A/N: I want to thank everyone that has continued to read this story. The reviews and positive comments have been solace during a very difficult time in my life. Special thanks to: Heleana220, janjan2009, jeter2684, Maverick37, Firefly-class, Jamille Shane, Paches08, dispatcher652, and Nkhen.
Northman Home Shreveport, Louisiana
Tara Thornton stood in the foyer of her home and watched as the security team transported a myriad of boxes and suitcases down the hall. She was exhausted and the day had only just begun. However, there was no time for rest and relaxation.
She had a long list of tasks that had to be completed by nightfall. The first and most pressing item on her list was getting her family moved back into their home. That was a more strenuous task than it seemed. Theresa, Caitlin, and Michaela would be residing in the Northman home for the foreseeable future.
Tara liked the idea of having her sister and nieces close underfoot. She would need Theresa's guidance in developing her powers. Moreover, there was little time for the elder Daly to find a suitable home that would provide security for when the war began. Eric's home was as close to a fortress as the Daly Ranch.
Theresa walked up behind Tara and said, "I cannot thank you and Eric enough for inviting the girls and me to stay here. I hope we won't get on your nerves."
"Don't be silly, Theresa. There is more than enough room in this house. What is the sense of having a renovated French Colonial mansion if you can't allow your family to stay with you?"
"I know that there is enough room here but that doesn't mean that everyone would enjoy having their sister live with them. That goes double for a brother-in-law."
Tara said, "Eric doesn't care if you and the girls are staying here. He just wants me to be happy and secure. Having you here makes me happy and I feel more secure. You three are welcome to stay here for as long as you would like. I want you all to think of this as your home. Besides, I'm the owner of this lovely piece of real estate."
Theresa laughed, "That is right. Eric did sign the deed of the house over to you. How does it feel to be a homeowner?"
"Well, if today is any indication it is a pain in the ass. Oh, the truck with the goodies Uncle Stefan sent should be here tonight. Security won't handle that. We'll leave that odd job to Eric, Bill, Pam, Jessica, and Alcide."
Theresa smirked, "I wouldn't imagine that you would want the help carrying in crates of rocket launchers. Someone might get suspicious. Speaking of Eric I assume he's safely tucked away in your bedroom."
"Yes, the travel coffins were the first things I had the security team bring inside. I wouldn't want any unfortunate accidents like coffins opening in the middle of the day. Normally, we would have the downstairs windows blocked but the doors are wide open while security moves everything inside and Eric needed the rest despite his arguments. I was worried that he would lock himself in his office to work while all of this is going on."
"I saw that he had the bleeds this morning as he climbed into the travel coffin. Has he slept at all recently?" asked Theresa.
"No, he hasn't gotten a wink of sleep since the night of the shooting. He's constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. I told him that the lack of sleep will leave him weak and useless."
Theresa folded her arms over her chest and sighed, "Who can blame him? The world is about to be turned upside down. There is no order and no structure. Things are going to get out of hand very quickly."
"Who are you kidding? It is already lying on its side. Supernatural creatures have been exposed the world over and we are all fighting for our lives. To think just a month ago, humans were blissfully unaware of our existence and all was right with the world. Now they are losing their shit," Tara snarled.
She remembered her own prejudices when vampires came out of the coffin. Fearing the unknown was normal but it felt different now that circumstances were reversed.
"Panic is such a useless emotion. It does them no good and only serves to unbalance them. No wonder so many empires have fallen over the years. They were run by insipid humans."
Tara laughed and took a sip from her glass of wine, "Theresa, how incredibly racist of you. If I didn't know better I would think you feel that we are superior to humans."
Theresa said, "We are in every possible way. Normally, I am quite benevolent but when those virulent sacks of waste call for the murder of all supernatural creatures from oldest to youngest I lose my compassion. The calls for rounding us all up are building and I am losing my patience with the humans."
Tara couldn't really fault Theresa for her venom. She felt the same when people suggested all werewolves be locked in the pound like animals. Her children were werewolves and she would gut anyone that said something like that to her face. More and more her true nature was beginning to show. She was more violent and more callous. Tara struggled with this shift in personality. She saw how it consumed Victor and led to his death. Tara hoped that she would not suffer a similar fate. She had to figure out a way to harness it like Stefan. He was capable of great violence but only on his terms and he did not lose control.
She snapped out of her thoughts and said, "Do you think the girls will mind sleeping in the nursery? I hope it isn't too childlike."
Theresa said, "Don't be silly. They will be quite comfortable in the room. They will have their clothes and toys from home. They're loving aunt ordered them brand new canopy beds and she even snuck in a flat screen television."
Tara laughed and asked, "Oh, you saw that?"
"I definitely saw the flat screen television mounted on the wall. The girls couldn't stop squealing."
"I couldn't help it. They're my nieces and I've missed over a decade of birthdays. I owe them dozens of gifts. They are good girls. I am sure they will go to bed on time."
Theresa said, "You don't have to make up for lost time."
"And what do you call yourself doing when you dote on me like a mother hen? You are making up for lost time as well."
"It is my job. You are my baby sister and I get to dote on you and smother you with all the love that you should have had years ago. I'm not seriously upset by the television. I don't expect there to be much in the way of school for awhile."
Theresa was apprehensive about allowing Michaela and Caitlin to go to school with humans. She didn't want them to be afraid or worse yet exposed as diviners.
Tara asked, "What do you think of home schooling?"
"What do you mean? I don't have the time or the qualification to do that. I think the time kids are in school is what helps you tolerate them. Besides there are only about 12 days left before schools start letting out for Winter Break."
"I wasn't thinking about you. Sookie mentioned that Sam Merlotte's girlfriend Luna Garza is homeschooling her daughter, Emma, and some other shifter children. Alcide's sister has started sending her daughters there as well. Luna is an elementary school teacher and from all accounts, she is a good person. A school for the supernatural isn't a half bad idea."
Theresa said, "You want me to send my girls to the girlfriend of the bastard that tricked you."
Tara said, "He was only able to trick me because I was drunk and high on prescription medication. He saved me that night. If Sam wasn't there I would have stopped breathing and I would have died. You would have never had the chance to meet me. A lot of bad things happened because of that night but some good things happened too."
"That is incredibly generous of you. You do know that Alexander was this close to sending your dear friend to a very early grave."
Theresa lightly pressed her fingers together to indicate the small margin with which Sam survived. She smirked slightly knowing how easy her brother found it to kill those he felt had wronged him or his family. He did not know much about mercy and rarely showed it to his enemies.
Tara said, "I know and even that was a blessing in disguise. If Sam wasn't already in the hospital on death's door Eric would have killed him when I finally confessed the truth. I would not have wanted his death on my conscience. I've done enough bad shit in my life."
"Well, I'll check out the homeschooling situation. I don't want the girls to fall behind and I rather like the idea of them being with other supernatural children. Thank you for letting me know about it."
"Oh, if you or the girls need anything just let Greta know. The woman is a machine and she can do just about anything. This house would fall apart without her."
She laughed, "Greta has already been by with clean towels and linens."
Tara watched several more boxes come into the house. She was glad that everything synchronized properly. The delivery truck with Theresa and the girl's possessions arrived only an hour before their flight. The truck was waiting on them upon arrival.
Theresa said, "I should help the girls unpack. If I know them they are watching TV while the boxes pile up around them."
"Well, I'll help out once all of the boxes are inside. I am surprisingly good at packing and unpacking quickly."
Theresa said, "I hope we will have a lot done by then."
She walked off leaving Tara to direct traffic in the foyer.
A guard walked into the house and said, "Mrs. Northman, there is a Lafayette Reynolds at the gate. Should we let him through?"
"Yes, that's my cousin."
The guard nodded and quickly exited the house to relay the message.
She thought about correcting the man's obvious error but she liked the sound of Mrs. Northman too much. Tara looked down at her engagement ring and reasoned that soon enough it would be true. She would be Eric's wife and one day his progeny. Oddly, she was unsure about which prospect thrilled her more.
Tara took a small gulp of wine to settle her nerves. She was concerned about Lafayette. Bill told her that Lafayette asked to be glamoured but she wondered how much information had been wiped from his memory. Tara didn't know what topics would be familiar.
Before she could give it much more thought Lafayette walked into the house with a grin on his face.
"Bitch, I missed the hell out of you. Don't you ever leave my ass again for that long!"
She laughed and let him envelope her in a tight hug. Tara missed her family in New Mexico already but it was good to be home again with Lafayette.
"I had to go and let the heat die down, Lala. I'm back now and I am so fucking happy to see you! I can't wait for you to see the babies they have grown so much."
Lafayette squeezed her tighter and took a step back, "You is looking good, bitch. You been working out?"
Tara laughed and did a little spin with a smirk on her face.
"Well, you know I had to get the body tight and right again."
Lafayette said, "I see your chest hasn't deflated any. I'm sure your vampire boyfriend loves that shit."
She held up her left hand and flashed her impressive engagement ring.
"Fiancé."
"Damn…I needs my sunglasses to look at that rock. Eric Fucking Northman definitely knows how to win a bitch over. You happy?" asked Lafayette.
He had his issues with Eric. Lafayette had seen the brutal side of the vampire and he knew that Tara had seen that side as well. He worried that the honeymoon phase would wear off and Tara would get hurt again. However, he knew better than to question her relationship with Eric. She was fiercely protective, as Sam had learned the hard way.
"I am happier than I have ever been, Lala. Eric has tried so hard to make me happy. He has tried so hard to be a good father to our children. He didn't have to do any of those things. I loved him enough to stick around regardless and he knew that. How are things with you and Jesus? I know he's been trying to get you to search, uh, deeper."
Lafayette rolled his eyes and asked, "You got something stronger than wine around here?"
She laughed, "Yes, I'll make you a drink. It'll be like old times. Just stand there, look pretty, and make sure the men don't drop those boxes."
Lafayette said, "Bitch, I's always look pretty and you know that."
Tara shook her head and disappeared into the kitchen to make a drink for Lafayette. She returned a few minutes later and said, "Remy and Coke."
Lafayette took the glass and swallowed a gulp, "You remembered my drank. Thanks ya!"
"What's going on with you and Jesus? You don't look happy. Not really."
"He's been pressuring me to explore my talents as a medium and I have no interest in that shit. Magic and all of it is nothing but fucking trouble. At least it has brought me nothing but trouble. You don't know that shit that has been going on here while you were gone. I was possessed by a dead bitch…"
Tara's eyes widened and said, "You failed to mention that shit in our phone calls. Are you okay? What the hell happened, Lala?"
Lafayette said, "I don't want to talk about it, Tara. Just know the shit was fucking crazy. I told Jason Stackhouse not to tell you shit about it. I knew you had a lot on your plate and I ain't want to add to it."
"Well, I am here now and I want you to tell me everything I missed while I was away."
"I might need a refill for all of that."
She laughed, "I have plenty of booze. I got you covered."
Herveaux Construction in Shreveport, Louisiana
Janice Herveaux walked into Alcide's office carrying an armful of files. She glared at him and said, "Your filing system is a complete mess and leaves a lot to be desired. I am surprised that you aren't hemorrhaging money out of this place. Are you even keeping track of your overhead?"
Alcide looked up at her and tried not to laugh. Janice wasn't really cut out to be a secretary. She enjoyed being a hairdresser and a makeup artist but she did have experience as a secretary. Giving her this job was his way of making her feel independent. His sister would not accept handouts from him.
"Well, considering that the majority of my work lately has come from Eric Northman and Bill Compton I am being well compensated and have not had to worry about keeping track of overhead costs or invoicing. I haven't had the time to worry about it either. You're here now so you can do that for me and I will be in your debt."
Janice said, "Well, I guess that makes sense. You've been a spy more than you have been building anything."
Alcide said, "Not true. My company did all of the renovations at Eric's house. We also did the gazebo at Bill Compton's house. I am under contract with Eric to build some type of indoor playground for his children once everything is finished. His progeny Pam wants me to do some renovations to their bar, Fangtasia. Eric has also been helping me get other contracts. I won the bid for another subdivision that breaks ground first thing next year."
She thought of Eric as a bastard. She didn't like that Alcide was under the vampire's thumb because of their father's debt. However, he was keeping her brother's business afloat in shaky times and Alcide seemed to think of Eric as a friend for now.
"Well, as long as you are staying profitable that is all that matters to me. I know how hard you had to dig yourself out of the hole Debbie left you in, financially and emotionally. I'm glad to see that you are trying to go on with your life."
Alcide hadn't spoken of Debbie in awhile and it felt strange to hear her name now. He hated that his heart ached for her. He fell out of love with her some time ago but he still cared deeply for Debbie Pelt. Alcide only wished he could have helped her live a better life. He still wondered if he pushed her out on that ledge.
"Well, Debbie and I were over a long time ago, Janice. We were fooling ourselves thinking that we could make it work. We wanted two different things. She wanted to be part of a pack and have children and I just wanted to stay away from the toxic nature of running with a pack."
Janice had a seat and placed the files on his desk. She said, "Alcide, packs aren't all bad. They just need the right alpha looking out for them. The one in Jackson got overrun by a vampire that had ties deep in a lot of wolves. I know Dad's reign left a bad taste in your mouth but being alpha doesn't mean being corrupt. The position is what you make it. You are the most honest wolf I know and you are a born alpha."
Alcide knew that Janice was right but he had been burned too many times. For all of Marcus' talk of being different he was a psychopath. He let the wolves run amok.
He said, "I feel like this speech is going somewhere. I always know when you are playing at something, Jan. What's on your mind?"
Janice said, "We are in strange times, Alcide. Werewolves are scared and they need an alpha to help guide them. I've been talking to that doctor you suggested I take the girls to for their check-up. She says the Shreveport pack is rudderless since Marcus Bozeman died. There's no alpha stepping up because there is no alpha among them. Like it or not we are werewolves and they are our people. We aren't meant to be lone wolves, we are meant to be part of a pack. We need the structure. I think you should go to the pack meeting tonight and just see it. These are good wolves, Alcide. Most of the bad apples died in that house with Marcus and some others died at that tolerance rally. You can weed out the rest. You've got me at your side to help out."
Alcide quietly considered what she was saying. Werewolves would come in handy in the war to come. If he could gather the troops, it could be a good thing. It also wasn't a bad idea to have his sister at his side. She was about as alpha as any female wolf he had ever met. She could help him connect with the pack. Sometimes his wolf etiquette was sorely lacking.
"We'll go tonight but I'm not making any promises, Jan."
She smiled, "If you meet them and don't want any part of it then you just walk away but they need help. All they have in the way of leadership is Marcus Bozeman's mother, Martha. She's strong but not strong enough to get the younger werewolves in line. They respect her but not enough to follow her. She ain't their alpha. If they remain rudderless, it could spell trouble for all werewolves in the area. You know what happens when werewolves are left without leadership. In this atmosphere we have to be beyond reproach."
"I'll be there after I stop by Eric's house to see Theresa," said Alcide.
Janice didn't know a lot of Theresa but she did know the woman was the reason for the smile on her brother's face.
"Do I get to meet her?"
He chuckled, "If you want to meet her tonight you can. I've told her about you and the girls."
"I do want to meet her. It is obvious that you like her a great deal, Alcide. You just can't stop grinning when you talk about her. I'm happy for you. You deserve someone that treats you well."
Janice had never been particularly fond of Debbie. She was classless and not worthy of Alcide. However, even as a young girl she knew better than to interfere in her brother's relationships. Her doubts were proven correct when Debbie began cheating on Alcide with pack members. He believed it was because she was abusing V. However, Janice had it on good authority that the infidelity began well before the vampire's blood began to poison the pack.
"Well, she helped me see that there was a future when it didn't really feel like it anymore. I was looking at Debbie's body and she pulled me away. Theresa stayed with me that night or I think I might have done something crazy because of the grief. We've talked every day since then and she's amazing."
Janice said, "You've never said much about what happened that night."
"There's nothing to say."
"What happened, Alcide? The look on your face says you're still haunted but whatever happened."
Alcide considered shutting Janice out but he knew that she wouldn't give up easily. This topic would resurface at some point. It was better if he just got it out of the way.
He sighed, "Debbie was plotting with Marcus Bozeman to kidnap Tara's twins. One night Tara and her family went there to get rid of Marcus and the rest of the wolves that were after her children. Debbie was there and she attacked Tara but her life was spared. I abjured her."
Janice's eyes widened and she couldn't find her voice to speak. Abjuring was the most complete way of severing ties with another werewolf. After being abjured, it was as if that werewolf ceased to exist. It was an extreme action and one she doubted her brother was capable of doing. Alcide had always been a soft heart and a good man.
"You know Debbie she never knew when to leave well enough alone. She tried to attack Tara one last time after nearly killing her to begin with. Eric killed her and I can't blame him."
Janice felt her chest tighten at the obvious sorrow in her brother's voice. She walked around his desk and hugged him.
"I don't need a hug, Jan."
She said, "Shut up. Maybe I'm the one that needs the hug. Would you really deny comfort to your own sister?"
Alcide quieted down and returned Janice's embrace. His sister knew his heart better than anyone else did. He reasoned it was why he had not spoken of Debbie's death with her until now.
Janice pulled back and said, "I might need a few more of those at will so be ready for that. Now it is my lunchtime so I am going to pop out and meet with Luna. A few werewolf parents are afraid to send their kids to school. They want to do homeschooling but they aren't qualified to do it. I am going to see if she would be willing to take a few more children."
"She is going to run out of space at her house pretty soon. Tell her if she needs more room I have a storefront that is just sitting empty. I haven't found anyone to lease it. I'd rather have children in there learning than dust collecting."
"That just might sweeten the deal! I'll be sure to mention that to her. I know she has some issues with werewolves. I heard that from Martha Bozeman but that might just be that her son was an insane criminal. I'll appeal to her as a mother."
He smiled, "Go ahead, and meet with her before your lunch break is over. I'll see about finding more of those invoices for you to file."
Alcide watched his sister walk out of his office and he took a deep breath. Talking about Debbie had him in a bad headspace. He took his phone out of his pocket and sent Theresa a text message.
Just a moment later his phone started to ring and that put a smile on his face.
"Hey, I hope I didn't disturb you. I know that you are trying to get the girls settled in at Eric's house."
She said, "No, I'm not busy at all. They shooed me out of the room once their awesome Aunt Tara came in to help them unpack. I'm in my room now hanging up my clothes. How is work going?"
"Well, she is closer to their age then you are. Kids always like their aunts and uncles better. Just ask my sister, Janice. Her daughters, Stella and Zoe, adore me. Work is okay. Janice is frustrated with my lack of a filing system. I've been too busy lately. I was wondering if you wanted to come here to have lunch with me?"
Theresa said, "I'll be there in 15 minutes. Do you want me to pick up lunch from somewhere?"
Alcide said, "Don't worry about picking up lunch. I'll take care of that. I should be waiting on you with lunch by the time you make it here."
Theresa couldn't help but smile, "I'll see you soon, Alcide."
Northman Home in Shreveport, Louisiana
Late that night Bill, Eric, Theresa, Pam, and Alcide stood in the basement of Eric's home. Three dozen wooden crates of varying sizes surrounded them. The group had just finished moving the crates into the basement for safekeeping. The basement doubled as a holding cell for criminal vampires. The room was nearly indestructible, video monitored, soundproof to the human ear, and was one of the few places in the Northman home that was completely off-limits without proper clearance.
Bill said, "It would appear that Stefan Daly is not interested in leaving anything to chance. I was going to ask if I needed to order more firepower but….I wouldn't know where to begin to supplement this lot."
Eric chuckled as he walked around the room with a clipboard taking an inventory of the weapons and ammunition. As soon as he rose that evening, his first order of business was to retrieve the newly delivered weapons. It wasn't ideal to have them sitting helplessly in a delivery truck parked on his property.
Theresa said, "This is just the first of three shipments, Bill. Another will arrive in three days. The last shipment will arrive with Uncle Stefan at the weekend."
The brunette vampire's jaw went slack at Theresa's reply. He asked, "Is that really necessary?"
Eric replied, "You will find that diviners take killing very seriously. Some of them take more pleasure in it than others but homicidal tendencies are a hallmark of their species. Stefan's mother was one of the most dangerous women I have ever met and he was a warrior even as a child. We will need these and more to put a stop to the Sanguinistas."
He could still remember a young Stefan attacking Godric on the first night they encountered the Daly family. However, at that time their family bore the name Tóibín. Stefan had attacked Godric as the vampire force-fed Saoirse his blood. Eric remembered thinking how he would have done the same for his own mother had he been given a chance but he arrived too late.
Theresa added, "There is too much at stake for us to approach this war unprepared. The Sanguinistas have had much longer to plan their attack and build their arsenal. We are playing catch up. Their ability to glamour humans and supernatural creatures puts us at even greater risk. We will have no idea who is friend or foe."
Bill said, "On the subject of weapons. I do believe that we have found the location for one of their armories. I have still been monitoring the encrypted messages for anything helpful and I came across something promising last night. Security is being diverted to a location in Shreveport. I looked up the address and it is an abandoned pastry factory in Shreveport. It is in the industrial park just off the interstate. Jason drove by there last night and saw a lot of activity for an abandoned factory. He also noted that the 'For Sale' sign was no longer attached to the chain link fence. Unfortunately, I am no closer to getting a location for Russell Edgington."
Pam said, "I think we should take one of our new little toys and burn their armory to the ground. I am sure it is one of many but I do so love disrupting their plans. Maybe we can even snag a vampire or werewolf to interrogate."
Eric smiled at the gleeful lilt to his progeny's voice. It would seem that things between them were finally on an even keel.
Alcide asked, "It wouldn't tip our hand?"
Eric said, "Nora is already fully aware that I am onto her plan and actively working to thwart it. I am sure she has made her comrades aware as well. The moment Bill spirited you out of the sanitarium and Russell fell ill the coincidences were much too strong. Although, Nora informed me that your cover wasn't blown. She knew who you were the entire time."
The werewolf's eyes widened and he swallowed thickly, "Why didn't she just kill me from the outset? She saw me at Lou Pine's the night Duncan offered me the job. I know that she saw me. She was watching me at the bar."
"She didn't explain her reasoning but I would assume she intended to use you for information. It would have been easy to glamour you and find out our plans."
Pam said, "Or glamour you to plant false memories to feed to Eric and Bill. It would be a great way to throw us off the right trail."
Eric's cell phone chimed and he looked down to check the message. He said, "I have to make a call in private. Pam, I think you are right about destroying the arsenal. Go have fun. Bill and Alcide will accompany you."
He pressed a kissed to her forehead and turned to walk up the stairs.
Alcide said, "I'm supposed to meet with the Shreveport pack tonight. My sister is convinced that they need an alpha. I thought it might not be a bad idea to have a pack of werewolves on our side. I know Bon Temps is without an alpha…merging the two has been on my mind since lunch."
Eric smiled, "By all means don't let us keep you, packmaster. You're right we need all the help we can get."
Bill said, "Jessica will come along for the ride. She needs to learn."
Theresa said, "I'd like to come with. I might not be a vampire but I do know my way around a shoulder fired rocket launcher."
Alcide laughed, "I don't know if I should be scared or turned on by that."
Theresa kissed his cheek and winked, "Both."
Eric vamp sped out of the basement and into his office where he was guaranteed privacy. He dialed the Guardian's phone number and waited for him to answer.
Roman said, "Eric, I understand you are back in Louisiana. Welcome home."
"It is good to be home, Guardian. How may I be of service?"
"I just finished having an interesting conference call with Stefan Daly, Aoife Callaghan, Cristobal Feliciano, Marjani Zinsou, and Stanton Dandridge. They explained their plan of establishing a governing-body for all supernatural creatures. Many supernatural groups are very much like us in that they have rules and a central point of power that is broken up regionally. It appears only shape-shifters and werepeople are without true leadership. They have requested two vampires to join their organization to present a united front and I couldn't agree more. Considering two of my chancellors are actively trying to start World War III. I will be joining as a show of good faith. You will join as well. You are the Magister of North America and I trust your loyalty to me."
Eric was surprised but quickly replied, "I am at your service, Guardian."
He was still waiting for the moment when the Guardian would deign to order the true death. This coup was only occurring because he unilaterally decided to disobey a direct order from the Authority. He left Russell alive and now the world was being thrown in chaos because of his need for revenge. Eric was loathed to tell the Guardian about Russell but after receiving the call from Nora, he realized he no longer had a choice. It was better for him to tell the truth than for Nora to expose him.
"I am conducting a thorough search of all the chancellors' quarters. Yours truly will interrogate all suspected traitors. However, it appears obvious that Chancellors Agrippa, Gainesborough, and Kibwe are in league with one another. Your help proving Salome and Nora's treachery will not be forgotten."
Roman's suspicions about Salome were first piqued months ago when she began leaving the compound on a regular basis. In the decades prior, she left a few times at most so this new pattern of behavior was troubling. Her answers about her whereabouts were always evasive or she tried to distract his attention altogether. Salome thought herself the ultimate seductress but the shtick had its limits. His suspicions deepened as the Sanguinistas grew in number and power. However, the biggest clue was when his transport to Mykonos was attacked and he was nearly killed along with Chancellor Braun. Roman and Dieter defeated those that came for him in the night but then he knew there was a traitor in his midst. The chancellors were the only ones that knew of Roman's travel plans. Dieter was the only chancellor he could trust until he knew more. It was a fortuitous turn of events when Salome recommended Eric Northman for the Magister position. She was unaware of their history and that served him well.
"It is the least I can do Guardian. I pledge my fealty to you and the one true vampire Authority. My betrayal in leaving Russell Edgington alive had nothing to do with the Saguinistas. It was my own short-sighted need for vengeance in the name of my family. The idea of him finding some sort of peace or redemption in death was too much for me to bear."
Roman said, "I know that, Eric. If I doubted your loyalty for a moment, you would have already met the sun. You know what I did to my own maker. No one else knows but you do. There will be no reprisals against you or Bill Compton. You have both helped the Authority immensely. Consider yourselves pardoned, but the next time I tell you to kill someone…do it."
Eric couldn't have been more shocked at the pardon but he said, "Thank, Guardian. I will not disobey another direct order."
Roman said, "I have already talked with General Cavanaugh. He is our liaison with the federal government. The general is willing to liberate some high level intelligence if we provide him with the names of the conspirators. He can provide us with locations and perhaps even satellite surveillance. We can start taking out these nodes of rebellion early and often. He also has access to some interesting weapons to use against vampires."
"We have access to the encrypted message board that the group has been using. They might be able to get more information from the website than we've been able to do. I'll send you the information," said Eric.
"Good. We'll talk again soon, Eric."
Eric dropped into a chair feeling as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He and Bill would be spared from the true death. That was one less worry to contend with now. Eric knew without a doubt that his history with Roman was his saving grace. Another vampire would have already met the sun.
Roman Zimojic was the last progeny of Remus, Godric's brother. Eric and Roman were close up until the point Remus released him. While he loved his maker, he couldn't abide the way he lived his life. Remus bathed in the blood of humans for fun. It seemed wasteful and cruel like a hunter killing for sport and not nourishment. It all came to a head when Roman refused to take part in massacring a covenant of nuns.
Initially, his maker decided to give him the true death for his insolence, but Godric prevailed upon his brother instead to release the young vampire. Roman was just shy of 100 years old when he was cast out into the world. He eventually joined the Authority and toiled endlessly to bring all vampires under one rule. Roman could see the future, a future where they didn't live in the shadows. He spent centuries working toward that goal. However, everything began to change when Louis Pasteur began his work on a blood substitute for vampires. Roman began laying the foundation for the Great Revelation, but he knew there would be dissenters. The loudest voice of them all belonged to his maker, Remus. He appealed to his maker but was rebuffed at every step. Remus started to form a mirror council made up of Sanguinistas. Roman had no choice but to have his maker executed in front of the ad hoc council. He then had the entire council executed as well.
Eric knew that soon enough Salome and Nora would suffer the same fate. Part of him grieved for his sister but the other part of him despised her and what she had become. He sent a text message to Bill about sending the information to the Guardian and then went to find Tara.
As he walked up the stairs, he heard the musical stylings of John Coltrane flowing from his bedroom. Jazz was one of the first things Eric learned he had in common with Tara. It was such an odd music choice for two people so prone to violence and destruction. He walked into their bedroom and smiled seeing her sitting on the bed with Jax and Jade laying in front of her. He paused seeing a stuffed animal floating above Jax's head. The infant laughed and kicked his legs happily. Jade seemed content to just suck her thumb and stare up into space.
Eric asked, "Are you doing that?"
Tara smiled and said, "No, that is Jax. Our little boy has finally decided to use his powers. He is a little behind his sister but I am so proud. I think he might turn out to be a true hybrid. I have already seen his eyes flash when he is angry with me. The werewolf traits are there and now his diviner powers have shown up. I can't wait to tell Uncle Stefan!"
Eric reached down and scooped the boy up. He watched in amusement as the stuffed animal floated along with Jax. He smiled down at the boy and said, "Now you are just showing off. You really like this bumble bee, huh?"
"They are both growing so quickly. I don't want to miss out on any of this."
He sat beside Tara and kissed her cheek, "I know that you are worried. I wish that I could give you assurances. I'm supposed to keep you safe."
"Oh come off it, Eric. I know that if I really wanted to be safe I could ask you to ship me off to Hawaii with the twins. I would get to spend time with Xavier and I would be out of the fray but I want to be in the thick of things. This is my family and it is about our children's future. I want them to have a future where I'm not terrified of someone seeing them do that," said Tara, she nodded her head at stuffed bumblebee.
Eric said, "Protecting them has been at the top of my list. Stefan was telling me how quickly their powers would develop over the next year. The twins will probably turn out to be hybrids but they will be hybrids of a diviner and a werewolf. I'm not sure what they will become. Stefan also pointed out that they had a lot of my blood before and after they were born. That might be having an effect on them. He thinks that might account for why Jade's powers appeared so quickly. I think we should let Dr. Ludwig have a look at them."
"She hates you, Eric, but she was really good when I was pregnant. I guess it wouldn't be a bad idea for her to give the twins a check-up. I was just going to call Dr. Cormier to schedule an appointment but werewolves are pretty much the limit of her knowledge. I get the feeling that Dr. Ludwig has seen a lot in her time."
Jax allowed the bumblebee to drop onto the floor in favor of holding onto Eric's finger.
Tara said, "He loves you, Eric."
"He is an infant. I doubt that he knows I am here but I love him."
"Don't be silly. He is a wolf and Alcide says that they latch onto smells early in life. He knows you as much as he knows me. You are his dad, Eric. We are a family."
Eric said, "About that family. Do you still want to get married right away?"
Tara nodded, "Uncle Stefan will be here this weekend. Alex is coming with him. It isn't a big wedding with all of my family but the important people will be here with me."
"Are you sure this is what you want? I know Sookie and Bill are having the traditional wedding ceremony. You aren't going to feel like you were…"
She cut him off, "I'm not a girly-girl like Sookie. I don't need the big wedding dress and all of the hassle. I just want you to be my husband. Everything else is extra and unnecessary given the current climate. If we survive then maybe we can do a bigger wedding for the whole family."
Eric nodded, "What do we have to do to get married soon?"
"I have looked into it and I just need to take our identification down to the clerk's office with the filled out application. They'll give us a marriage license and we have to wait 72-hours but after that we can get married. What do you say?"
He leaned over and kissed her softly, "I think that you'll be my wife by Saturday. Have Alcide go with you to the clerk's office if you are planning to go during the day."
"I will. I'm not going to take any unnecessary risks, Eric."
5 months ago…
Eric lay in the bed with his tablet on his lap. He was looking at surveillance footage from the hotel. He managed to pay off a member of the security team to upload the footage onto a flash drive. He was determined to find out the identity of the vampire that approached Tara in the ballroom.
Tara walked out of the bathroom dressed in a pair of black sleep shorts and a matching lace tank top. She climbed into the plush bed and settled against Eric's side.
"You still haven't found the two of us?" she asked.
He kissed her cheek and said, "I did but her back was to the camera the entire time. I am trying to find a better angle of her in a different part of the ballroom. How are you feeling?"
She said, "Well, I feel great after that shower but I am worried that some vampire is going to glamour me and I'll spill everything. Just because I know that it is coming doesn't mean I'll be able to stop it without exposing myself as a diviner. Theresa told me to take the risk anyway."
"I agree with your sister. Worry about the fallout later. I am sure this is something Nan arranged. She despises me and I know she wanted me to get the true death for the debacle with Russell. She was surprised when the Authority tasked me with killing him. She may be looking for information."
Tara said, "Maybe it might be a good idea for you to stop telling me important things. I know that I wanted to know the truth but maybe I am putting you at risk by asking you to do that."
She had been thinking about this all night following the premonition. Tara would never forgive herself if she were the cause of Eric's death. Her need for information was not greater than her need for him in her life. Tara doubted she would have made it through her mother's death without Eric. The depression should have swallowed her whole and sent her on a downward spiral.
"You knowing the truth helps keep you safe. I'm not going to change the way we are doing things."
Tara frowned hearing a knock at the door. She glanced at the clock and said, "It is nearly 4 AM. Who would be looking for you at this time of night?"
Eric got out of the bed and pulled on a black t-shirt. He said, "I'm sure it is Nan. Stay here."
He walked out of the bedroom and went to the door. Eric opened the door and felt his jaw go slack.
Roman Zimojic stood in front of the door dressed in an impeccable navy pinstripe suit. He had a wrapped gift.
Eric said, "Guardian, please come in."
The vampire walked into the room and had a seat on the couch in the sitting area. He watched as Eric closed the door and his attention shifted to the empty bottles of True Blood.
"I am pleased to see that you are mainstreaming. However, I thought you brought your female companion along on this trip."
Eric had a seat in the armchair adjacent to the couch and replied, "I did bring her with me, but she's pregnant. I try not to drink from her on a regular basis."
Roman flashed a smile. It would seem he approved of Eric's answer. He asked, "Did you enjoy tonight's festivities?"
"Honestly, no but I am always grateful to serve the Authority, Guardian."
He smiled and said, "There is no need for such formality, Eric. We aren't in public and no one is listening to this conversation. How are you?"
Eric relaxed visibly and said, "It was boring but productive. We secured a lot of cash donations but more importantly a lot of support from important people."
Roman said, "The governor was very impressed with you tonight. He spoke very highly of you. I just left him a few moments ago."
"I did not know that you would be attending tonight's function," said Eric.
It was a subtle way of inquiring about Roman's presence in his suite. He was certain the vampire was not present at the fundraiser. Eric would have noticed him even if no one else did. Roman took painstaking efforts to remain out of the public eye. Most humans had never laid eyes on him or knew of his existence.
Roman said, "I wasn't here to participate in festivities. I had other things on my agenda. That is why I am here now. I need your help."
"What do you need my help with? Can I get you anything?"
Roman glanced at the glass front refrigerator and said, "I'll have a bottle of A positive. I don't need it to be warmed up."
Eric retrieved the bottle of True Blood and returned to his seat. "How can I be of service?"
He opened the bottle of True Blood and took a sip, "I suspect one or more of my chancellors to be traitors. They have been very careful within the walls of HQ. They all know the compound is equipped with extensive audio/visual surveillance. I believe that Nan Flanagan is involved in whatever conspiracy is brewing. I want you to work closely with her. I have asked her to keep an eye on you, but it was just to have a reason to put her in your orbit on a regular basis."
Eric sat up straight in his chair and asked, "A conspiracy of what nature?"
He said, "At the least an assassination plot."
"Assassination plot against you? What evidence do you have? Anything that might point to someone?"
"I have been receiving threats from the Sanguinistas. They want to unmake the Authority and replace it with something akin to Remus' vision. He wanted to treat humans as food and to take our rightful place as the world's apex predator. I have largely ignored these threats because I am always well insulated from physical threats. Dieter Braun and I were scheduled to attend a meeting in Monaco. However, before the meeting I stopped on the island of Mykonos for a few days. The other chancellors were the only ones aware of my early departure from New Orleans and my unscheduled stop in Greece. When we entered my home on the island, vampires ambushed us. My detractors underestimated us. We killed all of the assassins so there was no one for us to interrogate. I have a suspect in mind but I do not want to taint your investigation. I want the proof to lead wherever it may. If anyone should get too close to figuring out you are working with me…kill them."
Eric felt the hatred rising inside of him. Roman was still family to him. Godric cared very much for Roman. If someone was plotting to kill him they would have to go through Eric.
"I will find the traitors and I will rip their fucking heads off," said Eric through gritted teeth.
Roman smiled. His eyes were alight with admiration. He said, "As much as I would like to indulge that instinct it cannot be. Dieter and I made that mistake Mykonos. I want you to find the traitor and bring them to me. I will make them talk."
"Well, I will dig into the situation with Nan Flanagan. I'll report back my findings."
"I want you to pay special attention to Bill Compton. Nan Flanagan has been particularly supportive of him. She has been for years. She first told me of him in 1982 I believe it was. I know that you have had dealings with Bill."
Eric said, "Yes, I've known him for years. We don't have a friendly relationship but needs must when the devil drives."
Tara stepped out of the bedroom wondering why Eric never came back. She took a step backward seeing the vampire sitting on the couch. She didn't know who he was but he exuded a regal presence that made her assume he was important.
Roman stood up and went to greet Tara. He said, "You must be the fascinating Ms. Thornton. I am Roman Zimojic. It is nice to meet you."
"It is nice to meet you, Mr. Zimojic. I didn't mean to interrupt."
He said, "Nonsense. I have been interested in meeting you. Eric has spoken highly of you and of course I've done some research of my own."
Tara huffed out an awkward chuckle and said, "Well, if you've done research on me I don't know if I should be apologizing or running for the hills."
"Neither is necessary. I only found good things about you."
She smiled, "Well, either you're a good liar or you didn't dig deep enough."
Roman laughed heartily. He knew that she was nervous but refused to show it. That told him a lot about her character. "I can only say that your past pales in comparison to that of Eric Northman. His past reads like a horror film."
Tara became acutely aware that this vampire knew Eric personally. She wanted to push for more information but she didn't want to come off brash.
"I can only imagine there would be a lot to know about a vampire that has lived a thousand or so years. I wasn't aware that the records on vampires went back that far into the past."
Roman said, "No, you're right. We only began compiling data on vampires a little over 150 years ago. My knowledge of Eric's storied past is more of a firsthand account. Please join us, Ms. Thornton."
She glanced at Eric and saw the tense expression on his face. However, she flashed a warm smile and said, "I would love to join the two of you."
Tara followed Roman across the room and took up a seat on the opposite end of the couch. She wanted to see the looks exchanged between the two men. Something was going on and it made her uneasy. She also needed space to use her telekinesis if this vampire turned out to be a threat.
She asked, "I hope it isn't too nosey but how do you know Eric?"
Roman picked up a bottle of True Blood and took a sip. "No, it is a wonderful question. Eric is my cousin I suppose you'd call it."
Tara's eyes widened and she said, "I didn't know that vampires had cousins. I knew about brothers and sisters…"
Roman said, "Our makers were brothers. The early years of my life as a vampire were spent learning from Eric. However, we parted ways after some time. We would cross paths a couple of times each century and have a raucous time."
Eric smiled at the memories. Roman gave Eric his first position as sheriff of an area. It wasn't something he wanted initially but something that he accepted. He could still remember the fledgling years of the changing Authority. It became a very different beast under Roman's skilled tutelage.
"It is lucky that you were still awake, Ms. Thornton."
Tara said, "Please, call me Tara."
"Tara, I brought a gift for you," said Roman, he handed her the large wrapped gift.
She was a little stunned and glanced at Eric before flashing a smile. She said, "Thank you. Should I open it now?"
He said, "Yes."
Tara set the gift onto the coffee table and unwrapped it.
Northman Home in Shreveport, Louisiana
Eric, Theresa, and Bill watched as Pam and Jessica methodically tortured two vampires. He had to admire the darker side that seemed to be emerging in Bill. He was willing to go to extraordinary lengths to protect what mattered.
Theresa drank more from her glass of wine and said, "Honestly, I don't know why they're holding on. They're going to be staked. Why not tell the truth and make the torture stop?"
Pam said, "I like that they're stubborn. It just means my fun gets to last even longer and I haven't had this much fun in years. There are so few pleasures now since the Great Revelation."
Jessica said, "Well, at least you got to use the rocket launcher tonight."
Their assault on the Sanguinistas' armory was incredibly successful. They arrived at the same time as a shipment of weapons and ammunition. Theresa and Jessica captured the truck and the two vampires inside while Bill and Pam razed the converted pastry factory to the ground.
Their interrogation was only into hour number two but already they had a wealth of information. Eric now knew the location of two more armories. He also knew that Nora was keeping a suite at a local hotel for when she needed to be in town. It was a practice that started sometime during the summer.
Eric struggled to understand why Nora would be so close but never reach out to him. There had to be some sort of angle he was missing. His only theory was that Nora was spying on him. Perhaps that was how she knew Alcide's identity. He was stunned out of his thoughts by Bill springing out of his seat. He acutely became aware that something was wrong. His blood bond was almost singing in his ears.
Jessica asked, "What's wrong Bill?"
Bill said, "It is Alcide. He's in trouble. Is he still at the pack meeting?"
Theresa took out her phone and said, "I got a message from him an hour ago. He said everything was going good and that the pack really did need him."
She called Alcide's phone and frowned when it went straight to voicemail.
"He's not answering his phone…"
Eric looked at Bill and said, "Go on. I'd like to keep Alcide alive. He's been a good ally. Can you handle the werewolves on your own?"
Bill nodded and gave Eric a look of disdain.
Eric chuckled.
Theresa said, "I'm coming with you, Bill."
He said, "I'll get there faster on my own, Theresa. I promise I'll bring him back in one piece."
Theresa said, "I don't have time for that."
Eric said, "I'll go with you. Grab on Theresa. Pam don't kill the vampires until we get back."
Theresa stepped closer to Eric and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
He swept Theresa off her feet and looked at Bill, "After you…"
Bill vamp sped out of the basement with Eric hot on his heels.
Eric took to the sky knowing that he'd get there faster that way. He was surprised that Theresa didn't seem scared to be flying through the air. However, he reasoned she could levitate in mid-air if he suddenly lost his grip on her.
Several minutes later, he landed at the barn on Martha Bozeman's property. Russell Edgington was there and he was in the process of feeding on Alcide. Two werewolves held Janice back as she screamed in agony watching her brother die. Some of the werewolves were cheering Russell on but the others looked scared and disgusted.
Theresa jumped out of Eric's arms and charged the scene in front of her. A wind swept by her that she knew immediately was a vampire. She thrust her arm in that direction and sent the blurred figure hurtling into a nearby tree.
Eric heard a familiar cry of pain and saw that it was Nora. A tree limb now impaled her, but it missed her heart. He didn't have long to watch the scene because more werewolves and vampires were about to descend on Theresa. He suddenly became concerned that this was a set up. Had they been lured here to leave the house unsecured? He fired off a text message to Pam before running headlong into the fray with Bill.
Theresa continued to march toward Russell Edgington. She slowly raised her hand levitating the vampire into the air.
He laughed manically while blood dripped down his face, "Who the hell are you?"
Theresa lowered her hand quickly and slammed Russell against the ground. The sickening sound of bones cracking filled the night air. She wanted to tend to Alcide but letting Russell go wasn't an option. She raised him into the air again. She looked around for Eric or Bill but saw that they were busy ripping werewolves to shreds. The bystanders had already fled or were now joining the fight.
Janice ran over covered in blood she said, "You take care of that freak and I'll look after my brother."
Theresa said, "Gladly."
Janice kneeled next to Alcide and said, "Come on! Don't you die on me, Alcide!"
Theresa slammed Russell onto the ground again and walked over to him. She kneeled next to his head and said, "If Alcide dies I'm going to torture you in ways you can't even begin to imagine before I let you roast in the sun like a fucking pig."
He grinned sadistically, "What are you?"
She smiled, "The Angel of Death."