CHAPTER 24: All HAIL the Queen
Sookie POV
When my eyes fluttered open, I felt Eric's arms wrapped around me and couldn't help but blissfully reminisce about the way the night ended. His body and mouth had begged mine for forgiveness over and over and I couldn't refuse one minute of it. In retrospect I now realized that the Viking graveling before me was something worth seeing, in fact it was quite marvelous.
Even though the night had started out like a shit tsunami it ended the way I expected it would.
When I walked out of his office I had all but forgiven what I thought I was seeing. In fact, there was no doubt in my mind what happened in that room was part of a well-orchestrated show the fairy had put on and I stormed right into her trap. Well the rational me knew that, but the crazy human inside was enraged, devastated, and heartbroken. It wasn't just the fact I thought my lover was fucking the enemy, it was the realization that my time with Solana was a lie. Those were the only honest things Soleera said, but it wasn't just her words that pushed me over the edge. I could feel her projecting her thoughts onto me forcing me to handle the situation in a state a rage that proved to be ineffective.
I let that bitch get under my skin and she got away. It was a mistake I would never make again but I had to give my enemy credit she was well versed on the art of war. She knew just how to exploit Eric's weakness, to push his buttons, and make him lose control. We each played into her hand and she was likely reveling in her victory at this very moment.
As I slipped out from under my Vikings arm, I realized there has always been something in the background of my life playing out behind the scenes that I have been obliviously unaware of. A force directing me like a puppet and there was only one "master" I thought capable of pulling these kind of strings… Niall Brigant. It's a good fucking thing I created contingency plans for situations exactly like these, Bill Compton and the commander taught me well. Trust is a luxury that can only be afforded by a select few.
Grabbing my phone from the nightstand I noticed Porters numerous guilt riddled texts revealing his side of the story and multiple apologies, but the last one caught my attention.
Porter: I've sent you 30 bloody texts woman. I know that things went sideways for you last night and I had a small part in it. I understand you are angry, but you can't ignore me. I think it's about time we had a real conversation about exactly who I am and why I'm here.
Sookie: Sounds like you have something to say to me wolf.
Porter: I do, and as you know I'm spell bound by the witch to tell the truth.
I could only stare down at my phone wondering if that fucking wolf had been playing me this whole time. How had I missed the fact that he was anyone other than Jonathan Porter. I personally ran the background check myself before taking him on and everything lined up. Whoever this man was, he was clever I thought betting anything his whole persona was nothing more than a fake façade I bought hook line and sinker.
Sookie: 20 minutes at Long Street Brew.
Porter: Come alone and tell no one.
The wolf had another thing coming to if he thought I was dumb enough to drop everything and meet him alone without so much as leaving a word for anyone about who I was with or where I was going. Honestly the last thing I needed right now was a repeat of the Castro situation I shuddered instantly wondering if my dear ole grandad had his hands wrapped around this newly developing situation. Which reminded me I need to pay my friend Felipe a little visit before sunset because I knew even if Niall Brigant wasn't involved with the wolf he was most definitely connected to the vampire and Soleera I just had to find out how.
Sookie: Grabbing a coffee with Porter in 20 minutes at Long Street.
Killian: And you are telling me this because… I know you aren't afraid of Billy Bob killing you LOL. I'll meet you there, what are brothers for.
Sookie: No, stay put that's an order. I have private business with the wolf regarding his involvement in last night's events. Have today's schedule ready, pencil in a date with Castro before dusk.
Killian: Aye aye captain.
I didn't waste any time jumping in the shower and fairy preparing myself for this ominous meeting. Wanting to remain low key I opted for the traditional townie look that I loved, distressed jean shorts, a crop tank, and flip flops. It was almost thanksgiving, but the weather was unseasonably warm, and the humidity completely out of hand… it's on my list of things I love and hate about the south, I thought before teleporting to the coffee house instantly spotting Porter.
"Hello love," the wolf winked with a sideways grin that reminded me of Eric, but he spoke with a deep European-ish Australian like accent I just couldn't place. Standing there unable to move I could only stare at Porter wondering if this was part of some elaborate trap I had just unwittingly walked into. When he slid the cup of coffee across the table before motioning to the chair silently telling me to take a seat I mentally prepared for a life and death struggle to ensue. After everything it would fit right into my run of excessively bad luck, I thought not taking my eyes off him. "I know what's running through that pretty little head of yours and I can assure you there is nothing to fret about. Sit down my queen, I should probably explain."
Sliding the chair out I dropped down into the seat grasping the cup unwilling to take a drink before he started laughing at my evident lack of trust. I wasn't sure what threw me off more the fact that he was no longer speaking like an uneducated Neanderthal or that a wolf just referred to me as his queen. "You have five minutes Jonathan Porter to explain the meaning of this. Who are you and what do you want?"
"Actually, my name is Dominic Salazar. Jonathan Porter the lone wolf was but one of the many alias's I have used over the years to hide my identity. I'm the last of a bloodline the Brigant's have systematically hunted to extinction. You see, just like your fairy Becker I am a direct descendant of a true knight of the realm." He paused raising his brows likely noticing the level of skepticism I was projecting. "I see the doubt in your face love."
Saying nothing I could only watch as he spoke while his backwoods "junk yard dog" appearance melted away and he transformed into a man that was unrecognizable. The rough around the edges wolf I demanded get a makeover was now the epitome of tall dark and somewhat handsome. Who was I kidding he was hot as hell, and had the most stunning pale blue eyes while his shaggy black hair framed his pretty boy face. The man that once appeared in his late forties looked 30 at best and I couldn't help but wonder what he was. I felt a connection to him open instantly when he transformed but is was something I couldn't describe logically until it finally hit me, and I smelled the charm. He was a fucking fairy… yet I had seen him wolf out. This just didn't make any sense.
"I don't play games wolf." I scowled watching his eyes as he leaned back laughing.
"Yes, you do darling are you're bloody good at it, the best I've seen in more than 300 years which is why you succeeded in fooling even me. Those few who knew what remained of the story lost all hope a millennium ago when the Brinton girl killed herself in order to escape a fate she refused to accept but I felt the ripple of light the day you were born. That's the day I became Jonathan Porter and began searching for the one destined to rule the realm. You weren't hard to find love and all the signs were there. I mean a gorgeous telepath that attracts the attention of each faction is a rare jewel especially when she has the blood of a Brigant. But I couldn't see it, you were simple sweet and so weak, impulsive, and recklessly stubborn."
"I doubted you would survive an ascension especially after the vampire left and you fell apart… The skye prince played his games and won." he winced knowing he was treading on a touchy subject I had no intention of diving into with him. "I left the state thinking you had given up, believing the vampire had a 200 year lock tight contract, that Niall Brigant had successfully avoided losing control of the realm but ten years later I felt your light calling to me once again. Returning to Bon Temps I thought I imagined it when I couldn't feel any of that bloody transitional energy and you started visibly aging. Still I hung around getting in good with that cunt stalker Compton until the day you died, the bloke was an invaluable resource. I wasn't working for him because I wanted to… getting close to you was the sole purpose for my association with that vile creature. You know… I was in the graveyard the night you your light rippled through the realm like an earthquake, I watched you return from the dead completing the ascension."
"As fascinating as your story is Porter, or Salazar… or whatever your name is why in hell should I believe one word you say."
"Read me," he smirked grabbing my hand. "Just as you can share your memories you can see into the minds of others. It is one of many gifts you have yet to develop love, concentrate and pull the truth from me. Rip it from my bloody head just like I know you can," he demanded and I closed my eyes focusing on the energy that felt like it was pulsating from my hand before I saw his life flash before my eyes in slow motion, live in color with full sound his highlight reel echoed the words he spoke.
"How is this even possible?" I whispered.
"I honestly don't know, but it's my understanding each faction has a knight destined to protect the one true queen and defend the realm. The tales are passed down through the bloodlines, but the story has been somewhat distorted and bent to fit the desire of each storyteller. Has Meyers told you their clans' version yet, it's a doozy?"
"No, he hasn't but what is a Faction?"
"It's the "survivors curse", separated to wander the earth loathing one another, hidden in the shadows, gloom and doom sprinkled with eternal struggle. Each faction fractured, separated by millenniums of politics and internal fighting. You know a real bloody fairy tale." He laughed raising a brow. "Don't worry love I pointed your witch in the right direction, the truth is close." He winked popping away just before I heard the steps behind me.
"Well, well you naughty little tease, who was that you were holding hands with, should I be jealous? I thought my only competition was the Viking" Baxter Meyers pouted dropping into the recently vacated seat. "Why does that fairy smell like a wolf?" he almost growled sniffing the air around him and I couldn't say I was a fan of his reaction.
"His lover is a wolf" I winked distracting him before taking a sip of the now cold coffee. "What are you doing here Meyers, don't tell me you are stalking me now," I laughed watching his facial features loosen but I couldn't help think I was going need to have a lil talk to my drinking buddy and remind him of the facts he may have forgotten.
"Of course, I am not stalking you fairy. I can't say the same for the Viking" he smirked throwing me a hand gesture as if he were telling me something I didn't already know. "But I am curious about how your night ended call me nosey or just plain jealous, but I hated seeing you with Northman on the dance floor. I was thinking we could go for a run, grab some lunch and talk about the aftermath of a whiskey fueled night. Shit I knew fairies could drink but damn."
"I'll have to take a raincheck on that wolf, my schedule is outrageously full today. You know, the responsibilities of ruling the realm and all." I was on the verge of teleporting away before he reached out laying his hand on my wrist and I couldn't help myself.
I had already determined in my mind this was just an experiment before I snuck in and plucked out his memory from last night looking for any sign that he was part of this conspiracy. Unfortunately, he wasn't which made me instantly regret intruding especially when I saw what I would call the highlight of his night. When he didn't flinch, I wondered just how far back I could look before getting a reaction. As much as I wanted to find out about this grudge against my lover, to taunt him about the twins he bedded, or to throw the fact Eric won their little "bet" in his face I said nothing praying for a way to get out of this awkward situation before my phone buzzed and the message flashed to the screen.
Killian: You're late for the meeting sister, should I send out the rescue party?
Sookie: On my way.
"See what I mean Meyers, It's the day I'm addressing the realm. How about we plan something tomorrow, you did say you wanted to fight me." I seductively pouted baiting him with a little extra charm hoping he would take me up on the offer. The last thing I needed was this player doting on me like a love-sick pup… it was fake, but I could set him straight in the ring and possibly pull some information out of this at the same time.
"Fine just tell me you didn't end up in bed with the Viking."
"Of course, I did. I belong to him just as he belongs to me." I grinned trying to tell myself to stop but I couldn't resist the temptation to see him lie to my face. "What about you wolf, I'm sure your bed was warm."
"No," he signed choosing to fight what he saw as "the good fight" and push full steam ahead with his narrative. "My bed was sad, lonely, and cold because I was pining for a fairy that somehow doesn't want me, but maybe she will one day."
I had to give him an "A" for effort, he was laying it on thick, but I had no intention of playing his game until I found out what he was doing and why he was doing it. I needed to rattle him, get in his head… to touch him and as Dominic had told me pull the fucking truth right out of his ass. Sadly, as much as I wanted to do that very thing in this moment I couldn't, at this point there was no need to give myself away.
"Oh, you poor thing that's kind of sad. I will see you tomorrow wolf, 11 am… don't keep me waiting." I smirked before popping away.
When I materialized in the lobby of my downtown office building, I glanced to the clock realizing it was already afternoon before spotting Killian standing there impatiently waiting for me. I could tell he was watching my every move trying to silently evaluate what my current mood was going to be but I was preoccupied in thoughts of Baxter, Porter, and how this day seemed to be heading in the wrong direction already. Absently walking past my brother, he huffed outraged before I turned around finally noticing the irritated look on his face. "Oh, so you are mad at me but after a roll in blondies bed he is forgiven." He crossed his arms rolling his eyes.
"What can I say he was persuasive." I winked grinning as Killian's face relaxed.
"As I knew he would be, you didn't take it easy on him though. Even I was a little surprised with the fairy games you were playing, not that he didn't deserve it, but I wasn't sure how far you planned on taking it neither did the Viking. If the wolf isn't already on Northman's hit list, he has made it to mine. I don't like him… The man has been in twice already looking for you. He reminds me of someone, a certain fairy who also wasn't used to being told no." When Killian raised his brow, I knew exactly who he was talking about… Xavier. Although Baxter Meyers was a far cry from the fairy, I couldn't help but think about that painful lesson the commander had taught me and scar I once kept immortalizing it.
Killian just stood there momentarily frozen watching as I rubbed the invisible reminder before I pulled myself from the memory.
"Not that I have to explain myself to anyone but perhaps I let my anger briefly cloud my better judgement," I grinned. "You know full well brother the wolf would have never ended up in my bed there is not enough whiskey in the world for me to make that mistake. I left Eric's office knowing where the night would end, even if he had fucked her, I would have forgiven it because I knew she must have played one hell of a game."
"No explanation necessary but I will say one thing Brigant, don't ever kick my ass like that again, it was embarrassing. The wolves were laughing at me." He scowled crossing his arms. "Speaking of wolves… what happened with Porter and make it short because we have to meet Elaina in the lab and then there is that whole pesky addressing the realm thing which I am beyond excited about" he laughed rolling his eyes.
"That's a long story Killian but he dropped a name I need Jordyn run "Salazar" I guess it's an old wolf bloodline."
"Did I just hear the name Salazar and that it came from Porter" Becker growled from behind the front desk. "The wolf has lost his mind. I was there 150 years ago when Jones killed the last of their line under orders from the fairy prince. Niall believed their blood was an abomination that they were bewitched. I don't know what they were, but I know Dominic Salazar was almost two hundred years old when he met his end. Jordyn won't find anything in the system and trying to access the files will only set off the kind of alarm bells we don't need right now."
I glanced to my brother who appeared outwardly confused before walking over to Becker. "Get Jordyn on the desk and meet us outside the lab."
"You got it," Becker grinned.
"Seems like we have much to do brother." I laughed taking Killian's arm in mine as we began walking, "So, besides the obvious what's on the schedule for today, anything I need to know about?"
"Well Amelia will be here as soon as she gets back into town. She apparently has something for you plus the gladiator and Russel Edgington have requested an audience with both the fairy queen and King of Louisiana. Other than that Lannister has pinpointed some locations Soleera could be hiding. Drake Mormont looks to be topping the list of her vampire associates, but the girl has an extensive network." The fairy was connected I thought knowing the puppet master himself was using her do his bidding like a Louisiana voo doo doll.
When we walked into the lab Elaina was busy plugging away at her computer and I couldn't help but notice her level of frustration before she realized we were there. "Hey boss, I have made some serious progress and you ain't gonna believe it. This one gene holds the genetic makeup of 5 species and so far I have identified four: fae, vampire, were, and shifter. I'm still working on the last one, there is nothing like it in the database. It's the portion of yours that is still locked up tight."
"What the hell does that mean?"
"I don't know but we have developed a test to identify carriers. Unlocking it on the other hand has proven far more difficult. No matter what I try or how close I think I am to opening it nothing happens. It's almost like it's spell bound or held in place by some serious fairy magic." She paused rubbing her forehead contemplating her last words internally before her wide eyes darted to me. "You… your healing power and the grace of each clan. It's worth a try. We would need a volunteer though…"
"Volunteer for what," Lannister grinned entering the room.
"I don't know about this Elaina," I winced glancing to Killian who seemed to silently share my opinion.
"Listen, if it's that gene thing I'm in. I've always felt clan-less, like I didn't belong until I met you guys. If the charmer thinks there is a way to open it consider me the guinea pig." The fairy winked glancing to Elaina before turning to me and Killian. "So, what do I have to do."
"I want her to try healing you. The gene has to be locked by some sort of magic and I'm betting the boss can break it."
"Done, zap me full of your healing juice queen bee."
"You're sure about this, we don't know what could happen." I paused watching him enthusiastically nod. "Ok then… See you on the other side," I grinned before placing my hands on his chest hoping this wasn't a colossal mistake. When I summoned the grace of the clans and began pushing the healing energy into him, I could only watch as my hands started glowing and light began flowing throughout him. It reminded me of Leera in Castro's dungeon but when the light sucked back inside of me within seconds, the fairy dropped to his knees. We could only stand there frozen as he groaned in pain and then we saw it.
"What the fuck is that Brigant" Killian yelled glancing from me to Elaina.
"Get the blinds Elaina!"
"Wait boss the light isn't affecting him."
Kneeling in front of the fairy I put my hands on his shoulders staring at his newly dropped fangs. "Are you ok Lannister." First Porter was a fairy wolf now Lannister was a fucking vampire, what the hell sort of twisted universe were we living in I thought watching his every movement.
"I feel different, whole somehow. What happened it felt so good and then my body painfully ached." He grinned not yet realizing how different he truly was. "I'm fine now but…" he stuttered and I could only watch as his voice trailed off while his hand moved to his mouth and he felt what we were all staring at. He glanced to the light streaming into the window before holding his arm directly in the beam as his eyes darted to me. "Well I can't say I was expecting this. What the hell am I?"
"Elaina will have to re-take your blood and run some tests, but it appears you are some sort of fairy vampire. Can you retract your fangs?" I asked watching his face concentrate before they disappeared. "When she is done, I want you to grab a true blood and go to your apartment. Don't answer your door for anyone but me or Killian."
He nodded as Elaina cut in, "I got dibs on next" she grinned.
"Do the testing then we will talk." I laughed thinking the last thing we needed was for word to get out there was a day walking vampire fairy roaming around. It was something that would peak the kind of interest we aren't looking for right now I thought realizing I had a thousand different questions. "Does that mean he could have turned into a shifter or a wolf?" I asked thinking of Salazar and why the skye prince would call him an abomination.
"If I were to bet right now that would be the direction I would lean. We really wouldn't know without another test subject or two."
"Get Gavin, he would want to be a part of this. I feel more connected to you than ever Brigant." I glanced to Killian before nodding as I watched him get on the radio summoning the fairy. Lannister wasn't wrong, I felt the connection almost like a bond but not as strong as what I shared with Eric, yet it was deeper than it had been. Elaina took his blood and vitals before the other fairy entered the room and I couldn't shake the feeling that we shouldn't be doing this. "She unlocked it, the gene… your next buddy" he smirked dropping his fangs stopping Gavin in his tracks.
"Oh, hell yeah, where do I sign up. I don't need to read the fine print I'm in."
"I have to warn you there is a chance you could come out of this something other than a vampire." I scowled putting on a serious face he could not ignore. "We just don't know enough yet to be sure."
"Do it." He demanded.
I could only stand there staring at the fairy before reluctantly placing my hands on him repeating the process for a second time. Gavin's reaction however was much different. We all stood there mouths gaping in horror as he dropped to all fours, his muscles tightened and contorted as he cried out in pain while the room filled with the sound of his snapping bones before he transformed into the largest wolf I had ever seen. His pure white coat shinned in the light while his golden eyes glowed staring at me but as he took a step forward, I couldn't help feel a twinge of fear before Dominic popped into the room taking a knee in front of the wolf whispering into his ear.
"Don't heal them, the light ripples can be felt across the realm and this is not something you want the fairy prince knowing about." He growled. "I will give you give you one thing love you are a far smarter than anyone has given you credit for."
"Who in the fuck are you." Killian hissed ready to attack the kneeling man.
"Dominic Salazar is my name mate, but you all know me as Porter." He grinned with a raised brow before the door flew open and Becker rushed in. "Ah, I see the skye prince's lap dog is now one of the good guys, unless you have come to kill me Becker and finish the job Jones didn't complete."
Baxter Meyers POV
When I got back to New Orleans, I knew I needed to see the old man and fast. I was done playing his little game. The fairy was different than what I had prepared for not that anyone could be ready for the hand I was being forced to play with one of the most extraordinary women I've ever met. There was no doubt she could be the one I settled down for, a lifetime mate but this whole thing felt wrong. I didn't want to seduce her away from Northman, I wanted to win her to have that devotion she so willingly gives the vampire and grandfathers timeline was making that impossible. The woman did not let her guard down not for a second. Even after a night of drinking Sookie had an invisible boundary that she wasn't willing to cross no matter much I pushed her. I underestimated her then and again just now I thought knowing exactly what she had just done to me without so much as batting an eyelash.
Knocking on his door a wave of doubt swept through my mind as I began having second thoughts about telling grandfather what happened but after seeing him smiling ear to ear as he motioned for me to enter I knew it was too late. Walking in I had the feeling that grin wasn't going to be hanging out on his face long especially when I let him in on the fact I was done with his "plans" whatever they were.
"You did good boy" he winked proudly grabbing my shoulder. "I knew you'd get the job done, the wolves are talking, and the vampire council is on edge. Your father would be proud of what you have become son, what you are doing for our line. Tell me, have you seen her today? Strike while the iron is hot, don't give the vampire time to recover and seduce her with his dark charm."
The way he said the words "dark charm" triggered the memory of Sebastian Meyers journal, a book I had found hidden in the attic when I was a child some 60 odd years ago. He was considered the "black wolf" of our family for his failure. His writing was more like the ramblings of a madman but the passage about the "dark prince" was one I could never forget. As much as I didn't want to admit it, I needed to remember everything I read… I had a feeling it was the key to what grandfather was trying to accomplish, I thought before the old man shook me out of the memory.
"I did see her today it's the reason I'm here. I touched her and felt something as if she teleported into my head for the briefest moment." I stuttered instantly wishing I had kept that to myself, but the man had always had this power over me I couldn't explain.
"She ripped into your mind, how much did she read? Did you feel her spark… the electricity of her touch?" He grinned callously as if I were talking about winning a prize at the local carnival. It was disturbing and I now realized the old man thought of this woman as nothing more than an object to gain control of.
"I felt nothing like that. Only the feeling she was in my head one second and out the next all without blinking."
"That's good, she may not have even know she was doing it. The most she could have seen was the vampire's betrayal and your time together. It takes a powerful fairy to enter a mind almost undetected, even the skye prince isn't that strong. This is good news for us." he grinned before I watched the look fade from his face. "Tell me grandson just how did your night end because I assure even if she wasn't in control, she saw that at the very least."
"She left with the vampire…"
"And you fool, who was in your bed?" The old man growled as if he were ready to rip me apart. "Don't even tell me I don't want to know. Our bloodline has waited for a millennium for the chance to be the one, and the gods chose you to walk the earth with her. Man up…"
"What can I say old man, watching the Viking win after lusting over his woman all night put me in a bit of a mood. I couldn't resist the twins knowing I ain't got a chance with Sookie as anything other than her friend and I respect that. When I played your game asking how her night ended, she turned it around on me and lied to her. It's something I won't do again."
"She belongs to us you idiot, but you'll never win her by climbing into the bed of anything with a pulse."
"The woman belongs to the Viking; I saw it with my own eyes. Whatever game that fairy played, however far it actually went… Sookie knew it was a show. Fuck, even I was convinced he fucked up, but he didn't. Eric Northman loves her I saw it in his face more than once… You know as well as I do old man ours ain't the only story, we have to look at the bigger picture."
"Don't be foolish, ours is the only one that matters." He growled viciously, "I am trying to save your life for a second time grandson but now I am wondering if I should have listened to your father. Him burning that journal and not you along with it is a decision I am now starting to question. Maybe he saw it when I didn't… you pity her, admire her, even love her yet you are willing to sit on the sidelines of her life while she loves another just like Sebastian. Don't make me call Byron to finish this job."
"Well shit pops I guess if we're going there," I laugh pulling my shoulder from his grip before I poured a drink attempting to contain the rage that was starting to boil up inside me. "Call my brother if you can kick him up from whatever gutter he's currently calling home."
"I know exactly were he is boy and you better believe he is more than ready to step in if you are getting cold feet. Byron got a good look at that fairy inside Castro's dungeon, to say he is eager to bed that one is an understatement." He laughed watching my eyes knowing full well what that meant. We had known where she was, what that fucking vampire was doing to her, and we did nothing since the treaty wasn't signed. If I laid eyes on my brother, I would kill him myself, or maybe I will just gift him to the Viking I thought realizing I had officially lost all respect for my kin.
"Yeah good luck with that old man. You know Byron he's a fucking loser and doesn't stand a chance with a girl like that." I grinned knowing my dear old brother wasn't the only skeleton in the Meyers closet. "Not sure what this all matter though… we played a part in killing the first ones. We ain't royalty."
"Indeed boy, we looked out for our own and the Salazar's were collateral damage. We needed their title and we took it." I could only watch his eyes dilate as he force fed me the same story that I've heard my entire life yet this time it was different he was fucking lying. "The Viking was a flesh and blood human who was cursed with vampirism for his interference he is nobody."
As much as I wanted my competition out of the picture, I wasn't willing to take a woman that didn't want me to claim her. The vampire made his point last night in less that thirty seconds on the dance floor, just as she had today confirming he owned her. Grandfather thinks I'm a fool, but the woman has been through hell and back, some of the many lives she has lived were ended by our family and I had no interest in repeating the cycle.
"Secure us a queen and stop driveling like a whining child. I will update Niall Brigant but if you can't do this boy… he'll likely kill us all."
"You are working with the fucking skye prince… How long?" I growled…
"You are dumber than I thought boy. You don't remember her, from your childhood? The note you delivered to Debby Pelt and the consequences of your actions. You almost killed her once don't do it again, not yet." He growled grabbing my shoulders in a way that weakened me to the core and I knew the man from the journal I called Bash was right about this charade I had been living. My story paralleled his in ways I hadn't begun to understand before the old man spoke again. "The girl is as good as dead I just need you by her side as her mate when it happens. You've made your desire to claim the woman known publicly, you can't tell me you don't want her… unlike any other. You're drawn to her, MAKE IT HAPPEN" he sneered pushing me backwards into the wall.
I could only watch him transform into a man I no longer recognized before I it felt the first energy pulse, shortly followed by a second as the memory of the shifter come rushing back into my head with a tidal wave of emotions. It was as if it were forgotten but now the door was opened. That fucking fairy messed with my head I thought grinning at the old man resolved to show him nothing, "Remind me again who was Debbie, did I fuck her." I asked playing dumb watching the cruel smile sweep over his face.
Debbie fucking Pelt was a name I hadn't thought of since I was a child. The memory of that day had somehow been erased from my mind but now I recalled everything as if I were coming out of a glamoured haze. Handing the shifter the letter from the fairy prince I was taken with her, I should have went home like the old man told me but I hid in that garage watching her until the car pulled in and the memory of what happened next was like watching a horror movie for the first time. I heard the cries for help coming from the trunk of that car, the woman was begging for her life, pleading for the vampire to stop and I just sat there crying knowing it was all my fault. Whatever connection Sookie forced on me, I adored her for it… she was a fighter I genuinely liked this woman and the fact the skye prince wants her dead makes Eric fucking Northman my new best friend.
I now believed every story I heard about her was true.
I had a serious choice make… my kin, or this woman I hardly knew. Unfortunately, I recognized whatever path I walked I was fucked. The old man underestimated me, just as they had this girl Sookie fucking Stackhouse… a barmaid, I smiled reminded of a file folder I had read a thousand times. I don't care who's blood she has that woman was not a Brigant. She far to good…
Killian POV
Arriving to earth fae ahead of the team I was more than pleased to see Julius had pulled out all the stops. The grounds and palace were swarming with his royal guard and the military had a well-established perimeter. I could tell the newly discovered lineage was a fact that the prince was taking seriously, which was exactly what we needed right now, and I understood why Brigant insisted we held the event here.
When I glanced through the window into the oversized courtyard I was stunned to see all the seats were filled with what appeared to be commoners, a sight I had never seen at a royal affair I thought before hearing his voice behind me. "It's impressive isn't it, they are all here for her. Some are even saying they felt her energy pulse through them earlier today. The same light that rippled through the realm just weeks ago when she ascended. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that would you Killian."
"Maybe" I grinned. "But just like my sister it is complicated. Honestly the less you know right now Julius the better."
"That's where your wrong fairy, I think keeping me in the loop would benefit the cause especially with the rumors that just started circulating."
"Rumors" I shrugged wondering what in the hell the earth prince was talking about. "I'm not quite sure what you are suggesting fairy but get to the point."
"Well there is some concern among fire and water about the wolf. His line has a history with the skye prince and Nechtan feels Sookie may not be thinking clearly. You know… after what that fucking asshole Northman did…" He paused waiting for my reaction.
"Whatever you heard; I doubt it's accurate, but I would watch what you say around my sister. The Viking did nothing and she has no interest in the wolf. We would however be fascinated to learn what link the Meyers share with Niall Brigant."
Walking to the desk I watched him pull a file folder and decrepit book from the drawer before handing them to me. "I've gathered information from each of the clans it's all in the folder but there seems to be an evident link to the extinction of a wolf pack that involved the two. The Salazar's are what the wolves call "the first ones" their origin story I guess, we're not quite sure on that. The book is my grandma's journal which happens to mention a Meyer's wolf. Parts of it seem to be coded or in another language I couldn't make anything of it, but I thought Sookie or the witch might be able to figure it out."
"I guess you are not completely useless after all Julius." I grinned looking down at the folder before realizing Brigant and our team had popped into the room. She looked quite stunning rocking a good fairy vibe that I completely approved of. The white spaghetti strap maxi dress complimented her floral crown while her golden curls cascaded around her face and shoulders, she had dressed for the part she was playing today I thought grinning at my sister before noticing the white wolf at her heels wondering if this was going to be problematic.
"Where is Gavin and what is that beast doing here?" The earth prince asked glancing round the room before stopping on my face. "You know as well as I do their kind is not permitted in the realm. I thought you said the Meyers were not a problem." He hissed before the wolf's growl and visible teeth silenced him. When I looked to his guard noticing they didn't flinch or try to protect him I realized Brigant was playing a much bigger game than I had anticipated being involved in today. I guess after last nights shit show she was rolling queen fairy. It was a tittle I know she hated but, in this moment, she was owning it and I wasn't about to question her next move.
"I love you Julius, maybe not in the way you want me to but as your queen…" she leaned in whispering into his ear words everyone wanted to hear while his face registered no emotion listening to everything she said before grinning and kissing her forehead acting as if nothing had happened and there wasn't a extra-large white "elephant" in the room.
"Alert the guards we are about to go, put water on standby, fire secondary. This is the first time in the history of many of our families the realm has been one. We have the perimeter as well as outlying coverage… Earth fae will not be the one to lose our queen is that understood." He growled and I almost took a step back seeing a side of the earth prince that stunned even Becker before he "demanded" they make the announcement and the balcony doors opened.
I could only watch my sister hoping she knew what she was doing, I mean fuck we might as well have paraded vampire Lannister in front of them too in all his fanged glory… day walking. If Brigant was looking for a shock factor I think she found it.
Niall Brigant POV
When I arrived to the earth fae palace I could see Julius had his troops out in full force practically guaranteeing that an attempt on my great granddaughters' life would be nearly impossible. She was smart to have the prince host her official debut rather than the obvious choice of skye were I could have controlled her fate. There was no denying she was onto me and I wasn't about to take any chances, so I opted to lay low.
As the clans gathered in the courtyard lead by their house, I looked around realizing she had won them all from the royal families down the to the common fairies. They pilgrimaged here in masses just to cheer for her and I wondered how much of that was due to the light vibrations that traveled the realm earlier today. I'm not sure what she had done but I felt the energy pulse through me not once but twice.
When I played my part greeting the clans there was a feeling I had, call it intuition but they had received a memo I hadn't and noticing by the security in addition to their apparent discomfort with my sheer presence I figured it out fast… even the fire queen Aoife refused to meet my eye. I had severely underestimated my great granddaughter a glaring fact I have yet to come to terms with since her ascention.
I could only sit back and wait for the show to start hoping Soleera did not try to play her games today.
As the announcement rang out I could only smile thinking I had taught that child more that I should have. "The one true queen stands before you, Sookie Brigant first of her name, descendant of the fifth clan, savior of fire fae, redeemer of water fae, skye fae princess, and rightful ruler of the real." I could only grin as much as I hated that girl, I loved the games she played.
She will go down as my one true adversary I though watching her walk out noticing the wolf trailing in her wake before taking a place by her side while the crowd cheered frantically and I felt the Brigant hold on the realm start to crumble. she was the heroine of every tale my family had tirelessly worked to eradicate. In one well played move she just breathed the air of life into each and every dead story we had meticulously laid to rest. My only saving grace was the possibility this could be a Meyers wolf they were after all charged with fairy magic thanks in part to our long-standing contract.
I resented the day I thought I could use her, everything that had happened up until this very moment, and the fact she always seemed to be one step ahead of me.
Saving Sam Merlotte wasn't the test she thought it was. He was a descendant of the knights and even though his spark was sealed hidden by witchcraft, her very nature would demand she use the cluviel dor on him not realizing who the Viking really was. She could never know… how had I been so blind not to connect the dots until now I thought listening as she addressed the realm driveling on about an era of peace, love, and acceptance before making her rounds with the common folk. Her very existence embodied the death of my line yet somehow, I couldn't hate her. She was a survivor, a warrior, and my kin, I loved the girl even knowing she would die at my hands.
Eric POV
My day death had been quite unusual I thought wondering why I had awoken not once but twice from a jolt of energy I couldn't describe before I opened my eyes. When I saw my little fairy vixen straddling me covered in blood grinning, I was more than eager to know just what she had been up to and who she had killed. As she leaned down taking my lips with hers, I felt nothing but my desire to take her as Sookie's lust filled our bond before I realized it was Felipe de Castro's blood that covered her.
"He better still be alive min älskare (my lover). I am not finished with him" I smiled brushing her cheek with my hand. "Castro has much more suffering to endure before we send him to his true death."
"He lives… barely." She laughed kissing my neck as her hands caressed my torso. "Felipe begged me to end his pathetic existence and I wanted to, but I didn't."
After last night I was a bit taken back by her mood. I mean the way it had ended was spectacular but all the shit before that was the single worst possible scenario Sookie could have seen me in after everything she had been through since coming back I thought kicking myself for letting the fairy best me. I should have never been in that position and I expected my sober Valkyrie would have some lingering anger, want a more in-depth conversation, maybe even a slap me across the face but it was almost as if it never happened. Her strength was admirable but at times I missed her human vulnerability, the way she openly shared her pain.
"You know we will have to talk about this"
"What is there to talk about." She grinned looking up into my eyes and I winced internally knowing I couldn't lose her to the realm. Ascending that one thing but transcending to top fairy I didn't know shit about that… no one did. All I knew was there was an emotional off switch she had, and I didn't like it.
"There is…" I raised my brow sitting up before she wrapped her arms around my neck watching my face in an attempt to read me. "We've hardly talked about anything since you've come back into my life. We haven't had time…" Grinning I brushed my hand through her hair watching the features in her face soften from my little fairy vixen to the girl who walked into my bar with Compton.
"I know…" she sighed. "I've had to change to protect myself, I could have fell apart after Castro, I could have thought you lied to me last night," she grinned as if challenging me.
"I wish I could show you…" I laughed before I felt her in my head but it wasn't until the light radiated through my veins as if I stepped into the sun and absorbed it's rays that I heard something calling to me as if a door opened before she stopped with tear filled eyes.
"I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself… and now I know why, you are the key. The one thing that has pulled me from the shadow realm each time I have been there, a link to my humanity, the love of a lifetime." She grinned before the fairy I didn't recognize popped into our bedroom interrupting a fucking moment I wanted to share with only her.
"Who the fuck are you" I hissed dropping my fangs before Sookie looked back to the man rolling her eyes.
"How are you here wolf" Sookie demanded, and I could only watch their interaction knowing they were somehow acquainted… Yet he was in none of the files I had seen, he clearly appeared to be a fairy and still she called him "wolf".
"Ah, you know me fanger" he grinned bowing before me in almost a curtsy that made me want to rip his head off. "Get dressed dark prince, we need to have a talk much like the conversation you were about to have with our queen."
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