"Thank-you for letting me stay with you." I said.
"It's no problem." Alcide said. "Uh, sorry, about the mess."
I said it was fine as Alcide helped move my stuff into his bedroom. Marcus and Thalia would be sharing the guest room, and I could tell Marcus was a tad nervous sharing a room with a fifteen, not really fifteen, year old girl.
"No, it's okay." I assured him. "Are you alright...about...ya know?"
"Yeah." Alcide said looking geninuely happy. "I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders."
I nodded my head glad he was okay. I had really hoped he could work thinks out with Debbie, but I guess it just wasn't meant to be. Hopefully, though he'll be okay. Find himself a girl who can devote herself to him because he deserves a woman like that.
"I'll take the couch." Alcide said as he sat down my last bag. "If you need anything let me know."
"Of course." I said nodding.
He nodded then kissed the top of my head goodnight before he left the room. I sighed sitting down on the bed as I wondered how all this was going to go. I hate hiding out. It's a pain, and it hurts my pride. However, Zeus already warned me about taking unnecessary risks, and Eric had asked me personally to hide. This is bullshit. I frowned falling back onto the bed. I just hoped Eric would be alright.
"Mr. President, I understand this meeting with the Authority is important." I said as I video chatted with the president. "The meeting will be happening soon. I assure you."
"Good, Ms. Stackhouse." President Obama said. "Because I was starting to get worried the Vampire Authority had no interest in making your politcal agenda work."
I nodded understanding that, and I had even warned Nan of that. I wonder why I haven't heard from that bitch since she the incident after the Festival of Tolerance.
"And you will immediately tell me of how the meeting goes, right?" Obama asked.
"Of course, sir." I said nodding with a smile.
"And ask the Authority when they plan to actually join the next UN meeting." Obama said.
"Of course, sir." I said with a smile a bit forced. "I will make sure to do all that."
Obama nodded before telling me he needed to go because he had presidential stuff to do. I nodded my head telling him to have a good day before the chat was cut off.
"I can't stand that man." I griped. "Or most of those world leaders."
Alcide chuckled as he sat at the table drinking coffee. He, Marcus, and Thalia were all eating the breakfast I made as I shut my computer.
"Marcus, do I have any meetings today?" I asked him.
"Well, Dr. Ross called." Marcus began.
"Dr. Ross can go fuck himself for all I care." I said. "Anything else?"
Marcus shook his head while looking through his little planner that he keeps on him at all times.
"Who's Dr. Ross?" Alcide asked.
"An asshole." I replied.
Alcide nodded his head dropping the subject, which I was grateful for. Marcus cleared his throat, so I looked back to him.
"Besides, looking over some files, and signing off on some papers, you don't have much today, Ms. Stackhouse." Marcus said.
I sighed because I actually wanted a busy day. I need stuff to do to take my mind off things.
"What kind of papers do I need to sign off on?" I asked.
"A charity wishes to make schools for half bloods. Ones that can attend to their needs." Marcus said slowly as he watched for my reaction.
I frowned because that sounded as if this charity wanted to segregate half bloods from regular schools.
"I'm not signing that." I said. "In fact, I want a meeting with whoever the Hades is in charge of this charity, so I can explain to them that we don't need special schools. I know quite a few half bloods who went through regular school."
I'm sorry for ever explaining the abilities and disabilities of half bloods. Of course, I didn't tell of every individual power of our 'kind', but the general gifts and such that all half bloods share.
"Okay. Um, there is a group of Greek Mythology who are wanting signed permission to visit the camp to study there." Marcus said.
I tilted my head to the side thinking that might not be a bad idea. The people could learn watching the kids, and I'm sure Chiron wouldn't mind giving a few lessons. However, convincing Mr. D of that will be hard.
"I need to speak with Chiron and Mr. D, but keep that form." I said. "I think it would be good for the public to have people learn of us. Though Dr. Ross cannot be one of those people. And all the people will have background checks. Make sure they know that."
Marcus nodded as he wrote all that down. I sat down in the last chair at the table. Marcus got up to quickly to fix me a cup of coffee, and I thanked him when he placed it in front of me.
"Marcus, my meeting with the Authority?" I questioned.
Marcus had to check his planner real quick before looking back to me.
"Tonight, Ms. Stackhouse." Marcus said.
"Oh, goodie." I said. "Perhaps I'll see idiots one and two."
Thalia chuckled while going to place her dirty dishes into the sink. I took a sip of coffee while welcoming the warmth and caffeine. I reached into my pocket to pull out a shot of necture to put into my coffee. I took another sip while sighing in content. Mhmm, so much better.
"Are you sure it's a good idea to go to this meeting?" Alcide asked. "What about Russell?"
"He's only been out of his concrete prison for about two days now?" I asked. "He's been starved for a year. It will take time and a lot of blood to heal him. He shouldn't be a threat for another few days. And this meeting is too important. I can't take the chance of cancelling it when they finally agreed to it."
Alcide nodded though he did seem very worried. I knew I'd be fine. My gut was telling me so.
"Well, just watch out for yourself." Alcide said.
"I will." I said smiling. "You better go before you're late for work."
Alcide chuckled nodding as he got up from the table. He went to put his dishes in the sink before grabbing his coat.
"I'll try to be back before you leave." Alcide said. "If you need me, don't hesitate to call."
"Okay." I said nodding.
Alcide kissed the top of my head then left. I sighed wishing he wouldn't do that. It made me feel guilty. Guilty because I'm with Eric, and guilty because I feel like allowing Alcide to do that leads him on.
"Let's get started on those forms." I said to Marcus.
I stepped out of the elevator into an underground reception office that belonged to the Authority. I was dressed properly of course because appearance is everything as Marcus once said. My hair was up in a professional bun though my bangs were loose with the curls falling to the side.
"Ms. Stackhouse, Guardian is waiting for you." One of the guards said coming to greet myself and Thalia who was dressed in all black. "Please, follow me."
I nodded my head silently while following the guard through one of the sets of doors. I walked smoothly and confidently down the hall while knowing that if I do see Bill and Eric that I must play it cool. I have to show that nothing, not even my feelings for Eric, will stop me from making sure the mainstreaming agenda is my top priority. Just don't know if I can pull that off.
We stopped outside two double doors, and two guards opened the doors wide. I stepped into the room seeing Eric and Bill knelt down in front of table with six vampires. There were a few guards in the room, and off to side another vampire was being held by a guard. Isn't that one of the chancellors? Nora Gainsborough, right? Eric and Bill looked shocked to see me, but I didn't keep my eyes on them long.
"Ms. Stackhouse." The vampire with a redtie greeted.
He walked over to take my hand, and he kissed the side of my cheek in greeting. I returned the gesture while keeping a polite smile on my face.
"Guardian, I presume." I said. "Thank-you for setting of this meeting. Did I come at a bad time?"
I looked towards the two knelt on the ground pointedly, and Eric looked at my intently. I looked away from him to Guardian aka Roman Zimojic. I made sure to read the files Nan had sent Marcus on the Authority, so I knew who I'd be dealing with.
"No, Ms. Stackhouse." Guardian said. "You know Mr. Compton and Mr. Northman. You also know of their screw up, correct?"
"Which one?" I asked. "There are so many."
Guardian chuckled as he looked over at the two in cuffs. I really hope I didn't come here tonight to see them killed. I'd probably react badly if they were sentenced to death.
"The most recent ones." Guardian said. "The necromancer caused quite the stir."
"Yes, I do know of the necromancer." I replied. "She almost killed me. Mr. Northman and Mr. Compton helped to save my life."
Guardian seemed a tad stunned to hear this as he glanced at Eric and Bill.
"Hmm, this I didn't know." Guardian said turning back to me. "My attention had been drawn to how the Festival of Tolerance ended, and the rocket launcher in mainstreet."
"Yes, those had been pretty big fuck ups." I said not sugarcoating it.
"Which is why this council wishes to pass judgement on them." Guardian said. "I wished you to be here to give your input. We will be working very closely from now on after all."
I nodded my head while ignoring how he strained the word closely. He glanced towards Eric after saying this, and Eric was glaring at him. Ah, he was trying to get a reaction.
"If you wish, you make take a seat in Chancellor Gainsborough's seat. " Guardian said.
He gestured to the free seat, and I sat down gracefully as Thalia took her position behind me. I saw her glancing around at the exists in the room, which is something I had already done.
"Now, Mr. Compton, Mr. Northman." Gaurdian addressed. "To meet under these circumstances, it is a shame. One of several recent disappointments. You think you know somebody. You consider them an ally for centuries."
Guardian looked over at Chancellor Gainsborough who was in shackles looking geninuely saddened. He walked towards her as I turned in my chair to keep my eyes on him at all times. I considered him the biggest threat int he room, which means my eyes will stay on him during most of my time here.
"And when they betray you they won't even tell you why...no matter how presuasive you can be." He said brushing his thumb across her cheek.
The guard started taking her away, and as she begged for Guardian not to do this, I saw how Eric reacted to her being taken away. He seemed scared...and he seemed as if he wanted to go after her. What the fuck? I decided to ignore that for now as I crossed one leg over the other.
"You're in a real pickle here, boys." Guardian said looking back to Eric and Bill as he sat on top the table. "According to Nan Flanagan, you...What is it she liked to call you guys? Fuck Up One and Fuck Up Two."
Well, that seemed pretty accurate to me, so I wasn't about to disagree with him.
"You have made egregious errors." Guardian continued. "Rocket launchers on Main Street? Not to mention your so-called Festival of Tolerance...where humans were attacked by vampries in full view of the media with not only our official spokesperson in attendance, but Ms. Stackhouse as well. And she is trying hard to help our cause, Gentlemen. Keeping that quiet wasn't cheap."
Oh, believe me, I know. I had to pay for half the cost, which was a very large sum. Though I left all that headache to Marcus.
"Now, Nan was no prize either." Guardian said. "Still, she was Authority. And that, boys, is the point."
Wait, these idiots killed Nan fucking Flanagan? I had to try really hard not to start cursing them in Greek.
"We are the Authority." Guardian said as he walked towards the two. "I am the Authority. The True Death for Northman means the True Death for Northman."
I tried to keep my face neutral when hearing this as Eric glanced at me for a split second. Even if it was for a second I could see he didn't want me to interfere.
"Are you now or have you ever been a member of the Sanguinista movement?" Guardian asked Bill.
"I don't even know what it is." Bill said.
Well, he seemed to be speaking honestly. Though as King you'd think he'd know what the Sanguinistas are. Even I've heard of them from reports given to be by Nan. However, the Authority might be trying to keep it as hush-hush as possible.
"Mr. Northman." Guardian prompted.
"You know, I'm trying to stay away from politics as much as possible." Eric said.
"Are you?" Guardian asked.
"And religion." Eric added.
I really wanted to hit him because now wasn't the time to be a smartass. This was fucking serious.
"You just in it for yourself?" Guardian asked. "You think the whole concept of the common good is hopelessly naive?"
Eric didn't reply as Guardian turned back around to the table to face the rest of us.
"Chancellors." He said as he started walking around the table.
"Well, it chaps my ass to say this, but when you got lame horses, you put them down." Chancellor Harris said. "The mainstreaming agenda is just too damn important. It cannot fail. True death for these fellas."
Oh, yes, I can totally see that it hurt you to say that. I kept quiet, however, since I already had a plan to at least extend their time, so I can come up with something else.
"They destroyed a very real threat to all vampires." Chancellor Akinjide said. "And they saved you in the process if I am correct, Ms. Stackhouse."
"That's right." I said. "If it wasn't for Mr. Northman and Mr. Compton, I would have been killed."
Akinjide nodded his head thanking me for backing him up as he continued to address his fellow Chancellors.
"If there is no documentation of humans being killed by vampires we are infinitely better served letting them live." He finished.
"They killed an Authority member!" Chancellor Drew, who looked to be only child, snapped.
"She was on her way out." Akinjide pointed out.
Drew went to say something else, but Guardian raised his hand to silence him.
"As you can see, this council has had heated debates over what to do with you two sons of guns." Guardian said as he walked back towards Eric and Bill. "Every vampire on this council has committed our careers and lives...our destinies on mainstreaming. And Ms. Stackhouse is pretty much in the same boat since she is trying to help us in this quest. Coexistence with humans is not an option, it is necessity. It is merciful. It is just. It is vital."
Guardian paused for a moment as if to let that sink into Bill and Eric's minds.
"Not to mention they outnumber us a thousand to one." He said walking back towards his seat. "Any threat to mainstreaming is a threat to us. Fundamentalism is a dead end. And I won't fucking have it!"
Chancellor Agrippa opened the box at the head of the table, and she pulled out a wooden stake with a silver tip from it.
"Not out there and most certainlty not in here." Guardian said. "Ms. Stackhouse, anything to add before I pronounce sentense?"
"Actually, I do." I said. "Last night I had some grave news. News that could put the entire mainstreaming agenda at risk."
I had their full attention as I stood up to face all of them completely at the end of the table.
"I'm sure Nan Flanagan told you that Russell Edgington met the true death a year ago." I said. "She was wrong."
The council looked at me sharply as I started to walk around Eric and Bill with my hands behind my back.
"What?" Guardian asked.
"I learned that Mr. Northman and Mr. Compton didn't kill Edgington, but condemned him to be buried alive in concrete." I said. "Isn't that right, Mr. Compton?"
I stopped beside Bill while looking at the both of them with narrowed eyes. If they didn't go along with this, I'd kill them myself.
"What Ms. Stackhouse says is true." Bill confessed.
"Which is a tragic mistake." I said. "Because he is now free, isn't that right, Mr. Northman?"
"It is the truth." Eric said nodding. "Whether we live or die, you will find out soon enough."
I turned back to the council seeing they were all turning to Guardian with bothered expressions.
"I wish I could say it wasn't, but this is all true." I said. "I had my people look into it. And an associate of Mr. Northman came forth to warn me of Russell Edgington's escape. However, I had no idea he was alive this entire time, which I'm very unhappy about."
I glared at Eric and Bill, and both looked away unable to meet my gaze. I shook my head at them as I looked back to Guardian.
"Russell Edgington being free can bring us many problems." I added.
"It's true. Russell wants nothing more than anarchy." Bill said. "If you would like your entire mainstreaming agenda, and your administration with it to be completely obliterated then by all means ignore us."
Guardian glared at the pair of them as I walked back over to the table where Thalia had remained standing.
"The only thing Russell wants more is see Ms. Stackhouse and the both of us dead." Eric said.
"Why?" Asked as she sat down.
"He pissed me off. Then I pissed him off. You know how these things go." Eric said.
I sighed because he couldn't just be straight forward. He just likes pushing people's buttons.
"No, I don't." Guardian said. "Why would you keep Russell Edgington alive? No, I have a better question. Why would you leave a pissed off ancient vampire, who wants to kill the one thing you love most in the world, alive?"
Guardian glanced towards me, and I wasn't surprised he knew of Eric's and my relationship. We hadn't exactly been sneaky about it. Eric looked up at me with a troubled expression before looking away.
"After what he did, we felt the truth death was too good for him." Bill replied.
"We wanted him to suffer." Eric added.
Guardian stood up behind his chair with his shoulders stiff. Oh, well, that was the wrong thing to say.
"You wanted." He said. "You disobeyed the Authority to satisfy your feelings."
He jumped over the table to flash behind Bill who he grabbed under his chin to pull his head back.
"I feel like staking you so fucking much right now." Guardian said holding the stake up threateningly.
"Guardian, I was the one that did it." Eric said quickly.
Guardian glaced at Eric momentarily before looking back to Bill who was looking up at him.
"You were king and you allowed him?" Guardian asked. "Lilith help me, I am going to stake you!"
He brought the stake down, but a mere inch from Bill's chest he stopped. He fangs clicked back into place, and I mentally let out a sigh of relief.
"Unfortunately, unlike the two of you,...I understand there are a great many things more important than my personal desires." Guardian said.
"Guardian, I promise you. Now that Rusell is free, he will stop at nothing to find us." Bill said. "And when he does, you will be there. To put an end to him as we should have. I offer this to you as a final gesture of solidiarity. I, like you, believe that mainstreaming is possible. And essential. But Ruseell must be stopped. I fully expect to meet the true death either way."
Guardian turned towards me as everything went quiet after Bill's proposal.
"I say let them try." I said. "Russell will go after them, and even if they can't kill him, it will bring him out into the open where he can be finished off."
Behind me there were sounds of protests, and I sighed openly rolling my eyes. I stood there silently listening to the council debate. I would not get into their argument. It was annoying enough just listening to them.
"Chancellors, thank-you for your input." Guardian said interrupting them. "Be assured that I will take it all under advisement. Bless the blood."
They all bowed their heads before getting up from the table. Chancellor Harris glared at me as she passed, and I narrowed my eyes at her in return.
"Ms. Stackhouse we still have some things to discuss, so please, remain here." Guardian said.
"Of course." I said.
He asked Chancellor Agrippa to remain there as well as the rest of the council left the room.
"The Sanguinistas have turned Russell Edgington into some kind of hero for ripping out a man's spine on TV." Guardian said as he put away the stake. "He has become the poser boy for the anti-mainstream movement...their Osama bin Laden."
Guardian started walking back around the table towards the two as I glanced over at Thalia. This seemed to be going in our favor. She nodded subtely as we looked back to Guardian.
"Do you know the one thing more dangerous than a martyr? A 3,000-year-old vampire who hasn't fed in over a year." Guardian continued. "Suffering does not kill the appetite for power. It exacerbates. I've dedicated my Guardianship to the fight for coexistence, and I will not see it go swirling down the shitter because of one ancient pissed-off psychopath. Do you understand what I am saying?"
"Absolutely, Guardian." Eric said.
"We'll bring him in, or die trying." Bill assured him.
Hopefully it will be the prior, and hopefully there won't be a need to show them both the true death afterwards. Guardian motioned for the guards to take them, and as Eric was being hauled to his feet, our eyes met. He gave him of his signature smirks, but it did not ease my worry. He and Bill were taken from the room as Guardian turned towards Chancellor Agrippa.
"What do you think?" He asked.
"They put him in the ground once." She said.
That was all very true, but sometimes that kind of luck only happens once.
"Ms. Stackhouse, since Nan is no longer the face for all vampires, I would like you to meet who I believe would be the right replacement." Guardian said as he sat down in his chair.
I quirked my brow curiously as Chancellor Agrippa motioned for me to take the seat on the right of Guardian. I sat down with Thalia moving with me.
"Send in the new Nan Flanagan." Guardian said.
A familiar face zoomed into the room, and my eyes widened as Steve fucking Newlin stood at the end of the table smiling.
"It is an honor to be of service." He said.
I felt my eye twitch in annoyance as my hands curled into fists in my lap.
"He's the new Nan?" I asked. "I am not going to sugarcoat it, so let me be blunt. I hated that bitch, but I'd take her over this bastard anyday."
Guardian's brow quirked in interest as Chancellor Agrippa's lips twitched up seeming amused.
"Ms. Stackhouse, I know we had our problems in the past." Steve said.
"You wanted me to roast alive beside Eric Northman as you forced him to meet the sun." I said. "Did you know I was not with Mr. Northman at the time? In fact, I was still a virgin, so I couldn't have been a 'evil whore of Satan' as you once called me."
Steve's eyes widened in surprise, and I nodded my head thinking he realized his mistake.
"Yes, I am very sorry about that." Steve said. "Very sorry."
I sighed then took a deep breath since I knew letting my personal feelings towards Steve into this wasn't a good idea.
"Apology accepted." I clipped out. "Now, Guardian, I understand he's a friendly and familiar face, but I do not believe he'll be the right choice. People will most likely be angered that he's all for mainstreaming now. He was one of the leading supporters against it, and people will believe he is fickle or think he just changed his mind because he was turned into a vampire. This could send out the wrong message."
Guardian seemed to take my words into consideration as Steve smiled nervously with his hands clasped in front of him.
"I understand your view, Ms. Stackhouse, but I believe using a face that the public is familiar with will helpin our favor." Guardian said. "If it shows a horrible negative affect, we can pull him out of there to replace later on."
I nodded deciding not to argue since I knew it would most likely seem pointless.
"Nan Flanagan, maybe the cold bitch rest in peace, went on CNN, and told the world Russell Edgington had met the true death more than a year ago." Guardian said addressing Steve. "Tonight, however, we have learned that he is still very much alive."
Which just fucking wonderful. Please, someone in the universe note the sarcasm.
"Excuse me, sir, but says who?" Steve asked. "Elvis was spotted buying turkey jerky in a 7-Eleven in Yakima last Thursday, but that doesn't mean he's still alive. That just means people will believe anything they want to believe. Humans are not rational. They are 100 percent motivated by fear. All they want is to feel safe, to know that they're good and right, and they're gonna end up in heaven full of puffy clouds with everybody they've ever loved wearing angel wings. So you tell me what you want them to believe, and I'll sell it to them."
Thalia let out a scoff with a frown on her face, and I hushed her as I stood up. Steve stiffened as I stood while straightening my dress.
"Reverend Newlin, this isn't about selling falsehoods." I said. "This is about coexistence. This isn't about coming up with lies for the public, so that vampires can do whatever the Hades they want behind the scenes. And you should really watch what you say because if you have forgotten, I have half human...and my associate here is half human."
I walked towards Steve as his eyes widened. Oh, now did he realize his mistake.
"Please, be more careful. Because next time you insult my mother's race in front of me, I will not hesitate to show you the true death." I threatened him.
Steve nodded his head while leaning away from me even if he was taller than me. Guardian lightly cleared his throat, so I leaned away from Steve.
"Reverend Newlin, you have been a vampire now for, what, four months?" Guardian asked. "And yet you find it funny to ridicule and underestimate the human race? The race that not only help birth us into existance, but Ms. Stackhouse's kind as well as she pointed out. Is this some kind of joke?"
Perhaps he won't even make it to the TV screen if he's already pissing people off.
"Reverend Newlin was recruited because of his connection to the Fellowship of the Sun." Chancellor Agrippa said to Guardian and I. "With his influence in the religious right...he'll be able to speak to people we never hoped to reach. He can be valuable if we give him the chance."
I frowned because I would much rather stick a ball of light down his throat to burn him from the inside out. Guardian stood up from his chair as he looked to Steve. Guardian flashed in front Steve who flinched.
"Don't be nervous, Steve." Guardian said. "I was new once. I get it. All I wanted to do was feed, fuck, and kill. Took me centuries to realize that humans aren't just talking meat."
He had Steve sit down in one of the end chairs as he sat down on the table. Guardian glanced at me as I stepped in front of Steve, so he was pretty much blocked in.
"They're our ancestors. None of us would be here without them." Guardian said. "Have you heard of the Sanguinista Movement?"
It's movement I know that needs to be stopped, and if I ever find those fuckers, I'm going to kick ass.
"They believe that humans should be farmed like cattle, owned like slaves." Steve replied.
"They believe nothing. They've learned nothing from history." Guardian corrected. If we do not evolve...if we continue to behave like fucking savages, the humans will rise up. They will retaliate with their armes. It is just a matter of time. Right now this council and Ms. Stackhouse's agenda are the only things preventing a civil war."
"Lives on both sides will be lost, and innocents will be caught in the crossfire." I said. "The world will go into chaos. Things will be done that could destroy everything that has been built, which is why we need you."
Though I'd much rather it be someone else. I really hate his damn guts. I just want to kill him right now, but I can't unfortunately.
"If things go wrong in bringing Russell Edgington, and he winds up on TV threatening those same sick threats to eat children, we will need a friendly trustworthy vampire mainstreamer who knows how to work a crowd." I said.
Guardian nodded in agreement with me as the two of us leaned away from Steve.
"I won't let either of you down, sir, ma'am." Steve said.
I grinned in an unfriendly manner as Guardian pulled Steve up with his head squirshed between his hands.
"You better not." Guardian said.
Steve then left us alone as I let out a sigh. I'm sure I need to be getting home, but there was still so much to discuss. So much to do...so little time.
"We're back." I said quietly as we entered Alcide's house.
I expected him and Marcus to be asleep, and I didn't want to wake them. However, it seems as if I'm wrong since Alcide is sitting up waiting.
"Welcome back." He said as he stood up. "Everything go okay?"
I sighed plopping down on the couch as Thalia went off to the guest bedroom where Marcus was probably already sleeping.
"Well, I didn't have to watch Eric and Bill die, but now they have to die trying to catch Rusell Edgington...or die after bringing him in." I said. "So basically everything is very fucked up at the moment."
Alcide sat down beside me, and he put an arm around me. I sighed as I leaned into his side.
"My world has always been so messed up...but I had no idea it could get even more fucked up." I said. "There isn't a moment where my mind isn't racing. Where I'm not ready for something to happen...even more so than before. I can't have a moment without worry...not a moment of calm. Not even in my sleep. My dreams are filled with these troubles."
"Hey, you know I'm here for you." Alcide said. "I'll be there whenever you need to take a moment. Whenever you need to say 'fuck you' to the world."
I chuckled wishing I could just say that sometimes, but there are too many people I care about that could get hurt if I did that.
"Thanks, Alcide." I said anyway.
NO POV:
"You found her car where?" Alcide asked.
"In Bon Temps." Barbara said. "Off Hummingbird Lane. Does she have any friends there?"
Alcide glanced briefly over at Corissa who was sitting on top the hood of his truck with papers around her as she was scribbling in a notebook. Marcus and Thalia were with her as Marcus was helping her organize her papers. She didn't want to stay cooped up in his house today, so she came along to join him for work.
"Friends?" Alcide asked as he looked down at his clipboard. "I wouldn't say that."
"Well, what would you say?" Gordon asked. "Our daughter's missing. Far as we know, you're the last person who saw her."
Alcide sighed as he handed over the clipboard to one of his workers before looking back to Gordon and Barbara.
"Honey, calm down. This isn't helping." Barbara said. "We know you two had a fight. She called us. Said she was coming home to Jackson, only she never showed up."
Alcide frowned knowing this wasn't going to end pleasantly. He just hoped Corissa was so focused on her work she didn't notice. If she got involved things would end even worse.
"It was more than a fight. I abjured her." Alcide confessed.
"You what?" Gordon asked.
Barbara let out a sigh as she closed her eyes. She now knew why Debbie sounded more upset than usual over the phone.
"Sorry to be the one to tell you, but she's back on the blood." Alcide said. "Caught her running around on me again. Abjuring her was the only way I knew how to end it for good."
"You're lying. She's been sober for over a year." Gordon said. "She wanted to marry you, have your cubs."
"Screwing her new packmaster was a hell of a way of showing it." Alcide said.
From the corner of his eye he saw Corissa look up from her work with a concerned look on her face. He really hoped she stayed put.
"That's my little girl you're talking about." Gordon said. "If you hurt her, you son of a bitch-"
"Gordon, stop." Barbara said.
Gordon continued to glare at Alcide, but he did stop his threats...for now.
"I didn't do anything to Debbie. She's probably holed up with some drainer getting loaded." Alcide said.
"They found her wallet, Alcide. All her money, her phone." Barbara told him. "Now, I know Debbie's no angel. Something's happened to her. I can feel it. Is there anything you can do to help us find her? We're at the Sunshine Inn."
They left Alcide standing there, so he turned to walk over to Corissa who was already waiting for him. Thalia and Marcus walked away to leave the two alone.
"What's wrong?" She asked.
"That was Debbie's parents." Alcide said. "She's missing...they found her car in Bon Temps...off Hummingbird Lane."
Corissa frowned because that wasn't far from Sookie's place, or Corissa's place for that matter. Why would she be there?
"Why do you think she was there?" Corissa asked.
"Honestly...she might be looking for you...she isn't fond of you or Sookie." Alcide said.
Corissa sighed as she ran her hand through her hair. This was such a freaking problem.
"Fuck." Corissa said. "Another problem to deal with. We need to see Sookie tonight."
"We?" Alcide asked. "You can't go back to Bon Temps. You need to stay at my place where you'll be safe."
"Alcide, if Debbie is looking for me, and can't find me, she'll go after Sookie." Corissa said. "She's done it before. Sookie, is my family, and I will not leave her alone to deal with this. I still haven't seen how she's doing after we got back from Moongoddess. I need to see her."
Alcide sighed though he did nod his head. He knew there was no stopping Corissa when she put her mind to it.
CORISSA'S POV:
Alcide and I walked into Merlotte's without Marcus or Thalia. I had ordered both of them to remain to Alcide's place. I'd gain less attention without them following me around.
"Hey, Arlene, have you seen Sookie?" I asked the redhead.
Arlene just pointed towards the back since she was a bit busy seeing to her customers. I walked that way with Alcide following after me. We found Sookie, and she jumped when seeing us. I frowned wondering what that was about.
"Sookie, we need to talk." Alcide said.
Alcide explained the whole Debbie thing to Sookie as I watched her closely. She is extremely uncomfortable and tense at the moment. What is she hiding?
"They found her car near your house." Alcide explained.
"I heard." Sookie said shortly.
I narrowed my eyes wondering what was up with her. I then felt a chill suddenly, and I glanced around wondering where it was coming from.
"She's back on the V. I don't know what she's capable of." Alcide continued.
"Thanks for the warning, but I gotta work." Sookie said.
She went to leave, but I grabbed her arm quickly to pull her back in place. She looked at me with wide eyes as I frowned at her.
"Sookie, what are you hiding?" I asked. "And don't say it's nothing. I know you. I can tell when you're lying. You're brushing off Russell being on the loose, and Debbie being MIA with a possible grudge she wants to settle on us. Those aren't things to brush off. Now, what's going on?"
Sookie went to say something, but there was a loud crash as Lafayette yelled out. I rushed past Sookie into the kitchen to see Lafayette laying on the floor holding his arm.
"Lafayette, you okay?" Sookie asked as she and Alcide joined me.
Arlene came in asking what was going on, but she paused when seeing Lafayette on the ground. Sam rushed in after her as a chill went down my spine again. My head snapped towards the freezer as Tara came out of it with blood on her. She's...a, but she can't be...how in Hades is she a...
"Tara what are you doing in there?" Sookie asked innocently.
"Drop the fucking innocent act." I said to Sookie. "Tell me, why the fuck Tara's a vampire, and do it now."
Arlene gasped hiding behind Sam as Sookie looked at me with wide eyes. Did she really think I wouldn't be able to tell?
"Yeah, Sookie, tell her." Tara said. "Or are you afraid your own flesh and blood will turn on you once she knows what you did?"
I frowned in confusion as I looked at Sookie sharply. She did this to Tara? How?
"You know that's not why." Sookie said stepping towards Tara. "Tara, please."
Tara's fangs shot out, and Arlene gasped while moving closer to Sam who didn't seem to shocked Tara was a vamp.
"Fuck off!" Tara snarled.
She went to walk away, but Sam and I moved closer to her in hopes of stopping her.
"Hey, Sookie and Lafayette are your friends. They're trying to help you." Sam said.
"Tara, just calm down." I said. "We can talk about this, and I can get you a room set up at my place."
Tara pushed on past us to the back door, but she did turn around to glare at everyone in the room.
"Turning me into a monster? I don't that kind of help." Tara said then looked to me. "And I don't need yours either."
Tara went to leave again, and Sam tried to stop her. I grabbed his arm to pull him back as Tara whirled around.
"All I can think about is ripping out y'alls fucking throats, so stay the hell away from me, for your own sakes." Tara said. "Or I swear to God, I'll do it."
Tara rushed off with the door slamming behind her. I turned towards Sookie knowing we needed to talk.
"Outside, now." I said. "NOW!"
Sookie, who had been about to protest, shut her mouth to hurry out the door with me behind her. Alcide followed as well, and we stopped near his truck.
"Explain." I ordered.
"Debbie ambushed me in the house when I returned from Bill's place after dealing with Marnie." Sookie said quickly. "She pulled a gun on me saying that you ruined her life by taking someone she loves, so she's going to kill me to make you suffer. She shot at me, but Tara got in the way."
I stiffened with my eyes widening. Tara was shot because some were-bitch wanted me to suffer?
"Debbie shot Tara?" Alcide asked.
"I got the gun...and I..." Sookie trailed off.
I knew what she was doing to say, but I couldn't believe she was capable of something like that. Sookie isn't a killer. I never wanted her to be.
"Say it, Sook." Alcide said. "Say it."
"...I killed her..." Sookie said with tears in her eyes.
I looked down at the ground shaking my head because this all couldn't be happening. It was quiet for a long moment as Alcide took a moment to control his emotions.
"You were never gonna tell me?" Alcide asked in shock. "You were gonna let me go looking for her, wondering what the hell happened?"
"Yes." Sookie admitted. "Because you love her. You forgave her for everything. And I didn't bring Rissy into it because I knew she would tell you. I didn't know what you were gonna do."
"Oh, bullshit!" Alcide snapped. "I have had yours and Rissa's backs since the day we met. You owe me more than lying to my fucking face!"
He punched the side of his truck, and I jumped trying to remain calm in all this.
"Alcide, I'm sorry." Sookie said. "I wish I could-"
"Shut-up! I don't want to hear it." Alcide said. "I don't wanna hear another word."
I placed a hand on his shoulder, and he whirled around glaring. His expression softened, however, as he looked at me. I rubbed his arm then looked to Sookie.
"You need to get back inside." I said to her. "You've done enough."
"Rissy, I...I know what I did was wrong...but Tara..." Sookie said.
"I'm not mad that you defended yourself, Sookie, or tried to help Tara." I said. "I'm mad that you wouldn't tell us...especially Alcide. He loved Debbie. He deserved to know what happened the moment it did. And what about her parents?"
Sookie looked down at the ground as I looked back to Alcide. He was still shaking, but he seemed a bit calmer.
"We should go." I said to him. "There's no reason to be here anymore."
Alcide slowly nodded his head then went to get into the truck. I turned back to Sookie as he was doing this.
"I'm not a saint. I've done horrible things...but for every horrible thing I've done...I've owned up to it." I said to Sookie. "Do I want you to go to jail? No, but you should have said something in the beginning."
"...What are you gonna go?" Sookie asked me.
I just shook my head at her as I turned away to climb into the truck. Alcide quickly drove off as I buckled myself in.