Disclaimer: I do not own any part of the Southern Vampire Mysteries universe.
A/N: This one is really short. I had more trouble with this theme than any other so far so please forgive the shortness. I promise a longer chapter for the next theme.
Theme 12: Insanity
POV: Eric
Rating: T
Too Close For Comfort
"We've had reports of activity suggesting an unsatisfied maenad again," Pam was, as always, right to the point when she walked into the office that night.
"Can you confirm this?"
Pam arched an eyebrow in response, "I've sent someone out to check, we'll know soon enough. I thought you might want a heads up in case this one decides to send you a message, as well."
I shuddered at the thought. The last time a maenad had decided to send me a message; Sookie was poisoned and, later, almost driven mad. The poison wasn't so bad. We were able to take care of that, in a most enjoyable way; at least for us vampires. But if a maenad were to make a serious attempt at turning anyone mad, there would be nothing I could do to stop it. And it wouldn't have to be directed at Sookie. As a telepath, if she were anywhere near the maenads intended target, she would feel the effects, as well.
The memory of her terror the last time is one of the images I would wish I could erase from my memory, except that then I wouldn't be prepared to protect her the next time. Compton and I had never before acted more as one mind; trying to shield her from the minds of the others. I wish to never know what it is that Sookie saw or heard during her brush with madness.
When things really got bad, I covered her mouth with my hand to keep her from screaming out. She bit me. It was the second time she tasted my blood. In other circumstances, I might have been grateful for that. I didn't give it a second thought at the time. It was easy to tell when it ended. Sookie went limp and Bill laid her on my car. There were a few seconds there when I was worried that she had been permanently damaged but in the time it took for that thought to form, the maenad was staring down at her.
With her gaze fixed intently on Sookie, the maenad had said, "You were close. You were very close. Maybe as close as you'll ever come, maybe not. I've never seen anyone maddened by the insanity of others. An entertaining thought."
I wanted to tear the maenad head off in that moment, but Sookie merely made a sarcastic comment. I thought about what the maenad had said. Sookie had been close. Too close for comfort. My comfort. That is why I now have Pam report to me immediately if there is any activity indicative of a maenad's presence. With a sigh, I got up to check our supply of wine and see about getting another live bull.
A/N: Next theme is "Misfortune."