CHAPTER 22: Nothing but DRAMA
Killian POV
The sounds coming out of the tiger's cell reminded me of a horror movie I thought as Gavin and I stood silently outside listening to the wails of pain followed by the Vikings laughter. For a minute I almost felt sorry for ole purple eyes hearing how bad Northman was working him over, but my pity was short lived remembering the words in the report.
When everything went quiet the door flew open and the vampire stalked out. I couldn't help but take a step back when he glared at me, seeing the blood dripping from his face and exposed fangs. I was not about to get in his way I decided before he tore the door open to Sandoval's cell. I was almost shaking hoping that fool Spencer would run his mouth as he had done to me and sure enough, he did.
"I know Exactly what you did Vampire and you will pay for it over and over until I decide to end you." Northman growled before attacking Spencer who was frankly outmatched. He pummeled him, beating the weaker vamp until he was bloody and senseless before ripping his arm off throwing it to the ground. "I will skin you alive and remove every trace of her before you meet your true death."
When the Viking came out of the Sandoval's cell Gavin and I stepped back giving him a wide girth. "He needs blood to heal," Eric hissed. I knew he was caught up in that whole vamp rage thing but the look he was giving me was a warning, a threat, it said "I want to kill you Killian" and I about pissed myself wondering why this hostility was directed at me.
"You ok big guy" I grinned smacking him on the shoulder instantly wishing I kept my hands to myself.
"You should not have pushed Pam to see Sookie's memory. It was not your place to know, and it wasn't hers to see it. Don't ever cross that line again fairy or I will drain you myself and my lover will forgive me." He coldly stated and I couldn't figure out where this was coming from until it dawned on me, he saw what happened. I could only stare at him shocked doubting Brigant would ever share that memory with him willingly. Shit she had kept Anton a secret for nearly twenty-five years.
"She showed you?" I demanded but his hesitation was all the answer I needed before the pieces slowly fell together. "You fucking hypocrite," I sneered. "You touched her didn't you. She forced the memory onto Quinn, and you couldn't resist could you." As much as I understood why he would do it, I wasn't about to stand there and get lectured by this vampire even if he was my future brother in law. "As far as I am concerned you crossed a line too Viking, you are the last person she would want to share that memory with."
"Is that right?" he hissed taking a step towards us.
"Of course, it is fool. She doesn't want you to see her as weak, to pity her, to know everything they did. She puts up a good front but you and I both know vampire she is not as unbreakable as she claims to be. If what you saw is going to be a problem, if you can't look at her the same let me know right now and I will end you before you break her heart again."
"And you call me the fool fairy," Northman laughed. "Nothing I saw could ever change the way I feel about her you fucking idiot. She was not weak; she was the strongest woman I have ever seen in my life… How could I pity that?"
"Well now that we are on the same page, I will note your anger at my interference. But you should also make a mental note I'm her bother, I'm the one that's spent the last half century with her…." Grabbing my shirt, the vampire lifted me from the ground slamming my body to the wall as Gavin stood there like a tool doing absolutely nothing. "Ok I get it blondie; I shouldn't have said that. I intentionally "poked the bear" as Brigant would say. I have no doubt you would have been with her if you could have. I'm sorry I shouldn't have thrown that in your face."
"You are forgiven asshole but only because I love Sookie, but don't test me again… she is mine."
"Oh yes I know, I was wondering when you were going to throw a "she's mine" in there. Now maybe get yourself cleaned up Becker said there was some ancient robed creature with the shaman and council president." I grinned before he instantly dropped me, and I didn't like the look on his face.
"The ancient pythoness?"
"Yeah that was it" I raised my brow watching the look on his face change from "serial murderer" to one that read panicked boyfriend. "Is this a bad thing?"
"I don't know."
I led the Viking to the conference room, but he refused to open the door and I couldn't tell if it was because he looked like a hot mess or he was afraid of this creature. I have never seen Eric Northman back down from anything not even in Brigant's memories so to say I was surprised was an understatement.
Not being able to hear the words on the other side I glanced to the Viking reading the look of fear that now covered his face assuming whatever was being said couldn't be good. When the door opened, I darted around the corner attempting to hide before hearing her voice ask for me. As I peeked over, I could see Brigant shaking her head glaring at me, of course her annoyance was directed at me and not goldie locks who could do no wrong.
Following Sookie into the room I almost gasped out loud taking in the haggard appearance of the ancient creature who was standing from the table walking towards me. I imagined her huddled in a dark cave feeding on rats during the bubonic plague, before my awesome sister commanded me to take the beast home. I was being punished I thought before popping away with the ancient pythoness who belonged back in the dark ages.
Sookie POV
After dressing Pam, I snapped into the gorgeous white three-quarter sleeve dress Killian had chosen for me just days ago. It was fitted without showing too much I thought pairing it with white fairy wedges, you know those ones with the ribbons that criss cross your calf until you tie them in a bow. Adding the crown my grandfather had given me, I glanced over to my old friend, I guess soon to be stepdaughter, or daughter… honestly, I wasn't sure how that all worked but I could see the anticipation covering her face.
She knew as well as I did a council president had not sat with an elder shaman ever, it was unheard of. There was a bloodline feud that went back to the beginning of time yet here they were… Constantine Aimar and Johann Meyers sitting together in the same room, if this wasn't the kind of meeting that said "Queen of the Realm" I didn't know what was, I thought opening the door as my vampire's child followed behind.
When I saw her sitting there in between them I almost froze feeling Pam's fear inside the Viking's head mingling with his blood lust. Now was not the time to unnecessarily worry him I thought holding up my hand whispering, "Shut it down". I knew he was in with Quinn and the last thing he needed was a distraction that could give the tiger an upper hand.
Watching their eyes interrogate us while we walked up, I knew now was the time to play my part it was a role I had been preparing decades for thanks to Niall.
"Come to me child, stand before me" the ancient pythoness demanded. It had been years since I had seen her, but she still terrified me. Thank god I was no longer the simple girl that interrupted her, I knew who I was this time, what I had sacrificed to be here or so I thought. "Ah the child I met, is not the fairy who stands before me. Take my hand show me who you are." She ordered grabbing my wrist as I watched Constantine's eyes widen before darting to the shaman both men eager to hear what the ancient one said next. "She is the one, the prophecy has finally come to light, our escape from the darkness is coming…" she paused, "once the choice is made, but it has to be hers. They cannot interfere."
"Tell me about the prophecy" I demanded watching her eyes.
She just sat there grinning before her eyes narrowed and she erupted into laughter. It was alarming to say the least, the sounds coming from her were like nails on a chalkboard that pierced my ears. Glancing back to Pam I couldn't help but feel like maybe she was right, maybe the Viking should be here, but it was too late for that.
"The prophecy is broken, the facts deteriorated with time, the last of its story died with the girl as did all hope. Yet, here she stands before me a thousand years later alive and well with a light more powerful than I have ever felt, it beckons me home just as it calls to the darkness searching for its other half. Your fate is intertwined with the dark prince… You died for him many times, and you'll do it again."
"Eric Northman?"
Cackling with that hideous laughter I could only watch silently before she stopped. Leaning into my face her lips twisted curling into an insidious grin as she spoke. "Perhaps child but fate can be fickle."
"Why do you speak in riddles? Is this all you can tell me? I'm going to die… I have a choice to make that will kill me. Tell me something fucking useful Ancient one." I growled unable to control the anger building inside of me.
"Calm yourself fairy I cannot interpret what the fates have in store for you. All I can tell you is what I've seen inside of you and what I know," she hissed. "Anyone who knows what the see-er said that day all those millenniums ago is dead, when Gabriel delivers the book to your demon you will learn the answers, we all want to know. But I can tell you one thing child, you have forged this destiny yourself all in the name of love. Don't give up on it, it will be tested."
"Who is Gabriel?" I questioned absently wondering why I would give up on Eric.
I could only watch her as she glanced to the ceiling closing her eyes before whispering, "an Archangel". Of course, I thought why not, let's add some angels into the mix as if things aren't already complicated enough. I mean I hadn't really thought about it, but I guess with fairies, vampires, shifters, demons, and everything else why wouldn't angels exist.
"Do you know who I was, where my story started?" I scowled testing her knowing I had part of the name.
"Sokaria Brinton the fairy princess who died well before her time."
"Brinton? Are you sure of this ancient one?"
"Of course, I am… the fairy did not want to be the child bride of the Skye King." She sneered, "It's funny the things the spools of fate will show you, and it's interesting what they keep to themselves. You've done well hiding yourself up until now."
"Is Niall Brigant a threat?"
"Child don't waste my time with questions you already know the answers to." She scoffed pausing momentarily to smell the air. "Your vampire is pacing outside the door and he smells of the tiger's blood." She laughed coldly, "Bring one of your fairies to take me home, I am tired now."
Pam stood there motionless as I walked to the door knowing Eric was waiting on the other side. When I saw his worried blood covered face, I felt a surge of lust knowing Quinn was finally out of my life and my lover was the one who made him pay for his betrayal. "Mmm Viking, as much I love seeing you covered in blood it's not a good look right now." I grinned snapping my fingers giving him a fairy cleanup and a set of fresh clothes. "Can you grab Killian and bring him in here…" I stopped shaking my head when my brother peeked around the corner.
Returning to the room with my vampire I instantly felt better knowing he was by my side, I wondered just how much he had heard hoping the whole "you'll die" part wasn't included. Ordering Killian to take the Ancient Pythoness home I couldn't help noticing the repulsed look on his face when he caught sight of her. Serves him right for ease dropping I thought taking pleasure in his visible discomfort.
"Pamela leave us." The Viking said coldly as I glanced from him to her wondering what the hell that was all about, but she said nothing silently exiting the room as we took our seats across from the president and the shaman. When I turned the bond back on, I could tell he wasn't happy, but with all the shit happening there was no point in assuming why. It could legitimately be one of a hundred different things.
"We apologize for the late hour your excellence, but the demon insisted this was an urgent matter that couldn't wait." The council president smiled sliding the papers across the table. "Now that the ancient one has spoken; I can see the lawyer was right. Let's just hope the pythoness wasn't correct about everything she said." His eyes shifted to Eric momentarily and my vampire instantly stiffened. The feelings coming from our bond confirmed it, he definitely heard the part about my impending death.
"Indeed, Mr. president. You don't mind if I read these first do you. I mean with my run of luck, it's better to be safe than sorry."
"I would expect nothing less, but please call me Constantine." He smiled
"I know who you are Constantine Aimar just as I know that is Johann Meyers sitting beside you." I winked catching both men off guard. Reading the documents, I noticed one major change. In the event of my death the contract would be null and void. I could live with that, well… maybe I won't I thought laughing internally but at least Niall Brigant would not benefit from my doomed fate. I couldn't help wondering how my end would come until I felt Eric's hand gently rubbing my thigh before I decided right then and there, I wasn't going to die… I won't allow it fuck fate.
After signing the pages, I silently slid them back watching the two men follow suit. "Now that we have that settled Mr. Meyers, the realm demands red moon for the fugitive Felipe de Castro. I don't care what you do to him as long as he is delivered alive."
"Call me Johann" he smiled reaching his hand out to shake mine. "Had the fairy prince signed the original contract we would already be out there looking for him, Castro has many enemies just waiting for the order to come down including my great grandson, He will meet with you tomorrow to update the realm on our progress." The wolf grinned glancing to Eric and I could feel tension fill the air, all I could hope was this wasn't going to cause any more problems.
"Excellent" I smiled standing from the table before walking them to the lobby noticing Alcide was still sitting there.
When the council president and the shaman exited the building the wolf slowly walked towards us before Eric wrapped his arms around me, his silent claim was making a statement to Alcide and I couldn't blame him. Pam told me what the wolf accused him of, and I was pissed, my feelings hurt, but most of all it felt like a betrayal that he would think my Viking would ever do anything to injure me. He still saw him as my "big mistake" and I was over it.
"Are you ok Stackhouse? I'm worried about you."
"Unless you have come over here to apologize, I don't want to hear anything that comes out of your mouth Alcide Herveaux." Eric's arms tightened around my shoulders and I could feel his anger and confusion ripple through our bond. We had showed up together missing the confrontation between the wolf and Pam, but I wasn't about to give my old friend a free pass. "I can get over what you assumed about me, but not what you accused Eric of. I know you don't like him, but I do and you're going to have to learn to respect that. This is the one warning I will give you."
"Explain wolf" the Viking growled.
"Shit Sook you're right. I'm sorry Eric, when I saw the video, I thought…"
"You thought what Alcide" he hissed looking the him up and down shaking his head in disgust. "I don't know what pisses me off more wolf the fact you would think I am capable of hurting her like that, or that you thought she was willingly with Castro." I could feel his rage surging knowing the memory of what he saw earlier was doing nothing but baiting the intensity of his anger. "Go home before you end up like the tiger."
Saying nothing Alcide turned walking out of the building knowing he fucked up.
Eric POV
As we stood in the lobby watching the wolf leave it took everything, I had to restrain myself from killing him. We've had our differences over the years, Sookie being one of them but for him to think I could hurt her the way Castro and Sandoval did infuriated me. I get that the video looked bad, but to "rage out" on her while Pam just stood back and watched was a problem that even my lover saw. The wolf only has one more strike and he better hope he doesn't fuck up.
Once he was finally gone from my sight, I couldn't help repeating the ancient one's words in my head. I had hoped that I heard her wrong but the way Aimar looked at me confirmed it. What was this choice that only Sookie could make, and how would she die again? "Again" I thought taking in the gravity of this situation, I mean just how many times had she died? There was no way in hell I was going to let it happen again, not on my watch not after everything she had done to find her way back to me. I refused to let her go I growled internally before feeling her hand caress my arm as she sensed my internal struggle.
When the fairy strolled up, I couldn't help but feel slightly annoyed by his chipper attitude. I was still pissed at both him and my progeny for their poor choice but Killian knew as well as I did that I would never drain him. That is something I know my lover would not forgive I thought thinking back to the tiger's cell and my own poor choice.
Why had I done that. I knew what she was doing, and I reached out impulsively touching her seeing something I now know she wasn't ready to share. I read her statement a thousand times telling Pam it was enough, but it wasn't and now we are the only ones who know the truth. As graphic as her written account was seeing everything including the parts, she left out was like watching a horror movie. Yet as deprived as it was, she never let them see her pain or a single tear. I felt her crippling pain in Veil how she fucking hid it from them was beyond me.
"I'm going to need to meet with Julius tomorrow." Sookie told the fairy playfully glancing up to me pulling me away from the gruesome memory. "We have a name… Sokaria Brinton"
"Julius told me the last time I met with him that his great grandmother called you Sokaria when she met you in the fairy suit before her death. He also said his family feels a connection to you." I scowled watching the fairy's eyes light up.
"Shut the front door, well that will disappoint the prince." Killian grinned glancing to me before returning his attention to my lover. "I will see if he can dig around and find anything, let's set if for 1pm?"
"Perfect" she cooed. "Let Elaina know I will come see her after that. Her report was interesting and confusing. The Viking was right there is a connection on a genetic level."
"You guys should go upstairs, it's getting late." Killian winked, "get my sister a drink and um… some of that hot lusty lovin she can't get enough of." Grinning the fool looked me up and down in way that made me feel awkward and uncomfortable. "You sure I can't temp you over to my dark side Viking."
"You're embarrassing brother if the snake charmer can't tempt him you have no chance in hell. You are right though; I need a drink and the penthouse view is spectacular." Sookie laughed, "One more thing Killian… Schedule a meeting with Meyers grandson for after dusk."
My little Valkyrie leaned her head back into my chest looking up to my face before I kissed her forehead knowing she felt the tension I had with Johann and I appreciated the fact she was waiting to take the meeting so I could be with her. It had nothing to do with my trust for her, it was all about the man. I could handle Alcide and the pup... but a Meyers was not something I planned for. I couldn't stand their bloodline, self-proclaimed fucking wolf royalty whose descendants allegedly went back to the beginning of time. They were arrogant assholes and everything inside of me hated the fact none other than the New Orleans alpha "playboy" Baxter Meyers was going to be acting as head wolf in charge. Pam has had a few run ins with him over the years as sheriff and I knew he wasn't a man I wanted anywhere around Sookie.
"Got it covered Brigant, now go…" Killian grinned to my lover and I couldn't agree more. After Drake showing up and now fucking Baxter, I could use some alone time with my little fairy.
"Come Viking" she grinned taking my hand leading me to a small room behind the desk where Becker was stationed. I could only watch as she placed her palm on the panel before a door slid open revealing a private elevator. "Penthouse" she said seductively grinning before the doors closed behind us and we started moving to the top floor. When we exited the fancy metal box I could only gaze in awe at the modern apartment and the view of the city through the exterior glass walls.
"How have you managed to do all my love?"
"I had a lot of time on my hands while I was waiting for you." She grinned grabbing a glass and the bottle of whiskey from the bar before I walked up behind her brushing my hand along the small of her back. When she emptied the glass and turned to me leaning back into the counter, I knew we were going to have to talk about it. "I am mad at you though. You should not have done that without asking."
"I know, I couldn't stop myself and I regret that decision." I scowled refilling her glass, I could only look at her pouty face thinking maybe the fairy was right. Shit I knew the fairy was right. I wouldn't want her to see the awful things my maker did to me, "Would you have showed me if I asked?"
She raised her brow before slamming the whiskey staring at me silently contemplating her answer. "Of course, I would have, and I would have hated myself for it. So, tell me now that you've taken that choice away from me is this something you can live with? I'm sure you realize I didn't put everything in my statement. Watching it live in color is something I wouldn't wish on anybody… well except the tiger of course."
I grabbed her face in my hands fixated on her beautiful eyes that were on the verge of tears. "No, I can't live with it, you were a fucking unwilling participant in their sadistic game, and they will pay for what they did. None of this is your fault, you are not broken. It will take time, but I promise you we will get through this together."
"Have I told you lately how much I love you?" She grinned poking my chest before pulling me down to her tenderly taking my lips in hers.
"It is me that should be professing my love and begging your forgiveness."
"Eric Northman begging, now that would be something to see," she laughed as I brushed my hand through her hair before she stopped abruptly gazing deep into my eyes. "So, what did you think of the ancient one's words, I know you were listening Viking."
"It is a lie because I will never let it happen. Put it out of your pretty head my little fairy vixen. Nothing waits for you except an eternity with me. I will never let you go; I swore it to Odin himself. You are mine and I will kill anyone who tries to come in between us again. Now finish your drink I will run you a bath, I want to spend the rest of the evening with my arms around you." I scowled kissing her forehead meaning every word I just said.
When the tub was filled Sookie stood in the doorway naked, gorgeous as hell holding a drink before dropping the light tight panels. "So, what is your deal with the wolf" she grinned walking into the bathroom sliding in the tub.
"He will want you and I will have to kill him." I laughed but I wasn't kidding. Baxter Meyers had a reputation that left a trail of broken hearts behind it, his many conquests I thought taking my clothes off and sliding in behind her knowing she would never be one of them.
I could feel her entire body relax when she rolled over placing her cheek against my chest. "So, your jealous then lover, you don't trust me" she pouted seductively taunting me knowing full well I had no doubt about her feelings. I was hers, she claimed me just as much as I claimed her. "You are the only one I trust vampire, if you don't like him neither do I," she purred, and I knew she meant it.
I leaned down kissing her cheek as I caressed her back watching a brief smile cross her lips before her eyes fluttered closed exhausted from the ordeal she had just been through and drained from the chaos of the night. Sitting there with her, I glanced to the nape of her neck thinking back to the pythoness's words and my memory of the runes before I was interrupted by the sound of her phone.
Lifting her from the water, I wrapped her in a towel before pulling the covers back and depositing her into the bed. Walking from the room I grabbed her phone from the bar as I opened it, reading the messages.
Killian: Well that Baxter Meyers is a pushy fella. He wasn't all the pleased you wanted the meeting scheduled after dusk… good call by the way but I see wolf drama in your future lol… as if you need more haha… Oh shit I almost forgot after your vampire took care of the tiger he went hulk mode on Sandoval, ripped his fucking arm off before telling him he was going to skin him alive… it barbaric but so damn hot you would have loved it.
Unknown: Hello your grace this is Baxter Meyers, I'm sorry for the late-night text but I figured since you date vamp you would be up. Hopefully I heard that part wrong though. I just wanted to introduce myself, apparently you made quite the impression on my grandfather tonight. He was almost smitten. I've never seen the old man like that, tell me did you charm him fairy lol? Anyways I have a loner here by the name of Porter claiming you're his "boss" and I wanted to verify that with the realm. I was thinking maybe we could grab lunch tomorrow, formally get to know one another since we will be working together closely. That is unless Northman has a problem with you eating lol.
Porter: Back in town, Karin thinks we are closing in on Castro, but I have my fucking doubts. The elders just sanctioned "red moon" that's the good news. The bad news is Baxter Meyers is here, dude is a playboy and he's asking a lot of questions about you. Northman ain't gonna like it, shit I don't like it. You want me to keep my eye on him?
I felt a little twinge of guilt for reading her texts but my suspicions about the wolf were confirmed. What the fuck part did he hope he heard wrong, that she was mine. I marked the messages as unread before deleting Porters and returning her phone to the counter. Walking to the bathroom to retrieve my own, I couldn't help but think Meyers was going to be a problem. If he had ideas about trying to steal her from me, I was going to need to set him straight.
Eric: Don't let that wolf out of your sight I want to know his every move.
Porter: Boss know about this?
Eric: No and keep it that way for now.
Porter: Man… you are gonna get me in trouble fanger, but for once I agree with you. Baxter Meyers is an entitled asshole.
I knew what Meyers' intentions were and I could only laugh knowing it wouldn't get him very far with my little Valkyrie, but I felt better about the whole thing knowing that Porter would be watching his every move. Walking into the bedroom I couldn't help but smile… she was so fucking beautiful laying there peacefully sleeping I thought pulling back the blankets before wrapping my arms around her warm body instantly falling asleep to the sound of her beating heart.
Baxter Meyers POV
I had been sitting in the lobby for nearly two hours waiting to meet with this mythical creature I had heard so many stories about. The lalf-ling, turned fairy, who ascended to princess, and in now transcending to queen of the realm it was an impressive journey to say the least but what I found most fascinating were the tales I heard from the long tooth pack. Those pups loved to talk to anyone who would listen especially Alex who I could tell had a hard on for her. I mean a woman who dances practically naked in blood is feral, that action alone speaks to her true nature, it says wolf.
The tales were already spreading that she killed a vamp with no magic, and I knew then this was a woman I had to meet but I could tell Luke my second was getting impatient as his eyes darted to the clock. "Just take the meeting later Baxter, so what if the vamp is there." He sighed as my phone went off.
Sookie: The wolf is mine and he operates under the full authorization of the realm. Lunch will not work for me, but I hear you are waiting in my lobby I will be down shortly. I have a full schedule today so remember our meeting is firmly set for after dusk and that is final.
"See it's all about patients." I grinned noting the authority in her text, "She is on her way down."
"Why is the old man pushing this?" he laughed, "ya don't really have the best track record with the ladies. What's so special about this one?"
"He thinks she is the one from the ancient witch stories, just waiting for her dark prince to fully transcend. He does not believe the pythoness, says Northman cannot be the one. Grandfather claims our ancestors go back to the time of the fifth clan and this girl is connected to our pack. Who am I to argue" I laughed watching the door behind the desk man open before an enchanting creature walked out followed by two fairies in workout gear.
The redhead glided towards us looking absolutely regal and completely put together in her gorgeous black fitted mini dress. It was hard to believe she was recently tortured and assaulted I thought expecting the queen would be somewhat broken. Even if only half the stories about her time with Castro were true, it's a rare woman that can come out of something like that unscathed.
As stunning as she was for some reason my eyes were drawn to the petite blond. When she pulled off her black zip up hoodie exposing a black strappy sports bra and spandex pants that hugged her body like a glove begging to be pulled off, I felt an instant attraction. I would have to find out who she when I am done talking to the queen, I thought watching her every movement as she tied the jacked around her waist before punching her fairy companion in the arm. Seeing them joke with one another, poking and playing like sibling that never grew up intrigued me. Northman can have the queen I laughed internally I want blondie over there.
They quickly stretched before she popped in her earbuds glancing to me only for a moment, but I caught something in her eyes that taunted me. As if she knew something I didn't. I almost tore over to her right then and there not wanting her to walk away without at least getting a name, but Luke elbowed me bringing my attention back to the queen while the fairy I desperately wanted to know exited the building.
"She ain't really your type, but it's probably not good for "relations" if your drooling over one of her fairies. That isn't the way you win a queen," Luke whispered chuckling.
"Who says I want to win her, maybe the old man was wrong. Northman can have her; I'll take the one that just left and we'll call it a day." I grinned before the redhead was close enough to hear.
"Ah, gentleman what can I do for you" She seductively asked and that's when I smelled it. Fairy fucking magic, she was throwing down some serious charm I thought glancing to Luke who was practically drooling like a lovesick pup. "You know there is a meeting scheduled for later and you've been told I'm booked for the day, so why are you here."
"You are the queen?" I grinned raising my brow suspiciously knowing grandfather said the fairy he met used no charm. Why would she be using it now I thought before she ran her finger down my chest trying her best to seduce me. That's when I was sure this was not Sookie Brigant. "From everything I have heard I don't think your vampire would want you touching me like that."
"Shhh," she grinned. "I won't tell him if you don't."
"Enough of your games fairy, you are not the queen." I growled lowly watching her eyes panic for a split second before glancing to the desk man. If the head of the skye fae royal guard working as a rent a cop didn't convey the loyalty the fairy queen had amassed, I didn't know what did, the man was clearly serving a position under his station.
"The commander is busy, but I would be more than happy to assist you. I'm surprised wolf you are only the second man I've found uncharmable, the Viking was the first," She winked. "How disappointing." In retrospect I guess I should have asked more about her appearance, all the pup said was "hot as fuck". Looking back now I realized that wasn't a lot to go on.
"Where is the fairy Killian, he is the queens second correct? We would like for formally address the realm as soon as possible about Felipe de Castro, unless you aren't interested in bringing the fugitive to justice."
"Ah, who is playing games now wolf. You know we are more than interested in retrieving that vile pig but unfortunately you just missed him" she smiled to the Becker before realizing she fucked up when I saw him momentarily glance to the door. I knew instantly that fairy had outsmarted me. The little hottie was none other than the fairy queen and I couldn't help but wonder how that tiny angelic creature was the Viking warrior I had heard so much about?
"The runners?"
"I would leave this alone wolf. Come back for your meeting tonight and you can talk to her then." The redhead scowled "I promise you; you do not want to get on her bad side."
I could only grin before turning to the door walking out leaving Luke standing with the fairy before I caught their scent. It didn't take long to catch up with Killian but there was no sign of Sookie. "You are being beat by a girl fairy, a very tricky girl. You two played me sending the redhead out to seduce me." I laughed.
"You don't listen very well wolf. Brigant won't like this and the Viking will like it even less" he glowered. "You are crossing the line Meyers."
"We'll see about that fairy" I grinned before picking up the pace pulling away from him.
Glancing back, I watched him desperately try to catch up before he slowed down realizing he was outmatched. "You don't have a chance Meyers," he hollered.
It almost felt like a challenge, one I was willing to fully accept. All I had to do was take my time with her and wait for Eric Northman to fuck up again. Alex said he's done it once so I would bet anything, he will do it again. The difference is this time I will be there just waiting to make my move if she was the right one. I told the old man my hooking up days were over but that didn't mean I was going to resign myself to be tied to a fairy I couldn't stand.
Finally catching a glimpse of the hot little queen, I picked up the pace until I was almost running alongside of her when I heard her sweet voice sing to me. "Ah, you caught up brother," she laughed pulling the earbuds out before glancing in my direction. Her eyes firmly traveled my body taking me in and I could see she was sizing me up. I rather enjoyed it wondering for a moment if she was comparing me to the Viking and how I measured up.
"Baxter Meyers, I presume," she grinned not even out of breath and I couldn't help but imagine how this one would be able to run with me, she has stamina no wonder the pup Alex was in love I thought before her voice seduced me again. "You are hardly dressed for a run."
"I'm a wolf, I can run in anything." I gave her my normal dashing grin that has melted hundreds of hearts over the years, but she just raised her brow staring at me unaffected by my attention before laughing. "How about we race, if I win you let me take you to lunch. If you win, I will leave you alone and wait for the meeting."
"Do you think you can beat me wolf." She smirked cockily as if I had no chance. Now I saw what grandfather had, this one was unusual I thought watching her snap her fingers before looking down almost tripping. She had dressed me in pink spandex pants, a matching sleeveless fitted tee and coordinating sneakers that made me feel like a Pepto Bismol bottle. "I would hate for you to say those steel toe boots were why you lost."
"Hey real men wear pink" I smirked secretly hating the attention this outfit was getting but I had to admit it was funny.
"Try to keep up." She challenged before effortlessly pulling away. I pushed myself to the limit, but she was faster than I expected. I could only trail behind watching her amazing ass while her golden ponytail bobbed in the wind. "I thought wolves were fast" she yelled taunting me laughing before going into a full on sprint leaving me in the dust.
When I finally caught up miles later, she was stopped on a bridge. Her hands were on her hips and her lips were wearing the sexiest grin. I could see it in her face, she was impatiently waiting for me to gloat about her victory. "You won" I huffed taking in how this unassuming woman just blew me away like it was nothing.
"Of course, I did, I always win…" She paused only for a split second and I knew what she was thinking. The stories of her time in Nevada have been spreading like wildfire thanks to Castro's day men. I couldn't help looking at her wondering how that fucking animal could hurt something that is clearly so special. "Well most of the time I win" she grinned not skipping a beat or letting me see an ounce of weakness.
Tightening her jacket, she peered over the side of the bridge before I stood next to her inhaling the sweet scent that was emanating from her skin. It was intoxicating I thought glancing over the rail. "That's quite a drop" I winced noticing how the sun fell on her as if the beams of light were attracted to her very presence. How could this creature love a vampire I wondered?
"It is" she winked climbing on top of the rail standing with outstretched arms giving me a fucking heart attack. A stiff wind could blow her off I thought fearing for her safety, but I could only watch in horror as she pushed off doing a back flip before seemingly diving to her death. I was almost in a full panic when the other fairy's laughter startled me before I watched her disappear into a glitter cloud.
"Looks like you got beat by a girl too" Killian laughed with crossed arms reading the panic that covered my face and he relished in it. "Nice outfit though, you are delish like a yummy Bradley Cooper type. How about I take you up on that lunch? I like to eat, and the Viking won't mind." He pouted mocking me.
"She is something else" I stammered realizing she made two serious points clear she was not weak; she was fearless and loyal she hadn't given me a second look. She beat me and bounced out of there in the most impressive way... "Tell me fairy, how many of the rumors are true about her imprisonment?" When his eyes dropped from mine momentarily, I knew that I needed to find Felipe de Castro more now than ever. I didn't even care about our personal beef, I just wanted to be the first one to get my hands on him. After all he only needs to be delivered alive.
"I will just warn you now wolf, my sister won't like you up in her business. The Viking he would kill you just for asking that question. Too much of it is true and that's all you need to know." He scowled, "now do you want me to change your clothes back and get out of here or should I leave you alongside the road looking like a tall sexy popsicle?"
"I will keep that in mind. Change me back and drop me off in the lobby. My man is probably still there waiting."
Sookie POV
Walking into the lobby I snapped my fingers essentially taking a fairy bath and changing clothes. It was kind of a cheater move but glancing at the clock I noticed Julius would be here in thirty minutes. Keeping it casual I opted for my favorite short jean shorts, a fitted black crop tee and flip flops while going with a high messy bun for my hair. I knew today was going to be busy and I didn't want to deal with it falling in my face.
When Elaina stopped me at the front desk, she pointed to the wolf who just sat there staring.
"Sorry Brigant, that one over there was quickly charmed. The tall foxy one though… un-fucking-charmable. I mean I pulled out all the stops too. Don't think your vampire is gonna like him." She grinned deviously glancing over my shoulder, "I can always try again if you want me to, he's walking in now with Killian now and they are heading this way. Girl I smell trouble the way that man is looking at you."
"Yes, be the little snake charmer I know you are." I smiled turning around just as they reached us.
"That was an impressive little stunt. You've tricked me twice today" Baxter smirked with a raised brow before his eyes swept over me completely ignoring Elaina who was exuding level 10 charm. "You are nothing like I expected."
"So, what did you expect?"
"Prim, proper, boring… not jean shorts, flops, and bridge diving. I still can't believe you beat me," he winked as the other wolf joined him. "Speaking of which I'm a man of my word. You won fair and square and I will wait for our meeting."
"She outran you Baxter?" The wolf gawked before turning his attention to Elaina immediately pulled into her charm. My little fairy was eating it up, but the fact Baxter wasn't falling for it was unusual.
"Your fairy is making Luke worthless" he laughed, and I couldn't help joining him. The man did look rather pathetic as he stood there practically salivating with lust before I raised my hand silently ordering Elaina to shut it down.
"I will see you later Baxter Meyers, that is unless you find Castro before then."
I watched the wolves walk out as Baxter turned back for one last glimpse before the glass door closed behind them and I saw Alcide stop the pair on the sidewalk. I didn't know what was being said but Herveaux kept pointing towards the building and I could only hope he was warning the wolf not to waste his time. It's not that I minded the man, he felt like someone I would be friends with but if Eric didn't trust Meyers there had to be a reason why.
"Julius is waiting in the conference room, whatever is going on with the wolves we ain't got time for it sister." Killian grinned reading my mind before we headed to the meeting. "I think the wolf is into you, Northman ain't gonna like it but you want to know something interesting I saw while I was trailing pathetically behind you? The wolf Porter following Baxter." He raised his brow, "you didn't tell me you had a tail on Meyers."
"I don't." I scowled watching his face stiffen thinking the exact same thing I was. If the wolf wasn't doing a job for me, he was working for my Viking and I couldn't help but wonder if he didn't trust me.
When we walked into the room where Julius was waiting, I sat down across from him before explaining who Soleera was. I wasn't sure when she had assumed Adelynn's identity, but it had to have been well before Anton. I couldn't help wondering who she was working for although there was only one name that came to mind… Niall fucking Brigant. It would break my heart if I learned Solana was involved in this I thought, but I knew it was a possibility I had to prepare for. The two girls were close.
Before I could get to our weird family relation, well more like connection. Killian butt in, "Looks like somewhere down the line you are related Julius." He giggled, "so stop looking at her like that it's gross now."
"Damn Killian, Julius what he should have said that I am apparently the reincarnation of your relative "Sokaria Brinton". That is why we have asked you to bring in as much information as you could on her."
"All I know is she was adopted and died young so see Killian we aren't really weirdly related." He grinned winking at me before passing a folder across the table. "Here is what I could find but I'm still looking for my great grandma's journals. Apparently the two were close until her death, she thought of her as a daughter. I will go back and see what I can find and get it to you as soon as possible."
"Perfect, I appreciate this Julius." I smiled standing from the table before we walked to the lobby. Hugging the fairy, I couldn't help thinking what a good friend he had been and how I didn't mind being connected with him before noticing Alcide waiting.
When he popped away, I handed my brother the folder. "Take this to Lannister, have him reach out to Amelia to see what she has learned and start a report on this fairy that is some former version of myself. Have it ready by dusk." When he scurried off Alcide approached me saying nothing. "Come walk with me wolf." I said sternly taking his arm leading him out of the building to a bar two blocks from the old Jansen building.
"Two whiskeys tall" he told the bartender who glanced between us likely thinking we made an odd pair, or I was a gold digger before pouring the drinks and walking off. "Listen Stackhouse I'm sorry, I crossed a line and I know it. I hope you can forgive me?"
"You are forgiven Alcide but don't ever doubt Eric again." I grinned drinking half the glass. "So, what were you and Meyers talking about outside my building?"
"Like you even have to ask Sook, you of course." He smiled with a raised brow. "Baxter is a good guy; I would hate to see him get his hopes up. Let him know you and the fanger have a real "bond" and it ain't just about the blood. Can't say it will stop him from trying though."
"Why doesn't Eric like him, the Meyers in general?"
"Some rivalry that goes back centuries. No one really knows but I will say the Viking ain't gonna like him sniffing around after the way you impressed him. So, you tell me something Stackhouse just what did you do?"
"Nothing" I laughed. "I dressed him in pink, outran his ass, and jumped off a bridge which now I can see might have been a bit dramatic. I almost thought he was going to follow me over the rail for a second."
"Which bridge?"
"Sherman's pass" I winked.
"Damn Stackhouse… stop acting like a wolf you are fucking with all our heads," he laughed nudging my arm before clinking my glass. "Somedays I can't tell if you are more vamp or wolf but maybe you are both. It sure would explain a lot."
We downed out glasses before I thought of Elaina and her geno report. "As much as I would love to have another drink I have to meet with Elaina, we'll talk more about this soon." I hugged him before popping away to see my little charmer.
There was a lot of her report I didn't understand but when she explained it to me, I got it. The essence of it was the fifth clan have a special gene in their DNA that is locked somehow, and it has five distinct codes. She has so far identified fae, but the others remain a mystery she is diligently working to unravel. In addition to that Elaina had created a test to identify carries and is working on a series of experiments with Portia to "activate" it. We still weren't close to solving this riddle, but we were definitely making progress I thought briefly wondering if magic could open it.
When I saw it was already four o'clock, I told her to keep working and went up stairs to shower. The workout the wolf gave me earlier was intense it almost made up for not being able to hit the slopes in Veil. I haven't had a good energy rush like that since before my death I thought turning the water on before jumping in and washing the day away remembering all the adrenaline adventures Killian and I had been on.
When I crawled under the covers with my lover, I fully intended on waking next to Eric but an hour before dusk I felt restless. Crawling out of the bed I snapped into a pink sports bra and spandex pants before heading to the basement for a little one on one talk with my special friend Spencer.
"Well don't you look like a vision fairy, my dicks healed why don't you get on your knees for me." He grinned before I grabbed the silver blade whipping the arrogant look from his face.
"Oh Spencer, we are about to have some fun tonight" I laughed coldly taunting him.
I was locked in my fairy blood lust torturing Sandoval slowly whispering not so sweet nothings into his ear while he begged me to stop before I felt it. The Vikings rage overpowered me, as I stepped back from the vampire I had been carving like a turkey. Dropping the knife to the floor I steadied myself against the counter trying to figure out what the fuck was going on. I guess I had been so involved in my games with Spencer I didn't even feel Eric wake up.
When the door flew open, I saw Killian and Meyers followed by Pam instantly knowing shit was going south fast, but I still wasn't sure why, or even what was happening. "Where is the Viking Killian." I growled before glancing to Meyers seeing a combination of pity and lust as he glanced from me to Spencer, "Or should the wolf fucking tell me. It seems he wants to say something."
"Brigant…" he paused as if trying to find the right words and I had no time for it.
"Enough Killian, Baxter what is going on?"
Meyers didn't hesitate to jump in as I watched Pam pull out her phone frantically sending a text. "After we left here earlier, I called in some vamp favors and got several possible local locations for Castro. Luke and I hit them all, the last one about thirty minutes ago where we found a just waking Felipe. We were both full wolf fucking with him, when you showed up." He winced, "Well I thought it was you at first as we ferally watched your savage attack. When the fairy snapped into nothing covered in blood asking me to take her, I was caught up in the moment. I ordered Luke out and shifted before I dropped behind her catching the scent. That's when I realized it wasn't you and grabbed the imposter by the hair as Northman walked in. I told him it wasn't what it looked like but fake you popped me in the nose and followed after him. When I got outside, they were both gone."
Pam's eyes darted to mine, and I knew she felt his rage turn to lust. Things just went from bad to worse I thought turning away to digest the fucked-up story I was just told thinking about what Soleera was doing to my Viking.
"So, we have Castro in custody?" I turned back grinning as Killian confirmed it. Grabbing the knife from the floor I walked towards Sandoval. "Oh, that is just bad news for you vampire make your peace now because I am about to end you for what you did." I laughed circling the asshole methodically cutting deeper and faster before I stopped behind him. Grabbing his hair while pulling his head back my silver blade sliced through his throat before I ripped his fucking head off.
After the blood bomb went off, I pointed the knife at Pam "Where the fuck is he?"
"Lance said he is at Fangtasia, Sookie let me go…"
"Tell Lance to have a whiskey waiting for me" I grinned before popping away covered in blood the silver blade still in my hand. When Killian showed up to the bar only seconds after me with the wolf and vamp, I was pissed. I didn't know what I was walking into the last thing I wanted was an audience.
I snatched the glass from Lance's hand downing it instantly knowing there were two scenarios. She was either killing him of fucking him and I would put money on the second I thought before heading to the office already enraged by the sound coming from the room. Kicking down the door I stormed in seeing her spread out naked on the desk while he stood over her pants down and blood dripping from his fangs. She was not wearing her a Sookie-suit. When his eyes darted to mine, he looked down stumbling back, and I pounced on that bitch hitting her twice with my fairy taser before grabbing her scrawny neck as we tumbled to the floor.
"Now we've both had him" she grinned before I punched her in the nose. "My sister hated you, all the stories you told her about him she wanted to fuck him too and she would have." She laughed callously as I began swinging wildly too emotional to realize she was about to slip right through my fingers. When she popped away, I screamed slamming my fist to the floor before shutting my bond down.
Glancing up to Eric I could see the look of remorse in his face, I knew there was a story, but I wasn't hearing it right now I thought looking to the crowded doorway where the spectators were watching in stunned silence. I wanted to cry, kill something, or fucking burn Compton's house down. I could only sit there on my knees in my sports bra and spandex covered in Sandoval's blood before the Viking tried to come to my side. Holding the knife out stopping him in his tracks I stood saying nothing before walking out the door needing desperately to run away from this moment.
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