Hey, guys! I just wanted to drop in and warn you all that there are some serious lemons in this chapter. You have been warned so... CARRY ON!
Chapter Eleven: I'm Losing My Mind
Someone's hands are running along my body, the callouses there rough against the delicate skin of my hips. How long had it been since someone had touched me and I had actually liked it? How long had it been since I had wanted someone to touch me like this?
Even though my eyes aren't open, I can feel the wind against my bare skin. I can feel the grass and dirt digging into my knees. And more than that, I can feel the hard muscles of a man pressed to my front, hands clutching my hips. My legs are wide apart, clenched around his hips and I can feel his erection burning against my bare folds. High grass roll surrounds us, a mountain visible peeking through the clouds in the distance.
"Runa," A deep voice rumbles and I resisted the urge to let out a whimper as his hands move higher, his thumbs grazing the underside of my breasts. I want him to go higher. "Runa baby, open those eyes."
I don't want to but I have to. I have to if it will force him to go higher. Or better yet, lower. Arctic eyes sear into mine, wisps of blonde hair falling into them.
"Not you," I moan, trying to ignore the way that one of his hands had moved to grasp at my breast, kneading it until I'm leaning into his touch, my nipples peaking. How could you hate someone so much and yet want them to fuck you into next week?
That familiar smirk curls across his face, his eyes glinting mischievously as the hand that isn't toying with my breast tugs me closer until his skin is pressed to mine.
"Ah, why do you play these games, mare?" he murmurs, his lips toying along mine. I shut my eyes, trying to catch my breath as he lets me have the barest brush of his lips against mine. "I know you want me to fuck you, little mare. You've wanted me in you since you walked into my bar over a month ago."
"You're wrong," I hiss, hating that my nipples are aching for him to give them attention. Hating that his smile is making me wetter than I've ever been. Hating myself for arching into him, one hand clutching reflexively at his bicep even as I snarl up at him.
"You want to know why you want it so bad, little mare?" he whispers, his fangs clicking down as his eyes flick to my throat, his thumb reaching out to rub along my nipple as the other moves down to squeeze my ass. "It's because we know each other, you and I... I know you - your deepest darkest fears and longings."
"You don't know shit," I sneer, jerking back a whimper as his hand slaps down suddenly, making my butt sting with the contact.
"I know that you're wet right now." He's smirking, his fangs pressing against those perfect lips. His hand is drifting around, sliding over my waist and then down, down, down, following the line of my thighs as they wrapped around his waist. His eyes pierced into mine, a sort of open honesty there that I've never seen before. That I've craved. I gasp, nails clawing into his shoulders. "I know that you've always wanted to be bad-"
"I'm not bad," I whisper, hurt lashing through me as I try to pull away but that rough face is still open and his eyes are trapping me.
"That's right," he murmurs, his head tipping and I groan as his hand tightens on my thigh, yanking me into him, his erection dragging against me. "You're a good little girl. Grannies good little girl that would never hurt a fly. The good little girl that always protects her siblings. The good little girl that would never fuck a vampire."
His hips roll with the last sentence, forcing a whimper from the back of my throat, my head falling back as he rubs against my clit. My fingers find their way into his hair, clutching him closer to me as I gasp, letting out noises that I shouldn't.
"I-" I resist the urge to meet him as his hips roll again, our bodies meeting in a delicious rub. "I would - would never have sex with an asshole like - like you."
"That's the spirit!" I jerk, my head snapping around to stare at a woman with long, dark hair and burning blue eyes, high cheekbones and full lips. She was stunning. Fear burst through me. She looked too much like the women that came to me in my dreams.
"You want me, Runa." My eyes rolled back in my head as his thick fingers grazed up my thighs, stroking through my folds until they circled my entrance. God, I wanted him there. "Come on, mare. Tell me how much you want me there."
"I-" I started, mewling as I wiggled my hips, trying to get him to dive deeper. "I want-"
"Don't you dare," the woman hissed, her back straight as she stared me down. I let out another mewl, squirming as Eric chuckled, his icy eyes burning. "He doesn't own your body. You do, Runa. You will not submit to some Viking heathen."
"It feels like he does," I gasped, arching into him with a harsh cry as one finger pumped his way into me. "Oh my god!"
"Just give in," he cooed, his free hand moving from my breast to cup my cheek. I looked at him, helpless, withering as he forced another finger inside, pumping me in a quick, hard pace. "Let me own you."
"Please," I whimpered, angry tears filling my eyes as I felt myself ripple around his fingers. I wanted more. I need-
"Not only is he using the powers that have been passed down thru your blood for his own gain," the woman hissed, suddenly vicious. "But he owns your dreams, as well. How quickly you've let him tame you."
"I'm not-" I broke off, biting down on my lip to stop the yelp from bursting from my lips as his thumb swirled over my clit. I was getting close. I could feel my body tightening.
"You are weak," she spat. "If you give your body over to him then you will die. We will make sure of it."
"NO!" I gasped, bolting forward, my eyes snapping open to the cold, dark of my room. Cold sweat drenched my body, making my pajamas cling to my skin uncomfortably. Shivers racked my body, making me feel small and weak. For a moment, I thought I was still in that grass, still pressed against Eric as he-
But no. The hospital had discharged me from the hospital after eliminating the prospect of brain damage after I got hit with a bust of the Virgin Mary. Now I was home, almost completely bruise-less after a couple days at home. Sure, my eyes were still lightly purpled and my temple looked like someone had tried to claw their way into my skull - but no psychopath trying to murder my entire family was a plus.
"Oh god," I moaned, becoming aware that I was still achingly aroused even as my skin crawled at the memory of the woman who looked just like me.
It was a clear message - maybe not one sent by the other maras but it was still there. My eyes drifted to the full moon outside of my window, casting a silvery shine over my messy bedroom. I had been warned away from becoming more indebted to Eric. But worse were the things he had whispered to me.
Clutching the covers tightly to me, I laid back down on my sweaty pillow, keeping my eyes on my window. My mind circled around the mares - my own kind. I still barely knew anything about them besides the bits and pieces that I had gathered when I had gone to the tree. I wasn't going to get it from them - the bitches. So I would need to find another way.
"Runa." I jerked, suddenly becoming aware that Sookie was talking to me. Her smile wavered as I blinked over at her, trying to look alert. Her brows furrowed. "Are you okay?"
"Jesus, Sookie," I murmured, trying my best not to look flustered. "How many times do I need to tell you that I'm completely and utterly fine?"
Her eyes flicked to the clean oak surface of my bar top. "Well, then you might want to stop pouring whiskey."
"Wha - Aw hell in a handbasket, motherfucker!" I yelped, jerking the whiskey bottle up and grabbing a dish towel as I tried to wipe up the pool over liqueur that was sloshing from its shot cup. Over the counter, Ernie, one of my usual drunk gave me a sardonic stare. I let out a snarl, baring my teeth at him. "Unless you're gonna put some money in my hands, you better stop staring at me, Ernie. Do I look like your fucking girlfriend?"
His cheeks reddened as his glassy eyes sparkled. "Actually, if you wanted to give me your number-"
"I would rather fuck a live alligator in the bayou behind my house," I hissed back, slamming the whiskey bottle beneath the bar again.
"Geez, Runa," Sookie whispered, her hand coming out to squeeze my own. "Where has your head been lately, Rue?"
Eric's abs, actually. I blanched as I tried to erase the image from my mind. It was easier not to admit to my fantasies if I pretended like they never existed in the first place. I hadn't had the best orgasm (dream orgasm - whatever) from Eric Northman, Viking vampire fingerbanging me. No. Runa Stackhouse hated Eric Northman. Runa Stackhouse would rip out Eric Northman's throat. Hear Runa Stackhouse roar as she went to battle against even the mention of his name.
"Nothing," I said quickly - too quickly. I jerked, watching in dumb silence as I bumped into the shot glass and sent it shattering to the ground. I gaped. I hadn't broken a single glass since I got here. I refused to count the ones that I had occasionally hurled at someone's head. I didn't break glasses. I cleaned them up but I never, ever -
"Oh mah gawd," Tara murmured, coming to stand behind me. "She broke a shot glass."
"She broke a shot glass," Sookie confirmed. Both of their sets of eyes turned to me in obvious concern.
Desperately, I tried to laugh it off. "Everyone breaks something once and a while in a restaurant."
"What was that-?" Sam had rounded the corner, his eyes widened as he caught all three of us standing around like we were attending a funeral. His eyes drifted to me and then Tara and then back again. "Tara, how many times have I told you-"
"It wasn't me today," she snapped, hurrying toward Andy who was currently sulking at the other end of the bar.
Sam's eyes widened as they turned to me. "You never break anything. I don't even remember you ever dropping anything."
"Oh come on!" I exclaimed, hurrying to get another dish towel. "Everyone has an off day. If everyone would get their-"
I yelped as I tripped, slamming into the ground hard. Dazed, I stared down at the disgusting, crud coated ground. I - I never fell. I hadn't fallen since - I blinked. I couldn't remember when.
"Runa!" Sookie was around the bar in seconds, her hands reaching out to steady me as I struggled to a sitting position. My mind felt like it was in a blender, my thoughts jumbling together. Eric's chuckle as he drove me closer and closer - I pressed a heel to my eyes, growling in frustration. "Are you okay?"
"I'M FINE!" I screamed, yanking away from her grip and standing on shaky legs. "Just - just everyone leave me the fuck alone."
Seething, I yanked my hair back into a tight ponytail, trying not to think of all the muck that was currently smeared all over my shirt.
"I have a shirt in the back," Sookie whispered, touching my back for the briefest moment before going back to her tables. Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw Sam lingering.
"Listen," Sam started tentatively. "We already have Tara here…"
I stilled, halting in my effort to scoop up the glass without piercing my skin. Awkwardly, Sam's hand rubbed over his neck.
"I know it's been real rough lately - for you and, and Sookie," he continued on. "If you need to go home…"
Slowly, I looked up to meet his gaze.
For a moment, I had the overwhelming urge to say no, fuck you very much. I'm not some weak, little daisy that needs to go home. But… my eyes caught the lights of the Merlotte sign out front, the night dark and bottomless outside the windows. It was more than Eric. It was this whole mare thing. I rubbed a hand over my eyes. I needed to figure this whole thing out. And I needed to do it in a way that didn't cause me to lose my mind.
My eyes narrowed. Bill had been… places. My lips thinned in disdain. Currently, he was the only one who might be able to get me any answers - if only because he had at least traveled outside of the Bon Temp area.
"She's not taking my job," I snapped, yanking off my apron and flinging it on the table. Quickly, I strode over to Ernie, holding out a hand.
Dumbly, he looked down at my extended palm, his eyes glazed. "What?"
"I served you so give me my tip," I snapped, turning away when I felt the crisp crinkle of a twenty being pressed into my palm. One thing to be said about drunks was that they were phenomenal tippers. I paused on my way to the back, not meeting Sam's eyes entirely. "And thank you. You didn't have to do that."
Twenty minutes later I was dressed in a pair of ripped up booty shirts in my sisters Merlotte's t-shirt. She always got the skin-tight fit so right now I felt like my boobs were about to tear the flimsy material wide open.
Little yellow bumped along Compton's drive, it's brights catching the eery hands of the trees surrounding the path as I neared the imposing mansion. From afar, I could see the lights flickering in the windows, the plantation home looking a bit dilapidated in it's old age.
I was sure that he could hear me as I pulled up, yanking the car into park and slamming the door as I got out. I didn't really want to be here. It felt a little weird being here at all without Sookie. Bill and I weren't really the come - and - see - you - to - chat kind of acquaintances. We were more of the I - have - to - speak - to - you - because - you're - fucking - my - sister acquaintances. And to be honest, I liked it that way.
As I neared the door, I heard the quiet strains of music seeping through the doors and windows. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Of course he was playing the piano as he waited for my sister to get off work. How else would he pass time?
The door was cracked a little to the muggy Louisiana air so I took it as an open invitation not stopping to knock as I strode into the open room that served as the main hallway. The paint was chipping from the walls and from what I saw of the rooms to my left and right, Bill hadn't given very much effort in the furniture department.
Chill air from the vents hit the back of my neck however so I was grateful for that at least.
"Runa… what a pleasant surprise." I blinked, trying to restrain my laughter as I made my way to the right which served as the main parlor. A wide fireplace occupied most of the back wall with a couple of couches cuddled around it. A piano was pushed against the other wall which was where Bill was currently sitting, a stiff smile on his face. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
For a moment, I ran through all the possible responses. One would be that I could give him the finger and watch him squirm for a bit. But… I sighed, plopping down onto the nearest couch.
"I need your help," I said honestly, regretting it instantly as I saw genuine concern light his eyes. Was this going to be some disgusting bonding moment? "You heard what Eric called me. And you know what I can do."
"Well…" he gave me a sad, half-smile. "I have to admit that you're still a matter of mystery."
"Good. That's how I get all the boys," I said absently, fingering a tassled edge of a throw pillow. "Mare. I did as much research as I could in the mundane world but… I need something from the supernatural one."
"You were wondering if I might know anything," he finished, the smile fading as he considered. I let him think in silence. "There is a vampire who knows quite a bit about other supernatural creatures. She's made it a bit of a hobby."
I sat forward, my ears peeked.
Bill's lips twisted into a sad smile, more grimace than anything else. "But it would be a danger to not only yourself but also your sister if you were to go and seek her counseling."
I flinched. If it was just a danger to myself than I would have easily made the decision. But… Sookie was already in enough trouble. Too much, in fact.
"Well," I muttered, standing to leave. "This was fun."
"I am truly sorry-" He suddenly cut off, his eyes widening a second before his front door flew open. In walked a girl that I hardly recognized, her red hair tied in two loose ponytails and her clothes closer to goth than any other style that I had seen. Her eyes flicked to me in interest before they lasered in on Bill who was looking more and more distressed by the moment.
"Hi, daddy," she quipped, enough angst and hatred burned into those words to make any grown man wince.
Jessica Hamby was back in Bill's undead life and she looked ready to tear his world to ribbons. Huffing, she skirted past me, pausing to sniff at me. Quickly, her fangs snapped down her lips tipping up into a smile.
"She smells like a nice little meal," she smirked, her eyes illight with interest. She'd obviously practiced pretty well with Eric for the past couple of weeks. "Can I take a bite?"
"Well, look who's finally got their training wheels on," I cheered, looking around in wonder. Slowly, my eyes moved up her stocking clad legs. I leaned closer to her conspiratorially, watching as her eyes widened in mild shock. She was used to people fearing her. So was I. "I was there the day you were born, honey. Don't try and pretend like you're some big, bad wolf and I'm a little lamb. I could make you beg to die."
Her mouth stuttered for a moment before she sputtered out a reply. "I could -"
"Please," I sighed, stepping around her. "Don't bore me with your unoriginal threats."
"You little-"
"Jessica." I froze at the voice, mind-numbing panic making even my mind stall out. Of course he was here. Why wouldn't he be here. Slowly, my eyes traveled up his jeans to the thin cotton of his shirt that hugged every muscle and then to the rugged face with that hard jaw and ever-present smirk. Oh my god, he was wearing a leather jacket and I was about to combust. His eyes roamed over me just as hungrily, pausing longer than necessary as they reached my boobs. "I would advise you to still your tongue. Runa isn't one accustomed to bullshitting when she is fully able to fulfil promises."
"I-" I started, mewling as I wiggled my hips, trying to get Eric to dive deeper. "I want-"
I gasped, shaking myself as I tried to yank those dirty images out of my mind. Blushing, I inched closer to Bill although everyone was had heard me - even Pam who had just stalked in behind Eric, her brows arching. Okay. I could recover.
"Fuck you." Shit. My voice sounded strangled and now Eric's eyes were on me like he was trying to process something particularly interesting. Oh my god, Runa. Stop thinking about him fingerbanging you!
"Always charming," he murmured, hsi eyes darkening as he gave me a predatory smile.
"Ugh," Jessica groaned, plopping into the sushions of a couch like she was in a bouncy castle. "Could you stop eye-fucking her already? It's gross."
Wow. This was seriously making things worse.
He flashed a quick smile, his eyes staying fixed to me. "I could just move on to the actual fucking if it would make you feel better."
"Ew," Jessica sniffed as I tried to catch my breath.
"Please," I whimpered, angry tears filling my eyes as I felt myself ripple around his fingers. I wanted more. I need-
My teeth ground as I moved even closer to Bill, trying to slowly make myself around so that I could have his whole body between Eric and me.
Bill who was still staring at Jessica like he was watching the Titanic go down with his entire family on it.
"What is this?" he breathed.
Eric's eyes snapped to attention, his brows tipping up. "Bill, there are favors and then there are… favors."
"She is extremely annoying," Pam clarified, nodding toward Jessica as she huffed again, slamming her boots onto surely an antique piece of furniture.
"You can't do this," Bill snarled, desperation lighting his face. "We had a deal."
"Oh dear," Pam murmured sardonically, her tone playing at sympathy as she stared at Bill.
"Yeah, well now the terms have changed. She's yours." Eric's eyes roamed to me for a moment, his smirk returning. "Unless you would like to save him as well, Runa."
I blinked. "What?"
Eric's head tipped to the side, his eyes sparkling. "I'll take her back if you drink my blood."
I instantly bulked, all of my fever dreams disintegrating as I gave over to the rage. Sookie had filled me in on that little secret a while ago when she had fed on Bill. Drinking a vampires blood would chain you to them - allow them to feel you and track you. He would know every single emotion that flowed through my head.
"Listen, you undead dick," I hissed, forgetting all earlier plans to hide behind Bill as I stalked around him to poke at Eric's chest. I bared my teeth up at him as he let out a returning growl, seeming more amused than angry as he stared down at me. "I will never, ever drink your blood."
"Forever's such a long time," he murmured and I jumped as I felt a single finger play along the edge of my shirt.
"You're infuriating," I hissed, slapping at his hand as it slipped under my shirt to play along the bare skin of my hip.
"You're fucking stunning," he murmured in return, his shoulders hunching as he leaned in over me. I blinked, spluttering. No one had ever looked at me with such… raw hunger.
"Get off of me," I snapped, yanking away from him with one final glare. Out of the corner of my eyes, I caught Pam's sigh, her eyes rolling heavenward.
Eric's eyes flicked to Bill's. "Maybe you'll be able to convince her."
"What she wants to do with her blood is her own business," he said tightly, his eyes flicking to Jessica with a bit of resentment. Slowly, his eyes drifted towards me once more and I was astonished to register a plea there. "Although, if you choose-"
"You have to be fucking kidding me," I whispered.
His face pinched in shame. "A blood exchange only lasts as long as it is in your system…"
He didn't need to finish his train of thought for me to understand exactly where his thoughts were going. My breath came hard and fast as I stared down at him, rage filling me up until I thought I might burst from it. Unwanted, a spark of purple crackled at my fingertips. I knew exactly why he wanted Jessica off his hands. And honestly, it was starting to piss me off.
"Ah, I love it when she gets mad," Eric murmured in Swedish, his eyes alight. And Pam pursed her lips.
"Yes, Eric," she snipped. "A woman boiling over with hatred has always been your weakness."
"You know, someday you won't be able to hide all your dirty, little secrets from her," I hissed, anger making my words sharp. "The only reason she hasn't kicked your ass to the curb is because she doesn't know all the vile things in your head, Bill. But eventually, she'll find out."
Despair lit Bill's eyes for a moment before he was swallowing. I didn't want to be here anymore. He wasn't of any use and frankly, Eric wasn't someone I wanted to sit down and discuss my fears with. Yanking my person from the couch, I gave Jessica one final glare and stormed for the door.
"Well, this is has been overwhelmingly pleasant but I would rather eat cockroaches than stay in the same room as four undead vamps any longer so…"
A large hand enveloped my bicep, tugging me into Eric's broad chest. "Although your anger is amusing, I want there to be no misconceptions. You are mine, Runa Stackhouse. And you will drink my blood. Whether I have to force it down your throat or you take it willingly."
For a moment, I was at a complete loss for words as I stared into his eyes. How do you respond to that? Finally, I yanked my arm from his hold.
"You're fucking delusional," I whispered, hurrying for the door at a near-run. I couldn't be in this house for one more second. Not when he was looking at me like that. Not when I had so many other things to worry about other than how much I wanted to fuck a Viking sheriff right now.
Panting, I cranked the ignition and reversed my way out of the drive faster than I had ever driven in my entire life. I had to stay focused. And I definitely had to remind myself what Eric was.
It wasn't until I parked in my driveway that I realized that there was a leatherbound book sitting in my passenger seat, all wrapped up in a bow.
Please, REVIEW! I didn't get very many last chapter so I was a bit sad
