Hi! I'm back! I know it's been, like, forever! Had a baby, moved house, started studying…but now I'm ready to finish this story. This chapter is really small but the next one will be much longer. Only 2-3 more chapters to go. I'm a playing with the idea of leaving it open ended if I felt like continuing with a sequel…it all depends on how much time I have. Anyway enjoy and thanks for all the encouraging comments! Oh and for all those returning readers so should probably re-read the whole story to refresh your memory.

Chapter 18

After many unexpected delays, the entourage departed the airport. A gleaming black Bentley sped down a darkened motorway outside of Shreveport, Louisiana. Nestled in the back seat, King Felipe de Castro and his second in command, Victor Madden, sat deep in conversation.

"I have spoken to our spies in Shreveport and they inform me that Northman believes I am an evil mastermind of sorts. I let it slip to one of Northman's minions that you would give anything to have the telepath for yourself. Apparently he believes that I alone am behind this and I'm out to get Louisiana for myself.

"So they have no idea that it was I, not you, that put this little plan into action?" The king asked.

"No. You, my King, have no idea of my aspirations to become King of Louisiana and gain control of the New Orleans tourism market. Sheriff Northman believes I am subverting your authority in Louisiana and that you are oblivious to my actions. I believe he will try to contact you soon and inform you of this. He will be hoping, no doubt, that you will take swift action against me. Won't he be surprised to find that you are already in Louisiana?

"Indeed. I really didn't think Northman was fool enough to try and run with her. I thought surely he would surrender the girl to save his own skin."

"It certainly goes against his nature, my lord"

"It does indeed. He must be in love with her to risk his own existence." Felipe sat deep in thought for a moment. "We must assume that he has a plan of action"

"Would he try to flee the country?"

Felipe knew well and good Northman could easily flee to any number of countries. In millennia the Northman has made many powerful allies. But would he risk exposing the telepath to older vampires? "The mighty Eric Northman, run away with his tail between his legs? Not likely Victor."

"Could someone be sheltering them?"

"No, I think it much more likely that Sheriff Northman is biding his time."

"What is he waiting for?"

"Us, of course. He has maneuverer us like pieces on a chess board. We go to Bon Temps to wait for them to come to us. He knows he must stand before me and accept his punishment sooner or later." Or fight to the death.

"What will you do to him my lord?"

"Nothing great. Bind him in silver or such sort. I haven't decided yet."

"That is a very lenient punishment, Sire!"

"I haven't finished yet. Once he is subdued, he will be made to watch as his bonded is brought before me, stripped of her clothing and raped by anyone who wishes to have her. Then if she pleases me, I will turn her. If Northman does not accept this he will be staked."

"But what if Northman has already turned her himself?"

"He vowed to her he would never turn her, as is her wish, and as we have seen he appears to be wrapped around her little finger. But he would do whatever necessary to keep her with him. In that case she will still be had by me before the court. If she refuses to work as my telepath permanently then I shall stake her bonded to break her will and gain her cooperation."

***if some part of this doesn't gel…..please let me know***