AN/ Struggled a lot with this chapter. Good Lord writing is hard...lol. My hat goes off to anyone that attempts this mess. I never realized how hard it was until I ventured into it. You doubt yourself, re-write, place back what you had, scratch it, get frustrated, smoke a pack of ciggies then stare at a blank page, hoping it will speak to you...or maybe that's just me...lol. Anyway, once again thanks to all of you that have stuck beside me in this little endeavor. I am hoping to get some Eric in the next chapeter. I miss his sexy ass.
Disclaimer: Not mine. This wonderful series that I have so botched up belongs to Mrs. Charlaine Harris. I am just torturing her characters and causing more strife to ruin their lives.
"Who can we trust?" Sookie sat down on the couch placing the papers in her pockets. Game plans weren't really her thing. Generally, she was the one being rescued or just running in without a second thought. But the stakes were too high this time. She had to rescue Eric, while taking out the bad guys. She had enough of Victor Manning. Amelia too. If it was the last thing she did, she would make them pay for their trickery. Especially Amelia.
"I am afraid, all that could be trusted are in route to Las Vegas." Pam paced the living room floor. She was walking so fast, Sookie was having a hard time keeping up with her. "Where are your cousin and Uncle?"
"Claude and Dermott are living out in Shreveport." Sookie looked at Pam in confusion. "We can't use them Pam. They can't mask their scent. They would be walking into an ambush. I won't use them that way."
"We might not have a choice." Pam stopped her pacing to face Sookie with her hands oh her hips. "They have survived a long time in this world. Don't count them out yet."
"How about Alcide and Sam. I might could round up some people from Hot Shots." Sookie wasn't sure about them but she knew that her and Pam could not do this alone.
"Do you think they will help?" Pam cocked an eyebrow at her. "Sam and Alcide both would love nothing more than to have Eric out of the way."
"They will do it for me. Alcide owes me and Sam wont risk me getting hurt." Sookie felt bad even considering the lengths she would go to save Eric. But if she had to play on Sam's emotions to bring Eric home, safe and sound she would. There wasn't much she wasn't willing to do.
"That might work." Pam tapped her chin and started pacing again. "We need a plan though."
"Part of it will be easy." Sookie stood and walked over to the hall closet. She pulled out a bag, tugging it over to Pam. "I will go to Victor. If he ask where you are, I will explain that Eric forbid you from coming after him. He won't know the conditioning of Eric's command. So he will never see you coming."
Sookie opened the bag, showing Pam the contents. Inside where various weapons in silver. She had a net, chains and silver bullets. Eric didn't even know she had this stuff. It was just bits and pieces she had saved over the years. You never knew when these things would come in handy. If she had learned anything for her time involved with vampires, it was how to fight against them. Silver, wooden stake through the heart or decapitation were the way to go. She ran her hands through the bag until she come across a stake, then smiled up at Pam. "I was saving them for a rainy day."
"Look at you Buffy." Pam knelt down beside Sookie, being careful not to touch any of the silver. "I have gloves that will let me handle these and much better weapons, what you have will do in a pinch though."
"Glad to hear it." Sookie snorted. She picked up a wicked looking silver blade that Jason had given her. She had something special planned for this one. She smiled to herself. "Now how do we get our weapons in? There is no way they won't search me."
"Sookie I really don't care for the idea of you walking in there. You are giving Victor one hell of an advantage over you." Pam stared at her. "I might not get to you in time. He cold just kill you both before I ever knew you were in danger."
"I have a way of solving that." Sookie took the knife then sliced her wrist. She held it up to Pam. "You drink from me, then you know if I am in danger."
"Eric will kill me if I drink from you." Pam's fangs descended. She let out a snarl as the scent of Sookie's blood hit her. " I can not do that Sookie. It is forbidden."
"Eric might die if we don't do this Pam." Sookie held her wrist closer to Pam. "Come on, this is your one and only chance to drink from me."
"Shit." Pam threw back her head and yelled. "You are going to get me killed or chained in silver for five years."
"I won't let it happen Pam. Its the only way." Sookie cupped her hand under her wrist to keep blood from hitting the floor. "You know it."
"Son of a bitch." Pam walked calmly over to Sookie. She took her offered wrist but hesitated in drinking. Sookie could see the desire to do so. She also understood Pam's reluctance but really what choice did they have. "You know it would also help if you drank from me. Give you extra strength that you just might need before I get to you."
"I know." Sookie bit her lip as Pam took her wrist into her mouth, sucking gently. Pam moaned at the taste. Sookie was worried for a moment that she would have to force Pam away but she only took a few pulls before she gained control, sealed the wound shut then released her.
"Jesus. You taste like sex on a stick." Pam growled a throaty moan at her. "No wonder all the vamps in the tri-state want a piece of you. Are you quiet sure Sookie, that I can't get you to swing my way?" There was a twinkle to Pam's eyes or lust, Sookie couldn't really tell. "You realize we will be connected now, right?"
"We already are Pam." Sookie watched as Pam bite into her own wrist. "Were family."
She was shocked to see a bit of red touch Pam's eyes. Surely Pam wasn't getting emotional on her. Not Pam. "Drink Sookie." Pam held a trembling wrist out to her.
Sookie latched on. She pushed past the first taste of blood hitting the back of her throat. Pam's taste was so much different than Eric's. It wasn't that she tasted bad, it was if her body knew she was drinking from someone other then Eric and wanted to reject it. She missed him. His flavor, the way he held her as she drank. His moan as she drew on him. She took a few more pulls, then released her mouth from Pam.
She could already feel the effect of Pam's blood taking hold. She wasn't tired anymore, her body felt rejuvenated. She didn't have the rush that Eric's blood gave her but hopefully, it was enough.
"Pam we are forgetting something here." Sookie said.
"What would that be Sookie?" Pam dabbed at her lip with her tongue. She shuttered at the taste that greeted her then smiled at Sookie.
"We don't have enough time to make this happen. It's almost four in the morning. We have a five hour drive with no one of board yet and no time to get a real plan in gear. If we are going to do this, you have to let me go now, then come in after dark tomorrow. I should be alright for a few hours." Sookie zipped up her weapons bag while pulling over her shoulder. "I'll have to leave a plan of attack up to you."
"You are not leaving without me Sookie." Pam pulled the bag from her then let is slide to the floor. "Call your friends from the car. I will make arrangements for all of us to be flown out."
"No Pam." Sookie grabbed her hand. "Listen to me. There is no time. It will be light soon. I have to be there by sundown. Let me drive up. If you get the others and fly in, will have the element of surprise."
"I'll bargain with you. You drive out in the morning." Pam released Sookie's hand. She pulled a cell phone from her purse and began dialing a number. "I will arrange for a pilot to fly me out tonight. IF you can reach your friends, I'll have someone waiting for them with transport. If not, we will handle this. But you are not going to New Orleans alone. I'll be there before you then tuck myself away out of sight."
"Fine. You better get moving if you are heading out before dawn." Sookie pulled Pam into a hug. She was startled when Pam hugged her back. "Be careful Pam."
"You too Sookie." Pam connected with someone on the other line. Sookie took the opportunity to go upstairs and prepare herself. She wished she knew if Felipe was also involved. That would solve matters. If Victor had gone against Felipe in his endeavors then Felipe might be able to stop him.
"Pam!" Sookie ran down the stairs to talk to her. Pam was just about to walk out the door. When Sookie caught her. "Wait!"
"Sookie we don't have time." Pam blew out an aggravated breath.
"I know but what if Victor is acting alone? He came after us without Felipe's knowledge before. He could have done it again. We know that he wants Eric's position." Sookie hoped she was right. If they could reach Felipe in time, he could call Victor back.
"Its not worth the risk of trying to find out Sookie. If he does know, what then?" Pam shook her head at Sookie. "No matter what we do Sookie we are going to loose. If we kill Victor, Felipe could in turn kill Eric and take you. If he's in on it so to speak, he could still deny it and seek repercussions against only thing I am worried about is getting you and Eric out. We will deal with Felipe later. Now I really must leave."
Pam was gone in the blink of an eye. She left her car sitting in Sookie's drive way. She must have thought she could reach the airfield faster on foot. Sookie closed the door, then tried calling Sam, who did not answer. Next Alcide who did not want to get involved with Vampire bullshit and Claude who laughed hysterically and asked if she was out of her fucking mind.
It looked like it was her and Pam to the rescue. Didn't it just suck that the odds were stacked against them.
With a last ditch effort, Sookie called the last person she could think of. Granted he might not be much help but she needed someone. Anyone that could help her succeed in getting Eric out.
She held her breath while the phone rang. "Jesus Sookie, this better be good."
"Jason, thank God. I need you big brother. Can you please come over." Sookie exhaled her pent up breathe. She was at the end of her straws here.
"It better be good. It ain't even dawn yet." Jason mumbled. She could hear his bed sheets rustle as he got up.
"It is. Please hurry Jason. And bring every weapon you have." Sookie disconnected the phone then tried Sam one last time. He still didn't answer, she was so desperate though she left a message to call her as soon as he got it.
Sookie stuffed a silver necklace in her pocket as she waited for Jason. She wished there was some way to bind it to her, for protection. She knew she was screwed if Victor got his hands on her but she couldn't risk not going. She prayed Pam's blood would be enough if she had to fight him. Or hold him off until Pam got there.
It didn't take long before Jason walked through her front door. He took one look at her and pulled her into a hug. "Whats wrong Sooks?"
She explained as quickly as possible what had been happening, including Amelia's involvement and Eric's capture. Jason was stunned to say the least. He had trusted Amelia and thought they had something special going. "Fuck. I just can't find a decent woman. When I get my hands on that bitch, I'm gonna ring her neck."
"Well pray you see her before I do." Sookie felt her blood boil at the lengths of Amelia's deception. She didn't know who's blood she wanted to spill more? Hers of Victor's.
"Sookie maybe she has a good explanation." Jason said
"I highly doubt it Jason. Nothing she could say would make me forgive her sorry ass. She has been using everything I have ever said against me." Sookie sneered. "She is going down."
"This isn't like you Sookie." Jason placed a hand on his sister's shoulder turning her to face him. "She's human. You can't just kill her sis."
"Fuck her Jason. If I don't do it, Pam surely will." Sookie gave a heartless laugh. "She has screwed around too much and placed Eric in danger. There is no coming back from that."
"So you would kill her for messing with him?" Jason let go of her shaking his head. "What happened to you baby sis? You ain't never been this cold. I ain't saying you don't have a right to be mad but you are talking about taking a human life, like its nothing."
"She toyed with us like we were nothing. She has placed him in a no win situation, as bait for me. They will either kill me or turn me Jason. Do you not understand that?" Sookie tossed her hands up in the air. Of course she couldn't get him to understand. Jason wouldn't see until it they drained her with Amelia laughing right in her face. "I am not asking you to kill Amelia or anyone else Jas, just have my back if we need you."
"Of course Sookie." Jason lifted his puppy dog eyes up to her, glistening with worry. "I just am scared for you Sookie. You have changed so much."
"What can I say Jason, a dog can only take so much abuse before it becomes a little ferocious itself. I have had enough people trying to hurt me, kill me or the ones I love for a lifetime. Its time that I fought back and I will until it kills me. I have lost everything but him and I want let him go without one hell of a fight. I love him Jason and I will not let him die for me." Sookie grabbed up the bag, tossing her cell phone in her pocket and headed to the door. "Now are you coming or not?"
"I am." Jason held the door opened for Sookie then followed her out. "Hey did you think about calling that mentor of hers? Whats her name Octavia or something like that?"
Sookie stopped dead in her tracks. She hadn't thought about that. She smiled to herself. That would be another surprise they wouldn't see coming. If they left now they could be in New Orleans by 10:00 am or a little after. It would give them plenty of time to alert the local coven about Amelia's recent adventure into magic. She bet anything, what Amelia had done was a big no-no. With a little hope stored away, she crawled into her car and cranked it up.
She waited patiently as Jason grabbed several bags then slung them into her trunk. She hoped to hell that they didn't get caught with the weaponry they had on board. The cops would lock them away and throw away the key.
Sookie flew out of Hummingbird lane. She glanced at the gas reading and was relieved that she would not have to stop and gas up on the way out. Her and Jason kept the small talk to a minium. They had decided to get a room once they arrived and let Jason stay holed up there. She just hoped that Victor didn't have his human spies out and about looking for her or anyone with her. She didn't want her brother taken also.
Fuel finally made her pull over. That and her bodies need for something other then blood to sustain it. She gassed up while Jason ran in to pay and grab them something to eat. They were a little less then two hours away. It was too far. She wanted to be there now, with Eric. Safe and all of this crap behind them.
She pulled out her cell phone, blowing out a disgusted breath when there were no messages. She had hoped Sam would try and call her, or Pam had a chance to text her prior to going to ground, as it were, for the day. No suck luck. She was on her own for now. She would have to try and maintain her sanity and figure out how to handle Victor.
Sookie finished pumping, then got back in the car to wait for Jason. She closed her eyes trying to picture Eric in her mind. It wasn't hard to do as he was never far from her thoughts. She could see his smile, his baby blue eyes, his arms opening to her. She needed him in the worse way. She concentrated hard on the bond. Hoping she was close enough to him that he would feel her love, acceptance and worry for him. She wanted him to know that she would never leave him to his fate.
Her body was suddenly on fire in blinding pain. As quick as it hit her, it was gone. She then was inundated with panic, worry and hopelessness. He was trying to let her know not to come. She blasted back at him with hope, peace and comfort. She was going to come no matter what he wanted. "I love you Eric." She whispered wishing he could hear her. She sent waves of love again then closed down the bond. She didn't want him to worry but she had to let him know not to give up.
"Why are you crying Sookie?" She wiped tears away from her eyes that she didn't realize had fallen. Eric had been in so much pain and felt so hopeless. They had to get to him soon. She didn't think she could wait until nightfall. They were hurting him.
"They've tortured him Jason. I felt so much pain." Sookie sniffled. There had to be a way to get to him sooner. "We have to go now."
"Alright Sookie." Jason patted her hand that was shaking on the wheel. "Whats say you let me drive a spell. You're tired and we need to think this through."
Sookie got out of the car, changing positions with Jason. What she needed were more weapons. She knew Victor had to use humans or weres as day time guards, she needed something to knock them on their asses. A day time attack would be better. Maybe she could even get lucky and kill Victor as he slept. The more she thought about it, the more she liked that plan better.
"We need to attack early." Sookie said with little fan fair. "It would be smarter. We don't know how many people are in there, not to mention vamps. If we can get Octavia and her band of witches to control Amelia, we can grab Eric throw him in the trunk and hall ass."
"Now usually I am all balls to the wall Sookie but you ain't thinking." Jason slammed his hand against the steering wheel and tossed a quick glare at her. "Its two for sure then how many witches against an army of God knows how many."
"I am thinking Jason. Clearly for the first time." Sookie turned sideways so she could see her brother."If we wait for Pam, that means Victor and whatever other vampire he has are up and waiting for us. They won't be expecting a day time attack. I am doing this Jason. With or without you."
"You're gonna go and get yourself killed Sookie. FUCK!" He slammed his hand against the wheel again then started the car. "Why couldn't you just fall in love with a human man and leave all this vampire shit alone."
"Guess I'm just not wired that way Jason." Sookie use to think that herself all the time. There were moments she still thought that but she couldn't imagine not having Eric in her life. She could walk away from him. Or him from her but she would never be the same. No other man would ever be able to compare to him. Eric was it for her. "I can't explain to you why I love him or why I would want to risk my life for his Jason. Other than without him, there is no me. He is a part of me that I wont let be sacrificed."
"And they say I'm the dumb one." Jason winked at her then concentrated on the road.
Sookie settled back in her seat, closing her eyes trying to plot through how this battle could be pulled off. She prayed with all her heart that Octavia could help out. She knew they didn't stand much of a chance without them. Amelia had probably placed a protection spell on the palace, which meant without Octavia, they would never get in.
She took out her phone, scrolling through the numbers until she came across hers. She pressed the call button and hoped she answered. Sookie blew sent a silent thank you to the man up stairs when she picked up.
"Hi Octavia, its Sookie." Sookie listen to Octavia greet her back. She made small talk for a moment then let the bomb drop. "I really need to see you and your coven. Pronto. I know its a lot to ask Octavia but its a matter of life and death."
"Sookie what on earth is going on? I saw Amelia the other day and she said you two had a huge falling out."
"I really can't get into this over the phone but its urgent that I see you. We are about an hour outside of New Orleans. Can we come over?" Sookie said desperately. She was banking on Octavia's help. Octavia rattled off an address that Sookie scribbled down to put in the GPS Eric had gifted her. She was thankful for that now. She had never needed it before. "Thanks Octavia, we'll see you soon."
"You think she'll help?" Jason asked.
"I really hope so Jason. Octavia isn't to fond of me but I am counting on the fact that she will hate what Amelia has done even more and help out. If she can just get us through the door, maybe lay a stasis spell on them, we can get Eric out." Sookie said trying to hide her anxiety. Something had to go right. Too many things had been stacked against them, they needed an advantage.
Sookie unwrapped the sandwich Jason had bought at the gas station. She handed him one along with a drink, then forced herself to eat. They were almost there and she needed every ounce of power she could get. Before she knew it they were pulling into the driveway of Octavia's modest home.
She got out of the car, stretching to work the kinks out. She was on her way to the door when her cell phone rang. She looked at the number and thought about ignoring it, instead she answered. "What do you want Alcide?"
"Where in the hell are you?" Alcide roared over the phone.
"Since when do I answer to you Alcide?" Sookie snorted over the line.
"You did it didn't you?" Alcide blew out a frustrated breath. "You just fucking took of without a thought in your mind after that fucking vampire. Sookie he is going to get you killed."
"Look Alcide, I asked you for help. You blew me off so unless you have some helpful information to impart, I suggest you fuck off and let me do what needs being done." Sookie griped her phone so hard the white of her knuckles were showing. It was fine if she was risking life and limb for Alcide but heaven forbid she did it for the man she loved. She was sick to death of her biased friends views of her vampire.
"Shit. Where are you?" She could hear a radio playing in the back ground and traffic blaring beside him. "I can get to you in about an hour if you cool your jets."
"I'm in New Orleans outside a friends house. You came after me?" Sookie had no clue what to think. But she was thankful for the help.
"Hell yes. I knew your dumb ass would go anyway. Plus you have helped me out a time or two. I figure I owe you." Alcide growled "After this we are even. I can't risk my pack Sookie every time your ass is on the line."
"Not asking you too Alcide but you remember that also. I am not at your beck and call." Sookie tossed back at him. She was sick of his pack master crap and her involvement in it was going to stop. She rattled off the address to him then knocked on Octavia's door.
Jason got out of the car and came to stand beside her. He took her hands in his to offer support. She was beginning to think Octavia had left when the door was pulled open by Bob. "Hey Sookie."
"Bob how are you? Octavia inside?" Sookie brushed past him, entering the home. She cast her eyes around not really taking anything in. She just needed to get this taken care of then move on to the next.
Bob moved around her and lead her to the living room. There were twelve people sitting around a large stone coffee table, Bob making thirteen. Sookie was relieved that Octavia had called her coven in. It would be better to talk to them all as a group than to worry over it later.
"Welcome Sookie." Octavia rose up from the ground and greeted Sookie with a kiss on each cheek. "What is going on child? Why is your aura all askew?"
"Where do I start? How about with Amelia and how she has been using her magic against Eric and I. She is in league with an enemy of ours and has set us up for a down fall. They are holding Eric now and will kill him unless I turn myself in to them." Sookie rushed out. "She has been setting us up for a while now. I need your help Octavia. Please."
"Sookie the things you say." Octavia waved at her in a dismissive manner. "Amelia would never do those things to you. What proof do you have?"
Sookie pulled the letters from her pocket, glad that she had stuck them in there before leaving Bon Temps. She handed them over to Octavia who looked at her with some confusion before she started to read. "She also confessed to me that she placed a lessening spell on our bond. She claimed that she was trying to get me to realize my feelings for Eric without it. She told him that our bond would fade if I did not tell him I loved him, then convinced him that if I did not, our bond would become void and I would be vulnerable to attacks that he would not be able to protect me from. She manipulated us both from the start Octavia."
Sookie watched as Octavia compared the writing on the two sheets of paper. "You can see that they match. Don't fool yourself into believing that she wouldn't do this Octavia, we don't know what she is capable of anymore. She tried to stop me from going to him. Knowing that he was leaving to confront Victor. She has been working with him from the start. Amelia let them know precisely what Eric was going to do and the trapped him."
"What would you have us do Sookie?" Octavia held out the letters for her to take. "I can't deny what I see before me. You are fragmented and I smell Amelia all over this. I use to have such hopes for her."
"All I need for you and your coven to do is, knock down her shields. If you could place a stasis spell on the palace, even better. I don't want anyone to get hurt if we can prevent it. I just want to get Eric out." Sookie wanted to fall down on her knees and beg her. She would if she thought it would help. "Please Octavia, I am begging you."
"We have to vote on it Sookie." Amelia placed her hand up under Sookie's eyes and stared into them. "You really love him don't you? Bond or no bond?"
"Yes, I do. If there is anything good that I can find out of this whole mess, its that it finally made me get my head out of my butt and realize just how much I love him." Sookie placed her hands on top of Octavia's, giving them a gentle squeeze. "I could have forgiven her Tavia but not for trying to get him killed. He doesn't deserve that."
"What will you do with Amelia, Sookie?" She wanted nothing more then to beat the bitch senseless or send her somewhere that she couldn't interfere in peoples lives again.
"What ever you want Octavia. If you and your coven want to handle her, thats fine with me. Just please help me get him back. We have to strike before Victor and his minions rise." It killed Sookie to say that but she would let Amelia go if thats what it took to free Eric. She knew that Octavia would not go easy on her. It would have to be enough.
"You would sacrifice your revenge, if it meant saving him?" Octavia peered at here. As if she could see the truth laying behind Sookie's eyes.
"I would give up anything Octavia. Name it." Sookie felt the tears rising again. She let them fall. She was tired of fighting them. She cried her heart out. She let go of the pain, the hate all of the crap that was holding her back for so long. It wasn't worth it anymore. "I have to let him know Octavia what a fool I have been."
"You have a good heart Sookie." Octavia pulled her into her arms, holding he as she cried. "Go and rest a spell. Let us discuss this amongst ourselves."
"I understand Octavia and I don't mean to be a pain but time is a factor here." Sookie let go off her and wiped a hand across her face. She looked for Jason but didn't see him anywhere. "We have to strike soon."
"I know Sookie." Octavia leaned forward and kissed her brow."Rest now. We won't be long."
Sookie went outside to find Jason. He was sitting back in the car listening to the radio. She pulled the car door open and sat down. "Why did you leave?"
"Sorry Sook but those guys give me the creeps." Jason shivered in disgust. "I swear you know the strangest people."
"That I do." Sookie snorted. She was sure that she had gotten through to Octavia and her group. Now all she needed was a final word and Alcide to arrive. Between all of them, she thought they stood a pretty good chance.
Gran use to say, Hope is putting faith to work when doubt would be much easier. She rid herself of doubt. There was no room for it here. She had enough hope and faith in herself and Eric that they would make it through.
She shut her eyes, seeing him again. "I have enough faith for us both..." she whispered sending her thoughts to he could hear her.