Thursday December 2, 1999
Apartment 4D – Shreveport, Louisiana 12:00 p.m.
I woke up to chattering in the living room. I knew immediately that Amelia was out there. Her thoughts were overwhelmingly boisterous. I threw the covers from my body and noticed that I was naked as the day I was born. I was really going to have to talk to Eric about leaving me this way. With people freely walking around in my apartment I at least needed some form of cover. Swinging my legs over the side of the bed I padded to the bathroom. I turned on the spray of the shower and stepped behind the curtain. As the water cascaded down my body and washed away the filth of the previous day I felt rejuvenated.
As I stepped over the edge of the tub I reached into the linen closet to retrieve my last clean towel. Drying off quickly was no easy task. The heat of the bathroom and the oppressing humidity left a sheen of moisture that was useless to try to wipe away. Stepping from one room to the other was like walking in the extremes of mother nature. I was instantly rigid with cold. The once sweaty sheen turned to ice against my skin causing me to shiver and shudder with the chilly bite of it.
Recovering from the sudden chill I rushed to dress. Digging in my dresser I pulled out the first pair of matching underwear that I felt. I stepped into the panties and pulled them up my body. When they were settled on my hips I slipped the bra straps up my arms and reached behind me and clasped the hooks together. The ice blue satin made the last remnants of my summer tan stand out against the stark pale color. Clothes were even easier. I stood in the doorway of my closet and scanned the contents. I spied a pair of wide legged boot cut gray slacks and a pale pink t-shirt. I topped off the ensemble with a knitted poncho in shades of black, gray, and white it fell mid thigh and the neck dipped showing just enough of my pink shirt to be sexy chic. Pam's obsession with designer shoes certainly paid off in my closet. I chose a pair of classic Manolo pumps with a metal buckle on the toe in a slightly darker shade of pink than my shirt. My hair was easier I fashioned it into a french twist and secured it with some bamboo chopsticks. Foregoing make-up I opened my bedroom door and ran into Alcide on his way to the guest bathroom.
"Mornin' Sook. Sleep well?"
"Morning Alcide. Great how 'bout you?"
"Good, good. Amelia is here going over your schedule and calling the day people of Louisiana Vamps that want to sign your contract."
"Glad to hear it. Hungry?"
"Always. We ordered take-out. Mexican. She was going to wake you when it was delivered."
"Thanks. I'm gonna get some java. Totally not awake."
I stepped around him in the narrow hallway and made my way to the kitchen. Amelia was at my dining room table with three planners spread out in front of her deep in concentration. I bypassed another conversation and grabbed a coffee mug from the tree on the counter and depressed the button on the coffee maker. The miracle liquid sloshed into the cup. I took a tentative sip and sauntered over to the table pulling out the chair adjacent to my PA.
"Afternoon sleepy head."
"Morning Ames. Did Bobby get you your keys alright?"
"Sure did. I got here just after eight. He showed up bright and early to drop them off and explain some hierarchy stuff to me. Lucky for me I wake up relatively early."
"I'm sorry that he came by so early. I am glad that he explained some things to you. Do you have any questions?"
"Not really. The vampire aspect of our relationship only effects you. I would rather not know anything dangerous. I am pretty sure that anything Bobby knows it's safe for me to know. If I change my mind you will be the first to know."
"Sounds good. How many appointments are coming up this week?"
"So far six. All of them are contract signings. They will take place on Sunday and Monday."
"No can do. I forgot to mention that Monday the club is closed and we have family dinner with my Gran. She is looking forward to meeting Eric. So can we reschedule them for either Saturday or do them all on Sunday?"
"Sure the Monday appointments are all Area 5 Vampires. Will be relatively easy to call their day people and let them know. Godric requested that we sign his contract tonight Cataliades will be in town for some meeting with Eric. I have been trying to coordinate all of our planners so that we are all on the same page."
"Fantastic. I don't know what I would do without you."
"Oh, at 3:00 p.m. We have an appointment with E(E)E event planner. Frannie Quinn will be coming by to get your ideas for your wedding. Her brother John runs the events company, but he is out of town on a job. According to Eric's planner the on the eighth you have a consultation with John to pick a date and location for your wedding. Godric's coronation will be the same night so I am sure that he will be in on the decision. I know that sooner is better in these situations."
"OK. I can do that I have a few ideas in mind."
"Eric left specifications for your coronation dress. He requested that it be white, and that it be floor length. I have been shopping online and found several gowns that are stunning and would be beautiful on you. He said that wedding colors were your choice. Personally I think that we should shy away from reds and blacks but that is up to you."
"Let me look at coronation gowns first."
She pulled out my laptop and navigated to several saved pages. She showed me three choices and I fell in love with the "tempest" gown. The low-cut bodice gives the illusion of a laced corset tied in the front, and the long shear sleeves attach at the shoulder billowing and tapering towards the wrist and hands. The train and sleeves give the gown the "royal" treatment. Amelia took out a tape measure from her purse and input my measurements into the website requesting rush delivery. With that I moved on to wedding dresses. I know that Amelia thought that blacks and reds are "cliche" but truth be told I loved the idea. After an hour on several different bridal shops online I found THE dress. It was a striking satin A-Line split-back dress. The intricate beading on the cuff and hem highlight delicate detail while the chapel train and split-back add drama for an overall look that is nothing short of spectacular. She conceded that it would be "Perfect". She informed me that I would pick out the tuxedo for the wedding while Eric would pick the one for Godric's coronation. Hence the white business I suppose.
Lucky for me that I am a nosy bitch and took down his measurements from the tuxedo that he wore to the ball. Men have it easy and they complain. What is that all about anyways? I picked out an Armani three piece suit in black and stunning shades of red to compliment my dress. I know for a fact that the Viking Sex God will be making an appearance at the wedding.
"Alright Ames dresses and tux have been squared away. How much longer before the food gets here I am starving."
"Any minute. It took us almost an hour to get those dresses and things squared away. Frannie Quinn should be here in several hours as well it is already 1:30 p.m. There are several day-persons that want requested a phone conference with Mr. Northman before they commit to a contract signing."
"Well call Bobby and have him relay that information. You were hired as my PA, he helped me out a lot before you were hired, and I don't want you taking his responsibilities. Anything related to Eric send them to Bobby that is the easiest route. Otherwise you are going to be doing double duty."
"Sure I will call him as soon as we are finished eating."
Alcide came through the open door way then with four take-out boxes of heavenly smelling food.
"Ladies the food has arrived. Sook where are the plates? I will set everything up on the bar and we will make an assembly line. Amelia got fajitas, enchiladas, Grilled Fish Tacos with Chipotle-Lime Dressing, and Carne Asada."
"Yumm. The plates are in the cupboard left of the refrigerator. There is tea and Dr. Pepper to drink."
He took out some plates and arranged them on the bar. Amelia scrounged through the drawers to find the forks. And I grabbed the pitcher of tea and several glasses. I piled my plate with a bit of everything that she ordered. The tacos were my favorite. The dressing was the perfect blend of spicy yet tart. We ate in relative silence. I had been hanging around Vampires so much that it was very peaceful. During the last hour I had dulled Amelia's inner voice to a buzzing hum of background music. Thankfully she says mostly what she is thinking otherwise I might have pulled my hair out by the roots. I finished eating before they did and per usual Alcide ate twice as much as the rest of us. I rinsed and loaded my dirty dishes into the dishwasher.
"Once you rinse your plate and get it in there will the last person add detergent and start this please?"
"Sure Sook," Alcide chirped around a mouthful of food.
By the time the dishwasher was started it was already 2:45 pm and I decided that I should use the bathroom before the planner arrived. I heard another brain in the apartment while I was washing my hands. She was very interested in my decor. I guess anyone that takes into account the ascetics of the most important day of a girl's life would be interested in those sort of details. I myself was grateful to have someone help me with this. These kind of details were the ones that escaped me in the most importune times.
Amelia had her parked at the table. She had books spread out all over the table listening to the details of the dresses and the tuxedo that I had chosen. I stood behind Amelia looking over her shoulder into the planner books. It was clear to me that I should just tell her that I have already chosen flowers and almost a cake.
"Hi there Frannie. I am Sookie Stackhouse," I said as I stuck out my hand.
"I have already chosen flowers for a bouquet and centerpieces. I chose red tiger lilies and white orchids."
"That will be beautiful with the dress that you chose. I understand that you are doing a pledging/commitment ceremony. I have several different sets of fae vows. The vampire vow is the exchanging of blood blessed my the officiant in a sacred vow in Latin. E(E)E will take care of catering and setup and removal of seating at the venue. I was told that Thermae will be completed by the first of the year. The ceremonies will take place at the current plantation and vampires will be housed in the light tight rooms in the palace. The King's coronation will take place after your wedding reception in the ballroom at Thermae."
"That sounds reasonable. Godric fully expects Thermae to be completed?"
"He has several contractors working around the clock. I was informed by Mr. Hart that everything would be finished around the 29th of December. Alcide's father has been using all of his contacts to complete Thermae. It is the top priority of the state to have the capitol established before the new year."
"That's good to know. Eric said that we have a consultation with your brother on the eighth. If everything falls into place I would guess that the events would take place on the night of the 10th and the 11th."
"If all goes according to plan. Amelia said that you already chose your invitations. You are very organized."
"Honestly that was all Amelia. She was working before I got out of bed this morning."
"She is invaluable then. I have copies of the picture of your dress, tuxedo, and flower preferences. I will have a firmer plan and outline for you in time for the consultation with Quinn. I have Amelia's cell if I need to contact you for further details. Also I will put you in touch with a Supe baker for your wedding cake. Have a list compiled of songs for Quinn. I was informed by the Mr. Hart that the King expects 400 guests to attend the events. Less than a quarter will be human, so I guess my question is are you providing donors, and do you need a donor designated area?"
"Absolutely, although I don't want them out in the open. This may be a supernatural event, but I am still a human. They need to eat as well as I do, but I don't want to witness it."
"Understood I will have an area cordoned off or use one of the drawing rooms off the ballroom for donors and feedings. I have another appointment Miss Stackhouse. If you need anything feel free to contact us at any time."
She passed me her card stood and strode to the door. I barely had time to bid her farewell before the door was closed. She was a hyperactive whirlwind. Oddly I wasn't sure that I liked her. She was polite enough and work oriented, but something about her demeanor was a bit "off".
"That went well I think."
"Better than it could have. We were ready for here and organized with several decisions already in place. There are several things left, but it doesn't all have to be decided today."
"Thank goodness for that. What else is on the agenda for today?"
"Nothing on the books, but I was thinking that we could get to know one another better. Watch a movie or something chat a bit. Those kinds of things. The better that I know you and understand you the better I can help you."
"Sure Ames. We have about two hours until sunset. Although I have the entire night Eric free he has business tonight. It's Pam's night off if she isn't needed we could have a girls night and Alcide can go home when she gets here. How does that sound?"
"Better than great. We should go get junk food and blood for Pam though if we are going to have a proper girls night in."
"I have some blood in the refrigerator, but honestly I am not sure of the expiration date. Eric never uses that stuff when he is here," I trailed off at the end realizing what I was implying.
"I see," she said with a knowing smirk, "I'll go check it."
"Sookie this expired three days ago. Come help me make a grocery list and we can drag Alcide around Wal*Mart. If you like we can have dinner together a few nights a week. Take turns making dinner at each others apartment."
"I would like that Ames, but I never know which nights I am going to be at the club from just about dusk until a few hours before sunrise. Let me get with Eric and get a firmer schedule in place and we can talk about this again. Although you are always more than welcome to come eat with me at work. I know the feeling I hate eating alone."
We looked in cupboards and the refrigerator adding things to the list. I made a smaller separate list for office food in my mini fridge. She was contemplating my offer to eat at the bar. She finally made a decision after realizing that no matter what with her talents and my involvement in the Vampire world she was just as involved.
"Sure Sook. The nights that you make dinner and have to work we will just have a picnic in your office."
"In a few weeks it won't be as bad, I will have contract work, and Eric is hiring a day manager for the bar, so we will have more nights free to just enjoy the night. Business every night would get old fast and he realizes that just as much as I do."
"Well, when we start going on "business trips" there is plenty of sight seeing to do during the day and other things to keep us occupied while they are sleeping."
"Don't I know it. Honestly I am getting excited about traveling. Plus the day manager will help keep Eric from getting behind in bar business if we are gone for longer than expected. I think we have this hammered out lets grab the bodyguard and make out way to the store. I want to get back here as close to dusk as possible to get Pam over here."
Amelia's thoughts were bombarding me. She was happy to have found such an "adorable" boss. It also didn't hurt that she got to hang out with a very hot man. Good lord she was like a horny teenager in her thoughts. More than once I have had to slam my shields up to keep her fantasies of taking Alcide against my refrigerator.
I scooped up my purse from the bar and slung it over my shoulder.
"Guys lets go! We are burning daylight."
Alcide appeared around the corner a second later shrugging on his jacket. Amelia was so close behind him that if he stopped abruptly she would have violently crashed into the wall of his back and hit the floor. I locked the door and made my way down the staircase behind them. Using the remote alarm I unlocked the doors to the SUV and slid into the drivers seat. As I turned the key they shut the doors in unison surprising me that Amelia opted to sit in the back. Alcide turned off the radio and turned in his seat to continue the conversation that they had been carrying on before we left the lot. I shook my head internally laughing at her blatant flirting. I drove around the corner to the convenience store and parked in front of the door while Amelia ran in and grabbed a six-pack of Tru Blood. The same clerk was behind the counter giving her the same hairy-eyeball that I had received when I bought it here. She shocked me when she walked out the door flipping the clerk the bird on her way back to the vehicle. Alcide broke into a fit of guffaws at her outburst. She opened the door and passed him the cardboard holder.
"Damn woman what did she say to you?," he said in between peals of laughter.
"She was offended at my beverage choices. I don't take kindly to oppression through rudeness."
"She did the same thing to me when I bought it here. Maybe when the national beverage companies win their lawsuits against Sanguine Syndicate that attitude will change," I noted as I pulled out into traffic.
"What do you mean Sookie?"
"Pepsi and Coca~Cola have lawsuits in place against the distributing company that owns the patent on the synthetic blood. They claim that they are monopolizing the market on consumption blood."
"That's not right. Although if you had the corner market on that much money would you want to relinquish any control? I know that I would fight it tooth and nail. Hopefully the NVL and the American government can get their shit together and pass the VRA. Although I think that Nan Flanagan is the wrong face for Vampire Rights. She is too hard."
"I agree they deserve the same rights if they are going to be taxed and have the IRS breathing down their necks as if they were American citizens. I just pray that this doesn't turn into another civil war, Vamps and supporters against those that disagree. It could be very ugly," I said as we parked relatively close to the doors of Wal*Mart.
"Alcide we have an hour and a half before sunset. Lets get this done fast. I hate shopping."
We exited the SUV and I locked the doors. They flanked me on each side keeping in step with me. We entered the store on the grocery side, grabbing a cart I pushed it through the automatic doors, and headed strait for the produce section. We wondered the isles filling the cart with the items on the list. When the last item had been crossed off we worked our way to the check out counter. Unloading our purchases onto the belt seemed to be a never ending process. When it was all said and done I had spent $350.00 in groceries. Before I was feeding a Were I would have spent less than half of that, but as life changes you have to make concessions. He was like feeding four teenage boys. That thought made me shudder for his parents when he was growing up. Everything loaded in bags and placed back in the cart Alcide took over maneuvering it back to the car.
Halfway back to the SUV he stopped short and looked around. His change in demeanor had me on edge. Just as quickly as he stopped he started again. I opened the hatch and he helped us load them into the back. As soon as they were safely in the back he ushered us into the car and took the keys from me and slid into the drivers seat. As we pulled onto the pavement he whipped out his cellphone and spoke in low tones to whoever was on the other end cutting the call with no more than a grunt into the microphone.
"Sookie when we get home take in the Milk and cold items. Calvin will be there to watch you until Pam arrives. DO NOT leave the apartment without an escort. Don't pull any stunts Amelia is not a bodyguard. If she needs to be taken home have Pam or Calvin escort her."
"Alcide what's going on?"
"I am not utterly positive, but as soon as I park get inside. I need to go back and case the perimeter of the complex and the store. We were being watched. Please listen to me and stay inside. I need to call the King."
He dialed someone that was programmed into his phone continuing his cloak and dagger act. I understood three words that he spoke, "Yes, your Majesty."
"Change of plans. We are going to the Plantation. Godric thinks that the security of the complex is too lax."
He made a left hand turn, and went around the block, turning in the opposite direction. Downtown whizzed by the windows and gave way to residential neighborhoods. After twenty minutes of twists and turns we broke away from the neighborhoods and the Louisiana country side blurred past. Finally we made a right onto Julius Circle. Weeping willows lined the road draped in Spanish moss. As the trees gave away to the flat Louisiana landscape I set my eyes on the most beautiful Antebellum Estate. two stories of Southern grace. Momentous pristine white columns lining the veranda. Floor to ceiling windows inviting you inside. It was perfect.
"Oh my Goodness. Its beautiful perfection. Alcide your father is a genius."
"I was told that this was your idea Sookie. Although I will tell him that you approve. Its far from finished. In about three weeks it will be beautiful."
As we made our way through the wrought-iron gates via a security code my awe increased ten fold as we drove around the circle drive. I set eyes on Eric's current home as we parked in the converted carriage house. 15 vehicles were lined up in perfect rows. I reached for my door handle and the door opened of it's own volition. I cast my gaze outward and set eyes on the King of Louisiana.
"How did we do Dear One? Welcome to Thermae," he Said as we walked the expanse of ground from the garage to the door of the Plantation.
"Oh, Godric it is perfect."
"I am happy to hear you say so. Jackson spent ages gathering materials from other demolished estates to give it the airs of the period."
"He certainly nailed it. Do you like it?"
"Surprisingly very much. It feels like it belongs here. Bobby bought the surrounding land that Eric did not already own. The estate sits on 40 acres fitting for the plantation that it should be. The only thing that draws away from the entrance is the guard shack. I have requested that it be rebuilt as a miniature of this carriage house. Once all of the heavy equipment is removed we will start on landscaping. Eric has expressed the need for a glass green house to cultivate hybrid specialty roses. He was always interested in horticulture."
"That is something that I would have never pegged him interested in. although it shouldn't be a surprise. I am sure that he has at least tried everything once much like you."
He typed a code into a panel to the left of the doorway and the air locks disengaged.
"Welcome to Plantation. Eric never named the property," he said as he led us into the foyer.
"This house is just as beautiful as Thermae."
"Once everything is completed this will become a guest house. Eric has been renovating some of the rooms that haven't been used in decades. He hired an interior designer to outfit the house to compliment the palace. All the rooms here and in the palace will be light tight. We will be able to house 150 guests between the two houses once they are finished."
He led us up the sweeping double staircase to the second floor landing. Eric has the entire east wing while I reside in the west. I have business to attend to Dear One. Feel free to explore. You are perfectly safe here. Pamela show the guests around."
Pam exited a door four doors down from where we were standing.
"Dear Sookie what do we owe this visit?"
"Alcide sensed something that he refused to discuss and brought Amelia and I here. Shit the milk! I have refrigerator items in the SUV."
"Never fear. We have servants that have brought your groceries into the kitchens. Let me show you to Eric's room and we will watch a movie in his lounge."
She looped her arm through mine and Amelia's placing herself in the middle. She led us up to another landing and turned to the right.
"Godric's rooms are to the left. The study and other gathering places are on the same landing as the foyer."
She passed several doors that were outfitted with keypads and led us into an open area "media room". Lounge was certainly the best way to describe this room. The furniture was plush and reeked luxury. It was on the other end of the spectrum compared to Sophie-Anne's tastes. The most striking item in the room was the coffee table that mirrored my own. She bent at the waist and picked up a remote. I guess it was a remote it looked like a touchscreen monitor with dozens of settings. She tapped the screen several times turning on the television and sound equipment. With another tap of her nails on the device the fireplace roared to life.
"Eric has over 5000 DVDs pick one out and I will pop it into the player. The system is quite easy to learn. If you need help learning to operate it just ask."
"Thanks Pam," I said as I handed her Teaching Mrs. Tingle.
She placed the DVD in the player and closed the tray. I sat on the gigantic buttery brown leather sofa and drew my legs up underneath me.
"Sookie would you like to get comfortable? Eric has placed several outfits here for you. I am sure that there are some pajamas. Amelia I am sure that my own clothes will fit you. Sookie is several inches shorter than you and bigger in the bust, but if you would be more comfortable in her clothes I will bring you something."
"Whatever is easiest Pam. I don't want to be a burden," I said as she turned to leave the room.
Five minutes later she returned with two pajama sets with the tags still attached. I was about to ask where the bathroom was located, but she took me by the hand and led me to a doorway to the right of the television.
"You can change in here. There is a laundry shoot in the closet."
she didn't give me the chance to respond as she closed the door with a silent click.
I stripped my clothes off and removed the tags from my new pajamas. Just as I was slipping my bra straps down my arms there was a knock at the door.
"Sookie hurry up you are missing the beginning of the movie," Amelia yelled from the other side of the door.
I yanked the bra off and dropped it to the floor with my dirty clothes and raised the cami over my head and brought it down over my stomach. I slipped into the capri pants and pulled them up settling them on my hips. I scooped up my clothes and shoved them into the shoot and exited the room.
Amelia and Pam were sitting side by side on the couch. Pam was nursing a blood and Amelia was holding out a glass of soda to me. She had a bowl of popcorn sitting on my cushion. She picked it up after I took the glass from her and placed it on her lap. We settled into a companionable silence watching the movie on the screen. The only sounds in the room were the movie and the occasional crunch of popcorn as we shoveled it into our mouths.
At about 10:30 Pam went rigid.
"Sookie switch places with Amelia." Whatever had caused this her tone booked no argument.
I stood and Amelia scooted down to where I was sitting and I plopped into the middle. As I sat down she grabbed my hand and held it lightly petting it with her other hand.
"What's the matter Pam?"
"My Master is having some fun. I don't want a repeat of last time. It will be easier to block his emotions if I am touching you. Can you not feel it?"
"I feel his satisfaction, but it is nothing like the anger of the first time. Is it bad?"
"Horrid. Do you know what he is doing? He refused to tell me what he was doing tonight."
"I do, but I don't want to discuss it," she laced her fingers with mine and held my hand to her lips. She ran it across her cheek as if she was trying to comfort both of us at the same time.
"Don't worry. Everything will be fine. I would know if he was hurt. He is just outraged and in bloodlust and satisfied with whatever he is doing."
"Curious. I only feel satisfaction. It's not even malicious. It seems that he remembered the bond this time. He is only letting me feel what he wants me to feel."
"I am glad for it. Otherwise we would have to get Godric in here. He is in an important meeting."
"Thank you for keeping me safe Pam."
"Think nothing of it Sookie. You make my Master happy. Therefore I am happy. Make no mistake though if you hurt him I won't think twice about exacting revenge," she said the last word with a smirk.
"I could never do that to him. I love him. He is the half of me that has always been missing. Hurting him would kill me."
"Quite literally," she deadpanned.
Amelia watched our exchange with much interest but kept her questions to herself. Her thoughts on the other hand were very curious and wanting to know more about what we were discussing. She was pretending to watch the movie when I cut my gaze from the TV to her face. The rest of the movie was watched in silence. Every once in a while Pam would grip my hand tighter and then release it and settle our clasped hands into her lap. As the credits rolled she released my hand and picked another movie. As the disc menu for Fight Club danced on the screen she settled on the couch and reclaimed my hand.
"OH BRAD PITT! I love him he is gorgeous!," Amelia exclaimed.
"Yes, one man that I wouldn't mind letting into my bed for a night. Damn that Jennifer Aniston. He is a loyal partner," Pam almost sounded sad.
Godric came running into the room as the first fight scene played out on the screen.
"Ladies turn down the Television. I thought people were in here dying. The sounds were reverberating off the walls. I can hear that clearly at the other end of the house."
Pam grabbed the remote and turned the volume down several notches.
Godric settled in a chair situated near the fire and picked up a book that was on the floor. I turned my attention back to the TV watching them break into the liposuction clinic. Pam started giggling when they were revealing that Edward Norton and Brad Pitt were the same person. She said that people suffering from split personality syndrome were especially tasty.
"It's like feeding from more than one person at a time. Better than AB blood."
"Yuck! There is no need to elaborate."
She laughed louder pointing at the expression on my face. Even Amelia had joined in her peals of laughter. I looked over at Godric and he had a smirk playing on the corners of his mouth.
"Laugh it up. You guys are incorrigible."
"Says the woman that I hear screaming clear across the parking lot. There is no need to hide the fact that you like being bitten Sook."
"Amelia," I said stunned.
"What I am just speaking the truth."
I ignored her and turned back to the movie. As he raised the gun to shoot himself I heard the alarm engage.
"Eric's home."
Godric stood and placed his book back on the floor. He exited the room at vampire speed. He was gone less than a minute and reentered the room taking his place by the fire. Amelia yawned as the credits ended and the menu reappeared on the screen.
"Amelia if you are ready to retire I will show you to a room. There are several available. All of them have en suite baths. Feel free to use anything."
Pam stood and helped her off the couch. They strode from the room leaving me with Godric reading his book. I decided now was a good time as any to learn to use the remote. I held it in both hands reading the screen and clicked the power buttons for each device that was on. It really was a no brain-er. I left the fire on and stretched out on the vacated couch after setting it back on the coffee table.
I was getting sleepy and my eyes were starting to feel heavy as Eric entered the room and lifted my head and placed it in my lap as he sat down.
"Are you tired Lover?"
"Mmmhmm. Which is shocking I didn't do much today, but Amelia is a loud broadcaster, it takes a lot to keep her out."
"Alcide said that there was a threat while you were leaving the store. I am overjoyed that he brought you here. I have been meaning to discuss you moving here anyways."
"I am not sure what the threat was, I wasn't really listening to what was going on around us. We were half way to the car and he stopped in the middle of the lot just listening and scenting. As suddenly as he stopped he moved again. We loaded groceries and were halfway back to the apartment before he called Godric and changed course to here. Sometimes when he and Calvin are together they are very secretive. On the flight back from NOLA they were reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Keeping me out."
"Yes, they were discussing strategy, and the threats that we have received in the mail. Ever since the FotS made themselves known we have been getting hate mail at the club. Recently they have included you in their letters."
"Oh," I said as I yawned.
"Enough talk Dear One. Let us retire to bed. You sleep and I will keep you company. We will discuss everything tomorrow night. Think about what I said about moving in here tomorrow."
"Alright. Although I am not sure if I am ready to live at the palace," I remarked as he scooped me up against his chest and walked into the room that I changed in earlier.
He turned down the covers and placed me into the bed. I settled into the pillows as he covered me up and stripped down to nothing and slid into his side of the gigantic bed. He pulled me against him and wrapped his arms around my waist and threw his leg over mine wrapping me into his embrace and I have never felt more at home or more safe. He hummed the song he always did while brushing my hair and I fell asleep easily in the arms of my Vampire.
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A/N: Sorry about the delay in posting. I had writers block for days. I spent most of my time working on The One. I am not overly impressed with this chapter, but it finally started going in the direction that I thought it should. There are links to pictures for the outfits described in this chapter on my profile. I also posted rings and several pictures of a beautiful plantation that was my inspiration for Thermae.
If anyone is interested Thermae is Greek for Bath-house. Considering that my Godric was Caesar and Marc Antony it seemed fitting. Alright as per usual thank you to everyone that has reviewed, favorited, and alerted this story. I so look forward to reading them all. The one thing that kicked my muse in the ass was reading the beautiful reviews from past chapters.
Much love,
Affynity