Sookie's POV
"Alright bloodbags, we'll be back in thirty. I suggest you refill those purses back up because the most unforgettable is yet to come," Pam tells the room full of horny women. Some of them let out a disappointed moan.
"Come on Sookie," Auggie says as she takes my hand. She gently pulls me along as we make our way to the stage. The freshly showered Cajun is chatting it up with the oily goblin. The goblin hands him a large wad of cash, mostly fives.
"I hope that's enough for the rainy day fund," I hear the goblin tell the Cajun.
"The rig is ready to go. 'Lindy and I are hoping we don't need it. Modi offered to haul the animals. Said he would rather do that then take the Backbone delivery truck. I already assured Essie that the cabins are stocked and ready to go. 'Lindy made sure of it the last time we were there. I don't know about the vamps but the pups are sure going to like it there. If this mess gets resolved I think we'll still take the Izzy and pups out there for a long vacation," I hear the Cajun say as he looks at me with a smile. If this guy were a werewolf, he'd definitely be an alpha. He gives me a wink that I know has me all flush.
"I'm bloody ready for wildness living again. Humans have a way of dragging me down. Already stocked up on my smokes, at least until I get my footing on tobacco farming again. I haven't worked the land in a long time. I hope the bloody humans haven't polluted the soil too much. I absolutely hate blight," the goblin tells the Cajun. The goblin didn't seem like the outdoorsy type to me much less one that played in dirt.
"Oh bloody Christ! Do these vampires have a clue about ice?" The goblin throws a fit about the room temperature water bottles sitting on the folding table.
"Now Jareth, they are generous enough to give us water," I heard that familiar deep thick accented voice. A very large hand grabs the water bottle from the goblin. He holds it for a moment. I look up at the warmly smiling face to see a strange blue glow in his eye. "We can't have it all," he says as he gives me a wink. He throws the bottle to the goblin who catches it with ease.
"Thanks mate," the goblin tells the giant. "I hate bloody room temperature water. I'm going out back for a smoke. Care to join me?"
"As much as I would like to, I have a special guest I must entertain. If you happen to see Brooke, tell her I'm in my dressing room," Mag pats the scrawny goblin on the shoulder.
"Right, I could hear your dad out there. Bloody Modi and his big bloody mouth," Jareth the Goblin King tells Mag the half-god frost giant. Mag lets out a laugh that seems downright infectious. "Punch him out in front of me this time." Jareth mumbles as he walks away.
"Seems Brooke is going to beat me to it," Mag laughs.
"I hope she hits him extra hard for me. Ruining my bloody set like that," the goblin says over his shoulder before heading out the back door.
Mag holds his hand out to me. This guy is full of old world manners. He smiles down at me while I took a moment to study his face. Without that helmet obscuring most of his face Magni Frost puts every stone statue or masterpiece painting to shame. His gaze shows his age which is very ancient unlike my Viking. He gives me a warm half smile as I notice his slumped shoulders. Trying to appear smaller than what he really is for my benefit would be my guess. I catch a glimpse of some of what he is hiding under that ridiculous fur cape, perfectly chiseled abs unlike those guys that hang out in gyms. The hand he offers me is attached to a perfectly muscular forearm adorned with a pleather wrist cuff. Everything about this guy screams perfect except for his posture and cheap stripper costume. I can understand now why Magni Frost is the main attraction. Hot damn!
I lay my hand into his cool and very oversized hand. He gently holds it as he bends down to kiss it. Cool lips tickle the top of my hand as my spine shivers. "My apologies for the cold, Miss Stackhouse. I am very nervous about my second encounter with you. I didn't mean to frighten you," he sincerely tells me. Sadness fills his eyes for a moment.
"I was the rude one. I'm sorry," I quietly tell him and I'm rewarded with a smile that could light up the world.
"I guess we are both sorry then. That makes us even," he said in that deep gravelly voice that matched the rest of his perfectly sexy self.
"Not quite. You don't need to make yourself small for my benefit. I am quite used to looking up at people. Besides, that usually hurts a human to slouch for long periods of time," I tell the much taller than average man. He lets out a cold sigh and stretches the kinks in his joints. He cracks his neck as he rises to his full height, my guess a whole head taller than Eric or Alcide, obviously much stronger than the two combined. Magni Frost has to be the biggest, tallest and most powerful supe I have ever met, the 'berts had nothing on this guy. I felt like a kid again standing near the giant.
"Ahhh that's much better. My old bones thank you, Miss Stackhouse," he gives me that hint of a smile again. I can't help but return that smile. He holds out his hand again. Again, not in the supe etiquette handbook. "I would offer you my arm but it is a little difficult for me to do. I am not a very good contortionist," he whispers into my ear. Mag smells strangely of winter and ocean combined, it is actually quite pleasant just like the fact I can't read his thoughts.
I place my hand into Mag's and a rush of thoughts hit me like a ball bat. I get the vision of Brooke glaring up at the giant. She looks upset about something. They are standing in that strange oversized kitchen. A step stool stood near one of cabinets. The wall cabinet door is open to reveal typical pantry contents.
"I'm not a child Magni Frost!" she barks out as she keeps her eyes locked with his.
"But Brooke…" sadness fills his gaze. "I worry about you."
"Good God Mag, you won't let me do anything for myself," her eyes never leave his but her features soften a bit. She takes a step closer to him. "I know you worry," she said softly as she reaches up and runs her hand through the giant's hair. "I forget how much the world has changed for you. Somebody like me would've been thought of as the village idiot," Brooke looks down. Mag gently takes her hand that was playing with his hair. He puts his fingers under her chin. Brooke is trying to hide her tears. Mag gives her those sad eyes.
"You are not an idiot. Don't ever call yourself that. You are the most amazing woman I have ever known. I love you," Mag said sincerely.
"I love you too," Brooke sobs. "It's just that I like to do things for myself sometimes. Ever since I agreed to move in with you, you have done everything for me and treated me like a china doll. This fragile little human has been doing a fine job of taking care of herself long before you came around. I have climbed several stools and ladders before. I wanted to surprise you with a batch of chocolate chip cookies. I wasn't expecting you home so soon."
"There wasn't as many shipments in today so Mother let me off earlier than normal," I spied a plastic nametag hanging from a lanyard around the giant's neck. The script above his name and picture said Karma's Backbone. "All these tears for flour?"
Mag reaches up into the cabinet but Brooke stops him. "No you don't! I can get it myself! I won't spasm out by climbing up that stool. You take a seat and I'll show you," Brooke grabs Mag's arm and guides him to the oversize table and chairs. I have a feeling Mag is letting her do this. Brooke pulls out a chair. She reaches up and pushes Mag's chest. Mag is obviously playing along. This guy is an unmovable wall but he lets his motions mimic hers as he takes his seat. "I'm not completely helpless, Magni Frost. Your mother and aunt will agree with me."
"If you say so," amusement etches all across the giant's face. He watches as she steps onto the stool, admiration fills his gaze as he watches his woman reach up to the shelf where the flour must be. "Maybe I need to store the flour on a lower self?" he asks her when he realizes something is wrong. Brooke begins to spasm just as she is ready to step off the stool. Mag rushes up, breaking the chair he had been sitting on into splinters. A gust of cold air fills the kitchen. Mag carefully catches the falling woman. He rescues the flour sack despite his concern for the seizing woman. The strange gust brought with it a lovely blue quilt that the giant catches while he lays a shaking Brooke out on the floor.
Mag waits until the spasm ends and Brooke becomes aware. He covers her up with the quilt and kisses her forehead. The kitchen feels like the walk in freezer at Merlotte's. Tears fill Brooke's eyes. "I wanted to prove to you that I can handle myself, instead you end up proving that you can handle me," she sits up while Mag moves the quilt to cover Brooke's shoulders.
"You have nothing to prove to me. I stressed you out. You would have been fine if I hadn't stressed you out. I am sorry, min valkeryie," a mixture of sincerity and sadness fills his eyes. "I did bring you a gift. She is out on the back porch. Aunt Astir helped me obtain her. She is from Ohio just like you."
"You didn't!" Brooke exclaimed as she quickly recovers and stands up. "My parents tried their darnest to get me one of those. I've always wanted one!"
"She answers to Willow. I feel better having her around after Aunt Astir told me about…" Mag couldn't get his words out when Brooke opens the door to let in a Golden Retriever that was probably no more than a year old, fluffy golden fur and wagging tail with a red bandana around her neck. Mag lost his train of thought as he watches Brooke hug the dog.
"Willow! She's beautiful Mag! Thank you!" Brooke rubs the dog's ears.
"She happened to be my only shipment today. I'm glad you like her. Aunt Astir told me she pulled some strings, whatever that means. We have had this planned for a year. I picked her out, Izzy named her. She had to be trained for a year before I could give her to you. Andy told me that he will help you groom her but I think Izzy seemed a little jealous when I told her about it. She told me that she has wolves and a giant to play with anyway. She is all yours," Mag crouches down next to the dog and pets her fur. Brooke reaches for his hand, Mag gently takes it. "Are you happy?"
"The happiest, my big Viking. You spoil me but I'm still sort of mad at you," Brooke looks up at him.
"I promise to let you do things for yourself. I will only help if you ask," Mag hangs his head in shame for a moment.
"There is something I do need help with. It's in the bedroom," Brooke gives him a cheeky smile. "I don't know if I can walk there."
Mag smiles widely as he stands up and picks up Brooke as easily as a sack of flour and throws her across his shoulder. Brooke squeals with laughter. "I was really wanting those chocolate chip cookies but this will have to do for now," he playfully pats her rear end.
"Maybe later you big lug," Brookes says as she playfully punches his shoulder. Mag laughs as he carries her off.
"I am happy with my Brooke. She has made living in this realm quite an adventure for me," Mag's voice brought me out of my daze. He bends down to meet my eyes. "Even immortals have the right to be happy," He tells me with a half-smile. "Even if only for a little while but I wouldn't want it any other way."
Belinda's POV
"We should be getting back," I tell the teary eyed vampire. "I'll be getting missed." Eric takes the tissue I offer him. I've see Northman's every mood in the time I've known him. Usually Eric is rarely ever sad. He used to be mostly bored before the telepath entered his life. He feels he is at a huge stalemate with this idiotic marriage contract. I have a feeling this is one of many firsts for the pragmatic vampire.
"I should glamour you but I won't. You seem to have kept everything I have ever told," Eric tells me as I begin to hold up my cane. Eric made a deal with me long ago that I am never to be glamoured but of course that was by all the other vampires, I always assumed Eric made himself the exception to the rule. "If I hear you breathe a word of this to anyone," Eric playfully scolds me.
"Good to know. My vault is pretty much impenetrable. You know all that telepath blocking I do. Pretty amazing for a mere little ole' human like myself," I give Eric some sass. This gives me that smirk that I was beginning to miss.
"Sometimes I forget how much fun I used to have with you and the taste," he gives me a playful smile making sure his fangs are poking out.
"You were a pretty good fuck buddy for a while but I've moved on. Speaking of, I think Remy would sooner stake you if you take even one little drop," I polish my silver ring on my shirt and check the shine. It's the ring Remy gave me without the white dress and veil. He had his jeweler friend make it from silver bullet shells, the same shells that took down the evil werewolf that was trying to kill me and my son. Now it's a symbol of our love much like the vampire teeth his Daddy used to wear. Hunters have a strange way about showing love, much like a tom cat leaving a dead mouse at their human's doorstep.
"Pity he can't share you. You are not as divine as my Sookie but you are a close second," Eric likes to tease and I like to give it right back to him. I know that deep down the vampire's heart belongs to the telepath.
"Okay Prince Charming, that's enough. You better get me back down off this building before I have to get out my special whistle. Uncle V wouldn't give two shits about those Fellowship douchebags if he felt I was in any sort of danger," I said as I played with the silver whistle I keep on a silver chain around my neck. It's sort of like a dog whistle for giants and werewolves. Whenever I am in any sort of distress that I can't seem to get myself out of, I have my nifty little emergency whistle. My daughter has one too as well as Brooke. It's insurance for us mortals living in a mostly supernatural world.
"You're no fun," he pouts playfully as I securely tuck the silver chain down my shirt. I don't want his bare skin touching my silver. Eric carefully scoops me up and takes to the air. We stay in shadows like we always do. Eric decides this time we are going to land behind Starbucks. Nosy Nora wants a peek at Thor, I know that's his motive.
"He might not like you spying on him," I said.
"Nonsense, I am going to purchase my human friend a cup of coffee," Eric says with that shit eating grin. To Eric, Thor is a celebrity from the Norse age.
"He's not going to like it. Thor is not a huge fan of yours truly, just so you know," Eric takes my arm and practically drags me to the front door of the twenty-four hour Starbucks. Corporate realized the profits to be made by fangbangers and their fanged companions. Starbucks even offers a line of designer synthetic bloods that have sort of a coffee taste instead of coppery, so I've been told by the babies at the preserve. Older vamps like Eric wouldn't give a hill of beans about it, he likes it organic and straight from the source. None of this designer bullshit the synthetic blood industry makes for the younger fanged.
"I just want to get a good look. Are his eyes really red?" Eric acts like an adoring teenager at this point.
"Like rubies. His temper isn't an exaggeration either. Hell he practically had Fangtasia shaking off the foundation," I thought Eric was going to start squealing but thankfully he held back and went back to his unreadable vampire mode.
"Come on, I think I see him sitting in the back," Eric sounded like a giddy little school girl all the sudden. Sure enough, his vampire sight didn't deceive him. Big burly biker, sitting in the back with red beard, wrap around shades sipping on a Frappacino and pulling apart a large blueberry muffin. Despite his shades, his full attention seems to be on the woman across from him. His eyes catch mine as Eric and I make our way to the counter. It wasn't hard to make out his gruff expression and change of mood.
"Oh, hey Belinda," Brooke says as she turns around in her seat.
"Need some caffeine before I crash. Long night," I mutter in her direction as eager little vampire pulls me along.
Brooke meets my eyes for a moment and mouths, "Is that Eric?" She then playfully fans herself like I just walked in with a massive wave of hotness. Brooke smiles at me before turning her attention back to her pseudo pops-in-law. Thor lets out a loud moan and I'm pretty sure he's rolling his eyes behind those shades of his. Glad to see you too buddy!
"What will you have Belinda?" Eric shows less interest in me than in the flaming haired biker. I think I'll order something chocolate that I know will not be half as good as the coffee Carrie brews at Karma's Backbone. What can I say? My supe friends have me spoiled.
"Would you like to try some of our coffee flavored bloods sir?" The petite blond barista asks the big bad vamp. She leans over the counter making sure Eric notices her boobs encased in a white scoop neck t-shirt under the signature green Starbucks apron. Eric went back to appearing uninterested.
"My human would like a coffee beverage," Eric tells her. "Belinda, give the little human your order," he then tells me. His human my freckled ass! All a part of his stupid little vampire show.
"Hey, aren't you that guy from Fangtasia?" the barista asks, obviously making conversation as she prepares to make my mocha latte. It wouldn't surprise me any if she tries to spit in it. Eric in his usual rude fashion ignores the little human.
Eric pays for my coffee while blondie still keeps on with the eye fucking despite Eric's lack of interest in her. I roll my eyes of course. Remy is probably wondering what's taking so long by now. I better be back in time for Mag's little show.
"Hey Belinda!" Brooke motions to me with a smile on her face. Glad to see someone is smiling, well I'm pretty sure Eric is all sorts of giddy on the inside. "Thor said he's going to make it to the cookout," she then said. Mag and Brooke has been having barbeques all summer and every time Brooke invites Mag's family, other than Modi, they all usually decline because of god business or some such. Thor has only made it to one so far and that was because he told her he was taking a vacation from whatever he does.
"I have not had that stuff called potato salad in a while. Brooke promised she would make me some," Thor's mouth turns up slightly. No doubt meant for Brooke.
"I can make you all the potato salad you like, Thor. All you have to do is ask," Brooke flashes the god of thunder a smile. "I might even make you my famous banana pudding since you promise to come," Brooke reaches over to Thor and cleans muffin crumbs from his beard. No normal mortal would dare do such a thing except that Thor sort of eats like a pig and Brooke is one of the few mortals Thor tolerates. I've witnessed the almighty god of thunder make a glutton of himself more than once. I know both Mag and Brooke has tried to teach Thor some table manners but as I've said before, you can take the Viking out of the Viking age but you can't take the Viking age out of the Viking. I catch a young couple staring. They couldn't have been no more than early twentyish and dressed like a couple of quirky college kids. The girl's mouth twisted into a smirk while the guy just looks disgusted with the big burly biker's horrendous table manners. I shoot them a warning look of my own before Thor or even Eric would notice. I'm grateful they got the hint as I watch them quickly turn away.
"You are so good to my boy and to me, dear girl," Thor takes Brooke's hand after she made good and sure one of his braids is free of crumbs. "The human world has changed so much for us. I am grateful to have you as our guide. My boy is the happiest he has ever been. I never thought my giant son would ever be happy and it is because of you. If I could make you a goddess, I would, dear girl. Sadly I cannot," Thor gently squeezes Brooke's hand.
"I know where Mag gets his charm from," Brooke smiles despite the look in her eyes. I have seen that look many times. It's the look she gives every time her mortality or disorder is brought up, kind of like holding back unshed tears. Thor senses this and gives her hand another gentle squeeze and a smile to match. Brooke is well aware that gods can't be deceived by mere mortals which makes it all the more difficult for her to be around them sometimes.
"Aw, now there my dear girl. I will speak to the vampire. I cannot have him breaking my boy's home apart let alone steal me from the best potato salad ever," Thor does his best to cheer her up. He reaches over the table and cleans a tear from her eye. He removes his shades to reveal his ruby colored irises. This is a bold move for Thor to show his most inhuman feature. He did this for the woman next to him. Aside from the striking color his eyes also shows wisdom and age, something that I am quite used to seeing, whether it be a vampire or a twelve foot giant. "I promise you Valhalla that I will never let any obstacle come between you and my son. I will show this vampire the wrath of a god if I must."
"Whatever you do, don't have him meet his final death. He has someone better than that vampire queen. I wouldn't want you to hurt her too. She seems rather nice," Brooke tells the god and Thor gives her another gentle smile before putting his sunglasses back on. He pats Brooke's hand before he stands up and motions to Eric. Eric's eyes widen and he follows Thor out the front entrance of Starbucks. He looks like he's ready to drop to his knees at any moment. I take the empty seat next to my friend who looks like she is ready to cry despite the thunder god's kindness towards her. Other than my big buddy Mag, gods are overwhelming to be around sometimes.
"You're right, Thor really is more teddy bear than grizzly," I give my only mortal friend a smile, trying my best to cheer her up. I take the seat Thor occupied.
"He won't hurt Eric. He knew you guys were eavesdropping," Brooke stirs her coffee. I remove Thor's evidence from the table with a couple of napkins before putting my coffee down.
"Thor really does want Mag to be happy, doesn't he?" I take a sip of my coffee. Still not as good as the shape-shifting barista's.
"He's a good father. He only wants what's best for his kids. He seems to think I'm alright, I guess?" Brooke gives me a shrug.
Both of us stop our conversation when a tall blond woman enters. She is decked out in a long white dress with a sort of bohemian vibe. A vibrate beaded bag slug across her shoulder with silver bangles and a straw hat. She looks like she stepped out of the summer of love with her beaded sandals. Despite the lack of heels on her sandals, she stood somewhere around Eric's height. She heads straight to the counter to order a coffee. She glances over at me and Brooke with a friendly smile and the striking looks of a model. She gives us a wink. Her eyes have a greenish-blue color just as her wavy blond hair is the color of summer wheat with small braids framing her face. The supernatural vibe screamed Asgardian.
She pays the girl for her coffee and proceeds to our table. She grabs a chair and pulls it up to our table. The Nordic beauty gives Brooke a warm smile despite her icy features. "You may not know me but I know you," she tells Brooke. "Mag's description of you doesn't do you justice. You are much more beautiful. Even Modi's poetic words can't capture what I see before me but father, father is always right."
"Who are you?" Brooke and I ask in unison and the woman laughs.
"I am Prudr. You can call me Pru. I am Mag and Modi's sister. You are Belinda Jean Harrison, my brother's best mortal friend and the thorn in my father's side and you are Brooke Anderson, the love of my gigantic brother's life," she flashes us a smile that I swear gives her a halo effect. "You really are quite lovely," she tells Brooke as she reaches over and puts a strand of Brooke's hair back into place. There is something downright pleasant and positive about the female Asgardian.
"That's me, thorn in Thor's side," I sheepishly say and this only makes Prudr laugh.
"Not to worry, I don't have my father's temper. Modi is the only one to inherit that trait. I only anger when the ones I love are hurt. Father will just have to swallow his pride. I actually like it when a mortal tries him. It does father some good. Besides, I think he likes the challenge which is typical of men," Prudr has an angelic demeanor and grace about herself. There is a nurturing quality to her unlike her brothers who are Viking warriors through and through.
"Aren't you supposed to be in Valhalla?" Brooke asks.
"Odin has given me an assignment. Have you seen Loki by any chance? Seems my uncle is up to no good again," Pru rolls her eyes.
"We have no idea what he looks like. We don't know very many Asgardians," I tell her.
"Just the ones that matter, Ms. Harrison," she gives me a smile. If Prudr is anything like the men in her family, she is not one I ever plan on crossing. She is beautiful as I suspect all goddesses to be but she is also scary. "Mag is right about you, Ms. Harrison. You are an interesting mortal. He speaks highly of you and loves your children dearly. It is nice to know that he has true friends. My brother has always been in need of that. I worry about him so much. He is as harmless as one of Aunt Freya's kittens when he is not on the battlefield. It is nice to know that he has natives of this realm to guide him and watch over him."
"Your brother has a kind soul. He has taken as much care of me and my children. I would be stupid not to have him for a friend," I answer the goddess.
"He told me about your misfortune. Shame Odin won't let Aunt Freya help you. We have watched you from the halls of Valhalla. You have been through so much more than a witches curse. I admire your resilience. I know this has taught my brother many human lessons. It has made him a much better god for it," Prudr delicately sips her coffee. Every movement she makes is as graceful as a dancer despite her tall frame.
"As for Loki, he wears many disguises. It is hard for a mortal to see him if they do not know what they are looking for. Loki hasn't caused Magni any grief in centuries. Modi spread the rumor all around Asgard about Mag's dance tonight. Loki caught wind of it and made haste to the rainbow bridge. I want to smack my brother as much as you do, Brooke," Pru smiles.
"He's a shape shifter?" I ask and the goddess nods.
"Unfortunately, he's kind of like a skin walker though. He can turn into animals and people. That is how he earned his title as the god of mischief. Loki likes to play games with the gods and the humans. Knowing Loki, I suspect he is in female form. My second would be that he is at the vampire's bar. I should return you there anyway. Father's talk with the vampire will be a winded one, that's for sure," I couldn't help but suspect that Thor sent his daughter in here to act as our bodyguard. The Fellowship of the Sun knows us as vamp and two-natured sympathizers. Little do they know that we are much more, Remy's farmhouse and the supe preserve would surely be cinders if those radical only knew.
Prudr offers to help me up out of my chair. She pulls me up with the same ease Mag or Remy does despite her thin frame. She hands me my cane as she admires the carvings. "My brother has always been a master craftsman. This is made with love, Ms. Harrison. Special too as I see your man has put his touches on it too. Magni usually works alone on such projects. This cane is rare, Ms. Harrison. Treasure it," Prudr tells me as she lays a hand atop mine.
"I always will," I said as I felt love from the goddess's touch. She puts a protective arm around men and Brooke as three girlfriends chatting over coffee exits the twenty-four hour Starbucks.