Readers!
Welcome to the third and final installment of my True Blood fanfiction In The Blood.
Chapters will be published daily.
I hope you enjoy Eternity of Blood.
Ryuk In Person
ETERNITY OF BLOOD
SIX DAYS
Vampire.
The very context of that word had changed so much over the last year. For so long it had been said with hate, spat at the beings that merely wanted to live out their eternity rather than having to forever hide, to fear discovery. Though the Newlins were no more, their legacy, their true hate had been unearthed in the ruins of the Fellowship of the Sun's secret compound. Outrage washed quickly over the world, through vampires and humans. Shamed over and over, the church was quickly ground into nothing. Haters remained but, finally, the population began to accept the vampires they had feared. Russell Edgington's public rampage of terror became a distant memory, especially when the world learned that grievous acts had been committed on both sides.
There was only one thing that stood between them now, one thing that could keep them from forming a union that many had originally opposed, and that was six days.
After a year of waiting, of planning and organising, they were the only two words that were floating through her mind as she hurried between tables, waiting on the regulars of Merlotte's Bar and Grill. In six days, she would be putting on the ivory dress she had carefully tucked away in her wardrobe – out of sight of the groom – and walking down the aisle into the waiting arms of her beautiful vampire.
Sarah was bouncing, her ponytail swinging with the merry rhythm that sang in her heart. Her smile was infections, the customers unable to resist the lure of her happiness. Rock was playing, and all the waitresses – and one waiter – were dancing between the tables. Laughter rang out at every corner, and as an added bonus for all their hard work the tips were flowing generously.
She leant against the bar, catching her breath for a second before she strolled back to the kitchen to grab the latest complete orders.
'Get 'em while they hot,' Lafayette called, as fabulous as ever in his bright singlet top, a soft gold-brown wrap covering his head as he worked. He glanced to her, his spatula pausing in mid-air as his eyes focused. 'Girl, you are positively glowing tonight. You start a new skin care regime, 'cause I think you need to clue me in.'
She smirked. 'I can't believe you've forgotten how big a week this is for me,' she said, piling the dishes onto her arms to carry them to their tables.
He gasped, his free hand over his lips. 'Oh my of course, your big day! I'm surprised you've not turned to a jittery mess.'
'I'm too excited,' she called as she headed to her tables, her smile impossibly wider as she emptied her arms of the last orders of the night. Though Merlotte's was packed, most of the customers had eaten and the seats at the bar were beginning to fill up as the drinks began to flow.
'Need some help?'
Sarah glanced up from the table she was clearing. 'Thanks Sook,' she said as her best friend lifted the remaining glasses and gave the table a wipe.
'That's alright.' Her sweet southern accent flowed, sincere and polite as she took the tray of dishes from Sarah and on her heel. 'I just thought you might need your arms free.'
'For wha–?'
Arms wrapped tight around her, squeezing so tight she squeaked, her legs flailing as they tried to make contact with the ground again. She battered the arms of the culprit, but that seemed to make him hold tighter as they buried their head in her shoulder, speaking in muffled words.
'Put me down,' she cried, the customers staring at her, some not bothering to hide laughter as she continued to flail uselessly, 'now!'
Her feet touched down suddenly, her body swaying as they spun her on her heels. Firm hands caught her cheeks, kisses raining down on her forehead between exclamations of 'I missed you so, so much!'
Sarah's eyes finally focused on the man who had seemingly catapulted themselves at her, and launched right back into his arms.
'Jake!' she squealed, 'I thought you weren't going to be home until the buck's night because of the show.'
He shrugged with a grin on his lips. 'I lied,' said nonchalantly, 'the show wrapped up yesterday, so I thought I'd come home a little early to help out my little sis before her big day. After all, this is supposed to be forever, isn't it?'
She smiled, thinking of Eric. 'Definitely.'
He kissed her forehead again before settling into a seat at the bar, instantly surrounded by friends, eager to catch up on the recent events of Bon Temps. Jessica bounded over, her waitressing forgotten as she launched herself at him for a quick hug before excitedly showing-off her wedding ring. She and Hoyte had enjoyed a small but beautiful ceremony several months ago with close family and friends. Sarah had been a bridesmaid along with Sookie, and Jess was to be a part of her bridal party.
In just six days.
Slowly, Merlotte's began to clear. The tables were empty and the bar was down to Jake, Hoyte and Jason. Sarah, Sookie and Jess joined in with the conversations as they cleaned up ready for breakfast in the morning, making sure that Arlene didn't have any big jobs on her hands. After all, she had three kids now – Robert "Bob" Bellfluer being the newest edition at just five months – she already had enough cleaning to deal with at home, even with Terri's help.
Sam poured a fresh round of beers, including one for himself as the boys laughed. In the little town of Bon Temps Jake's career choice was normally frowned upon, but his friends knew him inside and out, and his decision to follow his dream and be on Broadway did not make them laugh or mock. After all, they knew well that he didn't swing like Lafayette.
Sarah untied her apron, rolling it up as she took a seat beside Jake at the bar. It was time for her and the girls to finish for the night, now that the grill was closed and the customer area clean. Even Lafayette came out of the kitchen with a sway to his hips as he grinned at Jake. 'Sugar, you sure I can't have you and that cute little English accent of yours? You look and sound more delicious with every trip home.'
Jake just laughed. 'Sorry Lafayette, I'm not ready for another relationship, and even then I just don't think we'd work.'
Lafayette frowned. 'Oh right, you one of them pussy lovers like these other boys.' He pointed a painted nail at Jason and Hoyte before walking past, his jacket over his shoulder. 'Well, when you wake up and realise all the sexy you been missin' out on, you call me,' he said before adding in a mutter, 'thought Broadway would've changed that damn boy by now.'
Jake smirked, rolling his eyes. Sarah just giggled, though the sound quickly turned to a gasp as arms wrapped tight around her from behind. She knew the embrace, know the feel of his strong arms and broad chest so well as he bent slightly to place a kiss on her head. She turned in his arms, standing on tip toe to kiss him. Even though they had only been apart mere hours, she had missed him, missed his smile and those bright blue eyes that always lit up when their gazes met.
He kissed her slowly and she savoured the feel of his lips caressing hers, his hands gently massaging her hips before wrapping around her waist. When he pulled away she was as breathless as she had been after their first kiss, her heart doing a pitter-patter that she knew was music to his ears. With a gentle kiss on her forehead he asked, 'Jake did surprise you then?'
She smiled. 'I thought you would have known something about it.'
He smirked, a devilish turn of his lips that Sarah adored. 'We may have planned it.'
Somehow, that didn't surprise her at all.
Eric clapped Jake on the back, telling him to gather his things. Together they said goodbye to the remaining few who sat in Merlotte's and headed for home. It was a comfortable drive, Sarah, Eric and Jake chatting as they headed to Shreveport, laughing as Jake recounted stories from his time on his most recent show on Broadway. He'd made more friends, moved into a new, more comfortable apartment and was even saving up for a new car. His break up with his fiancée had been difficult, but he kept moving, not allowing her jealousy and pettiness to bring him down, not when all the accusations she had laid against him had been nothing but lies and rumours. After all, he had always known that getting ahead in Broadway was never going to be path of soft petals that drifted before him. It was always going to be a fight and a struggle, but one he would never give up on.
Eric helped with the bags before excusing himself to attend with business at Fangtasia, leaving Sarah and Jake to have a little brother-sister time as she helped him settle in to his room. They laughed as they hung his clothes in the wardrobe, enjoying being together for the first time in months. Jake took a seat on the bed, falling back before patting the spot next to him, waiting for Sarah to take it. With his arms propping his head up, he just stared at her for a moment before finally saying, 'you're still safe here, right?'
'What do you mean?'
'No one has found out, about your abilities?' he said, sitting up a little.
'It's still just you, me, Eric, Sookie, Bill, Pam and Alcide,' she said, a hand gently rubbing his arm, 'and all of our lips are sealed tight.'
He sat up fully, sighing. 'I know, it's just…After the Newlin thing,' he said, 'someone could have seen you. Someone could have made it out of there without being glamoured.'
'Anyone who wasn't glamoured didn't make it full stop Jake,' she said, taking his hand, 'I'm okay. Unless I start singing about it from the rooftops myself – something which I will not be doing – no one can find out. I'm safe.'
A smile tugged at his lips, though a strained one. 'I know,' he breathed, 'I still worry though.'
She pulled him into her arms, holding tight. 'Trust me, even if someone did magically manage to find out Eric would kick their ass quicker than they could get one letter out of their stupid mouths.'
'Very true.'
Sarah laughed, ruffling his hair as she climbed off the bed. 'I'm going to head to Fangtasia for a while. You help yourself to the lasagne that's in the fridge,' she said as she walked from his room, 'and don't wait up for me.'
She couldn't stop the smirk that lit her lips as she walked to her room, a little bounce in her steps. The door shut with a click, her work clothes stripped as she entered the walk in wardrobe, her hands trailing over the fabrics – jeans, skirts, silk blouses – all the way to the dress she was looking for. Her lips wore a wicked grin as she gently slid the straps from the hanger, the zip already undone, just waiting for her to wear it.
Eric would be pleased.
With a quick touch up of her makeup and a brush through her hair – grown halfway down her back, ready for the wedding – she felt confidence wash over her. The black stilettos with silver heels that slipped so comfortably onto her feet only made her smile wider as she walked down the hall. She didn't bother carrying her wallet or phone; she didn't have anywhere to keep them after all, nor did she have a need for them.
It was only a short walk to Fangtasia, just around the corner from their home. The music from the club was already filling her ears, the bass beats playing through her chest as if they were her heart beat. Pam smiled at her as she walked past the line that had already built up, Sarah ignoring the hisses and protests that followed her.
'Eyes up,' she said, glaring at an ogling, leather clad fool as she joined Pam at the door, 'or you'll have more than just me to answer to.'
He stepped from the line, arms out. 'Oh yeah, who?' he asked, chin jerking aggressively, acting the tough guy that they all wished they were.
Pam flashed her fangs, arm looping with Sarah's, uniting them.
'I ain't afraid of no vampire,' said with that same aggression, 'especially not a pretty little girl.'
Sarah smiled, 'Maybe you'd like to answer to my fiancé then?' a slight quirk of her neck. 'He would love to meet you, I'm sure. After all, he enjoys having new toys.'
Another aggressive chin jerk. 'Sure sugar, love to,' said with a wink and another glance down, his eyes wandering.
Sarah looked to Pam, leaning closer to her shoulder. 'Do you think Eric would kill him quick?' Sarah asked in a feigned whisper, watching terror cloud Mr Tough-Guys eyes.
'No,' Pam said, 'I think he'd take his time. You know he hates it when other guys stare at you.'
He slipped back into the line, Sarah and Pam laughing, their arms still joined as the heavy door opened wide for them. The music hit hard but Sarah revelled in it, the crowds parting for her. She smiled at the patrons, knew the regulars by name: she even hugged some of them as she walked past, all leading up to the chair where Eric sat like a king. His face was blank, his eyes unfocused as he seemed to watch over the crowed. He didn't watch though, not really; he listened, heard every conversation and exchange. There were rules at Fangtasia, and any who broke them, human or vampire…
Well, they never broke a rule again.
His eyes met hers and a wicked smile lit his lips. The pale blue held her captive, enthralling her as they had that first night they met before they drifted, seeming to caress her as they followed the smooth silk. The straps sat perfectly on her shoulders and the neck plunged low, held in the middle by a clear strap. She felt her heart flutter as his eyes dropped further still, following the split that started high on her thigh, revealing smooth alabaster skin that seemed to stretch forever.
He reached out to her, taking her hand as she stepped onto the platform with him, choosing his lap over the plush leather seat beside his. A low growl drifted from him as she settled onto his lap, draping her legs over the arm of the chair, his hand instantly settling on her thigh, drifting slowly higher as he claimed her lips. His fingers trailed over her back, a shiver crawling up and down her spine, following every caress.
'This one is new,' he whispered, gently kissing her neck, 'I have to say, I'm disappointed you didn't show me earlier. I would have been far more reluctant to leave you.'
More shivers, his tongue flicking over her skin, 'I wanted to surprise you,' she said, a little breathlessly, 'but first, I have a few things I need to discuss.'
'Mmmm?'
'With Pam.' She slid from his lap, stepping out of his reach. His eyes burned with heat, his fangs peeking from between his lips. He was riled, ready to chase her, to steal her into the night away from the crowd but still she taunted, turning to bare her back to him as Pam came to her side. She glanced back, 'you know, wedding stuff.'
Pam smiled as they walked away. 'Tease.'
'Always.'
'Happy to assist.'
They walked to the ladies room, knowing that Eric wouldn't follow them there. They re-touched their make up as they chatted, talking about the arrangements. Sarah loved her bridesmaids. They had helped her with every aspect, and she loved that they had shared in the excitement she felt. Even though the wedding and reception were to be held at Bill and Sookie's, there was so much to think of; dresses, suits, flower arrangements, decorations and so many other things that Sarah had to list in her little wedding book just so she wouldn't forget them. Just thinking about the seating arrangements gave Sarah a headache, but with Sookie, Pam, Tara and Jessica's help, everything was under control.
Everyone thought of Pam as emotionless, cold – admittedly, she could be – but she was Sarah's friend, and there was so much more to her. She was excited to see her Maker and her friend walk down that aisle, even though she had never had the desire to get married herself.
'Is that flower shop co-operating yet?' Pam asked as they walked from the bathrooms, stepping around an…enthusiastic couple.
'Oh yes, I gave them quite the talking to,' Sarah laughed.
'I wish I had been there.' An arm looped around her waist in an iron grip, pulling her back against his broad chest. She felt his lips press against her neck, fingers sliding a strap from her shoulder. 'If you'll excuse us, Pam,' he said, 'we have unfinished business to attend to.'
He held tight, sweeping her into the crowd where dancers gathered. With a quick twirl, she faced him, her hands landing on his chest, trailing to his shoulders, her arms wrapping tight around his neck as he pulled her close. She knew she was in trouble; she had teased him quite thoroughly after all, and running away had only piqued his frustration further. A smile still blossomed though, her fingers trailing over his cheek, caught by his hand so that he could place a kiss on her palm.
'The two of you planned that, didn't you?'
She smirked, a wicked look that had his hands trailing a little lower on her back, toying with the silk of her dress, hanging just above the small of her back.
'No, but it certainly did work out well. I got to discuss details about the wedding with Pam while also leaving you stuck in your chair thinking about what kind of underwear I'm wearing under this dress.'
A low growl and he lifted her. He propelled them into his office. The door closed and she gasped as hands slid beneath her dress to grip her thighs and lift her. Her legs wrapped tight around his waist as her back met the wall. His lips claimed hers, stealing her breath before trailing to her neck, teasing her pulse until her heart thumped against her chest, threatening to break through in the excitement. His fangs teased her, grazing tantalizingly over her skin until shivers broke out over her body.
The pressure against her back eased as he shifted, his hand sweeping over the desk, papers and stationary flying before he placed her upon it, wedging himself between her legs. His hand slid from knee to thigh, enjoying her supple skin, a low growl rumbling through his chest as his fingers met lace. He toyed with the edge, trailing his finger back and forth, back and forth, her skin so sensitive beneath his touch.
'Are these new too?' he asked, a finger slipping beneath the thin fabric, earning him a gasp that only made his fangs sharpen with delight as he nibbled the lobe of her ear. With ease he found that tight little bud of pleasure that he could command so well, feeling her arch.
'Yes,' she moaned as he caressed her, her fingers gripping his shoulders so hard that her fingernails seemed to dig through the black t-shirt that was stretched tight over his body. She craved his skin, was desperate the strip him of the shirt, to trail her hands over his chest, but the caress of his fingers never stopped, never faltered in their careful dance.
She heard a rip, gasping as he threw the remains of her panties aside, silencing her complaints with a kiss that had her arching against him, desperate as she heard the clink of his belt buckle opening, his zip sliding down, freeing his aching sex as he pulled her to the edge of the desk and–
He tucked himself back in, zipping his pants before he turned to shield Sarah from view as the door swung wide. He bared his fangs in anger, a vicious growl ripping from his lips. 'You better have a brilliant reason for interrupting.'
'Oh, don't mind me.' A wicked smile graced ruby red lips. 'Please, do continue,' said Queen Sophie-Anne.
