A/N: Again Thank you all so much for reading my story and your wonderful reviews. And again I want to thank Northwoman and Krystal214 for all their help, check their profile and read their stories. Anyway I know you want to know how this story ends.
Chapter 15 – Eric's Curse
A blessed thing it is for any man or woman to have a friend, one human soul whom we can trust utterly who knows best and worst of us, and who loves us in spite of all our faults.
Charles Kingsley
"Do you have any idea who would want to hurt you?" Officer Coughlin asked Sookie.
"No," Sookie said, a bit shaky. It couldn't have been Bill because he was still recovering. Pam said it takes a long time to recover from the damage Eric had done. There was someone else out there who wanted her dead. Great! After a couple more questions that she didn't have the answers to, the officers left.
"Eric is going to be upset," Pam warned her.
Sookie just stared at Pam, not sure how to feel about the recent news. Sookie went back to the bar and talked a bit with Charles while waiting for Eric to return from his office.
It didn't take long for Eric to finish his phone call. He hated talking to the other Sheriffs, it was a nuisance and they didn't talk about anything interesting. It was his routine work and thanks to Pam, he knew what to say. No one suspected anything about his amnesia, but he wasn't sure he could pull this off with the Queen. He hadn't lied to Sookie when he told her he wanted new memories with her. He didn't care about his past; the only thing that mattered was his future, with his wife and bonded.
He knew what was needed to break his curse and the last thing he wanted was to press Sookie or even ask her to give him something so precious. He wanted it to be her decision, but because she wanted it for herself and not to free him of his curse. That is why he had chosen not to tell Sookie. Although he knew if she ever found out, he knew she was going to be upset about it.
Eric joined his wife at the bar, wanting to know what the officers had wanted with her. He noticed Sookie looking away from him as if to avoid the subject, but he wouldn't let it go. Not this time.
Pam was staring at them too, waiting for Sookie to break the news to Eric. She knew that Eric was going to be very upset.
"What did police want?" Eric asked, when he noticed Sookie was not talking.
Charles left them alone, moving to the end of the bar. He had heard the conversation between his Mistress and the human police and knew Eric wasn't going to be happy about it.
Sookie started at Eric nervously and he waited patiently for her to tell him what was bothering her about the cop visit. "Someone cut the brakes of my car," Sookie finally said.
Eric growled and pulled Sookie to his office immediately with Pam following suit. The brakes had not faltered; someone was trying to hurt his bonded. He wanted to remove the head of whoever had made this against her beautiful life.
"Someone is trying to hurt you?" He asked angrily once they were inside his office. She nodded. He wasn't sure what to do and he knew he couldn't protect her during the day when she was away from him, working, which she didn't have to anymore, but he indulged her, because it was something she wanted to do.
"We will protect her here, Eric," Pam assured him. Yes, he knew they could protect her here, but what about during the daylight hours. What was he supposed to do?
"Leave us alone," he said, furious. Pam left knowing there was nothing else she could do or say to appease him.
He sat on his office chair and closed his eyes. He was enraged and was fearful. He didn't want anything to happen to her.
Sookie sat on his lap. "I don't like seeing you like this," she said, burying her small hands in the thin strands of his golden mane. He looked like he was about to murder someone, but she knew it wasn't going to be her.
His arms wrapped around her tightly. "I don't like you being away from me during the day. I feel helpless. I don't know how to protect you. I don't want anything to happen to you," he said, as he rubbed himself against her.
She laid her head on his shoulder. "I'll be careful. I promise," she said in a soft voice, hoping to give him some peace, but she knew it wouldn't work.
"What if I'm late the next time you are hurt. I can't…" he couldn't say it. She kissed his neck. "I cannot imagine my life without you. I simply can't." He said, feeling a tightening in his chest. He had seen her helpless many times and he didn't want that to ever happen again. Although, Pam insisted that if he turned Sookie, then she would be stronger, but would she want that with him?
"Then don't," she replied. She kissed him, assuring him she'd do anything within her power to stay safe and alive for him, but she knew that wasn't enough. She knew what he would ask of her, but would she do it? Would she give up her mortal life for an eternity with him? When she had been with Bill, she was so adamant about staying human, but now she wasn't so sure.
"Bite me," she said and offered her neck to him. She knew this intimacy between them would make him feel better. He didn't hesitate to sink his fangs into her soft flesh. He rubbed her back as he drank from her. She started grinding against him and moaning his name. He wanted to throw her on his desk and have his way with her, but not tonight. He felt through the bond when she had her climax and he released her neck, kissing her vein and licking away the marks.
"I love you, Sookie. You are everything to me. If something happens to you, I'm afraid I would not be able to go on. I know that you would think badly of me, but I rather you spend the day with me until I know you are safe." He all but pleaded with her.
Sookie didn't know what to say, but she could feel how worried he was. She would have to figure out a way to have some peace. She couldn't hide, every time someone threatened her or she would never step outside their home. Perhaps they could come to some sort of arrangement.
"I'll think about it," She answered.
For the moment, that was enough. "Should we go outside?" He asked. She nodded. They made their way to his throne and resumed their earlier positions. The night passed in a blur and when they finally got home Sookie was exhausted. They were both in bed, quiet and caressing each other softly.
"I'll call in sick tomorrow," she told him. He relaxed after she told him she'd stay with him. She didn't want to go to work after the day she had anyway. She didn't usually do this, but she just didn't feel right. Eric held her in his arms and they both drifted off to sleep.
The next day after Sookie had done her morning routine, she went to Eric's library to finish arranging all his books. When she noticed an odd book on the bookcase, the black cover had a red pentagram. She opened the book and inside she found it had many tabs: Potions, Spells, Curses and that's what caught her attention. She flipped to that section, but she didn't understand any of the words until she reached the last page. She dropped the book when she saw Eric's name underlined and words in another language in it.
She ran to the living room and picked up the phone.
"Alcide I want to talk to that lady, Octavia was her name." She was sure that was the curse that had been used on Eric.
"Are you alright?" Alcide asked.
"Yes, I'm sorry for being so rude. I just want to ask her a question. Do you know how I can get a hold of her?" Sookie asked. Alcide gave Sookie Octavia's number and she didn't waste any time. After thanking Alcide profusely and apologizing for her odd behavior, she called the number right away.
"White Spirit Palm Readers, this is Amelia. How can we help you?" The cheery voice answered.
"Uh hi, may I speak to Octavia. My name is Sookie." Sookie thought that Octavia would recall her name.
"Do you have an appointment with her?" Amelia asked.
"No, but I need her help. It is very important. Is she available?" Sookie asked.
"Can you please hold?" Sookie was about to answer when she heard a music play at the other end of the line.
"Sookie, what can I do for you?" Sookie recognized Octavia's voice.
"I wanted to talk to you in person. I have a question and wanted to know if you could translate something for me. I will pay you, of course," Sookie added quickly.
"Why don't you drop by my shop? I was about to close for lunch, but I will make an exception for you. Come around the back and knock on the door," Octavia said. Sookie wrote down her address and drove away. She shouldn't have left without leaving a note for Eric, but she wanted answers. Besides, she was going to be back quickly. In and out, she thought.
She made it to the address with no problems. She knocked on the door and a beautiful woman opened it promptly. Since Sookie was being careful, she had her shields down and this Amelia was a loud broadcaster. She had short, chestnut hair and bright blue eyes. She didn't seem to fit in this place, but she was very pleasant.
"Come in," Amelia called excitedly, almost dragging Sookie inside. "So, are you the mind reader?" Amelia asked.
'Is she reading my mind right now? How does it work? Can she do it all the time? It must be annoying hearing what everyone thinks all the time…'
"Yes. I'm not really sure how it works. Yes, I can do it all the time, although I can control it. Yes, it is annoying hearing everyone all the time and you are so loud," Sookie said. Amelia's jaw dropped to the floor.
"Sorry," Amelia said but she wasn't sorry at all. She was excited to meet someone like Sookie. Somehow Sookie thought they were going to be good friends. Amelia guided her to a table and they waited patiently for Octavia. "Can I try to read your palm? I'm learning," Amelia offered. Sookie thought there was no harm in that. Amelia took her hand.
'So much death…short line life…love, strong…I have never seen that line…betrayal, no heartbreak…strong family lines…huh?…is that for protector or mate?...'
Sookie was not sure what to make of Amelia's thoughts. Octavia cleared her throat and Amelia let go of Sookie's hand.
"What did you see?" Octavia asked. Amelia went pale.
"She is surrounded by death, and pain. Her love line is very strong she has the double line, but I'm not sure if that means she will find her mate or that she could have a protector or both. There is another line too, but I don't know what it means. May I?" Amelia asked Sookie if she could see her hand again. Sookie open her palm and Amelia drew the line, pointing it out to Octavia.
"That is such a rare quality, not many people have it. It means someone watches over her and she is a savior of mankind," Octavia explained. Sookie just raised an eyebrow, clearly incredulous. "Tell me, Sookie, have you not saved anyone from death?" Octavia asked. As Sookie thought about it, she knew she had. She nodded. "Then, why are you so skeptical? You should trust you heart more often," Octavia offered.
"That's what gets me in trouble all the time," Sookie explained.
"Never doubt your heart Sookie. You can doubt your mind, but your heart will always tell you the truth," Octavia stated. She was an old, wise woman so Sookie would ponder on that later.
"I found this and I have a suspicion that Eric was hiding it from me. Can you tell me what this means? Why is his name in this book?" Sookie asked. Octavia patted Sookie's hand.
"It is Hallow's spell book. I found it and gave it to him. He told his Child to never tell you what his curse entailed and how this curse could be broken," Sookie was upset instantly.
"It can be broken?" Sookie asked. Why would Eric hide this from her?
"Yes, it can be broken. But if you are his mate, I understand why he would hide this from you. He wants to protect you Sookie and that is the only reason he hid it from you. Are you sure you want to know?" Octavia asked. Sookie nodded.
"The curse requires a great sacrifice and he has made his choice, Sookie. He rather not remember than sacrifice what he loves the most," Octavia said.
"What is that?" Sookie asked.
"Your soul, Sookie," Sookie was shocked to say the least. "He was cursed to lose the trust and break the heart of the woman he loves. In order to recover his memories, he would have to regain her trust, but she must also give him her soul. Hallow was a very powerful witch, but only someone with so much hate towards him would do something so evil to him and you." Octavia explained and Sookie's eyes watered.
"I feel stupid asking you this question, but how do I give him my soul," Sookie questioned, but she already had the sneaky suspicion she would have to give up her mortal life.
"The only way a vampire can owns someone's soul would be to let him turn you," Octavia said. Sookie stayed quiet for a long time, not sure what to say. She understood why he chose not to tell her, but did it also mean he didn't want her that way?
"I'm sorry, Sookie," Octavia said, as she patted Sookie's hand to offer her some comfort.
"How much do I owe you?" Sookie asked. Octavia shook her head. She stood up and walked over to an old bookcase. She opened a small box and inside was an old looking ring. Octavia put it in Sookie's palm.
"I know you might not believe in this, but this is a powerful amulet. It will protect you." Sookie nodded and took it. She wasn't about to refuse this gift, she definitely needed all the supernatural help she could get. The amulet was beautifully detailed, butterfly-winged fairy. The fairy had a small pentagram set into her lower back and on the top of the fairy was a small amber crystal. The band was made of platinum and Sookie was having second thoughts about taking it, but what she heard from Octavia's head convinced her otherwise. Sookie put on the ring, which she actually liked very much. For some reason, she felt as though it belonged to her.
"It will clean your aura and bring you good luck, as well as protect you from the evil that seems to find its way into your life," Octavia commented. Sookie had no idea how Octavia knew this, but it was very true.
"Thank you. It was nice meeting you, Amelia." Sookie took the book and walked outside. She was about to get in her new SUV when Amelia ran towards her.
"Hey, here is my cell phone number if you ever want to hang out," Amelia said, smiling. "So you don't have to call our line next time," Amelia said, winking at Sookie. Sookie took her number and put it in her jean's pocket and then with her mind she heard the evil thoughts. Sookie didn't have time to react, only to scream as the gun shot resounded close by.
A/N: In the prequel a reader was very disappointed that Eric was not in the last chapter, so I changed that for this story. I know you are angry with me for the cliffy, but I want to make sure you come back and read the sequel. I have already added the summary for the sequel for this story on my blog (link on my profile). Feel free to stop by and leave comments or suggestions.
What do you think is going to happen? Do you think Sookie will get turned? Do you want her to? Should the curse be broken before they visit the Queen? What will happen when they face Bill? And who is trying to kill our dear telepath? Stay tuned. Once I post the sequel I will add a note in this story for anyone who is following the story or you can follow me on twitter (link on my profile).