Disclaimer: I only own my own creations, but make them play in the True Blood world.
A/N: I honestly hoped to have this chapter done weeks ago. I have only myself to blame. My muse was blocked…the result of watching "Big Little Lies" on HBO. Great show. Alexander Skarsgard did such an amazing job being a truly TERRIBLE person, that it was all I could think about when I tried to get back into the Eric Northman headspace…and everything sounded wrong. Luckily, I overcame it, and have (hopefully) gotten this story back on course. Thanks again for hanging in there with me.
Warning: This chapter contains adult language. Any italics is telepathic communication.
Chapter 16
New Orleans – Day 6 (cont)
Eric POV
As dinner was finishing and I convinced Sookie to have her dessert wrapped up, I notice that we are being watched. My complete preoccupation with the woman beside me, had prevented me from registering anything before. How careless of me. Her safety is paramount.
Not wishing to alarm her, I lewdly suggest that we return to the palace so that she can enjoy her "dessert". My intention is two-fold: I want to get her back to the relative safety of the Palace and I truly desire having her all to myself again. Just the thought of being buried deep within her, has my cock straining in its cloth confines. After all, there is no safer place for her to be than with me…so why not take advantage of the situation?
With the bill paid and dessert in hand, we walk out the side exit of the restaurant which conveniently places us in an alley way. From there, I swoop her up bridal style and take to the sky. If someone is following us, they won't be able to now. I smirk at the thought.
"You are incorrigible!" She laughs as she takes in my expression. "You're so sure I'm going to just let you take me back to bed?" I might think she is actually upset if not for the adorable blush that is slowly spreading across her face.
"Yes. To both," I respond, and add an eyebrow wiggle for emphasis. "Can you really blame me for not wanting to waste another minute without ravaging your exquisite body? Sookie, I waited for you, for years, and I am not letting anything stand between us now."
A genuine smile spreads across her face as she replies, "When you say such sweet things, how can a girl like me resist? You're really quite charming when you want to be, you know?"
"Well, it certainly took you long enough to appreciate my…charisma," I say in what I hope she realizes is a joking manner.
Complete with an exaggerated eye roll she counters, "And there he is again…the egotistical vampire of old. That'll teach me to give you any form of compliment."
I laugh out loud as we land on the balcony of our Palace suite. Letting her body slide down mine so she is sure to feel my obvious arousal, I add, "You know I have always preferred actions to words…let me show you just how charming I can be."
Sookie simultaneously grabs my hand and spins to make her way inside, with me just behind her. It is our close proximity that causes me to run right into the back of her as she stops short. My eyes dart to the center of our room to the figure standing before us.
"Hunter!" She exclaims as her free hand covers her heart involuntarily.
Without waiting for his response, and while vamping protectively in front of Sookie I add, "What is the meaning of this? Why are you here… in our room? Did the King send you?" What can I say, subtlety is not my strong suit, and I don't want to waste any more time than necessary. This is my last night with her, and I'll not have it ruined by the king's errand boy.
"Whoa. Hold on a second." Hunter responds with hands outstretched. "I didn't mean to startle you. I was just hoping to speak to you both without an audience, if you get my drift." Sookie, you MUST listen to me, I'm here for you, not the King. I'm putting myself if grave danger just by coming here.
"He's telling the truth, Eric. Whatever it is, he doesn't want the King to know he is here."
"Oh really, and what could you possibly want to hide from your King that involves us?" I ask. Family or not, I don't like the idea of her getting dragged back into vampire bullshit. I knew it was a risk bringing her here, but I was too determined to spend more time with her, so I took the chance. I can only hope that she isn't the one that will pay the price for my short-sightedness.
"Well, it involves Sookie, mostly. Her visit here has not gone unnoticed… the king has her on his radar. Any human capable of capturing the attention of the infamous Eric Northman, is one the King would like to get close too as well." Hunter continues despite the matching looks of disgust we are displaying. "Claiming Sookie at the Gala was a good move, but not one that will dissuade him for long. It was clear you two had not consummated your relationship…but I can tell that is no longer the case."
Gross. Could you not with the vampire smelling thing, please. "It is true, our relationship status has changed, somewhat. But what is it you're trying to tell us? Is the King an actual threat?" she questions.
"I don't think he needs to be, that's why I am here," he continues, "if you leave tonight, Sookie, and if Eric makes a show of leaving empty-handed as it were, on his way back to LA, the king may think twice before pursuing you." He has to believe you hold no interest from Northman. He only wants what other people have.
"It would be best if Eric stays out of Louisiana for a while, just to be safe," he adds hastily.
A growl erupts from my throat before I can hold it back. Needless to say, the idea of leaving Sookie alone in Louisiana and unprotected is simply unacceptable. However, there is some sense in what the young man is saying.
"Excuse me for interrupting but if I am understanding you correctly, you want us to get Sookie out of New Orleans tonight, and then convince the King she means nothing to me…is that about it?" I snark. "You think that will keep her from the King's clutches?"
"Yes. Pretty much," Hunter shrugs. Truly the sign of a young and inexperienced vampire, in more ways than one.
"Eric be nice," she says before I have a chance to give the fledgling my two cents. She knows me well, and perhaps can feel my increasing anger through our bond.
After a nod in her direction, I begin as cordially as I can, "Your concern is not without merit. I noticed earlier tonight that we were being watched. I assumed it was on the behest of the King…and now I know for sure."
"What?!" Sookie exclaims. "Eric, why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't want to upset you and ruin the rest of our evening. Though perhaps the point is now moot."
The look she is giving me speaks volumes, but I can feel her irritation just as clearly. In an effort to keep this conversation on task, I begin again, "As I was saying, the threat is quite real. The idea that she should leave post haste is a good one, as is your assumption that my lack of appeared interest in her will temper the King's desire. If I am to go back to LA for some time, I will not do so without adding some additional security in Bon Temps." I raise my palm to Sookie before she can begin to utter the argument I know will be forthcoming.
"Ah. Ah. Ah. Before you start to argue, let me finish…please," the last part added for my own protection from her ire. "I only suggest adding a daytime and nighttime guard, outside, and only as a precaution. This should in no way encroach upon your day-to-day activities. Wouldn't you agree?"
Her hesitation tells me she is at least thinking it over, and I am completely floored when she agrees, without protest! Who is this woman? And what has she done with my former lover?
"Good. The guard is something I had been considering from a business perspective, anyway. Our joint venture may garner attention before its official launch, so the guards can protect from corporate espionage, at the very least." I explain.
"I hadn't even thought of that," she utters, "do you really think someone would try to steal our ideas?"
"It's always a possibility. So, guards it is then, yes?"
"Yes."
"Hunter," I address him while walking over to shake his hand, "I appreciate the heads up, and am in your debt. Thank you."
"No need to thank me, Sookie is my family. I may be vampire but that still means something to me," he replies.
"Well, it means something to me too, that's for sure," she responds as she crushes him in a hug. "Guess I better get busy packing my things." It was so good to see you. Try not to be a stranger, you hear?
"Good bye, Sookie. Eric. Safe travels." Oh, you'll see me again. You can count on it.
In the blink of an eye Hunter was gone. Sookie began packing. I started texting instructions to my security team to get guards in place in Bon Temps effective immediately.
I also called in a favor and asked a witch I have on retainer in California to come and set up protective wards around Sookie's home. My past experience with witches having not been the best, no one would ever expect me to ally myself with one…advantage me. As I was about to mentally pat myself on the back for my strategic acumen, I felt a sudden sadness coming from her.
"Lover, what is it?"
"Nothing, really."
I moved in front her, taking her chin in my hand and tilting her face up to meet mine. "All the more reason to share what it is." I dipped down and placed a quick kiss upon her lips. At the finish I ended up resting my forehead against hers. I rubbed my hands up and down her arms for encouragement.
"It's just that here we are, back in each other's lives…for no more than a week mind you, and the drama has started…it's like Sophie Ann all over again! Security guards are just the beginning, I know you, you won't stop there. And I know it's to keep me safe, which I why I'm going along with it. But this week with you has been magical, and I had thought that we could finally just be together without all the hassle. But here I am, leaving town in the middle of the night…a night which was supposed to spent alone with you doing unspeakable things…because of another threat on my life. And I have to leave with barely a goodbye for Ella…and I just found my nephew, who is also a vampire, and works for a King, who surprise, surprise, wants to make me "HIS" like I'm some piece of property. Plus, I just realized that you're going back to California, and I just got used to being around you again…and we don't know what the glowy thingy is between us…and we haven't completed our bond…and…" She finally stops her rant to take a breath.
"That's a whole lot of nothing, Sookie."
"I know. I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I'm glad you opened up to me, though I must admit I didn't pay attention much after the unspeakable things line."
"Really?"
I chuckle, "No, not really. I heard every word. And I promise you we will work through ALL of this…together. You have to trust me."
"I do trust you. With my life and with my heart. Never doubt that."
My response is another dip down to her soft pliant mouth. I can't stop the urge to kiss her, to feel her open to me as my tongue slides between her waiting lips. The kiss is passionate but in it is conveyed the depth of my love for her. I give her pleasure as much as I take pleasure from her. We are in this together, and by the gods, no King is going to come between us. I know Sookie fears that this is like Sophie Ann or Russell, but it is not. The vampire world has changed irrevocably over the past two decades. No vampire, not even a monarch, can take a human against their will. If the King makes a move towards her, I will make sure it's his last. Bloodshed won't even be necessary. Though I do occasionally miss my enforcer days, with one phone call to the Supernatural Council I can make the Louisiana King wish for the final death compared to the shitstorm that they can rain down upon him. Hell, if he pisses me off tomorrow, I may just do it anyway, for spite…he did ruin our last night together after all.
With my thoughts running away from me, I failed to notice her struggling to break free from the now extremely long kiss. Releasing her immediately I tried my best to look apologetic, even though I was anything but. I loved kissing this woman.
"I love you." The words come so easily to me now, and it pleases me to hear her reply in kind.
"Are you ready to go?" I ask, "I can get you back to Ella's in no time. Why don't you text her that we are on our way?"
She sends her daughter the text as we take to the sky once again. I try to memorize the feel of her pressed against me as the wind whips around us. I find that I rather enjoy flying with her.
Ella is waiting for us when we finally arrive. She has the rest of her mother's things packed up and has made some coffee for the road. They share a somewhat tearful goodbye, and I walk Sookie to her car. She departs among more shared kisses and promises to check in every few hours, until she is home safe. The drive should take about five hours, and she promises to stop if she gets too tired.
I plan to spend the time she is driving to pack my own things and to prepare the "act" I will be putting on for the King. It is imperative that he believe me.
New Orleans, The Palace the Next Day
"Ah, Mister Northman. Hunter here tells me that you will be leaving us today. Is this true?" the King inquires.
"Yes. Your majesty. I have spent too much time away from my business as it is. I am sure that you, of all people, can understand." I try to make it sound as convincing as possible, when I really just want to walk up to the condescending asshole and rip his head from his fucking body. Sookie is safely back in Bon Temps and my guard is in place. The witch will be arriving soon, and the wards will be in place as well. Time to lay it on thick.
"So, if there is nothing else your majesty, I will be on my way." I add a slight bow of my head for effect. Monarchs always get off on that shit.
"Out of curiosity, Eric, are you traveling alone?" he asks.
"Yes."
"I have to say I am a bit surprised. What happened to your lovely dance partner from the Gala? Bored of her so soon?" I can actually feel his eyes bore into me as he waits for my response.
"Oh, the blond? She served her purpose well. She was an entertaining companion for a few days, nothing more. Besides, there are plenty of fish in the sea, as they say. Why do you ask?" I know he will never tell the truth, but it can't hurt to try.
"No particular reason. I had thought I might like to get to know your human better, but I see now, there seems no point to it. I wish you safe travels. Until next we meet." With a flourish of his hand, I have been dismissed. Not a moment too soon. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep up the charade.
In mere moments, the King, the Palace and New Orleans are behind me. My car is heading to the airfield where Pam's jet will take me back to California. I am looking forward to getting back to my life there, but I can't stop thinking of Sookie. Our reunion was everything I had hoped it would be. I meant what I said to her…we will get through whatever this life throws at us…together.