CHAPTER 17: Redemption and Death

Freyda POV

God, I wanted to hate that fucking fairy… the former telepath Sookie Stackhouse. I have loathed her for so long, that it became my purpose in life but the last month has been eye opening. Sure, the first two weeks were a living fucking nightmare, a serious learning curve, but once I got through the initial shock of it and a few of her self-help books I realized she gave me a fucking gift. The council was ready to order my true death, the Viking would have killed with his own two hands, but for some reason she didn't, and I couldn't help but wonder why. After everything I had done to her, to Eric, she should have ended me, I would have. Shit I thought… I have snuffed out a life for much less.

I looked around the simple house and had to admit this place is growing on me. I hated to say it but maybe bayou barbie had it right all along. What can I say, the simple life is amazing! No power struggles, spying, backstabbing, or waiting for your friends or lovers to kill you. No responsibilities of the monarchy, I don't have to pretend, play, or try too hard… Compton is my bitch and I can't lie… I'm fucking into it. He's passionate, loyal, and would do anything for me. I realized thanks to Doctor Phil's book "toxic love", that I would have never had the relationship I wanted with the Viking, how could I? I forced him away from someone he did love, tried to own him, control his every move… I was toxic as hell.

I didn't care if this was a fake fucking Compton, for the first time ever I am feeling what it's like to be loved. It is a feeling I've longed for even in my human life I thought snagging a book from the shelf. My fairy captor was more than fair making sure I always had a fresh supply of books, movies, and true blood. There was even a magic shopping list on the fridge I could add to I laughed, but in all seriousness, I was thankful as hell. Without my face cream I felt like I was dying on the inside, that lavender shit of hers sucked. Even Bill liked the change I thought smiling.

I asked Compton to bring me a true blood as I headed to the porch thinking 200 hundred years will be a breeze. Dropping into the swing I opened a new book – Love Your Enemy – which was ironically fitting I thought before the sudden sound of crickets caught my attention.

I looked around wondering if those fucking snakes were up to something when the mist materialized next to me. Jumping the book fell from my hand as I froze in fear. Great there are fucking ghosts here too I thought watching as the form began to take shape. I could hardly believe my eyes when I started to recognize my nemesis bringing back all those deep seeded feelings of jealousy and hatred.

"Sookie" I whispered to the semi-transparent apparition that now sat next to me grinning as if we were about to braid each other's hair and tell Northman stories… hers would clearly be better than mine I wrinkled my nose bitter I never experienced that side of him. "Are you fucking dead? What has happened in the month I have been here?"

She held up her arm giggling like a schoolgirl before placing it over her eyes "Oh shit I can see you" her voice was low, hollow, and seemed to echo as if it were far away. "Maybe I am dead… thanks fake Leera." she grinned taking in the blood, bitemarks, and her noticeable transparency before dropping her arm leaning back into the swing. "Well fuck guess I'm haunting you but sadly my compadre you have only been here a day. Time is funny like that here amiga." She laughed hysterically poking her finger through me. "Gotcha homes… 200 years on earth will be like thousands here."

"Are you fucking drunk fairy?" I growled staring into her wide glassy blue eyes. I wanted to know what that thousands of years bull shit was about… fuck if one day home is a month here, my stay is going to be even more fucking extended than I thought. That cunt… can't say I saw that coming, it's good thing she's already dead.

"Drugged, not drunk" she smiled raising her brows correcting me before leaning closer and whispering. "They're raping me, probably draining me, thank god I'm missing it. In this moment I am fucking happy to see you."

"Sookie Stackhouse happy to see me?" I grinned with a raised suspicious brow and we both laughed as Compton entered the porch with the true blood in hand.

"Who is doing this, where is Northman" I demanded but clearly this fairy was on something that was fucking her up, if she weren't a ghost, she'd likely be drooling in some pathetic no control of my body way, hard drugs I thought… Why do I even care? I can't do anything… not even sure if I would want to help the twat knowing how the Viking adores her. Why the fuck did I ask her anything I thought before she shuddered.

"Castro and his progeny" she callously laughed raising her brow. "Glad I'm missing that shit show. I couldn't turn off the bond, maybe Eric won't feel it if I'm here." I could only stare in complete shock as her words registered pushing the thought of my time here to the back burner. How was she here but not here… and why was I not surprised that lowlife Castro and his fucking progeny were working a sick fucking family tag team on her. Shit even Bill had only took her when he was half drained caught in blood lust. I saw it in that ceremony, when Eric set her aside the way Castro looked at her. I knew he added that clause to the contract to protect her from that fucking animal just as much as me. The way Felipe mourned not having her all these years rivaled the Viking. This newly discovered part of myself felt instantly sympathetic as I realized just how much she had been though that I knew of, some of the shit at my own hands.

She just sat there grinning begging me with her hopeful eyes to give her simple country ass some good news. "Listen fairy you are the toughest bitch I have ever met. Do everything you can to shut your emotions down, don't let him feel a thing. Knowing Northman if he felt anything, he's probably ripping something to fucking shreds right now. I can't even begin to tell you how many times he destroyed his bedchamber when I taunted him about you."

We both laughed again.

"I can't turn off yet" she signed. "Fairy fucking drugs" she weakly smiled before flickering.

"Why did you come here and not to Eric?"

"I don't know" she whispered now rapidly blinking in and out. "Whoopsie it's pulling me. I think I'm either still alive or I got a one-way ticket to the summerlands. Tell Eric it wasn't enough time with him, I wanted an eternity…" her voice grew distant before she dissipated in front of us.

I glanced to Bill who immediately turned walking into the house. Following him I watched as he removed a picture from the wall revealing a panel of buttons. After pressing the second button he returned the picture to the wall and turned to me.

"What the fuck was that?"

"Soookkiiieee my darling, it's what the queen calls her plan "B"" Compton grinned.

I could only stand there staring at the picture as I contemplated the meaning of what just happened.

Eric POV

I opened my eyes realizing I was strapped to a seat like a mental patient. Remembering the fairy's last words, I wanted to kill him, who the hell was he to drug me. "You better let me out of this seat Killian, or I really will rip this fucking plane apart." I growled before Roman rushed to my assistance while fairy followed behind releasing the restraints and handing me my phone.

As soon as I was free, I snatched Killian up by his throat dropping my fangs with every intention of fucking draining him where he stood and no one moved to stop me. "She won't forgive you I promise" he gasped fighting for air between each word and I reluctantly flung him to the floor before returning to the seat. I knew he was right and I could still feel Sookie, but it was foggy and dark as if she were on the edge of unconsciousness, I thought glancing down to my phone realizing there was only an hour and a half until dawn. I'd been out for half a fucking hour.

Porter: Tried to follow Castro but shit went sideways, his car vanished before my fucking eyes. "Poofed" like a fairy. Karin the crazy lost her shit shortly after that, went off in some sort of rage. The overgrown cat said it meant something bad was happening to boss before he ran off into the desert, something ain't right with him… Is it true vampire, tell me they ain't fucking hurting her. I'm laying low, but I overheard a couple wolves talking about moving locations and the work they'll have to do while the vamps sleep. Next check in will be an hour before dawn.

Pam: Shut your fucking bond off don't keep it open…

Pam: I shut down from you, then Karin when she refused to close hers. Eric, she will be ok… and I approve of what the fairy did, don't kill him I doubt she would fucking forgive you for that.

I felt the plane starting to make it's decent as I glanced around noticing the nervous demeanor of the wolves as their eyes darted back and forth from me to Killian while Roman and Edgington stared at the floor. Glaring at the fairy I couldn't help but wonder what the fuck happened while I was out. The way he just sat there silently staring forward whispering into his radio as we landed unnerved me, but what I found even more disturbing was looking out the window to see snow on the ground along the hanger.

As Killian stood, I could see everyone else had made the same observation I had. "Listen" he announced. "We have initiated whiskey tango protocol. I know some of you questioned what I was doing but I had my orders, I assure you the fairies are ok, but we have not landed in Shreveport"

I glanced around noticing the fairies Becker and Jones were nowhere to be seen. "What the fuck is going on here fairy?" I hissed "Where are Becker and Jones."

"They had to step out midflight, I'm sure they popped back to skye as they fell through the air." He grinned, "Listen Northman, this is a direct order from Brigant and one I completely agree with after what has transpired. We don't know who we can trust, her team will meet us at the safehouse, and we can go over everything there. Pam is already here; Benson will fly back to get the witch after he takes the wolves back to Louisiana… don't worry he can evade the security detail Brigant trained him." He laughed placing his hand on my shoulder as if I cared about the fucking pilot. My lover was the only thing I could even think about.

"I ain't going nowhere" Alcide hissed as he glanced in between the wolves. "The pups are staying too, Rick will go back and address the board of elders, and that's just how it's going to be fairy. Now tell us where the fuck we are."

"Veil, Colorado." Killian smiled, "What can I say Brigant likes to Ski and it's completely off the grid. She's got this place pimped and it's technologically untraceable. Think of it as a royal command center."

Just then Benson popped out of the pilot door. "Get moving Killian, we ditched the black box, but they can find us if we sit still too long, I got to get back in the air you know how the fucking FAA is."

Following directions without hesitation we filed out of the plane and into the awaiting SUV's. I got stuck with Killian and the two idiots Brice and James, I was glad Alcide chose to ride with Russel and Roman, I didn't want to see the look of disgust and blame his eyes showered me with. When the cars began to pull away Killian pointed to the driver "that's Jax, riding shotgun is Jenna we call her Jax2 they're the Jackson twins fire fae."

"This order couldn't have come sooner Killian" Jax grinned peering into the review mirror while Jenna nodded enthusiastically. "I mean fuck the entire realm is going nuts with talk of some alleged prophecy no one knows anything about. We've been hearing shit buddy… everyone has. They are saying Brigant sent the fucking water princess to the summerlands with her grace… that's fucking dead magic brother. She made the right play; Whiskey tango is the only was to go until we get a handle on the situation."

"What is he fucking talking about fairy?"

"Well there were a few developments while you were out, as I am sure you've already picked up on." He said coldly whole the cars entered the hillside garage of a mountain chalet as if the fairies teleported us to the end of driveway in the middle of fucking nowhere, "Follow me, Jackson squared will get everyone settled in while I brief you after that I will introduce you to the team. They are all interested in Brigant's mystery man." He winked exiting the car while I trailed behind him. As he pressed some unseen button on the wall a panel slip away revealing the elevator, he motioned for me to enter and for a moment I felt as if I might just be traveling down to some sort of "bat cave".

Once the doors opened on an unknown floor, I glanced around the large room that was brimming with high tech equipment. "Fucking get to it Killian what fucking developments and how did Sookie order this?" I growled taking a seat at the large table strategically placed in the center of the room.

"First things first Northman, do you remember me asking Bella about the face paint." I nodded, "the paint for lack of better words was Brigant symbolism at its finest, it said skye stands with water. It made no sense to me at first until Alex brought up the scents. What if Leera was kidnapped, being fed on, and another fairy was impersonating her. Of course, that fairy would also need to be blood bonding with the vampire feeding off the water princess. It's a rough theory but a new angle we are working. It was shortly after I put you out, emergency protocol was activated. Whiskey Tango is lock down, off the grid, trust no one. I almost ignored it when I saw it came from Freyda's prison but after what happened I couldn't."

"What did you fucking say… are you sure it came from that bitch's location." I scowled.

"Yes, I am 100 fucking percent sure why?"

"As you were drugging me, which I should have killed you for… the intensity of her pain stopped and for a moment and I heard her laughing with that bitch Freyda in the far-off distance. What in the could that mean?"

"That would be impossible," he paused… "It would mean she projected, but it's dead magic no one has seen in millenniums it's another bedtime story. What are the fucking chances…?"

"Chances of what, what happened?"

"This" he held his palm up and I saw the sphere was now swirling with blue in addition to the white and red. "The water king confirmed that his granddaughter Leera had crossed into the summerlands by the grace of one true queen. An announcement he made publicly sending the realm into a frenzy. It's more dead magic. Niall Brigant was enraged probably even more so now that we've went dark. I will meet with him this afternoon, but I must tell you something. Brigant has no real trust for the prince, she never really explained why but when I saw her human life I understood. It's the way he tested you with the fairy bobble."

"I must see Freyda, it's imperative. I have to know if Sookie was there."

"Julius will be here at dusk; he can take you."

"Who is this fucking prince to her Killian"

"Absolutely no one Viking, he reminds her of the friendship she had with the shifter. Although I am sure he would give his left nut to be with her, she's never looked at anyone not even his brother Anton. He was hot as fuck too… yum I wanted to break me off a piece of that, but he died in some horrible random accident when she was there. Julius refuses to even utter his name…"

Just then the elevator door opened as Pam strolled out with the vamps and Jackson twins. As they took a seat around the table, I glanced down to my phone noticing there was just over an hour until dawn. Two more fairies and the wolves joined us before Killian asked where Lannister was.

"He's checking the maps and arranging the intel for the briefing" one of the new fairy's chimed in. "He'll be down in a minute."

"Northman you already met Jackson and Jackson, this little peach is Portia she's a water fae. Gavin over there is earth fae and Lannister we've made him an honorary member of skye but if you ask him, he will tell you he's clan-less. We got a couple stragglers that are inbound but for the most part this is the team. Team this is the fucking mystery man, well vampire Brigant has been waiting for that none of us knew existed." The fairies just stared at me with fascination as Killian continued around the table until everyone was introduced. "She collected this band of misfits and outcasts from across the realm for one reason or another, but we've become quite the hidden family. For some reason we just all click."

The fairy I assumed was Lannister walked in before I was hit with a wave of pain so intense, I doubled over nearly falling out of the chair. If I were human, I'd be vomiting it felt like she was dying… like they were taking every little piece of her in most savage way this was my worst fucking nightmare and I was reliving it for a second time.

"Shut your fucking bond down Eric" Pam growled.

Lannister just gawked "what the fuck is wrong with him Killian?"

"It's Brigant they are bonded, I think Xavier stole some T94X. He's feeling everything she is forced to feel. If she could shut down to spare him this pain, she would I know that for a fucking fact. As we all know from Brigant's POW training… day one is the worst, but the good news is this is the shit we've all trained for."

I stood storming towards the elevator on the verge of losing control. As the doors closed behind me, I heard Pam's voice "Let him go fairy, he needs to destroy something." I let the blood lust surge though me, pounding the walls of the square box until they were caved in and dented. The door couldn't open fast enough before I tore out of the house not knowing where I was heading only that I was about to fuck some shit up.

I returned to the house only when I couldn't feel her anymore, it was fifteen minutes till dawn I thought grabbing a true blood before plopping down on the couch only noticing the picture only after I took a drink. I grabbed the frame tracing around her face, smiling at her and Killian's goofy expressions.

"How bad is it Viking" the fairy dropped in beside me. "You did a fucking number on the elevator."

"The worst it could be." I scowled unable to take my eyes from the picture of Sookie in her fairy suit.

"Come on blondie we have to get you locked down for the day, Brigant would kill me if I let you get all extra tasty crispy. Pam and the other vamps are in the basement guest quarters, the wolves are in the guest rooms on this floor, but you my friend are in the light tight master. It has its own private office and I may have just put some reading material on the desk in there in case you can't sleep."

"What was that drug you spoke of and how did she train for it."

He winced as we walked up the stairs. "T94X is basically pain serum, it's used in POW or interrogation situations. Some fairies like Brigant can shut completely down feeling nothing. This shit was invented to make them feel everything only it's amplified… after all what fun is torturing someone who can't feel it. The good thing is she has built up a tolerance to it, we found day one of a high dosage was the worst let's just pray they don't double dose her. It will get better as she begins to regain control of her emotions. Unfortunately, it's the paralysis we've never been able crack which is likely how they are able to… do whatever they are fucking doing to her."

"You know as well as me what that sick fuck is doing to her. You thought what you saw with Gregor was bad, imagine it with her awake and you felt everything she was feeling." I hissed slamming the door behind me.

When I was in the room alone, I touched the control panel by the door and was pleased to see it was set to only my lover and myself. Locking the door, I turned to the desk sitting down after pulling my phone from a pocket.

Porter: Found a fucking fanger in desert, says he owes you a debt. He took my number said he would be in touch but wanted to warn you they might be moving her. He claims he's seen boss and is one of Castro's guards. Says they're working her over good but she dropped one of those vamps in her cell with no magic, ripped his fucking head off laughing like a feral banshee. Also says she did something to the fairy they been holding captive… made her turn into floating sapphires that disappeared into the ceiling before her body exploded into a glitter bomb. She had some sort of light coming out of her hands the vamp said. Ya don't want to know what they did to her next Viking; it won't change anything… I got a few licks in before the filthy animal retreated into the desert vanishing.

Porter: Vamp just contacted me; says they are moving boss at dawn to another location. No coordinated or details at this time. Karin is going the ground, the tiger is MIA, what's my next move asshole please advise.

I wondered who the fuck this vampire was before I texted the wolf back, noticing the fairy briefing on the top of the stack and their planned pursuit for dawn.

Eric: This vampire got a name? Tell me exactly what he said they were doing to her or I will fucking drain you myself wolf. After you've answered my questions you can bunker the fuck down and get some sleep. Fairies are about the hit the ground at dawn.

I sat the phone down before thumbing though the stack of papers Killian left. They had lists of possible targets but were focused on 6 areas that presented high for concentrated magic on their mapping. Three of the locations were within 40 miles of the city. Location one is near Porter, but they planned to hit them all before noon. Among other things Killian will be meeting with Niall, before holding a strategy meeting with this team. Who the fuck were these fairies and why were they spread across the entire realm? The only thing putting my mind at ease about this situation is the fact my lover hand picked them as she did Killian, I thought breaking open the locked bottom drawer of the desk as my phone went off.

Porter: He said to call him Beni, you'd know who he was. He could be lying about boss and I don't think she would want you to fucking know if they were um… touching her and shit, unfortunately she also has a "comply or die" philosophy when it comes to me cooperating with her fanger fucking boyfriend. Don't say I didn't warn you… they drugged her, guess she tried to use her fairy charm on Castro's little monster, and he felt a certain way about it. Castro agreed so they fucking took turns… um, biting and um… you know what they fucking did asshole. This Beni said Xavier is gonna take his turn on her this afternoon, he's got a fairy that's gonna heal her up so she's ready to go again at dusk. Believe me Viking if I knew where these fuckers were, I would storm the compound myself even if I died trying. Will check in at dusk unless something comes up. Boss wouldn't want you to do anything stupid vampire, you should be dead for the day it's past dawn.

Oscar Benedict what are the fucking chances, the whole thing had a level of irony to it that blew my mind. We had a falling out nearly 500 years ago when he took up with a human, I loathed his weakness for that woman for human's in general. I begrudgingly saved her life but planned on draining her myself when Beni showed up and whisked her away. He knew my intentions but told me he would always be in my debt for saving her from those London thugs. We parted ways after that, and I have rarely thought about him since.

Eric: Send Benedict my number now wolf.

Porter: Done but the fanger is likely dead for the day like you should be.

The wolf was fucking right on all accounts. I knew full well what those sick fucks were doing to her, I prayed to Odin they weren't but right now all I can do is hope she comes out of this in one piece. She told me she could never be broken again, but I couldn't help thinking back to the last time all those years ago. It's something that has never stopped haunting me.

I wasn't even worried about the bleeds when I began flipping though the folders in the drawer wondering if the files in our home office were much like these. My lover was very fucking detail oriented I thought stopping on the earth prince's file in the section labeled "The Realm", pulling it out along with several others I started a pile on the desk before noticing the label "Team". Pulling the divider back I saw the first file had my name on it.

As I sat there staring at it, I felt the consequences of not sleeping taking hold of me. It has been a long time since I have stayed up past dawn. Fuck it thought fighting the urge to go down before grabbing the folder, opening it to see the envelope with my name in Sookie's handwriting. I removed it from the folder and walked to the edge of the bed dreading this was one of those "if I'm dead letter's" before I slowly lowered myself to the bed.

Opening the envelope, I removed the sheet of paper delicately unfolding it noting the date. It had been written almost a year ago.

"Hello Viking,

If you are reading this letter it means I have passed the trials and survived the ascention. It also means you are mine once again my love, but I am not in Veil with you and whiskey tango protocol has been initiated. I'm not sure how much I was able to tell you or what events caused this but there are a few things I can say.

Trust Killian and my team. They are a mishmash of the realm, but I have a strange connection to each of them almost as deep as the one I have with my fairy brother. Please don't kill him, I couldn't forgive it. He can be a diva at times even an asshole, but he really has the best intentions and I have spent too many years training him to have you drain my best warrior. Tell him he can trust Becker, his allegiance to the realm supersedes that of Niall Brigant I feel it. He's was orphaned just like my brother and taken in by the fairy prince.

Bill gave me a gift to see the hidden agenda behind each move and I have yet to figure out my great grandfather's agenda, but I see one in his eyes don't give him your trust.

Compton's gift has served me well over the years… I only hope I have already repaid that debt by sending him to his true death with my own special gift. I have learned to trust no one, thanks to several unfortunate incidents that I've unlikely told about, there are only a few scars I keep and I'm not sure how much time we had together. If you find things out that I didn't have the time to tell you, know I had every intention of telling you. On the other hand, if you know everything, I am sorry for babbling on in this letter.

Remember one thing my Viking lover, in case I haven't told you I can't be broken. If I already have then believe it, it's the truth.

You are mine, as I am yours and we will be together again soon… have faith.

Love, Sookie

I laid back on the bed holding the letter to my chest before exhaustion swept over me and fell dead.

Killian POV

It was an hour before dusk when the team gathered for an emergency meeting to put together a brief for the Viking who I knew wasn't going to be happy. The day had been a complete shit show from the start. Hitting the ground after daybreak we weren't expecting to be met with resistance from the fairy prince's forces. They landed at location one just after we did, luckily, we managed to find the half dead tiger and transport him out of there before they engaged us. Our mission changed from search to evasion in a matter of minutes. The rest of the locations went the same way, we couldn't shake them, so we opted to search some of the lower value locations.

One interesting thing we noticed is that the areas that showed a least concentration of magic reeked of it, the smell hung so thick in the air it was almost suffocating. Near location one there was a small grouping of buildings, 10 clicks north that were well hidden by the natural landscaping. When we entered the compound, it was obvious it had been recently vacated, but not before they cleaned almost all of the trace evidence. Miniscule amounts of vampire blood were found in cell block, all in the iron cage other than that the rest of the building was clear.

When we entered the neighboring shack a wave of nausea almost dropped the Jackson twins to their knee while Portia ran outside vomiting between the buildings. It was unexplainable but even I felt it walking through the doorway of what appeared to be a bedchamber. Elaina hit the room with everything in her arsenal be we couldn't even find so much as a drop of blood from Brigant, even though we all felt she had been there.

We searched the remaining buildings to no avail before returning to the house to formulate a new plan.

Instead of focusing on the high concentration areas Lannister ran the cosmic laying map again this time re-defining the parameters to include the low value areas of interest. We compared the readings to the compound we located earlier and were able to create a new list of targets across the state of Nevada, but it was a long fucking list.

It wasn't until I met with my prince that shit really went sideways. I should have known something was wrong immediately when I popped into the palace. Not only was the increased presence of the royal guard overkill but Jones was in the office with us. Never in all these years had the guard been in there when I met with Niall fucking Brigant.

I explained that we were in lockdown per the princess's orders and he became irate. Screaming almost incoherently he questioned my loyalty to skye, reminded me of all he had done for me, and warned me I was risking the realm by keeping her hidden. It fucking gave me goosebumps in a way that told me know I had to get happy ass out of there fucking fast.

When Jones started towards me, I prepared for the worst, I was so focused on the advancing guard that I didn't notice Becker rush through the door before he tackled me. Once I could move, I realized we were at the safehouse where the team was pulling the fairy off me. I wasn't sure if I unconsciously teleported here and he was pulled in with me or if the fucking prince knew our location. All Becker would say is that he would only talk to the vampire, so Jax and Gavin tossed him in a cell till Northman woke up.

The Tiger was still unconscious with Alex watching him, but the witch arrived a couple hours ago and has been in the war room with Lannister ever since pouring through her books, contacts, and resources trying to figure out what this fucking prophecy is… and anything they could find about the fifth clan. The demon lawyer wouldn't be here for several hours, but Amelia sounded optimistic that he was just the creature we needed, after all he was Sookie's sponsor. Alcide and Rick's boys went to Nevada this afternoon so it was just the team and the vamps.

When Jordyn handed me, the finished brief silence swept through the team as the sound of breaking glass and utter destruction suddenly emanated from the master bedroom.

"Well it sounds like the vampire is awake and he ain't happy" I grinned at Jordyn, "Get ready to go get Julius when I give the order. I have a feeling the rest of tonight is going to follow the same shitty pattern as the day. Prepare a list of locations to hit and for the love of god tell the snake charmer not to fucking touch him let alone try to charm him."

Eric POV

My eyes flew open and I instantly tore out of the bed grabbing my phone from the desk. Before I unlocked it, I search for Sookie in our bond but there was nothing.

Porter: It's a fucking fairy explosion in the desert, the place is crawling with them and they seem fucking hostile. Still no sign of the fucking tiger, piece of shit probably fucking took off seeing all hell was breaking loose. Good fucking riddance I was getting sick of seeing those purple eyes go all gooey when he said boss's name. Kinda surprised you ain't killed that fucker yet… after he told me his one-sided love story with boss. Can't say that I trust him…

Word on the street is one of the local were elders has been whispering about red moon, think that's about boss? It's 3pm now will check back in at dusk.

Porter: The fairies have cleared out. That fucking asshole Killian sent a list of new locations he wants me to scout. I gave half to Karin but she don't listen for shit. Bitch just glared at me and took off, fucking a lot of help she's been. I currently got eyes on both Castro and Sandoval they are leaving the strip compound together. I'm gonna track them as far as I can unless you got other orders for me.

Before I could even reply to the wolf a new message came in.

UNKNOWN: How long has it been Viking? 500 hundred years at least since the night you intended to drain Elizabeth. Imagine how shocked I was almost 100 years ago to hear my old friend was in love with a human. I was even more shocked you unselfishly saved her in your marriage contract. Oh, how Castro has cursed you from that day forward. Seems as though much has changed with you ole' boy and your human. Unfortunately, I have no good news to report other than we are at an unknown location in the mountains. I do have bad news though; they did a real number on your fairy. Overheard Sandoval bragging that her eyes rolled back in her head before she started convulsing as a distant blank stare took over her face before he slapped her back to reality. I was ordered to put her back in the cell, I did my best to clean her up first. They plan to drain your blood from her slowly until your bond is nothing, that's when Castro will bond with her and legally claim her as his own. Until then she's fair game apparently. I know that fucking fairy was in her cell today, by the looks of him, she got him good a few times. The healer went in after him to fix her up – dark haired fairy bitch that Sandoval claims – Not sure why she didn't heal his ass too… I'll try to get you a name. I will say that I wasn't surprised your woman was so strong. I watch your little mini Viking take on 10 men with no magic before ripping Jenner Dawson's fucking head off. The vamps are scared of her lots of whispering going around tonight.

I could feel my rage on the verge of erupting as I sent the message.

Eric: Tell me what she looked like when you fucking saw her and don't hold anything back Beni.

Benedict: Are you fucking sure chap… I wouldn't want to know if the tables were reversed.

Eric: The tables could be reversed, after all didn't, I hear your turned Elizabeth?

Benedict: The same old Viking LOL, I will tell you fool but not because I think you are threatening Lizzy for a second time but because I know you and that infamous rage you must really love this one.

Eric: I would die for this one.

Benedict: When they ordered me to return her to the cell, I taken back but the scene. I found her on the bed naked covered in bite marks and blood, bruised and batter. She was semi-conscious, but I did my best to dress and clean her up before I put her back in the cell. She was incoherently mumbling the word "protocol" well that's what it sounded like anyway before I laid her down and she began whimpering your name as she passed out... Not the information I wanted to tell you ole' boy, but I can try to get a message to her.

Eric: Tell her I got her letter and I have faith. Tell her I love her and will kill anyone who has touched her. Keep me fucking updated every chance you get Beni, and I am sorry for how I was back then just as I am for threatening her again tonight.

I threw the phone to the bed and began my assault on the room around me, before jumping in the shower and throwing on some clean cloths Sookie had in the dresser, I found them accidently as I was ripping the drawers out smashing them. Grabbing the team files from the drawer I went through each one of them noting their individual characteristics and skills. Even the safe house had a file with schematics, details, and features. This wasn't just a command center I thought it was CIA fucking headquarters and I hadn't even seen a third of it. Grabbing Julian's file and Sookie's letter I glanced around the room taking in the destructive force I had unleashed before heading downstairs where I knew the fairy squad was waiting.

They were all standing around the table, silenced by my arrival when Killian handed me a True Blood and the brief. I read the paper in rage filled silence. What a fucking mess I thought seeing we were no closer to finding her than we were last night. I couldn't help but remember the letter and I wondered what the fuck was Niall Brigant's agenda. I sat the paper and bottle on the table placing my fingertips on the bridge of my nose contemplating the end game, we had to find Sookie before that mother fucker forced his control onto her. The upside was we had shared enough blood that it would take him weeks to remove, but the downside was her in his fucking slimy hands for that long.

I was startled back to reality when the fairy Elaina sauntered up, circling me as her eyes roamed my form with lust. She stopped gazing deeply with her brilliant green eyes as her curly red hair seemed to glow under the light. For a moment I swore I could see a little of my lover in her as if they were related but it would be impossible. I knew from her file she was fire fae I thought coldly watching this bitch try to charm me. She wasn't unattractive she just was no fucking Sookie.

"So, this is Brigant's vampire" she grinned at Killian as her hand rubbed down my chest before I snatched it.

"Don't fucking touch me "snake charmer" that is what they call you isn't it?" I growled at the fairy with disgust.

"Girl, you are lucky Brigant ain't here, I wasn't kidding when I briefed you guys. I know we laugh at your antics Elaina, but I am telling you she might just kill you if she saw you trying to charm her Viking. Plus, you are wasting your time," Killian grinned as they all started laughing.

The charmer just pouted batting her eyes lashes as Pam entered the room followed by Edgington and Roman "Please say it for me just once" she begged still trying with all her might to tempt me… "She's mine" and growl. I am literally dying to hear it with my own ears you fine ass vampire specimen." She grinned glancing to Jenna who seemed to be nodding in agreement. "Brigant has fucking good taste in men I woulda let my vagina dry up for this one too." She laughed rubbing my arm before Pam snatched her by the throat dropping fangs.

"He is not yours to touch" she hissed.

Killian tried not to laugh but the fairy couldn't resist. "Slow your roll Elaina they don't need to get the full gist of your nickname tonight you filthy slut, plus we can all see your charm ain't working honey. I'd hate to be you when Brigant finds out about this. Girl you just need to focus on the raids we are planning for tonight." He paused glancing to the team, "The fucking snake charmer has finally met her match and we all got to see it." The fairies erupted in laughter poking, jabbing, and patting one another on the back like rowdy teenagers as Pam dropped the girl taken back by their reaction. I glanced back to Roman and Edgington and could tell they were thinking the same thing. These fairies were too fucking relaxed around us, something I have never seen in any other fae besides Sookie.

"Awe shit that was hot, I got dibs on his progeny" Elaina grinned pointing to each fairy staking a claim that made Pam grin. "I was just messing with him but that fucker passed my test… The commander's man is safe, she knows I prefer the company of ladies" the charmer grinned winking at my progeny and I could feel Pam was loving every minute of it.

I still couldn't feel my lover and I knew time was of the essence, we had to find her tonight I thought wondering if these fairies were going to stop fucking around and pull their shit together.

"I have good news and bad news" I announced as they all stopped turning their undivided attention to me. "We have eyes inside Castro's camp but unfortunately we still have no physical evidence or witnesses to tie him to the blood crime. Edgington, I need make inquiries with the rest of the royals. Start with Lamar and the states that surround Nevada, they are likely to have information on Castro that could be beneficial, and we have to turn over every stone. Roman lay low and help Russel in the background, Sookie wouldn't want anything to happen to your progeny if word got out you were working with us."

"Lannister" I pointed at the fairy who stood at attention. "Run your map again this time focusing on low value targets in mountain terrain that are in proximity to high concentration areas. Castro is likely aware of your system thanks to the fucking skye commander, he may be using these high value locations to distract us like a smoke screen."

"On in now vamp commander" he grinned before scurrying downstairs to the elevator.

"Jackson's Put Becker in the conference room 1 after you show Russel and Roman to the office on this level." Killian attempted to protest but stopped causing the remaining squad to stiffen as they awaited orders. "Gavin collect the earth prince and put him in room 2 tell him nothing other than I will be with him momentarily. Jordyn put together a brief of what Lannister and Amelia have come up with. I want to be ready when Desmond Cataliades arrives. Portia keep working on the tiger, we need to find out what happened to him. And you charmer I want a complete workup on the team, including Becker… blood and DNA, we're looking for a common denominator, it's a hunch."

"Fucking looks and brains, it will take some time Viking, but I can do it." Elaina winked before rushing off while everyone scattered. When the room cleared, and I was left with Killian and Pam I tossed the file and envelope on the table. The contents of the folder slid out when it hit the surface and the fairy grabbed the letter reading it as I turned to Pam.

"Seems Beni is a guard in Castro's camp"

"Fucking Oscar Benedict is the insider and he came to you?" she huffed rolling her eyes.

"He found Porter, told him he owed me a debt… remember I did save his woman from that street gang."

"Yeah because you wanted to fucking drain her" Pam hissed bringing Killian's attention back to us.

"Yes, yes I apologized but he's seen Sookie, I needed to know how she looked what they did…"

"Fuck Eric" she groaned.

"This the reason you went "hulk mode" upstairs vampire?" Killian chimed in before my phone went off, as he tossed the letter to me saying "told you so, killing me is unforgiveable."

Benedict: I scouted the location 4-5 shell buildings total on the surface, but the compound is subterranean and locked up tight. It's accessible through the building that looks like an abandoned armory, heavily guarded and it fucking stinks like old magic. Castro's ordered your woman moved so you'll be feeling her soon stay strong. I will try to deliver your message.

"Killian get on your radio, tell Lannister to focus on locations that have 5-4 surface building's"

I scowled scooping up the folder contents before noticing Anton's picture was ripped and taped back together. I sat the picture aside and reviewed the contents, noting it seemed like there were gaps. All my lover's other files were brimming with every detail but this one seemed to be lacking anything about him other than he trained Sookie for an undetermined amount of time and she trained Julius after his death. The details on Julian and the fact Killian said her reminded her of Sam let me know I needed to tread lightly. "Let's go see the fairy prince" I growled before we headed for the elevator.

When the doors closed behind us Killian motioned to the damage with a raised brow. "I guess we are lucky we only have to fix an elevator and bedroom. I hear the downtown area wasn't as fortunate, some are speculating a rare artic tornado must have hit… gonna take some time to rebuild from that damage."

I said nothing and wasn't about to apologize. As the elevator slowed to a stop, I could feel Sookie starting to fight before she went completely calm. I could only hope that meant Beni had delivered my message.

When we walked into the room the fairy prince stiffened. "Hello Julius, I have a few questions for you before we take our little trip." I grinned taking the seat across from him while Pam and the fairy dropped in on each side. We sat there staring at him in silence for a moment before I opened the folder in front of me.

"I am here to help the princess in any way I can." He smiled.

"I read your file, and there are things maybe you could clear up." I said coldly placing the picture of Anton in the middle of the table seeing the color drain from his face. "How long did your brother train my lover before his "accident"?"

"Several months" he said coldly trying desperately to keep his emotions in check. "He was an arrogant fool much like Cyrus, ended by his own ego. I have disowned him even in death, but I don't see what this has to do with the current situation. If your fucking worried that she had feelings for him think again asshole. Your woman detested him, I knew her as Susannah but I can tell you I have never met fairy with more honor, and I would give my life for hers even if she never saw me as anything more than a friend." He paused not wanting to admit the words he was about to say. "I'm jealous of you Viking, you have the one thing many have coveted before they knew her true form. She fucking chose you, and I have to respect her decision."

I watched the fairy play his game and said nothing. There was something more going on here, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it, the prince was being deceptive. "Well, that clears it up then. I wondered why there was nothing about him in your file and he didn't have one of his own." I grinned watching the fairy relax. "Now you can take me to the 6th plane…" I paused feeling Sookie, it was more controlled but still fucking intense… she was fighting to keep it in, shut it off… it wasn't until I felt the pain, panic, and hands that I lost it tipping my chair back before storming to the door. "We've got to go now."

The fairy didn't hesitate jumping from his chair before taking my arm and teleporting us to Freyda's prison. As we stood there on the front porch the memories came rushing back, while the pain from our bond increased. Pounding on the door I screamed Freyda's name until it flew open and I was face to face with that bitch.

"Tell me now before I rip your fucking head off, have you seen Sookie?"

Before she could say a word, that mother fucker Bill Compton was behind her as they stepped out onto the porch together holding hands which I found revolting. Sookie told me about the fake Bill but seeing him brought my rage swimming to the surface making it even harder to maintain control.

"Shut your bond off you fool" Freyda hissed, "You are no good to anyone in this fucking state. She was here a month ago, well I guess yesterday. Oh yes the tart got me good… one day is a month here, do you know how many years 200 will feel like?" she grinned.

I laughed inside doing the math in my head, my little fairy vixen told me 200 years was enough and now I saw she was right. I didn't want to admit it, but the bitch was right about the bond, I had to shut if off if only for a few minutes. I tried to send her nothing but love before I let the connection close regretting instantly my decision to not stay with her. It felt as if I was abandoning her, but I need to know why she came here.

"Talk now Freyda" I growled.

"I always did love your intensity" she smirked. "The fairy was here, well a ghost of her… drunk. I thought she was dead; I think she did too at first blaming a "fake Leera". She asked that I tell you "it wasn't enough time; she wanted an eternity with you"" she rolled her eyes twisting her lips into a familiar scowl. "Keep your bond off, she doesn't want you feeling it. The fairy drugs make her lose control, I think….." she trailed off as her eyes drifted to the swing.

When I turned there she was, a ghost, a shadow or reflection as if she were trapped on another side… I went to Sookie dropping to my knee's before trying to touch her misty figure. "My lover" I winced.

"Eric" she giggled as her head bobbled. "min vikingvän (my Viking lover) how did you get here?"

"Julius brought me my love, are you ok, how are you here?"

"Julius" she chimed grinning like a fool, "Shhhhh you promised me" she motioned holding a single finger to her lips "it's our secret, I will tell him" she grinned before winking at the prince I now wanted to drain before she turned her attention back to me. "Sandoval, he's rough" she laughed hysterically as if it were fucking funny, I could see what Freyda meant when she said drunk, my lover appeared 3 sheets to the wind. "It's better to be here and not feel it. It's a secret trick of mine even Killian doesn't know about. I thought it was a one-time fluke but here I am a third time."

I looked at her confused. "Freyda said you were only here last night, and now for a second time here you are tonight."

"Of course, silly, I went somewhere else the first time, but I don't know where it was. It was so a long time ago." She giggled as her eyes darted to the fairy prince who turned white. My suspicion was confirmed, and I was going to make him fucking talk one way or another

As she began flickering, I panicked "Help me find you lover, what can I do?"

"Xavier TB 1186.3 I love…" was all she said before disappearing in front of me, immediately I tuned back into the bond and felt her pain intensity as I dropped my head onto the swing waiting for it to subside but it was relentless until I lost her completely as if she had died and I spiraled out of control. Jumping up I pushed past Bill tearing into the house wanting to rip everything apart, but I couldn't bring myself to do it as I looked around the room that was filled with so many memories.

"Kill Bill" Freyda said, "release your rage… I know you've been dying to end him for years." She laughed callously entering the house. "I've killed him a few times myself, he's always returns the next day. You may want to ask him first about the button he pushed last time the fairy was here." I watched her remove the picture from the wall revealing the hidden panel as fucking Compton walked in.

"Protocol" Compton grinned walking in. "She whispered it in my head."

"Thank you, Bill," I smiled dropping my fangs as I ripped into his neck before tearing him to fucking pieces mercilessly. When I lifted my eyes from what remained of Compton, I saw her twisted cruel smile and was instantly reminded of everything that bitch had done. Redemption would not be in her fucking cards I grinned ferally as panic filled her eyes.

"Eric PLEASE" she pleaded as I lunged towards her grabbing that bony fucking neck before slamming her against the wall.

"I guess you should have said goodbye to Compton because it looks like you won't be seeing him again" I laughed cruelly mocking her with a sad pout as she had done to me so many times. "I've wanted to do this since the day I fucking met you." I grinned before ripping her fucking head off.

When I turned to leave Julius was standing in the doorway taking in the scene with wide eyes and a gaped mouth.

"Take this is a warning fairy, you lie to me again and I will drain you. Now take me back and this time you will answer my questions."