Chapter Three
I
Sam dropped Payton off and saw a tidy little cottage. There were blooming flowers in the planting beds and a lush tree shaded the front yard. A flagstone pathway led to the front door. The home was a warm yellow color with white shutters with little hearts cut out of them. As Sam escorted Payton to her front door, he saw it was a bright raspberry red color.
When Payton saw him staring at it, she said, "Red is a good luck color."
"Is that some kind of witch lore?" asked Sam.
"No, I believe that it's Chinese," replied Payton with a tiny smile.
She opened the door and invited Sam inside and added, "Look, I think that you have the wrong idea about me. I'm not some kind of wicked witch or something. I was only trying to scare off Felton. His mind saw what it wanted to see."
But, Sam remembered that he had also seen that shadow that had danced across the ground with a life of it's own. Even though she had made him nervous, he had honored his promise to bring her home. And during the long and somewhat silent drive, he had found, that even with what he had seen, he had not felt any bad vibes coming from her.
"This is a very cute house," he said.
"My mother loved it here," said Payton. "It was her little sanctuary."
Payton led the way back to a cozy kitchen. Crisp white cabinets were set above an old fashioned farmer's sink. The walls were a light mint green color. Payton opened the back door and Sam saw that it was divided into two parts with Payton opening the top half. He saw a shaded and private back yard. There was a tall privacy fence and several little chimes tinkled in the breeze. There even was a small little pond that gurgled. A variety of different plants covered the garden and it certainly looked like a place that one could relax in and forget one's troubles.
"Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" asked Payton.
When Sam nodded, Payton began boiling water and making the preparations. In a few minutes, she placed two cups of tea on the kitchen table along with cream and sugar. Sam took a seat with thanks.
"Were those people in Hotshot holding you against your will?" he asked.
"They aren't just people," replied Payton, looking up into his eyes.
"Yeah, I know," replied Sam. "But, they usually keep to themselves."
"My father was one of them," said Payton. "But, I'm not like them. I don't understand why they were trying to keep me there."
"None of them bit or scratched you when they were panthers?" asked Sam, staring intently at Payton.
Payton's eyes widened and she shook her head 'no'. "Oh my God, do you think that they were planning on doing that?"
Payton reached for her cup of tea with trembling fingers and when she sat it down, Sam took one of her hands in his. He gave her a smile.
"I'm sorry to frighten you like that," he said. "But, you need to realize that you are still in danger. Even if they didn't try to make you one of them, there is still the possibility that you could produce a shifter by mating with one of them since there is a fifty-fifty chance of the trait being passed down."
"I...I didn't know that," replied Payton. "My mother and Charlie kept me away from Hotshot and they rarely talked about weres. It was a taboo subject, I guess."
"Is there someone that you could stay with, just for a little while?" asked Sam.
Payton shook her head 'no' and Sam thought a moment. "Even though it's sort of coming back, you are welcome to stay with me. Just to see if you scared them off for good," replied Sam. "I can give you a job waitressing tables since we are always short-staffed."
"You've already helped me and I don't want you to get in the middle of any trouble," said Payton.
"You should file kidnapping charges. It's not right what they did to you."
"I don't think that they care about the law there," replied Payton.
Sam took out a Merlott's business card from his wallet and wrote his personal number on the front of it. He handed across the table to Payton.
"I want you to call me if you see anything strange around here, okay?" he said.
Payton looked down at the card. "I don't know what to say. You are being so kind to me."
"You speak as if that is a rare thing," replied Sam. "And if it is, then you are long overdue for a friend."
"I...I thought that I might have scared you off."
"I don't scare so easily," replied Sam. "Or, maybe I'm just trying to get you to accept that job offer."
Payon looked up and gave a smile to Sam and said, "Smooth, very smooth. I'll have to keep my eye on you, Sam Merlott."
II
Eric called Lafayette who was working at Merlott's. He had placed the phone on vibrate and was ignoring it. But, he finally decided to answer it because it kept going off. When he saw the caller ID, his heart froze for a moment.
"Uh, hello boss," said Lafayette.
"Are you in the habit of not returning my calls, Lafayette?"
"No, I...I was working and couldn't get to the phone," replied Lafayette.
"You realize that even from where I am, I can sense that you are lying," replied Eric. "I don't like to be ignored or lied to, Lafayette. Do I need to come there and give you a reminder about that?"
"No, shit...I'm sorry."
"I want you to check on Payton at Hotshot," said Eric.
"Those people out there are crazy as shit-house rats," said Lafayette.
"They are smart enough to know something of value when they see it," replied Eric. "Just as I am. A few days among her sister and brother cousins out there should have weakened her resolve by now."
Lafayette hesitated and said, "She isn't there anymore. She got away and went home."
There was a long, ominous silence on the line and then Eric said, "Just when were you planning on telling me that?"
"It slipped my mind," replied Lafayette.
"I'm getting a little tired of being lied to Lafayette," said Eric. "You would be wise not to lie to me a third time."
Lafayette cursed under his breath and thought that no matter how much he owed the girl for helping him, it wasn't worth Eric Northman's anger. Sorry, Payton, he thought.
"Now, I suggest that you find out where she is and call me back," said Eric.
Eric hung up without waiting for an answer. Lafayette stood there and felt like he was between a rock and a hard place. Eric Northman on one side and Payton on the other. That girl gave him the heebie jeebies, but she was an unknown quantity. He knew what Eric Northman was capable of and that trumped just about everything else. With a sigh, he headed off to find Sam as he thought of some story to get the information out of him.
III
Payton paid a visit to the store. It was just about to close for the day and she wanted to check in with Daphne. Daphne had worked for her mother in the store for a couple of years and had also been a friend to her mother. Like Payton, her mother had few friends so every one of them was valuable. The Saffron Veil sold a variety of things and it had a surprisingly loyal clientele. The store sold handmade jewelry, spices, candles, crystals and teas. Handmade soaps and fragrant lotions, along with a selection of books were also on sale. Her mother also concocted a variety of special remedies for her customers that Payton had all the recipes to. For a fee, her mother had also given out readings. It was a tiny store, nestled between two larger stores in a well-traveled location.
After explaining to Daphne that she had been unable to reach her because she was out of town at her father's funeral, Daphne had given her a hug and said the store practically ran itself. Payton knew that she was lying and that she had stepped up and took care of everything during her absence. Payton would have to give her a bonus on her next paycheck. Friendship was indeed priceless, but money never hurt, Payton thought with a smile. Daphne was a woman of about forty-five who was much like her mother in temperament. She wore gauzy dresses that had always reminded Payton of Stevie Nicks. Her hair was long and flowing when Daphne didn't tie it back into a ponytail. After a little chit-chat Daphne had turned over the sign to 'closed' and left. Payton was going through some receipts when a tapping on the glass front door caused her to look up. Trying to keep the frown off her face, she saw one of her mother's customers peering through the glass at her. Mrs. Bowers, she thought with a inward groan. Mrs. Bowers didn't look like someone who would frequent this type of store. She was very well-off and favored conservative attire. She was dressed in a expensive suit that had to be tailored. A designer handbag was on her arm and conservative pumps with a two and a half inch heel were on her feet. Payton always felt that she had stopped into the store on a lark and had been charmed by her mother. Her mother had given her a reading and when those things had come true, Mrs. Bowers had been hooked. The conservative, suburban housewife was now steeped into everything that the store had to offer. Payton walked forward and let her in.
"I'm sorry, I saw the closed sign but I'm desperate," she gushed. "I'm all out of that special tea that your mother made for me, the one for my insomnia."
"Of course, Mrs. Bowers, I'll just check in the back and see if any is still prepared," said Payton.
"Oh, thank you, you don't know how much I appreciate this," she replied.
Payton went into one of the back storerooms and started going through the inventory. She was hoping that some of that tea was still there. It was easy enough to find the recipe, but Mrs. Bowers would have to wait until tomorrow and Payton wanted to get rid of her. Her mother make up a variety of remedies for such things as fatigue, insomnia, upset stomach and the like. She also sold healing salves that worked on everything from insect bites to sunburn. The soaps sold here were all handmade by her mother and Daphne. They were infused with a variety of fragrances and made out of pure ingredients and many people with allergies found that they could use her products without worry. Payton wondered if she would have to start making the soaps when the stock ran out. Maybe, she could hire the process out. She would have to look into it. That is, if she decided to keep the business going, she thought. Finally, there on a bottom shelf, she found the tea. With a smile of her face, Payton returned to the store front. That smile vanished as she saw just who had joined Mrs. Bowers. Payton's step faltered for a moment and her eyes took in the scene. Mrs. Bowers was staring appreciatively at Eric Northman. She must have forgotten for a moment that conservative housewives with 2.5 kids and executive husbands were not supposed to ogle vampires. But, maybe Mrs. Bowers didn't know that he was a vampire. Payton thought that it was highly unlikely that she had ever met a vampire before. The vampire looked like typical bad boy dressed in black with a black leather jacket which made Mrs. Bowers interest still puzzling. As Payton watched, Eric gave Mrs. Bowers a little smirk and she dropped her eyes and a red flush spread across her cheeks.
Payton handed her the tea and she said, "Oh, you're such a lifesaver. How much do I owe you?"
"Don't worry about it," replied Payton. "You were one of my mother's favorite customers."
Mrs. Bowers actually beamed at that praise. "I'm so glad that you are able to take over for her."
Payton looked down for a moment and Mrs. Bowers said, "Oh, you are going to keep the store going, aren't you?"
"I...I haven't really made up my mind," replied Payton.
Payton walked to the door and held it open for Mrs. Bowers, "Goodnight, I'll be sure to tell Daphne that you came in."
"Goodnight," said Mrs. Bowers.
She walked outside and gave Payton and Eric another look before walking away. Payton turned back and saw Eric going through some of the merchandise on display.
"What are you doing here?" demanded Payton. "Besides eye-sexing Mrs. Bowers."
"Jealous?" asked Eric giving her a little smirk.
When Payton refused to answer, he said, "I'm browsing."
"The store is closed, Mr. Northman."
"You served the other lady," said Eric. "You wouldn't discriminate against me, would you?"
"This store has the right to refuse service to anyone it sees fit," replied Payton.
"But, refusing to serve vampires could get you into some trouble with the American Vampire League," said Eric.
"Are you threatening me?"
"My intentions are much more friendly," replied Eric. "Don't you want to be friendly, Payton?"
Eric turned away and was reaching for a necklace with a crystal to examine it. Payton quickly stepped forward and grabbed his hand. She saw a drop of water splash down on her hand. She stared at her hand as another drop fell down on her arm. A third drop fell on her head and coursed down her cheek. Then, she began to be sprinkled with water. It started to drench her clothes and the faint drumming of the drops hitting the floor reached her ears. She closed her eyes and lifted her head upwards. Opening them she saw a falling spray from a large chrome shower head. The water drenched her and flowed over her naked form. She was in a shower tiled with bright white subway tiles. She was also not alone. Eric Northman stood in front of her. He was in his birthday suit and Payton willed her eyes to not to wander south. Feeling that she was going to lose that battle with herself, she closed her eyes and she felt his hand reach for her. Suddenly, he aggressively moved her against the side of the shower and pressed his body tightly against hers. All of his body and she found herself pushing her hips back against the obvious state of his arousal. He reached a hand into her hair and pulled her head to the side. And as he moved to her neck, Payton wasn't sure if she would feel his fangs or his lips. She realized that she didn't care.
Payton let go of Eric's hand and stood a few seconds in disorientation. When she looked up, she saw him looking at her strangely.
"That...that necklace is made with silver," she said.
"Is there something wrong?" asked Eric.
"No, of course not," replied Payton. Just me having dirty daydreams about you, that's all, she thought.
"This is a little curious store," said Eric.
"You know what you won't find here, Mr. Northman?" asked Payton. "You won't find a coven of witches if that is what you are looking for."
"But, you are a witch or a Wiccan," replied Eric.
"You are either mistaken or paranoid," said Payton.
"You can cast spells, though," said Eric. He smiled and said, "I heard about what happened at Merlott's."
"I scared a superstitious bully which wasn't very hard to do," replied Payton.
"And do you think that he ran back to Hotshot with his tail between his legs?" asked Eric. "They won't let go so easily."
"And what makes you think that?" asked Payton.
"Because I wouldn't," replied Eric.
Payton retreated back behind the counter and gazed at him from a safer position.
"Why are you here?" she asked.
"I still want the same thing," replied Eric. "You."
"I'm very flattered but I'm still not interested," said Payton.
"You're all alone," said Eric. "And vulnerable. I can assure you that I would protect you and keep you safe."
"I'm willing to take my chances," replied Payton.
Eric picked up one of the handmade soaps on the counter. It was hand-wrapped with a little blue ribbon. The handwritten script on the wrapper said it was scented with bergamot.
"Take it," said Payton. "A little goodbye gift. So, you can remember the one that got away."
Eric smiled. "When I'm soaping up in the shower, I'll think of you."
Payton's eyes widened at the shower reference and she shoved her hands into her pant's pockets to keep her nervousness from being detected by the vampire.
"Goodbye, Mr. Northman," said Payton.
"I'll still be seeing you around, Payton," replied Eric.
A few hours later at her house, Payton received another visitor. She opened the door to find someone just as unwelcome as Eric Northman.
"Hello, Payton," said Rachel. "May I come in?"
"No, I'm not up to seeing anyone, yet," said Payton.
"Sorry for you losses," said Rachel. "It must be hard to lose both your parents so quickly."
"Why are you here?" asked Payton.
"Always straight to the point," replied Rachel. "I do like your directness, Payton. Very well, Gabby wants to see you."
"In case you forgot, I'm not a member of your coven," said Payton.
"Your mother was," replied Rachel.
"My mother left your coven," said Payton.
"No one leaves our coven, Payton," replied Rachel. "Gabby just wants to talk to you, that's all."
Payton considered her options and Rachel continued, "I could feel the protection wards that you have over this house, Payton. You are powerful, just like your mother. You need someone to guide you. Just come and hear her out, that's all she's asking."
"When?" asked Payton.
"Tomorrow night," replied Rachel.
Rachel turned around and left and Payton closed the door. Damn, she thought, was there anyone who didn't want her?
IV
Payton stood in the meeting room at Gabby's home. There was a large circular table and Payton remembered her mother telling her that Gabby and her coven liked to call themselves 'The Witches of the Round Table'. Her eyes examined Gabby. She was in her mid-fifties. Her hair was gray at the temples and she was dressed in a wrap dress that showed off her still impressive figure. She had light brown eyes that were good at keeping her true thoughts hidden. For a time, Payton and her mother had lived in this town and her mother had been courted and persuaded to join Gabby's coven. And for a time, her mother had enjoyed the friendship of those who had similar interests. But, her mother didn't want to use her energy for anything that she considered wrong. And magic was a tricky business. Payton always thought that you got back exactly what you sent out. She wasn't even sure that she would term her mother and herself as witches. They weren't wiccans either. They had just had a knowledge of folklore that had been passed down for generations in their family. Of course, that little gift had also been passed down in the family.
"Have a seat, Payton," said Gabby.
"Look, I just want to get this over with," replied Payton.
"Nonsense, we have important matters to discuss," said Gabby.
Payton reluctantly took a seat. Gabby took a seat beside her and studied her.
"I'm sorry about your mother," said Gabby. "Regardless of what you might think, I had a lot of respect for her."
"You respected her abilities," replied Payton.
"True," said Gabby with a little smile. "I'm thinking of branching out and establishing a coven in Shreveport."
"I'm still waiting to hear what this has to do with me," said Payton.
"It's simple," replied Gabby. "I want you to assume the leadership of this new coven."
Payton was momentarily stunned and sat in silence. Gabby continued, "There is only some lame coven of wiccans in Shreveport being lead by frumpy woman who doesn't know what she is doing."
"Are you so sure of that?" asked Payton.
"Well, I want you to check her out for me," replied Gabby.
"I'm not your spy," said Payton.
"You help me and I will return the favor," replied Gabby. "Just snoop around and report back to me. We'll talk about you coming into the fold later."
"And if I want to walk away like my mother did?" asked Payton.
"Of course, Payton," replied Gabby. "We're all friends here."
At that time, Eric received a call from one of his minions. This person had been assigned to keep an eye on Payton's comings and goings.
"Sir, I have followed her to the residence of a known coven leader," he said.
"Where are you?" asked Eric.
"I'm in Alexandria," he replied.
Eric contemplated this information. Alexandria was in another's sheriff's area. He didn't have the authority to interfere there.
"Sir, I took the liberty to call one of my contacts and this witch is well-known as a possible threat to our kind. The sheriff here keeps an idle watch on her activities."
Now, that was interesting, thought Eric. Payton was mixing with the wrong crowd. Eric hung up and called someone else.
"Blackburn," said a voice. "Who is this?"
"It's Eric Northman," replied Eric.
"This is a surprise," replied Blackburn. "What do you want?"
"I'm calling in a favor," replied Eric.
"I wasn't aware that I owed you one," said Blackburn.
"What's a favor among friends," replied Eric.
Blackburn was silent for a moment and said, "What exactly are you asking me to do?"
"I want you to pick up a girl and hold her for me," replied Eric.
"Did one of your pets try to run away?" taunted Blackburn.
"Not only that, but she's making friends with someone you know," replied Eric.
Blackburn became serious, "Who?"
When Eric told him, he said, "Your little pet could turn out to be very useful. Why should I give her back to you?"
"To keep me as your loyal friend," replied Eric. "I take the idea of someone helping themselves to what's mine very seriously."
"I expect to be kept in the loop," said Blackburn.
"Of course," replied Eric.
"Are you coming tonight?" asked Blackburn.
"No, I want you to treat her to a stay in your dungeon," replied Eric.
He could almost see the smile on Blackburn's face. "My pleasure."
Eric clicked off and thought that a night in Sheriff's Blackburn's dungeon would soften anyone up. Perhaps, he was being a little drastic, but the girl was not being honest with him. There was a penalty for lying to him and she was going to find out what it was.
A/N: Did anyone see the four other sheriff's in last weeks episode (episode 5)? Blackburn was the young man with dark blonde curly hair. I thought he was cute and put him in this story.
I should say that Eric isn't exactly a nice person so far in this story and I hope that isn't a turn off to anyone reading. But, his character on the show isn't exactly nice either.