Disclaimer: I only own my own creations but make them play in the True Blood world.
A/N: I know, I know…I cannot apologize enough for the LONG wait. Real life, am I right? But I'm back and as previously stated, I am seeing this through to the end! I'm expecting this to be 25-30 chapters in total, so we're about 2/3 there! Thanks to all of you that have followed and favorited this story, I will do my best not to let you down. Please enjoy!
Chapter 18
Eric POV
Landing quietly in the alley adjacent to the hotel, I walk around the corner and make my way to the lobby. I smooth my windblown hair as I head over to the reception desk and ask for my messages. That done, I stroll back across the lobby to the bank of elevators on my left and make my way up to the room. My outward appearance is one of complete calm. Sookie alone will sense that I am anything but.
As I reach for the door handle to our suite, I stop before sliding the key card into the attached reader. Staring down at the insertion point, I take a beat and consider what tonight will mean to both myself and Sookie. If she agrees, we will be thrice and permanently bonded tonight. Though I have absolutely no doubt this is the right choice for us, I find that I am enjoying the thrill of the experience far more than I expected.
As a vampire there is little to differentiate one moment from another. Time becomes a matter of passing the days, years, and centuries simply surviving. From the moment Sookie Stackhouse entered my bar she made me start living my undead life anew. I find myself relishing the start of each new day in a way I haven't since I was a fledgling…enjoying not only 'the here and now' but also anticipating 'what is to come'. My only regret is that Godric isn't here to share my newfound lease on life. In their brief encounters I could tell that he was intrigued by her. I so wish they would have had the chance to get to know one another better.
Coming back from my thoughts, I hear the lock slide free as the card-reader blinks its acceptance of the inserted key. I push the door open and scan the room for my soon-to-be bonded mate. I can't stop the smile that naturally appears as I take in the figure lounging in front of the fireplace. By the Gods, she is beautiful. The flames' light dances across her tanned skin left bare anywhere the ruby dress isn't covering. The color is perfect, an exact match to the jewels I see cascading down between her ample bosom.
"You are a vision," I say reverently. I walk towards her with one hand extended. She grabs hold and in mere seconds I have her tugged into my embrace. I worship her with lips and tongue until she pulls back to take a much-needed breath, "Now hold on a minute mister!" she utters as she attempts to push herself out of my grasp. "I didn't spend the past hour getting myself all dressed up just so you can mess it all up. Go! Get yourself ready…they'll be time for that later." I can see by the slight upturn at the corners of her ruby lips that Sookie is more amused than upset.
I muster the most innocent expression I can, which to be honest isn't much. "Is it my fault that you look so ravishing in red? I always knew it was your color." I add my signature eyebrow waggle for emphasis.
"As much as I appreciate the compliment, and I do, you really need to get ready or we'll be late. I know how much y'all hate that," she replies. "Besides, I'm about as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. I can't wait to get the tasting over with."
Her southern colloquialisms never fail to amuse me. I allow an uncustomary snort to escape as I acquiesce to her demand, zipping to the closet, retrieving my outfit for the evening and disappearing in the bathroom in a blink. Five minutes later I emerge fully dressed and ready to go. My elbow is extended towards Sookie as I question, "Shall we go then?" Her look of surprise is eclipsed by a much more wantonly mien, as a rush of desire floods the bond between us.
I smile in response, "So I take it my appearance meets with your approval?" Her eye roll notwithstanding, I can tell she more than approves of my choice of a black two-piece suit with red dress shirt and black tie.
"Is there any way I can say yes without it completely going to that big head of yours?"
"No," I reply as my mouth stretches into a lecherous grin. As I am about to tease her some more, my cell phone rings. After a brief conversation, I tell Sookie that the front desk is letting us know our car is waiting downstairs.
"It's now or never," she says. And with that, we make our way to the car.
The Dallas Palace
I have not been back to Dallas since the ill-fated trip that cost me my maker, and nearly the lives of both Sookie and myself.
Isabel is as lovely as ever and seems to have taken to her role as Queen quite proficiently. She takes a moment to kiss both of us on our respective cheeks, while saying how pleased she is to have us here. She motions for us to follow her to meet the others. The Palace for all it lacks in opulence, more than makes up for it in its rustic sophistication. No one would doubt that they are in the State of Texas, as evidenced by the generous use of tile, stucco, wood and leather. I personally enjoy the additions of animal skins and antlers, as they hearken back to my Viking days.
I keep a tight hold on Sookie's elbow as we are escorted to the dining room, mostly because I fear she may trip as she looks around while walking. She seems as impressed as I am, preferring the interior design to that of New Orleans.
As we reach a pair of double mahogany doors with a beautiful pattern carved into the frame, Isabel opens the door on the right, and ushers us inside. The room holds a table that seats about twenty, surrounded on three sides by dark wood paneling and a final wall taken up by an enormous stone fireplace. Overhead there are thick wooden beams with cream stucco in between, and a huge metal platform suspended over the table containing dozens of lit cream pillar candles. Our testing panel has already assembled themselves.
Isabel motions to us as she announces, "Everyone, I would like to take this opportunity once again to thank you all for being here. For those of you that do not know, this is Mrs. Sookie Boudreaux, the co-founder of Saveur de la vie. And with her, of course, Eric Northman. Won't you two please make yourselves comfortable?"
Sookie takes her seat beside me and responds, "Isabel, it should really be me thanking y'all for helping us out with this. After nearly two years of research and development, I am proud to say that our products are ready. We arranged a four-course tasting for you tonight and encourage brutal honesty in your appraisals." Sookie passes out scoring sheets to all the participants.
"Each of you has a glass of Royalty Blend that can be used as a palate cleanser if needed." This meets with the approval of all present. Sookie continues, "For the first course, we will start with our Signature Bloody Mary." The panel is handed glasses of NuBlood with the salty/spicy flavor additive served over ice. Much like the reactions of the vampires before them, the panel seems more than impressed. After allowing enough time for the written critiques to be completed, the second course is served.
As small bowls are passed out, Sookie explains that this course is being served at 98.6 degrees with the Blood Au Jus flavor added. In addition to mimicking a more "familiar" presentation of blood due to the temperature, it is also a viable food course option that can be served similar to a soup or stew. The goal is to enhance the palatability of NuBlood while offering a dinning option that will put humans more at ease when in mixed company.
Comments are recorded as the third course is presented with two flavors in tandem. A small dish is placed in front of the participants, with a small scoop of Bloody Good flavored frozen sorbet. To the side each sorbet is accompanied by a petite pitcher of Blood Orange flavored sauce. Lafayette thinks it is important to show the diversity available by mixing up the tastes and how they can be used. Playing with the temperature used for presentation was also a stroke of genius on his part.
All of the dirty dishes are being removed and the ratings completed. For the final course, a traditional china tea service is brought to the table. China cups and saucers appear next to Sookie as she offers to do the honors. "As most of you may know, coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. Many vampires turned in the past century will no doubt remember the drink with fondness. A few younger vampires of my acquaintance say it is one of the few things they miss from their human days." As I look around the table, I can see a few who are nodding in agreement.
"Café du Sang adds a hint of the richness and taste of coffee and can easily be served warm or cold. For our purposes tonight, we decided to serve it warm. Coffee is a traditional after dinner drink, so it seems appropriate. Please enjoy," she continues to pour small amounts in to each cup and distributes them around the table.
I rise to my feet after the last cup is served and take Sookie's hand in mine to coax her to join me. "Ladies and Gentlemen, if you don't mind, Sookie and I are going to step away for a moment to give you a chance to conclude your observations. Take all the time you need…we'll be just outside." We make our way back out of the dinning room to the adjoining hallway.
Once clear of the doors I wrap my arms around her waist as I comment, "Sookie, you did a remarkable job. Well done." Before I can get another word out, she starts to unleash a maelstrom of words.
"Oh, thank you. I'm just sooo wound up, you know? Maybe it's just me, but I think that went really well. It went good right? I mean it seems like they were enjoying everything. Damn! I wish I could read vampires minds sometimes…and now is definitely one of those times. What are we going to do if they don't like our product? Eric, I've put so much time and money into this. I can't imagine not being able to go forward with things." When she stops long enough to take a breath, Sookie looks at me and says, "What?" to my look of amusement.
"My love, no matter what happens in there, you must continue to believe in what you are doing."
"I know, you're right. I have never put so much of myself into something before. It's just so nerve racking."
The door swings back open as Isabel approaches. "That didn't take long," I muse.
"Sookie, Eric, the others ask that you rejoin us," she says with absolutely no indication of whether or not it's a good thing. I eye her skeptically, but she manages to maintain a neutral expression.
Sookie grabs my hand as we make our way back to the table. I can feel her trepidation and try my best to calm her.
Once we are all seated Isabel begins, "I want to thank you all again for participating in tonight's tasting. You have made an invaluable contribution to what we all hope will be a successful business venture. I need not remind you of your non-disclosure agreements. It is imperative that we keep this under wraps until the official launch at VampCon, later this year."
"Does that mean what I think it does," Sookie asks expectantly. She turns to face me and is met with a simple shrug of my shoulders as I have no better idea than she as to the other's opinions.
"Sookie, you never fail to amuse me." Isobel laughs softly as she continues, "Tonight was a complete success…surely you knew that, no?"
One of the other vampires at the table speaks up, "I have to admit I came tonight with very low expectations. No offense."
"None taken."
"I have tried so many times to stomach NuBlood and could never manage it. With the additives, I can honestly say I could see myself switching to the bottled stuff. Especially the coffee one…delicious!"
"I couldn't agree more," says another.
"The vampire community isn't going to know what hit them! This is going to be a game changer," adds a third member of our test group.
I can't keep the smile from my face as I nod my acknowledgement to all those present. "Thank you all for your assistance and support. Sookie and Lafayette have worked tirelessly to make this happen…and it appears that it has definitely paid off. Your positive feedback tonight makes a national launch at VampCon a reality. The financial projections for these products, if achieved, will ensure that all of us will be making a considerable amount of money. Here's to the Taste of Life…Saveur à la Vie!"
A chorus of "Here, here!" breaks out.
I turn to Sookie and ask if she has anything she would like to add, but she declines.
"If there is nothing else, then I suggest we adjourn. Good evening to all of you."
As the vampires make their way out, Isabel stays behind. I see that she has the response cards grasped in her hand. "I will enter all of the data collected tonight into a spreadsheet and will email you later this evening. Why don't you and Sookie head back to the hotel, there's really nothing more to be done tonight."
"I concur. We will take our leave."
As an afterthought, I turn just before walking out the front door. "Isobel, he would have been very proud of you." There's no need for me to specify Godric by name, she knows to whom I'm referring.
"Thank you, Eric. That means a lot to me. Although, I think it is more correct to say that he would have been proud of us both."
I nod my acknowledgement as I turn and lead Sookie to the car. She sits in the back seat, sliding over to make room for me to join her. In moments we are pulling out of the Palace's driveway en route to the hotel. Sookie leans her head on my shoulder as she shifts her weight to press against my side. She exhales slowly through her mouth as I feel the tension release from her shoulders.
"Are you tired?" I ask.
"More like relieved. We've worked so hard to make it here, I'm still kinda shocked by it all."
I wonder briefly if she is still talking about the business. After all, the same could be said for our relationship. So much has changed in the past fifteen years, but one thing has remained the same…I love her. If the swell of affection I feel from her is any indication, I can safely say the feelings are mutual.
As we get closer and closer to the hotel, I begin to think about the bond. Despite her denial, Sookie appears to be more tired than she is letting on. The uncertainties we faced today were draining for me, I can only imagine how hard it was on her.
So I try again. "Are you sure you're not tired? It has been a long day and I know how exhausting these things can be."
"I'm fine…really. A little preoccupied, but fine," she says. "Besides, I don't want our night to be over yet."
I turn towards her with my eyebrow raised, "Is that so?"
A slight blush colors her face, as she reaches over and entwines her fingers with mine. I hear her heartbeat increase, the steady thump, thump, thump. I pull her gently towards me and place a light, sweet kiss on her lips as her eyes slowly close. I deepen the kiss just long enough to elicit a soft moan. I pull back suddenly and watch as her eyelashes flutter back open and her face takes on a rather confused look.
"Don't worry lover, I am not done with you. But we are here." I feel the car roll to a stop and from the corner of my eye see the doorman reaching for the door handle. Once I'm out of the vehicle I extend a hand back to Sookie as she departs the backseat and steps up beside me. Together, we make our way into the hotel lobby and back up to our suite.
Sookie POV
I walk through the door, stopping in the middle of our hotel room. For a moment all I can do is to stare into the space in front of me, not really looking at or seeing anything. My mind is a whirlwind of thoughts. I see a replay of the tasting, my excitement as I opened all of Eric's gifts, and then finally my thoughts turn to my car ride here. That's when it hits me. The eerie feeling I had when I saw my dead husband in my rear-view mirror.
A feel a cold sweat break out and my stomach starts to churn. I try to tamp it down before I give myself away, but the way Eric's head snaps towards me, I know it's already too late for that.
Slightly panic stricken, Eric demands, "Sookie, what's wrong?" I can see his eyes scanning the room for the source of my distress. Confusion and concern seem to be warring for dominance on his gorgeous face. "I don't need our bond to know you're scared of something. I can smell your adrenaline and hear your heartbeat increasing. What is it?"
This is not the way I wanted to tell him about the "visions" I'm having. In fact, I hoped to avoid having this conversation altogether. Stupid vampire senses.
I take a deep breath and let it out slowly as I try to figure out what I am going to say. I don't want to reveal anything that will hurt him or make him question our relationship. As confident as Eric appears to be, I may be the only person that knows just how insecure he is…about me. Even though we have made great strides to put the past behind us, the fact remains that I did reject him once upon a time. I broke his heart and moved on without a backwards glance.
"Here goes nothing," I mumble to myself.
"First and foremost, you need to understand that what I'm about to tell you in no way changes what we have or how I feel about you." I watch him as a crease of worry appears between his golden brows. To his credit, he does nothing more than nod his head as a prompt for me to continue.
"The fear you picked up on was because I've been seeing some things recently that have kinda freaked me out." I hear a low growl. "The first time it happened, I thought I was dreaming or hallucinating; but then it happened again, today, on my drive to the hotel."
Clearly frustrated, Eric interrupts, "Why didn't you tell me? What exactly did you see?"
"See, that's just it. I didn't tell you because I didn't want to scare you."
"Sookie, nothing you can say will scare me." It was Eric's turn to roll his eyes.
"What I saw was my husband." There. I said it. Finally.
"What? I don't understand."
"Well then that makes two of us. All I can tell you is that I have seen my dead husband TWICE and have no idea how or why. He appears in mirrors, and he looks like he's trying to tell me something, but I have no idea what." I close the distance between us and thread my fingers through his.
"I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to getting the wrong idea or making too much of it. I've talked to Lafayette and was hoping to have this all settled before I told you."
"What help can Lafayette be?" he asked.
"Oh. Jeez. Remember when I told you about Lafayette being a channel for the dead? Like that time I had him speak to my parents?"
"You mean the time he ALMOST killed you? Yes, I remember."
I continue despite the anger I feel rolling off my vampire. 'Well, Laf said he would try to reach out and see why he's been appearing to me. You know, find out what his unfinished business might be." That seems to have appeased him a little bit, as I watch some of the previous tension release from his shoulders.
"I think it's a good plan," he states matter-of-factly.
"Really?" I'm trying hard not to let my jaw drop open.
"There is no need to sound so surprised Sookie. It is the best plan of action, how soon can you be ready to go?'
"Wait, what?"
"I am asking how soon you can be ready to go back to Bon Temps?"
"But what about tonight and the bonding?" I can't hide the disappointment in my voice.
"You know that I what nothing else, however, I want you to be clear-headed and a full participant in the process. I know you, my love, and know that you will be thinking about this until it is resolved." He raises his eyebrow as an unspoken question.
Rolling my eyes, again, I tell Eric that he's right. I am rather concerned and would likely not be able to stop the thoughts from interfering in our night. I feel terrible. He went to so much trouble to make this night unforgettable. I make a silent vow to myself that I will make it up to him somehow.
In no time at all, Eric and I are packed into my car and heading back to Bon Temps. I call Lafayette from my cell phone to give him the good and not-so-good news. He's thrilled that the tasting went so well. It is the result of months of our combined efforts. But when I tell him that Eric is driving us back home (early) he begins to lose some of his enthusiasm. Apparently he and his boyfriend were enjoying having the house to themselves.
"Don'cha go worrying that pretty little head of yours, baby girl. You just let that man bring you home, and we'll get things all sorted out."
I hang up with Lafayette and slowly lean against Eric's bicep, wrapping my arms around it as well. He feels so solid. Safe. I start to let myself relax when I hear a contented sigh from Eric. He releases the wheel and snakes the aforementioned arm out of my grasp and around my shoulders, pulling me closer to his side.
"Close your eyes, and try to get some rest," he says. "We'll be home in a couple of hours."
I do as I'm told. Soon, all I see are the jumbled images of a pair of ocean blue eyes, my new ruby necklace, a teacup filled with blood, and the ghostly face of my deceased husband. I have no idea what any of it means, and it seems my brain has decided to let it all go until tomorrow. As I drift off to sleep, I swear I hear the words, "Sweet dreams, lover" in a whisper.