I wish to thank each and every one of you who added me to you alerts and favorites. I try to answer every review so let me know if you liked it…
I apologize for taking so long, it is my intention to update at least once a week but I had a slightly crazy week in RL hence the delay.
I had to split the date in two or it would have been way too long so here is the first half for you. I promise I will be quick and post the other one soon.
Thanks to my lovely Beta Northwoman, you are amazing. I obviously had to meddle with it after you were done so any remaining mistakes are mine and mine alone. Special thanks to MaLaDe for being so supportive and letting me bounce ideas off you and to My Secret O for all the encouragement.
Charlaine Harris is the sole owner of these characters and the SVM; I'm just letting out some creative steam.
*I mistakenly refered to Sookie as Miss Stackhouse instead of Miss Brigant. Thanks to everyone that pointed it out for me...I have also received help with translation from the wonderful albi3252 - Thank you! - so I'm reposting this with the updated translations and the correct names.
Unexpected – Chapter 5
A small note drifted to the ground and I caught it before it hit the floor. I smiled at the content and then made my way out of the building at vampire speed taking to the sky as soon as I passed the building's doors. I have encountered a few humans with Fae heritage in the past but never from the royal bloodline, and I was surprised to see that Sookie could teleport though she was only a quarter Fae. As I flew back to my apartment I could not help but smile. The little Fairy princess was not only the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, but she was also bright, playful and strong willed.
I was being honest when I told her I would gladly tell her more about myself and that surprised me. I have never cared what humans thought of me and while being respected by other vampires was necessary for my survival I usually could not care less what they thought of me personally. And yet I found myself willing to share what I considered to be my private persona with this amazing, beautiful woman whom I have just met and actually caring what her opinion of me might be.
As I arrived at my apartment I found a young human male carrying a large white box waiting at the Concierge's. He approached me slowly and silently handed me a note. In Etienne's familiar handwriting:
"Eric,
I thought you might enjoy these better than the vile synthetic version.
Etienne."
In the box were several bottles of the Artisanal blood I had enjoyed last night and I thanked the human before picking up the box and heading up to my apartment.
After laying down the box in the kitchen I took my phone out of my pocket and dialed Etienne's number. He answered almost immediately in his usual graceful manner.
"Eric, my friend, I hope you are having a pleasant evening thus far?"
"I am Etienne, especially after receiving your gift. Thank you my friend, you are gracious as always."
"Oh, think nothing of it, I appreciate you too much to let you consume that synthetic abomination if it can be helped. As always, there is some business I must attend to; a sheriff's work is never done…"
"Very well, I will see you next Friday."
I left the phone on the kitchen counter and headed for the master bathroom. I showered and dressed in a form fitting dark suit with a pale blue shirt underneath. I went back to the kitchen and checked my e-mails while I prepared and drank one of Etienne's bloods. I did not consider Sookie to be a meal, no matter how much I wished to taste her, and I was not presumptuous enough to assume that I would get my wish tonight.
On my way out I made one last call to make sure everything was set for later before I got in my car. When I was in Europe I usually drove a black Porsche. I chose the Porsche over the more conspicuous Ferrari for its understated, subtle design and the undeniable power concealed under it.
It was just after 20:30 when I reached the large gate barring the entrance to Sookie's place of residence. I punched in the code from the note Sookie left behind and made my way to the other side of the building where her apartment was located. I knocked on her door and heard her heart skip a beat.
Sookie opened the door and I am sure my heart would have done the same if it still beat. In a cherry red dress that hugged her curves to perfection she looked incredibly sexy and innocently sweet at the same time. Her hair was flowing down her back in large, loose waves and her legs looked incredible in a pair of sinfully high heels that I was sure Pam would have appreciated.
"Sookie, you are gorgeous."
She smiled at my words and moved slightly back to allow me to enter.
"You look very handsome as well Eric, won't you please come in?"
I walked in and kissed her softly before taking in the interesting layout of the apartment. The ceiling was very high and it was all one space, separated by furniture into sleeping and living areas. In the middle of the apartment there was large yellow cube shaped room I assumed was the bathroom. It was strange but attractive in a way and I could see that Sookie had furnished and decorated the apartment in an eclectic style that was a combination between old and new, just like the convent itself.
"Your apartment is interesting and very tastefully decorated, did you decorate it yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? It's very impressive."
"Thank you, I did it myself. It took me a while to get used to the layout but It grew on me, I actually rather like it now. Let me just grab my things and we can go."
I helped her with her coat, which was white and very soft, accentuating her feminine figure. She then wrapped a red silk scarf around her neck, picked up her purse from the table and smiled at me.
"I presume we're not flying tonight? Not that I didn't enjoy it, it was amazing but I don't think I'm dressed appropriately." I smiled back as she locked her door and we started walking towards the gate.
"Do not worry; we will be driving to our destination. It should take us a little over an hour to get there." We reached the car and I opened the passenger door and helped Sookie climb in before taking my place at the driver's seat and fastening Sookie's safety belt securely around her.
"Will you tell me where we are going? I'm really curious."
"Then I will gladly tell you, did you know that Leonardo de Vinci spent the last 3 years of his life in France?"
"Yes, I know he was in the service of the French king and that he brought the Mona Lisa with him when he came here and that is how she ended up with the French and not the Italians."
"Exactly. Leonardo's residence for that short period of time was situated very close to the royal residence in Amboise. It is now known as Le Clos Lucé and that is where we are headed."
Sookie's eyes lit up in excitement and she leaned closer to me laying her hand softly on mine.
"I've heard about the Leonardo de Vinci museum in the Loire Valley and was actually planning to go sometime before I leave France but I didn't realize they were open at night."
She started pulling her hand back, apparently uncomfortable at her own excited response but I gently pulled it back, brought it to my lips and kissed her fingertips before laying it back between us this time with my hand covering hers and my fingers drawing slow circles on her warm, soft skin.
"They are not, but I was able to arrange for a private tour. We can dine before or after the tour, I was not sure which would you prefer. "
"That sounds amazing. I can't believe you went to all this trouble…I'm not really hungry yet so if the tour is not very long I think I would rather eat after we finish."
"Very well, I am very pleased you approve of my plan. I was not quite certain as to what activities are considered appropriate for a first date but I hoped, as a historian, you would enjoy this."
"Well, I think it varies according to age and location but watching a movie is considered an acceptable choice for a first date, dinner in a restaurant and dancing are also quite common. I like your idea much better though."
We sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes; Sookie was looking out her window as I drove us out of the city and away from its lights.
"Sookie, would you like to play a game?"
We were still rather far from our destination and what I had in mind will keep us occupied and hopefully entertained for at least part of the way.
"A game? What kind of game?"
"You said earlier that you felt I have you at a disadvantage since I know more about you than you do about me. If you wish, we can play a game to try and rectify that situation. I suggest a game of questions. I will answer any question you might have, honestly if at all possible, if you ask something I am not at liberty to answer I will tell you so. For every question you ask I am allowed to ask a question of my own, which you should try to answer, truthfully of course. You are allowed a head start of…I think 3 questions will suffice, to compensate for my prior knowledge of you." I already knew from our earlier banter that she had a playful side, not unlike me, so I was not surprised she seemed pleased at my suggestion.
"I agree. Let's play!" Her excitement was both adorable and sexy and I smiled, encouraging her to begin.
"How well do you know Niall?"
"I have known Niall for a very long time, a little over 600 years to be exact. We met in the last Vampire-Fae war when we fought together against the factions from both sides that were determined to destroy both of our races. Niall played a very large part in bringing about the end of the war, and the signing of the peace treaty and I consider him to be a wise and respectable man. I also consider him to be very powerful and dangerous but that would be an accurate description of me as well so it is not a negative judgment on my part. We have not seen each other in 4 centuries but I can promise you I do not bear him or you, as his progeny, any ill will nor does my interest in you involve Niall in any way."
"OK, what did your background check tell you about me? I wouldn't want to bore you by telling you things you already know."
"I doubt very much I could be bored by anything you choose to tell me but that is beside the point. I know you are Princess Sookie Brigant, Niall Brigant's great-granddaughter by his son Fintan. Your grandmother's name is Adele and she is half Fae like your grandfather. Your parents are Corbett and Michelle Brigant and you have an older brother named Jason. You will be 23 years old on March 7th this year. You have a degree in Folklore and Mythology from Harvard University and you grew up and lived most of your life in Boston.
"Since I met you I have discovered that you are also smart, playful, and quite possibly the sexiest, most beautiful woman I have ever had the pleasure of meeting." Sookie blushed at my statement and lowered her gaze but after a few seconds she seemed to recover and looked up at me from under her long dark lashes.
"Thank you, you know a lot about my family. Would you mind telling me a little about yours?"
"Vampires don't have family in the same way you do but I do consider my maker, Godric, and my child, Pam, to be my family. As for my human descendants, I left my home after I became vampire and was unsuccessful at discovering any of them when I returned about a century later. That does not mean they do not exist of course but even if they do I feel they could hardly be considered family being 40 generations removed from me."
"You're probably right; if you go back 40 generations you can find a family connection to almost anybody…"
"Indeed. I was surprised to see that you can teleport like a full blooded Fae, in my experience the part Fae are not usually that strong. Is this a family trait, related to Niall's blood or are you even more exceptional then I already assumed?"
"I'm not sure how to answer your question regarding Niall's blood. He is very strong and the royal blood line is known for its strength but I can't really say this is a family trait. My grandparents have quite a lot of magic but they are both half fae and my grandmother is, of course, not of Niall's line. My father, though half fae as well, doesn't seem to have any fairy powers apart from being exceptionally charming and charismatic. He and my mother, Michelle, a full blooded human, were therefore quite surprised when my grandparents announced, not long after I was born, that I seemed to posses the fae "essential spark" and would require special training when my powers, whatever they might be, manifest themselves in the future.
"My brother Jason, who is 3 years older than me, is just as charming as my father and seems to be irresistible to the opposite sex but other than that he is a completely normal human. My full Fae abilities will not manifest themselves until I turn 25 so there is no way of knowing what other powers, if any, I posses besides teleporting which I'm sure you know is a general Fae ability." She turned her head to look out the window before asking her question in a slightly embarrassed tone.
"What did you mean when you said you hadn't dated in a very long time? I can't imagine someone as gorgeous and sexy as you being alone for very long. Were you married?"
I wasn't certain how much Sookie knew about vampire's social customs and feeding habits and I really did not know what her reaction to my answer might be.
"Sookie, I will answer your question but in order to do that I need to ask you a question first. How much do you know about vampires?"
She seemed surprised by my question but she answered almost without hesitating.
"I know vampires are immortal, that you are very strong and fast and that you grow stronger and faster the older you become. You cannot survive in the sunlight. You are vulnerable to silver almost as fairies are to lemon. I know you survive by consuming human blood and you are extremely hard to destroy. Oh, I also know that in order to enter a human's home a vampire needs to be invited.
"I know Fairy blood is intoxicating to vampires and that the scent of Fae makes you lose control. I know this must sound a little like 'The Ultimate guide to surviving a vampire attack' but I'm afraid most of my knowledge about vampires comes from my elders and that I have only met very few vampires until now. I hope I did not offend you."
"Not at all, everything you said was quite accurate and I cannot fault your elders for warning you against potential danger as it is true vampires can be very dangerous to Fairies. My description of the Fae would have probably contained very similar characteristics. But there are a few important things missing from your description. Vampires do not usually maintain long term relationships with other vampires since it gives us too much power over each other.
"You already know that vampires feed on human blood but you might not know that for a vampire feeding is very closely associated with sex. A vampire's bite can be extremely pleasurable if the vampire so wishes and ever since the great revelations there are humans who wish to be bitten by a vampire because of the sexual pleasure it entails.
"Vampires in general, not unlike other supernaturals and perhaps even more so, feel themselves very superior to humans and therefore are highly unlikely to maintain a relationship with one. There is also the issue of the short human life span in comparison to the vampire's eternity. Some vampires keep human pets to feed on and as sexual partners but I have never done so. Since I do not have pets, I feed on willing humans. I am not interested in having a relationship with them so I do not date. I make my intentions clear to whomever I feed on and fuck and they have no reason to expect anything more, or less, than the pleasure we both receive from our encounter. I hope that you are not offended by my answer and my honesty but I do not wish to lie to you." I could not interpret the expression on her face as she seemed to process everything I have told her while I waited for her response.
"I am not sure how to respond. I appreciate your honesty and I'm not offended by your answer but I am confused. If you don't date then why did you ask me out? I am sure you could have had any girl, and several of the guys, in the seminar or you could probably just stop in the middle of the street and women will fall at your feet, so why go to all this trouble? What's so different about me besides my being Niall's great-granddaughter which you have already stated was not the reason for your interest in me."
"Everything about you is different Sookie, I meant every word I said to you before and more, my usual behavior should only serve to affirm this as I do not need to use flattery to find sexual partners. You are the most beautiful, enchanting woman I have met in over a thousand years and I wish to spend time with you, to get to know you. I will not deny that I want to see your magnificent body naked, to touch your bare skin with my own, to look in your eyes as you come as I give you pleasure.
"But that is not all I want. This is a new and unusual experience for me; I am usually very reserved and guarded, yet I find myself wanting to be open and honest with you even though I hardly know you and even when that honesty doesn't necessarily serve me well. There is something happening between us that I do not fully fathom but I am drawn to you with a force I have never experienced before and find myself not wishing to resist."
She was looking straight at me, the most amazing blend of lust and innocence reflecting in her dark blue eyes and I had to forcefully suppress the urge to pull the car over and take her right there and then, something I did not suppose she would appreciate, at least not at that moment.
"I have never met anyone like you either Eric. I have never felt this kind of attraction for anyone; last night when we kissed I felt a small electrical shock when our lips touched for the first time. I am wary of what might happen between us since I foresee that it will change me forever but I also feel I cannot, will not, resist it." She paused for a few seconds before she spoke again, the tone of her voice changing from serious and sincere to playful and amused.
"Having said that, I can't in good conscience, as your main source of information regarding modern dating etiquette, let you think that what you said to me before is considered acceptable conversation for a first date. It is entirely inappropriate, although I can see how it might affect your usual feed and fucks."
"Angelic Sookie, vision of love and beauty, I am prostrate that my allusion to your smooth and voluptuous body violated your sense of propriety. Can you find it in your heart to forgive my indiscretion?" I flashed my signature smirk at her.
"How can I refuse such an eloquent apology?" Her pulse quickened and she clearly enjoyed our banter just as much as I had judging by the warmth of her delighted smile.
"Sookie, why is it that you are unattached? I am sure it is not for lack of admirers. Has Niall arranged a marriage for you when you turn a certain age?" I asked her gently, strangely wishing that she was not already spoken for.
"No Eric, Niall promised me he will not try to arrange a political marriage for me and that he will not interfere in my choice when the time comes. I am unattached as you so gracefully put it since so far I had not had much luck when it comes to love. I find it difficult dating human men…" She paused for a second before she continued and I could sense there was more to her last statement than simply being part Fae getting in the way, but I trusted she would tell me about it, whatever it was, if and when she chose to. "And the few relationships I'venships I've had did not work out. I'm afraid I am quite inexperienced compared to you…" I could feel the heat rising in her face at that last admission.
"You are only a fraction of my age and being discerning is hardly a fault. I cannot complain of that which allows me to be here with you tonight." I lightly touched the soft skin of her neck gently directing her gaze at the window. "If you would look to your right you can already see the lights of Le Clos Lucé. We will be there shortly."
We entered the grounds and very soon came to a stop in front of the chateau. I was out of the car and at her side before Sookie could open her door. I helped her out of the low seat and thoroughly enjoyed the view of her legs I received in the process. I felt her shiver slightly at the cold night air so I helped her back into her coat, which she removed during the drive, and we proceeded towards the mansion's entrance, my hand gently resting at the small of her back.
"Eric, this is so beautiful! I can't believe they are keeping it open and lit like this just for us."
"They sometimes have private events and functions after hours so this is not unheard of. The Vampire sheriff of Paris is an old friend of mine and he used his connections to arrange this." Etienne was intrigued last night when I asked for his assistance since I was not in the habit of making this kind of effort for a woman - human, vampire or otherwise - but he was more than happy to help.
Just as we reached the door it opened and a slender elegant woman greeted us with a smile. She appeared to be in her late 50's and was impeccably dressed in a black skirt suit.
"Bonsoir, monsieur Northman et Mlle Brigant. Je suis Camille Bouvier, et je vais être votre guide ce soir. Si vous voulez bien me suivre..." she turned around, and we followed her inside.
"Since you are American Miss Brigant, I thought we might proceed in English if that will be convenient for you both?" We both nodded our agreement and she continued.
"Miss Brigant, The restrooms are at the end of this corridor if you wish to freshen up before we begin." She gestured at a corridor to the right and smiled at Sookie who thanked her and returned her smile before moving in the direction where she pointed.
"Mr. Northman, while we wait for Miss Brigant to return, could you please let me know what have you decided regarding dinner so it can be ready for you?"
"Of course, Miss Brigant prefers to dine after the tour, as long as it is not too long."
"It is not very long, about an hour I believe. With your permission I will go and let the Chef know and I will return shortly."
"Thank you." She nodded at me and left in the opposite direction of where Sookie had disappeared but I was not left alone for long as Sookie returned shortly after, looking radiant in her enticing red dress, having taken off her coat again now that we were inside. She looked young and happy and I could not help but respond to her bright smile, oddly taking pleasure in her happiness. She stopped only inches away from me and leaned in to kiss me very lightly, barely touching her lips to mine.
Even that light touch made my cock, already alert after spending the last hour so close to Sookie's delectable body in the small space of the car filled with her scent, painfully hard. Our bodies were close enough for her to feel the effect she had on me quite clearly and she gasped but did not pull away. I put my arm around her bringing her even closer to me and kissed her passionately leaving her starry eyed and breathless when I released her lips from mine and took a step to stand to her side, gently taking her hand in mine just as Madame Bouvier appeared around the corner.
"Would you like to leave your coat here Miss Brigant? We will return here later, before your dinner."
"Yes, thank you. That would be great." Sookie smiled at the older woman and handed her the coat which she promptly hung on a coat hanger close to the door.
"Very well, Mr. Northman, when we spoke on the phone you mentioned that this is not your first visit so I assume the tour is more for Miss Brigant's benefit?"
"Yes and no. I have been here before but not recently. I am quite impressed by the restoration work. It looks similar to the way it did the last time I was here, in 1519."
Madame Bouvier was speechless for a moment before she regained her composure and Sookie seemed very interested in my statement as well.
"c'est incroyable! avez-vous connu Leonardo?" Madame Bouvier seemed to revert to her native tongue in her excitement. I felt Sookie hold her breath in anticipation for my answer.
"Yes, He was an extraordinary man. Very forward thinking and open minded even by today's standards and I appreciated his intellect greatly. We met in Florence around the year 1500 under rather interesting circumstances and maintained a connection over the last two decades of his life."
"Would you be willing to describe your personal acquaintance with Leonardo? This could be such a boost of "new blood" to all of us involved in researching his history."
"I will gladly share my personal experience. Please use the contact details I have already supplied to notify me when you have a general idea of how you wish to proceed and we can further discuss the details."
The woman seemed to compose herself and return to her professional demeanor as she thanked me profusely and started to lead us through the manor.
The tour was quite entertaining. Sookie asked many questions which both Madame Bouvier and myself answered to the best of our abilities. It was obviously not as I remembered but the spirit of the place was familiar. As far as this kind of recreation could be, it was quite successful and Sookie apparently thought so as well as she seemed to be enjoying herself. After about 40 minutes we stopped by the entrance to get Sookie's coat and went to visit the pigeon-house and took a quick tour of the garden. The temperature was quite cold, even though it was not raining so it was really not an option to visit the rest of the Château's grounds.
"You seem cold; I think it will be better if we drive the short distance to the manor where we are supposed to dine, if that is acceptable to you of course."
We were standing in the middle of the path leading back to the main building and I pulled Sookie closer to me sheltering her slightly from the cold.
"That sounds wonderful. All this walking has made me hungry."
I turned to face our guide who had been knowledgeable and attentive.
"Thank you Madam Bouvier, This has been quite entertaining. I expect to hear from you soon." I nodded at her and she nodded back enthusiastically.
"Thank you Camille! It was wonderful." Sookie smiled brightly eliciting a similar response in the other woman.
"You are welcome Sookie, it really was my pleasure. I rarely guide people myself anymore and when I do they are not quite as bright and pleasant as you. I hope you will enjoy your dinner."
"Thank you." Both Sookie and I responded simultaneously and then looked at each other smiling. I scooped her up in my arms and made my way to the car at vampire speed. Sookie laughed joyfully as I deposited her gently in the passenger seat and she leaned over to kiss me softly on the cheek.
"That was very chivalrous of you." Her tone was light and playful and I felt lighter than I have in centuries.
"I assure you it was not, I enjoyed the sensation of holding you against me very much…"I smirked at her and she raised a perfectly arched eyebrow in response.
"Is that so? And here I thought you were trying to spare me some walking in the cold."
"I was. I just took pleasure in the feel of your body as well, what can I say? I am an opportunist if nothing else."
She laughed appreciatively at my response.
"So, are you having some kind of dinner as well? Or are you just going to watch me?" She seemed slightly uncomfortable with that thought so I quickly reassured her.
"This restaurant specializes in theatrical catering. It is supposed to allow you to experience medieval cuisine and since the chef is a vampire I am certain I will be provided for. I will still enjoy watching you though. You are truly beautiful."
"You are quite easy on the eyes yourself. Thank you for the tour, it was fascinating."
"I am glad you enjoyed it. I enjoyed it as well; your enthusiasm for history is inspiring."
"Yes, I know I'm a history geek. Studying history is perhaps not the most obvious choice for a supe but I love it none the less. It allows me to gain a different perspective on places and events I have heard about my whole life while broadening my mind. It's not so hard to imagine how growing up with my centuries old grandparents, not to mention a host of ancient Fairy relatives, could make me want to know more about the past."
"So do you consider me ancient as well? I am probably older than most of your relatives."
"You are, but I can't see you that way. You're so different, so alive. And yes, I am aware of the irony in what I just said but I still stand by it."
I could not help but smile at her assessment of me. I have often been described as lively but I rarely felt so "alive" as I did in the short time since I met Sookie. She seemed to awaken something inside me that had been dormant for centuries. I felt happy when I was with her and that was not something I was used to feeling.
We had just reached the end of the grounds and the reconstructed manor that housed the restaurant. Sookie barely registered that we stopped before I was at her door. When she was out of the car she looked up at me and I lifted her in my arms taking off into the air high above the Chateau.
"I thought we were having dinner?" she raised her left eyebrow again, the corners of her mouth twitching in amusement.
"We are. I just thought you might enjoy a look from above over the grounds and the surrounding area."
She turned her head away from my body and looked down at the ground.
"It's so beautiful."She whispered.
"Yes it is." I said without taking my eyes off her face before slowly lowering us to the ground.
A/N:
I apologize to those of you who speak French. I hope my terrible translation doesn't offend you too much...
"Bonsoir, monsieur Northman et Mlle Brigant. Je suis Camille Bouvier, et je vais être votre guide ce soir. Si vous voulez bien me suivre..." - "Good evening, Mr. Northman and Miss Brigant. I'm Camille Bouvier, and I will be your guide this evening. If you will please follow me…"
"c'est incroyable! avez-vous connu Leonardo?" - "That's incredible! did you know Leonardo?"
For those of you who are interested here is the link to the museum - http:/www(dot)vinci-closluce(dot)com/ (To those of you who might be new to FF, I forgot to mention in previous chapters that you need to replace the (dot) with real dots.)
I would like to invite any of my French speaking and Swedish speaking readers to PM me if you are interested in helping out with translating. I promise this is nothing extensive just a few sentences per chapter if any. Translating is something I really get stuck with and it is definitely slowing my update rate so…
*Thank you albi3252 for taking the time to correct my French...:)