CHAPTER 25: My Sunshine
Eric POV
When the fairy left, and I was once again alone with my lover I desperately wanted to finish the conversation we had only started. There were still so many things left unsaid, feeling unshared, emotions that were hidden and it wasn't just her. I had a million things I wanted to say but I could never seem to find the words. Playing the savage Viking who doesn't give it shit has closed me off in some of the same ways I see Sookie shutting down. It's as if at times her bad ass alter ego is in complete control… and I love that little Valkyrie but when I felt the "the train wreck" emotional basket case tonight I knew at her core she was still that simple country girl. Sookie Stackhouse…
I can't regret the past because without it she would have likely died a human and I would have let her. It's something that I have thought about often recently because up until a couple weeks ago I thought that's what I had done. The only regret I had was not telling her the things I have the opportunity to say now. There is no point in living in the past and I have already made enough mistakes in this new future that it's time I became the man she needs me to be instead of the character I play. I wasn't going to have any regrets this time and I knew that meant opening up to her the same way I wanted her to do with me.
I wanted nothing more than to lay in bed with my lover all night and talk, watch a movie, fuck… do all the stuff normal couples do… but as usual there was another fire to be put out. I couldn't help but wonder when this shit was going to end. Would we ever get a chance to be just Sookie and Eric or was there always going to be some cruel twist of fate waiting to rip us apart I thought watching the love of my life, my soulmate as she walked into the bathroom before turning on the shower. Mmm that ass…
As soon as the door closed, I jumped out of bed rushing to dress thinking of nothing but killing the fairy who just saw her naked covered in Felipe de Castro's blood. This wasn't one of those situations I was working towards becoming a better man… no this was one of those rip your head off, drain you were you stand, cut you the fuck down situations and all I could feel exiting the bedroom was sheer rage and it wasn't just about what he saw it was the conversation he interrupted.
Grabbing my phone off the nightstand before I left, I immediately texted Pam.
Eric: That project we talked about… Green light it. I'm thinking Saturday, but only he if he agrees. Any day works if he is there… it must be him.
Pam: He hates you though…
Eric: But he loves Sookie, he will come. Work your magic… and don't breathe a word of this to her brother, that fool has a big mouth.
Pam: That's a true story…
Eric: Since we are talking about true stories… I may have a situation over here.
Pam: Leaving now.
Descending the stairs and walking into the living room I was shocked to see more than just the fairy intruder I thought noticing Gavin and Lannister on the couch while Killian paced the floor in fear and the soon to be dead guy hovered in the corner. "This better be fucking good," I growled as Pam walked in the door.
"Believe me blondie I told him not to do that, I was more than willing to wait but fairy wolf knight of the realm over here clearly has no boundaries." Killian rolled his eyes before glancing to the new guy. "Yeah I didn't recognize him at first either but it's our old friend Porter."
I glanced to my progeny and we both started laughing. "Jonathan fucking Porter the lone wolf, I can't wait to hear this." I looked at Killian with a raised brow before glancing to the other fairies noting the serious looks that covered their faces. "Explain Killian, how the hell is this guy Porter."
"It's complicated, a lot happened today Northman… let's just say the realm is still feeling the aftershocks of the earthquake."
I knew Sookie had her "official" queen of the realm party hosted by Julius, one of her many admirers. It should bother me, but it doesn't. I will never again doubt where that woman's allegiance lies especially after what could have happened the other night when she was with the wolf. For some reason though I couldn't help but wonder if the energy I felt in my day death had anything to do with that.
"Somebody better fucking explain this to me," I hissed making eye contact with each of them before stopping on the fairy claiming to be Porter.
"The name is Dominic Salazar mate," he grinned leaning into the back corner of the room. "And you are one fucking lucky vamp," he winked grinning watching me for a reaction before I was in his face with vamp speed and dropped fangs.
"I should kill you were you stand." I glared sizing the man up. His height matched my own but I no doubt I could rip his fucking head off before he even saw it coming. My rage almost demanded it right then and there as I recognized the lust for my woman in his eyes. "You ran with Alcide as a wolf but teleported into my fucking bedroom like a fairy. Tell me what you are, or you know what will happen."
Pam was behind me in an instant sensing my intention when his eyes flashed yellow and a set of K-9's growled at us. I had seen a lot of things over the past thousand years, but a fairy wolf was not one them. I didn't even know it was fucking possible I thought watching my progeny hiss before we both took a step backwards. "Good, I see I've got your attention Viking prince, you may want to have a seat." he grinned watching Sookie walk down the stairs, and I can't say I liked the way he looked her but then again I hated the way any man did.
"Lover" I scowled taking her hand walking to the loveseat before I sat down pulling her onto my lap. God, she smelled so fucking good I thought kissing her neck wishing we were alone until I felt something in the bond. It was as if she were talking to someone when I noticed Gavin leave the room out of the corner of my eye. "What are you up to fairy" I asked raising my brow watching Sookie's eyes before the strange hybrid creature interrupted.
"Indeed, that it an excellent question mate. Your fairy here has played quite a game today. She acts to much like you Viking… it's reckless."
It's wasn't until I heard Pam's fangs drop that I noticed the gigantic white wolf walk into the room. "Don't move a muscle" Sookie whispered seductively into my ear as the creature growled moving towards us. I tried to concentrate on the beast, but I was distracted by the heat coming from her mouth before I felt that woman's tongue on my earlobe. I couldn't deny she had me completely aroused and I wasn't sure what I wanted more to kill the wolf or take her back to our bed and have my way with her.
Glancing to Killian I noticed the visible smirk on his face realizing they were playing some sort of fairy game with me. Yet, I didn't recognize this wolf, who the fuck was he and why was he here I thought raising my brow to Pam who seemed to already catch onto to whatever was happening here. "Who is the wolf" I smirked watching as he snarled brandishing his teeth only two feet from us.
"Oh, don't tell me you are afraid of him" Sookie laughed reaching out scratching his ear as the wolf whimpered like a domesticated pet all traces of hostility instantly faded away. "Sit, Shake, Sit-pretty, Bang bang your dead." I watched as the beast fell to the floor taking what appeared to be his last breath before the tongue rolled out of his mouth. The fairies all laughed hysterically while Pam giggled. Shit even I let out a chuckle, but Salazar remained in the corner sulking.
"Ha ha you got me vixen but who is he?"
"You already know him," she frowned watching my eyes intently telling me with the bond to listen. "It's Gavin… There were a few developments with that whole gene thing today. I had hoped to tell you everything downtown later but clearly Salazar has no respect for my privacy or timeline." She glared at the hybrid who only rolled his eyes before Killian began laughing and I noticed the exchange he and Salazar shared. It was lusty I thought now realizing that maybe the look in the fairy wolf's eyes had nothing to do with Sookie. "I have a few things to do downtown…"
"I will go with you."
"Not so fast vampire send your child. You know as well as I do that the bloody woman can take care of herself. We have business that can only be discussed within the realms circle."
"I have a surprise for you later," she grinned turning around to straddle my waist while her hand ran through my hair. "I think you will love it, maybe…" When her hand brushed down my cheek and her lips met mine her memory of the day's events shot into head almost like a bolt of electricity and I could tell by the look on her face it wasn't intentional.
"You my little Valkyrie just made the first move to strike the skye prince down and after knowing the information you got from Castro we are at war. I wish I could have been there for that. The crowd… You set the whole damn realm on fire woman. The things you do to me fairy." I growled nipping her neck. "Go... I will meet you downtown shortly, it would seem we have quite the busy night planned. I mean besides the meetings it's finally time to end Felipe since he's served his purpose."
Glancing to Lannister I could see the fairy was grinning like a kid on Christmas before he let his new fangs drop. "I'm a daywalker" the he laughed.
Pam gasped staggering backwards into the counter and I could feel what she was thinking. First a fairy wolf, then a second, and now a fairy vampire that day walks this shit was out of the realm of possibility yet we both saw it… and just like me she couldn't help but wonder if there was a chance for us… to feel the sun again.
When the group left it was just me and the hybrid before Becker walked through the door with a file folder in hand. When he nodded his head to the wolf before taking a seat, I wondered what the hell these two were up to. If this was the "realms circle" I was worried about the fate of fae.
"What do you need mut, it already appears we have some damage control to do." I scowled glancing down at my phone seeing a message from not just the vampire council, but also one from Constantine Aimar himself. I had almost put it away when the notification went off again. Fucking Alcide Herveaux… as if this night couldn't get any worse. I was already expecting Edgington and Roman at the downtown office building later this evening I recalled from Sookie's memory as I shoved the phone back into my pocket. "That woman is something else…" I ginned thinking of what she had done to Castro.
Yet it wasn't just that. I saw her humanity tonight, it's something she hides well. I had no doubt in my mind that Odin himself created this woman just for me in the image of Freya. She was my reason for existing… and as much as I loved this "unbreakable" version of my little human turned fairy vixen that was a Viking goddess, I missed the girl that wanted me to save her. The human that took me in knowing I was monster when I had no memory of myself. The woman who taught me how love, who showed me I was worth redemption, who made me feel alive. I have never told her how much that changed me, what she meant to me…
"She knows." Salazar laughed as if reading my mind, but I just crossed my arms watching him thinking it was nothing more than a coincidence even though I knew otherwise. "You're right to call that Shelia a vixen she owns you, and I believe you own her. Haven't you ever wondered why?"
"It's fated a blessing from the gods," I cockily grinned.
"Ah, you don't know just how right you are Viking. Every faction has an origin story involving Asherah – the one true queen – their claim to the fifth clan." He started and I knew immediately there was a connection to the gene… Wolf, vampire, fairy, shifter and something else… "Each faction has a knight sworn to defend the realm and one true queen…"
"Let's jump to the point wolf, what does this have to do with me." I hissed feeling like he was wasting my time after knowing what Sookie had done today, the challenge she thrown down was not something Brigant would forget… why had I been foolish enough to introduce that man into her life.
"Your people, your line… what stories did your mother share with you?"
"The same stories all Vikings share… we were direct descendants of the gods blessed Odin himself." I laughed glancing to Becker expecting more than a blank stare before I turned my attention back to Salazar. "Get to the point I have busy night."
"Did you feel the energy pulse through you while you slept." He paused watching me. "I thought so. Your mother was right, you are god Viking. I believe you are the direct descendant of the dark prince, Asherah's banished lover Rowan Ansgar. Your family was clever as was the shifters to veil you with magic… but the vampire curse was sheer genius. Niall Brigant has never suspected you of being anything more than a savage creature not a knight of the realm. For that matter neither did I."
"What are you saying wolf, I am some sort of fairy vampire god," I laughed unable to contain my amusement with his outlandish story. "and who is this shifter?"
"You knew him mate. Sam Merlotte, the man's hopeless devotion to her almost voided the veil that hid him. Why do you think she saved him?" The minute he said that name it felt as if the blood drained out of me and the memory of that man, the night that changed everything invaded my mind like a fucking nightmare. A reminder of another test I had failed. "There is a bond between a knight and queens spark that each of them interpreted differently. For Sam it was love… true love but for Sookie it was different kind of love. A kinship, a friendship, a loyalty… He couldn't die without leaving an heir. Niall Brigant knew that she would use that trinket to make sure he didn't and she wouldn't even understand why she was doing it. The skye prince forced fate that night the whole thing was set up. He knew you would feel betrayed… and you were in his way. So, you see there was never a test to fail."
"Are you fucking reading my mind…"
"I can pick up on things" Salazar grinned.
"Well stop… How was I in his way?"
"You kept bloody saving her mate. I mean you can't tell me you haven't wondered why shit follows that Sheila like a plague. It's not by accident…"
"Are you saying Niall Brigant is responsible for everything bad that happened to her back then?" I growled knowing the prince was a piece of shit, but at that time I never saw him as anything other than her grandfather. "Give me an example…"
"Debbie Pelt"
"The fucking shifter bitch that almost killed Sookie more than once?" I raised my brow shocked that the woman's name had so casually rolled out of his mouth without the slightest hesitation.
"You can ask Baxter Meyers yourself about Niall Brigant's involvement with that woman if you don't believe me mate."
"You know I will."
"So now you can see why you were a problem with his plan to kill her. Honestly, it's probably a good thing you were an asshole back then or the prince would have killed you… had he known how you really felt about the girl and who you are we wouldn't be sitting here today. Everything he has done and said only furthers is own agenda. He isn't helping your or her… You've both been pawns in the long game he's been playing but that game just ended today."
"What does that mean?" I growled.
"It means your "Valkyrie" just told the skye prince she was done being a pawn. Matching out with that fucking wolf was one hell of a message. We aren't just forbidden to be there… we've been exiled from the realm just like vampires, shifters, deities, and what few fae are left in this world. I couldn't go there if I wanted to, neither could you not until the curse lifts." He paused watching my face looking for some sort of expression I refused to give him. "The prince will have felt the energy and seeing the wolf he will read the message loud and clear. From what I hear the stories of the "saviors" return are spreading through the realm like wildfire. All of the lore the Brigant line has spent millenniums burring are coming back to life with a vengeance."
"How do you know all this?"
"I have someone on the inside hidden within Niall Brigant's inner circle."
"Killian said they are getting ready to start." Becker cut in and it wasn't thirty seconds later that I heard Sookie's voice and felt her in our bond reminding me of a promise and I panicked thinking it could only mean one thing. I had to get to her, but the wolf grabbed me…
"Stay still Viking it was just the calling, only a knight can get it," he growled as wave of energy passed through my body. "Did you feel it Becker?"
"Yes, a voice said my name and the energy passed through me." He grinned lifting his eyes from the text he was sending.
"I felt nothing… it's impossible I'm the only Salazar left, no one has come after me."
"That might not be accurate," the fairy winced, and I could see fire in the wolfs eyes. "The skye prince captured your sister two centuries ago but didn't kill her… I never knew what happened to her, just that she was gone one day."
I wasn't sure how this little glitch was going to complicate the plans, but I could tell by the look on the hybrids face he wasn't happy, and I couldn't figure out why. What did it mean if he didn't get the call… was there another Salazar out there he didn't know about? When I heard Sookie's tone on my phone I pulled it from my pocket reading the message only to come to an understanding of what it fully meant. "Was you sisters name Valentina Antonella."
"Valentina Antonella Salazar, yes…"
"Fuck" I growled almost throwing my phone to the wall before deciding not to be a fool. "I didn't know the woman was your sister… she was a junkie breeder for the Meyers' clan who died over hundred years ago during childbirth, her son was Abran Meyers. Roman has Sookie's phone… Apparently his twin sons got your calling… Baxter and Byron Meyers your great nephews it would appear."
"What did her voice say to you Northman… did it call your name?"
"It said "your mine Viking… don't let me go" in Swedish. I promised her I would never let her go it's the reason I panicked, I thought something was happening. Why?"
"Go to her now… your connection is deeper than anything I have ever seen. Killian was right, I thought he might have been exaggerating but the more I see the two of you together the harder it is to deny. But you need to remember the pythoness's words… you have been tested over and over and the final test is coming. Don't give Meyers a chance to lay claim to something they were never entitled to. I guarantee my sister was not there by choice… and she was no junkie."
"What the hell am I supposed to do?"
"Go kill Castro, lustfully take your woman and see what happens. We will talk when it's done... There will be much to do before the war to come."
"What aren't you telling me wolf." The way he spoke worried me. I couldn't help but think I was on the verge of another massive test and this time I couldn't fail. What happened with that fairy was a mistake I can never make again… had that not happened Baxter Meyers would have never had the chance to get to know her.
"From what I understand the one true queen was a fickle woman who had many loves, adored the attention or multiple suitors, and was always looking for that one deep connection until she found the dark prince. Your ancient pythoness said there would be a choice… one that shouldn't exist. Opening the bond of knighthood could alter feelings… her feelings." He raised his brow sternly watching me and I knew what that meant. Fucking Meyers… "That memory she shared with you earlier was it intentional mate… because while neither acted as if it were strange, I think it just happened without warning."
"It was not intentional… that's the first time she's done that."
"It's a good sign… go to her, I want to see what she does next now that the calling has started."
Saying nothing more I left knowing whatever happened I had complete faith in my lover. Nothing could ever change what we have. The woman was mine just as I was hers and I would kill anybody who got in the way of our second chance. I refused to be bound to some fucking prophecy or fated words. We will make our own destiny.
Baxter POV
After leaving grandfathers I spent the next few hours evaluating just how deep my boots were buried in shit before realizing I was completely fucked. His threat to bring is Byron was not something I took lightly and knowing the old man I bet anything my delinquent twin brother was already in town stirring up trouble in my name. The last thing I needed right now was to clean up another one of his messes, or worse yet have Sookie become one of those "messes". The man had no control and he would see her as a challenge. I shuddered at the thought of what he would do to her and the risk grandfather was taking with our contracts before it dawned on me. This had never been about peace it was about that damn prophecy and owning something that never belonged to us.
I had news for the old man and the fairy prince for that matter, they didn't know Sookie. This wasn't a girl who was defined by anything let alone the archaic rantings of a long dead witch doctor. They underestimated her will to live, her strength, and even as much as I hated it her love for the fucking vampire.
Pulling into my driveway I realized I had already made my choice and I knew exactly what I had to do, I only hoped blondie was up for playing one more fairy game I thought before the sound of my phone interrupted the scheme I was concocting in my head.
Luke: Where are you right now?
Baxter: Just pulled in the driveway.
Luke: That's funny I just watched you walk into the dawg haus hitting on everything thing that moves, I take it this means Byron is back in town.
Baxter: Don't let him out of your sight.
Turning the truck back on before backing out of the driveway only one thought crossed my mind, I hated being right especially when it came to my junkie brother. I wondered what 12 step program he was fresh out of this time knowing the old man must have cleaned his ass up before sending him into the vampire's torture camp. Which reminded me, I hoped that asshole had something smart to say I was itching to kick his ass.
When I pulled up to the curb Brendan was standing there waiting. Without hesitation I jumped out of cab, tossed him the keys, and headed into the bar where it didn't take me long to spot Luke. Sliding the drink towards me when I walked up to him, he motioned to the back of the room, "he put his drinks on your tab he's been telling everyone he's you."
Slamming the whiskey before heading to the back with my second on my heels we pushed through the crowd. Same old Bryon I shook my head thinking of all my girlfriends he had coerced into bed by impersonating me. When we got close to them, I couldn't help but grin seeing the look of shock on the girl's face who had just been making out with my brother. Stopping behind him, I crossed my arms waiting before he turned his head laughing. "Ah Bax, I could get use to this, want a turn with this one."
"You clean up well, could almost pass for me but I'm not playing those old games anymore Brother." I grinned motioning the girl to leave before he turned to face me. "What are you doing back here."
"Six months in a forced rehab has a tendency to "clean" one up and in my new state of sobriety I was feeling nostalgic. Figured I would come home and checkout my old stomping grounds, you know a whole trip down memory lane kind of thing."
"Is that so? Where have you been calling home" I growled.
"Shit brother no need to pull the Alpha card on me, but if I had to guess I would say grandfather has already told you about my last job guarding a fine fairy piece of ass. Watched her rip a vamp's head off with no magic from the floor of her cell. She just laid there laughing covered in blood, it made my dick hard. Tell me, you tap that shit yet." He paused reading my face before he grinned. "No wonder the old man called me… your losing your touch brother. Don't worry I fill her full of enough Meyers seed for the both of us."
I hardly let him get the words out of his mouth before I landed a right hook to his jaw and he hit the ground knocked out cold.
"Help me get this asshole in my truck" I growled to Luke. "Put the word out that Byron is back… He's only here to start shit and right now that's the last thing I need."
I didn't even bother putting him in the cab, we dumped his ass in the bed of the truck without a second thought. "Enjoy the bumpy ride asshole" Luke laughed. "I'm surprised you didn't kill that one when you were pups."
"I tried but he's like a New York city cockroach… he just keeps coming back."
"What are you gonna do with him?" he winced. "You are Alpha… whatever you decide to do I'm behind you buddy. Especially after hearing he was in with Castro. I'd rip his fucking head off for that alone."
"Seems grandfather has aligned us with some questionable associates… Felipe de Castro is only one of them. The old man has lost him mind, he's obsessed and I'm going to have to make a choice."
"You can count on me; whatever you need I'm here and so is the pack." Luke grinned before I jumped in the truck and tore out of there.
The whole drive home I thought about what I was going to do to him, how I was going to make him pay, shit maybe I would fuck him up and drop him off on the old man's door step gift wrapped with a special note that read "fuck you".
After I got Byron out of the truck and into my house, I threw him in the chair and grabbed the bottle of whiskey. I knew it was only a matter of time before he woke up and I was ready to have a little brotherly heart to heart with the wolf. This game he was playing with grandfather was going to hurt someone I cared about, and I just couldn't allow that to happen.
I sat there watching him sipping on the whiskey before he finally started coming to.
"Damn Bax, you didn't have to do that." Byron groaned grabbing the bottle of whiskey from my hand. "When the hell did you get so sensitive about a piece of ass you haven't even been whipped by yet. Listen why don't we head up there now, pick the fairy up, and take her for a slow ride. You need to get some of that frustration worked out buddy… hell I'll even let you go first, I'm use to getting your scraps," he laughed.
"Her vampire will kill you."
"Fuck Eric Northman…" He grinned before smartening up, "fine a day attack it is. We can go at first light. You forget I know you brother; you want to fuck that bitch as bad as I do."
"If you so much as touch her I will kill you myself Byron, I give you my word on that brother."
"Holy shit… you caught feelings for her. Baxter fucking Meyers in love… bet dad's rolling in his grave."
I wanted to kill him when I heard her voice calling my name followed by a jolt of electricity that passed through my entire body almost causing the wolf to come out… but when I saw Byron fighting his own urge to shift I knew whatever I felt he had too.
"That woman was calling me, I need her." He growled ferally before changing into a wolf and busting through my front window. Fuck me I thought whatever the hell that was just sparked something in my brother that I didn't like. All I could do now is put the pack on his trail.
Pulling the phone out of my pocket I sent a series of texts.
Baxter: Sookie something just happened, and I can't explain it. I heard your voice, felt some sort of energy, and it almost made the wolf come out. My brother is in town… he felt it too, stay away from him please he's dangerous. Call me we can grab a drink.
Baxter: Get the trackers, I need to find Byron the scent starts at my house. Asshole busted through the new front window we just put in.
Luke: On it Bax… we'll find him.
Luke: Hey buddy I meant to ask you earlier, but Byron threw me off. Did you go to the realm today with Sookie?
Baxter: No why?
Luke: Well, here's the thing there are rumors going around that a BIG white wolf was standing by Sookie's side while she addressed the realm. One of the old timers told me your granddad confirmed it was you… said "he put the fear of god into you today to take that woman"…so yeah there's that plus you are the biggest wolf I've ever seen and white… if it wasn't you who was it?
Baxter: For now, confirm it was me… This will play well into my hand if Northman agrees it could buy us some time.
Luke: Got it… I expect to be completely be filled in on this plan of yours.
I had one final message to send but I couldn't figure out what to say. I've made my intentions clear to him, so he has no reason to trust me, but I have a feeling the Viking likely knows more about that wolf that I do. Niall Brigant himself must have asked granddad if it were me, and the fool said yes.
Baxter: We need to talk Northman tonight. Just tell me a time and I will be there.
Sookie POV
When we entered the office buildings lobby, I did my best to give Pam a brief rundown of the day's events, while my brother giddily chirped in with all the finer details. It had been one hell of a day and I had a feeling the night was going to be even busier thinking of all the meetings I had lined up. God I couldn't wait to get through all this drama and go away somewhere with Eric… like a normal fucking person taking a vacation instead of dealing with this never-ending stream of bull shit that seemed to follow my every move.
"Where is Becker" I asked Jordyn noticing the fairy was missing from his usual post.
"Meeting with your man and the Aussie, you didn't know?" She paused watching me shake my head before continuing. "Roman and Octavia are in conference room one. Killian's new love interest demanded you see them first", she winked grinning as Killian's face turned red. "Amelia and a demon are waiting for you in two…"
"What?" Pam squealed unable to hide her shock as her eyes darted to my brother. "You and the hybrid beast?"
"What?" he smirked, "That wolf thing is a GAME changer… glow in the dark eyes and the teeth… Mmm don't judge me. It's been a while and I got sick of my sister getting all the action. I have needs too." He chuckled putting his arm around her. "Don't you have something better to do, like sheriff stuff… I don't think Brigant needs a babysitter."
"Yeah and face the wrath of Eric, you know better than that fairy." She raised her perfectly shaped brow before they both smirked. "I'm going to wait in the lobby for loverboy, you guys go ahead."
As Killian and I made our way to the third-floor conference rooms I couldn't help but wonder what the hell Dominic Salazar needed to have a private conversation with Eric about and why my brother suddenly seemed edgy. Had his new lover divulged some top-secret information to the fairy and he was holding out on me. I watched him silently playing a game I knew he hated waiting for the confession to come spilling out.
"What," he groaned. "You know I don't like it when you look at me like that. I can't say anything… But I will tell you what ever little surprise you had planned for later I cancelled it and planned you something else. I will get you an updated schedule… you can thank me later. Trust me on this one dear sister… this is your game changer. Well possibly we have to see… shit you make to talk too much."
I couldn't help but grin when he put is arm around me knowing whatever he was holding back I would find out soon enough but right now I had to wonder what Roman wanted. I hadn't seen him since before Felipe and Soleera abducted me. He had gotten his progeny back and Castro was in my dungeon so what could he want.
"Ok let's see the gladiator." I winced pausing for a moment. "Roman, Octavia," I smiled walking into the room as Killian closed the door behind us. "It's been a while."
"Yes, it has goddess and you are looking better than ever. I think being the fairy queen agrees with you." He grinned taking my outstretched hand and kissing it before I could protest. "I have come to beg your forgiveness; you see I wasn't quite honest with you about something."
"Is that so…" I glanced to my brother before we each took a seat and I could tell by the look on his face he knew what the gladiator was about to confess. Well the plot thickens I thought staring at the two vampires with a dead face knowing I was likely the only one in the room that was in the dark about the reason behind this meeting.
"Many, many centuries ago I found a child in a plague decimated village. A tiny girl of maybe 4… I was going to put her out of her misery when her fangs dropped, and the wild little thing started biting my leg. Turning a child is against the blood laws and I should have ended her right then, but the witch came with her coven surrounding me. They gave me a chance for both of us to live and I took it.
You see… this child was unlike any other I had crossed paths with, she aged and grew until her 25th year. When the witches returned her memory was erased with magic, replaced by a history she never lived, and obligated to a maker that never was. They told me the child was a descendant of the realm and the last in her line of knights. This was the same witch that told me of your reincarnation spell… She gave me one task… when the one true queen returned, she would need Octavia." He paused when his progeny's eyes darted to his filled with a million questions. "Now maybe you can understand why it was so important for me to get you child," he told her.
"It's impossible," she growled. "I don't believe you… it's Northman not me."
"He was bitten to hide who he was; you were not."
"Wait… what does that mean Roman." I hissed glancing to my brother noting the fear in his eyes as he saw rage sweep over my face. "Someone better start talking now…"
"You declared war today goddess there is not a creature on this earth or in the realm who is not talking about the fairy queen who addressed her people with a giant wolf at her side… It should be impossible. Just tell me it was not a Meyers wolf." He winced, "I have heard rumors that all is not well in Shreveport, I have to ask."
"This is my town, the Vikings kingdom… idle gossip should be the least of your concern Tobias Roman. I can assure there is nothing wrong in my house." I raised my brow watching him pulling the fairy fucking queen card out of my pocket like an ace up my sleeve. "If you think I would stand before the realm with another by my side you misjudge me gladiator or maybe it is I who has misjudged you."
"That's not what I meant," he pleaded almost begging my forgiveness as much as the barbarian could. I had sympathy for him, the life he had led had to have been a difficult path walk but no longer had the luxury of sympathy.
"If you need proof, I can call my fairy down to wolf out in front of you or maybe you would like Lannister to come in and drop his new fangs."
"Your team is filled with children of the light that survived in fae? That is remarkable… and your turned them today… when it was light. Tell me this Lannister is he a day walker?" he said turning to Octavia watching her as he talked to me before Killian cut in.
"Yes, yes, and a BIG YES. We have to test it though but if there's a chance isn't it worth it?" he grinned watching the vampire's child and I sat there frozen in shock thinking of what this could possibly mean for her. In that moment I wished it was the Viking sitting in front of me instead… how I would love to give him the gift of light.
The blood tears began forming in her eyes as she spoke, "Yes if there is chance, even a small one that I can walk in the light I want it. What do I have to do?"
"Stand up," I said almost in a whisper and she didn't hesitate. Moving in front of her I tried to smile, "I'm going to place my hands on your chest and fill you with light, the grace, fifth clan magic… I'm not sure what it is anymore, but it might hurt"
When the light began pulsating through her I felt a magic lift and for a moment it seemed as if I were touching the soul of a long lost friend, a connection sprung to life, and I felt bonded to her as if we were kin. It was almost euphoric before the energy pulse blew us apart leaving her filled with a light that normally retreated inside of me. I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or something that could possibly cause my death, but I didn't feel week if anything I felt stronger.
The room was silent while all eyes were on Octavia whose once pale skin now wore a vibrant tan, she looked human. "It's almost 10pm Killian take her to Hawaii the sun hasn't set yet. Test this slowly." I glared noting he was texting someone. "You got something more important to do brother?"
Shoving his phone in his pocket I couldn't help but notice the way his face had lit up reading that message. "Got it Brigant a Hawaiian sunset the for the new day walker, let's go honey… don't wait up we'll be getting drinks on the beach tonight. I will text you." He laughed blowing me a kiss before disappearing with Octavia.
"Did you see how she looked, she was so alive," Roman beamed like a proud father. It was touching I thought as my phone went off and the photo popped up… turning it to face the vampire I could only watch his reaction. "She is in the sun..." he cried as the tears streamed down his face.
"I will give you some time alone Roman." I smiled handing him the phone before leaving the room knowing that was likely the first of many pictures my brother would send. Plus, Amelia and Desmond Cataliades were waiting for me in the next room.
Eric POV
When I arrived at Sookie's building… well I guess our building I thought since she had dedicated a whole floor to the King of Louisiana who currently was none other than yours truly, I grinned internally. Killian was waiting at the door which is never a good sign.
"So, you gonna marry my sister or what Vampire." He grinned holding the door open as I walked in noticing Alcide patiently waiting in the reception area.
"Maybe," I said emotionlessly with a raised brow. The fairy had a big mouth and I wasn't about to give him anything he could to ruin my plans.
"Well you better do it before the Meyers kid sinks his K-9's into her. Speaking of Baxter, I'm pretty sure that is why Alcide is here and I got a message from the wolf himself demanding a meeting with you. He said he texted you, but you didn't respond. I mean what's the harm… it's not like you have anything to worry about now," he winked.
"Your friend Salazar was wrong about one thing… he isn't the "wolf" knight. The Meyers twins are."
"Shut the fuck up… you better be joking." He exclaimed with wide eyes full of shock. "What the hell does this mean, what did Dominic say to do?"
"To go to Sookie and see what happens… whatever that means."
"I know what it means, he wants to see if she will open you up all on her own. After than little memory slip earlier he see's your connection now. I fucking told him… but shit I'm only her brother what do I know." He rolled his eyes laughing. "What do you want me to do with Alcide."
"I'll Take care of him, where is Sookie?"
"Conference room two with Amelia and the Lawyer. Roman took off but Octavia is still here… in case you were wondering she's the vamp knight. How ironic is it they were both part of Castro's prison block?" He cringed at the thought of that fucking hell hole and what happened there. "I'll meet you up there."
Walking over to Alcide I plopped in down in the seat next to him before turning my head to look at him. "What can I do for you Herveaux."
"I've been trying to stay out of your shit Northman… I mean with all the rumors that have been flying around, about you cheating and Sook taking a shining to the Meyers boy. I figured it was none of my business, but when I heard today that Johann Meyers told the elders his grandson was with her in fae I couldn't fucking believe it."
"This conversation stays between us wolf; I know we share no love other than Sookie but there is a LOT you don't know about what's going on. So, from here on out we are on the same team, and I need to know I can trust my teammates."
"Well shit must be deep if Eric fucking Northman is throwing down an olive branch." He laughed. "You can trust me fanger I would never do anything to hurt Stackhouse."
"I know you wouldn't Alcide. I still don't forgive you for trying to climb into her bed though…" I scowled before laughing letting the wolf know I was giving him a hard time. "How does Meyers know there was a wolf in the realm today… and why would he think it's his grandson?"
"Take one fucking guess fanger." The wolf crossed his arms and huffed. "Who would know there was a wolf… had to be someone that was there. Been doing some digging and I found that Johann has long standing relationship with the fairy prince."
"It wasn't a Meyers wolf in the realm I can assure you of that. Let me ask you something Alcide… Did you know Debbie was working for Niall?"
"Bullshit," he growled pausing momentarily to re-think it. "What do you know."
"Dominic Salazar told me just tonight even said Baxter Meyers has proof."
"The Salazar's are dead, have been for a long time." He shook his head in disbelief. "That's why Meyers took over as the royal wolf family… the closest left to first ones."
"You ran with him," I paused watching confusion spread across his face. "Seems this Salazar thought he was a knight of the realm, a fucking fairy wolf. He was wearing a Jonathan Porter suit at the time…"
The wolf doubled over in the chair laughing, "Now I know your bullshitting me Viking. The knights are a supernatural bedtime story, shit allegedly even you vamps got one right." He chuckled before glancing back to me realizing I was serious. "You're not joking?"
"Nope… I saw it with my own eyes. You remember Sookie's team from Aspen… Gavin is now a fairy wolf he was in the realm today, and Lannister is a day walking fairy vampire. I'd love to fill you in on all the details, but I have full night scheduled. Get ahold of me tomorrow and we will sit down… there is a war coming and Sookie is going to need everyone she can get. The skye prince declared war on us a long time ago, we are just now realizing it."
"I will talk to Rick; we'll schedule a meeting for tomorrow night, but he'll need proof. If what you say is true it shouldn't be a problem," he said before standing. When I got up from the chair, he held his hand out and I shook it thinking just how much shit had changed. "I have to say this wasn't how I expected this conversation to go."
"Things have changed wolf; I will see you tomorrow."
After watching Alcide walk out the door, I headed upstairs to the conference room where Killian was waiting.
"Schedule that meeting with Meyers for tonight."
"Will do, but it will have to wait. I have a surprise for you and Brigant… when your done with what Salazar told you to do." He ginned like the Cheshire cat before opening the door and walking in.
"Ah Viking, I was hoping to see you I have a gift for you," Desmond Cataliades grinned. "Well in addition to the Book of light I have something for each of you from Michael. He wanted you both to know it is a gift from the new gods to the old ones." He said bowing his head before pulling two small boxes from his pocket sliding them across the table. "Open them later, right now you two need to do the world a favor and rid us of that vile creature Felipe de Castro. Give the heathen my regards and Michael's."
"The archangel Michael… the one the pythoness spoke of." Sookie laughed as I stood behind her placing my hands on her shoulders and she glanced up to me grinning in confusion over the demon's words, I had a feeling she knew nothing about the "god" or deity gene whatever it was.
"Sookie Stackhouse I know for a fact Adele raised you as a god-fearing Christian don't laugh" Cataliades halfheartedly scolded her wearing a smirk as he did it. "The heavenly father wishes you luck in the war to come and he now understands your lack of faith over the last sixty years… he just asks that remove Castro from this world immediately as well as the other creature you will receive tonight. Do this and the new gods will favor you when the day comes." I couldn't help but internally laugh as the demon spoke until he looked directly at me furrowing his brow, "As a descendant of Odin and a faithful believer I would think you would not laugh at the god's boy. You know the karma associated with that… I'd hate to see the crow watching you on the battlefield unfavorably."
"Does the all father send me a message too because I have not been the most faithful," I grinned mocking him… I thought he was full of shit. This Christian demon knew nothing of my gods.
"Of course not," he shrugged knocking his head back in laughter. "You are a Viking he needs not tell you anything you don't already know. In battle he always favors you and in his words "unlike the Christians I ask for nothing"" he grinned… "Wait just a second," he paused holding up his finger as if talking to Odin himself while I rolled my eyes watching him chuckle shaking his head in agreement to this invisible god he was allegedly having a conversation with. "He says you are right; this woman was created for you alone in the likeness of Freya… sex, lust, fertility, war, and death. She is your shieldmaiden in all that is to come, and he apologizes for how long he made you wait, he had no control. Your all father seems to think quite highly of what this "match" will bring not just in the here and now, but in the future" the lawyer winked, and I almost stepped back as the alarm bells went off in my head. I wasn't laughing anymore… I hadn't even said those words to Pam.
I watched Killian scoop the boxes up shoving them in a gift bag before grabbing my shoulder. It felt like I was in a haze… "Yo, bro… you ok?" he questioned but I could only stare at the grinning demon for a second before I snapped out of it. "Go I have surprise for you… be ready to leave at 11pm no later."
"Absolutely… come lover let's end Castro for your god," I laughed saying a blessing to Odin in my head. The way things were lining up no longer seemed coincidental. There was something OLD at work here… and I couldn't help but think the Norse god was telling me something with his words and one word stuck out I couldn't think about right now.
The entire way to Castro's cell I couldn't think of a thing to say to her, how I would start this whole "sharing thing"… but when she stopped turning around leaning back into the solid steel cell door with questioning eyes I melted… "You are not telling me something."
"Min älskare (my lover) I want to watch you kill him and then I am going to fuck you covered in his blood because I'm a savage. Will you do this for me?"
"You're poking fun at me right" she laughed kissing my chest. "That was totally my plan in the first place Viking. Should I drag it out or do you want it all fast and furious?"
"I will let you decide lover." I grinned as she opened the door. I hadn't even walked through yet before she fairy snapped into a sexy matching bra and panty set that I found dysfunctional erotic. Castro's eyes perk up for a second before he caught me tailing behind her, closing the door with a raised brow and sideways grin I let him know shit was about to get real.
It didn't take long for my little Valkyrie to dance around him extracting a vengeance that was painfully thought out. It was a window into her feelings and when it was over and his being exploded on us… I desired her in a way that never felt before.
When I grabbed her face, I could feel the little vixens lust rivaling my own. I wanted her, I needed her and no prophecy, fairy prince or wolf was going to take her away. "Your mine" I growled ripping the underwear from her body before kicking my pants to the floor as I pinned her to the wall with my body. "Tell me what you want" I demanded lifting her up to my chest firmly cupping her cheeks.
"You," She moaned seductively "I want you, only you… I am yours Eric Northman." She purred grabbing the back of my hair nipping my lip before I had to feel her. I couldn't wait a second longer I thought as I thrust up burring hard cock deep inside of her heat in one fluid movement. She moved against me vibrating with a rhythm and motion that already had me at the edge of losing control.
Everywhere she touched I felt the electricity taunting me as the light pulsated from her hands intensifying everything that I was feeling. I couldn't stop pushing harder and faster as she moaned uncontrollably. Feeling her getting wetter and wetter my fangs dropped before prinking my finger and holding it up.
"Mmm wait for it lover". I grinned before my fangs sank into her neck as she sucked my finger as the light instantly blinded me while she released against me with a force I have never felt, in that moment it was as if time slowed. Every move she made felt better than the last until I exploded inside of her pulling Sookie into me filling her with everything I had before I almost collapsed.
"You are going to kill me woman what the hell was that." I whimpered kissing her neck before I heard his voice.
"Indeed, that was a fine performance, the two of you are exquisite lovers. Just so you know Northman… I got none of that. When I fucked her, she was like a dead fish." Castro laughed as I stumbled backwards almost tripping over the dentist style torture chair before her unfiltered feeling flooded the bond… pain, horror, rage everything I would have expected and more. Sitting her down on the counter I grabbed the sword lobbing off his head for a second time before he could utter one more word. I didn't know what the hell that was but somehow her light brought Castro back from the dead and I knew that wasn't a secret we wanted to get out.
When I turned around to see if she was ok, she was staring at me… reading a letter from the gift bag. "we have to go".
"Where are you taking me lover," I grinned taking her hand before she grabbed the bottle of whiskey but the minute we materialized on that beach in Sweden, I freaked out knowing the sun was about to rise. "I hope your not trying to kill me."
"The light is yours now," she said pressing her body to my back before I dropped to my knee's in the sand feeling her arms wrapping around my neck. "The first day of many we will share in the sun."
If you told me a month ago I would be sitting on the beach soaking in the rays, sipping a whiskey, with Sookie by my side I would have called you a liar before I ripped your fucking head off for the pain the thought would have caused me. But here I am in the sun with only woman have ever loved and I couldn't help but daydream about our future. One that could now be so much different than what it would have been before.
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