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I will be updating every few days now. I will try my best to work on the chapters more but I am just so busy! Hope this one is enjoyable for you!

Chapter 20

Eric had really surprised me over the past few days. I knew he couldn't remember himself but I had gotten a bit of my brother back that I missed all these years and I was sort of enjoying it. After a long night of hide and seek though I was definitely tired. I climbed into my bed and tugged the covers up as high as I could without suffocating myself and went to sleep.

I must have slept all day and into the night because I could swear I felt Eric come into the room. It was dark out again and I had a small head ache I assumed came from over sleeping.

"No I would not do it." I heard him say to no one. "No no...She can redeem me." After that I heard him choking next to my bed as he fell to the floor. I threw myself into a sitting position as I reached for my brother. He was kneeling on the floor next me staring at something I couldn't see.

"Eric. Eric what is it?" I said as I slid onto the floor, landing on my knees in front of him. "Eric!" I called as I shook him.

His eyes stared past me a few more seconds before the fell on me with the most fear I had ever seen on his face, "Eric what the hell!" I said trying to snap him out of his trance. He jumped back from me.

"Eric? What happened?" I asked him again trying to get closer to him without scaring him away. I stood up and sat back on the bed within reaching distance of him. His face changed from fear to confusion.

"Uh...I ah..Had a bad dream." He said shaking his head a bit.

"Okay, well shit. It seemed like more then that to me." I said grabbing a hair tie from my night stand and tying my hair back. "Common on then brother. Like old times." I said holding my arm out to him so he would join me. He climbed in next to me laying his head in my lap. I stroked his hair and tried to calm him. It had always been the opposite for us in the past, Eric would hold me when I awoke from sleep terrified.

"I like being next to you. Did we do this often?" He asked, snuggling further into me. I couldn't help but smile a little as I touched his hair. "Why are you laughing?" He asked me.

"It's just that, if someone had told me a week ago that I would be snuggled up to Eric Northman stroking his hair.. I may have had a hard time believing it." I told him as he looked up at me.

"What? Why not?" He asked innocently. Of course he had no idea who he had been or had become.

"Well you weren't always this way Eric. Even more so now that you are a vampire." I told him.

"Like what?" He sniffed wiping the blood from his face.

"Well when we lived together you were always asking me to marry you then sleeping with the whole town. You were very...Full of yourself I think. Then when I knew you as a vampire it only became worse. You seem to think the sun and moon revolve around your kind. Not to mention you are definitely full of your self." I told him as he lay his head back down sadly.

"I do not wish to remember." He whispered to me as I went back to stroking his hair softly. "Would it be alright if I stayed here until sunrise?" He asked shaking the conversation aside.

"Yes that would be fine." I said scooting myself back down into the covers next to him. He pulled me close in his arms and nuzzled his nose into my hair as we both fell back asleep.

In the morning I changed from my nightie into my shorts and t-shirt as I headed into work early to help clean. I had promised Sam I would so some unpaid time for him after helping me with Eric. It was the least I could do after Eric almost attacked him and all. I grabbed a coffee and headed towards Merlottes.

I pulled into the parking lot and pulled my ass into the building with a little time to spare.

"Damn girl you look like shi'et." Lafayette said shaking his ass around the kitchen.

"Yeah well that is what happens when you stay up for twenty four hours straight and then sleep a whole day and night to long." I told him as I dropped my stuff in my locker.

"Damn! What kept you up like that? Now your here bright and early?" He asked raising his eyebrow.

"Look I know okay. I have a friend staying over and lets just say he got a little wasted and I had to chase him around the swamp. It took a lot out of me." I said rubbing my face with my sleeve.

"Well alright then...Sam said he isn't coming in today. He wants you to get this place tidy though." He said as he prepped veggies for the day. I only nodded as I grabbed the broom and dust pan, heading out into the restaurant to clean.

"Hey Olives" Tara called to me as she strolled in ten minutes late for her shift. I had been cleaning all day and my actual shift had just started. I had been behind the bar for her until she arrived.

"Hey! thank god you are here. Table four keeps asking for something called a fuzzy navel, or nipple or something. I have no idea what that is." I said smiling at her as I threw a cloth at her face.

"Well shit! People can wait for me!" She said sliding behind the counter. "Sookie called you yet?" She asked pouring shots all over the counters I had spent an hour cleaning.

"Nope. Saw her the other night but that is it." I had completely forgot! I have been so wrapped up in Eric's shit I hadn't even texted her.

"Me either. I feel like we should be getting worried by tomorrow if we still haven't heard back." Tara said rolling the drinks my way.

"Okay I can agree to that I guess. Although I can't promise I won't try to text her." I said, smiling. I really didn't know what I would do if Sook needed me and I was stuck with Eric bloody Northman.

"Shit. I never said I wouldn't either." We nodded to each other as I served the shots to table four.

'Damn I knew she would be hot but this is ridiculous. Looks like she hasn't even showered but damn I would still hit that.'

'Marnie was right, definitely not human. Could be some sort of witch?'

'Shit I could take you, dumb fang banger and all.'

My head shot around the room as I took in the thoughts of a small group of people. I found them sitting in a booth by the door, two women and a man all looking at me cautiously. What were they talking about? How did they know I wasn't human and who the hell was Marnie? I got a little closer to them as I asked the neighboring table if they had everything they needed.

'God Dammit Abe stop staring at her like your going to eat her. We get it shes hot but I don't see anything special about her.'

'What I would love to do to her.'

'Marnie is going to be happy we found her. The vampire can't be far behind.'

I bumped into Arlene as I flew into the kitchen to calm myself. Leaning down I breathed deeply counting to ten.

"What is it?" Tara asked me from the window.

"No...Nothing! I am fine just feeling a bit sick. I need to use the washroom." I said, escaping to the privacy of the staff room. I grabbed my phone and called Pam.

"Fangtasia?" I heard her answer.

"PAM! Pam there are some people at my work looking for Eric. They know he is with me somehow!" I said spitting the words out at top speed.

"Shit. How do you know this?" She asked, Panic in her voice.

"I heard their thoughts." I said.

"Okay I will figure something out. Just keep working your shift and when you get home don't be surprised if Eric is gone okay?" She asked me.

"Uh huh...Okay yeah that sounds good. Just let me know what is going on when you figure this out okay?" I said into the phone, "Just tell Eric-" I tried to speak as I heard the dial tone come back to me. Shit! She hung up on me!

I exited the bathroom and headed back to clean up a few tables noticing they still sat there. I calmly walked to their table to see if they were going to say anything to me. "Hey! Is there is anything else I can get you?" I asked acting bubbly and a little over excited.

'What the hell is wrong with this dumb bitch?'

'Yeah baby I'll tell you what you can get me...'

"No we are fine with just coffee for now thanks." The short fat blonde one said as she tucked her hair back behind her ear.

"We came here to speak with you anyways." The man called Abe spoke up. The blonde one whacked him with the back of her hand.

"Dammit Abe that could have waited until closing time!" She said as her eyes went back to me, "Listen we know you have the vampire. We don't want to hurt you but you should cooperate with us." She said.

I smiled at her. "I have no idea what you are going on about. Do you mean Bill Compton?" I asked playing stupid.

"Who the hell is Bill Compton?" Abe asked me his face changing from nice to mean.

"Well the only vampire I know is called Bill Compton and unfortunately he has been missing for at least a week. I haven't seen him." I said as I leaned against the booth seat.

"Okay well if you don't know who we are talking about that's fine. We have been authorized to take you back to Marnie. She wants to meet with you." The brown haired lady said. She actually looked like she believed me. I cleared my throat and spoke up.

"Sure okay. Who is Marnie though?"

"She is part of our coven. We sort of follow her in a way." Abe said as his eyes looked me over.

"Okay so what? You are witches or something?" I asked. This was just silly.

"Yes we are. Problem?" He asked me. I smiled widely.

"I guess I just figured witches were women, you know?" I twirled my hair with my fingers and kept playing dumb. Hopefully I could get close to this coven and stop it at its source, Marnie. Abe started to try to get up but the blonde one held him back.

"Look we don't want a fight we just want a meeting okay? So when you get off your shift just come with us okay? No damage done." She said eying me again.

"Okeydokey." I said as I hopped away. I had to text Pam and tell her what was happening.

Me: Pam I am being taken back to the coven to meet someone called Marnie after my shift. I cannot get away from them.

Pam: Alright but be careful. I have Eric now and he isn't happy I took him from your house. If he knew you were being put in danger I would be punished.

Me: Don't worry. I will figure this out.

Pam: Be careful.

Once I got off work I grabbed my bag and changed my shoes from sneakers to boots. Maybe tonight wouldn't be so bad? If I could just talk to this Marnie person I might be able to get her to set Eric right. If not I hoped what I had heard from other Far in Fairy was true. If witches got their magic from the earth then maybe being part of the earth would give me a little control?

Sliding out the back door I met up with the trio by my car. "I am just gonna follow you I hope that is okay. When we are done I can take myself home." I said trying to pretend I was unaware of their thoughts, which at the moment were telling me that I wouldn't be going anywhere for a while.

"Don't get any finny ideas now you here? Marni doesn't like to be left waiting around." The man snipped as he pulled their car from the parking space next to me. I nodded and waved smiling. I was hoping they thought I was totally unaware of what was really happening. It seemed the brunette thought I was faking it but the others were totally oblivious.

When we finally got back to Bon temps we turned into a small parking lot next to a mini mall. The building had a little shop in front called 'Spell Box' all lit up in greens and blues. It looked like some sort of Wicca shop but it had fortune telling signs up as well. Clearly Marnie was a lady of many talents.

We went in, I followed behind taking it all in. If I had to get out quickly I already saw two ways out. I hadn't taken on a coven of witches before and I was scared I may have over estimated just how many people would be here. There was at least ten of them all hanging around while a middle aged lady with brown hair stepped forward.

"You must be this Oliver I have heard so much about? Please dear come and sit in the office with me." She said gesturing towards a large wooden door behind the counter. She took me into her small office and closed the door behind me. "Please sit dear I wish to give you a reading." She said getting me so sit at a small table across from her. She lit a candle and placed it between us, "Could I get something to hold onto? Just something personal." She asked holding her hand out to me.

Tugging the small silver chain from my hair I handed it to her. "Okay now dear just relax. Just think of something...A question maybe." She said shaking her hand around the necklace.

Wind poured into the room from somewhere as we started to hear voices speaking, "There is a presence here." She said closing her eyes. "Sounds like someone who crossed over long ago." She inhaled deeply and opened her eyes as she looked to the ceiling, "A woman." She looked confused. "I...I see a crown." She said unsure of herself. I knew instantly who it was. I was so shocked I could barely speak as I thought of Astrid, my mother...

"Someone still young. To young to have life ripped away..." Her voice trailed off as she looked back towards the ceiling again.

"Oh my gods." I said under my breath. "I think it's my mother." I said without thinking.

"Well whoever it is says she misses you very much." Marnie said trying to figure out why my mother was so long dead.

"I miss her. Is she okay?" I asked her looking to the ceiling and trying to find my mother.

"Mm...She is at peace." Marnie nodded her head and looked at me finally. "She wants to make sure you look after someone...Um..." She closed her eyes tightly trying to find the voice, "Ha! Yes a sibling! A brother maybe?" She asked smiling. It must be hard listening for the dead.

"Yes I do think that would be correct." I said smiling back at her. God I missed my family.

"Your mother has another message for you..." She said shaking her head back and forth. "Are you falling in love?" Marnie asked me. I had to think about it. Lately Eric had been very different but I had never stopped loving him. I guess in a way I loved him more?

"No more then usual." I said grinning. I knew that if Astrid heard me she would be smiling wherever she was. Eric and I were always at odds.

"Astrid says this man you love is important. But you must be careful...There are many dangers you will face." She said looking at my with fright. "The situations are temporary but challenges none the less!" She took my hand in hers as the voice became clear to me.

"It won't last sweet one. It is worth it in time if your heart is true." The sound of my mother wafted through the air all around me as I felt tears fall from my eyes.

"Mother! Gods mother please don't go!" I called out as the voice slowly faded to nothing leaving only a scared looking witch in my wake.

"You heard that?" She asked holding my hand tightly.

I pulled my hand from hers and threw myself from the chair trying to get to the door. "Wait! Please I have so many questions!" Marnie cried as we both flew out into the store where everyone was watching in awe.

"Please what are you?" She said stopping in front of me as her coven formed a circle around me. All the candles that were placed around came to life around us as they closed in on me.

"Marnie?" The blonde one asked, "What is it? What is going on?" She asked as she slid her eyes over my body.

"Oh are you kidding me?" Marni yelled at the circle, "I am not Marnie! How have you not realized this?" She cried as she made eye contact with me again. "I am centuries old! And You! You are older!" She pointed at me.

Here we go. Another friggen explanation needed. I was getting so tired of this crap, "What are you! Tell me or I will harm you!" She said stepping closer.

"What I am is pissed off!" I yelled back at her, "I am so sick of this shit. Everyone is always threatening to hurt me. No one actually ever does! Can't you just fix Eric and let us alone already?" I hollered.

Her face changed then as she realized that I had been lying earlier. "Ha! You think I would help that creature? We are at war with vampires! I would not change him back for all the tea in China! Now tell me what you are?" She demanded again.

My hands started tingling as they usually did when I felt threatened. I raised my hand towards her, "Try to use magics on me witch! See what happens." I spat at her. The light swirled around my hands, visible to all the witches now. I could hears gasps and whispers.

"I can use magic on whomever I please. You are no match for me child." She taunted. Her eyes were on my hands the whole time as I stepped through the crowd of angry witches by the door. "No! Do not let her leave! Hold the circle!" She cried as wind swept over us again slamming the doors closed.

"Tell me what you are!" She screamed spitting everywhere. Finally I knew what I had to do, stepping forward. I grabbed the air as her body slowly lifted from the ground making wild choking sounds. "Let me down!" She flung her legs around.

"I asked you to fix Eric! I asked nicely! Now I will make you!" I yelled squeezing the air tighter. My fingers felt longer then usual as my light flew around me. Looking to them I saw they had lengthened becoming sharp at the ends. "You will fix him or I will take your power from you." I told her as I let her body fall harshly to the floor.

"What is happening? What are you doing to her!" The man from the bar yelled trying to come at me as I pointed my other hand at him throwing him into the wall.

"You will all stay back or I will take all of your powers!" I yelled as I continued to only stare at Marnie. "Now witch do what I ask!" I walked forward towards her looking at her body laying still on the floor just staring at me in fear. "If you value the body you have stolen. If you value any power you will ever have, you will do it." I seethed kneeling down to her and laying my hand just above her chest. Her whole body shook in fear of me as I moved the hair from her cheek to behind her ear. "Come now Marnie is what I ask so hard?" I helped her to her still shaking feet as I wiped some dirt from her shoulder. "If you haven't fixed this within two nights Marnie I will come back for you." I smiled kindly at her trying to keep calm. I could feel my power trying to break free of me as I took in a deep breath, "I will see you soon." I turned and left without looking back, climbing into my car and heading for Fangtasia.

Me: Pam! Just leaving now. Heading for you.

Pam: Eric is here waiting.

Me: See you in twenty.

As I drove I tried to calm myself but my powers were still raging through me. I could feel it swirling in my gut and trying to break free. I was basically trying not to pass out from it as I drove slowly down the highway towards Fangtasia.

"Pam!" I called out as I dropped my keys on the bar. She rushed out from the office along with Eric who looked angry.

"Why did you go there? On your own Oliver really?" He asked coming to stand in front of me.

"Eric?" I asked trying to figure out which vampire I was talking to.

"They haven't fixed him yet if that is what your asking." Pam said crossing her arms over her chest.

"Why did you go on your own!" He asked grabbing my shoulders and trying to get me to focus on him.

"Eric calm down. I realize you don't know much about me but I was definitely not in any danger from witches. Now let me go!" I said as I sway back and forth.

"Oliver! Why are yours eyes white?" Eric tried to steady my on the chair as I slowly fell towards him. "OLIVER!" He roared as I lost consciousness.