Chapter twenty-Nine

Godric did not return to New Orleans after the attack. He continued his work from my area. It didn't mean more quality time for us. Things were tense but that was still the place where I found solace. It was also the place I got to spend the least time. It couldn't be helped because their safety came first.

I was dangerously close to spreading myself thin and nowhere closer to finding my makers enemy. Godric having to work from area one meant I was experiencing an influx of unknown vampires, which in turn forced me to increase patrols and assign a guard for Sookie, on nights when she wasn't with us.

No one that had as much as looked at Godric the wrong way over two thousand years had lived to tell of it. He was absolutely certain that there was no one he had missed. While we searched for a lead we were all awaiting another attack but none came. It was both reassuring and disconcerting. I didn't understand it.

Why attack him while he was in the Queen's back yard but not here? By any estimation I should be a weaker point. It helped me believe that it was meant to cause a rift between my Queen and her most powerful sheriff. February turned to March and March turned to April. Nothing happened and I slowly talked myself into a false sense of security. April led into May and then in June the summit in Rhodes came.

Godric had been scheduled to attend but without a lead neither Sookie nor I wanted him in such an open place. In the end the separation would make all three of us more vulnerable. Also many of those who had lost a child or master or any relative since the great reveal would be there to plead their case to him. Sookie, Godric, Thalia, Pam and I were the only ones from my area I was taking with me to the summit. Everyone else was being left behind to compensate for me taking my best fighters.

Our bags had been checked and we were taking the long walk to the private hangers to await the Queen's jet at a private airport in Monroe. "Only someone with a gruesome death wish would fight you." Pam said to Godric, from her place beside me. "If I wanted you beyond the veil, I'd hide it, so you wouldn't consider me a threat," my child continued. "I could bid my time, learn my enemy, even befriend him if possible, I'd gather my forces, and plan."

Having nothing else to do these brainstorming sessions were becoming very common. The only persistent idea was that someone was trying to weaken Sophie-Anne through me but that angle had its obvious shortcomings. It was confusing. Godric had never been less of threat than he was now.

"That could be anyone," I muttered.

"It's personal,"

"Then he should have some idea," Sookie said. She was the first one to shake off the shock of the fact that Thalia had just spoken. Sookie sent Godric an encouraging smile.

"And I do not," Godric said. Thalia shrugged because that was all she was going to say. Pam and I shared a confused look but let the subject go.

One second we on the tarmac headed into the hanger. The next we were fighting off an ambush that came quite literally out of nowhere. That was distressing in and of itself. Godric was a master vampire. His senses were superior and when Sookie was around we were both fanatical about her safety. For him to miss it was not an accident. The fact that Pam, Thalia, myself and Sookie missed it made no sense.

The crackle of gun fire rented the air and it was a testament to his power, Godric moved faster than the bullet. He knocked Sookie to the ground before any of the other vampires could react. Using his body as a shield he was able to get her to the minimal cover in the area. The rest of us scattered just as the smoke bombs were thrown.

I knew Godric was hit. I felt his pain. Sookie was scared but trying to focus. All I could smell smoke and it was also blinding me. We couldn't fight and we couldn't run. The vampires could wait out the smoke but she couldn't we had to move. For them to have dared to attack this close to a commercial airport they must have had their bases covered. Just as suddenly as the siege began it ended. They retreated and I soon saw why, the Queens jet was landing.

The vampires aboard didn't wait for the plane to stop. The first voice I heard was Cleo, "Eric, Pam?"

"Here," I rose and made my way over to Godric. He'd been shot several times, the worse of which was through his spine. His head was in Sookie's lap. She looked distraught, his blood was on her skirt but otherwise she was fine.

"What happened?" Cleo asked.

We all looked varying degrees of awful and the smoke was yet to wash away in the wind but it didn't change my response, "Nothing," It wasn't like there was anything any of them could do now. Whoever had come for Godric was now long gone.

Maxwell Lee had been left in charge and Clancy was his second. That was the first call I made after getting on board. I wanted to know of any unusual activities they've had since dark. So far, they had nothing to report. I wanted to be angry but I had just as much to work with and it wasn't from a lack of trying.

Sookie offered to feed Godric a few minutes after takeoff, "No," was his instantaneous reply. He was on his third bottle of blood but he was still pale and in need of more.

"For me," she pleaded.

"I will take too much," he said.

"I won't let you okay, promise" she murmured. "Drink, baby please."

Sookie kissed him. He succumbed and his body went pliant as it always did when we begged something of him. I couldn't see all that transpired but I felt it. The needs and hungers of Godric's body gave way to what his mate desired. His thirst fell to the background. All that remained was his desire to please her. There was that and the never failing hunger for the completion that only she could offer. I sat in the seat in front of theirs feeling every nuance of pleasure as if I was with them.

Their kisses had been a prelude to ease him into feeding from her but it quickly spiraled and turned into something more. His groans slowly morphed into growls of utter need. Sookie was only too eager to oblige him. She gave her body and it was only I that felt how far blood was from this act. I felt Godric's physical pain give way to pleasure just from her touch alone.

My body was unmoving but I felt every nuance of pleasure as if I was kissing Sookie with my lips and caressing Godric with my hands. I knew what position they were in. Sookie was astride him, her skirt was hiked up, her blouse undone, her bra pulled down. His lips were searching and tasting every inch of her skin that he could find. Their fingers were interlaced and braced behind her back. When they joined, when his body buried into hers I experienced that slight shiver that only her sheath could bring. It was true that every other vampire heard the coupling but I was the only one that felt it.

Our bond was fully opened and the pathways were flowing and overfilling with lust, love and the need to reassure. Sookie wanted to reassure herself that Godric was safe and well in her arms, Godric wanted to make her believe that truth. His body was relentless in its demands for hers. It was like being a conduit, every delightful caress passed between them and flooded through me and then back again. Each time the feeling was greater ushering us to that sweet pinnacle.

"Godric," Sookie moaned. Pleasure was consuming her, them, us. The bond we shared ignited a blinding crescendo of love. It wasn't until then that Godric bit. No matter how much blood he needed he wouldn't hurt her, not feeling the depths of what we shared, he couldn't.

It was the best plane ride of my entire existence. By the time we descended at the airport in Chicago, Godric was healed and all three of us were sated to the point of exhaustion. The remaining vampires on the flight however couldn't wait to disembark. They needed to feed and fuck after that prelude to the mile high club. For that I couldn't blame them.

There were so many things happening at this summit. Luckily I didn't have to pay heed to it all. In between watching Peter I focused on Sookie and Godric. I saw that with several monarchs from different territories present my maker had his hands full. He was listening to claims, ferreting out liars, consoling hurt, explaining events and writing checks. Sookie was close to me, moving with the Queens entourage and sticking close to the Queens Defense attorney. Every now and then our eyes met and she smiled. It helped me count down to the second when I could be with her and Godric again.

Rhodes was supposed to be a four day event. The first day was the bazaar. Pam made a killing from transcribing old songs from any format into discs. Bill debuted his computer software that data based vampires. The next night didn't go so well for Sophie-Anne. We were all there that night as her fiancé tried to end her. Our testimony was in admissible. In any case it would have been detrimental to her cause. None of us actually witnessed him raise a hand to her. Once the fighting began he had been nowhere to be seen.

So even though it sounded like the most outlandish of tales it was plausible that Jade Flower had tried to usurp the throne by killing Peter's beloved bride to be. Sophie-Anne had accepted his betrothal gifts. She had signed the preliminary documents accepting his proposal for marriage. The Queen's lawyer was good but physical evidence was on Threadgill's side. She had to marry him or pay what he desire in order for him to settle. The pythoness ruled in his favor.

André was in a homicidal mood as we escorted the Sophie-Anne back to her room. This was usually the time of night I looked forward to. It meant that Sookie and I could break from the group and return to Godric.

We were set to exit the room when Sookie turned to the Queen. "I'm sorry you didn't win. It wasn't right." She said.

She smiled. "No worries. Everything will be alright in the end. This is not right and so it cannot be the end."

"Forgive me for saying so but isn't it better just to pay him and not have to marry him, you know, so he can't try to kill you again." My lover continued.

"Yes," André growled from his place beside his maker.

"The price is too high," Sophie-Anne inserted. She looked at me and then in an imperceptible movement inclined her head to Sookie. It explained André's mood. He wanted to pay the price and she didn't.

My tone was controlled although I felt rage broiling in the back of my skull. "Lover," I called. "Would you please excuse us a moment?" She nodded and left without question though I knew she had many. I waited till the count of ten before speaking to André "She is bonded to me and my maker, both." I chose my words carefully and spoke calmly. "She is ours. There is no law above blood. You know this."

"I know it. I have to respect it but I don't like it." He replied. I really didn't like him.

"It is done. I have signed the wedding documents." The Queen said. "Tomorrow when Russell weds Bertrand I will wed Peter and then I will end him. The end." Fair enough.

Sookie was waiting with Seigebert just outside the doors of the room. Together we made our way to the room where Godric was waiting. He kissed me and pulled Sookie into a hug. It wasn't until then that I realized I hadn't let go of her hand or said a word since we left the Queen's room.

"What's wrong sweetheart?" she asked. "Tell us,"

"The price to free Sophie-Anne of Peter is you,"

Sookie took it better than Godric. I supposed she was used to vampires trying to enslave her. Godric skipped anger and fell right into a homicidal mind frame. His eyes were blazing blue. He slipped right us and headed for the door. "I'll be back in ten minutes."

"Sophie-Anne isn't going for it." Sookie called after him.

"Then I will end Peter only," he replied calmly, smoothly shrugging his suit jacket back on. "So I'll be back in three minutes."

I arched a brow at that. I knew he had been on his way to kill someone—quite a few—someones I just hadn't known he had placed the Queen on that list. I found that while that bothered me I had calculated doing the same thing. It was just that simply now. Anyone that threatened Sookie was as good as dead.

"Baby, no" she moved and placed her back to the door.

"And why not," he asked conversationally "He threatens the woman I love."

Sookie opened her mouth but was drawing a blank so she looked at me for help. I shrugged. "I want him finally dead," she frowned at me which made me smile.

Seduction was an art I was well versed in. I called on it now. It would help ease his worries and channel the energy that had his muscles coiled to spring. Walking over to them I stood beside Sookie. "I do want him beyond the veil." I unbuttoned my shirt as I spoke. The color of Godric's eyes was shifting signaling the change in his intent. He watched us with unconcealed hunger. I dropped my tone, making my voice huskier. "Not by your hands," I reached for Sookie and she came willingly. "Not tonight,"

Sookie peeled off my shirt and planted errant kisses across my chest. She had lips from heaven. I couldn't mitigate their effects every time they touched me. Then she freed me of my slacks and stroked my hardened length, drawing a hiss from me. I threw my head back knowing I was close to losing my train of thought entirely. Slowly I unzipped the dress my lover was in. With every inch of her flesh he saw, the heat in Godric's eyes flared. The dress fell into a pool at her feet showing her in nothing but a flimsy piece of lace.

Godric groaned as if he was in pain. "We can find better uses for your hands," Sookie whispered. She had her back to my chest, the soft globes of her ass pressed against the hardness of my cock. Her legs were parted and I wound my arms around her holding her closer still. Her body was always willing and always ready for us. My fingers caressed her most feminine flesh giving her, parting her lips, teasing her and making her ache as much I did. It didn't last long. Having none of her was hell. Having a little of her only made me want for more, for all of her.

"Yes," Godric managed to force out. "Much better uses," and then he joined us.

At the joint reception of both royal newlyweds the next night my lovers were able to have some down time in the otherwise hectic evening. They found their way into each other's arms and headed for the dance floor, though I had no idea why. What they were doing couldn't be described as dancing. Godric simply held Sookie and they were swaying and stealing lazy kisses at intervals or laughing at some funny thing or another. I smiled unable to help myself. It was difficult to put into words just how much I loved seeing them together even though I could do was watch. It helped me ignore the fact that Peter Threadgill was within my arms reach.

I was still throwing Peter death glares when I felt the emotional shift. Sookie tensed in Godric's arms. Her eyes were following something behind the far left wall of the ball room. Godric had his arms wrapped around her with her back to his chest. His eyes were scanning the area but she was sensing something that no one else could.

A communication took place between Sookie and Barry the bell boy. Whatever it was that was making her uneasy she wanted a second opinion. The man stopped where he stood by Farrell's side. He too began scanning unseen things. I could almost see the conversation on the telepath's faces as they continued to search. Then Barry shook his head as if confused.

Sookie turned and placed a kiss on Godric's cheek then she moved to Barry's side. I could see my maker hadn't wanted to let her go. He did so all the same, no questions, no explanations. He trusted her to know what to do; he trusted her to call him if she was in need. The telepaths held hands, their eyes were closed and their brows furrowed in concentration.

I knew the minute they found what they were looking for. In chorus their eyes snapped open like shades that had been drawn too tight and they were wearing a similar emotion. It was one of absolute horror. Godric and I were beside Sookie immediately.

"Burn them," The telepaths said in an unnerving resonating tandem. It was as if the mind they were in had trapped them and they were feeling every nuance of that person's hatred. They were lost in animosity that wasn't their own. "Send them to the fires of hell. Then the Lord's work will be done."

"Sookie," I called, taking her face in my hands.

Tears had begun streaming down her pretty face and she seemed to have lost her ability to blink. She was trembling slightly. Beside me Farrell was having similar trouble with Barry. The boy opened his mouth but nothing came out save a strangled noise as if he couldn't breathe. Unlike Sookie he couldn't seem to pry his eyes open.

"Lover," this time I slapped her softly to snap her out of it. "It's okay. Come back to us, we need you to come back." I pulled her into my arms and even through my suit I could feel her nails dig into me as if to keep her anchored to who she was.

"Bomb," Sookie rasped, "They're going to blow up the hotel at dawn with all of us still in it."

Never in history, had there ever been a quieter and neater mass exodus during an emergency. André was a lip reader. At the word 'bomb' he was already by the exit of the ballroom with the Queen tucked safely at his side. Farrell sent an unseen signal and Texas was next to part, then Mississippi, then Arkansas, followed by Indiana and Tennessee.

"Pam, Thalia with Godric and Sookie. Go home. If you cannot find a flight drive until you find safe lodgings beyond the state for the day. Just don't stop moving."

"No," Sookie said rubbing her arms as if she was cold. "We stay together. All of us or none of us."

"I need to track down the sheriffs that aren't here and we need to travel with the Queen's guard." I said.

"Then we go with you," she replied.

I gave her a look that brooked no argument. "I need you to do as I say," I told her firmly.

Godric shot me a look that said I should know better. Sookie never did as I said and I should really have known it by now. True to form she ran for the closest fire alarm and pulled it.

"He's got a gun!" She yelled pointing and gesturing profusely at me.

That was all the remaining humans needed to hear. The band stopped playing. The music was replaced with the sounds of chaos, people screaming for security and others were shouting for their friends. Of course that caused more trouble that there needed to be. Humans trampled over one another to reach the exits. No one would be allowed to remain the hotel now.

"Seriously?" I asked Sookie. "Label me a gun man. That was the best solution."

We were in a stolen SUV with the grand pyramid hotel falling farther into the distance. I had been able to touch base with André and was driving to regroup with our numbers at a train station not too far off.

Sookie shrugged unrepentant. "I wanted us all to stay together seeing that some psychos were going to blow up the hotel we were in. Plus, I wanted to get everyone out not just vampires. I didn't want to argue with you over any of it. "

"Woman, you're lucky I love you." I muttered. Chicago was now another place I would most likely be banned from. It went nicely with my banishment from Texas and the California's (don't even ask).

"Love you more," she murmured, running her hand ever so softly down the back of my neck. The touch was feather light but I felt the profound truth of her words.

Pam had checked in with the other sheriffs, everyone was fine and heading to the same location. We could leave Chicago as a unit. It would make everyone safer. The drive to the rendezvous point was made in comfortable silence. Surprisingly Thalia looked less…like herself. By that I meant she wasn't scowling. She looked relaxed as she watched the night pass us by.

"We have a tail," Sookie said. "And they mean business."

I was quiet trying to figure out what to do. "Weapons check," I asked. I knew neither Godric nor Sookie had any. I only had two daggers.

"Two daggers," Pam said.

"Same" Thalia said.

That might be enough but it depended on how many we were fighting. As if he read my mind Godric asked, "How many?"

"At least thirteen, no more than fifteen," Sookie replied closing her eyes. "All vampire,"

"Lover,"

"Yes baby," By the too bright tone of her voice I knew she was anxious and trying to mask it. "If I asked you to let us out and keep driving until dawn what would you say,"

She snorted. "I'd tell you to try and make me."

Godric chuckled. Pam grinned and I smiled. It was worth a try "I thought so,"

To bring a fight to the Queen was not a good look. These odds might be favorable. It would be a perfect ambush depending on who was already at the extraction point. Calling to check was out of the question. If I brought a fight to them the phone call would tell them I did so deliberately. I looked in the rear view mirror where Godric held Sookie tighter against his side, to offer her comfort. It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. I was bringing a fight to the Queen. I hoped like hell that she was ready.


Sorry that the past two chapters were long but I just had no good cut off places! We are coming to the very end and I'm getting the bittersweet feeling again! Sigh.