Eric stood by the fireplace. He was so still, so cold, he looked like he was carved from marble. He turned to look at me and, for the briefest moment, I saw such pain in his eyes. Then the mask came down and he was all hardness and anger once again. And the pain that flowed across the bond was unbearable. Pain, mixed in with anger and, confusion. I put my hand to my chest as if I could staunch a wound.
Eric flicked a glance at Bill. "Leave us. Wait for me outside." This wasn't one man to another. This was the Sheriff speaking and Bill had no choice but to obey.
Eric turned to me. I flinched from the look in his eyes. I never want to see that look on anyone ever again.
"I told you we would come to an understanding. So here it is. You will learn to suppress the bond. It is possible and, given the current situation, I deem it necessary. I will attempt to disturb you and Mr. Compton as little as possible, but you are still an asset to Area 5, and the king and, at times your services will be needed. You will be notified in advance as much as possible, and you will be paid for your time. If there is nothing else, I have to get back to work." Eric turned to leave.
"If there's nothing else? That's it? That's all you have to say?" I could feel my anger bubbling up. "You've lain down the law and I'm supposed to what? 'Heel nicely?' In case you've forgotten, I do not heel nicely! You do not get to give me orders and just walk out of my house!" I was screaming now.
In two strides he was in front of me, his giant hands gripping my face. "I could crush you between my hands! Maybe I should. Maybe then I could tear you out of me!"
Tears sprang into my eyes, both from the pain of his grip and his words. He snatched his hands back like I had burned him. As he turned, I heard him whisper, "I wish I never remembered."
I let out a sob, and felt my knees sag. Bill flew back into the house and gathered me to him.
"I told you to wait for me," Eric said, his voice like ice.
"You are a fool Eric Northman. You don't deserve her."
Eric was on him in an instant. "What do you know of my heart? You who betrayed her over and again?" Eric had his hand on Bill's throat and threw him against the wall.
"I do not know a thing of your heart, if you even have one, I know hers. She refused me tonight when I offered to heal her! Her first concern was you. She was going to die rather than drink from me! She called for you. I begged her not to leave me. And still she refused. I could feel her fading. So I told her that if she died, you would as well. That is why she agreed. For you. Not for herself, not for me, but for you!"
After Bill came in I remained stunned on the floor. I crawled away when they began fighting because, even devastated as I was, I had the presence of mind not to get between two fighting vampires. I was in the corner, my knees drawn up to my chin, rocking back and forth. I heard a strange keening sound and realized it was coming from me. I clapped my hands over my mouth to stop it.
I vaguely heard what Bill said, but it didn't matter. All I knew was that Eric wished he had not remembered. It . . . I . . . was a thorn in his side. I was something he wished he were rid of. Why would I think any differently. Hadn't he said we were bound too closely for his liking? I screamed at the top of my lungs, "Claudine!" I had a moment to notice Bill's and Eric's shock, before Claudine appeared. "Take me away from here," I cried, and "pop" we were gone.