what sort of vampire would do such a thing?"
Just then I felt a familiar warmth wash over me; I looked past Baako to see Eric standing at the very end of the hallway, watching me.
"What sort of vampire, indeed," I whispered.
"I must take my leave now," Baako said and we said polite farewells before he turned and strode away, nodding at Eric as he passed him.
Eric didn't make a move toward me, and I didn't budge, either. I was going over all the things Baako had said, and though I was relieved to find that I had not been placed under a spell from the knife, I was having trouble wrapping my head around the fact that Eric certainly was.
I walked slowly, very slowly, to my vampire, and I was looking at him with new eyes, now. So many little remarks, small things he had said and done, now made sense. But there was a question of enormous proportions hanging in the air.
"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked him quietly when I was right in front of him.
He looked at me with those brilliant blue eyes and I searched his face, trying to find an answer. He reached out to touch my cheek with his hand and I backed away, out of his reach.
"Don't try that," I warned him, and a half smile tugged at his mouth. That did nothing but add fuel to the already smoking embers in my mind.
"I mean it, Eric," I hissed, trying to be quiet. "I can't believe you did this to us!"
Eric just smiled broader. "I didn't do anything to us, lover. Just to myself."
"Yeah! I figured that out! One hundred years? Are you nuts? Are you completely insane?"
"Possibly," he answered, and this time when he reached for me he didn't give me the chance to get away. He pulled me to him, and I put on a show of a struggle, but it was like trying to fight a mountain. He soon had me locked in his arms with his mouth on mine, and despite my annoyance, I found myself returning the kiss.
We broke apart after a bit, and I peered up at him, still wanting answers, but understanding that this was probably not the time and place to get them.
"You slept well?" he asked, changing the subject. I wanted to whack him.
"Yes," I answered through clenched teeth.
"You had something to eat?" he asked, stepping in very close to me.
"Yes."
"I haven't," he said thickly, and he placed his hands on either side of my neck. When he smiled at me I saw his fangs had run out. My own body betrayed me and despite my irritation, I felt a throb down below.
"Eric," I whispered; and the next thing I knew I was up against the wall and Eric had gently pulled back my soft sweater and was nuzzling the bend between my neck and shoulder. I had my arms around his waist, and he was running his hands along my back. When he bit, I couldn't stifle a little gasp of pleasure and pain. He drew on the wounds deeply and I felt my body - and his - start to respond. I wished we could poof ourselves upstairs to the bedroom. That would be a convenient Fae skill to perfect, I thought absently.
After too short of a time, I felt Eric lick the puncture marks and he put my sweater back in place.
When I looked at his face again, it was rosy, and full, and lusty.
"You have no idea how hard it is to stop sometimes," he whispered; and he kissed me quite thoroughly.
I realized Eric had been very efficient at deflecting the conversation. My shock at this was boundless. Not!
"Hey!" a cheerful voice said; Eric and I turned to see Lucas rounding the corner to the hall before stopping dead in his tracks when he saw the situation.
"Whoa," he said, and he turned away, red-faced. "My bad. I'll just wait to give you...."
"It's okay, Lucas," I stated with a laugh, and I disentangled myself from Eric, who looked pretty far from being okay with the interruption. "What's up?"
"The delivery was for Sheriff Northman," Lucas stated, and he held out a small, brown wrapped package.
Eric took it quickly and began to unwrap it. I looked expectantly at Eric, but he showed no signs of speaking.
"He's thanking you silently," I said to Lucas, and I glared up at Eric who appeared to be ignoring the jab completely.
"Thank you, Lucas," Eric said, never looking up, and I guessed that was as good as we were going to get from the Viking.
Eric grunted with satisfaction when he opened the package and pulled out a new cell phone, exactly like the one he had lost in the explosion at Fangtasia. Pam was on the job, it seemed.
"There is another, uh, delivery for you outside," Lucas said and his expression was one of near awe. I smiled when I read from the teenagers mind what the other delivery was.
"I'll be right there," Eric said, and Lucas took that as his cue to leave.
Eric turned on the cell phone and stuck it in his pocket just as Bill appeared in the hallway. I knew things were about to kick into gear with us departing, so I turned to Eric and poked a finger on his chest.
"We're so not done with our conversation, buddy," I told him.
He smiled at me. "Of course not, dear heart," he said and I couldn't decide if I should be offended at his amused tone.
"Are you about ready to go?" Bill asked, coming toward us.
"I believe so," Eric said, then he glanced behind Bill. 'Where is the young one?"
"Having a snack before we get on the road."
Oh, lovely! I shook my head, but Bill didn't look the least bit apologetic.
"Can I speak with you privately for a moment," Bill asked Eric, and I decided this was as good a time as any to run back upstairs and make sure everything was packed.
"I can take a hint," I said, and off I went. I wasn't quite out of earshot when I heard Bill speak again.
"I'd like to call in that favor now," he said, and I smiled to myself when I considered Eric's expression.
I very nearly stopped to listen in, but thought better of it. I'd find out eventually. Or not. After the past few weeks, all I really cared about was that this exchange of favors didn't involve me. Beyond that, the boys could scheme, and negotiate, and haggle until they were blue in the face.
I trudged upstairs, took a quick stop in the bathroom, then gathered up all of my things. I took a quick scan around the bedroom, double checking to make sure I hadn't forgotten anything. I was on my hands and knees peeking under the bed when I felt a felt a presence very close. I turned my head slightly and saw polished dark shoes. I gasped, my hand went to my chest in surprise, and I looked up into Russell's face. He held out his hand, and I took it, and he helped me to my feet.
"I didn't mean to startle you," the King said with a smile. "I just wanted to offer my congratulations on your Covenant with Eric."
"Oh," I said, and I turned on my crazy grin. This was not a conversation I wanted to have right now. Or ever, honestly. It was bad enough that I had to admit to this Covenant thing in Nevada, even if it did prevent Felipe' from keeping me, but to have to keep repeating the lie over and over, well, that was really not the way I wanted to live my life.
"I know it's belated," Russell continued, eyeing with curiously. "But since Eric never informed anyone, that couldn't be helped. Had I known, I would have sent a small token."
"Oh, it's no problem," I said, and I kept on smiling like mad. "You know Eric, he likes to keep things to himself."
The King looked me up and down once, and his eyes narrowed. "Yes, he does indeed."
Okay, that wasn't exactly what I meant, but I guess I fit into that category.
"I can't say I blame him," Russell stated, and I noticed his fangs had run out a little and his eyes had glazed over. "Part Fae...." he trailed off, shaking his head and looking hungry. "That does explain a few things."
I began to feel uneasy, and at that very moment Russell composed himself, his fangs retracted and he became the Southern Gentleman once more.
"I didn't mean to frighten you," he said.
"You didn't," I said, and I waved a hand dismissively.
"Remember, I've had your blood, my dear."
"When did you.....?" and then I stopped. Of course. At his bar, Josephine's, when the Were biker had scratched up my shoulder. It was only a lick or two, but then I recalled what Eric had told me about Russell and his talent for reading humans from whom he had fed. I felt embarrassment start to rise up, and some fear. What had I involuntarily given away?
The King leaned in very close to me. "Your secrets are safe with me," he whispered. "You will pass that along to Eric, won't you?"
Then he winked at me and turned on his heel; and I was left standing there in the room with my mouth hanging open. I sat down on the bed and just stared into space for many minutes. Jesus Christ Shepherd of Judea, how many more surprises did I have waiting for me? I needed to get home, I decided, before anything else happened. I grabbed my bag and all but ran down the stairs. Bill was waiting by the front door with Yasuka.
"Where's Eric?" I asked.
"Speaking to Russell," Bill said.
"About what?"
Bill smiled, but remained silent.
"Well, is he going to be a while?" I pressed. I was more ready than ever to get on the road.
"No," Eric's voice answered, and I turned to see my vampire striding into the room with an almost giddy looking King right behind him. My Viking exchanged a charged look with Bill.
"He's yours," Eric said, never breaking his long stride, and Bill nodded formally as his Sheriff passed him.
"Let's go," Eric said to me, and he all but dragged me out the door. I barely had time to stammer a quick goodbye to Russell.
"That was rude," I admonished him as soon as we were outside. "What was all that about?"
"Bill's favor," Eric said briefly.
"What kind of favor?"
"The kind that is costing me a small fortune," Eric growled.
I mouthed the word okay, and decided to drop it.
Waiting just at the bottom of the steps was a brand new, red Corvette, and Eric opened the passenger door for me.
"I can't believe you bought a new car," I said. I already knew it was here, thanks to Lucas being a strong sender.
"I didn't," Eric said; he shut my door and went around to get into the driver's seat. "I was fully insured. I'm only out the deductible," he continued as he started up the engine, and something about the statement made my giggle.
"You got a new one really fast," I said, just to make conversation.
"Pam pushed the claim through quickly," Eric said with a tiny smile.
I could only begin to imagine the methods Pam had used to acquire and deliver this vehicle so fast.
"I really am sorry about wrecking your car," I said softly. "I'll pay you back."
"Oh yes, you certainly will," Eric said and though his voice was dead serious, he flashed me a very Ericy grin and his eyes danced.
"Wait!" I said as we pulled away, and Eric looked at me. "How is Bill getting home?"
Eric pointed to a shiny, blue Mazda Protege sitting not far away.
"It's nice," I said. I assumed Eric had arranged for a rental, but why we all couldn't just drive back together was a mystery. I let it go. I was more than happy to spend some time alone with Eric; time we could talk without interruption.
We drove in silence for a bit, and I wondered if both of us were waiting for the other to start the inevitable conversation we needed to have. I glanced at my vampire. The night was very dark, but the lights from the interstate strobed by, casting shadows on Eric's softly glowing face. He glanced at me.
"I'm supposed to tell you something," I began slowly, "But you won't like it."
I saw Eric's brow furrow, and I took a deep breath.
"Russell bids me to tell you that, and I quote, my secrets are safe with him."
Eric swiveled his head in my direction, and his expression was openly confused. "What are you talking about? What secrets? What did you tell him?"
"I have no idea," I stated softly.
"Excuse me?" Eric asked.
"He's had my blood," I said, keeping my eyes on Eric's face. "I'm not really sure what he knows about me."
Eric's expression turned to one of fury in an instant. He jerked hard on the steering wheel and the tires screeched in protest as Eric slammed on the brakes and the car came to a sudden, jolting stop on the shoulder of the road. I lurched forward, and only my seat belt prevented me from cracking my head into the dash. I stared at my vampire, shocked and infuriated by his reaction.
"Are you trying to kill me?" I screeched.
"When did Russell feed from you?" Eric demanded, and he twisted in the seat to look at me. "Tonight?"
"Oh my God," I spat, not believing what I was hearing. "Of course not tonight. And he didn't feed on me."
"Tell me," he demanded, and I proceeded to explain about the events in the club with the Were bikers. As I recounted the story, I saw Eric's countenance change and soften. He had over-reacted and he knew it. Good.
"I hope you feel like a jerk," I said; and I crossed my arms over my chest in a huff and shifted in the little seat so I was facing straight ahead.
"I feel like a jerk," Eric said. After a moment the silence got to me so I looked over at him.
"You know what," I said, deciding to ride the wave of residual righteous anger I was feeling. "You really have some gall, acting this way after that bull you pulled in Nevada."
Eric turned back around and gripped the steering wheel with both hands. "If I hadn't done what I did, you would still be in Las Vegas."
"I realize that," I snapped. "That doesn't change the fact that I had to stand up in court and tell everyone I was....that we are....what the hell are we supposed to be to one another, anyway?"
Eric remained silent.
"What? Are we supposed to be married?" I pressed, and Eric's eyes found mine. I saw the answer in them.
"Sweet Jesus," I breathed. "How could you do this to me without telling me? No, scratch that. How could you do this without asking me?"
"I did nothing to you," Eric said. "The spell is bound to my blood, not yours. You are free to do as you will."
"But everyone thinks we're married now!" I said.
"You love me," Eric said and I turned away and looked out the window into the darkness. A semi passed us, making the little car shudder.
"You gave yourself to me," Eric said and I shook my head. Was that really going to be his answer for this? Now that I was his, did he think he had the right to control my life this way? I thought we had moved past this, but now I was wondering if maybe we hadn't.
Exasperated, I grabbed the handle and flung open the car door.
"Sookie..." Eric called, but I ignored him, slid out of the car and slammed the door behind me.
The night had a chill, but I didn't care. I just needed some air. I needed to clear my head. I leaned against the side of the car and put my face in my hands. I heard the driver's door open and close, and then I felt it when Eric came to stand in front of me.
"Sookie," Eric said softly, and I felt him trying to pull at me through our bond. I shut him down.
"Sookie, look at me," he demanded.
"No," I said, steadfastly refusing to budge. It was a childish thing, yes, but I didn't care.
Eric's hands gripped mine, and he gently but firmly pried them away from my face, then he lifted my chin so I would look at him. I felt a tear stream down my cheek, and he brushed it away with his thumb. I wanted to look away, but his blue eyes held mine without remorse.
"Why?" I asked him after a moment. "Why did you use that knife on yourself in Rhodes? You knew what would happen, didn't you?"
"Yes," Eric said gently. "I knew. As for the why of it, I've asked myself that question many times over."
"And?"
"And...I still don't know, exactly. I knew only that Andre wanted you. I knew Bill and Quinn wanted you. And I knew I wanted you. I had the blade and the robe, and when I saw you with Andre in the hall, when I realized his intentions, when you looked at me, begging me to save you from submitting to his bite....it was a circumstance I couldn't let pass."
"Opportunistic bastard," I mumbled, and Eric smiled gently. He didn't disagree with me, though.
"And after that, you've been under this spell, right?" I questioned.
Eric touched my lips with his fingertip. "I think I might have been under a spell even before that night."
I knew he wasn't talking about Hallow.
"As it turns out, it was for the best," Eric said. "It was the crucial factor in the trial that allowed us to return to Louisiana together."
"But it's a lie, Eric," I said.
"That's hardly common knowledge though," he reminded me with a smile.
"Okay," I made an erase move with my hand. "Let's put that aside for now. Tell me this: why didn't you just use the knife on me, too?" I studied his face carefully as I asked the question. "You could have cut me, and then you would have gotten exactly what you wanted right then."
"No," he said, and he brushed away the loose stands of hair that was blowing in my face. "What I've always wanted was for you to yield to me on your own. I've never enjoyed your fear of me." He paused, and a slight smile touched his lips. "I'll never forget the night we went to that ridiculous orgy and you told me you trusted me. I don't think I had heard those words from anyone in over a century. I hope I haven't lost that trust."
"Answer this," I said slowly, deliberately. "What if we break up? What if I decide this is all just too much for me and I want out. What if I found someone else? What would happen?"
Eric looked pained for a split second, then the calm mask clamped down. "I would let you go," he said simply.
"Would it hurt you?"
"Yes."
"But you wouldn't make me stay, right? I wouldn't have a big, blonde stalker for the rest of my life, would I?"
"No," Eric replied. "But I hope that is a situation I will not have to endure." He paused. "Do you wish to end our relationship?"
"No," I said immediately, shaking my head. "I wish to have a relationship with someone that wants me for me. Not because I'm part Fae, or because of a blood bond, or because of a spell on a knife."
"Lover, I am a great many things, the majority of them not favorable," Eric said with a rueful smile. "But one thing I am not is sentimental. I've never allowed my emotions to control me, and make no mistake, I'm not allowing it now."
I looked into Eric's eyes, trying to understand what he was telling me.
"So you will never really love me," I said quietly. I had suspected this, of course, but it still didn't make the words any easier to hear. "You're with me because I'm valuable, right? Because I'm an interesting toy? A tasty treat?" I looked down, but my head snapped up when I heard Eric chuckle.
"My lover," he said, "I am with you because I want you. All of you. I told you this many nights ago, do you recall? The night I came to your house, the night Victor followed me. And I hate to be the one to break this news to you, but you are in fact part Fae. A most delicious part," Eric gazed down at me and the look on his face sent a chill up my spine.
"But that's just one of your many qualities," Eric continued. "You are also bonded to me through blood; and that is another piece that makes up the whole of what you are."
He held my face in his hands. "You believe I could never really love you, but I swear to you here, now, with this night as my witness, that this is not true. I'm not led by emotion, but that doesn't mean I'm incapable of feeling emotion."
He bent down so his eyes were closer to mine, bright and shining and clear in the moonlight.
"I love your beauty, and your courage, and your stubbornness. I love the way you refuse to back down even when you should; and the way you charge ahead when you should not."
He paused, and looking at my Viking and hearing his words, I couldn't stop the flood of tears. He kissed them away, then continued.
"I love that you both fight me, and fight for me. I love that you argue with me, and take me to task when I get high-handed. And more than anything else, I love the fact that you understand why it is that I so desire all these things in you. You and I are intertwined, not just by fate or magic or blood, but by our own nature. I am in you, just as surely as you are in me."
"Eric," I started to say, but the words died in my throat. I wanted so very much to believe him, and I could nearly feel the heartfelt truth in the words. I considered the irony, that once I had been worried that my feelings were not my own, that they were somehow fabricated by our bond. Now I was concerned that Eric's feelings were not real, either, and the pain of that shot through me like a knife.
But Eric didn't seem the least bit confused or hesitant. Could a thousand year old vampire truly be so blind as to not know when he was being coerced? No, I didn't think that was the case. If Eric was secure in what he was feeling, who was I to try to convince him he didn't? But still....
"Why do you never tell me you love me?" I asked him quietly, and he stood up to his full height and moved his hands to my shoulders.
He said something then, words I now recognized but still didn't understand.
"You know, it doesn't count if I don't know what you're saying." I frowned.
"Words are just words, my lover," Eric said gently. "And some words I know are so ancient there is no translation in the modern tongues that can do them justice. This is why I speak to you the way I do, in the old language of my people. You deserve no less. But in truth," he said and he pulled me very close, "I actually prefer to let my actions speak for me."
"Is that so?" I asked, and Eric bent down and kissed me softly. He allowed me to set the pace, which I did, long and leisurely. Our mouths moved together, and he pressed my back against the car, leaning heavily against me. Whatever he was trying to say with his actions was speaking volumes.
Several cars passed by, and some teenagers honked their horn at us and hooted through the window to get a room!
We broke apart with a small laugh, and I shivered involuntarily as a gust of wind from a passing truck drifted into me.
"Can I talk you into getting back into the car now?" Eric asked; he held open the door for me.
I slid in, as did he, and within moments we were back on the road. We drove in content silence all the way into Louisiana. I didn't know what was going on inside my vampire's head, but mine was racing with the new information I had received. Eric's proclamation of love - or whatever it was - had affected me more than I wanted to admit.
I found myself stealing sideways glances at him as we drove, astounded that a vampire as old as Eric would dare to bind himself to me as he did, without demanding the same in return. I felt, maybe not unworthy, but certainly humbled. And I considered his other words as well; about how the whole of me was made of up of many pieces, and Eric was part of that now. He had changed me from the inside out, and he claimed I had done the same for him. I smiled into the darkness. Surprisingly, I found I rather liked that idea.
In less time than I imagined, we were suddenly bouncing along my gravel driveway and I felt a wash of happiness at seeing my home again. Eric leaned over and kissed me before un-buckling my seat belt.
"Are you going to stay for a while?" I asked, and I gave him what I hoped was a seductive look. It was still several hours before dawn; we had time for a homecoming celebration, even when you counted in his travel time back to Shreveport.
"Of course," he replied, and he grabbed my bag out of the back seat and walked with me to the porch.
As I rummaged around in my purse for my keys, I heard Eric grunt, and then I saw his nostrils flare and his fangs begin to run out. I looked around frantically, wondering what manner of creature was causing this reaction in him.
"What is it? What's wrong?" I asked, fear charging my voice, and I saw Eric whip around toward the drive.
My Great-Grandfather was standing there, cloaked in white and looking as beautiful as ever. With him was a young man, a fairy actually, and he was absolutely gorgeous; every bit as attractive as my cousin Claude, maybe even more so. He had very dark hair down to his shoulders, and dark eyebrows that contrasted with the most amazing emerald green eyes I had ever seen.
And judging from Eric's reaction, this young fairy was unable to conceal his scent the way Niall could.
"Grand-daughter," Niall said, and he held his arms out to me. I went to him and embraced him and he kissed my cheek lightly. "I'm so glad to see you well."
"It's good to see you, too," I said, and I wondered exactly how much he knew about my recent events.
"She is lovely," the young Fae said, looking from me to Niall. His voice was almost a melody.
"I told you she was," my Great-Grandfather answered, sounding oddly proud.
"She has definitely shown the spark?" the handsome Fae asked.
"Oh, yes," Niall replied.
I began to wonder what this conversation meant at the same time I felt a wave of anger slam into me from the bond, rattling me where I stood. I turned to look at Eric, but Niall grabbed my attention.
"Sookie," he said, taking my hand and inclining his head toward the other fairy. "I'd like you to meet Cyril."
"Hi there," I said and I held out my hand. Cyril took it and kissed it, then smiled at me.
"He is to be your mate," Niall said.
- To be continued
Hope everyone that celebrated had a wonderful holiday last weekend! Thanks again for reading; it means SO MUCH to me! And to my beta, My Meads, I heart you! xoxo
