Call On Me

Chapter 7:

Emily sang along to Fashion by Lady Gaga as she drove. She was headed in no particular direction tonight. She just needed to get out of the house. The events from the previous night were still in her mind. Pressing her foot down made the car go faster; she loved the speed. It helped her relax. The song changed to Insomnia by Craig David. She bobbed her head rhythm to the song. Occasionally singing out or humming along.

She found herself rocketing by the sign for Bon Temps. On a whim she headed to Merlott's. Part of her wanted Sam to pick a fight with her. She was restless tonight and knew she was looking for an outlet. She wanted to fight with someone; it was the only way she knew how to handle this kind of stress. She knew it was the wrong way to handle it. But it was all she could think about.

Parking in the lot she climbed out; country music reached the outdoors. Emily paused; watching a stunning red-head vampire. The girl was young in appearance. Younger than Emily at least; this girl was no more then seventeen or so. The girl paused, looking over. She tipped her head to the side. Her clothes were too sexy for someone her age. Her eyes were full of mischief and danger. Emily was instantly curious.

"Hey," The girl glanced at the car, "Nice car, who'd you bite to get it?"

Emily smirked, "No one."

The girl crossed to her, "Really?"

"Yes," Emily leaned on the door, crossing her arms. "You're like me."

The red-headed watched her a second. "I think I'm better then you are."

"Oh really?" Emily stared at the micro-skirt, the tank top. The fire-red hair was left loose around her face. She was pretty; especially with make-up. "I would challenge that."

"Any time," The girl gave Emily the once over, "At least you have fashion sense."

Emily glanced at her leather pants; they laced up the sides. She wore black heels and a short-wasted leather coat. The coat was open over a red t-shirt. She hadn't thought about her outfit at all.

"Let's go for a ride," The red-head suggested, "There's no one eat around here."

Emily grinned, "I don't think so. I don't even know your name."

"Jessica." The red head eyed her, "Too much car for you?"

"Get in," Emily slid behind the wheel and waited. Jessica settled beside her. "Where to?"

Jessica looked at her, "You new around here?"

"Something like that," Emily put the car in reverse, backing out of the lot. Once on the main road she put the car in drive and headed down.

"Just drive, there's a few truck stops along this road. We can score dinner there."

"Truckers," Emily chuckled, "Wild."

Jessica grinned at her; her fangs sparkled in the darkness. "You have no idea."

Emily shoved the man to the ground; throwing her head back. Her blood sang; she sighed in contentment. Wiping her mouth she stepped out from the truck cab. Dropping to the ground she straightened and found Jessica. The girl was stepping down and looked wild eyed as she smiled.

"So?" Jessica asked, sweeping hair out of her eyes.

"I'm still hungry," Emily looked around, "Come on."

Jessica followed her into the café; every head turned as they entered. On the radio the song changed and made Emily smile. She glanced at Jessica; the girl smiled. Sexy Bitch played as they looked around the small space.

"Who do you want?" Emily asked.

"I don't care, I'm starving." Jessica giggled.

They continued to walk in; the men watched. The place silent except for the music; Emily felt alive with power as she scanned the place. Her eyes landed on a fat, red-faced man. She winked; he dropped the food he held. Putting a sway into her walk, she approached. His heartbeat pounded in her skull; the sound got faster as she approached.

"Hey big man," She leaned on the counter with one arm. "Let's take a walk."

He stood up like a man on strings. She smiled at him; he did the same. He followed her out; his hands touched her buttocks as she moved. Emily had to resist the urge to break his hand. Stepping outside she led him into the darkness.

"It's pretty dark back here," The man muttered, his heart beating even faster.

Emily turned, her fangs snapped down, "I can see just fine."

"How can I do anything to you if I can't see you?"

"Don't worry," Emily ran her tongue over her fangs, "I'll take care of everything.

The music still played and she heard it as she drank. It felt glorious. Somewhere in the darkness she knew Jessica was feeding. When his heart stopped, Emily sat up; straddling his fat stomach. She heard Jessica and snarled as she looked up.

"Relax, he's dead." Jessica nudged him with her foot. "You still hungry?"

"I'd have expected more blood," Emily stood up, "Seeing has he's so fat."

Jessica chuckled, "At least in this we can honestly say, size doesn't matter."

Emily laughed, she liked the girl. "I am done here. I want to move on."

"Let's go. I think there is field party near by."

"What's a field party?" Emily asked; they walked to her car.

Jessica stared at her for a moment, "You're parents Christian?"
Emily shook her head. "Why?"

"My parents were, they never let me do anything."

They came to Emily's car; she looked over at Jessica. "So how'd you end up a vampire?"

"Bill was punished for killing another vampire in defense of his human bitch,"

So that's what Eric meant by punishments. "That…well, sucks."

Jessica laughed, "Hey I love the results," She held out her arms, "Look at me, I am hot and eternally sexy."

Emily slid behind the wheel, Jessica sat next to her. "So you like being a vampire."

"Hell yes," Jessica looked at her, "What's your story?"

Emily shrugged, starting her car. "I was dying; he wasn't ready to loose me. And this is what I became."

Jessica stared at her a moment, "He didn't want to loose you."

They headed out to the highway. Emily turned on her sound system; techno music flooded the car.

"Must be nice," Jessica muttered, she looked at her hands. "I have a boyfriend, he's human though. So sometimes it's awkward."

"I bet," Emily tapped the steering wheel with her fingers, "Still hungry?"

Jessica shook her head, "Nah, let's head back."

Emily nodded; she suddenly spun the wheel, ripping the E-break and spun the car. Jessica cheered.

"Again!"

"Happy to," Emily spun them again; earning her more cheers.

"Where'd you learn to drive like that?" Jessica asked.

Emily spun them once more, in the direction of Bon Temps. "I had a wild streak growing up. Got into all kinds of things."

"You don't seem the type."

Emily looked at Jessica, "Neither do you."

"True," Jessica laughed, she put down the window and leaned out. She yelled and waved her arms.

Laughter bubbled out of Emily as she drove; she pushed the car as fast as it would go. God, it felt almost as good as feeding.

Emily parked in front of the house Jessica directed her to. "Thanks for hanging out."

Jessica stepped out, "Perhaps we can do this again?"

"Sure,"

Emily waved goodnight and headed back to Shreveport. She stopped at the club; and found Eric on stage. He was doing his usual appearance. Emily made her way to the back of the club. Closing the door to his office, she sat down on the couch; her sketch pad was still there. She was grinning as she started to draw.

"Have a good time tonight?" Eric's voice startled her.

"Yeah, actually I did." Emily glanced over the pad, "You?"

"Not really," He took the pad from her hands, studying the images. "A bit wilder then usual," He looked at her, "Good though."

Emily caught the pad when he tossed it to her. "You're in a bad mood."

"Did you feed yet?"

"Yes," She watched him move behind his desk and sit down. "I'd wonder about you though."

He put his feet up on the desktop. He looked at her, "I don't want you hanging out with Jessica."

Emily frowned; how had he known that? "Why not?"

"She's…" He paused, "Not a good influence."

Sitting up she tossed her sketch pad to the side, "You're judging her."

"You killed, more then you needed tonight." He kept a steady gaze on her face. "You know better."

Emily was on her feet, "Who are you to tell me not to kill?" She snapped.

He watched her, not phased. "I am you're Maker and I have been doing this longer then you."

"So? I was hungry."

"No, you were reckless. One body we can excuse, but two, three, four?" He shook his head, "This isn't like the old days; humans notice things like that now."

Emily crossed her arms, "Perhaps I should burn them all then."

Eric was on his feet now, "By all means! Let's just build you a funeral pyre and let it go!"

She narrowed her eyes, "Why not? Humans are meant to be our food."

He appeared in front of her; fists clenched at his side. "You will not hunt with Jessica again!"

"Or you'll what?" She met those angry eyes. "You've never put rules before me until now."

"It is dangerous for us." Eric turned and walked a few strides before facing her. "I cannot protect you if you are stupid."

Anger raged through her; the dangerous kind. "I will not stop hunting and you cannot dictate my friends!"

Eric tensed, as if trying to stop himself. "Emily, is it not a good time for you to be asserting your dominance."

She frowned, "Why? What's happened?"

He glared at her for a long time; "Get out," He pointed to the door, "Go home."

Emily did as he said, she couldn't trust her self not to loose her temper. Once in her car she slammed her fist into the steering wheel. Glaring at the club she started the car and drove out of town. There was no way he was going to ruin her night. If Eric was going to keep things from her; then she wasn't going to listen to him.

It didn't take much effort to find the field party. Emily stood at the edge of the forgotten field; watching. Teenagers danced to loud music; the smell of booze was heavy on the air. She could hear all sorts of things from this distance. Some talked, others made love and moaned. She heard laughter and arguing. These humans acted so carefree; so unaware of what watched them.

Emily walked into the field; it wasn't hard to find a lone man. He was passed out. She knelt down; the stench of alcohol burned her nose. Picking him off the ground, she bared her fangs and bit down into his flesh. He made no sound. The others were not aware of anything. She tossed him aside; her mind buzzing with the blood. The smile that came to her face was a dangerous one. This was too easy. She moved onto the next and the next and the next.

Eric stared out the windows on the main floor. He had sent Emily home; she wasn't here. He knew where she was; he could feel it in his blood. He knew her emotional state too. The euphoric haze that came with blood-drunk; when one has had too much and can't stop. He turned away, hands in his pockets. Pam stood at the entry; her face calm.

"Do we wait to see if she comes back?" Pam asked.

Eric paused, he could feel the sun on the edge of the world. "She is too far from home to drive back before dawn."

Pam arched a brow at the comment. But didn't say anything.

"Leave her," He fought the emotions him. His soul screamed for him to go and fetch her. He could fly; it would be simple for him to reach her and bring her to safety. Nothing in him wanted to leave her out there.

"Eric?" Pam questioned.

"I said leave her!" He shouted, "She has to learn to obey me."

He stormed out of the room; heading to Emily's room. He slammed the door shut and sat on the bed. His hands ran though his hair. A war raged in his heart; he knew he had to teach her obedience; but at the same time, he hated to loose her. If she didn't find shelter before dawn, she would surely die. He had saved her life once; risked his own even for her.

It wasn't really her he was angry with. It was the whole situation with Able. It was the impending arrival of the Tribunal. The Magistrate was tired of hearing Able's complaints about Eric and Emily. So he was coming here, to Shreveport to settle the matter. Eric didn't know what to expect. He only knew that if the Magistrate ordered it, Emily would be put to stake. And he would be helpless to stop it.

Some part of him feared that result; knowing that death by sun exposure was wore. But at least he would not have to witness her execution. He would not have to watch as she died, again.

Eric stood up as his heart over ruled his mind. He threw open the door and ran from the house. Once outside he looked up and willed himself into the air. He knew where she was. The question was, could he get them home before dawn?

Even before he saw the field, he could smell it. The bouquet of mixed blood on the air; it was a rich, intoxicating scent; even tone as old as him. How many had she killed tonight? Eric was no stranger to mass feedings; he'd done it himself. Some part of him was even happy that she had too. But another part was saddened. It hadn't taken long for her to accept her vampire nature. He had hoped it would take longer; that some part of her humanity would over-rule her new nature. But it seemed that was lost. He looked down; his eyes widened slightly. So many bodies; there had to be dozens of them. No wonder she was blood-drunk.

He landed silently; she lay a few feet away. Eric appeared at her side; lifting her in his arms. Glancing at the sky he could see the first light of dawn. Clutching her close, he willed himself to flight. He was literally racing the sun as he flew.

The sun broke across the sky; burning rays breathed across Eric's shoulders as he landed. Pain made him gasp; his flesh burning as he ran for the door. He smelled burning meat and knew it was him. Eric threw himself on the door; it opened. He slammed the door shut; only continue burning. Pools of sun spilled onto the floor from the skylights. He grit his teeth and made a run for it. Cutting across the golden pools of light; his feet sizzled. Eric threw himself against the wall; pushing himself down the hall. Emily was heavy in his arms. He felt his body becoming like lead. He saw the door to the basement; it was almost within reach.

Forcing himself the last few inches he opened the door and threw her down. He didn't care how she landed; she would heal. He closed the door behind him and his eyes shut. Eric didn't feel himself tumble down the stairs; he was dead.