Episode 10
SPOV
"We are back in a winter wonderland," I say smiling as I look over at my Vampire.
"It would appear so," he pulls me closer to him.
"We need to get back soon, don't we?" I ask him.
"We do," he says with a sigh. "But I still want more time with you, Min Sol. I want to savor this time together. Who knows when we will be able to be like this again?"
I hear the unsaid words my Vampire is holding in his heart. He fears me leaving him once more.
"We can come back," I say and pull away from him to look into his eyes and see the caution and concern he is attempting to hide from me. "Eric, I'm here with you now. I'm not going anywhere."
I see by the look in his eyes that he's not completely certain I mean it.
With our bond complete again, I push to him my feelings for him and my determination for him to believe me.
"I love you," I say softly. "I think I've loved you from the moment I saw you. Sitting on that ridiculous throne in Fangtasia, making faces and growling at all the patrons. I knew then what you would be to me and what kind of hold you would have on me if I let you," I look down.
"It frightened you," he says and touches the side of my face.
I nod.
"You frightened me as well, Min Sol," he says. "Even before I knew what you were and what we could possibly be for one another. I knew that you would have a hold on me like no one ever had before. For someone like me who has lived over a millennium, that was beyond acceptable. No one held my heart, my soul or my very existence; no one other than Godric that is. Allowing someone that kind of control over me would be my undoing. To think that this little human could stir in me emotions I'd never dreamed of feeling enraged me."
"Is that why you tried to be this big bad Vampire whenever I was around?" I ask him.
He nods and nuzzles my neck. "I thought if I could intimidate you that you would not be such a threat to me and mine."
"I was never intimidated by you," I say to him.
"I'm aware," he says and kisses my neck.
"What do you mean, what we could be to one another," I say to him. "We are mates, right?"
"We are that," he kisses me again, "and so much more."
"What more?" I ask him.
He rolls us so that I'm lying on my back and he is again above me.
"We are the answer to so many questions, so many prayers and so many desires," he says.
"You make us sound like we are epic," I laugh.
"We are, Min Sol," he says and kisses me again. "We are the joining of the balance. We are the light and the dark."
Before I can ask him what he means, he leans in and kisses me again.
All thoughts of balance, light, dark and mates fall away as he once again takes me.
My back arches and he enters me and I feel him completely gliding into me as if it's never going to end.
Dark and Light, I hear from somewhere around us but can't place the voice or where it's coming from.
Sun and Moon, I hear someone else say.
Night and day, A third voice says.
A Covenant sealed, I hear and the voices go silence as my Vampire increases in ministration.
Again, I feel something fall in my mouth. Eric looks at me. His eyes looks like blue dancing fire as his fangs drop. I reach up to him as he leans down and again we latch on to one another.
Blue, gold and red lights dance around the bed we now lay in as the world feels like it's tumbling out of control.
I hear voices but can't understand them. I feel that there is someone close but have no idea who they are nor do I care. I sense that the world has tilted slightly but how, I don't know.
The world could stop turning in that moment and I'd find it hard to worry at all. Right now, all I want is him.
BPOV
I had awakened an hour ago but for some reason, I stayed within the coffin listening to the world above me. It had been a long time since I've risen underground. Ever since I became King and redid the family estate in fact. Before then, Lorena and I had done our utmost never to go to ground. She hated the dirt and I thought it beneath us. Usually she found a way for us to commandeer a dwelling with either a basement or other area to rest for the day. Lorena, being a master of glamour, always kept us protected. Of course, we always ended up dining on the humans so if they found out what we were, what did we care.
We'd blazed trails back and forth through this country for years. Taking what we wanted and never asking permission for it. It was the way Lorena raised me in Vampire and it was the only thing I knew. When I finally came to terms with what we were doing, the giant wave of guilt and despair almost sent me to the sun. When my humanity slowly began to creep back into me, I hated what I had become
Finally leaving Lorena was the greatest day of my undead life. I would have done anything to get away from her. I actually thought of staking myself to be free of her. Anything would have been better than spending another hour with that Vampire. Though I was a fool to think that just because she released me that I'd be free of her. Somewhere deep down I knew that as long as she walked the earth, I'd never be free of her.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I'd be free of her due to Sookie's hand. That alone should have convinced me of her worth and her love for me. You don't kill for someone unless you are devoted to them. At least, Sookie wouldn't.
I smile thinking of my beautiful Faerie. I should have just taken her myself. I didn't really need Alcide or Sam to assist me. I thought that she'd be better off knowing that we all thought this was the best for her. She always seems to listen to those around her. Getting Alcide to convince her would have just made her compliant. I never planned on allowing him to accompany us. I would have had her and she would have thought it was all her idea.
Now, my little Sookie has been taken from me once again and once again it's because of Eric Northman and his childe.
God, I hate that man.
Listening to what is going on in the world; I feel the last rays of the sun begin to fade. Something is going on upstairs and I want to figure out what it is before I make my appearance. So many voices speaking at once and several of them seem rather far away while others seem to be right on top of me. I hear phones, walkie-talkies and what sounds like computers all talking and making noise at once. From what little I can make out, there is some sort of panic ensuing up there and from the heightened level of tension, it has everyone on edge.
Perhaps they've finally gotten their act together and have found my Sookie. It's not like Pam could have gotten that far. Even if they had used an airfield, the humans have ways of tracking that sort of thing. They'd have known where they were going to land before the wheels touched down. Silver nitrate bullets would have been pointed right at the blonde Vamp bitch's chest before she could step one heeled toe off the damn plane. Sookie would have been where she belongs and if I'm lucky, Eric Northman would have lost another one of his line.
Smiling at the thought of Eric yet losing one of his closest is just icing on the cake really. If I had my way, Eric would have perished along with his sister, the Chancellor and the rest of the Authority. Though, he did do me a favor by disappearing the way he did. The coward decided to leave instead of fighting for her. I on the other hand didn't run. I had to secure my existence. Otherwise, I'd have made sure that Wolf never laid a hand on my precious Sookie's body. The thought of that mutt touching her still sickens me. But I guess it was better than having Northman around.
Eric should have done us all a favor and stayed gone.
So if Sookie has been found then perhaps they are bringing her back or she's already arrived, awaiting me to greet her. But if she was in the building, I'd have smelled her already. Her smell is one that I will always be able to find. Even in a room full of Halflings, I'll be able to find my Sookie. Her smell is imbedded in my very being.
Just as I'm about to rise, I hear my phone ringing beside me. I pick it up thinking it is Alcide. Though when I recognize the number as the disposable cell I'd given to Jessica yesterday evening when I returned to the area I answer it quickly hoping that no one heard the ring in the commotion upstairs.
"Jessica," I say as I open the lid and climb out. "I told you that I'd…"
"Bill," she yells. "Bill, she's gone."
"What are you talking about, Jessica?" I ask her.
"Adilyn," she cries. "She's gone."
"From your message last evening, I'd thought you made it to the house safely," I say quickly. Quicker than most humans could comprehend or decipher.
"We did," I can hear her moving through a room but am unsure where in the house she is. I should have put the surveillance for that house on my phone but then if the humans had thought to check my phone, they would have known where the Halfling was and who she was with.
"We got here with no problems. We came in, I put her to bed and kept telling her that she was safe and that she would know more tonight when I rose.
"I thought I was clear on the fact that she was not to leave the house. You told me that it wasn't going to be an issue," I growl at her.
I should have glamoured someone to be there and watch the Halfling.
"I told her not to leave and that I'd protect her, Bill," she says. "I told her that we had to keep her away from those humans and that we'd wait for you tonight to figure everything out."
Yes, figure everything out. If I had too, I'd use this half-blood to barter a better deal for Sookie and myself. Sookie may be part faerie but she's nothing close to Adilyn. She would have been a very good bargaining chip. It's been decades since I've heard of any Vampire finding a half-blood. She would have gone a long way in finding a cure. But I still owe Andy for what Jessica had done to his girls. I'd only use her as a last resort.
"When I rose," I hear her sniffling. "I smelled a human but I wasn't sure if it was in the house or not. There are so many houses around here. I'd forgotten how close they are to one another."
"Jessica," I say hopefully getting her back on point.
"Right," she huffs. "I called out for her but she didn't answer and when I tried to smell her, it was really faint. Like it is when Sookie has been someplace but has left hours before."
"You can smell Sookie when she isn't in a room?" I ask her.
"Only recently," she says. "A year ago, I'd know if she was in your house or at the bar but I couldn't tell you when she had left or anything. Recently, I can sort of smell traces of her."
"That's not possible," I say. "Sookie's blood isn't strong enough to give off that kind of scent."
"I'm not saying she smells like the girls, Bill," Jessica huffs. "Adilyn smells different. I'm telling you that I know Sookie's scent."
"You've never had her blood," I say to her.
If Jessica can track her, she'd need her blood or have Sookie take hers. I know that has never happened. I'd given Jessica a makers command never to share blood with Sookie. I needed any Vampire blood in her to lose its hold and then re-established our own connection.
I will not have Sookie confused again because she's ingested other Vampire's blood.
"I'm telling you what I know," she huffs. "But it doesn't really matter. I had to wait until the sun was far enough down that it wasn't coming in the front window. When I thought it was safe, I ran upstairs. Bill, I searched the entire house. She walked out the front door with a human. I traced her scent down to the end of the drive and it disappears. She must have gotten into a car but you didn't put any cameras or anything in this house so I don't know where she is."
"Do you know how many humans were there? Can you smell guns or anything that would indicate who they were?" I ask her.
"How would I smell that, Bill," she yells at me. "It's not like I've had a lot of experience with this kind of thing."
"My guards carried weapons, Jessica," I say to her.
"Yeah, but they never fired them," she huffs. "And when you had those guards, I was living with Hoyt. When we went to the Authority compound, I tried to stay as far away from those guards. The ones at the Governor's facility had those silver bullets."
"If the military took her, that is what you would have smelled," I say to her.
"I smell Adilyn and I smell a human. I think the human is a woman because I think I smell hand lotion or something on the door. Other than that, I don't know who else was with them or even what kind of car they drove."
I sigh and lean against the coffin as I hear more screaming from above. I smell smoke, dust and something else. The panic has escalated and I need to find out what it is.
"Jessica," I say. "I need to call you back."
"Bill, what if it was those men?" she asks.
"Jessica," I say a little harsher. "If you don't smell the silver, I doubt it was the military or any of the human officials. If it was, you would be in a coffin wrapped in silver. I will call you back. Get out of there and move to one of the other safe houses I told you about. Do not go back to Bon Temps. I'll contact you when I find out what is going on."
"But Bill, you don't…"
"Jessica, do what I say," I growl and hang up.
Children these days, I swear I love that redhead Vampire but her defiance is the reason I never wanted to be a maker to begin with. Plus, you never trust a child to do a job. I thought it would be easy for her to protect Adilyn, especially with all the guilt she was carrying over her sisters. Clearly, I'd underestimated anyone searching for her and not to mention my progeny's power of reason. I bet it didn't even occur to her to restrain the faerie.
I walk up the stairs at human speed and examine the lead lined door that usually is sealed while Vampires are down here for the day. It's still intact but seems a bit dented and takes more than just a little strength to open it.
"I don't care what you do," I hear someone yelling. "Find out who they were and where they went."
"What seems to be the problem?" I ask as I look down the hall to see a whole the size of a small jeep open to the parking lot.
Within seconds, I'm surrounded by seven men with riffle scopes directed at my chest. Knowing that the bullets they are loaded with are the silver nitrate ones that are so fun to deal with, I decide to not press the issue.
"Lieutenant," I say softly. "What is the meaning of this?"
"We've had a breach," Lieutenant Tisdale moves toward me but stays out of arms reach. "You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"
"What would I know of that, Lieutenant? I've not exactly been aware of the events of the day."
"I find it rather curious that we return to your area and it's the first time we've encountered resistance," he says and waves his hand around the building. "In all our extractions, there has been little to no resistance. Now we have been attacked."
"Well, what did they take?" I ask.
"The Sheriff," he says.
"I thought you were taking the Sheriff to the compound," I say to him. "I believe that is what Doctor Stork said before departing last night."
"We had other things to deal with and thought it was best to communicate with the local Sheriff here."
"Well then I don't see how I could have anything to do with that," I look at the men surrounding me. "Could you ask your men to lower their weapons?"
"There seems to be several if not many people missing from Bon Temps Parish," he says without acknowledging my request. "You wouldn't know anything about that either, would you?"
"No one other than the Wolf and the Mayor knew I was back in town, Lieutenant. How would I know about missing inhabitants of the town?"
"It is just curious to me that we go after two Halflings in such a small area, which is rare and we are attacked and others that are close to them come up missing."
"We have gone after Halflings before that have escaped us, Lieutenant," I say in a very calm voice. "As I understand it, not all extractions in the past few months have been successful."
It's true that somehow several Halflings in the last six months have escaped us. Though, we found just as many as we have lost. I can only deduce that some Halflings have the ability to sense danger and disappear before they can be located and apprehended. Either that, or some Halflings are protected in some way. I've never put much thought into it, but perhaps some have protectors or guardians that warn them of impending danger. Sookie had a guardian. That is, until Northman drained her.
"For such a small, isolated town, there are a great many residents not accounted for this evening," he says.
"Who is missing?" I ask.
He huffs and motions for us to move into the bar before answering.
Several other men have joined the seven that have me in their sites. I could take out most of them, if not all of them out but I'm sure that several shots would get off before I could complete my escape and potentially wound me. I've seen what these capsulated bullets can do and it isn't very attractive or comforting. I certainly don't wish to loose body parts this evening. No, I'll bide my time and make my move when the situation presents itself.
Walking into the bar, I see that it's been least hit by whatever happened earlier today. The only human that I know not connected with the DE USC is seated at the bar. Ginger seems to be nervous and is shaking. That's really not uncommon but I don't understand why she is here.
"Mr. Compton," Tisdale says.
"I'm still the King of this area," I growl at him.
He smirks at me. "I thought the DE USC informed you that we no longer will be recognizing the efforts of your old authority and monarchies. Since there are none left but yourself of that regime, different measures are being discussed to govern your kind. I'm sure that you were informed of this, but forgive me if this is the first time you are hearing it," he says with a smirk.
"Be that as it may," I say standing a little straighter. "I still hold the title."
He shakes his head and reaches for a folder.
"There are several humans missing from Bon Temps and the surrounding area, it would seem. Intel suggests that the number of humans gone is well outside of a normal parameter, never mind the Vampires that have up and left he surrounding towns."
"What are you talking about?" I ask him.
"Let's start with this place," Tisdale waves his arm. "The two Vampires associated with this Vampire called Eric Northman cannot be located. You were resting here so we know they didn't return. The three houses in Bon Temps which they are known to visit have no sign of them. The home they share in Shreveport was stormed just after dawn. Neither of them were there. Several of their things are gone but those travel coffins you all seem to favor were in a light tight room," he looks over at the bar. "According to that one," he points to Ginger, "she was instructed to open the bar tonight by the Vampires. She knows nothing else."
"If they glamoured her she wouldn't know," I huff and go to walk over to Ginger when I hear something click and know that one of the men surrounding me are getting itchy fingers.
"There's more," Tisdale says and reaches for another folder. "It would seem that the owners of this establishment," he looks at the names, "Eric Northman and Pamela Ravenscroft have signed over all rights to this place to one Ginger Grant," he says and looks at the frail human sitting at the bar. "Were you aware that the bar was given to you?"
"I was told last night," she nods.
"Who told you?" he asks.
"Some lawyer," she shrugs. "I'd seen him come in the bar from time to time. With the Hep-V and the Vamps leaving the area, there is no point in having a Vamp bar. It's sort of sad really," she says looking around. "This place was like so perfect for Eric," she smiles a dreamy smile.
"Do you know where your benefactors are?" he asks.
She shakes her head.
"Let me try," I say.
Tisdale turns to look at me.
"If she has been glamoured, I can tell," I say.
He looks at the men and then back at me. With a nod, a path is created to Ginger but I'm fully aware that there are over a dozen rifles pointed my way.
When I stop in front of the waif, I look her in the eyes.
"Ginger," I say softly.
"Yes," she says in the same tone.
"Do you know where Eric, Pam, Tara and Willa are?" I ask her.
She shakes her head.
"Do you know where they were going?" I ask her.
"Away," she says and smiles.
"Do you know when you will see them again?" I ask.
"No," she says.
"What are you supposed to do with the bar?"
"Destroy it," she says.
"What?"
But before I can ask anything else, Ginger jumps off the stool and runs toward the front door as three men run after her. Just as they all catch her, explosions are heard below our feet.
"Evacuate!" I hear Tisdale scream as everyone moves in different directions.
I try to move toward the back door but suddenly feel a burning in my lower leg. Looking down, I see smoke.
Before I can assess the situation, I feel three men grab me and we all head toward the front door.
Out in the parking lot, I hear more explosions as fire begins to bellow out of the front windows and doors.
I turn to my right to see Ginger being carried to another SUV further back in the parking lot.
"Round it up, men," Tisdale says and suddenly I feel the same burning on my wrists as I to on my leg.
"Insurance," Tisdale says when I look up at him.
All of us climb into the SUV and head out of the area just as several fire trucks arrive on the scene.
Looking out the back window, I see Fangtasia engulfed in flames.
Tara's POV
I pace the room again.
"Tara," Pam purrs from the bed. "Get back over here."
"Are you sure they all got out?" I ask her.
"I'm sure," he huffs. "Eric checked before we rose. You and Willa came with us. Your cousin went south as instructed. Sookie's brother left after he established an alibi. Everyone you care about is out of harm's way."
"Yeah, except my Momma," I mumble.
"She and the reverend have informed the good people of their parish that they've decided to retire."
"What?" I ask her.
She shrugs. "A Vampire owed me a favor and made a visit to them on their way out of town."
"You had my Momma glamoured?" I ask her.
"As far as anyone knows in that little backwoods town, the Reverend and your Momma are heading to Arizona."
"Where are they going really?" I ask.
"I own property in Hawaii. They have been given new papers and passports," she looks at the clock on the wall. "They should be getting on a flight out of Dallas within the hour."
"You did that for me?" I ask her.
"I did that so no one could cause you to do something stupid," she moves away from me.
But before she can get too far, I grab her arm.
"Hey," I say.
She turns to look at me. "For a spoiled Vampire you aren't a bad Maker."
"And for a stubborn ass Vampire, you aren't a bad child," she says.
I move closer to her and kiss her softly.
When I lean back to look at her I smile. Guess this isn't going to be bad after all.
Bill's POV
Three hours I've been stuck in this room.
Looking around, I can't help but think that it looks so similar to many sterile environments. Not that I've had the privilege of experiencing many sterile rooms. I did have one in my home for research purposes. I know Sophie Anne had one as well.
I'd tried the door but the same compound that Russell used on his rooms was used on this one. Silver paint must be all the rage this year.
I look down at my leg which has finally stopped burning and growl.
I'm just about to speak to the glass wall again asking for a blood when the door opens and Tisdale walks in along with three armed guards.
"Sorry for the wait," he says and goes to sit across from me while the three men take up positions by his side. The firepower is rather overkill at this point. Along with my new ankle bracelet, I'm now sporting two silver cuffs that are attached to silver chains that are attached to the wall behind me. As two of the guards hold their weapons aimed at me, one shortens the chain. I wouldn't be able to attack anyone in the room even if I tried.
"Such a mess," Tisdale says and opens the file before him.
"Did Ginger tell you what she did?" I ask.
He shakes his head. "She seems to have been glamoured and other than what she told us, has nothing left to say."
"What do you mean, left to say?" I ask.
"She hasn't spoken since her initial conversation," he says. "I'm not sure what we are going to do with her. Doctor Stork will be speaking with her later."
I say nothing as he looks at the papers in front of him.
"As I was saying," he says and looks up at me. "We need to talk about how many humans and Vampires are missing from the area."
"I would assume that Willa and Tara glamoured Ginger and fled the area," I say. "Have you found out how they got out of the area?"
He shakes his head. "No and along with them thirty other Vampires that were legally registered to live in this area are unaccounted for."
"Many of the Vampires left after the virus spread," I say to him. "If you check other towns and states you will find the same."
"Yes," he nods. "But these are Vampires that up until three days ago, still called northern Louisiana home."
"You are sure about that?" I ask him.
"Quite," he says.
"Perhaps they got word of the horde yesterday and fled to New Orleans," I say. "Perhaps they went to Texas. There has been very little activity in either areas."
He shakes his head. "We checked all transports out of the area from eight am on. No Vampires arrived in either area. It would appear that they have," he looks up at me, "vanished."
"You must remember Lieutenant," I say to him. "Vampires have lived for millennium in the shadows. Many of the older ones are very good at making themselves disappear."
"Yes," he nods. "But there wasn't the sophistication and technology we have now a millennium ago. Don't worry," he smiles. "We'll find them."
He looks back down at the file. "There are others missing as well."
"Who?" I ask.
"Jason Stackhouse and his Vampire acquaintance have left the area. We suspect the Vampire left before dawn since she was not located in their home. Deputy Stackhouse was last seen this afternoon leaving the police station and never returned. His car was found abandoned out at a business complex on the north side of town."
He looks up at me. "Do you know anything about that?"
"Why would I know where Jason Stackhouse is?" I ask him.
"Alcide Herveaux, who I believe was supposed to assist you in detaining the delightful Miss Stackhouse has left the area as well."
"What do you mean he's left the area?" I ask leaning forward.
"Last intel put him at the farmhouse after leaving the home of the esteemed Mayor Merlotte. When my men went to question him an hour ago and bring him in, they found the farmhouse empty and many items missing that they assumed belonged to him. That is unless Miss Stackhouse had two men living with her?"
I growl but all he does is smile.
"The wolf may have felt strange staying at the farmhouse without Sookie there," I say. "Have you contacted his pack, his office?"
"He is not affiliated with the pack any longer," Tisdale says. "We spoke to the pack master before we entered the area."
"You what?" I ask.
"We needed to make sure that Herveaux wouldn't seek assistance from a Wolf Pack if he didn't go along with your plan," he says. "According to the Pack master, Alcide Herveaux has not been seen with any members or at any functions in months. He isn't at his place of work either. In fact, the company has been instructed to shut down until further notice," he pauses before continuing.
"That's impossible," I say looking at him. "Alcide would never have cut and run."
"It would appear that he has," he says and turns a page. "Lafayette Reynolds is also missing. No one has seen him at his place of residence or at his place of employment."
"Lafayette is known for disappearing. I've heard stories that he'd go missing for months. You may want to check New Orleans for him. I understand that the area holds a certain affinity to him. Either that or check on his mother. She's currently…"
"We did," he interrupts me. "Ruby Jean was discharged early last night. Her current residence is unknown," he says.
"What do you mean, unknown?" I ask.
"I mean the nursing home has no record of where she was being transported to. According to them, Lafayette arranged for her to come live with him."
"That's impossible," I say and shake my head.
"Impossible or not, Mr. Reynolds, his mother and that Vampire Tara Thorton's mother, Lettie Mae Daniels and her husband Reverend Daniels have all left the area," he looks at me and folds his hands on the table. "It would seem that someone is tying up loose ends. Either that or someone is making sure that we cannot use those close to her to persuade Miss Stackhouse to join our cause."
I shake my head. "None of those people have the intelligence to make over thirty creatures disappear."
"Then there is he matter of Miss Stackhouse and the Sheriff's daughter missing as well as your Vampire progeny," he says as he closes the file. "Top that off with someone blowing a hole in the side of the building to collect the Bon Temps Sheriff. Lastly, some two bit waitress somehow getting down to a Vampire secure basement and setting enough explosive to render a hole where a building used to be and I have to wonder what you know about all this."
"Lieutenant," I sigh. "Don't you think that if I was going to orchestrate all of this, I'd have gone with them?"
"Not necessarily," he says and points to my leg.
I growl when I remember the locator that has been implanted in my calf as well as the new ankle bracelet that I was fastened with not soon after arriving in Louisiana. It's not nearly as concerning as the iStake the Authority put on me but it is rather irritating that they can find me whenever they want.
I had planned on disengaging the bracelet as soon as I arrived at my home but I just hadn't gotten to it yet. Though the silver burning is aggravating, I'll heal.
I'd have done away with the implant months ago if it didn't have a trigger on it. Anything happens to it while active; three capsules of liquid silver will pour into my bloodstream. I've never endured silver poisoning but I've seen it. The smell alone would make a Vampire beg for death.
"You think I've hidden all these humans?" I ask him.
"Well," he says. "We've questioned the Mayor who says he knows nothing other than what you discussed with him. We've also made inquiries into the establishment Miss Stackhouse worked for before leaving them several months ago. No one can explain where she's gone. We've checked your estate for any possible leads, Mr. Stackhouse's home, the farmhouse as well as several other places Miss Stackhouse, Mr. Herveaux and Mr. Reynolds have been known to frequent. Ms. Thornton and Miss Burrell inhabited a home owned by Ms. Thornton's maker and there is nothing there that would give us a clue as to where they are. I find it curious that all those closest to this little Halfling have mysteriously vanished."
"I have no idea why Sookie fled the way she did. She has no reason to be fearful of myself or Alcide. Sookie doesn't have the mindset, skills or money to make all these humans disappear."
"But you do," he smiles at me.
"All my assets are frozen and you've had me under surveillance since our deal was struck."
"Well," he sighs. "It would seem your usefulness in our cause is coming to an end," he says. "The DE USC have ordered your confinement for now."
"What are you talking about," I try to move, but I hear more than see someone's finger on their trigger.
I look at all the men and know that I have to be smart about all this or I'll end up withering on the ground.
"I think you do, Mr. Compton," Tisdale says. "You have kept several viable test patients from us. You have given us false information and you have tried to thwart our efforts since your return to Louisiana."
"I was giving you Sookie," I say raising my hand but instantly put it down when I see one of the guards twitch. "You can't blame me for her new powers."
"But we can blame you for this Pamela taking her. For all we know, you engineered her disappearance."
"I would never allow Sookie to leave with Pamela," I growl. "I'd sooner see her in the ground then allow Pam one minute with her."
"And surprisingly after six months, this Pamela Ravenscroft returns to the area, swooping in and taking our target. Don't you find that curious?"
I shake my head. "I told you that Eric was returning to the area. All intel pointed to him coming back here. There is only one reason for Eric to come back to Shreveport and that is to get Sookie. Find Northman and you find your prize."
"See," he sighs. "That's the thing. You are the only one who was privy to that intel. For all accounts, Northman left this area after the Governor's death and hasn't been seen since. All intelligence leads to Eric Northman's death months ago. I suspect that he died during the escape and you have been using him to divert attention since."
I shake my head. "I've no idea where Northman is but I know that he's alive and well and now has Sookie."
"Be that as it may," he shakes his head. "If he has her, we will find her. As of now, you are more of a liability to us than anything else."
"I've given you information on the virus. Without my research…"
"Your research is immaterial . The strain currently infecting the Vampires is a different one than that found in the initial True Blood."
"That's," I look around the room. "That's impossible."
"It is quite possible, Mr. Compton," he says. "Doctor Stork has informed the DE USC and your research is now considered immaterial. You will be returning to the compound this evening."
"I need to find Sookie," I growl at him.
"We will find her," Tisdale motions to someone. "Until then,"
I feel the burning up and down my leg and both my arms.
Before I can move, the door opens and three straps are places around me quicker than I would think possible by humans. When I look around, I see that indeed, I've been strapped in silver by several Weres. When the hell did the DE USC start using Weres?
"Thank you," Tisdale says and smiles at me. "Now, please escort King Compton to his new quarters?."
I growl as the pain intensifies as I'm lifted and moved out of the room. I try to look around but there is nothing in the hall except armed men. If I don't think fast, I'm going to meet my final death before dawn.
I can't help but envision Sookie as I'm hauled away like a sack of rubbish. This is all her fault. If she had done what she was told, none of this would be happening right now. We'd be together and everything would be just fine.
"The Doctor has more questions for you," Tisdale says. "Otherwise you would have been staked already."
I say nothing as the door opens on a room and I'm placed inside without anyone removing the restraints. .
I move slightly and feel a more intense burn. The whole inside of the room is incased in silver.
Growling, I close my eyes and try to think about how I'm going to get out of this mess and what I'll do when I finally get my hands on Sookie.