CHAPTER 20: Unbreakable
Sookie POV
Leaving the council chambers, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of anger towards Eric and his compulsive need to handle everything. Check that, it filled me with rage and regret. It made me flash back to a time in my life where I needed to be saved constantly, where I was weak and dependent. I had desperately tried to leave that period behind, but I just can't seem to escape it.
When I saw the look of pity in his eyes, I felt nothing but shame. Why did this have to happed, why didn't I fight harder, I fucking hated myself and had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach Eric would never look at me the same after he read my statement and knew what they did. He was going see me for the same weak fool I've always been, a damsel in distress. Who could fucking blame him I'm no Viking regardless of how much I pretended to be, the sad reality was I had been back in his life just over a week and showed up with a whole moving van cram packed full of bullshit. Same ole Sookie… just a different day.
This was all Bill Compton's fault, he pushed up my timeline. I should have stuck to the plan, waited this out, let Eric's contract end and dealt with Niall Brigant on my own. I was a complete shit show I thought materializing in the bedroom when saw him sitting there in the chair where Elaina had been not that long ago. A bottle of whiskey in one hand my ring in the other… his face wearing the most distasteful frown.
"Hello sister, may I ask where you were?"
"You may, but I may not tell you" I grinned at the impatient look on his face knowing he was worried. "The council meeting of course."
"Holy shit Brigant, what the hell were you thinking?"
"Your welcome brother, the skye prince was calling for your head, along with Becker and Northman's so I saved your ass again. If he had his way you all would've been branded traitors to the realm."
"Northman? Since when do you call the Viking "Northman"?" He glared with a raised brow. "You have not exited the window, protocol states you should be in the infirmary until the toxins have been flushed out. You're not right in the fucking head I can see it in your eyes." He scowled tossing me the bottle as he stood. "I didn't think you were coming back this time Brigant you scared the shit out of me."
"Blame Spencer Sandoval for that Killian." I unwound the cap letting it fall to the floor knowing he was right, I felt the poison coursing through my veins baiting my rage, but I refused to admit that to him as I tipped the bottle back draining half before returning it. "Your turn brother" I smirked despising the look of pity that covered his face, but I didn't wait for him to say anything.
Taking the ring from his hand, I placed it on the desk before snapping into my favorite white spandex pants and sports bra, it will be perfectly symbolic I thought momentarily thinking of my friend Spencer as I gazed silently at the gem. I couldn't help but wonder how this shit was going to play out with the Viking. How would he ever look at me the same I thought fighting back the tears that were pushing their way to the surface.
"I love you Brigant, your vampire loves you… but you and I both know you are not as unbreakable as you pretend to be. You can fool everyone else but don't try that shit with me. Show me what happened, I need to know so I can help you and don't hide anything like you did with Anton. Julius told us everything."
"Think of Gregor, now imagine it 1000 times worse. Tell me how you can help with that?" I laughed coldly. "Read my statement just like Northman, then you can pity me together, but don't ever ask me to show you that again brother." I sneered attempting to walk out when Pam took me by surprise entering the room. The look on her face told me she had been listening on the other side and wasn't all that happy with that she heard.
"She's dark and mean, full bitch mode." Killian chimed to the vampire.
"Show me what happened to you Sookie I can handle it. I will dear Abby the shit out of you, but we will get through it together." The vampire dribbled begging in a way that pathetically un Pam and I wanted to rip her head off before I shook the dark thought away knowing all to well it was the drug that was making me borderline hostile.
"Yeah that ain't happening Pam but thanks for the offer. You can read my statement just like your maker" I scoffed pushing past her. "Then you can look at me as he does… fucking broken. I put his ring on the desk, I'm sure he'll want it back."
"Sookie fucking Stackhouse, I don't know what the hell this is, but you know good and well Eric loves you. He gave you that ring, he wants it on your fucking finger because YOU ARE HIS. He would die for you nothing will ever change that; nothing has ever changed that don't doubt him. You are stronger than this fairy pull your shit together. Whatever you are feeling right now isn't about him."
"You might be right Pam" I smiled pushing all the darkness deep inside before making my way down the stairs.
Walking into the dining room the team was gathered silently around the table awkwardly glancing from me to the vampire trailing behind. I knew instantly they had heard Pam's words, but I didn't care. It didn't matter anyway I wasn't in the mood to celebrate and they all knew that.
"Damn glad to see you back queen bee" Lannister chimed handing me the earpiece and a shot of whiskey. "But you should be downstairs getting a system flush," he paused watching my eyes narrow. "Or you can keep rocking dark fairy… I wouldn't want to be telling you what to do or anything."
"Boss he is right, let's go down to medical and I will hook you up… you'll be back to yourself in no time" Portia winked.
I could only stare at her in silence knowing full well they were both right, before glancing around the group. "I apologize to each of you for hiding my true identity and dragging you into this fucking sideshow." I grinned putting the radio in my ear before emptying the glass. "I promise when I am myself, we will celebrate."
"Don't fucking apologize for shit Brigant, well maybe for Cyrus," Jax grinned while Jenna shook her head in agreement. "We woulda like to have seen that asshole meet his end."
I could only smile at the fairy that reminded me so much of Jason, before getting right to the point. I had a date lined up and I didn't want to be late.
"We are going to head out at dusk tomorrow so tonight I want to get this shit buttoned up. I hope ya'all don't mind hanging in Shreveport for a while." I grinned before emptying another glass. "Lannister get me a tracking map for Castro, Portia keep me updated on the tiger, Jax and Jenna your on guard duty, Gavin, Elaina, and Jordyn I am sending you to home base. Get the place set up, there are apartments on the top two floors looks like you guys get first pick. Jordyn I am also going to need a complete list of all Castro's known associates, names, locations, the works as well as a location for the fairy Soleera."
"My bags are already packed commander." Elaina grinned, "from now on I go were you go. So, you better get use to it girl."
"Good, now where are my repots."
When the fairy reluctantly handed me the stack of papers the room went silent. I chose to read the medical report first completely unshocked by the extent of my injuries and numerous lacerations. That little bitch Spencer must have cut me to shreds after I jumped planes, I thought knowing I could only recall his blade slicing me ten times. Turning to the rescue report I glanced up noting not one of them met my eye. Great it's really bad I mused before giving my inner self a scolding "fight it, stay calm, it won't be that bad, un-fucking breakable" I said in my head.
The report started out pretty good, I was impressed with my Viking for not killing my brother after reading he had drugged him, I would have approved though… of the drugging. That first night was pretty bad, shit so was the second from what I remember of it. I can't say I heartbroken seeing Eric killed Freyda, but I loved the way they snagged Xavier, how the wolves ran down Sandoval, and the way my Viking got to Jefferson and was able to find my location. I wasn't all that surprised Eric stormed the compound, especially reading what the guards were saying but it got difficult to push away my rage after he found Octavia and Benedict. The words where there in black and white. My worst fucking nightmare came true, of course Castro was on top of me… I just can't catch a break I thought tossing the pages on the table before downing what remained of a whiskey bottle.
"Well that one was a hard read." I winced. "Killian, I want that operational report in an hour, the toxin will be gone by then and my head clear, a team meeting will follow, let me know when Eric has returned. Also see if Amelia can get over to my house and throw some seriously heavy magic on it. Everyone else get moving."
"Soleera?" Killian scowled crossing his arms as the team scurried away.
"Yes, my sister the healer." I grinned, "but we can discuss that at the meeting later, right now I have business to attend to." I turned not waiting for his questions or arguments, walking to the elevator fully letting the rage consume me. I tried not to think about it, but I couldn't stop envisioning what Eric must have seen walking into that room, how I must have looked with Castro on top of my unconscious body ravaging me like a savage.
The door had almost closed when her hand darted in forcing it open before stepping aboard.
"What is it Pam?"
"It's you, I don't fucking like you this way and I really hate this attitude you have with Eric."
"Join the club Pam, even I don't like myself right now."
"You need to stop this shit fairy. You belong to Eric as he belongs to you, don't forget it nothing has changed."
"Are you sure about that Pam?"
"You are going to fucking show me what happened to you so we can fix this, or I will drain you right here and now Sookie. It would kill Eric to see you doubt him like this… He will surely kill me, but I am ok with that." She growled pointing her skinny finger in my face and I snapped.
Grabbing her shoulders, I slammed the vampire into the already battered elevator wall, almost relishing the look of shock in her eyes and the pain this memory would cause her. "You want to see it, fine enjoy the show" I hissed before pushing the memory into her instantly regretting my lack of control as the bloody tears streamed down her face and she sunk to the floor.
"I hate myself for doing that. I am sorry Pam; please forgive me I'm not thinking clearly" I whispered before the door opened and I left the vampire sitting there silently contemplating what she just saw. I only hoped she had time to shut her bond off before I filled her head with my bullshit.
When I got the doorway, I paused momentarily planning how I would handle this confrontation. I had been waiting for this moment since I first laid eyes on Spencer Sandoval I thought recalling all the things I wanted to do to him when I was sitting in that cell. Entering the room, I was delighted to see someone already took a crack at him and Judging from his painfully healing dick I would say it was Pam… which made me feel even worse.
"Mmmm," he grinned. "I knew you would come for me fairy. I've been lusting for you."
"Oh Spencer, I don't doubt you have been." I laughed before the sound of Beethoven filled the room.
"Are you thinking about it too? All those hours we spent together. Tell me what your Viking thinks of everything we did to you. I mean he can't possibly look at you the same. I will bet anything he is done with you… You are ruined now."
"I will take that bet vampire, I mean look at me do I appear to be ruined?" I pouted raising my brow before grabbing a silver blade mentally noting symphony 9 was the perfect choice as the door swung opened and Killian burst in.
"Are you taking me up on that brother sister action fairy?" Sandoval eagerly questioned Killian. "I knew you wanted to fuck her too." He laughed as I watched my brothers hand start shaking knowing he was on the verge of losing control.
"This isn't a good time" I motioned to his hand. "Wait outside your emotions are getting the best of you Killian, make sure there are no more interruptions that's an order."
He said nothing turning exiting the room before closing the door behind him.
"So where is Eric Northman, I expected the Viking would have shown me some of that rage he is so famous for. I mean first he sends his child, and now his fairy…"
"I am here that is all you need to know, and that is unfortunate for you."
"Please tell me he found Felipe fucking you." He grinned pausing before his eyes widened and he began snorting with laughter. "He fucking did, bet the old man was riding you hard and the Viking busted in seeing you spread out like a whore… I bet that's an image that will not soon leave his head. See like I said before ruined."
Fighting the urge to end him where he fucking stood, I couldn't help but think maybe Sandoval was right about one thing. That image, the way Eric found me was a memory still so fresh in his mind. How could he not want to take control, handle everything, and protect me. In that moment I knew Pam was right, I wasn't angry at him I was angry at myself, I was angry at Sandoval and Castro, even Xavier but not the Viking. Maybe the toxins were starting to wear thin, or I was just now seeing it through his eyes… I wasn't sure. All I knew was I wasn't going to let them win.
"You know nothing Spencer as you will undoubtably see when my lover gets here." I grinned before snapping my fingers removing his clothing. "You and your little band of sexual predators have accomplished nothing. I am not broken, Castro's bitter blood was not forced on me, and I am still bonded to my lover. Want to know something vampire? I prayed for you, while you were on top of me taking what wasn't yours. I hoped for your sake Eric found you before I did."
Niall Brigant POV
When I returned to skye I couldn't shake the feeling that my great granddaughter was up to something. It was impossible that she learned of the prophecy, Brigant's have scrubbed the history from the realm since before the vampire wars. Even their book of light had been destroyed, the legend of the fifth clan reduced to broken fairy tales whispered to children while the origin of the supernatural world died with time.
I knew the moment I saw her, her light called to the darkness searching for its other half. I didn't know where it came from or why she had it, but it was inside of her and I felt it.
No matter how many times I intervened showing her what these beasts were capable of, she still sought them out. Bill Compton had been the catalyst and it snowballed from there. When I found out Lorena Ball hadn't killed him as I ordered, I found the Pelt girl but not even her shoving Sookie in that trunk showed her the true nature of those abominations. It wasn't until I paid Ocella to remove the Viking from her life I thought I finally had won. That after they both failed my test with the cluviel dor, he would set her aside and she would live a human life with the shifter and the prophecy would die with her. I didn't even consider their love was real, but maybe it was, all I knew was Eric Northman owned her in some unnatural way I had yet to understand.
I will say one thing the girl had spirit, she never gave up and against all odds grew her spark driven by her "love" for that savage. That's when I realized the prophecy could work in my favor. I could groom her to be the one true queen until the it was fulfilled, and absolute control of the entire realm reverted to me, but I would need to have control of her. Indulging my granddaughter with that vampire, breaking a contract I helped create was my biggest mistake.
I thought the Viking was a phase she would outgrow an infatuation, not even Xavier or Cyrus could entice her, but it wasn't until after Anton's mysterious death and Aurelius the earth kings cover up, I knew the realm was watching her. I needed her allegiance and supporting her vampire desires was the only way to get it, not my brightest move I mused.
One of many mistakes I thought, thinking of the two fairies. The traitors I had raised, trained, and molded because of their light. It wasn't as strong as Sookie's since the bloodlines have been diluted over the many years but testing eventually confirmed it. I thought I had their absolute loyalty especially Becker, Killian on the other hand had always been a wild card.
I had my great great niece watching him and my granddaughter before her unfortunate death. Solana was the better choice of the two girls, she followed orders without question and wasn't impulsive like her sister. She was able to gain Sookie's trust, reporting my granddaughters every move and deepest secret which almost always included the vampire. One thing that caught my attention was the connection Killian shared with her. It was so deep, strong, and absolutely unexplainable that the two adopted one another as kin and I couldn't help but wonder if it was the light that pulled them together. I should have killed him then.
Thinking back to the council meeting I couldn't help wondering what my granddaughter was planning. By all accounts she shouldn't have been there, but Earth fae's pure grace had brought her back to the world of the living. Now that she had transcended, she would have the full backing of the realm. Attempting to bring her here would mean war and not just with fae. I finally saw for the first time I never really had control over her. How would she play this out from here, how long would I have to wait for her death until a true Brigant finally rules the realm I wondered as Jones walked in the door interrupting my thoughts.
"She's out here, want me to send her in?"
"Yes, you fool" I bellowed my voice echoing through the large room.
"Uncle, how lovely to see you." The fairy smiled cruelly as she sauntered towards the desk. "Castro is laying low, but I have bad news… she has a whole fairy mod squad I saw it firsthand before I pulled Felipe out of there. He thinks they got Sandoval and your commander. You should have seen the look on the Northman's face when he busted in while Castro was fucking his precious Sookie it was priceless. They played many games with her, let's see how deep the Vikings love really is." She giggled coldly.
"You fool, they were only supposed to hold her until the Viking could be taken out of the picture. Were you trying to fuck everything up with your vendetta?" I growled. "You better hide that vampire and pray our connection to this doesn't come out Soleera, if it does it will be a domino effect. Do not test me on this or I will turn you into a pile of dust myself."
"Maybe I am done getting my revenge… maybe I'm not." She winked before popping away leaving me to deal with another one of my many mistakes.
Eric POV
I could only stand there and watch partially filled with lust as my fairy danced around the vampire like a martial arts ballerina slicing the naked Sandoval with each methodical movement she made. Blood spray spattered her white leggings and sports bra while she twirled and dipped delighting in the pain she caused the vampire. It was fucking beautiful I thought as he howled in agony begging her to stop while she laughed cruelly taunting him with her words.
We watched in silence, undetected as she extracted a form a justice I found brutally satisfying. Glancing to Pam I saw the feral look in her eyes but there was something else behind it, something that made her shut the bond down and it wasn't what I was witnessing right now. Grabbing her arm, we quietly slipped into the hall while the fairy stealthily closed the door somewhat quieting the music behind it.
"Tell me now Pamela" I growled.
"It's not her fault Viking, we were just trying to help. Brigant should be in medical until the last of the toxins are out of her system. They can put you in an extremely negative head space especially when you've been though some shit and we can all agree she's been through the fucking ringer. She's angry at everyone right now and not in her right mind."
"Yes, she called me Mr. Northman at the council meeting, and I could feel her anger." I scowled at the fairy before noticing their exchanged glances which told me there was much more to this story. "So how the fuck did you two try to help."
"Eric… it's my fault," Pam winced reaching in her pocket before dropping what she retrieved in my hand. When I saw the ring, I could only stare at it in stunned silence wondering what the hell the meaning of this was. "She left it on the desk upstairs, she thinks you'll want it back. She didn't think you would love her the same… I tried to talk some fucking sense into her, asked her to fairy share it with me so I could help her work through this for your sake as much as her. She said no… but I pushed it…"
"AND…" I hissed watching her eyes drop to the floor momentarily.
"I threatened to drain her if she didn't show me and she fucking lost it. I shut the bond down right before she gave me exactly what I asked for. When I saw the pain it caused her, I knew I fucked up."
"Why in the hell would you do that Pam?"
"I was afraid you would ask Eric; I was trying to protect you both." She frowned raising her perfectly arched brow.
"I read her statement and that was enough, I would have never asked to see that you fucking idiots."
"We really were just trying to help Viking." Killian spoke softly. "You aren't the only one that worries about Brigant, you aren't the only one that loves her. I know my sister she would have never left that ring upstairs… I encouraged Pam, I needed to know if there was something she wouldn't tell us, something she would hide like Anton… or if it was just the drug."
"So, what's your fucking conclusion genius" I growled snatching the fairy up.
"Calm down big guy, we are certain it's the drug which means she's pretty close to exiting the window…"
"There is something though" Pam interrupted. "She knows how you found her, and she blames herself for everything. I saw it, there was nothing she could have done differently Eric."
"It's a fucking Brigant thing vampire, let me go." Killian snarled before I dropped him. "She hates losing, always blames herself. It was the same way with Gregor initially, the drug is amplifying it and she has no control."
How on earth could she possibly blame herself for any of this I thought looking down at the ring before shoving it in my pocket. Why in the hell would she think I wanted this gem anywhere but on her finger, she is mine and nothing those fucking animals did could ever change that… I wasn't sure how, but I had to prove it to her.
"Go" I raised my hand waving in dismissal to "Dear Abby" and her fairy sidekick before creeping back into the room.
When my presence caught Spencer's attention, Sookie stopped momentarily frozen with her back to me snapping Beethoven off before walking silently to the counter tossing the blade down as she grabbed the bottle of whiskey and emptied it. After watching what she had done to the vampire my lust was in overdrive I wanted to bend her over that counter and take her. All I could focus on was her ass and how fucking amazing it looked in those pants as I took in her backside with lust before realizing the old scars were gone.
"See Spencer, I told you he would come." Sookie glanced over to the vampire whose body still trembled with pain. "Me and my new friend here had a bet, he thinks you are done with me, I think you're not… Tell me who wins Viking" She asked turning to me, leaning against the counter before her sparkling eyes met mine and her face lit up. She was fucking gorgeous, covered in blood wearing the most beautiful smile. I thought I felt the need to take her before, but now it was a raw animalistic desire that demanded action causing me to instantly stiffen. Trying to remove the thought from my head, I fought the primal lust reminding myself of Neave and Lochlan and how my touch made her feel after what they had done.
As if sensing my hesitation, she tuned back into the bond and I felt her lust flood in. It was something I wasn't expecting, maybe the fairy was right after all I thought taking her in my arm lifting her up kissing those beautiful lips passionately before her legs circled my waist and her arms wrapped tightly around my neck. I felt the electricity of her touch stronger than ever. I didn't want this moment to end, it was as if we were once again reunited after years apart and I desperately fucking needed her but not here, not with that animal watching. When I pulled my lips from hers, I glanced to Sandoval remembering the words in her statement.
"That isn't even a question lover, of course you win," I grinned kissing the tip of her nose mentally noting just how remarkable she was. The toxin had to be practically out of her system because I could feel her control, her anger towards Sandoval, and her desire that was calling to me.
"Ah Northman, I was wondering when you would show your face. You done letting your bitches do all the work?" Spencer tried to grin as blood gurgled from his mouth.
"I see you started without me my little Valkyrie."
"I did, the gods were not on his side" Sookie smiled wickedly enticing my need even more. "I prayed for him, I hoped for his sake you got to him before I did. Unfortunately, he wasn't that lucky."
"Yeah, your fucking fairy got me pretty good" he tried to chuckle, taking in the lacerations of various depths that covered the surface of his body. "That's why the bitch needed to be drugged after that we spread her wide open and she took it like a good little slut. Tell me Viking, how'd it feel watching the old man fuck that fine piece of ass, your woman is one hell of a ride."
I could feel Sookie tense up as our bond filled with her fear and I knew the thing she was most afraid of was not what they did to her… It wasn't even me knowing, it was how I would see her, love her, desire her after they viciously used her. "Ingenting kommer någonsin att förändra hur jag känner för dig. (Nothing will ever change the way I feel about you.)" I whispered brushing my hand down her cheek reassuring her she had nothing to worry about in our bond before turning my attention back to that motherfucker Spencer Sandoval.
"I felt like it was such a waste of my lovers many talents. I mean she was unconscious; he might as well have been fucking a corpse" I grinned rubbing Sookie's thigh. "Such a shame since she is truly an exceptional lover when she's not being fucking violated by deviants."
"Oh, it was exceptional, and I violated it a hundred different ways, loosened that snatch right up for you Viking" he snorted.
Glancing down at that thing re-growing he called a dick I laughed. "I highly doubt that Sandoval."
I remained stone cold on the outside, but inside I wanted to rip his fucking head off right then and there knowing exactly what he had done to her, what they had both done while she was incapacitated and unable to defend herself but Sookie had already tore him to shreds with her blade. As much as I wanted to send him to his final death now was not the time. His end would be slow and merciless coming only after I got my hands on that fucking asshole Felipe de Castro.
"Ask her what we did together, all those hours of fucking and feeding it was unforgettable." He laughed before spitting out a mouthful of blood.
Sookie started giggling before he finished his sentence. "Spencer, you give yourself far too much credit, you are nobody, nothing, already forgotten. The only thing that was truly unforgettable was being forced to watch you and Castro fuck on top of me."
"I see you two are still playing that game" I scowled knowing all too well the stories I had heard. "I will see you later Sandoval and we will continue this discussion then, after you've healed of course." I grinned carrying my lover from the room ignoring the vampire's incoherent Portuguese rantings.
When we got into the hallway, I pressed her to wall uncontrollably dropping my fangs as I gazed at her blood streaked face. "You have no idea how bad I want you right now, how much I love you" I growled with lust devouring her lips before moving to her neck feeling her desire match mine.
"Do you promise" she whispered so softy if I were human, I wouldn't have heard it.
Leaning my forehead to hers I couldn't help but stare shockingly into her eyes, how could this woman possibly think this would change the way I felt about her I thought rubbing her cheek… "För evigheten är du min och jag kommer aldrig att släppa dig. Jag svär det till Odin själv. (For eternity, you are mine and I will never let you go. I swear it to Odin himself.)" I whispered.
"Prove it Viking" she pleaded begging me with her eyes before we were teleported to the bedroom.
I could feel her ordering me to take her right then and there, needing to see if I would somehow be different. I wanted to give her everything she was asking for, prove to her nothing had changed, and it took everything I had not succumb to her silent demands. I knew she was physically healed, but I was afraid that mentally she wasn't ready. After everything I was in no hurry to rush in and fuck things up, I thought laying her on the bed as I gently began removing her clothing before she impatiently fairy stripped me.
"Don't make me beg Vampire" she pouted sexily before pulling me down to the bed straddling me with body. Her beautiful breasts were taunting me, begging me to ravage them and I would I thought giving in to her need letting the lust take over. I couldn't help it, I had to have her, I needed her like I have never needed anything else.
Grabbing her face, I pulled her into me taking her lips passionately with force conveying just how much I wanted her, how much I desired her before I flipped over on top of her. Moving down her neck with my mouth until I was suckling her nipples, I could feel her body pushing against me begging for more as my hand spread her thighs caressing the warmth until it moistened before I teased her with my fingers. She squealed in pleasure each sound louder than the last until I couldn't stand it any longer. I was so fucking hard it hurt.
"I need you" I demanded flipping her back on top guiding her body down to my lap before my hard shaft slid inside filling her completely as the euphoric sensation of her hot wetness pulsated around it squeezing me in its embrace. Every movement she made was electric, teasing my cock with each stroke causing waves of pleasure to ripple throughout my body. My hands caressed her perfect ass and my lips devoured her face and neck as I felt her vibrate around me. She on the edge, begging for it when my fangs dropped. I saw the look in her eyes before I bit my wrist, she wanted it, needed it, and I was going to give it to her. I wanted her to take it, I needed it in that moment just as much as she did.
"You are mine woman don't you ever doubt that" I growled sinking fangs into her beautiful tan flesh as she drank from me instantly exploding, she moaned with such force I couldn't hold back. Filling her with my seed the intensity of the release overtook me. I shook as if an earthquake had gone off under us. If I were fucking human, I would have had a heart attack I thought as she sunk into me before I wrapped my arms around her still trembling with the aftershocks of our love. We just sat there in each other embrace for what felt like an hour before I moved.
Unwilling to let go I carried her to the bathroom holding her tightly while we sat on the edge of the oversized tub.
"Thank you, Eric, for not treating me as if I were broken." She sighed as water began filling the bath.
"Why would I? You told me yourself you are unbreakable" I grinned as she looked up to me smiling, knowing it probably wasn't the truth, but she needed to hear that I believed it. When the tub was filled, I put her in the water sliding in behind her as I grabbed the loofah and began washing the traces of blood from her skin only then remembering the scars.
"No more saved battle wounds my love?"
"No" she grinned leaning back into me. "I think those are now lessons I know well enough, no need to hang onto them any longer."
We sat there in silence while I finished washing the blood from her body, knowing exactly why she no longer needed to hang on to them. They were nothing compared to what she just went through. I have seen many women on the battlefield savagely taken, very few were ever the same. I didn't understand why she seemed so unchanged by this, it was the complete opposite of her time with the fairies and I couldn't figure out whether I was relieved or worried.
When she rolled over placing her arms around my waist and her head on my chest, I stared into her beautiful smiling face, realizing I didn't fucking care why, the only thing I cared about was her. That she was here, alive, and in my arms the rest of the shit we can face as it comes.
"Wherever you put my jeans, your ring is in the pocket," I grinned. "Next time put it on your finger where it belongs wife."
"I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking clearly husband." She purred rubbing her hand across my chest and I had to admit I loved the sound of that word coming out of those gorgeous lips. Kissing her forehead, I wanted to take her again until the knock came at the door followed by an argument on the other side before it burst open and I heard her.
"They are done Killian grow some balls" Pam hissed as she casually strolled into the bathroom, instantly raising her brow grinning at the sight of Sookie's supple ass poking out of the water. "Mmmm I hate to interrupt my favorite couple, but we have multiple sources confirming Castro is in Mexico hold up with a fairy. By the way Sookie your radio was live, and I just have to say your ass is…" Pam winked stopping midsentence when Killian elbowed her.
"Yes, a disturbing sight that will haunt me. Not quite sure what was worse the audio play by play, the sounds coming out of this room after I switched channels, or the fact that your ass is staring at me." The fairy wrinkled his nose. "Can we put a washcloth over that or something, try to hide it a little?"
"Pam" Sookie started, "I'm so sorry…"
"You have nothing to be sorry for lover. It serves her right, she did after all threaten to drain you." My eyes darted to the pair of wanna be therapists. "Leave us."
As they left all I could think about was my need to destroy that fucking vampire. I was going to rip him apart slowly piece by piece I thought remember the sight of him on top of Sookie. I couldn't fucking protect her from Castro, and it killed me. I knew what that sick fuck would do to her… his indiscretions were well known, the contract only slowed him down… but he would pay for he took.
Felipe de Castro POV
The pain was finally subsiding when the fairy returned, and I knew Spencer was healing. That Viking had him and now he was playing the same game I had played with him, I thought remembering the condition I left the fairy in hoping we ruined Northman's little toy. I haven't met a creature I couldn't break but there was something wild about Sookie Stackhouse that was irresistible yet almost untamable.
How in the hell had they found us I wondered, the location was completely untraceable, hidden, and well secured. If I didn't know any better, I would say they had someone on the inside but even the guards were not privy to our coordinates. Eric Northman was smarter than I gave him credit for unfortunately. It's a good thing that Sandoval's fairy liked to watch I thought picturing the look on his face when she knocked him off me and zapped us out of there.
"The prince wants us to lay low and stay off the radar. As you can imagine his connection to this can't come out if he wants to take control of the realm once his little pet project dies, but I have an idea. A fun little game we could play." The fairy grinned coldly before snapping her fingers and changing into the Stackhouse girl right before my eyes. "What if it was your word against hers?"
"What are you talking about fairy?" Raising my brow, I grinned at the devious creature who now looked enchanting realizing I didn't even know her real name. My progeny had called Leera but since the water princess was now dead, I wondered what her true identity was and what drove her to hate Sookie so passionately.
Dragging her finger across my chest she dropped behind me whispering into my ear. "I think you should release a public statement denying all accusations."
"What good would that do fairy; the Viking saw it with his own eyes." I growled failing to see the bigger picture.
"What did he really see? Rough sex, his woman cheating on him… it's all about perspective Felipe" she said before licking my ear.
I wasn't quite sure what the fairy had in mind, but I was up for anything that made the Viking look like a fool and could possibly clear my name. I might just have to throw my progeny under the bus to pull this off, but I could live with that I thought closing my bond to him. I was frothing with excitement at the idea of getting away with this free and clear, the look on the Vikings face will be priceless when everyone thinks his woman is nothing more than a common slut.
Sookie POV
Eric was waiting downstairs with Pam and Killian while I got dressed. He wanted me to go with them, not wanting to take his eyes off me I'm sure, but there was just too much to do before returning to Shreveport. Which reminded me I haven't told him about that yet, not that I think he would care but I just need to get out of here and back to "normal" if you could call anything about my life normal.
Planning on working the night away I pulled on my favorite holey blue jeans and a white crop tee, before throwing my hair into a high messy bun and snapping a face on. Nothing drastic, just the basics eyeliner, mascara, blush, and gloss… sometimes I just felt better with a bit of makeup on I thought staring at my reflection in the mirror, thinking today wasn't going to be one of those days. Maybe I would take a run down the mountain to clear my head I thought wondering if my beautiful vampire could ski before I remembered the ring.
Snagging his jeans from the floor I pulled it from the pocket. Staring at the beautiful jewel I couldn't help thinking what a fucking idiot I had been… Sookie Stackhouse drama queen I laughed. I was never really mad at Eric, but I can't deny I have dark feelings about what happened that aren't as easy to push away as I assumed they would be, guess there was no training I could have taken for that shit. Maybe I just need a few days I thought grabbing an oversized Bon Temp sweatshirt that use to be Jason's before heading downstairs.
Walking into the dining room I pushed everything from my head before Eric pulled me into his arms. God, he smelled so good, I could stay here for the rest of the night with my head on his chest inhaling that magnificent scent of his. I didn't want him to leave I thought but instantly pushed it out of my head taking a step back.
"I don't have to go my lover" he said with a raised brow and I could see the look of concern covering his face.
"Yes, you do," I grinned poking him in the chest. "If you stay here, I will get nothing done."
"I won't be gone long, do not leave." He growled in a way that hit me like a freight train of lust. I loved him ordering me around, but I wouldn't admit that shit.
"I will see what I can do vampire but no promises. Now go find that asshole." I winked watching him scowl silently telling me to keep my fairy ass here before he kissed my forehead.
As I watched my Viking leave Killian handed me the operational report and I read it entirely before glancing back to my brother.
"You want a drink, to go with your reading porn star?" he grinned watching me too closely, it was the same way he acted after Gregor and it reminded me of something. I've been through this shit more than once, and this time was no different I thought cracking my neck before taking the whiskey from his hand.
"Of course, I do, and I will tell you something only once so don't let it go to your head. You were right, I should have gone to the infirmary, but I was in full bitch mode as you called it." I grinned emptying the glass before he gave me a fairy re-fill noticeably less on edge. "All I'm going to say is bad shit happened, I can't change it but I won't let it define me… so don't you let it define me Killian don't think about it when you look at me, that's how we get through this brother."
He said nothing only scooped me up into his arms and I couldn't deny that was exactly what I needed from him right then. It's another thing I would never admit out loud, but Killian was more my brother than Jason had been. Don't get my wrong I loved him; I still do but he judged me in a way this fairy never has. He has never seen me as "crazy Sookie" the fang-banger.
"Ok break it up." Lannister grinned entering the room as Killian put me down. "I think queen bee has had enough groping for one night."
"You would think, but I bet you are wrong. Watch I wasn't joking they fuck like rabbits," Killian laughed. "Our little virgin all grown up."
"Shut up you fools" I smiled feeling instantly better just being around my fairies. It was the same feeling I had around Eric… it was calming, safe, and I craved it.
"Got your maps ready, sent the link to command center, just saying I better get a top floor residence" he winked. "I mean I am a bit jealous Killian gets to live in a house right by you, but that's just me. Anyways, Portia estimates the tiger will be up in three hours or less, the vampire is healed waiting for round two, Elaine needs to speak to the Viking about the blood testing, and Jax squared is reporting wolf activity in town. Let's not forget we've had Becker on ice for days and the earth prince is bringing his ummm that rotten peach Adelynn in for questioning. ETA is 2 hours so you got a packed schedule boss."
"Well let's get this party rolling" I grinned holding my glass up before downing the contents.
When we entered C1 where Becker was waiting, I couldn't help but notice the look of shock in the fairy's eyes at the sight of me. I knew what he had done to get in the seat he now occupied, and I had complete trust in him. He was always part of whiskey tango protocol, but I had to test him, my gut feeling wasn't enough to ensure he was the fairy I thought he was.
"I've been waiting for the vampire, but I see now he was busy retrieving you princess. I got your letter and followed every instruction you have my allegiance, my blood oath… and it was something I could easily give to you, a child of the light." Becker only grinned as Killian and I stared in confusion.
"I know you swore the oath, you would not have found this place otherwise. Benson gave you the instruction before Killian ditched you. You left the letter for my lover and you saved my brother, for that I owe you a great debt."
"He ditched me mid-air" Becker growled at Killian before he returned his attention to me.
"I didn't know if you could be trusted, it was my order. I am sorry I had to test you, but I couldn't have any doubt. Now what is this "child of the light" shit?"
"It's you, that fairy you call brother, and me. Your Brigant blood clouded my judgement but I knew it after the ascention when you told me you were the fool girl and I understood why the idiot was attracted to you. We are what is left of the fifth clan, the keepers of the light. I felt the connection to Killian immediately but you… I didn't. Now here you sit before me and it is stronger than ever. What has happened?"
I tossed Becker the operational report and let him read it waiting to question him on his obvious knowledge of this mysterious prophecy.
"I see you are my queen now and no longer a Brigant," he grinned looking up from the pages. "My great great grandfather was the last true knight of the realm. A keeper of our history, or what was left of it. The tale was passed for millenniums distorted and broken over time, essentially lost when the book was destroyed. He hoped he would see the savior in his lifetime, to be able to defend our true queen and help lead our people back to the realm, but he passed to the darkness denied entry to the summerlands."
"You were orphaned" I hissed… unconsciously not believing him.
"Yes, to be taken in by the skye prince. Unlike Kilian's parents who were murdered. Brigant's are collectors of our blood, they are attracted to the light. It calls to them like it calls to the darkness, but their only desire is gaining control of the realm. My heritage wasn't revealed to me until I was a young man, visited by an old fool who told me a story. I've never looked back since hoping a Brigant found "the one" in my lifetime and now here the queen sits before me."
I glanced to Killian and knew the one question he had was the same as mine.
"What is this darkness that called him."
"Our curse," he relied without hesitation. "The plane that was once the capital, now cast into darkness destroyed by Magus Brigant… it calls us home, denying our entry to the summerlands… it's how they've have kept their secret."
Unable to refrain Killian's eyes bore down on me. "The shadow realm" he snorted but I already knew instantly thinking of the goblin and his words. He was a ghost of the past, part of a dead clan that saw me as their queen.
"What if I told you I have been to the darkness, so has Killian and the rest of my team."
"It's impossible, you can only go there in death… but if you were there it means you are all light fae"
We sat there for another thirty minutes while Becker told us what he knew of the prophecy which didn't provide us with any additional information. Apparently after the book was destroyed the information was passed down in stories and tales that became warped and twisted over time. I couldn't help but look at the fairy and think I had found a knight, now I needed the key before this final test, I thought wondering what new horrifying challenge awaited me. I didn't know what it was, I didn't need to all I knew was I doubted it was going to be something easy. I'm just not that lucky.