AN: Thank you for all wonderful reviews and alerts. Big thanks to keiman and kei for beta reading this chapter.
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Chapter 6
Smelling Rat
SPOV
I looked accusingly at my reflection. How could I break like that? I was never one to complain or despair, it's not what my Gran taught me. Unfortunately, Godric's innocent comment was the last straw that caused the feeling of betrayal and loneliness to overwhelm me. I realized much of an idiot I had been by starting a relationship with Bill and what's even worse, I realized that I have no real friends.
Sure, I could count on Lala, but he was always busy with his own business and our conversations have never been of a deep kind. He didn't judge me though. Not so with Tara who just loves to show me my mistakes. How was it that Biblical phrase went? Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Yeah, good question! She was bitter and sarcastic and sometimes I felt from her a wave of jealousy. I have never solved the mystery of what she was jealous about exactly and honestly, I didn't try very hard, too afraid that I will find out something that will break my heart and in effect, separate the two of us. All because I was scared to be left alone. Loneliness was always my greatest fear.
I felt more tears in my eyes and I took a deep breath to calm myself. I was far too emotional for my own good. It was humiliating enough to break down in front of Godric, but in front of Eric? I was petrified by the thought of facing him.
"Sookie?"
I jumped when I heard Eric's voice and I turned in the direction of the door. It was still closed.
"I'm coming!" I yelled back and looked at my reflection sternly. Don't mess it up, Sookie!
I dried my cheeks and put on a brave face. It was no time to be sulking - Godric's nest had been gathered together. I left the bathroom feeling very self-conscious and promising myself that I will avoid Eric's cold blue eyes at any cost. Godric insisted that it will be for the best if I sit casually on the couch with Eric while he speaks. He promised to prepare his speech to navigate peoples thoughts in the direction that will allow me to find the spies easily. I was holding onto his promise.
"Are you fine?" Vampire's voice was cold and I suspected he was asking about my wellbeing out of simple politeness. Taking a deep breath I nodded and glanced at Eric's face expecting to see a mockery in his eyes but he actually seemed to be genuinely curious.
"Yes, I had to check up to see if my make up looked fine."
"You are not wearing any make up," he murmured and I glared at him.
"Are you saying that I'm looking bad?" I asked, trying to lighten the mood a little.
"What…" He stopped when he saw my face. Eric clearly didn't expect to see me smirking at him. I couldn't stop myself when he gave me a chance and I had to admit that teasing people can be rather enjoyable. Eric's antics made more sense to me.
"Well! Miss Stackhouse, did you just tease me?" I watched with pleasure his soft smile. Not his usual arrogant smirk, but an actual smile which made his face even more handsome that it already was. Eric Northman could be a jerk but there was no denying that he was a very good looking jerk.
"Spending time with you is rubbing me the wrong way," I answered, fighting to stay serious. I regretted my teasing manner when he leaned closer to my ear.
"I like teasing, Sookie." I gulped and glimpsed at him. We were so close that his nose was almost brushing my cheek. When he hugged me in Godric's office I was surprised at how nice he smelled. Like something cold and fresh and very… masculine. Bill smelled like Old Spice.
I jumped, feeling caught in an act when I heard a long whistle. The big vampire wearing a cowboy hat, Stan, was leaning in the entrance and wiggling his eyebrows at us.
"Viking, ya trying to charm off some panties?" he said so loudly that probably every vampire in Dallas could hear him.
Eric growled and I blushed deep red. I was wondering how much humiliation I would be forced to face today. Blood filling my cheeks made the big Texan take a deep breath and, while watching my face with a slightly hazy gaze, he dropped his fangs. In the blink of an eye, the giant Viking was in front of me and I was being slowly pushed backward, my back touching a wall.
"Don't worry…" Stan sounded rather surprised and slightly scared. Unfortunately, a mountain of muscles was blocking my view and I couldn't see how his face looked.
"That was just a sign of admiration," he explained quickly. My forehead was touching Eric's back and I sensed some vibration. It took me a moment to realize that he was making low growling noises.
"Admire her from a distance," Eric warned him quietly.
"Yeah…"came the quiet answer. I waited for a few strained moments for some violence but thankfully, Stan cleared his throat and spoke.
"Sheriff sent me for you," he told us lightly and I sighed with relief. Luckily, there was no violence on the horizon.
I didn't complain when Eric took hold of my hand and led me into the living room, still keeping me slightly behind him. I smiled apologetically at Stan when we passed him and I felt uneasy seeing how… hungry he looked.
"I'm OK," I whispered to Eric and he gave me a sideways glance, not releasing his hold. I sighed at his over-protectiveness, which was somehow sweet, but rather unnecessary. It was doubtful whether someone would attack me. Definitely not after yesterday, when Godric threw Bill out of his house and basically informed everyone that I am under his protection.
The living room was full of people and I noticed that there were far more companions and donors than last night. But again, the point of tonight's meeting was to eliminate as many treacherous humans as possible so attendance of all humans was required.
Eric guided me to the same couch on which I had sat previously and took a place right beside me. He leaned comfortably, putting his arm behind my back and starting to toy with my locks. I scowled at him but his only reaction was to wink at me. For someone unaware of my mission, we would look like a good friends or, what gave me strange shiver – like a couple. I didn't wish to draw any attention to us so I decided to give him a piece of my mind later while we're alone. Taking a deep breath, I leaned back on the couch as well. When I turned to Eric I squinted at him though. He had to know that I'm not fine with his coziness.
Godric nodded to me to inform me that everyone was present so I let down my shields and listened. I wasn't surprised at hearing so many dreams about having sex with a vampire, being bitten by a vampire, getting gifts from a vampire… I rolled my eyes and Viking raised his eyebrows questionably.
"I feel like being in your bar…" I whispered to his silent question.
"I see…"
We watched Godric taking his place in the middle of the room. He didn't even have to ask for peoples' attention, they instantly went quiet.
"Thank you all for coming to my home," he greeted everyone in a clear even voice. "As you all are aware, I have been absent for a few days. I was taken hostage by the Fellowship members…"
During Godric's speech, I was assaulted by a whole range of emotions. The greater part of his nest was furious and their fury was directed against the Fellowship. Clearly Godric had a big group of followers and friends in his nest. Two minds were screaming something completely different though. I focused on the first - a skinny red-haired girl standing next to an Asian vampire. Her face was completely expressionless and honestly, her lack of visible emotions while a storm was raging inside her mind was quite impressive. Either she was a professional poker player or a psychopath.
Unbelievable. Hostage! This lying little prick volunteered! I knew... I told them monster isn't able to sacrifice... He will not picture himself as a victim now. Oh God, it was his plan all along... Turn himself into a fucking martyr! Stupid people! He may smile and pretendto begood hearted but these beasts have no heart! We have to carry on with our plan...
Second person, blond man wearing a ridiculous green t-shirt was panicking, both on the inside and outside.
Shit! Fuck! Why did I even come back here? There will be a witch hunt. Either vampires or Newlinswill kill me! I should have left itto AL… Movie stars everywhere. Oh fuck, I'm too young...
I reached for Eric's hand and squeezed it gently. He leaned so close to me that I was almost lying on his chest. I brushed off the strange tingle over my spine which his close proximity had caused and moved closer to his ear.
"Red-haired girl and a guy in a green tee shirt," I whispered. Viking looked at them out of a corner of his eye and nodded shortly. I also noticed that Godric glanced in their direction but expect for this little gesture, there was no other reaction. Godric sat back down in the same chair that he had occupied last night and the nest members went back to their interrupted activities.
I looked around while wiggling on the couch. I noticed that more and more vampires were moving closer to people I pointed earlier. It looked like a pack of wolves circling its victims.
"Are you going to Godric?" I asked Eric barely hiding my nervousness. He only smirked at me.
"Miss Stackhouse, are you trying to get rid of me?" he whispered with a mock hurtful tone in his voice. Eric seemed to understand the reason of my worry though and he patted, actually patted, my hand. "There will be no bloodshed," he promised simply in a soft voice. His tone seemed to be genuine and when I looked into his eyes they were bright and honest. It wasn't the Eric I was used to. He was actually being nice to me.
I remembered my talk with Godric from earlier, and I braced myself for further conversation.
"Thank you. I am not trying to get rid of you…" My mouth had become uncomfortably dry and I cleared my throat. "Actually, I think I have to admit I might have... judged you without having a full picture," I stated slowly. Eric raised his blond eyebrows at me, visibly curious. "Maybe I should spend some time with you." I gasped while he smiled broadly and his eyes started to wander over my form and then stopped, staying a little longer over my cleavage. "I mean we don't have to. I don't… It shouldn't sound so serious. It's no biggie…"
I wanted to disappear from embarrassment. I was rambling like I once did when I was in high school and I had been trying to hit on Rick Adams. I waited for some mocking response but for the second time today, Viking surprised me.
"To be honest, I might have not pictured myself very positively in your eyes. I understand you hold a grudge because of what happened to your friend Lafayette, but…"
"No!" I gulped. "I mean - yes I do, but… I'm also aware that you could have killed him, yet you didn't and… I appreciate it."
Silence strained between us for a long moment to the point where I felt silly from making my confession.
"We should forget about it," Eric answered eventually. "Your friend has been recompensed for all of his inconveniences already."
My eyebrows went up at his admission. "Recompensed?"
Eric didn't answer, only smirked at me in his typical manner.
"And yes, Sookie. Spending some time together is very tempting. I simply cannot decline," he added in a whisper that suggested… Well, something dirty, knowing Eric.
Damn, my head was hurting from his mixed signals. Actually, my head was simply hurting and Eric's behavior was not likely connected with it. Only now I realized that I still had my shields up. Only Eric's close proximity was protecting me from going mad. I put my shield back in its place.
"Are you fine, lover?" Viking looked at me with a gentle frown on his forehead.
"Little headache, maybe because of the reading," I admitted slowly. Before I had finished speaking Eric had stood up with his hand outstretched in my direction.
"We don't have to stay here any longer, the presence of all of these people clearly bothers you…"
"No, Eric…"
"Godric would insist as well," he interrupted and pointed his chin in the direction where his maker sat. I turned that way and smiled when Godric mouthed "I insist!". I sighed and turned back to Eric.
"Are you sure he won't need our help?"
"Absolutely. My maker and Isabel can take care of everything. Meanwhile we can… find some other entertainments," he suggested and I instantly glared at him, searching for those lewd sparks in his eyes. They were always present when Eric was teasing me and suggesting something naughty. I was surprised when his face was completely honest with no mockery whatsoever and instead of an arrogant smirk, he gave me a soft smile.
Still being slightly on alert I reached for his hand and allowed him to help me to stand up. Once more I looked at Godric and he nodded, trying to encourage me. Eric can be a wonderful friend and companion according to him.
Maybe I really should give Eric a chance?
EPOV
Sookie's little breakdown from earlier was very worrisome. I realized I had never seen her so sad before. She was upset when I was taking a worm Compton to the trail but I was almost sure that her reaction was initiated by his blood. When she found her friend Lafayette in my basement, she didn't cry and lament over him – she was angry, demanding and as hot as hell. She actually slapped me. I involuntarily touched my cheek at the memory. The last person who did this to me ended up without both arms and yet Sookie walked free.
Until the night that Bill Compton brought her to me, all bloodied and poisoned, my thoughts about the little telepath had been solely sexual. I had been imagining her in different types of carnal pleasures wondering if she tastes half as good as she smells.
But, when she was laying at the table in my bar, I found myself scared. I was afraid she was going to die and I would have no opportunity to know her better. Her blood was singing to me, putting me into something akin to the hypnotic trance and I wanted, really, truly wanted, to have my blood in her. Not to fuel her attraction to me, simply to help her and to know what she is feeling every day. She fascinated me enough that I was willing to share my essence with her. As Godric taught me in the past – our blood is sacred. Yet I was willing to give it to Sookie. Damn it, I gave it already to her friend Lafayette, just to heal him and to be in Sookie's good books.
I barely contained myself when fucking Compton poured his blood into her mouth. He gave her such a large amount of it that it finally came to me that this woman is tied. Not in connection-like way, but she was on a straight road to being brain- washed. No matter how strong willed and stubborn you are, having so much vampire blood in your system is making you vulnerable. I was furious that Compton was changing her. He simply had no right to snuff a flame of bravery in someone so extraordinary.
When she sat in Godric's office listening to the horrible things that mongrel was speaking… something in me snapped and I allowed my leveled mask to fall off. Sookie was, at that moment, the person who Bill Compton, no doubt, was trying to make her – obedient and downtrodden. The worst was that she probably hadn't even realized how much Bill had changed her. I hated the fact that she was offended and in addition, by someone who she treated like a friend. She didn't deserve to be humiliated like that.
"Eric?" Sookie asked and I felt that she was trying to take her hand from my grasp. I had no such thing in mind and I clenched our fingers together more firmly.
"Yes, lover?"
"Don't call me lover," she answered instantly. Sookie glimpsed at me with a corner of her eye. "You looked thoughtful. Are you fine?" I looked at her considering what answer would be the best. Questioning spies would be a safe topic… "Eric," she said with warning, interrupting my mussing.
"If you're gonna lie, better say nothing."
I chuckled at her statement, delighted with her ability of reading me. Really magnificent.
"I was thinking about the night you were attacked," I explained.
"You have to be precise…" she murmured. I looked at her with a question. Seeing my confusion, she sighed and explained.
"For the last month I have been attacked many times."
I instantly felt my anger building. I knew that she had to deal with a serial killer but I didn't search for more details when Ruben informed me that he was dead and Sookie was at home without any serious injuries. Telepath bit her lower lip hesitantly.
"Why are we outside?" she asked with suspiciousness visible on her face. I walked with her to the garden and I planned on taking her somewhere for dinner. the doubt that I saw on her face gave me a strange pang in my chest. I wished for her to not be scared of what I might have to do. It was better if we left Godric's home as soon as possible. Nan Flanagan will be visiting later and neither me nor Godric wanted her to interact with Sookie.
"I understand humans have to eat pretty often. Will you be able to stay in a human's establishment? I would like to take you out to dinner."
She blushed furiously upon hearing my question and shook her head.
"No, that's really not…" My proposition embarrassed her for some reason so I mentioned the Nan issue. That gave her pause. Sookie wasn't stupid. She knew that because of her telepathy both me and my maker want to be sure that she will not bring too much attention on herself.
"Fine," she agreed finally. "But please, somewhere simple. I am rather underdressed," she mumbled.
"Nonsense," I disagreed. "You look beautiful."
If possible she blushed further. I helped her into one of Godric's cars and vamped to the driver's seat. She sighed with resignation and buckled her seatbelt.
"Is this the part where I am thanking you for a compliment?"
"Compliment? It was just a mere observation." I moved closer to her and winked. "If I would like to tell you a compliment I would say…"
"Eric," she told me with warning. "Just thank you! Drive please!"
She was frowning but I noticed a small smile on her lips and decided that instead of pushing my luck that I will, for once, listen and stay quiet.
"Your wish is my command," I said nonetheless and she huffed. Following Sookie's wish about a simple place led us to the restaurant that served 'the best pizza in the city' as the sign informed us. I was annoyed when a hostess told us that we had to wait for a table and I wanted to find a different place but Sookie convinced me that a line is a good sign.
"At least we know that people want to eat here," she whispered to me while smiling at the hostess. Something in the woman's thoughts had to have upset her though because her smile faded and she lowered her gaze to the floor. The sight of Sookie being uncomfortable was enough to awaken the meaner side of me. Our hostess, whose name tag said 'Karen', was measuring Sookie from toes to head with a scowl.
"Excuse me," I said to her and was instantly rewarded with a big smile. "One table is vacant." I pointed at the people who had passed us in the hall. "Maybe you should start doing your job instead of standing here like some fuc…"
"Eric!" Sookie pinched, actually pinched my arm and glared at me in a way that, I admit, was somehow scary. "I apologize." She turned to the hostess. "My…" Sookie was searching for a good word to describe me and I smiled at her broadly. Telepath looked at me with a warning in her eyes when I smiled mischievously. She already knew that she had already gotten herself into trouble by leaving me a gap.
"Boyfriend," I offered planting a gentle kiss on Sookie's head and smiling at her. I was thinking about embracing her as well but honestly it would almost surely throw her into some angry tantrum and I wasn't willing to risk that. "Although it's strange to being called this way considering my age." I allowed my fangs to drop and our hostess jumped behind a counter.
"Of… Of course. Please, follow me!" she said hurriedly and led us to the table. Sookie again pinched me.
"Lover, do you like it?" I asked her in a whisper. She looked back at me with a question in her eyes while I moved her chair. "Pinching," I added with an innuendo in my voice and she blushed.
"You embarrass me. Please stop…" she murmured and it gave me pause. Did I really make her feel bad? I didn't tease her when I took a seat and looked at the menu. I should probably consider the fact that Sookie is a very modest woman and stop being so forward with her like I am with others.
I glanced at Sookie who was looking at the menu but she didn't seem to actually read it. Her gaze stuck at one point.
"Sookie?" I asked quietly and her head turned to me so fast that I was surprised that she hadn't injured her neck. "Everything fine?"
"Eric, I didn't bring my purse…" she mumbled. I almost rolled my eyes.
"Please, if you are worried that I will not pay for our dinner – stop it right now. Technically it's still a travel expense. And…" I looked at the menu with distaste. "… I will not spend too much."
Sookie looked thoughtful for a moment and nodded shortly.
"Thank you Eric," she said simply and started to look through the menu again.
"Are you sure it's safe to eat here?" I questioned. She frowned and looked confused.
"What do you mean?"
"The prices are rather low…"
Some time ago I was given a very long lecture from Pam about prices and the quality of products. She even prepared diagrams. During my business dinners, I was visiting more luxurious places and honestly, I was slightly worried that Sookie would eat something… bad. What if she gets sick?
"Really?" she asked and her eyes were full of mockery. "Well, mister Higher Shelf, they aren't so low for me. By the way, what do you know about human food?"
"I have taken some business partners out for dinners. I usually pay more for their food…" I explained simply. My companion looked intrigued and was visibly trying to contain her interest. I looked at her, in I hope, an encouraging way.
"May I ask a few questions?" she asked me slowly.
"Of course but I want to know something about you as well. Seem fair?"
Sookie was considering my proposition carefully, eventually deciding that she is willing to take a risk and she nodded.
"Please, you first," I offered.
"What are you doing? And by that question I mean… for a living? Your earlier statement gave me the impression that you have more businesses than just Fangtasia."
Sookie was listening with interest about my dealings. Her eyes almost popped out when I told her that I am co-owner of Anubis Airlines.
"I would never tell…"
"Wait a second!" I clasped my hands on the table and put on a serious face.
"Are you trying to tell me that I will have to fire the flight attendants that weren't buttering you up?" For a second she looked scared, but thankfully, she got the joke and snorted.
"Don't tell me such silly things!"
"You can't be serious all the time, my little," I answered with a gentle shrug. If she only knew how much me and Pam love doing practical jokes to each other… Maybe she will find out soon. "My turn."
I asked about her favorite food. She asked about my favorite music. After a heated argument about who is a better blues singer, we stopped at the topic of books. Sookie admitted that she loves classic positions but also has a soft spot for romantic novels because they are light and simple.
"Not like relationships in real life. I met only two completely honest couples in my life," she pointed at her crown, suggesting she took from it needed information.
It was around 1 AM and Sookie was visibly tired so I considered my last question for tonight.
"I can imagine that having such a gift as yours is troublesome… I noticed how weary you were at Godric's," I started hesitantly and observed her expression. Sookie only nodded. "Tell me, how do you deal with it?"
She was completely shocked by my question. I searched her face for some anger or sadness but there was none.
"It's a hard question. I mean, it's hard to explain it the way that someone un-telepathic will understand..."
I listened fascinated while Sookie gave me details about how it is to hear. I was able to imagine the concept of noise with a sensitive hearing sense like mine but knowing others' secrets, desires and opinions… Fighting with them assaulting your mind at every minute of your life had to be exhausting. My Sookie was very extraordinary in that she hasn't lost her mind. I realized her horizons were limited to the great exact too. I fumed with anger when she lightly mentioned that she was called Crazy Sookie during her education in school and later by people surrounding her…
"Sorry, I think I got you bored," she murmured, incorrectly reading my facial expression. It wasn't my bored face but the one I had while wanting to destroy something or someone and couldn't at this moment.
"I'm not bored. I doubt that you could ever bore me, lover… I'm angry," I admitted. Sookie raised her eyebrows.
"Why?"
"You have a very hard life…"
"I don't need pity," she interrupted me with anger.
"… and I want to kill people who made it hard."
"That's not people," Sookie told me sadly. "It's me."
I opened my mouth to correct her, but the waiter came over to us again asking if Sookie wants some dessert. She only shook her head declining politely and asked for the bill. Fantastic. I asked a bad question so here's my result. Sookie was upset again.
"Your thinking is incorrect. You are simply too good for all of those small minded morons. It's their fault if they can't see how extraordinary you are," I said simply with barely contained anger. She sighed and opened her mouth but suddenly she stopped. We were looking at each other for a moment which made me feel slightly uneasy.
"You really think so…" she whispered sounding surprised. I simply nodded. I was observing, being lightly worried that she would weep or do something that upset humans usually do. It shocked me when, instead of that, Sookie smiled gently. "Thank you," she told me quietly but there was authentic gratitude in her voice.
Not wanting to go deeper into her line of thinking, I simply paid for our dinner and left the restaurant. Sookie wasn't upset at the end of our night together so it was a success.
On our way out, Sookie bid our hostess a good night. The woman didn't answer her, she only pursed her lips and looked at us with hostility. She even folded her arms, watching us with pure hatred. My instincts were whispering that something wasn't right. I took hold of Sookie's elbow slightly harder.
"Read her…" I murmured. Sookie looked surprised but she nodded. We were right outside of the building, barely across the threshold, when my companion froze.
"Eric," she started with panic in her eyes but before she finished, I heard the soft crack of a gun being shot from a distance.
It took me only a fraction of a second to cover her with my frame, trapping Sookie behind the closest car and my body shielding her as much as possible but I knew that I was too late.
I could smell her blood in the air.
AN: I wrote a cliffhanger – forgive me :)
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Till next time!
