A/N: My life has been a little turned upside down in the last two months. A family member was diagnosed with cancer and then passed away soon after the diagnosis. My family has been in upheaval since then and I haven't had the energy to write anything. This chapter is incredibly late and I can't speak to the quality of it but I wanted to move the story along and let you all know that I have not forgotten you or this story. Thanks to everyone that read and reviewed the last chapter. I hope everyone will continue to enjoy my story. Thanks to Maverick37, dispatcher652, janjan2009, Heleana220, Firefly-class, JessPeach, & box5angel.
Daly Ranch in New Mexico
Tara walked into the bedroom and smiled seeing Eric cradling Jax in his arms as he watched the news. She shook her head and tried not to be overwhelmed. Sometimes the type of man that Eric was willing to be for her and their children shocked her. He was their father and they were important to him.
After leaving Rey, Tara convinced herself that she could raise her children on her own. She still believed that but was glad that she didn't need to raise them on her own.
She looked around the room taking inventory of the numerous packed boxes. The boxes would be shipped to their home in Shreveport. Everything else would be checked at the airport for their flight home.
Tara had mixed feelings about going back to Shreveport and leaving her new extended family behind. However, a large contingent of the Daly family would be joining her in Louisiana shortly. Shreveport would be their base of operations in this war against Russell Edgington and his horde of anarchist followers.
In the days since the formal announcement, life for the Daly family was turned upside down. The conference aired live in over 15 countries across the globe. By the next morning, the story was front-page news on every website and newspaper. The phones rang non-stop all day every day as the press clamored for additional information. Predictably, a mob of reporters camped out near the front gates of the Daly Ranch.
Tara, like many members of the Daly family, was unsure of Stefan's wisdom of willingly exposing diviners and specifically his own family. She could not understand how it helped their situation. It was the first time she was at odds with the new father figure in her life and she wasn't handling it very well.
There was pandemonium outside of the Daly Ranch every time someone exited or entered the property. Tara experienced that firsthand earlier in the day when she accompanied Alexander and Theresa to a lawyer's office.
The three siblings met with the executor of their father's Will. The meeting had not covered anything new except for specific sums of money. The siblings now knew how much their father's estate was worth and what each of them would inherit as soon as the estate cleared the last hurdle of probate court. The lawyer assured them it was just a matter of procedure. In a matter of weeks, they would each inherit a third of their late father's estimable estate.
Tara walked over to the bed and said, "I was hoping that you and I could talk?"
"What's on your mind?" asked Eric, he muted the television to give Tara is undivided attention.
"There is a lot going on and I want to make sure that if anything were to happen to me that Jax and Jade will be cared for. I'm not asking for your bullshit reassurances about how everything will be okay because you don't know that anymore than I do. Every time we do something to change, what happens in the future something different happens."
Eric asked, "What is it that you are looking for here, Tara?"
"I asked Alex to draw up a Will for me. If I die then I would like you to retain custody of Jax and Jade. You are their father and I know that you would take care of them. I have alternate options in case we are both killed."
He wanted to promise that Tara would emerge from this war unscathed but it would just be an empty promise. Eric could not guarantee her safety if she was set on being an active participant in the battle. His pleas for her to stay clear of the danger were ignored. She was determined to stand and fight with her family.
"Who are the alternate options if something happens to both of us?" Eric asked.
Tara said, "It took a long time for me to come up with the right answer. I didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings but in the end I had to make the right decision for the babies. Theresa is my first choice to raise Jax and Jade if you and I were to die. She is my sister, she has raised twins, and she is a diviner. She can help teach them what it means to be a diviner. My second choice is Lafayette. He is my cousin and I know that he would protect my children with his life. He can be very paternal when he wants. He always managed to look after me even once I was an adult and shouldn't have needed anyone to look after me. He has Jesus to help him. I think they make a great couple. Sookie is my last choice. She has been my best friend for most of my life and although she isn't a diviner she understands how difficult it is to grow up as a supe. I think she would make a great mom.''
Eric said, "I think Lafayette and Sookie are terrible ideas but they are the best that we have and I can't think of any better alternatives."
Tara laughed and said, "Well, that was a backhanded compliment but I won't be telling Sookie or Lafayette that you said that about them. I know you don't have a lot of faith in them but you don't know them the way that I do. They are both good people."
"I'm not saying that they aren't good people. I just think they both have a propensity to get themselves into dangerous situations that nearly get them killed."
She frowned at Eric but didn't argue with him. He made a valid point about Sookie and Lafayette. However, Tara was also a magnet for trouble and he knew it.
"I am glad that is settled. I am going to go down to the gym to meet with Alexander. We are supposed to meet up to spar tonight. I need something to work out my negative energy."
Eric asked, "Are you still angry with Stefan?"
Tara sighed, "I wouldn't say that I am angry with him but I don't love his decision. He made it without even consulting our family. We should have had a say. There is a chance that Russell and the other vampires didn't know about diviners. Now we are fodder for the 24-hour news cycle and all of the supernatural hate groups."
"Stefan thought it was better to get out in front of the news story and I think that he was right. It is better than waiting for the hammer to fall. His decision wasn't just about your family. As the leader of an entire clan he had to make the best decision for everyone."
"I understand that, Eric. I really do. However, did he have to put his face in front of the cameras? As soon as the news conference was over the media and anyone with a computer was researching him and the people related to him. He has revealed our family to the world not just our species."
Eric nodded in agreement. Stefan's decision did open his family to intense scrutiny but the leaders of all the clans made the same decision. They were present for the news conference and took the same risk. It was meant to show the other members of their clans that the leadership was willing to take the most risk.
Immediately after the new conference, the press started researching Stefan and his family. Stefan and Andrea's children were identified soon after. The Daly Ranch's company website was scoured for any images that specifically named family members and the information was reported on the cable news networks. No doubt, the reporters were trying to identify all of the family members that entered or exited the ranch. They lived in the era of everyone wanting as much information as possible even if they didn't know what to do with it.
This was just the story the news media was waiting for. They had specific targets to go after and not just a revealed group of werewolves, werepanthers, and shape shifters that they couldn't easily identify in the dark videos shot at nighttime.
Tara sighed softly. She was tired of thinking about it and worrying about what it would all mean in the end.
She kissed him softly, "I am going to change clothes and then go meet up with Alexander. I need all the practice I can fit in before we head back home."
Tara grabbed her work out clothes and went into the bathroom for a quick change. Afterward she headed down to the gym where Alex was already working out on the heavy bag.
She smiled and asked, "Bad day?"
Alex looked over his shoulder and said, "The other partners at my firm know that I am a diviner now. They put one plus one together because I'm related to Stefan."
"I'm sorry, Alex. How did they take the news?"
"The managing partner called me into his office for a talk. He wanted to assure me that I still have a place at the firm. He is preparing for what might be a Supreme Court case if the government decides to deny supernatural creatures their constitutional rights. He wants to be on the front lines of a case like that. Although, it seemed to me that he had an ulterior motive."
Tara started stretching to prepare for their sparring battle.
"Maybe he is a supe or has one in his family. You could always take Pam there to take a whiff of his office. She might be able to figure out if he is a supe."
Alex chuckled, "I was actually thinking the same thing. The good news is that I still have a job. The bad news is that some of the other senior partners gave me sideways glances all day."
Tara said, "I guess I am lucky that I don't really have a job to be concerned about and there isn't really any paperwork linking me to the Daly family."
He frowned, "That means you haven't talked to Theresa tonight."
A cold chill shot down Tara's spine and she asked, "Why?"
"The police in Shreveport have finally released what they have of our father's remains. They were flown here from Louisiana on our dime of course."
"I already knew about that. We agreed that we would just have him cremated and not worry about a funeral with everything else going on. Uncle Stefan agreed that was the best course of action."
"Well, Cindy got it in her head that she was responsible for planning the funeral. She had an obituary published in the newspaper naming his survivors. You are one of them. I think she did it to be a bitch but who knows when it comes to Cindy. She is fucking demented."
Tara's jaw dropped, "You've got to be fucking joking!"
He shook his head and said, "My phone is sitting on the bench. You can look it up for yourself."
The younger woman grabbed the phone off the bench and went to the local newspaper's website. She searched the site for the obits and screwed up her face in outrage. It said that Victor was survived by his siblings, children, and loving wife. It gave each of their names.
"That fucking bitch did this on purpose! I don't think this was accidental. You had better keep her away from me or I will rip her fucking head off and use it as a candy dish."
Alex chuckled, "I don't care what you do as long as you make sure that I can hide the body afterward. So don't attack her in public or in front of witnesses."
Tara rolled her eyes, "Trust me if I kill the bitch it will be in the middle of the night in her bed."
Alex laughed harder, "Finish stretching so that we can get started."
She nodded at her brother and moved back onto the gym floor to stretch. After about 15 minutes of warming up the siblings were ready to be begin sparring.
Alex used these times as an opportunity to teach Tara things she didn't know and help hone her skills. He was worried about the danger she would be in when the war started. Tara's power was growing but she was still green. Any mistake in the heat of battle could be deadly especially when up against vampires.
The two spent a couple hours going over old techniques and new ones. The brother and sister duo trash talked each other the entire time. They were both cocky and liked goading one another. Their competitive streaks made the sparring sessions more interesting and definitely intense. Alex didn't just teach Tara how to use her powers they also worked on self-defense techniques and hand to hand combat.
Eric walked into the gym and smiled watching Tara sparring with her older brother, Alex. A fine sheen of sweat covered her body and her eyes appeared dark as coal. Through their bond, he felt a pronounced undercurrent of rage.
The vampire's presence temporarily distracted Alexander but that was all the time that Tara needed. She levitated off the ground and kicked Alex in the center of his chest.
The strength of the kick and Tara's powers sent him flying across the room. She raised her hand with a mocking flourish to levitate him off the ground and stop his backward progress toward the wall.
Playfully she chastised Alex, "You should never take your eye off of your opponent, Alexander. When you get distracted that is when you allow your opponent to get the best of you."
Alex roared in laughter, "Put me down, Tara!"
Despite wanting to help his younger sister learn, he did not relish being bested in front of an outsider. It didn't matter that the outsider was engaged to Tara.
She cackled evilly and with a wave of her hand sent Alex plummeting to the floor beneath him.
Eric shook his head in amusement. It was nice to know that he was not the only person Tara still enjoyed giving a hard time.
"Having fun?" he asked, he leaned against the wall and leered at Tara's workout attire.
Tara slowly floated downward until her feet hit the ground. She shrugged and grabbed a water bottle to rehydrate.
"Alex is cocky and more powerful than I am. I do so enjoy the few opportunities I get to knock him on his ass. It makes me feel good about myself," Tara said, she laughed softly and squirted more water into her parched mouth.
Alex got back onto his feet and chuckled good-naturedly.
He said, "Well, you are getting better at using your powers. I am proud of your progress. I am even more proud that you are learning to exploit other people's weaknesses. That will come in handy in the coming weeks. You should go a few rounds with Tara, Eric."
Something dark and primal flashed in Tara's eyes. There were many reasons why that was a horrible idea but somehow it intrigued her. However, no one ever credited Tara with good sense.
Eric laughed heartily and said, "I don't think that would be a good idea."
"Are you afraid that I might get the best of you?" Tara asked, her voice was a smooth as honey but contained a mischievous edge.
"I wouldn't take Tara's skill for granted. Vampires are strong but with proper training, you are no match for the power that we possess. Few are…"
"The way I understand it Pam has bested you in this gym many times," Eric said sardonically.
Alex smirked at Eric and said, "That isn't sparring. It is foreplay. I put up a good fight but ultimately I let her win. Afterward I reap the benefits of a victorious, jubilant, and aggressive Pamela Swynford de Beaufort. You have to gauge what is more important: winning a sparring match or a toe curling orgasm from a vampire that has been having sex for a century."
Tara snickered and said, "I could have done without that particular visual, Alex. I don't want to know what you and Pam get up to between the sheets."
"Who said sheets are involved?" asked Alex, he grinned at her.
Tara laughed harder and said, "This family is all about the TMI. Although, I should be used to it because Lafayette has always been a handful and a half. It will be nice to get back home to Laff. I need to put some space between myself and this ranch."
Eric frowned a little. He was unsure of why he felt a surge of jealousy. Over the years, he became used to Pam carrying on relationships with varying degrees of seriousness. Nonetheless, there was something about this particular relationship that rubbed him the wrong way every time he was confronted with its existence.
Alex smirked, "Sharing is caring little sister. I know you are scared but Uncle Stefan has never let us down before. Time will show that this was the right move."
She nodded, "I hope so."
He walked over and gave Tara a hug and kiss on the cheek
"On that note I am going to grab a shower and find Pam. I haven't seen her tonight," said Alex, he clapped Eric on the back nudging the Viking in Tara's direction.
Once the door closed, Tara moved across the room to start working on the heavy bag. She still held animosity and anger that needed to be resolved before exiting the gym. The two-hour workout with Alex was not sufficient to quell the bitterness she felt. She tried to remember the lessons recently taught to her. Even while working on the heavy bag she should act as if it is a real opponent. Many people became lazy and developed bad habits when practicing on a heavy bag because you don't have to defend against an inanimate object.
Eric watched her quietly for a time before stripping off his suit jacket and draping it over the back of a bench. He repeated the motion with his dress shirt. Lastly, Eric removed his shoes and socks and walked over to the heavy bag.
"Do you want to spar with me?" asked Eric, his blue-green eyes sparkled mischievously.
Tara said, "You didn't seem interested when Alex brought it up. I don't need you to do me any favors."
She winced at the venom contained in the last statement. She had not meant for it to sound that way but there was no taking it back now and Eric was no sensitive soul.
She went back to pounding the heavy bag.
He watched Tara adopt a laser like focus as she methodically jabbed, punched, and kicked the heavy bag. He grabbed the heavy bag pulling it out of her reach.
Tara quickly became irate and clenched her fists as she resisted the urge to hit Eric.
He smirked and said, "You do want to spar with me."
"You said you didn't want to…you need to let it go. I did."
"I'm not completely human and I am definitely not defenseless. I assure you that I will give as good as I get," Tara drawled slowly, she traced a finger up his bare chest with a grin.
A gravelly laugh bubbled up from Eric's throat and he released the heavy bag allowing it to swing toward Tara. She jumped out of the way and smirked at him.
"Well, someone is confident in their skills. I hope it isn't misguided."
Tara laughed, "You really haven't seen me in action."
"You caught Alex off guard. I will not lose my focus as easily."
"I don't need you to lose focus. Alex is more powerful than I am. Your challenge will be getting close to me. I won't allow it," Tara whispered as she leaned in close to his ear.
Eric cocked his head to one side and watched Tara saunter to the center of the gym. He had to admit that his mind was on activities that were more lewd in nature. He did so love destructive and dangerous Tara. Eric followed her out into the middle of the floor.
"How should we proceed? I've never done this before. When I fight…I do it to wound."
Tara heard the challenge in his voice and was in just the right mood to accept it. In the back of her mind, a small voice told her this was a bad idea. However, she wasn't in the mood to take advice from her common sense. She needed an activity to absorb her negative energy.
"Well, I say we drop the normal rules of sparring and just aim not to kill one another. That seems fair, right? We'll start at opposing sides of the room."
Eric nodded, "I'll let you make the first move."
She shook her head, "No, I want you to go first, sweetheart."
Tara rarely if ever used pet names. In this instance, it was meant to be condescending. Eric's tightened jaw indicated that he understood the intent behind the language. He walked to the other end of the gym and waited until Tara was in place.
Eric shot up from the ground and sailed across the room in Tara's direction. His plan was to throw her into the wall. It was padded and he didn't think it would hurt her very much.
Tara smirked as soon as Eric left the ground. She anticipated that he would use his flying against her. The young diviner was capable of levitating above the ground but was nowhere as fast as Eric was and certainly couldn't go in a forward motion. It was why she suggested they start at opposite sides of the room. She needed the space to get off the ground before Eric could reach her.
Tara leapt into the air to aid in levitating faster. She swept her hand to the side and sent him hurtling through the air and into the back wall. Tara floated in midair and pinned her fiancé to the wall. She wore a devilish grin on her face.
"How are you feeling, sweetheart?"
Eric ground out, "Just fine, love. Put me down so that we can start again."
Tara said, "I could do that. I mean it would be the fair thing to do but I don't want to put you down just yet. I have something more interesting in mind."
She quickly lowered her hand down and Eric slammed against the floor but before he could get to his feet, she levitated him off the ground again.
"Tara!"
The younger diviner cackled in delight, slammed him onto the ground, and again raised him up. She repeated the motion twice more before unceremoniously dumping him onto the ground. Tara quickly landed on her feet so that she would have mobility.
Eric clamored to his feet with wounded pride and a hard on. Tara was certainly playing to win and that was a turn on. He vamp sped across the room and grabbed her easily. Eric tossed her into the padded wall and held her there.
He whispered into her ear, "You are playing with fire."
Tara whispered in return, "I've always thought I had a little arsonist in me."
Eric growled as he felt himself lifting off the ground. Tara tilted her head up and he knew that she was once again levitating him off the ground. However, he still had a firm hold on her arms so they were both going along for the ride. She wouldn't be able to drop him onto the ground without doing the same to herself.
The smug look of victory on Eric's face was pissing off Tara. He thought she was a one trick pony but she had something else up her sleeve. Tara head butted Eric in the nose and drove her foot forcefully into the side of his knee. It was not enough to take him down but it was enough for the vampire to loosen his vice like grip on her arms.
Tara sprang into action and wrenched herself out of his grasp. She levitated higher and kicked him in the face before letting him freefall toward the ground.
Eric caught himself easily and flew toward Tara with a renewed vigor. Head butting him raised the stakes in their little game and changed his plan of attack.
He zipped around her in midair and grabbed her in a bear hug from behind.
Tara struggled in the hold and growled, "Asshole…"
"Not enjoying yourself, love?"
"I'm going to make you fucking regret this when I get out of this hold."
Eric chuckled heartily, "You're resorting to empty threats now? Are you flustered, love? Do you want to call a truce?"
Tara gritted her teeth, "Fuck you, Northman."
"Northman? You haven't called me that in awhile. You must be on fire right now. You let your brother fill your head with fantasies. I am over one thousand years old. I could have already killed you if I so desired."
"Oh, thank you, my liege. I am so grateful that you have chosen to spare my life. How will I ever thank you?" Tara replied sweetly.
She drove her head backward into Eric's face and rammed her elbow into his ribcage at the same time. However, he held firm and chuckled loudly in her ear.
"It hurts but not enough for me to let you go. I was surprised the first time. You're not going to be able to surprise me this time."
Tara took a deep breath to focus her energy. Being angry was getting her nowhere. He found her weakness. Being behind her and holding onto her body left Tara at a disadvantage. Her powers were virtually useless in that position. Tara would need to tap into the other skills she learned from the family. She dropped her weight downward and sent her elbows backward trying to strike Eric but he easily dodged the maneuver. She grasped at his hands that were clasped together against her stomach. Tara managed to lift Eric's middle finger and jammed it backward into the socket.
He roared with pain and released her instantly. Tara used the advantage on his finger to wrench his entire arm behind his back. She wrapped her legs around his waist and tilted her head up toward the ceiling. Tara levitated both of them to the ceiling and pinned Eric there. She used the opportunity to kiss the side of his neck and moaned softly against his skin.
"What's wrong, sweetheart? I thought I couldn't surprise you anymore. I know this is pissing you off but I could also feel how incredibly hard you were behind me just a minute ago. I don't know if I want to finish this or go upstairs to our room to fuck."
Tara released his arm, dropped onto the ground, and backed away from him with a grin.
Eric landed on the ground easily and rotated his neck as if he was easing tension. He actually found himself needing a minute to regroup and figure out another way to neutralize the diviner's powers. Eric wasn't willing to actually hit her because diviner or not it would hurt and possibly cause serious damage.
"You know I'm taking it easy on you, Tara," Eric explained.
"I know and I'm kicking your ass because of it. If we are going to do this then let's do it or quit your bitching. Do you want to try close combat or do you want to call a truce?"
"I don't want to hurt you."
Tara sunk her teeth into her bottom lip and stared at the unusually expressive look on Eric's face.
"We can spar without touching each other, Eric. I know you don't want to hurt me. I know you wouldn't do that intentionally. You could always heal me with your blood if I got hurt."
Eric flew over to Tara and stood in front of her.
"That night in my office after it was all said and done you looked at me like a monster. I was on a high from the fighting and the fucking and this haunted look in your eyes took me right out of it. I gave you my blood to heal you but it wasn't enough. For a couple days afterward, you would flinch whenever I was near and I saw it. I hated it but I didn't know what to say to you. I didn't know how to make it better. I knew apologizing wasn't enough so I just didn't say anything. What you're asking me for…I can't do, Tara."
She shook her head and rushed into Eric's arms.
"I'm angry and I'm being stupid. I guess I just didn't realize what happened between us affected you too. I mean I know you said you'd never do it again but…I wish I could glamour it away for you."
Eric shook his head, "No, I like having that memory. It reminds me that I am fallible and that I can lose control. Before you, I hadn't lost control in centuries. I didn't care enough about my conquests one way or another."
She smiled, "Careful or someone might accuse you of being a nice guy."
"I'd rip their fucking hearts out to remind everyone that I am not."
"Well, I guess we are done with sparring for the night."
"Do you want to go upstairs?"
"By all means let's go."
Eric scooped Tara up into his arms and prepared to walk out of the gym when his cell phone started to ring.
He took out his phone and answered it.
"Hello?"
"Hello, brother," Nora replied.
5 months ago….
Eric and Tara walked into the elegantly decorated ballroom with only a few minutes to spare. The driver underestimated the amount of traffic near the swanky Midtown Manhattan hotel and they ended up in gridlock. At one point, the vampire thought they might have to get out of the car and make the remainder of the journey on foot. However, Tara's stilettos presented a tripping hazard and thus ruled out that option.
Eric was glad that they made it to the fete on time. He was in no mood to hear Nan Flanagan's irritating voice as she chastised him for being late to such an important event. Eric knew that the AVL's spokesperson did not like him and the feeling was mutual. However, he had no doubt that she was serving as a spy for the Guardian and would be reporting on Eric's behavior.
He hoped that their interactions tonight would be limited. Eric's mission from the Guardian was clear. He was to schmooze as many politicians and potential donors as possible. Although the Guardian made sure to inform the vampire that glamouring the guests was out of the question.
Unseen from Eric's position in the room a pair of eyes watched the couple intently. Nora had to stay out of sight as to avoid detection by Eric. However, she needed to see his human in person. Nora wanted to know what could be so special that her brother would go to such trouble to ensure her safety.
Tara sucked in an audible breath upon seeing all of the glamorous people milling around the ballroom. She felt like there were eyes on her and it made her uncomfortable. She couldn't help feeling completely out of place. However, there was no turning back now.
Eric squeezed Tara's hand and offered a mischievous smile.
"The night will be over before you know it," Eric promised.
"Promises, promises. I wouldn't be so nervous if I could drink."
He laughed heartily, "I don't think you being drunk would be good for this event or me."
She smirked at Eric. He had a point. A drunken Tara was a destructive Tara with zero tact. Her inhibitions were lower and she would just let whatever came to mind come out of her mouth.
She kissed him and said, "You should probably get to work. You can't keep me company all night when you are supposed to be rubbing elbows with the rich and richer. I am going to go snag an appetizer. I am pregnant and hungry."
Tara slowly slipped her hand out of his grasp and moved deeper into the ballroom.
He wanted to go after Tara but before he could move in that direction, he heard Nan Flanagan's voice.
"Northman, I'm glad that you were able to join us. I was expecting you here earlier," Nan snapped.
He suppressed the urge to growl at her and replied, "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, Ms. Flanagan. We sat in traffic for about 15 minutes before finally arriving. Is there anyone you'd like for me to meet first?"
Eric kept reminding himself that this was penance for the Russell Edgington debacle. He should be grateful for the opportunity to make things right. The Guardian was well within his rights to give him the true death. He was sure that Nan Flanagan would have wholeheartedly supported that move. They were just asking him to charm people out of their money and support. Eric had never had trouble getting people to do his bidding with or without glamouring.
Nan glanced around the immediate vicinity and asked, "We? You brought your human with you?"
The younger vampire had yet to meet Tara and that had been by design. Eric didn't really want Tara too involved with the vampire community. There were far too many risks especially with her being pregnant. Worse yet she was still trying to figure out her powers. There had been a couple incidents where Tara moved objects with her telekinesis by accident. Sometimes it happened when she was angry, exhausted, or distracted. Theresa explained that it was the result of a loss of control on Tara's part. If she was distracted and distressed for any reason, some of the background thoughts in her mind could tap into her powers.
He nodded, "Yes, she is here somewhere. Tara went off in search of food. I am sure that you will see her at some point tonight. Tara is very excited to meet you."
"I hope so. I would like to meet your human companion. She is one of the reasons that Guardian thought you would be perfect for this charm offensive. Presenting a vampire that is in a committed relationship with a human is just good press. Speaking of the press there are several members from various news agencies. You will be asked to give brief interviews and perhaps a quotable line or two. I expect you to shine, Northman. There is Mr. Devlin. He is the owner of Anubis Airlines. He is also one of our biggest donors. Go and make nice."
Eric didn't really like the fact that Tara was being drawn into this situation but knew he wasn't in a position to resist. The only solace was that Tara was willing to take part in this farce for his sake.
Across the room, Tara was indulging in prosciutto wrapped scallops, stuffed mushrooms, and shrimp pot stickers. She decided that no matter how the night went as long as she had food to nibble on it wouldn't be a complete loss.
The evening was slowly creeping by and the only people that spoke to her thus far were the wait staff. She didn't mind that at all. Making friends with service industry workers was a lesson Lafayette taught her early on in life. Be nice to secretaries, janitors, waiters, and the like because they were the ones that could and would do the most for you in a pinch. As such, the wait staff made sure to circulate more appetizers in her area whenever her plate was a little low, she had an endless supply of sparkling water without having to go to the bar, and occasionally brief but satisfying conversations.
As she was popping another scallop into her mouth, a woman walked up to her with a wide smile on her face.
"Hi."
Tara was a little shocked that anyone would want to talk to her. She quickly swallowed the scallop and washed it down with sparkling water.
"Hi."
"I've seen you standing here by yourself for the last hour and I just had to come over."
Tara blinked hearing the woman's accent and then smiled brightly, "Are you from Louisiana?"
The woman flashed a bright smile, "Guilty as charged I'm afraid. I suppose my accent always gives me away."
Tara said, "I feel the same way about mine. Makes you stick out like a sore thumb. I am from Louisiana, too. I live in the Shreveport area. My name is Tara."
"It's nice to meet you, Tara. My name is Salome and I'm from New Orleans."
Tara recognized almost immediately that she was speaking to a vampire. She reasoned that she should not be surprised considering this was a fundraiser for the AVL.
"It's nice to meet you too. I love New Orleans. I've only been there a few times but it is always amazing."
Salome nodded, "Well, the pageantry and the history is just enchanting. I have lived there for many years now and I could not imagine moving anywhere else. Are you here alone?"
"No, I'm here with my…"
She briefly considered what she should call Eric. It wasn't as if the two of them ever sat down to discuss the parameters of their relationship. Eric had no use for labels like boyfriend and he rarely grasped the subtleties of relationships with humans. Tara learned the hard way that pushing Eric for more than he was willing to give was a bad idea.
"My significant other. You might have heard of him. He is the Sheriff of Area 5 in Louisiana."
Salome nodded, "Yes, I have heard of Eric Northman. I have to say I knew his maker, Godric, a long time ago but I am afraid I have never met Eric. How long have you and he been together? I am just curious. It is rare for vampires to carry on relationships with humans. I mean I have a human boyfriend but I am in the minority."
"We've been together for only a few months but we've known one another for much longer. You have a human boyfriend?"
"I do. Aren't you afraid of being pregnant around vampires? We have been known to be savages at time. None more savage than Eric Northman. His reputation precedes him I am afraid."
Tara was starting to get an unnerving feeling about the vampire. There was something a little off but she could not put her finger on it. She remembered getting a spark of a vision when she touched Lafayette at Lettie Mae's funeral and decided to try to the same here.
She smiled, "I suppose some people might but I have had nothing but pleasant interactions with most of the vampires I've ever met."
"You are very brave. Eric Northman has quite the reputation in vampire circles. He's known as quite the ladies man and a rather indiscriminant killer."
"Eric supports mainstreaming wholeheartedly. Well, brave or some might call me foolhardy," Tara joked, she faked a stumble forward on her heels and reached out to clutch onto Salome's arm to prevent her fall.
Salome grasped Tara's arm to help steady her.
She asked, "Are you okay?"
Tara was hit with a premonition and she quickly released Salome's arm after regaining her balance.
"I'm so sorry about that. I am feeling a little lightheaded. I think I should probably get some fresh air."
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
Tara said, "No, I think I will just go outside for a bit. It was really nice meeting you. I hope to see you again tonight. I'd really like to introduce you to Eric."
Tara took off through the crowd and made her way out of the ballroom.
Eric was on her heels in a matter of seconds. He grasped her arm to stop her from fleeing.
"What's wrong?"
She quickly shook her head and said, "Not here."
He instantly realized that something was seriously wrong but she was right about talking here in the ballroom. There were too many ears and many of those belonged to vampires.
"Are you hurt?"
"No, and you should go back inside the party before Ms. Flanagan starts looking for you."
"And what will you be doing in the meantime?"
Tara said, "I am going to call my sister and ask her a question about these new experiences I've been having."
She was purposely vague and hoped that anyone nearby would assume that she was talking about her pregnancy.
Eric said, "Be careful."
"You do the same. Oh, I met a lovely vampire from New Orleans. Her name is Salome."
He watched Tara walk away and tried to figure out what happened in the ballroom. His cell phone buzzed in his pocket and Eric pulled it out to check his messages.
His eyes hardened and his jaw tightened at the words on the screen.
*Had a premonition of the vampire glamouring me.*
Eric spun around and scanned the ballroom. He wondered if this was about him or was it just a predatory vampire. Either way he wouldn't take any more chances.
He sent back a reply:
*Find me when you come back to the ballroom.*
He wouldn't allow Tara to leave his sight again. Eric went back into the ballroom and started talking to yet another donor.
Nora stood toward the back of the room with Salome.
"You didn't find out anything else?"
"No, she started feeling faint needed to get some air. Don't worry. I am sure that she will be back. When she returns I will try again. I still don't understand why you haven't just approached Eric."
Nora shook her head, "When I approach my brother it will be from a position of power and knowledge. I want to know what I am walking into first. If they are serious I'll just kill her."
Salome nodded thinking that was an acceptable solution.
Farmhouse in Belcher, Louisiana
Franklin walked into Russell's bedroom and said, "I'm sorry that I am day late getting back to you, Russell. I was delayed because there was a new lead for me to follow."
Russell waved him off graciously, "I was still getting settled into my new accommodations. You would be surprised at how difficult it is to get werewolves delicate enough to affix satin fabric to the walls. At any rate this is a far cry better than my quarters at the abandoned sanitarium."
"I have to say that the room is a vast improvement over your last suite. It appears the werewolves worked quickly despite their obvious shortcomings. Are you comfortable here? Is there anything I can procure for you?"
The younger vampire eyed his surroundings and smiled. It did look very much Russell's taste. Blood red satin fabric covered all of the walls and the ceiling. Plywood boards covered the three windows. However, heavy ornate drapes obscured the unsightly plywood boards.
A four-poster bed occupied the very center of the room. Expensive linens covered the queen-sized bed and it appeared there were drapes to be drawn around the perimeter of the bed for maximum privacy.
Russell patted a space on the bed and relaxed against his lavish bedding with a goblet of blood grasped in his hand. He only hoped that Franklin was back with good news. However, he couldn't imagine the exemplary investigator would arrive without new information.
Franklin took a seat beside Russell.
"I attempted to make contact with Sookie Stackhouse's brother like you advised. However, I was never able to get him alone. He flitted between Bill Compton and Eric Northman's houses. Both locations have extensive security and I would have been detected instantly. However, his boss was alone at the police station last night. I glamoured the sheriff and he was able to tell me that Sookie Stackhouse and Tara Thornton are staying with the latter's family. Eric and Bill's progenies are also with them. The sheriff explained it was a tactic to protect the Thornton girls' infants."
The older vampire appeared pensive as he puzzled out the situation in his mind.
"I am assuming the sheriff was unable to provide you with a location."
Franklin said, "Regrettably that was the one piece of information he was unable to provide. The brother may not have shared that information with him or he may not know their location. I would think that Northman and Compton would want to limit the number of people with direct knowledge of their location."
Russell nodded, "What do we know about Tara Thornton's family in Louisiana?"
"I'm afraid not very much. Her mother was killed in a suspicious dog attack during the summer. I glamoured the coroner to get a look at the autopsy report. It looks like the work of a werewolf. There is no father listed on the girl's birth certificate. She doesn't have any siblings from her mother. I did find a maternal aunt and first cousin. The aunt is a resident of a mental hospital. I tracked the cousin down to a restaurant called Merlotte's. The cousin appears to have been glamoured by someone. He was unable to give me a location. However, he did know that Tara and Sookie would be returning to Shreveport soon."
"You said that a lead delayed your arrival? I hope it was more promising than what you have already told me."
Franklin flashed a genial smile, "The sheriff did give me one tidbit about Tara Thornton that was useful. He told me that her father was murdered in a house that was blown up right outside of the Shreveport city limits. The bodies in the house were most likely dead before the explosion. His name is Victor Daly. I've been amassing as much information about the man as possible. I think you will find his familial ties very interesting."
He took an envelope out of his jacket and handed it over to Russell.
The 3,000-year-old vampire opened the envelope and read over the contents.
"Stefan Daly? This name sounds familiar. Why does this name sound familiar?"
Franklin laughed, "He was one of the supernaturals that held that press conference a couple nights ago. He is Victor Daly's older brother. That would make him the Thornton girl's paternal uncle. The father and uncle are from New Mexico. However, I do not know if that is the family Tara Thornton is staying with."
"Well, it looks like Nan Flanagan was on the right track all along. My compatriots were dismissive of her theories and that is why I am hiding out in a dilapidated farmhouse in rural Louisiana. I am useless as anything other than a figurehead until the Hepatitis D runs its course. They can't move forward anyway until they know how much of their operation has been compromised by Northman and Compton's inside man. They definitely mismanaged this situation to the very best of their ability. Franklin, my dear boy, I think it is time that I start making plans of my own."
"Oh there is one more thing. I found out something potentially interesting about Sookie Stackhouse. There is a missing person's report on her cousin Hadley Hale and the cousin's son Hunter Savoy. They are of the same bloodline. They may be faeries as well. I can attempt to locate them for you."
Russell skimmed the missing person's report that Franklin swiped from the Bon Temps Police Department.
"Yes, I would like for you to find them. I am sure you will have better luck than the bumbling local police will. Well, you have brightened my day, Franklin. I will take great delight in killing Eric Northman's concubine and his progeny. That is the only way to repay him for killing my sweet Talbot. Then I will show him and Compton the same kindness they showed me. I'm going to bury them with what's left of their loved ones when I'm done with them."
"Do you want me to continue looking for the location?"
Russell said, "No, that won't be necessary. If they will be returning home soon that is satisfactory. Nonetheless, I would like you to keep an eye on Northman and Compton's homes. I want to know the minute Ms. Stackhouse and Ms. Thornton return to Shreveport."
Daly Ranch in New Mexico
Stefan walked into the kitchen and smiled seeing Tara sitting at the island drinking a cup of coffee. He placed a hand on her shoulder and said, "You know most people try not to drink coffee at night because it keeps them up."
Tara forced a smile, "I've never really had that problem. Caffeine doesn't have that affect on me. Looks like you're here for a refill, too."
"Caffeine doesn't have that affect on me either. I could use another cup. It keeps me from eating junk food. Andrea is always on me about my blood pressure and cholesterol. Apparently, she would like for me to live to be 120."
"Well, she loves you and I think 120 is a nice round number. Give me your cup. I will get you a refill. Although, I don't know that the way you drink your coffee makes it healthier than a snack."
Stefan feigned injury and asked, "What do you mean?"
He handed Tara the cup and sat down next to her empty chair. He glanced at her tablet and saw that she was reading an article about him.
Tara laughed, "You take your coffee with four sugars and three splashes of flavored creamer. It is more dessert than coffee. I like it that sweet sometimes, too. When I was kid, my cousin, Lafayette, would watch me sometimes. He would make a cup of coffee for me and it would be mostly condensed milk and sugar. It was the sweetest cup of coffee in the world, but I loved it. I always felt like such an adult drinking it. Now when I make my coffee that way I feel like a child again."
Stefan smiled as Tara brought his cup back over to the island.
He said, "An dea-uair. The good times."
She nodded, "There weren't a lot of good times so I cherish them."
"I hope your present is better than your past," Stefan said.
"It has its moments but then that is life, right? Life is a lot better than it used to be. It isn't as lonely."
"You are my niece and I missed out on your childhood. The bond that I have with the rest of my nieces and nephews is something I am sorely lacking with you. I feel as though my latest decision has only pushed you further away. This is the first time in days that you haven't made an excuse to leave the room to avoid me."
Tara sighed quietly and chuckled, "I was that obvious, huh?"
Stefan chuckled, "A blind man would have picked up on those clues. I know that you don't understand my thought process but…"
"Alex and Eric and Rosemary explained it to me and it was the right decision. You aren't just responsible for our family. You are a leader for several thousand diviners. These are people of the same clan and ultimately our bloodline. If you aren't willing to stand in front to take the hits it seems unfair to ask them to do the same. I'm just scared for my children. I've long since passed the time of caring about whether I live or die, but I want them to have long and happy lives. I want them to have better childhoods than I had."
"I know you led a difficult life. Theresa told me that your mother was an alcoholic and abusive. I have many regrets about things Victor did in his life but abandoning you will always be the greatest. He should have brought you home to our family. Andrea and I would have raised you. Calliope and Dante would have raised you. I do not understand what he was thinking. You do not have to worry about your children, Tara. I know you are worried about what is to come but I would not lead my family into a battle I thought we would lose. It will be a hard fought war but we will triumph. Our people have survived so much and still we thrive. You are a survivor, too."
Tara said, "That's sweet of you to say, Uncle Stefan. During my stay here, I have felt like part of the family. You have made me feel like part of the family."
"You are a part of the family. You are my neacht. I will tell you the same thing that I told Theresa. In our clan, the tradition is that if the father dies then his brother steps into his place. Alexander, Theresa, and you are now my children. You all are my responsibility and I love you all."
She felt her eyes watering and looked anywhere but at Stefan to hide it. She coughed to clear her throat.
"Does everyone in the family speak Irish? I've learned some phrases and words here and there," Tara said.
"No, Calliope and I are the only ones that speak it fluently, but the kids all grew up hearing it so they know a few essential phrases. I speak Russian was well but Calliope does not. Your father could speak Russian flawlessly. He could even mimic the accent."
Tara said, "I wish I knew a foreign language. I always wanted to learn Spanish or maybe even Latin. I know Latin is a dead language but I always thought it was sort of cool."
"What's stopping you?" asked Stefan.
"It is a little hard to learn a language from a book. Although I suppose I could try one of those computer programs."
Stefan smiled, "Or you could try one of these interesting places called universities."
Tara laughed, "I don't think I'm the college type. I was pretty much done with school after high school. We couldn't afford it anyway. I had good enough grades for a scholarship but my mom…I couldn't just leave her behind. Besides most of the people in Bon Temps didn't go to college. It is a town of blue collar workers and it was nice."
"There is nothing wrong with hard work. My hard work is what helped shape this ranch. In the old days, I was out there tending animals and working in the orchard. You are so smart and capable of so much. I think you should at least consider going to college."
Tara decided to change the subject, "Have you talked to Eric? When I left him he said he was going to go find you."
The older man nodded and took a sip of his coffee, "Yes, I talked to him at length about his conversation with his sister. They are definitely aware of his involvement in Russell Edgington's Hepatitis D infection. We will have to move swiftly to get things into place. They won't wait long to get things started now that they know Eric is actively working against them."
Just then, the comforting silence of the home was shattered by the sounds of screeching tires and automatic gunfire.
Stefan knocked Tara onto the floor and covered her with his body until the gunfire stopped.
He quickly got his feet and tore out of the house at the same time that Eric vamp sped down the stairs with Pam and Jessica on his heels.
The entire household was plunged into chaos as everyone descended the stairs to investigate.
In front of the house sat an abandoned truck that had backed into a tree in the driver's haste to get away. Instead, the two occupants of the truck were running down the long driveway to escape.
Stefan raised his hands and used his power to pull both men back onto the property.
The men screamed as they struggled against the diviner's powers.
"What the fuck is going on, man?"
"Why can't we run?"
Jessica and Pam vamp sped over to them ready to massacre the young men.
Stefan yelled, "No! Do not kill them. We will let them live and turn them over to the police."
Pam growled and looked over her shoulder.
"Are you fucking kidding me?"
"Fuck you devil whore!" one assailant screamed.
Jessica said, "I really want to rip his fucking head off."
Eric said, "Ladies, Stefan is right. There is a lot of scrutiny. It wouldn't do for either of you to be caught on camera killing these worthless bags of blood."
Pam sighed and turned around, "Come on, pet. Eric is right. You wouldn't want to get the true death for those peons."
Jessica asked, "Can I at least glamour them into having bad dreams?"
Eric looked at Stefan and then shrugged, "Knock yourself out."
Jessica did a happy dance and then started to glamour the first man. Every time you close your eyes you are going to see your worst nightmares and you are going to wake up screaming bloody murder."
Pam walked over to Eric with a smile, "You used to indulge me that way."
"Well, she's still a baby. She needs to be able to amuse herself."
Pam asked, "What are we going to do? The barbarians are at the gate…"
Eric put an arm around Pam's shoulders, "We are going to go home and kill Russell Edgington and everyone in league with him."
The vampire grinned, "You always know just what to get me for Christmas, Eric."
Sookie walked over to Eric and asked, "What is Jess doing?"
Pam smirked, "Having fun..."