People show appreciation by reviewing I wanted to show my own.

I came up with was dedications to avid reviewers at the beginnings of each new chapter.

My first goes out to... {drum roll please}

PEPPERMINTYROSE! {And the crowd goes wild!}

This one's for you! You are SUPER AWESOME!

;) Yes, I am going to embarrass someone like that with each new update ;) LOL

Sookie

Chapter Four

New Beginnings

They insisted on paying for everything from the valet to the my drinks. Claude knew the owner of this establishment and got us a V.I.P table. I noticed that fairies didn't drink alcohol. It must be one of the many toxins we had in this world that made them crazy. Like the last time I went out with these two I was getting a fair amount of attention. I was celebrating so I didn't fight the pull of the music. Before too long I spotted Amelia. I ran full on in her direction and pulled her into a hug. I haven't seen her in so long. When we parted ways the both us had been emotional messes. Her from the death of a man she cared deeply about me from torture. My eyes were tearing up.

She hugged me back enthusiastically. "Stop before your vampire thinks he has to kill off the competition" I laughed. I took her by the hand and led her to the table. She had already met Dermot. He had been out of it but she remembered him and he remembered her. Typical Amelia was thinking about how hot Dermot was. I introduced her to Claude. He managed to insult her in less than two seconds without ever speaking. It really had to be a talent of his. Amelia briefly contemplated turning him into a cat. I was having a ball and all my troubles were forgotten for the moment. Amelia and I danced and talked. We caught up as best you could in a night club.

Who would show up but Pamela Ravenscroft in the flesh? I couldn't believe it. Without a second thought I ran at her. My arms were already around her before I realized I was grossly infringing on a vampires personal space with out express written consent. I stiffened. Then I heard her laughing. To my surprise and relief she returned my embrace.

I was going to have to regain my sense of boundaries and do it soon. Hanging around fairies had diminished it greatly. "Sorry, I jumped you just now. I'm happy you're here"

"Yes. I surmised as much" Her arm was still around me as we went to the table. She greeted Amelia. No, that wasn't accurate she leered at her. Like someone who was dieting would stare at an ice cream sundae. A while ago Pam and her had had a fling. Thankfully I was spared the greater details but there was an attraction. The thoughts in Amelia's head might as well've been written on her face. That was what I loved and hated about being in her head. She never thought one thing she wouldn't say out loud or put into action. At the moment she was thinking about leaving with Pam. I blocked her. Did I ever mention she was a very loud broadcaster? With the vampire addition Claude became uneasy but he kept his distance and continued to enjoy himself.

It was unnecessary because Pam wasn't interested in him. Her eyes zeroed in on Dermot who was dancing a little too closely with another woman. She didn't show any emotion and I became anxious. These two shared a thing be it past or current I didn't know. I wasn't sure what to call it. It was torrid, scary at times and plain unnatural. It was parabolic of a bird loving a fish. Not that I was one to throw stones as I was living a glass house my damn self.

Dermot saw Pam and smiled. To my horror he began locking lips with this woman. I didn't notice Pam leave my side I just saw her on the dance floor. Her and Dermot were both mighty hands on with the same woman. I looked else where. There was no way to understand their relationship. I honestly didn't want to. It was now beyond disturbing. Amelia became sullen but she didn't mind being the third addition to the Pam and Dermot coupling. Gross. I tried harder to block her. That was my great uncle. I really didn't need the visual.

Our peaceful night came to an when Amelia went to the bar to get a drink. A man that had been watching her decided he couldn't take no for an answer. I saw him grab her arm. She was clearly panicked. I walked over to her. "Pam" I called. We were in a crowded club with the music blaring but I knew she heard me. She was at my side instantly followed by Dermot. Claude was watching from a distance. Like always he looked more annoyed than concerned. His face was saying he needed to find some real friends.

"I believe the lady refused" Dermot said. His tone was icy. This man was too drunk to realize the kind of danger he was in. I didn't want him hurt but I saw he was an angry drunk. Even with all of us around he hadn't let Amelia go. This was most likely going to take a violent turn.

"Get lost fag" He hardly go out his insult before Pam slapped him-hard. His jaw popped and fell slack. Simultaneously Dermot bent his wrist back and freed Amelia from his hold. The way he bent it I knew it was broken because last I checked your fingers should never touch the back of your wrists. This unlucky drunk was howling in pain. Pam grabbed me. Dermot grabbed Amelia and we exited the club long before anyone registered the incident.

We stopped to get our cars. Dermot and Pam looked happy as clams at their assaulting someone. Granted he deserved it but they could pretend to be somewhat perturbed. Claude appeared right as our cars were being pulled up.

"What was that about?" He asked. I explained. I do so eagerly because I was not the cause.

"I should have known" It was unclear to know who his eye roll was directed at but we all got a taste of it.

"Are you coming?" I asked. He shook his head. Just then a burly man exited the club. The only thing on his mind was Claude.

"Good night cousin and congratulations. Sorry I can't be there. Vampires you know" He hugged me.

"Yeah I know. Thanks for taking me out tonight. It meant a lot" It really did. I never had a lot of friends and I didn't have a lot of family. On the eve of what was going to be the most monumental day of my life. It meant more than he would ever know that he thought to do this for me. He hugged Dermot too but ignored everyone else. Then he trotted off with his boy toy for the evening. The rest of us left. Dermot and Pam rode in her car. Amelia rode with me.

The drive to the Caspian hotel wasn't very long. That was one of the reasons we chose that particular club. Pam showed me to Eric's room. Then she disappeared with Amelia and Dermot. Call me square. I told myself that they were going to play checkers. Taking into account all the things I have seen and done I didn't think I was innocent. What they had planned was just something I didn't want taking up any amount of space in my mind. I prayed Amelia would help in that endeavor.

With my worries gone I just knew I was going to get the best sleep that I have had in a long time. It was disappointing that Eric wasn't here. Given the time I wouldn't be seeing him tonight if he wasn't here already. Sigh. I wondered what he was doing. Did vampires have bachelor parties? If so I didn't want to know what it entailed.

There was a note on the neatly made bed. It was in the perfect scrawl of my vampire.

My lover, my friend, my bonded, my wife,

Pam informed me that I am not to set eyes upon you until we are wed tomorrow night. I so look forward to it.

The outing to end your maiden days was uneventful I hope.

I love you,

~Eric

Nothing was traditional about our wedding. I would have thrown it out the window for Eric. Pam must have either remembered that tidbit of tradition from her human days or read it somewhere. If I had to guess I would say dear Abby told her so. Either way it was proving to be a pain for me. I haven't had sex in months. Normally this wasn't a problem but it was like going from having gourmet sex to starving. As it stands I have a permanent case of the hots for Eric. I have never craved anyone so voraciously just from physical beauty. I was still surprised women did that. I was more surprised I would. I didn't miss his choice words either. I could almost see the smirk on his face "uneventful"

As my mind began to fade I had a thought. I didn't have any normal friends aside from Tara. Tonight was a very memorable night and not in a; have to kill someone; run for my life; see something I wish I hadn't kind of memorable. It was happy and fun. It involved two fairies, a witch and a vampire. I realized I wouldn't want it any other way. I loved them all. That thought put a smile on my face as I fell into a dreamless sleep.

o00o0ooo0ooo0o00

I was nervous. It was silly. For all intents and purposes Eric was already my husband. The bond we shared and the things that we have survived together should make this feel like nothing. In my head I knew I was acting crazy but I couldn't help myself. I was a bundle of nerves. Thankfully I would be spending the early parts of the day being primped and pruned with Amelia and Tara. All the details of the nuptials had been coordinated by a lovely woman named Lily Whitlock. She was the southern belle. She reminded me of my gran. I met her once and told her what I envisioned; what I had always dreamed of. She has been rolling with it ever since. David described her as an unstoppable force. He suspected she may have done something illegal to get the napkins died the proper colors.

Right on cue the hotel phone rang. This bed was huge I rolled over a hand full of times to reach the other side. "Hello"

There was a happy voice on the other end of the line."Good morning to you soon to be Mrs." Lily. Her energy at this time of day was amazing.

"Morning Lily" I greeted. I picked out her head the few times we met that she got a real kick out of that. 'Morning Lily' like the flower she had reminded me.

"Just wanted to give you a heads up they are almost ready for you down at the spa" I was already getting out of bed. Damn I wondered if Amelia was up yet. Hopefully her night hadn't been too late. "I have Mrs. Du Bois down here with me"

"Okay. Thank you. I'll be down shortly" I hung up. I showered quickly. Bothering with my hair would have been pointless. I wasn't even dressed in a socially acceptable manner. Digging an outfit out of my bag would have made me later. I had on one of Eric's button down shirts and a pair of shorts. The bride had special privileges or so I hoped.

This hotel was modeled to look like a huge southern manor. It was only four stories high but it had over a thousand rooms. All of them were equipped with newer metal coffins. It was the same ones Eric had when he was in Vegas. They could survive almost anything including a flight out of a window. This was technically the vampire floor. They were empty some of them had a human in them but for the most part-nothing. The day chambers of the vampires were below ground. I was certain the only reason I knew that was because I was a telepath. There were a slew of voids under me somewhere.

The next room over was Pam's. I fished behind it to see if I could find Amelia. No dice. Dermot's unique mental signature was present though. I smiled to myself. Pam actually trusted him enough to have him with her while she rested. Knowing her I never thought I would see the day. I ran down stairs not wanting to leave Tara waiting. Tara was in the lobby being harassed by a very perky Lily. She was so relieved to me. I had to laugh. You would think someone was shoving bamboo under her finger nails. I pulled her into a hug. She had been at my good bye party but we didn't get to talk much. "I'm so happy to see you" I said. She hugged me back.

"Happy to be here" She said simply. Those words were sincere. They were crystal clear in her head. "Now please save me from this woman. I'm begging" She whispered into my ear. We laughed. Lily felt she was doing a good job just because I was smiling. I had the perfect task for her. Amelia didn't tell me what room she was staying in. The front desk might not release the information to me. Yes I am a telepath. I could have easily asked and ferreted out the information but Amelia should have been up by now. I was going to send Lily after her.

"Lily my bridesmaid is nowhere to be found" I said. I worked to make my face sad. She immediately came over to me. She wrapped an arm around me and rubbed my back. "Now sugar don't you worry. I will go hunt up Ms. Broadway" I nodded seeming un-reassured by this. This fired her right up. I almost felt sorry for Amelia. She sent Tara and me to the spa. The entire hotel had been booked. The only people staying here were invited guests. Some were human others… not so much.

Tara and I walked in and the pampering began. At first I was uncomfortable with this notion. I have never been to a spa I could never afford it. Lily said it was complementary with the package that she had gone with. There was nothing I could do to argue. Tara and I were laid over massage tables. All the tension I had been carrying along with all my nerves was being rubbed out of my body. Even if I could argue I no longer wanted to. It felt wonderful.

Ten minutes later the calm atmosphere was being intruded by Amelia's mental broadcast. She was in a hotel robe. Lily was shadowing her steps. I stifled a giggle. Her night must have been something after we parted ways. She was a mess. Her every other thought was of turning my wedding planner into a cat or a creature whose natural appearance would complement her vicious personality. She was ushered into a chair and her massage began. She slept through most of it. An hour later we were being served breakfast while having our toes done.

"I can't stand that hag" Amelia grumbled. I smiled.

"It wasn't her fault I sent her. I didn't know your room number" She gave me a watered down glare. I gave her an innocent look. She ignored me. By the time our nails were being done Amelia was herself again, we talked. It felt normal. I have never spent time with the three of them like this but it didn't feel weird. We joked and laughed. Lily even thought to have a photographer there with us. The pictures he took didn't portray our best moments. But he captured the real moments and encapsulated the silliness; the joy; the love between us. I could almost forget I was getting married. The day was so stress free. It just felt like a group of friend hanging out. It felt normal. In the back of my mind I knew it wouldn't last nor will I get to spend time with them like this again. But it was memories like these that would pull me through no matter how crazy my life got.

We had a late lunch in my room. Our dresses had already arrived. I tried to avoid looking at the garment bag that held my dress while I ate. To Amelia's dismay Lily ate with us. All day she had just been shadowing me making sure all my needs were met. All while staying on top of last minute affairs and trying to keep me happy. She wasn't doing it because I was marrying someone powerful. She was doing it because I was the bride and today was my day. While she didn't have a formed opinion on vampires weddings were her thing. She genuinely thought I should be happy no matter what. After lunch it was time to get our hair done. My hair was curled into spiral curls and held up at the sides with little pearl combs mt gran wore on her wedding day. There are some people that enjoyed this kind of treatment on a regular basis. I wasn't one of them. It was a bit much and it was wearing me out.

I stood at the balcony of my room. I could already see that the canopy had been set up for the reception. That was something I had always wanted; to have my wedding reception outside. The canopy was huge. It was white and decorated in gold. There were also flowers than wound around the poles of it. It made the canopy blend in smoothly with the scenery. The hotel was set over endless green grounds. In the distance cherry blossom trees and weeping willows were swaying in the light breeze of spring. There was even a man made stream that ran through it. Over that was an arched white cobble stone bridge over it. White benches and colorful flower beds littered the landscape immaculately. Dusk was painting the scene with a beautiful glowing shade of red. I was speechless. It was perfect. Eric hummed into consciousness. There were a few rays of the sun casting shadows it wasn't fully dark yet. I fought the urge to communicate with him mentally. I just focused on how happy I was, knowing he could feel it.

The photographer clicking from behind me pulled me out of it. Behind him Tara and Amelia were giving me worried looks. I didn't know how long I had spaced out.

"Are you alright?" Tara asked. I smiled and nodded. It was a mixture of my panicked smile and something genuine. My nerves were back in full effect. Lily trotted into the room towing the woman who made my dress. I didn't care for Mary but Lily swore by her. Her designs went along with what I envisioned. I may be marrying a vampire king but I wasn't going to wear an obnoxious dress. The gown we came up with was perfect. It provided the precise blend of elegance, style and sophistication. The fabric she went with was silk. The dress had an empire waist line with a thick gold band under the bust. The straps crossed in the back. Countless crystal beads were hand stitched around the trim of it. The embellishments also ran over the straps. The dress displayed my form. There was no bulky paneling underneath. I have never been a fan of trains but the one she gave me was subtle. Tara was my maid of honor. Her dress was one shouldered. It was floor length with a thigh high slit. Amelia was my bridesmaid her dress was strapless and hung right above the knee. Their dresses were the same color of orchid. It coordinated with my bouquet. An hour later the three of us were dressed.

I heard their approach before they knocked. Vampires; three of them.

Lily answered the door and returned to the room followed by Pam, Tristan and Gideon. They were all decked out. Tristan was in a khaki colored suit. It complimented his dark hair and eyes. He was handsome as you would find most vampires were. Unlike most vampires he wasn't usually dressed like something out of GQ more like high end version of Abercrombie. It was very preppy but casual.

Gideon was in a classic tux. I tried not to stare at him. The last time we met he was human. He looked the same except he cut his hair. He was paler and his mind was a black hole but not a completely. I wasn't sure if it was because he was unique or because he was newly made. I couldn't read his mind. His signature was different. His black hole had static.

Pam had on a black silk gown. She was the equivalent to Eric's best man. They each carried boxes that looked like it held jewelry. I tried not to cringe. The last thing I wanted was more jewelry.

"Excuse us" Pam said. Everyone in the room got up and headed into the sitting room of the hotel. I stood there feeling strangely nervous. The vampires in front of me were Eric's relation after all.

"Is this the part were ya'll threaten me?" Gideon smiled brightly and stepped forward. It didn't escape my notice that no one answered my question. He opened the box he held. I stifled a gasp. It was stunning and simple. Sapphires and diamonds decorated a thin band. It matched my engagement ring. He seemed to be working hard to keep his eyes from the pulse point on my neck. I didn't hold it against him. He fastened the necklace. Next Tristan came forward. His box held a matching bracelet. He placed on my right wrist.

Pam moved with a box that I suspected held earrings. When she moved Tristan did too. At first glance he appeared very Andreish in regards to Pam. Tristan was scary but he wasn't creepy. Having been at the receiving end of both trust me when I tell you there is a big difference. When you looked closer he wasn't teetered to her ankle the way Andre was to Sophie-Anne. He didn't shadow her every step. It was more than that. It was a stronger pull than magnets; it was more like a satellite. He revolved around her. She so much as raised a hand and he moved to compensate. Even when I thought he wasn't looking; even when he wasn't close to her. It was sweet and very intense and very scary.

When she had placed the earrings on me she took a step back and gave me the once over. "This is the part where we threaten you" She said. Her face was calm. "I will not enjoy it but harm him and I will make you beg for death" It was a testament to my warped state of mind but I was actually unshaken by this. I know something was wrong with me. I would revisit it later. After all this was something humans did too. Except a threat from three vampires was much more viable and painful I was willing to bet money on that.

I nodded. Pam smiled and hugged me. Confusing right "Never would I have thought a breather would be worthy of my master but you my friend are" I returned her embrace. Only a vampire could go from delivering jewelry to making death threats in the same breath. Only Pam would add hugs, smiles, and odd compliments.

"Thank you Pam"

She released me and gave me a stern look "You will protect and serve him well" I nodded again.

Gideon snorted. "I'm his bodyguard" he stated it as if Pam was being simple minded. Pam looked annoyed. It was same look she used to give Anthony. Then I wondered if she may harbor any feelings of jealousy towards him. She has told me Eric had another child but that one wasn't called to serve him she was. I wondered if Pam had been his favorite. It seemed silly because she was a century and half old but I was trying to explain her palpable dislike for Gideon.

"In a fight I will bet on her" Pam replied. She was really making me sound like the bogey man to vampires. I just didn't need that. Gideon was looking at me and I knew that look anywhere. Many a vampire had directed it my way; appraisal. I smiled to seem less threatening.

"Their relationship did not get off in the right foot" Tristan said with a shake of his head. Gideon smiled and I had the distinct feeling he enjoyed that fact more than Pam did. The vampires left after that.

One more round of applause for Peppermintyrose!

Doing dedications are fun! But if you would rather I left you out then just let me know. Shoot me a PM. I won't be offended and I would hate to make anyone uncomfortable.

Thanks for dropping in. Review! Review! Review!