Thanks everyone for the great reviews. I wish I could say I hate to keep throwing things at these two but I love it! They are so much fun!
Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Please review! It really motivates me to write!
Chapter 15
The last few weeks of her life felt a blur to her now. She was pregnant, gave birth to twins, almost died and now home with three little ones. She was amazed at how her life had changed. She and the twins had been home about a month and she had her rhythm back. When she brought Johan home she was worried and exhausted. This time she felt great, it was like it was the opposite of how her first pregnancy went. Johan was easy and her labor went great. With Enar and Erika, she had complication after complication until she almost died. She couldn't explain it and everyone thought she was overcompensating for what had happened. How do you tell everyone in your life your fine when you feel great and they don't believe you? Eric looked at her suspiciously just waiting for the other shoe to drop and she would just smile at him. He would see.
She heard Erika fussing, that little one was just precious. She only fussed when she was hungry, she always looked content. Enar on the other hand, he would wait for things to come to him he would just look at her with his serious little face, his expression was so much like Eric's when he was in hunter mode. He barely cried and luckily Sookie's senses where her children were concerned were dead on. She could anticipate their feedings, their naps or any other things they needed.
Sookie got up early, even before Eric and was in the nursery bathing the babies. She was humming to her and the babies when she heard him behind her. "Hi sweetie." Never turning to see him, she just knew he was there.
"Sookie, do you need any help?" She smiled. He might be a vampire but he was definitely a excellent father.
"Sure sweetie, Enar is ready to get dressed if you want to do it." He was bathed, powered and ready for clean clothes and a diaper. Eric smiled and took his son from Sookie who was holding him out to him. He was proud as a peacock. Eric dressed his son and spoke softly to him. Enar just looked up at him listening.
Sookie finished with Erika and had her dressed in the cutest little pink dress with a bow wrapped around her head. Eric was staring at the little pink bow curiously. "Sookie, what is that on my daughter's head?" He was pulling at it and he didn't seem to care for it.
"It is a bow Eric, it makes her look pretty, like Pam's designer Manolo's." She knew he knew that reference, he had spent enough money on that woman and her shoes. He just looked at her shaking his head.
"My love, I am going to have to make a trip to Vegas. I hate to leave so soon after the babies were born and you are getting settled but it just cannot wait. I am leaving tomorrow. Will you be alright while I am gone?" He was petting his son's hair on his head. It was the same color as his.
Sookie looked at him and smiled. "Yep, me and your children as you refer to them, will be fine. I swear, I carry them in my body and they are your children. Vampires." She laughed all the way down the stairs holding Erika.
Eric went to get Johan, he could hear him chatting in his crib. He put Johan under his arm like a sack of potatoes, holding Enar in the other and headed down the stairs. Gently he put the baby in the portable crib next to his sister and then took Johan outside to play with him. Sookie stood at the glass door to watch them. Eric had bought Johan a real sword and wanted to teach him to use it and Sookie went ballistic. He just looked down at her angry and said he would just sneak and teach him. She knew they were out in the yard sparing. Eric would come in looking all sweet and innocent but she saw the movements of what they were doing. It was only a matter of time before that sword was in her son's hands.
Sookie turned only to run into Claudine. "Geez, Claudine you about scared me to death. Sorry." Every one flinched when she mentioned her dying. "What's up?"
"Just checking in. You know I am on Sookie patrol again so I need to make sure all is well in the Northman compound." Sookie wasn't buying it. Claudine was around a lot when she was pregnant with the twins and now she was popping in and out like it was a convenience store.
"Bull crap Claudine. I know a fibber when I see one." She was looking into her fairy cousins eyes searching for whatever thing that was going to come crashing on their head now. "Spill it."
"Nothing to spill cousin. I am just checking in. Johan is getting good at sparing. Why isn't he using a sword by now? I am shocked Eric hasn't begun teaching him to wield one." Sometimes Sookie wanted to choke the people in her life. She just growled and walked away to sit down hard on the couch. "What? What did I say?" Claudine looked upset.
"Never mind. Don't tell me what is going on but if you know something is brewing and you didn't tell me I am going to be really mad cousin."
Claudine looked at her hands. "I know Sookie." Then she was gone.
Sookie went to go make dinner for her and Johan. He was eating less baby food and more with her now. She was thankful he wasn't a picky eater. Anything she would put in front of him he would eat. He was still taking blood from Eric which she was glad about. Eric would always have that connection with his son and it gave her comfort.
Eric and Johan came into the kitchen just as she was finishing up cooking their dinner. She has a True Blood warmed for Eric sitting on the table. Eric took Johan to the sink, washed his hands and face and went to put him in his high chair. The three of them sat down to have their dinner, Eric was helping Johan by cutting up his green beans into tiny bite sized pieces. This was family, this was her family.
Sookie and Eric took turns to get things done and to get the children ready for bed. Amelia was coming home late. She was living with them now and Sookie loved having her and was grateful she was there to help her when she needed it. Amelia spent the day in New Orleans with her father where she was born and raised. Amelia was really wealthy but she wanted her independence to practice her magic and live her own life. Sookie knew that Amelia had come to love Johan and he adored her.
The babies were sleeping in their cribs in the nursery and Eric was sitting on the couch with Johan rubbing his back talking softly to him lulling his to sleep. Sookie could hear the car door and Amelia come in the front door. Her high heeled shoes were headed her way. "Hi Sook!" She was as graceful as a ballerina, tall, dark haired and eyes and she dressed in the most stylish clothes. She was beautiful.
"Hey Amelia!" They hugged and chatted while Sookie was putting away dishes and things. "Listen, Eric is leaving tomorrow to go to Vegas. He didn't mention it but if you would go with me and the babies I will see if he minds if we tag along. He said he needed to stay about a week and I hate to be away from him if I don't have too. Can you swing going?"
Amelia's faced lit up. "You bet! I will go pack for us. Go talk to him before I get carried away and then have to unpack everything." She was running up the stairs.
Sookie took Johan from Eric who looked sad to let him go. She just smiled down at him and headed up the stairs. She put him in his bed, put his teddy bear next to him covering him and kissing him good night. She went back down to find Eric in the same spot. He still looked sad. "Sweetie, what is wrong?" Sookie climbed onto his lap and put her head against his chest.
"I hate to leave you tomorrow. I enjoy this Sookie, sitting here with him or dressing the twins. We sat at the table and had dinner tonight, together." He was rubbing her back.
Sookie nodded at him. "I have a suggestion. How about if the five of us tag along with you? Amelia, the kids and me?" He was shaking his head no. "Why not? The doctor said everyone is doing great and I could use a little together time with my King. Maybe we can take an evening and go out or something at one of those clubs you own." She was wiggling her eyes brows at him.
He pulled her away from his chest to look at her. "You have only been home a few weeks and the twins are so little. I don't know about this Sookie." His heart was screaming yes but his head was saying no.
"Eric, the babies are fine, I am fine." She looked him the eyes trying to convince him.
His head was still shaking no. "You almost died. You need rest and to get stronger. You almost bled to death Sookie. I can't forget that."
"Eric Northman, I am healthy as a horse. You were at the doctors with me two days ago. She said I am healed and back to normal. I have no scaring or damage done from the birth and am clear for a date with gracious plenty. You heard her, we can have more kids, I can do just about everything and our babies are healthy! I want to go to Vegas!"
His face began to light up. He was going to take his family to Vegas. "Go pack and we will leave early tomorrow for the airport."
"Sorry handsome, packing is already underway." She was grinning at him.
She won again he thought to himself. He began to tickle her and stood to throw her over his shoulder. He was swatting her behind gently as they walked up the stairs to Amelia's room. He knocked, Sookie still wiggling on his shoulder. She was pinching his behind and swatting him back. Amelia opened her door. "I know, were going to Vegas!" Eric rolled his eyes and as he turned Amelia high fived Sookie.
They went to their room and Eric put Sookie down to go into the bathroom. She was undressing. She had gotten the all clear from the doctor and she was ready. The water was running in the tub and she could smell the vanilla bath salts he used to put into the water. She stepped into the bathroom to find her beautiful husband already undressed and in the tub. "Cheater!"
Eric looked over at her. She was completely naked standing in front of him. His eyes glazed over the minute he saw her. Her hips were curvier and her breasts were still full and round from feeding his children. He loved her body but something about her when she was nursing his children was so erotic to him. "Sookie, no."
She walked further in and started to get in the tub. "No? Really my husband? You are going to deny your wife anything she would ask for?" She was sliding down into the water to get comfortable directly across from her Viking.
"No Sookie, I will not do this." He closed his eyes willing her to go away. He was pretending she wasn't there. Her foot moved to between his thighs rubbing his balls with her toes. He threw his head back and moaned. His fangs ran down. She giggled.
"Hum, lets see, what can I do to convince you to come over here make love to your wife. Oh wait, I know." She took the sponge that was lying on the side of the tub and the body wash, slowly pouring it on the sponge all the while licking her lips and starring into Eric's eyes. He was fidgeting and trying with all his might not to watch her but he couldn't take his eyes off of her. She took the soaped up sponge and began to wash her breasts, really slowly. Eric was growling softly. After she spent ample time on her milk filled breast she moved the sponge over her neck moaning. She moved her neck one way washing it then the other washing it equally. Eric was licking his lips, he loved her neck. Slowly she took the sponge and ran it between her breast and headed down her stomach under the water where her curls began. She panted and moaned and bucked against her own hand. Eric was like a caged animal now, growling and holding on to the tub for all he was worth. His knuckles were white from the pressure he put on them to hold himself still. "Eric, this is what you do to me. I just look at you and I get so wet and horny. I want to feel your cock in me. I need you."
That was it. He leaned over and pulled her up to him so fast the water was splashing out of the tub. He was kissing her lips so hard she could feel them swelling and the blood from his biting and fangs. "You make me do things I shouldn't my beautiful bride. I know I shouldn't touch you but you do this!" He was growling so loudly against her ear. "Come sit on my lap lover. I will try not to hurt you. Please don't let me hurt you."
She was looking him in the eye their faces were almost touching. She opened her mouth, taking her tongue and running it all over his gorgeous face. His eyes closed enjoying the feeling of her warm tongue on his cool skin. She nibbled his ear lobes and began moving to position herself over top of him. He tensed up and she moved her hand to his chin pulling his face to look in her eyes. "Look in my eyes Eric, watch me, you will see no pain, only my love for you." She pushed her insides on him gasping from the impact. She was smiling at him, his eyes searching for signs of trouble. "No pain Eric, only this. Only you inside me. I love you." Sookie began her grinding on her husbands long shaft. She wouldn't let him look away. He was mesmerized by her and her strength, her need for him. Slowly he began to move his hips to her center. She panted harder. "Yes, Eric. Just like that sweetie." Her mouth was kissing his and looking in his eyes. "Only you Eric. You are mine. I love this." Eric was growling and groaning trying to keep his pace slow but his control was slipping. He wanted to reach inside her with his length and she could sense what he wanted, she pulled up and moved on him hard taking every bit of him she could. Her head fell forward to his shoulder. "Oh God Eric, your amazing!" She brought her face back to his. She knew he had to see for himself what they were doing was good, was right.
He had her by the hips trying to slow her down and prevent the impalement of her insides. "No lover, it is too much for you to take. Please."
She moved her hands to move off of her hips, she didn't want to be stopped. She put his hands on the side of the tub under hers and held them there. "Close your eyes Eric, just feel me. Feel us together. Tell me what you feel. Close your eyes my Viking."
He finally did. His body began to relax and he started to feel what Sookie was trying to show him. Her body and their mating. He groaned and threw his head back. The look of him yielding to her was so exciting she panted and began to orgasm. "You my love, I only feel you on me. So incredible."
"Yes, Eric, Oh yes!" She closed her eyes and had lights flashing in her eyes and she wanted to collapse from it but she wasn't done. She wanted more, more of him, she wanted his juices inside her and she wouldn't give up until they were both screaming together. She opened her eyes to see her husband still with his eyes closed and he was moaning from the feeling of what she was doing to him. "Feel my love on you Eric? You do this to me!" Her hips began moving faster, her insides clenching harder. Eric's growls growing longer and louder. Sookie leaned forward and whispered into his ear. "Show me you love me Eric. I need to feel it. I want every drop inside me. Do it!" His head came up and looked at her with such lust and love. His hips moved harder and faster, he yanked his hands from under hers and grabbed her hips and pushed and thrust into her. She was grinning and holding his shoulders for support. She leaned down again began to break the skin on his chest. She was sucking his blood so hard and she began to reel again from the climax. "Yes! Yes! Don't stop Eric!"
He didn't and he was pumping in her with all he had. The water was splashing and he was grunting so loudly. "Your mine Sookie!" He pulled her neck to his lips and bit her hard, her blood all over his chin and mouth. Sookie pulled his face up to kiss her, biting his lip and sucking hard on it mixing their blood in her mouth. Moments later they were yelling each others name while the waves of pleasure were crashing over them. Sookie panting, Eric groaning. Sookie's head was spinning and Eric's pushed his head back to rest on the lip of the tub.
Sookie laid on his chest her arms around his neck. Eric moved his head off the tub. "Sookie, I appreciate your wanting this but you are going to hurt yourself and I won't allow it. Your too important to me to have you get hurt again." He was rubbing her back and behind.
"Eric, I am fine. I would tell you if I felt something was off. The doctor said everything is fine. You're the one that her run every test known to man. Do you think I would risk my health or the chance of us having more kids to have sex? No, I am not foolish. I wish you would realize that." He had hurt her feelings. She loved him so much and she wanted them together and he was scolding her. She began getting out of the tub and reached for the towels to mop up the water on the floor.
"My love, I didn't mean it like that. I just worry about you. I was afraid I would hurt you if we didn't take more time for you to get stronger. Do you understand?" He was trying to pull her to him but she was stepping away from him.
She stopped what she was doing to look him in the eye. "I get it. I do. We had a bad scare, a really bad scare but are we going to live in it forever? I could be bitter about it and not want sex or more kids or want to live my life. Is that who you fell in love with? Is that the woman you married? No, and you know it Eric. You are my Viking and I am your feisty warrior wife. Don't let it cloud our lives. I love you, I love our kids. I wish I could take the memories of those days in the hospital away from you but I can't. I can only love you and try to replace the bad memories with good ones." She kissed his lips and walked out to get ready for bed.
He stood in the bathroom he shared with her. She was right and he knew it but he couldn't forget what happened. He would just have to do like she said, live their lives. She was always right. He came out of the bathroom and she was gone. He looked around, grabbed his sleeping pants putting them on quickly and went to look for her. Her voice was coming from the nursery. Erika was sound asleep in her crib but Enar was in her arms.
"My little man it is time for your dinner. You are so much like your daddy. You might look like the two of us together but you have his personality. Do you know how much I love you?" She had moved her shirt up and put him to her breast to feed his lips making sucking sounds. Sookie just knew when the baby needed her. It was incredible. He looked at them and asked himself how could he not want to have more children with her. She would get more babies in due time. "You have your daddy's eyes baby. Did you know that? You have my chin and my lips. But your hair and eyes are your daddy's. You are so beautiful. I am the luckiest mommy in the world." She was humming to him rocking in the chair. Eric walked into the room and she moved over in the chair for him to sit in. He wrapped his arms around his wife and child and he fell asleep loving them.
Sookie woke him up and it was day light out. "Sweetie, come on you got to get up. We got to get ready to go the airport." His eyes blinked and he realized he was in the rocking chair with a blanket on him. He fell asleep there the night before. "Morning sweetie." She was smiling down on him.
"Good morning lover." He got up and kissed her, walked to the cribs and kissed each of his babies and headed to find his son. Johan was in his room looking at a book on the floor. He inherited his parents love of books. That made Eric happy. "Good morning my son."
Johan was up on his legs running to his father, his son was getting faster every day. Eric picked him up hugging and kissing him. "I love you daddy." Johan grabbed Eric's face and smacked a kiss on his lips. Eric looked at his son who just told him he loved him. This little boy knew he held the key to his heart.
"Daddy loves you too. Now lets get you fed and ready to go to Vegas shall we?" Eric was hugging him and Johan was giggling.
Pam was walking in as he was about to walk out of his room. Johan's little arms flew out and he was yelling "Pammy!" His face lit up and smiling from ear to ear just like Pam's.
"Give him to me Eric. I promised him we would enjoy the day together. I bought the cutest Armani outfit to put on him for the trip. We have a date, breakfast, bath and clothes." She was in her glory.
Eric just looked at her. "Excuse me who are you again? And what have you done with my child Pamela? I believe she has gone missing." She stuck her tongue out at him and grabbed Johan. "Looks like I am not the only one Sookie has rubbed off on." He was yelling at her as she was already on the stairs toward the kitchen.
He went back to the nursery to see if Sookie needed help before he went to shower. Sookie was standing over Erika's crib sniffling. "Sookie, what is it? Is she sick?" He grabbed her arms to look at her.
"No Eric! She is smiling at me. Look!" He looked down and his daughter was smiling up at her mother. She was magnificent. She looked just like Sookie except she had his eyes. All of his children had his exact eye coloring and shape. Sookie said it was because she prayed that when they were big enough and he said something silly to them they could roll his own eyes at him. She said she couldn't wait to see his face! Sometimes his wife needed paddling. He just smiled at her because it was truly funny.
Eric picked his daughter out of the crib and she was kicking and her little hands were moving all over. She was smiling and laughing at him. Yes, this was definitely Sookie's child. She giggled just like Sookie did. He thought in that moment he needed to buy bigger swords to fend off the males of the world. Note to self he thought. He held her tightly. "My Princess, you are just as remarkable as your mommy. Now, you girls need to get dressed so we can leave. Sookie go ahead and get ready. I will dress her and Enar."
Sookie didn't have to be told twice, she high tailed it out of there leaving him to his children. "No funny bows in your hair today Princess. You should have crowns not bows. Daddy has your grandmother's crown and when you are old enough you will get it. It is very special with lots of pretty stones in it." He dressed his little daughter in an adorable pink outfit and shoes and laid her in her crib to go to his son. Enar was his usual self, quiet as a mouse. Eric would talk to him and he looked forward to the day his son would smile or throw a fit either he didn't care. He watched what was going on around him. Sookie was right, he did act like him. His son had his hair coloring, his eyes and his little mouth was Sookie's. He had his long fingers, Sookie's chin and nose. He was a little melting pot of them both. His son was dressed in no time, and he took them both to their carriers and strapped them in and took them to their bedroom.
Sookie was showered and dressed and finishing up her packing. "Your children are dressed I assume my King?" She was looking at him from the mirror.
"Yes my Queen. They are ready for travel. I am going to hop in the shower and get dressed. Pam has Johan downstairs feeding him. Something about an Armani outfit she bought him." Eric just rolled his eyes and Sookie about fell over laughing. "What is so funny Sookie?" Eric just stared at her.
"Lets get ready ok. I think you need a bit of a break from domestication my Viking, maybe a good mutilation or something while were gone." She was still giggling and he just shook his head and went to get ready.
They were in cars headed to the airport for Las Vegas an hour later. Mr. Cataliades and Alcide met them at the hanger. Sookie was surprised to see Alcide but never commented on his being there. Their traveling party had grown considerably since she and Eric first met and people were always coming or going at Eric's request. There were more security, more luggage, more planning. Eric was the master of planning and Sookie held his hand the entire ride following his lead. Johan stayed with Pam, she and Johan loved spending time together, Johan was up on his little feet and Pam holding his hand walking with him. Mark had both of the twins right behind them in their carriers. Bill, Thalia and his other vampires were on task for Eric taking care of what he directed them to do.
They were loaded into the plane and prepared for take off. Eric and Sookie sat hand in hand with the twins to the left of Eric. Pam was across the isle with Johan, Mark and Mr. Cataliades. Johan clapped his hand at the plane taking off, her first born loved flying and Sookie knew Eric was sneaking him out of the house at night to teach him how to fly, one of Johan's many magical gifts. Sookie smiled at her son.
The trip didn't take too long and they chatted about this and that on the way. Before she knew it they were on the ground in Las Vegas. Every one was shuffled from the plane to waiting cars inside the hanger. Eric had arranged a huge SUV for them, Amelia and the twins, Pam and Johan, her and Eric. Mark sat in the driver seat with Thalia next to him. They were flying through the streets and to the high rise quickly. Eric didn't like them out in the open too long so they didn't spend much time in any one place too long. The caravan of cars pulled into the heavily guarded parking garage. They were helped out the car and proceeded to the big elevators taking them to their floor.
Sookie always marveled how lavish vampires were sometimes. The former King of Nevada has purchased the high rise tower and converted it to his royal palace. There were all kind of activity on each floor and Sookie knew that several floors alone was all light tight that could house the royal army. She slept better knowing Eric's vampires were on the premise while they were here. The top floor was theirs and the entire floor was one big laid out home. There were 6 bedrooms and a nursery, bathrooms, a living room and a big beautiful kitchen, meeting room and home office. When Eric took over Nevada he told Sookie to speak with an interior designer and have it remodeled. She called Pam because Pam was the master of all things stylish and together they had a comfy but elegant place her King could call his while here.
This trip Alcide would stay with them, Pam had one room, Amelia another, and of course they had theirs and the children would be staying in their nursery. Erika began to fuss so Sookie took her out of her carrier and asked Mark to walk with her to the nursery with Enar. He took the little boy and placed him in his crib looking down at him. "Sookie he really is handsome. You know, I have been nothing but worried about you since the day he walked into your life. I am just glad your happy."
Sookie turned to look at him. "Thank you Mark, I know what my life could have been. But I have everything and Eric is more than I could have ever dreamed of. I appreciate you being here and protecting us. It means more than I can ever tell you."
She leaned over to kiss his check and she heard Eric clear his throat from the door. He was leaning on the door jam with a serious look on his face. Eric liked no other man touching his wife for any reason and he made it know. Mark straightened saying nothing and walked past the vampire who just looked at him leaving. "Stop that Eric. I knew Mark long before you and you know I love him. He has been there for me before I was yours."
Eric just shook his head again. "I don't like others touching you my wife. He reminded me how jealous I can be where you are concerned. Those lips you were using belong to me exclusively and I do not like it you are kissing other men even if only innocently." He was serious and she was shocked.
"Cut it out Eric before you start something I don't feel like arguing about because it silly." She flashed him a dirty look and sat in the chair to feed her daughter still looking at Eric angry. How could he think things like that sometimes she wondered?
He walked over to take Enar out of his crib, he was wide awake and quiet as a pin. Eric was kissing him and rubbing his baby soft head whispering in his ear. Eric was tickling his belly teasing the baby about something only they were sharing and Enar began laughing. Eric was amazed at his son and threw his head back with a hearty laugh. His son laughed at him. He kissed him and held him tighter. "My son! He is my little stoic warrior. You and I will fight many battles together. I look forward to the day you and I get into much trouble together, just don't tell mommy. " Eric looked back at Sookie who was still feeding Erika and he looked oddly at her.
"What the hell is this about Eric? Now you making me mad. Is there something you want to talk about that I don't know I have done?" If looks could kill in that moment he would have a stake out of his back.
He reached down to take Erika and handed her Enar. He put his daughter to his shoulder and began patting her back. "No. You have not done anything Sookie. I was just reminded how much I have and with that how enticing you are to the opposite sex. I needed a reminder which you graciously supplied to me." He took his daughter and left the room before she could argue with him further.
She wanted to choke him. They had only been in Las Vegas a few hours and he was ready to wage a war that didn't make sense to her. She just rolled her eyes and went back to taking care of her son. Johan came running into the room just as she looked down on Enar. Sookie looked up to look at her first born. "Hi baby. What are you doing my boy?" Johan climbed in her lap and petted his little brother. Johan loved his new siblings. He would sit and pet them talking to them in Swedish. Sookie would tell him to talk to them in English but he would shake his little head no and continue talking. Johan reached over and kissed his feeding brother. He looked up to his mother and smiled. This little boy was so adorable.
"Mommy, he love you." Johan said to Sookie through his mind. Sookie gasped, sometimes she forgot how magical he was.
"Johan how do you know that?" She forgot to use her telepathy.
"He tells me." Johan was smiling still. Sookie hugged him tightly.
"I love you too my little warrior. You and your sister are blessings I am thankful for." She leaned over his feeding head and kissed him. Her second son had her gift too. She just wondered what other magical gifts he had. Sookie stood to put him in his crib. He was sound asleep. She shushed Johan and took his hand leaving her son to sleep. She found the entire house marveling at Erika and her smiling face. Eric had her held up like a prize he just won and he was tickling her and smiling at her. "Eric, take that baby and put her in her crib. She will never sleep you keep playing with her like that!" Eric played a few more minutes and he did as she asked.
Amelia came over and took Johan saying they were going to read a book. There was a knock on the door and Pam went to answer it. A group of vampires stood there and it was King Russell and his entourage. Sookie squealed and went to the door to greet him. "Russell you didn't tell me you were coming!" They mocked kissed each others cheeks and Russell walked inside the room.
"My darling Sookie, look at you! You are glowing with beauty this evening. I see that dreadful husband of yours is doing his husbandly duty." His eye brow moved up in statement. Sookie began to snicker. "If I were a younger and a straight vampire I would snatch you up so quickly that Viking wouldn't know what hit him." They began walking to join the others.
"Not on your life old man. She is mine and will remain mine. Don't make me kill you." He grinned with anger in his eyes. He was only half kidding. Sookie didn't like this one bit and she would be sure to set him straight. Now was not the time.
Russell and Eric were chatting so Sookie went to sit with Alcide. He was nursing his whiskey. Her mouth watered at the scent of it and she looked at it longingly. "Wanna sip?" She shook her head no. She was breast feeding, it was a big no. "Listen, what's the story on Amelia?"
"Alcide, you are kidding right? That little girl will chew you up and spit you out." Sookie was only teasing him thinking they would make a gorgeous couple. Her wheels started turning. "Besides what would you do with her? She isn't were. I thought you only dated your own." He shrugged his shoulder and looked down on her. She heard what he was thinking, he would have her any day if she would dump the dead guy. "Stop that Alcide. You know better than that. My kids can hear your thoughts too." She stood up and Eric was standing over her again with his arms crossed. He looked pissed off now and she wasn't playing this game with him.
"Sorry Sookie." That was all Alcide got out before Eric was on him.
He was leering down at him. "Do you have something you wish to share with me mutt?"
"What the hell is this about Eric? I was talking to Sookie about Amelia, that's all." Alcide stood to defend himself.
Sookie was between them in a flash. "Eric stop this. Your being ridiculous!" Pam and Mark were standing next to her. They would defend their Mistress even against their Master.
"Eric that is enough. We have a house full of people here and your acting like a child." Pam flashed her fangs at him. He blinked and turned to leave the room.
Sookie wasn't letting him off the hook. "Eric." He turned to look at her and turned around and walked away.
"What the hell has gotten into him?" Mark said to no one.
Sookie left to go check on Amelia and Johan. He had fallen asleep eating his dinner and Amelia was carrying him to his bed. "Sook, what's going on? I heard Eric yelling."
"Beats me, he had acquired a jealous streak all of the sudden. I have no idea what is going on. That vampire drives me insane sometimes." They walked to the nursery to put Johan in his crib. Sookie kissed him good night, turned on the baby monitor grabbing the other receiver, checked on the twins and they moved to the hallway. "Alcide thinks your hot. I think you need explore that tid bit of information missy." She left Amelia standing in the hallway stunned as she grinned and headed to her room she shared with Eric.
She undressed and put on her best pajamas. They had company and if she ran into someone in the hall she wanted to look nice. She put on a red silk top and bottom pajama set that was short sleeved but had long bottoms. She had a matching robe she put over the dressing table chair. She climbed in the bed, checked the monitor to make sure the light was on. She could hear Johan, he talked in his sleep. Smiling she fluffed her pillows and put her head on it and was out like a light. She was awoke by Eric pulling her to him. "Eric."
"Yes lover, who else would be crawling into bed with my wife, hum?" Her eyes flew open and she was pissed.
"I don't know what the hell is wrong with you but you need to stop it. I know it is you getting in the bed you big jerk, I was happy you were here, but not now. Get your paws off me. I am going to sleep. Good night a-hole." She mutter the last part. She didn't like to fight with him but when she did her temper got the best of her sometimes. She felt instantly bad for being mean to him. She readjusted her pillows and laid with her body away from him. He moved to make himself more comfortable, turning away from her. Eric always pulled her close to sleep but not tonight. She was shocked and a bit sad. She pouted a few minutes before she fell asleep.
She awoke to her chest hurting so she got up, went to the bathroom quickly and headed down the hall way to the nursery. Johan and Erika were still sound asleep but her little Enar was wide awake waiting patiently for his mother. She smiled at him picking him kissing his little face. They moved to the rocking chair, it was the identical one they had at home in Shreveport and in New Orleans. She unbuttoned her pajama top to pull her son to her breast and he latched quickly to feed. "I adore you my little man. You know your brother told me you love me. I can't wait to hear the words from you. You are just like daddy." She kissed his head and leaned back sleepily. She finished feeding him and put him in his crib when Erika started to fuss. Sookie took her out of the crib and went to the chair to feed her. "You are so pretty my little girl. I am the luckiest mommy in the world. Your very handsome daddy gave you to me and I love you all so much. I hope that you find a wonderful prince to love you like mommy did."
She was rocking and humming to their daughter when Eric walked into the nursery. He heard everything she had said, the nursery monitor was on. Her hand was out to reach to him and he took it. She was glad, she hated to fight with him but he still looked oddly at her but she didn't feel like fighting so she let it go. He sat in the chair with them while his little daughter fed from her mother. Sookie took the baby back to the crib and Eric came to her and held her close around her waist for a few moments then kissed her head and left her alone in the room with their children. Sookie just sighed. She went to get back to bed and Eric was laying on his stomach with his face in his pillow, she climbed back in, covered up and went back to sleep.
Sookie was already up when Eric woke. He knew she had showered and dressed and the children were being taken care of. He found his oldest son in his highchair eating a piece of sausage. Alcide was sitting across from him sharing some of his breakfast with the toddler. Alcide looked up and eyed Eric nodding and continued placing pieces of sausages on Johan's tray.
"Alcide, he has had enough now. Eat your breakfast before it gets cold." Sookie was hollering at him from the kitchen. Eric sat in the chair next to his son and Sookie appeared with a True Blood and kissed Eric sweetly on his lips. "Morning sweetie. Drink you blood and get dressed. You have work to do and Amelia and I have shopping to do today." He had forgotten she had asked if he thought it was ok for her to take the children and go shopping. He was apprehensive but he couldn't lock her in the house as much as he wanted to. He slowly drank his blood while his son finished his breakfast while eyeballing Alcide. He considered Alcide a friend but last night changed something. Eric heard the things other men were thinking about his wife. He was holding Enar and the voices came to him, Alcide, Mark, Russell and others in the room. Never in his life did he feel such jealousy but this was different and Enar's magic he felt very strongly. His son made him aware of what others around him were thinking about his wife. He knew men wanted her, she was beautiful and kind with a spark about her that made her unique. She belonged to him and he would go to his final death before he let another man touch her.
Eric got up from the table and moved to kiss Johan. "No, daddy. No mean. Not nice to be mean." He was trying to grab Eric's hand and tearing up. Sookie stepped into the door way.
"Eric, what is Johan talking about?" She was concerned. Eric was acting strangely since last night and enough was enough. "Why is he upset Eric?"
"It is nothing Sookie. I am heading out. Alcide can be ready in ten minutes?" Alcide stood and nodded and left the room. Eric looked at his son who was now crying. He felt what Eric was trying to rationalize in his mind and Eric tried to stop his son's tears. "Johan, daddy is not being mean and he is not mad at you. Stop this." He was a bit more gruff than Sookie liked.
"You will not talk to my son like that Eric Northman. If you are angry about something I did how dare you take it out on this baby. You need to go do whatever you need to do and leave us alone." She picked an unwilling Johan up, he was crying and reaching for Eric and Eric felt horrible. He headed to get ready to leave, he had done enough.
Eric and Alcide were several floors down in the large conference room adjacent to Eric's office with local supes groups all morning and through the afternoon. The last was the local pack master in Vegas. He was a big man and was well respected. The meeting went as Eric planned and he had reaffirmed the local leaders commitment to keep the peace but rule with a strong fist. No one under Eric's jurisdiction would get leniency and he made it clear to every creature he met that day. Eric and Alcide were alone when he turned to speak to Alcide. "I need someone to head my task force for the shifters Alcide. I know you are busy but I trust your judgment and I need someone who understands the rules. Of course there will be compensation for such a position but with both states there are more dealings that have to be handled. I was hoping you would take the position."
"We can discuss it. I am open to the idea. I think you are a fair King and you do what needs to be done. I understand what you need to do to protect your position and your family." Eric nodded pleased. "I am heading up, if you need something else let me know. I going to see if I can convince that smoking hot witch to hit a casino or something with me." Alcide grinned and Eric smiled at him watching him leave.
Eric made some phone calls in his office and was talking on the phone when some one knocked and entered. King Stan Davis was standing in the door way. Eric waved him in and he sat in the big chair in front of Eric. Ending his call he looked up to see Stan was looking at him with a bit of grin. "What is humoring you my old friend?" Eric waited for Stan to answer.
"You, Viking. I am pleased to see you are finally in the position you were born to be in. It baffles me a mere human is the one responsible for bringing you to your senses." Stan was still smiling at Eric. He knew Sookie wasn't full human but he loved to tease Eric any chance he could.
"The mere human is my Queen and my bonded wife, remember Stan? You were at our bonding ceremony." Eric didn't find it any of this humorous and was getting agitated. "I am sure Sookie will be glad to see you. She finds you, what did she say, funny."
Stan thought that was fantastic, he was smiling ear to ear. His face changed, time for business. "Alright Eric, what is this about? What have you gotten yourself into now?"
"The King of New Mexico, I have heard rumblings he has taken interest in Sookie. You have been his neighbor for many years Stan. I need to know if this true before I make my move. I will not go up against him if it is only rumor. If it true he will die by my hands." Eric had moved his chair to look away from Stan. He was in defense mode now.
Concern flashed on Stan's face. "I have heard nothing and I met with the King less than a week ago. Your name only came up in passing and every conversation I have had with him has been up to par. I know he has a pet and she has been with him for many years. I do not believe the rumors are true but I will make some calls to see what information I can obtain."
"Thank you Stan, I know I am putting you in a difficult position but you I consider a friend. I know I can trust you with this." Eric stood and nodded to Stan who was standing to take his leave. King Davis turned to look at Eric and then opened the door to leave.
Eric had invited Kings and Queens from all over the country to a meeting in three days time. He knew he needed his answer by then. If this vampire wanted what was his he would be ready with sword in hand.
His phone rang and it was business so he sat back in his chair to finish up. It was several hours later when he was finally done. He got on the elevator and headed upstairs to their penthouse. Stepping in he heard laughter, his son and others talking. His living room was filled with vampires and people he personally invited. Sookie was dressed in a light blue silk pant suit and heels. Her hair was down and she was chatting with Russell and Bill. Alcide was talking to Johan on the couch. Amelia was laughing at something Stan was saying. Pam was standing alone sipping a True Blood. Sookie turned to see him come and excused herself to head his way. "Hi sweetie, how was your day? I thought you would have been home sooner. Amelia and I spent all your money shopping today. I hope that was ok." He looked at her a moment and then looked again at his living room.
"Yes." She moved to kiss him but he left her standing there before she got a chance to make contact with him. He went to the couch and picked up Johan, nodded at the other Kings in the room and left heading in the direction of the nursery.
Sookie was behind him. "Eric, stop."
He continued walking until he reached the room. Johan looked confused and started to protest his fathers hold on him. "Daddy no!" Eric's son wanted down and Johan was getting madder by the minute. Eric put Johan in his crib and turned to walk away walking out the door and heading to their room. He was inside before she could catch up to him.
"What the hell is going on Eric? You invited each of those vampires and people to your home and this is how you treat them? I am ashamed of you! Then you snatch your son off the couch like he is nothing but a toy! I want an explanation and I want one now." Her hands were on her hips and her face was beet red.
He leaned his face close enough they were almost nose to nose. His voice was so low she almost didn't hear him. "I do not owe you an explanation of my behavior wife. You need to remember that." The venom that dripped from his voice was loud and clear.
She stood blinking. In the two years they were together he had never spoken to her like that. They would argue and they would always work it out. If he was angry about something he would tell her even if it was unpleasant. This vampire standing in front of her she didn't know. Her eyes narrowed at him and she turned to walk back to their guest.
Amelia was standing waiting for her when she returned. Everyone else had left, she felt terrible and embarrassed by his behavior. She was raised better than to treat people that way and he didn't even blink an eye. "Sookie, is everything ok?" She looked concerned.
"If I knew Amelia I would tell you. I don't know what is wrong with him." She tidied up from her guests and then went to the bedroom to get some sleeping clothes. Eric was gone, she checked the bathroom, he wasn't in it. She thought maybe he was in the nursery so she changed and walked down the hall to the babies room and he wasn't there either. She would have to just find him later, it was time to feed her babies. Enar was up and she took him out of the crib and fed him. Erika began to fuss before he was done but she couldn't feed two babies at the same time she let her stir a minute. Her little girl was softly fussing when Eric came into the room. "If you will not feed my children when they are hungry I will be sure to find some one that will. She is crying Sookie, do you not hear her?" He walked to the crib and pulled his daughter to his chest to comfort her.
Sookie was shocked and her feelings were more than hurt. He just accused her of being a bad mother. Her eyes welled but she stopped them. "As you can see I am feeding Enar here, so no I am not starving your children. I think you need to leave Eric and get some air. I don't know what is the matter with you but I can't keep having you yelling and hurting me or the kids. Go away."
He was standing in front of her so quickly she moved back in the chair. "Do not tell me to leave my own home Sookie. I afford you the things you have here and I will not be told to leave or anything else in my own home. Do you understand me?" He was doing it again, he was being cruel and she didn't like it one bit.
She looked him in the face until he moved away from her, no way would not back down from him and she didn't have to respond to him. Sookie continued to feed her son and moved to put him his crib, he was sound asleep then stood in front of Eric and held her hands out for her daughter. He handed the baby to her and he left the room. Sookie silently cried until her daughter was done feeding. A quick check of Johan who was sound asleep she went to the living room and turned on the big flat screen tv on the wall. Not really interested in it she put on an old movie channel and cuddled up on the couch to think.
In all of her time with Eric he had gone out of his way to help her or show how much he loved her. What was different? Was something happening he couldn't tell her? Was he having an affair? Her heart broke with every scenario she thought of. She laid her head on the side of the couch and fell asleep. Amelia woke her a few hours later. "Sookie, Enar is awake and hungry."
Sookie sat up blinking looking at Amelia holding her son. She took him from her and thanked her for helping. Amelia went back to bed and the front door opened and Eric came in. It was really late, she knew that. She assumed Eric was in the house not out. She blinked at him. His hair was wind blown and he looked really pink like he had just fed. He hadn't fed on a human in over two years. "Where have you been Eric?" She was really mad now. He just walked past her to the bedroom. She took the baby to the nursery putting him in his crib then fed Erika and when she was done she went to her bedroom.
Eric was laying in the bed naked and at that moment she could care less. If he was with another woman she would never forgive him. She knew he fed off of her only and it had been that way for almost two years. He would supplement with synthetic blood and he swore he was fine with it. "You need to tell me where you have been and why have fed off someone else." She turned on the light to see him more clearly.
He didn't move. "No I do not."
"Oh yes you do. You are my husband and I am your wife. You have closed off to me and I don't know what I could have done to make you treat me like this. After everything we have been through you are going to treat me I am some fangbanger you picked off the street!" She was yelling and she didn't care who heard.
"Lower your voice Sookie. My business is no one else's." He turned to look at her. His fangs were down and he was angry.
"Really, your business? Well, what about me? You have given me the cold shoulder for two days. You yell at Johan and me!" She stomped her foot on the ground out of exasperation.
He was out of the bed and next to her in a second. "Do not speak to me like that Sookie! I will not tolerate it. You are mine and I can do with you what I chose! Do you not know that by now?" He was yelling at her and she knew the whole house had to hear it.
Pam was in the door way. "Eric, what the hell is going on? Why are you yelling at her? They can here you across the street your yelling so loudly."
"Out Pamela, this is none of your business." Eric was growling at her.
She growled right back. "Do not tell me this is not my business. She is my mistress and you are intentionally being cruel to her. Why?"
"Leave now Pamela or I will chain you for your disobedience." He meant it, Sookie saw the look in his eye.
"Do what you must Eric. I will not allow you to hurt her." Stan and Russell were now standing in the door.
Sookie knew this was heading down a bad road. "Please, every one go back to bed. I will handle this." Pam told her no. Sookie went over and kissed her. "Pam I am fine, check on the kids for me. Thank you." She was addressing the Kings who reluctantly moved from the door to go back to their room.
"Eric, the kids and I going home to Louisiana in the morning. I think maybe you need a little break from us for a bit. If you didn't want us to come here with you then you should have just said so I would have understood. I don't know what I have done to make you mad at me but at this point it doesn't matter. Take your time here it will do you some good." She turned and walked away and he went to grab her. Her hand came up and light come out, she threw it at him throwing him back. "Don't do this Eric. I won't allow you to hurt me or our kids. I love you but I won't let you do that to us." She turned to start packing. Eric growled loudly and left the room.
Sookie stayed up the rest of the time getting her and the kids ready to leave. She made arrangements for the flight at nine a.m. and she was going home. She didn't see Eric again until she was in the nursery picking the babies up to put in their carriers to take them down to the car. Johan was already in the car with Amelia and she was glad because she didn't want her son to see his father like this.
"You are not leaving me Sookie." His face was distorted and his fangs were down again.
"Eric, I am not leaving you. I am going home. You need to get your head together. I am only a phone call away. Goodbye." She took both carriers and walked to the door to an awaiting Mark who looked at Eric then her and she nodded, he took the carriers to go to the car.
"No!" He was behind her pulling her to him. "You cannot leave."
She pulled away from him. "Goodbye Eric." Carefully she walked down the stairs and headed to the waiting car to go home. Her heart was breaking into tiny pieces with every step she took.
Their flight over they headed to the house. Sookie was determined not to show the people around her how her heart was breaking. Her face showed only confidence and happiness. Her children would know if she was upset so she put up all shields and closed all bonds to get through it. Those three little people were too important to scare them with Eric's silliness. Sookie took her kids in the house and asked Amelia to make Johan lunch and put him down for a nap. The twins needed to be fed so she took each of them and fed them and put them down into their cribs. Her unpacking was next on her list so she took care of that and went to the kitchen to start a pot roast for dinner. She was through putting it in the crock pot when Amelia was standing in the doorway. "Sookie what happened? I mean, I don't mean to pry but what is going on. Eric had me scared to death."
"I don't know. I just think he needs a break. He has been so great and so much has happened maybe he is just on overload. I mean, it is normal for me because this is what humans do. Eric isn't human any more, this isn't his nature to be a husband and father I guess. I will give him some space and we will see what happens." She tried to sound up beat and positive.
Sookie did all her usual things, laundry, bathing the babies, feeding her kids, cleaning her home. Her day went back to some normalcy minus her heart, Eric. She did everything she could to get through the day. She was in the kitchen cleaning up the dishes from dinner when her cell phone rang. "Sookie, are you alright?" Pam sounded upset.
"Yes, Pam, I am fine. Why, is something wrong?" She stopped loading the dishwasher waiting to hear something terrible happened when she left.
"I don't know what is wrong with him, after you left he tore up the living room, broke everything in it. I tried to talk to him but he won't discuss it. Did he say anything to you about it?" She heard the worry in Pam's voice and it made her heart crack more.
"Only that I was his and I was suppose to obey his every wish and command. He called me a bad mother, well close to it really. I don't have a clue what is wrong with him. Is he angry with you?" Sookie finished the dishwasher and headed to the bedroom that was hers and Eric's. She stood in the doorway afraid to go in.
"He is beyond angry at me but I do not care. Eric will not harm you or my siblings and get away with while I still have blood in my body. I will call you tomorrow. Good night Sookie." Pam disconnected and Sookie just looked at the phone. Her head moved up to look at the bedroom. She could smell his scent in the room. That was the bed they had loved, laughed and made their children together in and she was alone. She sighed and went to the night stand to turn on the baby monitor and went to take a shower. He phone was vibrating off the table when she came out. It was Eric, he called several times. She let it go to voicemail. She had to be strong and let him have the space he needed. He couldn't just sugar coat this with I love you's and promises of forever. She climbed into bed and wept until she fell asleep.
She heard her daughter crying through the monitor. She hurried to the bathroom and went to the nursery to feed her twins. An hour later she was back in the bed and slept until dawn. She woke to her chest hurting, he son was hungry. She heard someone in the nursery talking to her son and she rushed to the room as fast as she could. Her great grandfather stood over the crib.
"Niall, what are you doing? You can't just pop in her unannounced. You scared me half to death!" She was mad and relived.
"I am sorry my child. I should have called but your son had other ideas. He has been calling to me for hours. What has happened child? Why is your son upset? He knows you left his father in Las Vegas." Prince Niall was very wise and she loved him but how could she tell him about Eric's bad behavior.
She walked to the crib to see her son moving all about in his crib. His little legs and arms going a mile a minute, reaching in she took him out and went to sit in the chair to feed him. Her son latched to her chest with very little trouble at all. "Niall, I don't know what Enar had told you but were fine. Eric is just on overload. Ever since the take over things have been crazy and he just needs some time. I am giving it to him."
He wasn't convinced. "Sookie, Enar needs his father as much as you do. All your children do, they are bonded to him and cannot be separated from him. Enar especially. Johan looks like Eric but Enar is Eric in his feelings, thoughts and spirit. This child is the Vikings in all ways and he must be with this child to keep him healthy and happy."
Sookie wasn't an idiot and she was about to tell him so. "I am aware of that. I didn't say I kicked him out. I just gave him a little room to breathe and do some thinking. We all need that sometimes."
"Call the Viking home Sookie." He was adamant she do this.
"No, I won't. This is my life and I have to live it." She was putting her foot down and it was final.
"You are making a mistake her my child. I do not like to get involved in your life with the vampire but Eric is on the wrong path here. He believes that you will easily be persuaded to leave him and he is beside himself with anger and jealousy. Enar hears the things people think about you and he has shown this to his father. Enar loves you in all ways a son loves his mother but he is his father's son Sookie." Niall was serious about what he was saying.
She was shocked. She looked down to her son. "Tattle tail." She stuck her tongue out at him. "I can't help what Eric thinks Niall. I am not unfaithful to him and if he wants to think that and kill half the male population because he knows they have dirty thoughts about me he isn't going to have much time for me any way. I worked in a bar remember? Most of the men and some woman for that matter had a nasty thought about me at one point or another."
"Fine I will go to the Viking myself." He was about to pop and Sookie stopped him.
"No! Leave it alone." She heard him pop anyway.
Her children were fed and she took them to the living room with her and put them in the portable crib. Amelia was carrying Johan with his head upside down and he was giggling for all he was worth. She set him down and he ran to Sookie almost knocking her down. Sookie sat on the floor to hug and kiss him and roll all the floor with him. They were giggling and having a great time. Johan needed breakfast so she took him to the kitchen, put him in his high chair made him oatmeal and set it in front of him to eat.
The house phone was ringing. Amelia came in with the receiver in her hand. She whispered "Eric" pointing to it. Sookie was shaking her head no and Amelia was pushing the phone into her hand. She rolled her eyes and took the phone. "Hello."
"Sookie, are you well?" His phone sounded strained.
She looked at the phone like it was a foreign object. "Yes Eric I am fine. The children are fine."
"Niall was here. He told me what he said to you. I am sorry if he upset you." He was so quiet she wanted to reach out and hug him.
"I am fine, really. I didn't start this you did. I have never given you any reason to think something like that about me. I didn't go out and feed on another and I didn't yell at my spouse and child." She was mad now.
"I did not feed on another Sookie. I killed a man. That is what I do. I do that to protect you and my family. I do it so men do not come after you. I will not allow anyone to harm you or my children ever again." His voice was ice cold.
She knew he took care of things she would never be able to image. "I know Eric and I love you for doing what needs to be done to keep us safe and a family. Have I ever said differently? Have I ever told you I was unhappy with my life or with you?"
He was silent for a moment. "No you have not."
She didn't understand what the coldness and the wall he had put up was about. "Why then? Why are you treating me like this? Do you not love me? Are you unhappy with your life?" She wanted to cry but she wouldn't. She just wanted answers.
"You know how I feel Sookie. I can't make it any clearer. I just can't keep watching men wanting you. I heard their thoughts Sookie! They want you and I can't stand it!" Now she had the answer.
"I see. So my being with you every day of the week, marrying you, giving you three children and making love to you almost daily since the day I met you doesn't mean that much to you?" He was being ridiculous and someone had to show it to him.
"My children hear what men think about you Sookie. My son showed me the images of what the men in that room where thinking. How can I let this continue?" He was mad and didn't know any more than she did about what to do she was sure of it.
"Eric, what can I tell you to make you feel better. This is something you must work out on your own. I love you with all my heart and I want you home, not the angry mean Eric who has been a jerk for the last two days. Take your time. I will be here when you get your thoughts together." She hung the phone up on him. If she didn't she would cry and beg him to come home. He needed time and she was going to give it to him.
Sookie, Amelia and her security detail took the kids to Bon Temps. Sookie wanted a big greasy hamburger and she wanted friends and a day at the park. They went to the park first letting Johan run like a gazelle until he tired himself out. Mark carried him back to the car and put him in his car seat and helped the ladies and the babies into the car to go to Merlotte's. Sookie and her small army went in the bar for lunch. Mark had Johan carrying him like he weighed nothing. They sat at the table and glanced at the menu.
Sam was at the table in a flash pulling Sookie into a big hug. "Cher I have missed you! How are these adorable babies? Sookie, you're a mama!" He said it like he just got the memo and he was smiling and looked happy to see her.
She looked at him smiling back. "I am great Sam. I wanted a burger and there is no better one than here. I miss you too Sam Merlotte!" She really did. They were friends for so long and Eric and her new life got in the way and she really felt bad about that. He was her first protector, her boss and her friend and she loved him for the friend he was. They ordered lunch and Sam sat when he could to catch up.
"Everything ok with you? I mean with the babies coming and all? Eric doing ok?" She was shocked. He had actually asked about the vampire he thought was the thorn in his side. She figured he was there when Eric went through one of the worse times of his life and maybe Sam got a sense of how much Eric meant to her and her him. He saw how upset Eric was and it broke her heart that anyone she cared about had been there to witness it. She remembered the DVDs she made for them giving them her last wishes. Sam was a good friend.
"Yep, were great, the babies are healthy and happy. Eric is such a great daddy Sam. He really has been wonderful." She didn't get into what was going on now in their lives. "You haven't been to the new house and I would really like you to come by more. I know you and Eric aren't friends but I want my kids to know you Sam. Please say you'll come out to the house for dinner soon. I will make jambalaya for you." She knew he would be there, she went in through his stomach.
Sam just licked his lips and agreed. He kissed her on the top of the head and let them finish lunch. Sookie chatted for a couple hours with different customers and locals showing off her babies to everyone who looked at them. Lots of compliments and well wishes later they were on their way home. Everyone was tired and it was getting time for feeding time for the twins. Amelia took Johan to bathe and Sookie took the twins to feed. Erika did great eating and falling right to sleep. Enar was not, he was fussy and didn't want to eat. What he did eat he was burping back up. Sookie took his temperature and called the doctor. The doctor told her to keep an eye on him he might just be getting a cold. Sookie wouldn't let him out of her site. He was on her arm everywhere she went that evening. Amelia made grilled chicken for them so Sookie wouldn't have to do it. Johan was fed and put to bed.
Sookie was sitting on the couch patting the back of Enar and she looked worried. "Sookie, if you want to take him to see the doctor why don't you. I will watch the baby and Johan."
"I already called her. She said he might be getting sick, but my kids don't get sick Amelia. They are Eric's and they have his blood. I haven't had even a sniffle in two years." Sookie was worried. Her son was an angel and he never made a sound and for hours he had been whimpering continuously.
"Well, you need a minute. Go run to take a quick shower and get ready for bed. I will hold him until your done. It looks like your going to have a long night." She looked at her apologetically.
Sookie did what Amelia recommended, she showered and dressed and came into the living room and her son was still fussing. She took him and tried to feed him but he put up such a fuss she didn't force it. Maybe he needed a bath, she took him upstairs to the nursery and bathed him and he just got madder. His little body was stiff and red from his anger. She checked all over for a rash or maybe a bug bite since they had been at the park and she found nothing. He was whimpering like something was hurting him. She knew it wasn't teething. Johan was a little angel but when he was teething the only thing that would help was Eric, he would prick his finger and put into his son's mouth to take the pain away. But this was different and Sookie knew it, something was wrong with her son.
Hours went by and she had tried everything, rocking, humming, walking, another bath, trying to feed him and not one thing helped. She called the doctor again. Dr. Ludwig told her to bring him in. Sookie dressed and knocked on Amelia's door. "I am taking Enar to the hospital. Can you watch the Erika and Johan? There is formula in the fridge if I am not home when she wakes." Amelia was up and was rushing through the house. She was just as concerned and wanted to do what she could to help. Eric had sent Bill back to the house the evening they returned and Amelia went to find him for Sookie. Bill was pulling up the car before she had grabbed her things.
"Sookie what is wrong with Enar?" Bill looked at the now squalling baby in a panic.
She just shook her head and headed out the door. She had to call Eric because he would be really upset if something was wrong and she didn't call to tell him. When she and Enar were in the backseat and the car was moving she dialed his number on her cell. She put her head down and pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Sookie? What is wrong? What is it?" He sounded like he had been sleeping and was now fully at attention. He could hear his son crying in the background.
"Eric I am taking Enar to the hospital. He has been fussing since this evening and when I called Dr. Ludwig she told me to wait and see if he improved but he hasn't. He is worse. He won't stop crying, Eric. He hasn't eaten anything since this morning." She was scared and he wasn't here.
"Sookie I am on my way. I will be there soon." He hung up before she could tell him not to. She put her head in her hands and started to cry.