**Author's note: Bill and I disagreed about the length of the chapter finally we decided to split the it in two. Second part will come in Chpt. 16**
We did the best we could to try not to over think the information (the little we got) from my fae cousins and life slowly started to fall back into a smooth flow; (well as smooth as things can get when you're boyfriend is a vampire and you're a telepath with fae tendencies, ha, ha, ha).
Work at Merlotte's was one lunch shift with a mix of the dinner and later shifts. As for the people in my life, well; Arlene was still her bigoted and hateful self, Sam still didn't like me being with a vamp, Terry was still his 'not always-there-self' and the kitchen was still a revolving door for short order cooks. Since Lafayette's passing (it was a lot more violent than that word makes it sound), Merlottes' had gone through cooks as people go through toilet tissue. Jason was still a lousy brother and a horndog and I'd still had not seen him since we'd been back from Wyoming, Octavia was still visiting family in Baton Rouge and Amelia was my constant home companion that is when she wasn't with Tray and I wasn't with Bill.
Bill normally met me after my late shifts but tonight he'd be at Fangtasia with Eric discussing issues left behind from Bill's 'rescue' but we deemed it safe enough for me to come home alone. I was to call Bill or Fangtasia before I left Merlottes' and when I made it home. (Bill had gotten me an ear piece so that I'd not have to hold my cell when I drove. I really didn't like it but it did come in handy occasionally). Sam was to walk me to my car and Amelia would talk to me on the cell until I made it to the house. I made it home in one piece, called Bill, took a shower and Amelia and I went to bed. She'd been so good at putting up with Bill and me and all the renovations going on non-stop that I felt we owed her one night of peace and quiet. Bill had called around 2am to let me know he was still at Fangtasia. He wasn't too happy about being there and I'd certainly felt the frustration in his voice; but as he stated "all was well", I didn't inquire further. I figured he'd tell me what was wrong when he came home. (He'd promised he would wake me.)
As I drifted back to sleep the security lights came on brightening up the entire house and I heard someone at the front door trying to open it. I was so tired and scared I'd forgotten to check for brains and any danger outside. Amelia met me in the living room she was holding a broom stick, (like if that was going to do anything if it was an attack) as my cell started to ring – the security company. We peered out the window to see Jason at the door sorting through keys trying to open the door. Amelia shut off the alarm system while I spoke to the security company telling them I'd not been fast enough in resetting the system upon my entrance. After the operators' comment of "you're the human, right? We understand just be a little faster next time," I wanted to tell operator off but simply agreed and hung up the phone. I was too tired and in needed of sleep to argue.
I don't know if Jason had been drinking but that would've help excuse his obnoxious behavior a little. He was shouting why I hadn't told him I changed the locks basically locking him out of gran's house. I had to remind him that it was my house now and that I'd not seen him in months. (Bill had reminded me to call Jason for the demonstration and setup of the security system but as he never returned my call I never bothered to call him again.) Now with his stupid behavior I considered not giving him the security pass code setup for him.
"The sewer backed up into the house, it's all over the place so I can't stay there thought of staying here until I can get it cleaned. It's weird I mean you know I'm real careful with the house I just don't know how this could happen. I'm doing the early shifts so HotShot is out. I get the couch right?" Immediately I knew this was going to be a problem for Bill and me. Bill had never gotten over Jason hitting me when gran died, he just let it go for my sake and now the sore spot would be stroked with Jason being in the same house with us.
"Jason there's a new security system to protect the house and other renovations are being done too. I setup a pass code for you. Here. (I gave him his limited access pass code, swallowed and finally told him). And…, Bill and I are back together and we spend a lot of time together here."
He just lost it."You're back with that vamp? The security system was his idea right, cause you're in danger because of him? Haven't they put you through enough already? When you gonna' realize they're nothin' but trouble? I swear you can be so stupid sometimes Sookie! So what, this makes you his kept woman then?"
Tears started to well in my eyes but before I could say anything Amelia stepped in front of me and let him have it.
"How dare you? I mean you're her brother. You know Bill loves Sookie more than any human man ever could and he's trying to protect her and keep her safe from humans and other supes'; you're a supe now aren't you? He's giving her everything she's always wanted to share with a partner and household renovations are one of those things. You should be happy for her not bad mouthing her or at least be humble enough to remember that YOU came here for a place to stay because I can tell you she's been nothing but kind to me and Octavia, and I'll never be able to thank her enough for her and now Bill's kindness towards me. I for one, am happy they are back together as she is happier now than she was all of last year."
I'd gone to the linen closet to get sheets, a towel and a pillow for Jason as Amelia was tearing into him, I didn't want him to see how much his words had hurt me. When I returned he tried to apologize but the damage had been done.
"Sorry sis' it's just that I worry about you getting hurt an' all, I don't want anything to happen to you..."
"Glad to hear that," came a cold and deadly voice from the door, Bill. And, he looked pissed! The security company had also called him. He knew Amelia and I were already in bed and as I hadn't called him, he knew something was definitely wrong. How the hell did he get here so quick? I wondered. I also think he'd heard Jason and Amelia. You could have cut the tension in the house with a knife; I didn't know what to do or say so I let it go and went to bed; never discussing what happened with Bill.
As the days passed, we had no privacy; Jason took up most of the hot water, lingered in the living room sprawled on the couch, talking on the phone or taking over the television. Most nights we went over to "our other home" or Bill left before dawn so as not to run into Jason when he woke. The separation was driving me insane, I missed Bill, I missed our time together and falling asleep or waking in his arms. I wanted Jason gone but as the days passed I got the feeling that there was more to his story than the backed up sewer. Finally I couldn't take it any more and went to see Calvin. I left Bill a message incase he woke before my return, hopped in my car and took off for HotShot.
I already knew the people of HotShot weren't too happy with Jason setting up what led to the discovery of Crystal's infidelity and to my breaking Calvin's hand. To them he was as guilty as Crystal; he'd setup the events that led to her getting caught, in their world, he was as guilty as her. I'd also learned from Calvin that Jason had been carrying on with some girl (a werepanther from the local area) not even two weeks after I'd broken Calvin's hand. I'd a feeling that there was more than this and whatever the problem I was going to land in the middle of it and probably in the hospital too.
"Sookie my dear, it is always wonderful to see you but I expected you here a lot earlier than today. Tell me has Jason finally filled you in on what is going on in his life?" As those last words reluctantly left Calvin's mouth I knew that Jason had done it to me again. "Oh Calvin, what has my brother done this time? Please tell me I'm not going to have to hurt anyone else again; I really couldn't live with myself if I do." I shook my head and stared at the floor as tears started to streak down my cheeks.
"Sookie, we stood in for Jason and Crystal, you weren't aware of our laws and Jason appeared to have no true grasp of them; but he's been here long enough to know that there are things he shouldn't do. I regret that he'd been bitten, there are some that do look down on him because of this and I'd taken him under my wing as a favor to you. No one here blames you for his deeds." He said as he hugged me.
"However, your brother keeps placing himself in positions that can only cause him danger. Not two weeks after the incident with Crystal, he took up with another. And, a month ago he took up with a full-blooded that was sent here from another pack. Her kin sent her as they are negotiating her union with one from another pack. Your brother knew this and still pursued her almost causing a war between us. We sent the girl back, avoided a war, few were hurt and now Jason has to answer for his actions. He's not been dragged back because he's at your home and you've been through enough lately and he's to answer for his actions not you."
My heart ached; Jason still hadn't learned his lesson. He kept jumping from one bed to the next without a care and always only thinking about himself.
"Oh Calvin, I don't know what to say. He's my brother but I don't know what to do with him any more. He's a grown man and he's gonna have to deal with his shit this time around because I give up. Please just wait until he comes here I don't need this in my home. Bill will defend our home if it's attacked and I know I won't be able to stop him before someone else gets hurt. Just give me time to talk to Jason and convince him to come here instead. Is he going to need care afterwards because I've had it with him and I know it's going to be an issue for Bill and me?"
Calvin led me to my car and brushed the tears from my face as he said, "Sookie, we take care of our own and he is one of us now. Don't you worry he'll stay with me and get whatever care he needs."
I was driving home an emotional wreck; Jason had done it to me again. I couldn't believe he'd insulted me knowing damn well he had nowhere else to go and had lied to me yet again. If gran' where alive she'd do the people of HotShot the favor and beat him herself, he'd be asking for their punishment and not hers'. As my thoughts and tears streamed my cell rang. Bill was up and felt my sadness. I lied and told him I was fine and would see him soon.
Bill's POV
I felt her pain and sadness as my own; I know she is lying and covering for her brother; should I tell her I am aware of all that is going on? She thinks I didn't hear what he said the night he first arrived. Amelia had to put him in his place. I know I can't say anything as it will only cause her more pain. She thinks he's all she has left of her family aside from the fairies, but she also has me. I still remember him hurting her while Adele's body still lay on the cold kitchen floor and I still want to kill him. If he ever hurts her again he better pray that someone else gets him before I do. I want no one hurting her. She is more precious to me than my own life, more precious than blood itself.
I still wake from my rest with the nightmares of almost losing her; I can still see the bruises on her body and feel her body go cold and limp in my arms. Niall was right, I was planning my own final death if she died there. I was going to kill that damned Viking with his own sword then stab my own dead heart. How could I continue this existence without the woman that made my heart want to live again? She's been and is my breath, my sun, my life. I am alive because of her.
I'll protect her even from myself. I'll take on Niall himself. I'd cut down hell's gates and take on the devil himself for her. But now, I have to be here for her and swallow my anger. I have to comfort her as she explains what else her brother has done that is making her cry. I will protect him if she so desires, anything to keep my love happy, anything to keep her from crying, anything to keep her safe.
And I sit and wait, sit and wait until I hear her car in the drive way.
My love I am coming and after tomorrow everything for us will change.
-------------------------
Bill was sitting on the porch's steps as I drove up to the house; I felt my love for him flutter in my heart and the fear of having to tell him about Jason overwhelmed me. How was I going to tell Bill?
Bill was opening the door and offering his hand before I'd even pulled the keys from the ignition. He took me into his arms and kissed my forehead as he asked, "Sweetheart what's wrong? Why were you crying?"
"Bill I'm fine. I'll tell you everything tomorrow for now can we just go in. I want to soak in the tub with you, I want to make love, I want you to hold me and then everything will be fine. I promise I'll tell you everything but not tonight, can we have a moment that is just about us?"
"Sounds good to me," he said as he slid his arms under me and carried me up the stairs and straight into the bathroom. As the hot tub filled he undressed me and kissed my lips tenderly. He bathe me, washed my hair and we sat in the tub until the water cooled. Bill dried us off and carried me to the bed. We made love and were enjoying our post coital bliss, my eyes drifting in and out of focus as Bill rocked me in his arms and hummed along (almost to himself) with the song playing in the background. The song sounded familiar but I couldn't place it, but Bill kept murmuring part of the chorus as he placed gentle kisses over my face.
"Is forever enough, …, never giving you up." (kiss) (kiss)…,
It was so sweet, so funny (a vampire serenade) and so loving that finally I had to ask, "Honey, what are you singing?" Bill smiled almost looking embarrassed, kissed me on the forehead and picked up the remote to the new cd player we'd purchase last week. Before pressing play and adjusting the volume, he looked into my eyes, kissed me lovingly and gently and told me.
"It's a song I heard on the radio yesterday and I downloaded it. Someone has set to music what I felt the moment I fell in love with you and have felt ever since then. It's a song by The Dixie Chicks called "Lullaby." I planned on giving you the cd tomorrow but I think tonight is as good a night as any. I hope you like it."
Then he pressed play and he held me in his arms never turning his gaze from my eyes as the song played.
They didn't have you where I come from
Never knew the best was yet to come
Life began when I saw your face
And I hear your laugh like a serenade
How long do you want to be loved?
Is forever enough, is forever enough?
How long do you want to be loved?
Is forever enough?
Cause I'm never, never giving you up
Bill had shocked me to tears. I couldn't believe that he was this romantic or that he'd thought of us when he heard this song. I held on to him as the song continued.
I slip in bed when you're asleep
To hold you close and feel your breath on me
Tomorrow there'll be so much to do
So tonight I'll drift in a dream with you
How long do you want to be loved?
Is forever enough, is forever enough?
How long do you want to be loved?
Is forever enough?
Cause I'm never, never giving you up
Now Bill was crying along with me. How could I not know how much this man loved me? How could I ever have doubted that he did? How could I ever doubt that I wanted to spend my life with him?
As you wander through this troubled world
In search of all things beautiful
You can close your eyes when you're miles away
And hear my voice like a serenade
How long do you want to be loved?
Is forever enough, is forever enough?
How long do you want to be loved?
Is forever enough?
Cause I'm never, never giving you up
Is forever enough?
Cause I'm never, never giving you up
We were crying and kissing by the end of the second stanza and our love seemed to have wrapped itself around us. We made love (again), but this time it was unlike any other night we'd shared since our first time. The movements of our bodies might have been the same as other nights but this night, it was gentler, more passionate and loving. And, I swore the room glowed as our love for each other poured from our bodies. Bill didn't get up to go to his "hidey-hole" this night. He slept on the bed with me wrapped in his arms.
I woke late in the afternoon still wrapped in Bill's arms and still feeling the love that had surrounded us the night before. It was the first time we'd put the renovations to the house to full use; windows with light-tight sheeting, the heavy light-tight curtains and the steel panel that covered the bed room door and bolted from the inside.
Bill left me a note on the dresser mirror in his neat handwriting.
Sweetheart you are my angel.
I will love you forever and ever more.
Go to dinner with me tomorrow night.
Have a good day darling.
I Love You.
Your Bill
My heart skipped a beat with joy at the thought of going out on a real date with Bill. I wondered what I'd wear but first I needed to go to the bathroom to take care of my human needs as Bill called it. I went to the bathroom and felt hunger pangs, but hesitated going down to the kitchen and leaving the steel panel unlocked with Bill dead as a door nail on the bed. Hunger finally beat out my fears and I found another note taped to the door.
My love don't worry about my safety.
I had asked Amelia to put a spell on the house before you came home so we are well protected.
You still remember the words? I hope you do not have to use them as I am at the mercy of the elements.
I love you.
Your Bill
I didn't hesitate after that and headed to the kitchen for food. I had two days off from work and had extra clothes at Bill's so I'd no need to leave him alone. Amelia already knew I was at Bill's but I did check in with her. She told me Jason had gone to work and hadn't fussed too much about me not coming home. I ate, had some coffee, returned to the bedroom, locked the steel door and took a shower before lying back down next to Bill. I wrapped myself in his cool dead arms and quickly fell asleep.
"I may become too used to waking up with you next to me," he said as his mouth nuzzling my neck completely roused me from my sleep. I let out a low moan and Bill's eyes sparkled as his fangs descended he said, "I love you so much that I can't seem get enough of you. I want you more and more even after the moment we finish making love. But I have plans for us tonight so we must bathe you." Bill carried me into the shower and with a very serious look said, "no funny business young lady only a shower," as he bent down to kiss me.
"Where are we going?" I asked.
"It's a surprise but we also have to discuss a couple of things before we leave; your brother being one of them."
My heart skipped a couple of beats; did Bill know what was going on with Jason and what else did he have to discuss with me.