Disclaimer: All characters depicted herein are the sole property of Charlaine Harris and HBO.
Chapter 7 - Blood Bond
"It's really late," I told Bill. We hadn't moved from next to his car. As much as I would have loved to have stood there enveloped in his arms forever, the night was beginning to catch up with me. I was human and tired.
"I can carry you in, if that would please you," Bill told me. It would please me greatly, but I knew it would be a bad idea.
"Eric will be here tomorrow night or the night after I'm sure. Since I actually need to talk with him about Victor, I may have to invite him in." I didn't think Eric would be pleased to find Bill's scent in my bedroom. Bill looked disappointed.
"You are right. If Victor is threatening you, you need to speak with Eric. I will not make the situation more difficult than it currently is. I love you Sookie. I want you to know that if you are mine, I will not allow Eric to take you from me again. If you are mine, I will not hide in the shadows from Eric either."
I almost laughed at how much we both had changed since we had been apart. As hard as I tried to be a good Christian, I imagine that the preacher at church would no longer considered my morals Christian, my innocence and naïveté had been taken from me when I was tortured. No more was I so openly trusting and the eternal optimist. And here before me, Bill was waiting for me to allow his claim upon me; not just telling me I was his possession. "I am yours." I told him. My arms were still around him, so I hugged him more pronouncedly. "Goodnight," I said and walked toward my front door. It was time for a shower and then for bed.
"Goodnight Sookie," Bill responded, and I knew he had gone.
The next morning while I was enjoying my mug of coffee I noticed the answering machine light was blinking. I had a message. I walked over and let it play.
"Hey Sookie, its Amelia. I tried your cell but you didn't pick up. I just wanted to let you know that I have some good news. Call me when you get a chance. I'll talk to you soon," Amelia's voice played. The answering machine clicked to indicate the message was over. A thrill of excitement shot through me. I had a way out of at least part of this mess. I immediately grabbed the phone and called her back.
"Hey Sookie," Amelia said picking up the phone on the second ring. "How are you? I guess you got my message."
"Yes, I did! I'm good, even better now!" I told her.
"Don't get too excited just yet. We figured out what to do, but it's not exactly going to be a pleasant experience."
"It wasn't exactly a pleasant experience forming the bond either, so I'm sure I can handle it. How do we do it?"
"I'd rather tell you once we're there," Amelia explained. "Octavia will need to come too. And if you could get your cousin Claude, that would be even better. When are your next days off?" She asked.
I had Sunday and Monday off next week. It was only Wednesday, and I actually had tomorrow off. I was impatient now, and thought it would be great to have it done tomorrow, but Amelia said it would be better if I had two consecutive days in case I needed time to recuperate. I didn't want to wait, but Amelia knew what she was doing so we made the plans and Amelia and Octavia would come on Saturday. I was almost giddy with relief when we hung up the phone.
The rest of the day passed quickly. I was smiling my real smile as I pulled into the employee parking lot at Merlotte's. I wasn't going to let anything ruin my mood. I put my shield up as strong as I could and I headed into the bar.
"Hey Sookie," Antoine called out from the kitchen.
"Hey," I responded happily. I went into Sam's office, clocked in, and headed for the floor.
"How did your business go last night?" Sam asked kind of skeptically.
My smile almost faltered, but I knew Sam well enough to know he was only worried about me. "It was less than fun, but I'd rather not talk about it." I explained working to keep my cheer.
"I didn't get a chance to tell you how wonderful you looked last night," Sam grinned. "You know, this is your place of business and if you ever wanted to come to work dressed like that, I could overlook you not wearing the uniform."
I laughed. "Thanks Sam. I think my dress would look even better with French fry grease and spilled beer on it." Sam just kept on grinning.
Jenna was working with me, and the night seemed to pass by as quickly as the day had. When we had a spare moment Jenna and I would talk. Since she was new in town I told her all the best places to g; not that there were many to choose from, and the things that went on around town. She told me she needed some new clothes as she hadn't brought many with her when she moved. I offered to go with her to Tara Tongs- the clothing store owned by my friend Tara. Jenna was cheerful at the prospect and we made plans to go tomorrow. I was off but she worked the closing shift, so we would go in the morning. I was in wonderful spirits as I headed home.
I was not surprised in the least to find Eric's corvette in my driveway when I arrived home. I had been thankful that he hadn't waited for me at Merlotte's. Instead he was sitting on my porch swing.
"Hello Eric." I said as I got out of my car. My voice was still cheerful from my good day.
Eric smiled at me sexily. "I'm glad you are in such high spirits to see me, lover. I knew you would come around," he said. Before I could blink I was off the ground, in his arms, standing at my front door. "Invite me in."
I rolled my eyes. "Put me down, now!" I demanded. "I'm in high spirits because I had a good day, not because you're here." I told him.
"You have always seem to enjoying playing hard to get, with me. Invite me in."
I opened the door from my place in his arms, because he hadn't yet put me down. "Eric, if you will put me down in the kitchen, you may come in." I didn't really think that he would have to comply to my conditioned invitation, but I was glad when he did. Eric leaned in to kiss me. My body wanted to conform to his, to return the kiss but I realized it was only the bond and instead of leaning in to him I stepped back.
"Sookie, is that any way to great your husband?" He asked playfully. "Aren't you supposed greet me with a kiss wearing an apron and heels, having just set out dinner?"
"Cut the crap Eric. We need to talk about Victor." I responded, trying not to roll my eyes. I had planned to offer him a bottle of TruBlood, but not after the crack about dinner. Instead I sat at the table and motioned Eric to take a chair. To my relief he did. "Last night he threatened me. Not outright, but it was clear. Had he pressed his fangs into my neck and had he pressed any harder, he would have been drinking my blood."
"I am sorry for that. I could not see him, or I would have removed him." Eric said.
"I appreciate that, but what are we going to do about him? He will come for me again, and again until he succeeds."
"I won't let that happen."
"You can't be with me every moment Eric, even if you wanted to."
"I could try. Move in with me. It would be easier there," He told me, his lips not quite concealing his smile.
"That wouldn't help during the daytime," I deflected. "We have to find a way to get rid of him."
"I know," Was all he responded. Though vampires didn't age, after the last few months he looked older somehow. Everything that has been happening was taking a toll on him. I would have felt sympathy, because a lot of it had to do with me; but I couldn't bring myself to, because he brought it on himself with his unrelenting pursuit of me.
After a few minutes of silence I offered him a drink. He accepted and I walked to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of synthetic blood. I heated it briefly, shook it so it would be the same temperature throughout and handed it to him. It didn't take him long to finish it.
"Can we make up now, Sookie?" He asked. He put the bottle down and took my hand.
"There is nothing to make up to." I answered staring at the floor. "I am serious when I say we aren't together anymore. I don't love you anymore Eric. I am no longer yours." I told him, looking up to meet his eyes.
"We'll see." Eric said, before he left.
I was glad that Eric had been on his best behavior tonight. My mood was still light, though not as cheerful as it had been earlier. I made myself a turkey sandwich, and ate it in front of the TV. I only watched a little before it was time for me to go to bed. I had an exciting day planned for tomorrow.
It was my day off, and it was going to be beautiful. I met up with Jenna at Tara's store. We arrived at almost the same time, so neither of us was waiting. She needed some new tops, and she was hoping to find a pretty dress, something nice that someone might notice her in. She wasn't a loud projector, so I didn't have too much difficulty shielding my mind from her thoughts. When I did hear them though, they weren't bad. She was sweet and honest. Not as up front as Amelia, she said what was on her mind just in a more understated manner. Jenna wasn't one to pretend to be someone she wasn't. The time was light and fun, and passed too quickly. I had hoped to see Tara, and introduce Jenna to her but she had taken to coming in later. It seemed that has her pregnancy progressed, she needed more and more sleep. I really couldn't wait to meet her twins.
I spent the rest of the day getting my house ready for guests. Amelia and Octavia would both take the rooms that had previously been theirs; Amelia upstairs and Octavia across the hall. Claude had also used the room upstairs, so I wanted to make sure it was extra clean. Amelia still had a few things left in her room, and I was a little sad to think she might take all of them with her when she left this time. I knew she wasn't ever coming back to Bon Temps permanently. Octavia's room was still clean, only having had an overnight visitor in it. I changed all the sheets, and re-made the beds. I spent time cleaning the bathroom, singing along with the radio when the mood struck. Of course it was good that I lived alone during those minutes, because while I have many talents- singing has never been one of them.
I called Claude in the evening to ask if he would come over to help. He was less inclined than he could have been, as he found Eric to be extremely handsome and intriguing. He didn't exactly approve of anything that would make him less likely to occasionally run into Eric, but then again Eric might get carried away 'enjoying the pleasure of his company' and kill Claude as my cousin was a fairy. Fairy blood is intoxicating to vampires. Claude agreed though, even if he was reluctant.
I had the lunch shift at Merlotte's on Friday, which I was glad for because it meant I would get off in the evening instead of the early hours of the morning. I was excited all day in anticipation of Amelia and Octavia's arrival. It was a fairly busy afternoon, as there was a retirement party for one of the Norcross workers, who had worked at the lumber processing company for 35 years. The atmosphere of celebration combined with the work load made my shift pass quickly. I was really getting used to finishing a shift without incident – something that became less common in proportion to the more time I spent with Eric. By sheer coincidence Amelia and Octavia walked into the bar right after I had clocked out. I was expecting them to meet me at home, but seeing them was a welcomed surprise.
"Amelia!" I exclaimed running over to give her a hug. I really missed my former roommate, and one of my best friends. "Octavia, you are looking good. How are you?" I asked giving her a hug as well.
"Sookie! I've missed you!" Amelia told me.
"Thank you, sugar. I'm doing good. How are you?" Olivia asked.
"Positively overjoyed, seeing you both!" I told her. "I'm just getting off, you want to have a drink or get some food, or are you ready to head out? I can make something at home."
"We were just stopping in to see if you were off yet. Since you are, we can just head to your place." Amelia told me.
"Then follow me." I said with a smile. I called goodbyes to Holly, Sam, Jenna, and Antoine before I turned and left the bar.
I made meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans for dinner and we drank peach iced tea I had made earlier this morning. We had a comfortable evening catching up with each other. I learned that Octavia and her boyfriend Louis were happier than ever, and they were getting married in a Wiccan ceremony known as a Handfasting. I was truly happy for her. After all she lost in Katrina, it was only right she would be able to build a happier future. Amelia was slowly but surely working off her punishment for the Bob 'incident' (how we referred to the unfortunate transformation of her lover, a fellow witch into a cat). She was also getting more direct training, and would in no time be a powerful witch in her own right. I gave them an overview of what had been going on in my life, since last we talked. I was still a little touchy about breaking up with Eric, but I knew it was the right thing to do. I gushed a little over the rekindling of my romance with Bill. At that point I could hear the alarm in Amelia's thoughts, so I put more force into my mental shields, so I wouldn't let her thoughts deter me. For once, Amelia didn't tell me what she thought, and I appreciated her for it. When the subject of the blood-bond came up they told me we would talk about it in the morning. I was so excited I could hardly sleep when we finally said good night.
I had eggs, grits, bacon, and biscuits ready when Amelia rose, followed not to long after by Octavia. Breakfast was homey and I enjoyed the company of my friends. It had been too long since I had breakfast with anyone besides myself. The sunshine flowing through the windows was warm and I took it as on omen for the day ahead and smiled.
Claude arrived around eleven. Breakfast was over, the dishes were cleared, and Octavia, Amelia, and I were sitting in the living room watching TV. I nearly leaped out of my seat when I hear the knock at the door. I checked through the peep hole just in case, but the most breathtakingly lovely fairy was standing on my porch. I opened the door.
"Claude. Thank you for coming!" I greeted him. He stepped inside and hugged me. We had grown closer when he stayed with me recently.
"I can't say that I think don't think you'd be better off without him, but Eric is such a prize to look at." Claude told me with warmth.
"Octavia, this is my cousin Claude." I introduced them.
"Hey." Amelia said with a little wave having met him previously. We had planned to go together and see him at work (he owned two clubs where the men were less than dressed by the end of the show); but that was before she moved back to New Orleans and we had never made it.
"Hello." Octavia greeted him warmly.
"Sookie said that I would be able to help, but she didn't say how." Claude said.
Amelia looked at Octavia who nodded to her. "Well, the bond is formed through blood and magic, so it must be broken the same way. It doesn't weaken over time; it weakens through the loss of blood and is restored through sharing more blood." Amelia explained. She turned to me, "Sookie, what we have to do is drain your blood, disenchant it, and then replace it. Of course it would be better if we had other blood to replace yours with." She turned to Claude, "This is where you would be able to help. If we were able to replace even some of Sookie's blood with yours, it would be doubly beneficial because your fairy blood would be able to help break the magic of the bond."
Claude didn't look excited, and while I too was less than thrilled at the prospect, I was willing. I wasn't sure how willing Claude was. "Claude, I understand if you would rather not. This is something I have to do, but not you." I told him.
"You are my cousin, Sookie. This will help you. Actually, you having more fairy blood would be nice for me too. Remember how I told you how I yearned to be close to fairies? The more fairy blood you have, the stronger that would be for me when I'm around you." He said with a smile. Of course Claude would see what was in it for him, but I really didn't mind.
"Ok then. How do we start?" I asked.
"The sooner, the better." Octavia said. "We need to be finished before the sun sets."
"Any reason in particular?" Claude asked.
"The bond will not only be broken on Sookie's side, but on Eric's side as well. Eric will feel it when he wakes, if not sooner." Amelia explained.
"Then let's start." I told them. Sunset was a good 6 hours or so away so I realized it must take awhile.
Octavia and Amelia went to their rooms to get what they would need. I sat in the living room with Claude. Now that it was so close, I was a little afraid. I had been bonded to Bill not long after I met him, though not nearly as strongly as I had been to Eric. Then I was bonded to Eric, and that bond was so strong it had erased the bond I had with Bill. I had been bonded to a vampire for over 2 years. What would it be like to be free? I wasn't sure I even remembered how it felt before.
Octavia drew a large circle on my living room floor with chalk, and then went into the kitchen to make some kind of tea. Amelia started setting up things that looked like they would fit in better at the red cross than surrounded by my eclectic furniture. Claude took a book down from my bookshelf and started reading on the couch. I just watched as everything was prepared. I was worried it might not work, or that something might go wrong, but there was nothing for it. I was going to do this. I wanted to be free of Eric.
I must have been lost in my thoughts for awhile because hours had passed since Claude had arrived, and it was time to begin.
"First, we are going to have to put your body in sort of a coma. We are going to have to take most of your blood out, before we can put it back in, and we want this to be as safe as possible. We have some synthetic blood, and some donated blood to replace most of yours with. Once we've replaced what we can that way, we will wake your body from the coma like state. To replace the rest of the blood we have taken we will disenchant your blood. You will have to take it in as you took in the vampire blood – in other words you will have to drink it. Then you will have to drink Claude's blood, and the process will be complete." Octavia explained.
This didn't sound like fun, but I was ready. "Ok then. No point in delaying. Let's get this started." I told them.
Amelia offered me a mug with the tea Octavia had made in it. "Don't worry. Everything will be fine Sookie. It'll be done before you know it," she reassured me. "Drink up!"
I tipped the mug to my lips and almost gagged. What I had thought was tea tasted awful and smelled worse, but I drained the cup like a trooper. "That will help you relax." Amelia said, and she led me to the circle she had drawn on the floor. "Lay down in the middle," she told me. I walked to the center and laid down, making sure I was completely laying flat completely inside the circle.
"Doing ok Sookie?" Claude asked from the couch.
"Just fine." I responded dreamily. The tea was working and I was feeling more relaxed by the minute.
Amelia and Octavia took spots on opposite sides of the circle, next to where my arms were. They started chanting low and quiet, and they started walking around the circle clockwise. Then what they were chanting changed and I could feel the words in me, even though they didn't seem to be in a language I was familiar with. As they picked up the tempo I felt as if the chanting was coming from me, as if it were coming from my navel. The feeling was spreading from my navel out through my body in waves. I lost track of time. The chanting had taken over almost my whole body, for a second I felt like I was the sound, and then I didn't feel anything more.
I woke up slowly, feeling like the waves of chanting were receding from my body. I knew I was still lying in the center of the circle but everything was different. The chanting that was slowly moving back to my navel didn't sound like it had before. It was lighter, and the words were different. The relaxation I felt was replaced with weakness. I felt light-headed, and my arms hurt, in the crooks of my elbows, I may not have been awake for the needles being put in, but I definitely felt that they had been there. There was a band around both of my arms above the elbows that was sore too, I figured that was from the tourniquets.
The chanting was finished and Amelia was standing above my head. "Welcome back."
"Thanks." I whispered, not sure I had the strength yet for a longer reply.
Claude had walked over, concern written on his face. "How are you feeling?" He asked, and I told him.
"Well the easy part for you is over." Amelia told me with a smile.
Octavia walked over to me with a bowl. "Now you have to drink," she told me. I looked down and the bowl was full of blood that I realized was mine. There were bits of what looked like powers or herbs, and I figured that it had already been disenchanted. I grimaced, but did what I had to, and drank deeply. For the second time today I gagged, and almost lost it, but I kept the first mouthfuls down and drank on. I asked for a towel to wipe my mouth with as I finished. I was actually beginning to feel better, my strength was returning.
"Now Claude, your turn," Amelia said smiling at him. She handed him a knife I didn't recognize as being mine, it was crescent shaped, and had a white handle. "It's the most powerful, direct from the source." Amelia told him.
"Sookie, you're lucky you're kin and I love you. Sitting around for hours, only to slit my wrist and let you drink my blood isn't exactly my idea of a good time," he told me.
"Thank you, Claude, for doing it anyway," I responded.
He smiled. He took the knife from Amelia, cut sliced open his wrist and offered it to me. I drank, and with each swallow I took, I could feel the power in his blood entering mine. After a minute Claude pulled his arm away.
"I can already feel it in you," he told me, his voice sounded as if it held just a bit of wonder. Claude stepped back.
Amelia and Octavia took the places they had started at around the circle and started chanting again. This time it sounded a lot like the first thing they had chanted. I saw them walk around the circle again, this time in the opposite direction. Octavia said something that I didn't grasp, as I was off in my one little world, wondering at how different I felt, and how, not different I felt all at the same time.
"We're done!" Amelia said, and both she and Octavia looked obviously relieved. From the sunlight coming in the windows I could tell it was late afternoon. They had been working for awhile.
"Thank you so much!" I beamed, standing up to give Amelia and Octavia a hug. "You really don't know how much this means to me." I told them.
"You will know by night fall if it has fully worked; once the vampire has wakened for the day." Octavia said. I knew they wouldn't be staying in person to find out. They had to get back to New Orleans tonight.
I was feeling almost normal, so I offered to make them a late lunch, or early supper, whatever meal they wanted to call it, but Octavia said they had to get on the road. As they were cleaning up, Claude gave me a hug, he put his nose in my hair.
"You smell different." He told me. "I can smell the synthetic blood, and the donor blood, but your blood smells different now too."
I didn't know what to say. "Well I hope it's a good thing." I responded.
He thought for a moment, still holding me. Fairies were a little touchy-feely. "I think it is," he said. Then he let go of me and we said or goodbyes. He had to get to his club.
When the witches had finished cleaning they went to their rooms and retrieved their bags. They had been finished the spell maybe an hour earlier, and they were ready to start home. I was sad to see them go, but knew there was nothing for it. They had lives to get back to, and they came out here as a favor to me. "Thank you so much." I told them both, giving them great big hugs.
"You're welcome, child," Octavia said. "Let us know how everything turns out."
"I will," I told her.
"I'll talk to you soon." Amelia said to me.
"I miss you already," I told her giving her one last hug. Then they walked to Amelia's car, put their bags in the trunk, and were pulling down my driveway. I was alone with myself, and waiting for night to fall, to see if it really worked.