A/N: I want to start by telling you all how much I appreciate the reviews and pm's I get regarding this story. I can't respond to everyone, but it is really humbling and awe inspiring to have people tell you that something you wrote brought them to tears, and I really need to let you guys know how much that means to me. My foray into fanfic began as a sort of writing exercise. I wrote when I was younger, but after years of study and practice in a field that doesn't encourage this type of creativity, I felt lost. I thought if I wrote in a closed universe, it would be a way to get those creative juices flowing again. Thank you all for being my willing guinea pigs in that experiment. You've given me confidence to start an original story of my own. It is just a little kernel of an idea at this point, but the fact is that without all this feedback, I doubt I would have had the courage and wherewithal to do so. So, thank you.

Once again my deepest gratitude goes out to Kristin and Galla for beta-ing this for me. These latest chapters have been incredibly difficult to write, and their comments and encouragement help me get through it.

Please be patient with the story and my updates. Like I said, these chapters have been harder to write, so it may take a little longer at times to update, but I promise I will see it through.

Chapter 21

I knew it was going to take Sookie a long time to heal from the wounds Sutherfield inflicted on her psyche. I was no stranger to the effects of torture. I had, in fact, often been the cause. I also knew the effects of rape on a woman. That was something I had never done, but I do recall from my days as a human how it affected the women of a village after a raid. I also recall the effect on my aunt.

I was the one who found her, after two men from a neighboring village had taken her. It took a few weeks before she would allow anyone but my mother to touch her, and months before she would be alone with any man, even my father. Eventually she did return to herself, mostly. However, that certain spark never returned to her eyes, and a hard edge of wariness permanently replaced it.

I only hoped Sookie could somehow return to herself, that the core of her remained.

When we arrived at Barton's home, Dr. Ludwig was already waiting. After examining her, she immediately advised me to give Sookie my blood, which I willingly did. It was difficult because she kept slipping in and out of consciousness, and I repeatedly had to reopen my wrist, but eventually she drank enough. Then we cleaned her up, and put her to bed.

Dr. Ludwig spoke with me at length, detailing the extent of her injuries. In addition to being physically violated, she sustained many injuries related to torture. There were numerous cuts, bruises and lacerations all over her body. However, the doctor advised me that the worst injuries were to Sookie's psyche.

She did not know how Sutherfield did it, nor did she know exactly what was done; Sookie would have to tell us, but she could see the blackness that hovered there, like a psychic bruise. I did not understand the extent of the doctor's powers, nor did I care to. I trusted the tiny half-demon with Sookie's life before, and she had not failed me, I trusted her now again.

I spent the first night just watching her sleep. I did not want to let her out of my sight, and when I went to my daytime resting place, I couldn't entirely shake the fear that she would be taken again while I slept. The only thing that placated me was the knowledge that, in addition to the three shifters at her door, Barton had extremely tight daytime security around his home.

I also went to her as soon as I awoke the next night, but then I had to see Barton with regards to Hot Rain. Apparently Barton's superior wanted the trial and punishment to take place in his jurisdiction. The British vampires had a similar, but not identical, method of organization. Each of England's counties was assigned a sheriff, and several counties together were overseen by a duke or duchess. Collectively, they were ruled by the vampire king of England, Scotland, and Wales. At any other time I may have found it a humorous and archaic approximation of the human monarchy. Now, however, I was seething. Barton's duke wanted to use these events to further his own ambition. Barton was trying to use his not inconsiderable influence to permit me to take Hot Rain back to the States. I had no doubt that Felipe would put Hot Rain's punishment into my hands.

When I returned to Sookie's room, I once again found Dr. Ludwig. She told me of the events of the morning, and how she believed that Sookie's normal post-traumatic reactions were being further aggravated by her telepathy. She doubted Sookie was in any condition to shield herself from the thoughts of the humans around her. She had sedated her slightly, so she would sleep the rest of the day, when there were more humans awake and about. Dr. Ludwig also gave each of Sookie's friends a stern talking to, telling them that if they couldn't keep their thoughts and emotions in check around her, she was going to send them packing. I thanked the doctor and entered the room.

I walked over to the wall near her bed, leaned back, and watched her sleep. I felt her begin to wake up after about an hour. At first it was just the stirring of her consciousness across the bond, but then I saw her body begin to move as well. I sent comfort and calm through the bond, and then she opened her eyes and looked at me.

"Sookie." I said, as I continued to send calm through the bond, but my voice betrayed my emotions. It took every ounce of inner strength I possessed not to take her up in my arms.

"Eric." She responded, and I felt so many conflicting sensations pour across the bond: love, fear, pain, anger, and self-loathing. It was heartbreaking. Still, I willed myself to rein in my impulses. "May I?" I wanted to know if I could approach her, and sit by her. I did not want to frighten her as Sam did this morning.

She began to thank me for rescuing her, and then as only she could do, she let her gratitude give way to anger, as she laid into me for risking myself to save her. I shushed her, and reached over to wipe away her tears, and she flinched away from me. She asked me not to touch her, and once again I could feel her self-loathing flood the bond. It was like a knife to my heart.

She began to ask questions. I answered the first couple easily enough, and then segued into her physical well being. When I offered her more blood, I saw her shudder, and I understood it to be because of the intimacy of the act. No small wonder. The two times she intentionally drank from me, she brought me to climax from that act alone. I tried to allay her fears, and offered my blood in a glass, but she refused.

She continued asking questions, and I tried to answer them as honestly as I could. I told her about Hot Rain, and about Sutherfield's escape. I could feel her panic at that last. She was terrified of him. I wanted to ask about the things he did, but I knew it was too soon. She would tell me when she was ready. Then she asked about Bill, Sandy, and the Were. I did not want to tell her, and tried to avoid giving her the details. I knew what happened to Bill would upset her greatly, but she pressed me for the information, and I knew she would not let up until I told her, or someone else did. She nearly threw up when I told her, and I was so very frustrated that I could not take her in my arms to soothe her.

Then she asked about Ian. I didn't want to tell her. There was no way to soften the story. She would know that the bond nearly killed him when Ciara died. Worse, she would see the death of romance and love, and I couldn't bear that. She needed to see that these things were still possible. Finally, however, she would blame herself, when none of it was her fault.

"Eric, please. I need to know everything."

I could deny her nothing. So I told her, and as I knew she would, she took the pain and suffering on herself. "Too much," she whispered. "Too high a price."

I told her there was no price I wouldn't pay for her, to have her safe. I needed her to understand, to feel it. I flooded the bond with my love for her, and gathered her into my arms. For a brief moment she surrendered, and I felt hope flare that perhaps she would at least let me in. It was a vain hope. Her panic tore through her, and washed over me, and she began beating my chest frantically. I released her immediately, and told her I would get the doctor.

She told me not to, and then yanked the I.V. out of her arm stating she needed the restroom, however, she lost her balance when she got out of the bed. I was at her side instantly, but I understood that she did not want me to touch her just then. The wash of emotions from her was confusing, and saddened me. Then she told me how she knew that I would find her, knew that I would come for her. She also said she didn't know where any of this left us, or who she was anymore, and asked me for time.

This was a good thing. That she was thinking ahead like that was a good sign to me. Of course I would give her time. Time was one of the things I had plenty of. I tried to pour all of my love and feeling into the bond in response.

After Pam helped her clean up, she went downstairs to thank everyone for helping in her rescue. I don't think I have ever been more proud of her. She was still herself. She didn't know it yet, but she was.

When she was finally sleeping once more, Barton came to me. I stepped out of the room with him, and followed him to his study. He offered me a glass of Royalty, and we sat down to talk.

"The duke has agreed to release Hot Rain to your custody," he began, "on one condition. He asks that any of Hot Rain's assets here be confiscated by him, and that you will not lay claim to them."

I pretended to think about it for a moment, but in truth it was the outcome I had expected. "I agree," I replied.

He smiled, raised his glass and said, "So, please satisfy my curiosity Northman. Why this woman? You are ancient, even among our kind. You would not bond someone easily. And for Felipe to have extended his personal protection . . . well, you can understand my curiosity."

I took a deep swallow of the blood—it really was a lovely vintage—and replied, "Do you know of the disaster in Rhodes?"

"Yes, I heard about it. Nasty piece of business, that."

"Then you know how so many were saved."

He looked at me for a moment, then his eyes widened. "That was her? Yes, I can see where bonding a telepath would be quite useful. There's more, though, and I don't mean her fae blood." At my look, he laughed softly, "Sorry, but I could smell it. It is one of my 'gifts', sensing fairies."

I relaxed a bit in my chair, but did not respond.

"It is obvious you care for her, as more than just an asset. From what I saw the other night it is a very strong bond, and that only occurs when there are feelings involved."

I still did not respond. I did not know Barton, even if he was friends with Felipe, and I did not see his endgame yet.

Barton raised his hand slightly, "Don't worry about me, Northman. I have no interest in your telepath. My tastes don't run in that direction. Plus, I would never be so imprudent as to get between the two of you. Hot Rain is a fool."

"Hot Rain is a madman." I replied. Then again, would I not be the same if the circumstances were reversed?

"And Felipe's interest? Even given the value of her talents, Felipe's efforts to retrieve her are above and beyond."

I smiled slightly. "You recall Sigebert and Wybert?" At his nod, I continued, "She saved Felipe, and me and the shifter, from Sigebert's wrath after the death of Sophie-Ann."

"That tiny human?"

"That tiny human and her car," I replied. "Felipe extended his formal protection to her shortly after. He had no choice but to aid in her rescue."

"Ah, that does explain things."

I drained my glass and said, "If there is nothing else, I need to speak to my people."

"Of course, of course," Barton replied with a wave of his hand.

As I stood in the doorway, I looked back at him, "Thank you. I am in your debt." Of course he already knew this, but I always acknowledged what I owed. I do not shirk my responsibilities.

I spent a few minutes talking to Pam and Sandy, asking them to talk to Felipe and set up the details of transporting Hot Rain back to the States. Then I returned to Sookie's bedside.

She was sleeping restlessly. She looked feverish, and her damp hair was sticking to her forehead. I heard her whimper, and then, while still sleeping, she begged, "Please, not again." I felt my fists clenching with the desire to kill Sutherfield. He was going to suffer for a long, long time before I was through with him. I leaned over and gently smoothed the hair away from her forehead. Her eyes flew open at my touch, and I quickly pulled away.

"Eric," she whispered, and I felt relief surge through the bond. "Please don't leave me."

"I'm not going anywhere, my love," I replied gently.

"Eric, I know what you felt through the bond," she began hesitantly, "I need you to know, I never . . . it was never willingly." Silent tears were running down her face, and I could feel her shame flood the bond. Could she really believe that I thought anything else?

"I know, my love. I know. I do not know what he did to you, but I know you did not want it. I knew your heart all the time." I longed to touch her, but was afraid she would pull away. She was talking, and as much as I hated what I was going to hear, I needed to know, and she needed to talk about it.

And she did. It poured out of her; Sutherfield's telepathy and his ability to torture her using his mind only. However, it seemed he also enjoyed using physical implements. She explained, in a near whisper,

[...] EDITED SEE CHAPTER 1 NOTE

Finally, she told me about Brazil, and what he showed her and told her on the plane.

"He is not going to let me go Eric. He will come back for me."

I growled. "He will never get near you again, Sookie."

Then she dropped the bomb. She told me that his abilities affected vampires as well, and suddenly, the other night made sense. Neither Pam nor I understood what had incapacitated us that night, and Hot Rain refused to speak. It was, to say the least, disconcerting to know that a man with his powers roamed free.

"I stopped him." She said. I looked at her in disbelief, and she continued. "I found a way to sneak into his head and watch." Her voice grew detached and cold, and I found myself strangely afraid for her. "I watched

...

[EDITED] SEE CHAPTER 1 NOTE

"Sookie, what did you do?"

She looked at me, her eyes unflinching, "I repaid him in kind."

Her cold voice sent shivers through my soul, and I wondered if I really had all of her back.

A/N: uh oh, what did she do? So, what should Eric do with Hot Rain?