A/N: So… yeah, this chapter didn't come to me for a long time. And now I'm doing NaNoWriMo for the month of November and won't be working on it until after that. I'm seriously fail on this but I hope you'll forgive me. Probably not once you read this chapter, but I'm looking forward to hearing what you think about it. Quick recap: Eric asked Sookie to marry her last chapter after lots of sex. Pam is in Stockholm trying to figure out how to get back into their good graces. Don't think she works that out…
Thanks for all of the alerts, favorites, and everything. You guys keep me writing (even when I don't want to). Special thank you to my beta Suaru-chan for working on this with me. I fudged with it quite a bit after sending it to her, so any remaining mistakes are my own. Don't be afraid to point them out either. I want to fix any screw ups. Enough of my blabbering. Ooh, link for Sookie's dress is on my profile page. Catch you on the flipside! xoxo
"Um, Sookie dear, can I speak to you for a moment?" Gran yells from the kitchen.
"Sure thing, Gran."
"Where's Eric?" She asks, turning to face me with a dishrag in hand.
"He's in the shower. Did you need something?"
"I know you've been in a weird way lately but my goodness child—that boy must really be something. It took me about an hour to fall to sleep last night. I'm surprised you can even walk straight this morning." She stops wiping down the countertop and smirks. "You know sweetheart, if I wore a hearing aid, I wouldn't say anything to you, but I don't. Can you try to be a little quieter next time? Or better yet, wait until I'm not here. And stay out of the kitchen."
"Gran! I'm so sorry. I…"
"You don't need to apologize. I'm just messing with you. Breakfast is ready!"
I am mortified. I can't tell if she's being serious or not. Just knowing that she knew we were in the kitchen… She smiles over at me and winks. Turns out Gran has one heck of a sense of humor. I don't stop blushing for at least fifteen minutes. I walk back into my bedroom and Eric laughs when he sees me.
"What's got you so flustered?"
"Gran. She was teasing me about overhearing us last night."
"Oh shit! She didn't, did she?"
"I don't know, but I think so."
"You do get loud…" He waggles his brows.
"Shut up! She sleeps pretty sound so I didn't think … anyway, we should tell her about… I think she'll be excited."
"Just excited? I hope she'll be a little more than excited. Aren't you?"
"Well, of course I am. I'll go tell her now and you can book our flight." I bounce over to him and peck him on the cheek.
"You don't want me to be there with you?"
"I want to go as soon as we can, so one of us has to book our flight."
"Okay. Whatever you think is best." He looks at me questioningly.
"Thank you, Eric. You make me so happy."
I smile and slip out the door before he can grab me for a kiss. He's so insatiable that I know I'll never get out to Gran in time to talk to her. Besides, I want him to hold onto his enthusiasm for tasting my lips until our honeymoon. Maybe I can join the mile high club. I'll have to mention that to him and see what he thinks.
I couldn't believe Eric asked me to marry him. I didn't think we were to that point in our relationship, but I can say I didn't hesitate to tell him yes. I know its right with him. I know I don't want to be without him. I know I love him. That should be enough, right? I can't wait to call myself Mrs. Eric Northman. Vegas here we come!
So they think they can pull a fast one on me? I try Clancy, Eric's best friend, and he's no help. No matter how much I threaten him, he won't cave. So, I think about it for a minute and realize I should just call Adele. Sookie would never keep anything from her and Adele would know where she is.
I think I'll just drop by. Calling Adele would tip Sookie off and I can't afford to do that. I need to let Sookie know a few things about her precious Eric before she decides to run off with him. I wish I knew where the hell Eric was though. I can make him see things my way and all would be well. But, I get to Bon Temps too late. Sookie's not even here.
"Well, hello Pam! It's been such a long time since I've seen you. How are you?" Adele asks as she pulls me into a hug.
"I'm doing well, Adele. I just dropped by to see Sookie. I miss her. I'm not sure what she told you about her trip to Stockholm but we have some issues to work through. She left before we could really talk and I'd like to try to fix things. I thought maybe we could talk things out and…"
"You could if she was here dear, but she isn't. I'm sorry. She just left this morning. Maybe you should call her and see if she'll meet up with you in town."
I frown. "I don't think she'll answer my calls. I've tried calling her since she left Sweden and she hasn't responded to any of my messages. But maybe she will now. I'll give it a shot. Thanks!"
Knowing Adele feels Sookie will talk to me now, I feel better. I need a plan though.
I leave to figure out if I can find where Sookie took off to. Adele didn't give me much to go on, so I'll have to be persuasive when it comes to finding her. My nerves are a bit shot and I can't call Sookie until I calm down. I don't want to say something to piss her off more. I head to Merlotte's to grab a quick bite to eat and catch up on the local gossip. I'm sure someone here has seen or heard about Sookie since she's been back and I may not have to call her at all if she's there. I pull into the gravel covered parking lot and park my car, not far from the door so I can make a quick escape if I need to. Pushing the door open, the waft of fried food and stale beer smacks me in the face. I smile as I walk in, seeing just the person I need to talk to.
Jason Fucking Stackhouse.
"Marry me, Sookie."
If I can be honest, I don't know why I blurted out what I said. I love Sookie. I want Sookie. So why not get married? I don't want to lose her again. I can't lose her again. Actually, Clancy told me if I fucked things up with her, he'd find Alcide and tell him Sookie was up for grabs. Bastard always knows how to get my ass moving. I didn't want to propose to her like I did, but she accepted. That's all that matters.
I call Clancy to let him know the good news. Sookie has yet to return to the bedroom so I figure I have some time to let my best friend know what's up.
"So, I took your advice. I asked her to marry me and she said yes."
"Really? You didn't have to bribe her or anything?"
I can hear his muffled laughter through the receiver.
"No you jackass! She wants this as much as I do."
"Well, that's great man. My only additional word I have to put forth is for you and Sookie both to stay away from Pam and her psycho ass. She'll fuck things up for you if she can, and I'm sure she's out looking for you now. She called me yesterday. I didn't tell her anything, but she knows I know where you are. Keep your ass covered."
Fuck. I didn't expect him to tell me that.
"I will. Thanks for letting me know about Pam. I don't think she'll be able to find us here and we're shooting out to Vegas as soon as Sookie's done talking with her grandmother. The sooner we're married, the better."
"Yeah, but marriage isn't going to solve your problems. You know exactly what I'm talking about. Get a handle on this Pam situation and fast. You know how she gets when she's out for blood."
I don't like the tone behind his words, but I know he's right.
"Yes, I do. It's not pretty. She's already had me arrested once and I wouldn't put it past her to do it again." She's like a bloodthirsty super bitch from hell when you get on her bad side.
"And if she talks to Sookie before you do, I hate to say it, but you'll be fucked."
"Duly noted. Listen, I think Sookie's making her way back here. I'll call you when we land."
"Yeah, 'cause I really want to know how great a time you'll be having in Vegas."
"You're such a dick!"
"Only because you're a pussy!" He laughs.
Later on that night…
Today is supposed to be the best day of my life. And it would be if she hadn't shown up. I know how she found us but it doesn't make me feel any better about it. I wouldn't begrudge Sookie telling her grandmother the good news, but her brother? Had I known he had such loose lips when it came to pretty women, I would have asked Sookie to wait to tell him until we got back from Vegas. I know something is going to go wrong as soon as the justice of the peace says those damn words…
"If anyone has any reason these two should not be lawfully wed, speak now or forever hold your peace."
The door to the chapel flies opens so hard it bounces against the wall with a loud thud and we all turn toward the sound.
"Oh, I think I have more than one reason these two shouldn't get married, Padre. Hello, Eric. Why, Sookie, you look absolutely radiant."
In that moment I look over at Sookie. She does look radiant. Her dress is beautiful. It's ivory, strapless, and fits her perfectly. She looks like an angel. I couldn't take my eyes off her when she walked down the aisle toward me. I swear I felt myself tearing up a bit. I'm not a man who cries, but I could have then.
"Pam! What are you doing here?" Sookie asks.
I'm frozen with fear. She can only be here for one reason. "I'd watch the threats, Eric. I still have my trump card. You want to test me, I'll pull it. Then we'll see who deals with whom." Her words still haunt me. I hope she has a bit more tact than to bring that shit up now.
"Stopping you from making a huge mistake. You don't know what you're getting yourself into. I'd like to think I'm still your best friend and I know what's best for you."
"YOU know what's best for ME? Are you kidding? You've caused me nothing but pain these last few days and now I'm supposed to look to you for help? I don't think so. Leave. Now!" Sookie turns to the justice for him to continue the ceremony.
"Yes, Pamela. Get the fuck out of here!" I bark at her, as she walks closer to us.
"I know you want me to, Eric, but not before I answer the man's question. Sookie, look at me." She turns to face Pam. "Eric is already married. I'm sure that didn't come up during your many talks about marriage, because of course you two wouldn't just up and fly to Vegas on a whim, right?" She cackles.
"Eric? What is she talking about?"
My face drops and I look away from her gaze. I can't stand to see the hurt in her eyes.
"I'm talking about his wife, Sophie-Ann. You've probably never heard of her. I can't say that I blame him for not telling you, but it's all true. Have you never asked yourself why he has a flat when he was living with me? Or where he gets his money since it's obvious he doesn't work? You did ask yourself that, right? Hmm… well, it seems Eric is the only child of wealthy parents. Beyond wealthy actually. When his father dies, he'll be a billionaire. I'd say great catch if he wasn't already taken—"
"That's enough, Pam!"
"Oh but I don't think so, Mr. Northman, because you failed to tell her you were married and have been for the past three years. Yeah, even before I met him, which means the week you two spent together, he was married. See, his wife is a lesbian. Her parents know that but for propriety's sake wanted her to get married and pop out a few kids. And they chose Eric here to be the sacrificial lamb. So, the two got married but have this agreement that they can sleep with whomever they choose, and Eric can stay at his flat in Stockholm. Seemed to work out perfectly until he met you."
"How do you know any of this?" Sookie asks.
"Simple really. I looked him up when we got home from our vacation last year."
"How could you have done that? I never told you about Eric."
"You didn't have to." Pam sneers.
"Why not?"
"Yes, Pamela. I'd love to hear this. Is that why Sookie never called me?"
"What?" Sookie looks even more confused than I feel.
"I left my number in your purse." I whisper.
"Um, I think I can answer that one, Sookie. I took Eric's number from your purse." She turns to look at me. "I was upset that she'd met someone while we were vacationing and I didn't. What can I say, I'm a bitch. And being the bitch I am, I had one of my friends look you up using your number. I did some research of my own and decided to move to Stockholm. I thought I looked enough like Sookie to remind you of her, and it seems I was right. I just wanted to know what she saw in you, I mean, Leif."
"Why? I don't understand any of this? Is this some sick game the two of you have going?" Sookie drops into a seat not far from where we're standing.
"Let me explain it to you. Eric here thinks he's not married because his wife gives him the freedom to do who or whatever he wants. Hell, she was sleeping with more women than he has in his entire life. I hear she's quite a good fuck too."
"That's enough, Pam. You've done what you came to do. Now you can leave."
"I don't think so. I haven't even told Sookie the best part yet."
"There's more?" Sookie asks.
"I'm warning you, Pam! Stop!"
"Oh? What exactly do you think you can do to me, pretty boy? The damage is done. Look at her. She can't even stand to be near you."
Sookie has moved away from me since Pam started her tirade. I reach out for her and she jerks her arm away. I try to plead with her with my eyes, but she shakes her head. I don't know how to fix this.
"I think I've heard enough. Eric, you haven't called her a liar once. I don't want to believe her, but if it isn't true, wouldn't you have said that by now? I don't know what to believe but we're not getting married tonight, not after this. I need time to think. And Pam, if I ever see you again, it will be too soon."
"Sookie, wait!" I call after her.
She takes off down the aisle she just so happily strode down only a few minutes ago. She stops at the door, turns to face me and walks away. I've never wanted to kill anyone as much I did in the moment I stood facing Pam. I want to wrap my hands around her tiny neck and squeeze the life out of her, but I don't. I'm a gentleman and I would never put my hands on a woman. I'd be lying if I said I didn't strongly reconsider that shit. She smiles at me like she knows exactly what I'm thinking.
"Well, are you happy now? She hates us both. She won't forgive you for this."
"She will. It'll take some time, but she'll realize I did it for her own good. You lied to her, Eric. You should have told her about your situation just like you should have told me. I'm sure she would have understood." She laughs so hard she's doubled over.
"You know what, Pam? You fucked up this time. Sophie and I got our marriage annulled years ago. We did it secretly so we could continue with the façade of being married for our parents. Yeah, you didn't know that because I wanted it that way. I wish you would have talked to me about this before opening your big fucking mouth."
Now she's speechless.
"Wha… no… I… wha…?"
"I'll tell you this… we're done. I don't want to see you, hear from you or even think about you. Forget you ever knew me. Stay away from me and Sookie because the next time I see you, you'll regret the day you were born. I keep my background secret for a reason. You really don't want to know what I can do to you but I can assure you it'll be worse than the stupid shit you've pulled."
I can't stand to look at her another second and barrel past her. I have to find Sookie. I have to get her back. Fucking Pam!