Disclaimer: Unbeta'd, so all mistakes are my own. All copyrights belong to Ms. Harris and Mr. Ball.
A/N: OK, from now till Sunday (2/24) I will post a new chapter for every five reviews I get. I will also be working on new chapters of Angel of Death and Actions & Consequences.
A/N: Wow, 7 reviews in less than 12 hours, 3 more and I will post the next chapter. I am also aware that as a general rule I don't give character descriptions, that is because I suck at them. Most of my characters looks are based off of different celebrities, so I will be uploading a list of who each character is based off of in the next few days.
I also know that everyone is anxious for Kristina and Godric to meet, I hate to tell you that it won't happen until chapter 26. But, on the plus side, that chapter is already written.
Chapter 20
KRISTINA'S POV:
The flight was pretty uneventful, but I am not looking forward to tomorrow. Dealing with the Magister won't be a problem, but I do not want to be the one to break Sookie's heart.
Whether the feelings are real or artificial, Sookie already loves Bill. If Adele was still alive, she would have never allowed Bill to weasel his way into Sookie's heart. But alas, she has already moved on to the Summerland's to be with Fintan.
Once we have landed and are on our way to the estate, Vlad asks about Fang's connection to me. Yes, I am pretty sure he is bound to me. But I have no idea why or how. I will need to commune with my mother to get the answers.
Honestly, I have felt a connection to him from the beginning. More of a connection than should be felt even with an enchantment. I also am at ease with him and I have even been sleeping more.
Because of my unique genetics, my need for sleep is unique as well. Faeries, when in Faerun, don't need to sleep. In the Mortal Realm, they require sleep, but much less than a human. Handmaidens don't require sleep at all, but will sleep after they have been injured or used a lot of magic, to help recover faster.
Gods and Goddesses don't have to sleep, but do simply because they can. I can go days without sleeping and be fine, even after using lots of magic.
But the past year or so, I have been sleeping more because of my transition. My transition required a lot of strength and energy, so I still need more time to recoup.
It doesn't help that I have rarely gotten a peaceful night's sleep. I wasn't lying when I told Vlad that my visions haunted me at night. I also get more visions when I sleep, so it makes them feel like dreams or sometimes nightmares.
Once we get to the house, I give everyone their duties for the day. At least one suite will need to be readied. I will not leave Sookie unprotected while I am away. But, I doubt she will want to leave with me. She will consider it running.
Vlad and I head down to 'The Fortress'. That's what I call it at least.
Papa would never let me sleep down here when I was little, but finally gave up the fight when I was about 16. He finally relented, saying that if it didn't bother me to be down here, then he had no reason to prohibit it. I just had to promise not to stay down here all day.
I had it remodeled and had the security upgraded before my last trip here. I am hoping that my mate will be willing to settle here, because I love this place. I can still feel Momma's presence here.
When I walk into my suite, I notice several new items. I know Cam must have placed them here. Very few people are allowed down here, and only Cam and Aderyn are allowed access to the suites. They are the only ones I trust enough to clean these areas.
Well, it looks like Fang will be set for this house. There is a basket with a large pillow, a blanket, and a few chew toys, next to my desk in my office.
Walking into my bedroom I see a bed big enough for Fang at the foot of my bed. In the bathroom, I notice an already filled water dish waiting for him. There also seems to be some kind of grassy patch like what I saw on the plane.
After putting Fang down to explore, I take the files, hard drive, and box out of my purse and place them in my wall safe in the office. I hear Aderyn 'pop' into my bedroom and assume that she is unpacking for me or feeding Fang.
After checking my emails, I send one off to Alcide informing him of my approval of the security increase. I also tell him to expect a call from me tomorrow.
His father is the Were Representative for the Council and is also the Pack Master for the Shreveport Pack of Weres. Alcide has been my head of security here for about 5 years now.
I am a friend to all of the packs and clans, thanks to my cousin Loki. He thought it would be helpful until my transition.
So, being the God of Weres and Shifters, he made the proclamation that declared my 'Friend' status.
I also act as pack shaman for the Shreveport and Hotshot packs, which made me an honorary member anyway.
Shutting down my computer, I walk into my Meditation room with Fang following behind me. This room never really had a purpose, but I have always been drawn to it. So, I use it to meditate and commune with my mother.
Sitting on my mat, I begin my breathing. I cancel everything else out. Once I know that I am relaxed, I call out to my mother.
Within seconds, I feel the warmth that she always brings. Opening my eyes, I see her smiling down at me. I jump up from my mat and rush into her waiting arms.
"Hello, my beautiful daughter. Oh how I have missed you." She says while kissing both my cheeks.
"Mother, I have missed you so much. I am so glad to be able to commune with you again." I tell her from my heart.
"Now, tell me what is bothering you. I see that you have gotten your present from us." She says while pointing to Fang's sleeping form in the corner.
"That's why he is bound to me? I bet Papa never expected that." It all starts to make sense. Fang will be my familiar.
"Well, who do you think planted the suggestion in his ear? And who do you think gave him the proper spell?" She says with a smile on her face.
"Thank you, Fang is great. He helps sooth my soul."
"You named him Fang? Well, that actually fits quite well. I definitely never saw him as a 'Fluffy'." Freya says with a laugh.
"Now, tell me what is bothering you. I have felt your weariness since Hayden's Ball." She states before sitting down next to my mat.
We spend the next hour with me talking and her reassuring me of everything that has been set in motion. She also informs me that until I find my mate, I will be sleeping more often. My soul will continue to long for him until I find him.
After saying our goodbyes, I realize that it is now 5 AM. I pick my sleeping panther up and take him to bed with me.
Waking up, I realize that it is now 2 PM and I will need to get going if I want to accomplish everything today.
After taking a shower, I get dressed in a white tank top, a pair of skinny jeans, and my favorite Toms.
Grabbing a white canvas bag, I head to my office and grab my phone, tablet, and wallet before opening my safe. Once inside, I take the box and folders out. Opening the ornate box, I extract a small pouch and slip it into my pocket. After placing the box back into the safe and everything else into my bag, I leave my office.
Taking Fang upstairs with me, I go to the kitchen and see my cook, Hayley, preparing breakfast for me. Not that much preparation goes into my breakfast; it is usually fresh fruit and yogurt.
Leaving Fang in the care of Aderyn, I meet up with Preston in the garage.
I decide on taking my new Camero, mainly to see how it drives, and tell Preston that I going by myself and that I will call him when and if I need him.
Within 20 minutes I am pulling up Sookie's driveway. It is normally a 45 minute drive, but I have a lead foot.
This driveway will definitely need replacing. With that in mind, I call Desmond and tell him it is time for Sookie to get her trust fund.
Niall has wanted her to have it since she was little, but wasn't allowed access to her. So, now I will set it in motion.
Parking our front, I get out of my car and make my way up to her front door and knock. I know from the Shifter that she has the day off, so she should be home. Plus, I can sense her in the house.
"Kristina? When did you get here? Come in, please." Sookie says as soon as she notices it is me.
SOOKIE'S POV:
After working yesterday afternoon, then the mess at Fangtasia, I was utterly exhausted last night, or was it this morning? You know, being around Vampires is really confusing my internal clock.
But, when I am with Bill, it feels like everything is right in the world. I can definitely see myself settling down with Bill if given the chance.
I have never even thought it possible to settle down with someone due to my disability. I had thought about Sam for awhile, since he is harder to 'hear', but he is my boss and it would have been weird. Now Sam is strictly in the 'friend zone'.
I am pulled out of my thoughts by a knock at the door. I am curious as to who it would be, because I don't get many visitors out here. I decided to 'listen' before opening the door, but am met by a wall. That only means one person.
"Kristina? When did you get here? Come in, please" I say to her before pulling her into a hug.
Kristina is my cousin. Well, her uncle was my Grandpa. He was a Faery, but very few people know that. It is a secret that not even Gran would talk about.
I don't remember much about Gramps, but I know Gran loved him very much. If you ask around town, he left. But Kristina told me years ago, when she told me about my true nature, that he was actually murdered.
"I just flew in last night, and of course, my first stop was bed. But you were next on my list." She says.
After getting some lemonade out of the fridge and some cookies out of the cabinet, I return to the living room.
"Sookie, you can drink lemonade?" She asks cautiously.
"Yeah, I love it. Why?"
"Well, as a general rule, Faeries are deathly allergic to lemons. Iron also." She tells me.
"Oh my gosh, I am so sorry. Would you like some tea instead?" I ask, instantly feeling bad about not knowing she was allergic.
"Sookie, calm down, I am not allergic to lemons. I am just surprised that you aren't as well. It must be because you are mostly human." She says, with a far off look on her face.
"No, I'm not allergic to lemons or Iron. But, how are you not allergic? Aren't you 100% Faery?" I mean, she is my Faery cousin.
"I am only half Faery. The other half of my DNA is Handmaiden. Therefore, I don't have any of the sensitivities that Faeries do." She tells me. But what is a Handmaiden?
"Before I tell you what a Handmaiden is, I must ask you something, and then tell you something." Kristina firmly states.
She must have read my thoughts. I am not nearly as good at blocking as she is, even though she is younger than me.
"Have you told Bill about your heritage?" How does she know about Bill?
"No, it didn't feel right to tell him. I wanted to, but something just didn't feel right." I tell her, to which she seems relieved.
"Good, now I know that you have had his blood, but has he told you what the effects of drinking from the source are?" Why am I getting a bad feeling about all of this?
"Well, he said that my skin would be clearer, my hair shinier, and my senses and libido would be heightened. There's more, isn't there?" I say with a sinking feeling in my stomach.
"Yes, Sookie, there is more. When a Vampire gives a human their blood, they gain control over them. Because you aren't entirely human, this wouldn't work for you. But, he is able to manipulate your feelings for him. I believe he has also been taking a tonic that will enthrall you to him." She tells me with a straight face, but I can see in her eyes that 1) she is being truthful and 2) it pains her to have to tell me.
"What can I do? How can I tell if my feelings are my own?" I say, willing the tears of deceit not to fall.
"I can help you. Vampire blood does wear off, but it takes awhile. Also, the Witch that created the tonic is quite powerful and I'm not sure what exactly she gave him. I have a charm that you can wear that will block all of this. Bill is also able to feel your feelings, so this will just make him feel that you are content." She says while reaching into her pocket.
After retrieving a dark green pouch from her pocket, she awaits my decision.
"I will do anything. And I trust that you would never do anything to hurt me." I state honestly, bracing myself to learn my true feelings towards Mr. Compton.
She smiles before opening the pouch and dumping the contents into her palm. She closes her palm and moves it towards her mouth, saying, "Lig a bhraitheann an fhírinne. Garda a croí agus anam"( Let her feel the truth. Guard her heart and soul), then kisses her closed hand.
I have heard her speak this language before, I believe it is Irish.
Opening her hand, she extends her palm to me. Resting in her hand is a ring with markings on it.
She notices me looking intently at the markings and says, "The one in the middle is a Faerie Star and the ones on the side are Triquetra's, sometimes they are called the Celtic Triple Goddess Symbol."
She then places the ring between her thumb and fore finger and I notice a tattoo on her hand that matches the ones she called a Triquetra. I take the ring and slip it on a finger. It fits perfectly.
I instantly feel something break, like a tie or something close to my heart.
"You opened your heart to him, didn't you? Oh, you poor thing. I am so sorry I didn't get here sooner. Thank the Gods you didn't sleep with him." Kristina says.
Kristina knows how closed off I am when it comes to men, not only because of my disability, but also because of Uncle Bartlett. He was the man that stole my childhood. He didn't get as far as he wanted, but he got far enough to scar me for the rest of my life.
That is when I found out that Kristina was a telepath. I was 10 and she was 6, her family still lived close by and Jason and I had already moved in with Gran. Kristina saw it in my head then went and told her dad. All I know is that Gran has ready to kill him, but Uncle Michael stopped her. I'm not sure what happened, but I never saw Uncle Bartlett again.
Feeling my own feelings allows me to realize that yes I loved the silence of a Vampire and was curious to learn about them, but I had no real feelings for Bill.
"Why would he do this? Why would he go to such extremes? How did he know that I would drink his blood? In all honesty, it is pretty gross." I tell her, I can't wrap my head around it.
"As for liking blood, I can't really comment. I drink blood daily, and most, if not all, Faeries drink blood during battle. It is pretty much a Supe thing. You probably didn't like the taste because you could taste the dark magic in the blood. He knew you would need his blood because the Rattray's were a set up; he glamoured them into attempting to drain him, so that he could test your Telepathy. He was never in any real danger. Then, when he found out that he couldn't glamour you, he glamoured them into beating you up. You wouldn't have died from the wounds, but he didn't know that. Now as for the why, I can help with that. Remember Hadley?" Of course I remember my drug addicted cousin, so I nod.
"Well, Hadley ran her mouth to a powerful Vampire about your Telepathy. Said Vampire sent Bill to procure you. He was supposed to enthrall you, train you and then take you to court." She says, and I can tell the truth in her words.
"What Vampire? Was it Eric? Because I already met him and we made a deal." He is the only powerful Vampire that I have met.
"No it wasn't the Sheriff. I think it is time for you to learn about the Supernatural World. You should have been learning this since you were a child, but Uncle Fintan wanted it to be your choice when and if you became a part of our world. Sookie, I know you feel like an outcast here. That is because you are. Now, don't take it the wrong way. We all are. You belong in the Supernatural World. Your gift will be valued and I promise that you will remain safe. But the choice is yours."
"I need to know. I may not like it, but I don't belong with these people. Please tell me about everything."
Kristina spends the next 2 hours going over the basics of the Supernatural World. The different kinds of Supes, their individual power structures, the Council, the different Realms, and then she tells me about herself.
"So, you are a Faery/Handmaiden Hybrid. But you are also a Goddess, right? What are you the Goddess of? You said that you all have a purpose." Surprisingly, this isn't overwhelming and I feel like I have known all of this already. Kristina also unblocked herself so that I could see and understand better.
"I am the Goddess of the Mortal Realm. I was sent to return the balance to the World."
"Kind of like World Peace?"
"I guess; there will always be some discord though. It is part of the balance." She says after thinking about it for a few minutes.
"Do different Supes sound differently?" I think I already know the answer though.
"Yes, it is hard to explain how each one feels or sounds. But, once you recognize someone of a specific race, you will be able to tell others that are of the same race."
"There are a lot of Supes around here, aren't there?"
"Yes, like in Ireland, this area is very magical. There are quite a few crossroads and portals here. That is why Fintan settled here. There is actually a portal belonging to the Sky Fae in your woods and an ancient crossroads in Hotshot." She informs me.
"What are the people in Hotshot?" I might as well get answers while someone is willing to give them to me.
"Were Panthers, I employ a few of them as security." Security, why would she need security?
KRISTINA'S POV:
Sookie has taken everything quite well. Just further proof that her transition is approaching. I keep waiting for her to ask about the Shifter, but she hasn't brought him up, so neither will I. He really should be the one to tell her. Hell, he should have already told her.
"Sookie, you have to understand, that just because I am powerful, it is not common knowledge that I am a Goddess yet. Yes, I can take care of myself, but I am responsible for many. I am also the Heir to Faerun. Many would love to capture me and attempt to use me to gain power. Having security is a precaution to prevent unnecessary bloodshed." Sookie is still an open book for me, so she didn't need to verbally ask the question.
"Now, I can help you stay safe, but you must trust your safety to me until you can protect yourself. I am also sure that you would like to know what is going to happen to Bill. Well, tonight all of that starts."
Sookie reluctantly agrees to go Fangtasia with me. She also understands the need to be protected until after the queen is dealt with.
"I may not like it, but I understand the need. I will accept whatever security you deem necessary until she is dealt with. But, can I meet Niall? And can I see Uncle Michael again? I really would like to know my family more." Sookie says.
"Of course, Niall just couldn't approach you. I will talk to him and see if we can set something up. How about a family dinner once I get back from my trip?" I know Sookie doesn't have much of her human family left, and being Fae, she will thrive being around her kin.
"That would be great. Ok, why don't I get everything laid out for dinner, then we can sunbathe. What time do we need to be at Fangtasia?"
"We need to be there by 1, so we will leave around midnight. Also, two men will be joining us when we go to Fangtasia. Both are part of my security." I tell her, following her into the kitchen.
"Ok," Sookie says from behind the fridge door.
After patting my back pocket, I remember that my phone is in my purse. Walking back to the living room, I grab my phone and call Alcide.
Alcide: "Your Grace, how can I help you?"
Me: "Hello Alcide, I am in need of a guard detail tonight. Will you be available?"
Alcide: "Yes, I have nothing planned. How large of a detail will you need and when will you need them?"
Me: "Just two, Preston and one other. I would prefer that other to be you. I have a job that I will need to discuss with you also. As for when, I am in Bon Temps now. Can you meet me here around 11? I will make sure you are compensated for your time."
Alcide: "Of course, just text me the address."
Me: "Ok, see you at 11."
Now that the Wolf is taken care of, on to my next call.
Preston: "Your Royal Highness, how may I be of assistance?"
Me: "Meet me at Sookie's house at 11. Make sure no one follows you and bring the Escalade." I say before hanging up the phone.
After helping Sookie lay everything out for dinner, she goes to change into her bathing suit. I came prepared with my bathing suit on under my clothes, so I just wait for her in the living room.
Once she is done we head outside, where I strip down to my bikini. It is one of my favorites.
The top is a halter, with a wide band under my breasts. It is turquoise and brown tiger print. The bottoms are brown, with a matching turquoise and brown tiger print belt.
While lying in the sun, Sookie and I catch up on everything. I tell her about Fang and what happened on my birthday. And she tells me about work and Jason's latest law problems. I inform her that it will be taken care of.
We finally go back in and get dinner made: fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, homemade biscuits, and a pecan pie.
After dinner, I feel someone approaching. Noticing that it is just after dusk, I assume that it is Bill.
***Bill will be here in a few seconds. Act like nothing is wrong. And introduce me as your cousin. Don't tell him anything else. *** I tell her telepathically, she will need to get used to this.
Just then there is a knock on the door. Sookie goes to answer it, with me right behind her.
"Hey Bill." Sookie says calmly. One advantage of being a telepath is that you learn to mask expressions fast.
"Hello sweetheart, I just wanted to check in on you before I left for Fangtasia. I'm sure last night was difficult for your human sensitivities." He says, acting like he doesn't know anyone else is here.
"Bill, we are being rude. Please, come meet my cousin." Sookie says, slipping into Southern Belle mode.
"Kristina, this is my boyfriend, William Compton. Bill, this is my cousin, Kristina." Sookie says, and if I wasn't an empath, I would have believed her.
"Well, it is a pleasure to meet you." He leers at me, like I would ever fall for him.
"The pleasure is all mine, I assure you. So, you are going to Fangtasia. Are you a Vampire?" I can definitely play a dumb blonde when needed. It also helps that people always think of me as a child because I look like a 16 year old.
"I am. Sookie, you never told me about a cousin."
"I have a few, but I only see Kristina every now and then." I can tell she is getting nervous.
"Yeah, I'm from Ireland, so I don't get to see Sook very often anymore." I say while pushing acceptance to him.
"Ok, well it was nice to meet you. Sweetheart, I need to get going. Have fun with your cousin." He says before kissing her cheek and vamping out of the house.
The rest of our time went pretty calmly. Sookie excused herself to go take a shower and get changed for tonight after offering me the guest room to change.
Translations:
Lig a bhraitheann an fhírinne. Garda a croí agus anam.= "Let her feel the truth. Guard her heart and soul." In Irish