*Massive apologies for the delay. Life...
All rights to Harris for the chars other than Charlie*
Chapter 11
New Orleans
The queen's compound was nothing short of a palace. Charlie wondered fleetingly what exactly the people of New Orleans thought the building was for - maybe it was considered a historical site and Sophie-Anne was its conservator? What was she even registered as? How did she get the money to maintain this place? Probably from the areas - but how did you file taxes for that? Her mind was swirling with different concepts that the books never seemed to touch on and she was too distracted to really register the path they were walking down.
Eric brought her back with a quick squeeze to her hand.
They were standing in front of a ridiculously tall doorway - the kind of doors you wondered how they got them through all the other doors that came before them. Charlie perished the thought. She was letting herself get distracted. Maybe because the heavy drowsiness that had set in ever since that moment in the car was now making it hard for her to keep her eyes open.
A high pitched bell sounded from behind the doors and a lock was released.
Sigebert and another large hardened vampire, Wybert probably, appeared behind them.
"We greet our guests," Sigebert bowed to them, and Wybert silently inclined his head as well.
Eric led her through without offering so much as a nod of the head to the two guards. Charlie managed a small half bow to Wybert, since he was right beside her, and he nodded back at her. He seemed amused, though his face didn't change.
"Mr Northman! You made it safely!" Sophie-Anne exclaimed from the throne, "We were beginning to worry that you had changed your mind."
"Your Majesty was not wrong during her brief visit. I am due an appearance at one of your events," Eric grinned at her, "Though I didn't think you'd waste my presence on such a small gathering."
Sophie-Anne chuckled, "Nonsense, you know that I take the greatest advantage of my old friends whenever possible. I have already arranged a celebration for tomorrow."
"Your Majesty never ceases to impress me."
"It is a gift," the queen chuckled.
To Charlie's surprise, the bond was emitting some genuine amusement. Were Eric and Sophie-Anne actually friends? Or at least on relatively good terms. It made sense, why else would he have chosen to live in her kingdom.
"Charlotte," Andre stepped forward to greet her with a small nod of his head, she bowed back, "It is a pleasure to greet you again. I hope you are well."
"The pleasure is all mine."
"We have placed Bill's pet in a room. She was to await your arrival but she was... uncooperative."
Charlie snorted at the thought of them trying to keep Sookie in front of the display even she couldn't quite ignore. There was a very erotic looking pile of humans and vampires behind the throne who were doing things that she was sure Sookie would have never even heard of in the minds of the people of Bon Temps.
"Yes, she was unimpressed with our pleasure," Andre added, noting what she was looking at, "Why do you think that is?"
"She was raised in the shadow of a puritan religion," Charlie said softly. Andre's eyebrow raised at that and he glanced over at the 'romance' behind him.
The buzzing filled the air again. It surrounded Charlie's head, bouncing back and forth between the queen and Andre, and then behind her to Sigebert and Wybert. Hadley wasn't in the throne room apparently. Charlie had expected her to stay near the queen. Though to be fair, she was young and there was quite a bit of biting happening in the light orgy.
"I have prepared your usual rooms for you, of course," Sophie-Anne continued, glancing over at Charlie for the first time, "I have some ABs and some lovely blondes as well if you need some variety."
Irritation shot through the bond, Eric's hand tightened around Charlie's. She leaned her body against his and the hand that was still holding hers moved around her back to spread his fingers around her waist as well. It was oddly comfortable even with her arm folded behind her back like a butler.
"They will not be necessary," Eric replied.
Sophie-Anne frowned back, "Do not over-exert your mate. I will not have any bonded overfeeding on my watch."
"I am able to manage my feeding," Eric hissed at her.
...Don't push...
The words broke through the buzzing in the air. Distinctly in Andre's voice.
Charlie tried to quell the fear that shot through her system and quickly sent a bunch of reassurance and patience to Eric. Luckily, it was Eric, and he didn't so much as flinch even while the bond responded immediately with his caution and attentiveness.
"You are dismissed for the evening," Sophie-Anne waved a hand at them with a haughty look.
They were in a large gaudy room moments later. Charlie was trying to blink away the heavy drowsiness that was weighing down on her, even her bones felt as though they were laden with lead. She could feel Eric's worry and curiosity at the fear she had shown in the reception room. She had to tell him.
"Sleep now, min älskare. We will speak when you wake," he said softly.
The soft touch of the bedsheets wrapped around her and Charlie didn't fight it.
She jumped awake what felt like second later.
The drowsiness was gone. Even more than that, she felt energized. More than she ever had before. The feeling was probably what athletes felt like when they had just had a good practice.
"Charlie," Eric was by her side the next second, "You have risen."
"And I feel amazing," she sighed, "Is there a reason you said that so dramatically? Has it been a week or something?"
He smiled at her, "I rose just a few moments ago from my rest."
"A whole day... I guess I was really tired..." she looked up at him. She wasn't sure what they were able to say or do in the queen's compound. Luckily they had the bond to filter her tentative emotions to him.
"As long as you are well now," he whispered to her, "You will tell me if you feel tired again as you did yesterday."
She nodded, but he caught her chin.
"You will tell me. Do not hide your pain as you did before."
She bit her lip, "I promise, Eric."
Charlie had a meal in the food hall where all the humans and Weres were gathered. Sookie and Alcide were there as well, though they were a bit too wrapped up in flirting with each other to pay her too much attention. Unfortunately their flirting led to Bill coming up in conversation and Sookie ended up leaving with a huff. Alcide running after her, apologies akimbo.
Charlie scooped up all the plates they had finished and carried everything over to the smiling Were that was handling a little buffet table.
"No need to clean up, Miss!" He quickly grabbed everything she was carrying, "I appreciate the thought of course."
He bowed a few times in quick succession, his thoughts bringing up images of the angry Viking, and rushed off with her plates. When he ran back, he was carrying a paper.
"The queen has requested your presence with Miss Stackhouse in the green room," he said with a nervous grin, "This is a map. I didn't have much to draw on so it's a napkin... I could get some better paper..."
"That's fine," Charlie took the makeshift map with a smile, "Do I have to go get Sookie?"
"Oh no! You go on ahead and someone else will fetch Miss Stackhouse."
"Thanks... Lucas," Charlie winked at him when he startled at her use of his name and made her way down the hall his map pointed to.
Hopefully Eric would be in this meeting, she couldn't imagine that he was going to take very long grabbing some blood. They had agreed that he should keep up the appearance of not only drinking from her, so he was making a show of getting TruBlood before he went to greet an old acquaintance; a vampire just shy of the title of ancient who was part of the evening party.
The queen's parties could sometimes take days, Eric had warned her; depending on who was invited, this afforded some vampires the chance to enjoy a party and avoid someone who they didn't want to meet. If you weren't on the permanent list of attendees, you could shuffle around. Sophie-Anne always made sure that the permanent list were only the most I of the VIPs.
The vampire in question was one who evidently liked to avoid people, but would make the effort for Eric. Though probably not for most of the party, so Eric had thought it best to visit with them beforehand.
Charlie stopped in front of a delicately carved oak door that was painted a startling green colour. While she was composing herself, the door swung open.
"Charlotte," Andre greeted her with a smile, "Please come in."
She gave him a quick half bow and stepped in past him. He stayed directly by her side as they moved into the room.
Sophie-Anne was laying in a pile of humans who were massaging different parts of her. Hadley sat between her legs, looking very nervous, while Sophie-Anne was whispering to her softly.
"Charlotte," the queen called happily, "Do take a seat. I shall be with you shortly."
"My new sister has not eaten yet today," Andre explained softly to Charlotte.
"I can wait outside if you prefer," Charlotte offered.
"Nonsense," Sophie-Anne called sharply, but her smile to Charlotte was genuine, "My Childe has been taking her meals in private too long now. She must learn to control herself and there is no better way than to have an audience."
Charlotte nodded and moved further into the room. She wasn't entirely sure what the etiquette was at this point. Ignore them? That seemed like the best course of action.
She stood there for a full ten minutes.
When she finally shuffled her weight slightly, Andre turned to her.
"Come sit with me, Charlotte."
She sat next to him almost immediately. In the back of her mind she kept reminding herself of who exactly this character was in all the adaptations of the story. But she couldn't help it. She was comfortable around Andre. And she knew somewhere inside that he felt the same with her. There was a connection there. It was undeniable.
The small French vampire had been staring at his new sister with barely veiled disgust, but now turned all his attention on her. His eyes were bright again and there was the whisper of a smile in the corner of his mouth.
"Tell me," he stared in French again, "Where did you learn to speak French?"
"France," she laughed when he rolled his eyes, "I lived there for a decade. Near the border in the Alps. In a very small chalet with my family of very tall people."
He smiled at her chuckle and suddenly they were chatting away like long time friends who had just reunited after an unexpected separation. He spoke eloquently and softly, the harsh tones he had used before completely gone. Charlie could feel the love he still felt for the country he had left behind as he weaved stories of his past. It was a loud knock on the door and the angry shout of a familiar voice that halted their conversation. The usual scowl painted itself back on Andre's face and Charlie felt almost regretful.
"Why can't Alcide come in as well?" Sookie shouted from the hall.
A lower voice murmured back and she scoffed loudly.
"What about Bill then? Where is he?"
"Bring her in," Sophie-Anne called impatiently. Hadley had at some point finally given in and was just finishing drinking from the rather terrified looking donor. Though Charlie could imagine that it wasn't the best feeling finding out the vampire you were feeding for the night was a newbie.
As expected, Sookie threw a horrified look in Hadley's direction when she was gently forced inside the room.
Charlie finally saw why the people of Bon Temps all knew about Sookie's telepathy, the woman did not have a poker face by any means. The closest she got was that crazed smile and it was much crazier than any words could do justice.
"Hadley," Sophie-Anne smiled, "Go greet your cousin properly this time."
Hadley jumped to her feet and blurred to wrap Sookie in a quick hug. Sookie returned it full force, her thoughts only filled with a warm worry for her cousin's health. She was worried Hadley had been forced into her situation and wanted to make sure this had all been her choice.
"It's been so long Hadley," Sookie said softly, "How did you... I mean... Are you with...? I guess I just want to know how everything is with you and how..."
"How I ended up here?" Hadley offered.
"Yes..."
"The queen saved me. You know how I was with... the drugs and the men and the... When the vampires came out and I found out about V... I got into a lot of trouble Sook. Trouble I couldn't get myself out of. Sophie-Anne - she saved my life. And then she gave me a new one. Away from the drugs and... our past. A new me. A better me."
Sookie looked unsure but she nodded along with her.
"As long as you're happy."
"It's more than that. I'm not sad anymore. There isn't anything there to... drown out," Hadley smiled sadly, "How is the family back home? Gran?"
"She's good," Sookie thought long and hard about whether she should say the next few words, "Uncle Bartlett died."
Hadley froze on the spot. Her fingers tightened around Sookie's hard enough that she winced.
"How...?"
"An accident. Or... they said it was. He left me money in his will," Sookie spat the words in disgust, "Bill killed him."
Hadley nodded, "Good."
Charlie felt the sharp buzzing in the air and turned to see Sophie-Anne looking as close to furious as she'd ever seen. When Sookie turned to face her, the queen's expression was infinitely more forgiving than it had been in all of their other interactions.
"Miss Stackhouse," Sohpie-Anne waved towards the couch beside the one Charlie and Andre were sitting in, "Please take a seat."
Even with the warm expression from the queen, Sookie hesitated. Disgust was still plastered all over her face.
They all want to be here, Charlie said to her, You can hear it.
Doesn't mean they weren't seduced into being here, Sookie answered.
True, but they aren't glamoured, and that's saying something for vampires.
Sookie seemed to take that on board and took a careful seat in front of Sophie-Anne.
"I want to offer you a proposition," the queen started, "It is available to both of you if you are interested."
Neither Charlie nor Sookie reacted to this. Their minds shooting rapid fire warnings at each other but both agreeing to stay as calm as possible.
"I am in need of a particular skill, a skill that I believe both of you have, and I would be willing to pay you handsomely for the use of said skill."
They sat silently - Charlie and Sookie speaking quietly to each other once more.
"If..." Sookie started, "If one of us were to work for you. How would this skill be used? Would... would it be used as a weapon to hurt others?"
Sophie-Anne looked startled but a slow smile spread across her face.
"On the contrary, I would need your skill to prevent anyone from hurting my people." She took a deep breath and held out a hand, a glass was immediately placed in it, "I have become aware of a terrorist group. They whisper of retribution and vengeance - of wrongdoings from long ago. They do not look forward to what we could all do for each other. I need to make sure my children are safe, my employees are safe, and that they cannot be hurt for associating with me."
Sookie seemed surprised by all this. She looked over at Charlie, who nodded her head.
I would maybe add in the contract that you don't want your telepathy to be used to hurt anyone. But I don't think she's lying, Charlie thought to her.
"Would there be a contract?" Sookie fumbled with the hem of her dress, "With terms... and conditions..."
"Of course," Sophie-Anne smiled, "My attorney, Mr Cataliades, will write up everything up and alter it all to your specifications."
Sookie shot Charlie another look.
You can trust Cataliades. You two are connected in a way. And you've met before, Charlie thought to Sookie's surprise.
I hate that you know so much, she thought back and Charlie smiled.
"I need to think about all this..." Sookie said out loud.
"Of course, my dear. Take your time," Sophie-Anne turned to Charlie, "I believe I know your response."
Charlie nodded.
"That is too bad. My children are already so fond of you."
Charlie's eyebrows rose slightly in surprise.
"I hope that an absence of employment doesn't mean that I cannot further a friendship with your children."
"Friendship?" Sophie-Anne looked about ready to laugh, but the buzzing filled the air once again and her mouth snapped shut, "Yes. A friendship. Andre, why don't you show our two guests the greenhouse while I help Hadley with another feeding."
Andre stood straight away, holding a hand out for Charlie that she took without a second thought.
She saw a small smile curve the queen's mouth as the three of them exited the room.
"Are you alright?" Alcide asked immediately when they stepped out.
"As alright as can be expected," Sookie drawled, "The queen wants... well I have a lot of thinking to do..."
"It's not a good idea to get mixed up with these types," Alcide warned - receiving a sharp hiss from Andre.
"You will do well to remember where you are, dog."
Alcide looked about ready to retort when both Charlie and Sookie stepped between the two.
"How's about you two go to those greenhouses and Alcide brings me back to my room. I've sure got lots to think about," Sookie pulled out the sentence like she was playing in a children's theatre and Charlie almost snorted out a laugh.
"I do love greenhouses," Charlie said in a similarly put on manner that had Sookie glaring and chuckling all at once.
They went their separate ways without any complaints from the two gentlemen.
"It is difficult to find good help these days," Andre said dismissively.
"Alcide cares, though maybe he's a little unprofessional in the amount he cares. So I can see your point," Charlie laughed.
A look of absolute disgust pulled at mouth.
"The dog has propositioned you?"
Charlie laughed, "Not me no."
"Good. He has not taken leave of all of his senses then," Andre sighed.
Charlie wasn't entirely sure how to take that statement, so she stayed silent as the vampire opened the door to the greenhouse for her.
She knew for a fact that this was not regular for him. In fact, she saw a Were guard practically gawk at them when the queen's child did not order someone else entirely to open the door.
They took a turn around the greenery silently at first.
There were all sorts of different species, plants and trees and cacti. It was really an impressive collection. Andre even pointed some out specifically so that she could see the hidden treasures.
It was when they were crouching together to see a small toadstool that Charlie had to pause.
"Charlotte?"
She took a breath.
"Andre... I need to ask you something."
He nodded. He had stayed crouched along with her. In that position their knees were pressed together and their fingers touched. He took hold of her hand immediately when she hesitated.
It felt... right. Like... Belonging.
But not like he was meant to be hers.
Like he was hers.
There was a solid connection that neither of them could deny.
A part of him looked confused, even angry at this, but it didn't stop him from gravitating towards her.
"You feel this as well," she whispered as softly as possible - so softly that he had to lean in to hear her.
"Yes."
He said it in that whistling whisper that vampires did.
And she heard it.
"I can't explain..."
"It is like a maker's pull. But different..." he whispered to her, "I feel as though... As though you are my parent."
Tears filled her eyes.
He was there immediately wiping them away.
"Yes," she whispered choking slightly on her emotions, "That's how I feel as well."
His expression softened and, in a moment that broke her heart, he smiled fully and freely at her. Her hand was lifted to his lips and he pressed a feather of a kiss to her knuckles.
The bond pulsed with a questioning. Eric could feel her, of course he could. He probably wouldn't be too amused with her crouching under some flowers and getting kisses from Andre. Charlie chuckled to herself.
She grabbed either side of Andre's face and pressed her forehead to his.
He took a deep breath - filling his lungs with what was undoubtedly her real scent from this close. Ludwig had warned her not to get too close. But when she pulled away he just smiled again, his pupils dilated and his fangs peeking out, but there was only warmth coming from him.
"I shall see you at the party," he said, "Save a dance for me."
"You're going to be disappointed at my skills."
He scoffed and suddenly he was gone.
Charlie straightened back up on wobbly legs, trying to smear away her tears quickly. When she got back to the room, Eric was waiting at the door for her.
"Who has made you cry?" he asked.
"They aren't sad tears," she said.
"Yes," he answered, as though it was obvious.
His question was still boring pressing into her through the bond.
"Andre and I were chatting."
He nodded. The scent had given that away no doubt.
"I... I don't know if I can explain," Charlie's voice dropped to that low whisper again. Surprise filled the bond and Eric approached her to hear her better.
"Andre might have been something... similar to me. Before he was turned."
He snatched her hands into her immediately, instead of the interest or maybe calculated look that she was expecting to see from him, there was something more like worry creasing his brow.
"You feel a connection to him."
"Yes," she said, "I've never felt anything like it."
He squeezed her fingers.
Worry was swarming the bond.
It was almost as if... He was anxious?
"Eric."
He was staring at their hands.
"Are you worried about... You're not jealous."
His emotionless mask snapped back into place and he dropped her hands.
"Why would I be?"
"Well you were feeling kind of..."
"Do not speak as though you know what I am feeling. We may have the bond but it does not show you everything. What do you know truly of vampires?"
"Whoa man," Charlie took a step back, "Why are you biting my head off?"
"You would know if I were biting you," his fangs snapped down.
"Don't try to be cute with me," Charlie snapped back.
"I am not the one who should refrain from being cute," Eric growled.
"Excuse me?"
"You say you use your power without thought, but it is so often used to attract vampires. Why is that I wonder? Thalia would gladly steal you away from me, and now you do the same to Andre."
"What the hell are you accusing me of, Eric?" Charlie spat the words. She could feel the flush of her anger as it coloured her cheeks. Feel it course through her veins like it was actually fueling a fire inside of her. Her eyes flashed dangerously at the vampire in front of her.
Eric stayed silent but he choked down on their connection.
The bond simmered down to a cool numb emptiness.
He was motionless - standing in front of her.
"I think I'll get ready in Sookie's room," Charlie snatched the clothing from the bed and stomped out of the room.
She felt like an idiot about five stomps away from the room. Vampires were pretty famously jealous, she knew this, and god knows stomping out of rooms isn't helping anyone. But she couldn't let this particular comment slide.
Sookie was no help.
"What the hell was he insinuating? That you're some kind of whore?"
"Right?" Charlie yelled, "That's what it fucking felt like!"
"What is wrong with men?!" Sookie declared, punching her fists in the air before flopping back on the bed.
Charlie flopped along with her, letting out a long sigh as she swung her arms up over her head. She plucked at the long braids that Eric had tied for her, pulling them up and around her head.
"You're pouting," Sookie said. She was propped up on her arms, staring down at her.
"Wouldn't you be?"
"Yes..." Sookie looked pensive and then grinned, "Yeah I would be."
She chuckled and flopped down next to her.
What? Charlie asked.
It's just nice to see that you're, you know, normal. Not that you aren't like... normal. But you know.
Charlie patted her arm reassuringly and Sookie laughed - bounding off to the bathroom to get dressed.
"You get dressed too!"
Charlie called back some form of agreement, but stayed laying on her back.
'Nice to see that you're normal.'
'You use your powers to attract vampires.'
'I feel as though you're a parent.'
Tears welled up in her eyes.
Wasn't everything she'd already been through enough? Wasn't just losing her world, her family, her whole life - enough? What did she even have here? What kind of stability was there to be had if she couldn't fit in here either? On top of it all she was attracting all sorts of trouble. What was left that was safe and hers?
Eric was safe.
The reply was fed instantly in her mind.
God what if he really did get sick of her? What if what she was too much even for him? He already had trouble with just Sookie in the stories.
Her heart wrenched painfully.
The door slammed open the next second.
"What the hell was that?" Sookie screamed.
Eric stood in the doorway - fangs out, pupils constricted to tiny dots, and his grip so tight the thick wood of the door frame cracked under the pressure.
"What do you want?" Sookie snapped at him, the towel she had thrown on barely holding up with her flailing arms.
But Eric didn't notice.
All he saw was Charlie as her arms opened for him and he immediately wrapped her in his embrace.
"I'm sorry," she whispered against his ears, "I really can't control it, I..."
"Do not apologize to me, min älskare. I have not felt such a way for another in... I have never felt such a way for another," he whispered back, "Do not forgive me for creating such feelings in you."
"I don't want to lose you," she whispered so softly he almost didn't hear her.
"You will not."
Sookie cleared her throat from the bathroom doorway.
"Umm... guys... Not to butt in..."
Charlie laughed around her tears and pushed Eric as much as he would move away.
"I'll just get changed," she said, "Meet at the party?"
"I look forward to it," Eric gave her his masked blank look and pressed a quick kiss to her palm. The bond, however, was swirling with deep roiling affection and heavy feelings that were nowhere to be seen in his expression. She slid a hand along his cheek and for a moment he closed his eyes and leant into it.
"Do not keep me waiting," he said - and then he was gone.
"Soooo... Gonna need some details while you slip into this..." Sookie said, tossing a dress at her.
The pre-party, also known as the first day of the queen's elaborate party event, was split up into three ballrooms and a smaller hall that was set up as a sort of buffet and clinic for the humans. It also felt like a kind of daycare for your humans from where Charlie was watching on one of the balconies.
Her room with Eric had large bay windows with a little balcony lip into one of the ballrooms and the "human hall" so she was taking advantage of them to scope out the event.
She had promised Pam that she was going to wear a specific necklace to the queen's event and of course had left it in the room in her huff.
A promise was a promise. She went back and tried the jewelry on.
The red rubies hung from her neck provocatively. It would even have reminded humans of blood the way they hung like droplets against her throat. She couldn't imagine what kind of ideas would pop into vampires heads. She also couldn't imagine why exactly it was a good idea to wear it, but if there was one thing she would trust Pam about, it was clothing.
But something told her that tonight wasn't the night.
Not after the fight.
And not when she had promised a dance to Andre.
She popped the necklace off and tossed it back in its box.
On her way down into the ballroom, she found Sookie standing hidden in the doorway.
Sookie.
She jumped and spun around to wave Charlie into a hiding position next to her.
Why are we hiding?
"Because..." Sookie caught herself, Because Bill is out there and I haven't spoken to him since this whole mess happened.
... Do you want to talk to him? Charlie asked.
I don't know. He's still my boyfriend.
Is he?
Sookie looked at her as though that were obvious.
"Bill's the first guy I ever... the first everything."
Charlie scoffed, "I don't care about the first book I read. I just remember the best ones."
"This isn't like that," Sookie grunted.
"It can be," Charlie retorted, "Don't put yourself into a situation you don't want to be in for some forced sense of loyalty. Or even worse - purity. I know you like the idea of the first love, love at first sight, married with two and a half kids, but there isn't anything wrong with dating. Switching it up. Tasting a lot of different chocolates before buying a lifetime supply of a certain kind."
You're talkin' like I've got a bunch of people lined up for the opportunity, Sookie thought.
"I know three men who would very much like the opportunity," Charlie said softly, lifting Sookie's face up with a gentle knuckle under her chin.
"Yeah well," she blushed, "Let's go in there before your boyfriend blows our cover."
Charlie was sure Sookie had already done that, her Fey sweetness probably fully broadcasted by the barely there dress that revealed all her curves and the fact that she hadn't worn any kind of perfumes. No doubt still in an effort to pleased Bill.
They joined said vampire as he was skulking behind a particularly large plant on the far side of the ballroom.
"Sookie," he said happily, "You're looking even more remarkable than usual."
"Don't you try and flatter me now," Sookie grunted - even though her thoughts seem rather pleased at the compliment.
"Oh I don't know," Charlie said, looping her hand around Sookie's waist, "Flattery does get you everywhere."
"Charlie," Bill scowled at her, "Has Eric already moved on to his next conquest for you to be coveting my woman?"
"Are you slandering your Sheriff?"
Bill hissed at her, just as Andre appeared beside them.
The procurer practically choked on his own teeth, quickly bowing deferentially to the queen's Childe. He was ignored.
"I have come to collect you for our dance," Andre held out a hand for Charlie.
If she had felt invisible accompanying the sweet scented Sookie across the room, Charlie now felt like she was far too visible in the company of Andre. His cool hand was gentle underneath hers as he led her, and the other slid across her back to guide her into position with very little pressure as well.
A new song started and the vampires around them effortlessly swung into the new dance.
Great.
Great, great, great.
Charlie gripped Andre's hand with so much force he had to tap it so she would release him in the dance's first spin.
To his credit, he led amazingly well. It was almost as though she knew the dance. If only she wasn't as stiff as a board.
Andre chuckled.
"You must relax," he said in French as she swung about and into his arms. He had to lean away from her with her back to his front because of the rather large height difference.
He spun her away once again.
"I'm not the best dancer..."
"I beg to differ," Eric's large hands slid around her waist and pulled Charlie's back flush against him. Warmth filled her belly and her whole body sank into his. He swayed her along with him and her body followed without thought, "See?"
Andre gave Eric a short nod and was immediately approached by a very beautiful vampire looking to take Charlie's place. He shot him a disgusted look, but when Charlie chuckled at him, Andre's expression softened. The beautiful vampire was pleased to find Andre accept his advance and they swirled away together.
Charlie watched with a soft smile as Eric gracefully moved them back to the side of the ballroom.
"You are a strange creature," Eric said to her when she finally turned to look at him.
"How so?"
He just smiled at her, staying silent with the approach of other party goers.
She was introduced to a large number of vampires, who all displayed a large number of different reactions to her. Ranging from mild interest to open hostility, and a small number of polite smiles. But all in all she was regarded as just another human. Charlie was pretty sure that Sookie's presence, and scent, was contributing to her lesser first impression.
"Is your friend not here?"
"He is still here, but he will not join the festivities." Eric explained, walking them to the human daycare area, "He does not mix well with crowds. But he will remain in the queen's palace during the event."
"That's too bad," Charlie grabbed a drink and a small amuse bouche from the Lucas the Were - he smiled at her and bowed a few times. The snap of Eric's fangs had him rushing to serve someone else.
Charlie just gave the vampire an indulgent roll of the eyes before tossing back the fancy snack and drink like they were both shots.
Amusement coloured the bond.
It had come to that time, Eric had warned her in advance. As the party filled out, Eric was expected to be more present by the queen's side, so he nodded to Charlie and left her in the daycare.
Not that she was going to stay there of course.
The queen was in the ballroom that Charlie could see from their room - a sanctuary where Charlie could finally take her uncomfortable and completely unflattering dress off. It was a present from the queen to her. She figured she'd done the queen enough favours for a lifetime putting the horrible piece of fabric on.
So she watched from the tiny balcony as Sophie-Anne paraded Eric around like a prized peacock. Her dainty little hands would slide across his shoulders and along his arms. The bond only flashed with annoyance a few times but he seemed mostly content.
Ballrooms and parties that lasted all night.
Not exactly her scene.
Charlie got lost staring down at the glitz and glam of it all.
She needed something... normal.
Grabbing a notepad and a pen, she scribbled a message down to Eric about wanting to go out tomorrow during the day with Sookie. She dropped into the large bed, trying to ignore how very big and empty it felt and closing off the bond with Eric as she drifted into sleep.
Charlie regretted every decision she'd ever made to end her up in this position.
The street was loud. The sun was hot and bright. The city was lively with people and crowds and music. Sookie looked as though she was in a montage sequence of a romantic comedy, laughing and dancing along with strangers, swinging on Alcide's arm as she excitedly pointed out different shops and food stalls.
Charlie followed. She was clad in her more sporty clothing and had added a wide-brimmed hat to the mix. After experiencing an uncomfortable amount of staring, she had started walking with a slight hunch and had crammed her hair into the hat. Sweat pearled on the nape of her neck and ran down her arms; on top of all of that, she could already feel the sunburn settling in.
It was just her luck that she gets healing from a vampire but still burns to a crisp in a sun. Though it made sense, Eric's healing wasn't really doing that good of a job against the sun for him either.
"Are you okay?" Sookie asked worriedly, handing her another lemonade.
"I'll live..."
"Regretfully it would seem," Alcide grinned at her.
She grunted but chuckled despite everything.
"So~ are you going to tell us what made you come out today?" Sookie asked, taking a seat at the very edge of their little cafe bench where the sun would still hit her. Alcide was sent away to get them their sandwiches and Sookie's tone took a more serious note. "Anything to do with that little fight?"
"Maybe. I don't know," Charlie sighed, "Have you ever... I mean you know what it feels like to be different. How do you deal with... Feeling overwhelmed."
Sookie chuckled, "Gosh darn, ask the easy question why don't you."
Charlie laughed, leaning her head on their little table.
"I guess, it's all about whose there to support ya really. There are always days where it feels like it's too much. Like it would just be easier to just be normal. But then again there are so many things that would be different if you weren't special," Sookie smiled, patting Charlie's head gently, "I think you just have to be you, Charlie. This might be weird coming from me, but you'll get used to all this crazy stuff. Even though I don't particularly like him much, I think Eric is pretty devoted to you. And there's just something about you that people like. You've made some good friends already."
Sookie smiled up at the sun and Charlie could practically see it suck into her pores.
"Just take it one day at a time."
Charlie grinned at the southern belle.
"One day at a time."
She opened the still closed bond with Eric. He was still dead to the world but there was always a light tingling of life there. The feeling of their connection.
"I..." Charlie's voice caught in her throat.
"Charlie?" Sookie froze, her mind feeling Charlie's thoughts.
Alcide was there - pulling at Sookie and asking Charlie questions.
Trying to talk to her. Trying to see what was wrong.
But all she could focus on was the bond.
Pain tore through her connection with Eric like a knife shredding it to pieces.
Faintly, Charlie heard the distant thud of an explosion.
She was running the next second.
Tourists were shoved brutally to the side as she tore through the city.
They didn't matter. Nothing mattered but getting to Eric as quickly as she could. She ran faster than she could ever have imagined possible; covering the distance that they had driven in less than a few minutes
The pain grew worse with every step.
Eric's pain.
The fear was all-consuming.
She had to get to him. She had to help him.
Smoke.
There was smoke rising out of the queen's compound.
Charlie looked over the building as she ran to it. Straining her sense in ways she had never before, hearing the Weres inside shouting orders and hearing the yells of the humans with guns who were attacking the compound. The Weres sounded like they had been surprised by two explosions in the compound but they were getting the upper hand on the humans.
The doors were hanging off their hinges, some armed humans loitering at the entrance, they were panicking at the sound of police sirens in the distance.
"You better not go in there missy!" a man yelled at her, lifting his gun threateningly.
Charlie caught it and smashed the weapon into his face, a sick satisfaction filling her when she heard the bones of his face crack. She wanted to break all their faces in. But her priorities were straight.
Eric.
Eric first.
Always.
She ran through the compound, shoving her way through some fights and evading others. The humans weren't getting past a certain point. The vault resting areas.
Lucas recognized her from his position at the doors.
"Miss!" he called.
"Let me in!" she snarled at him, unable to control her tone.
Just have to get to Eric.
The room was caved in.
Charlie's heart stopped for a moment - staring at the devastation that the bomb must have caused. How did they get it in here? Eric. When did they do this? Eric. There was so much wood... Eric!
The bond pulsed in response to her call.
"Eric!" she screamed, jumping into the rubble and pulling the tall beams up and over. More rubble and dust poured down from the upper floor into the room. Charlie's eyes filled with tears. Her hands didn't stop though - she dug through the large pieces of concrete, throwing them aside like they were pebbles.
She found the latch to open the safe door to the vault beneath the room but the button would not release.
"Charlie..." his voice was barely audible.
"Eric!"
Charlie grabbed firmer hold of the hidden door to his sleeping area.
The thick metal was ripped clean off of its hinges.
The bomb had affected this room less but the ceiling had broken, releasing a beam that had split apart and fallen directly into Eric's bed. He was covered in blood. Wood splinters had pierced his chest so close to his heart that Charlie dropped immediately to her knees to pull them out.
He groaned when a large chunk was removed.
"Eric," Charlie pulled his face to hers and pressed kisses against whatever part of him she could, "Thank god."
She felt his tongue lick against her cheek, chasing her tears.
Looking down she saw a small smile cross his lips.
"You have to drink now," she pushed open his mouth, his fangs had already dropped from the pain, and shoved her arm unceremoniously up into the sharp teeth.
The bond sang when he tasted her blood.
His eyes sprang open and he grabbed hold of her arm and her waist - dragging her down on top of him. She saw the feral glint in his eye and winced at the savage bite that tore through her arm once again when he was dissatisfied with the holes she had made. But she wasn't afraid. She felt it there in that moment. Her pure and honest trust in Eric.
She could have lost this man.
Her vampire.
He purred at her, his pupils dilating until they were nothing but darkness.
"Charlie," he muttered against her arm, "This feeling."
"Yes," she leaned her face into the hand he had raised to cradle her cheek.