Thanks for the reviews! You guys loved the last chapter and I am glad.
This one is short, I have a funeral the next three days, I will try to get some writing in when I can and update soon. Please be patient if I don't get a chapter up on Tue. I will try really hard I promise.
This chapter is shorter than usual, I wanted to give you some closure.
Hope you like it.
Please review!
WARNING! ADULT CONTENT AND LEMONS!
Chapter 60
Sookie woke, Gunnar was whimpering next to her in his bed. Eric was gone, there was a note next to the alarm clock. "Hum, wonder where daddy went baby?" She got up and rubbed his belly. "Let mommy run to the bathroom then we will get you fed. Ok?" Hurrying to the bathroom she took care of what she needed. She winced a little, then giggled remembering what she and her husband had done the night before. When she got back into the bedroom Gunnar was kicking his legs and puckering his lips. "Hungry baby?" She picked him up and sat back on the bed with him and put him to her breast. "Daddy keeping mommy naked is coming in handy isn't it?" There was a knock on the door.
Sookie pulled the covers up to cover the baby and most of her exposed breasts. When she was sure she was covered she spoke. "Come on in."
Amelia opened the door. "Hey mama. Want some breakfast?"
Her stomach was growling. "Oh, Amelia I love you." She smiled at her friend. Gunnar was biting now, she winced.
"Is he hurting you?" Amelia looked concerned.
She giggled. "Not like you would think. I have gotten used to the feeling." Her hand went to hers sons curly hair, it was so soft.
Amelia sat down a tray next to the table, then took a seat next to her. "Sookie, I know I shouldn't say anything to freak you out but Alcide came home really late last night, he was really pissed about something. I asked him about it, he wouldn't tell me. I haven't seen him this mad since all that stuff with Stan when Eric was missing. Did Eric say anything to you?"
Sookie shook her head. "I got the same from Eric. He told me he would tell me when the time was right. I hate when they do this! He thinks I am supposed to live in a bubble or something, problem is it always comes back to bite me in the rear."
"Well, I got the stay out of it look so lets just keep this between us ok? If I hear anything more I will let you know. You do the same." Amelia took Gunnar from her. "Eat, big bad vampire roared that you need to eat and if you don't heads will roll."
Sookie's eyes got big. 'He didn't."
Nodding yes she looked at Sookie. "Yep, he was a bit grumpy this morning I hear."
"I wonder where he went. He promised he was going to stay home with me and the kids." Sookie was disappointed, he had promised and now he was gone. She started to eat her French toast. "What are you doing here so early?"
Amelia smiled. "I had a few things I wanted to get done. Sookie, we really need to look over your calendar, see what you want to cancel, what to keep."
"Ok, how about tomorrow, I want to get cleaned up and I go and see the kids. I miss them." Sookie pouted.
"Let me run Gunnar to the nursery to change him while you finish up. How's that?" Amelia stood with a squirming baby.
Sookie looked at her contemplating it. "That's fine. Just keep him close, I am really not comfortable having him away from me for long yet."
"New mama syndrome. I wont let him out of my sight Sookie, you know that." Amelia was gone.
Sookie sighed, finished her breakfast, put the tray on the table next to her. She reached for the note Eric left her.
My love,
I am sorry I broke my promise of not leaving you so soon. There is something of extreme importance that has come up that I must see too. I hope you will forgive me. I will try to be home early.
I love you Sookie, I know last night I was a little possessive but I hope I did not upset you with what I said. Your feelings for me I never question.
I love you my darling. Please call me when you wake, I want to hear you are well rested and my children are well from your lips only.
See you tonight,
Your loving husband for eternity
~E~
Sookie giggled. He was really trying to get some brownie points with that one. She got off the bed, went to her dresser and put the letter in the box with the others he had written her over the years. Her next stop was to the bathroom, a quick shower and she had her hair up, make up on and dressed. She put on a white tank top and a red track suit and tennis shoes. Today she needed to get dressed, she spent the entire day in bed yesterday and she was feeling lazy. There was too much going on in her home and she needed to get in the middle of it.
Grabbing her tray she bounced down the staircase, stopped in the kitchen and dropped off her dishes, said thank you to Trish and Sergio. She walked out of the kitchen she heard Amelia laughing at something and Johan giggling. Stepping into the living room the kids were watching Sesame Street and everyone was laughing at something The Count had said. "What's so funny?" Sookie asked from the doorway.
Everyone turned and looked at her. Her kids jumped up and ran to her. "Mommy!" came from all of them.
"Hello my babies. How are you all this morning?" Sookie kissed them all, hugged and smiled to each.
Enar looked at his mother. "Love you mommy." Sookie thought her heart would melt.
"Ah, Warrior, mommy loves you too. Lets watch some TV before Lily takes you for your lessons, ok?" Sookie helped them get back on the couch and resettled.
Amelia grinned. "They are such sweet kids Sook. You really hit the lottery."
"It takes a village Amelia, I am lucky, there is no way I could do this by myself. I am grateful I have great people around who care about me and my kids." Sookie kissed Erika on the top of the head. "Shoot, I forgot, Eric asked me to call him. I will be right back." Sookie moved Erika and took her cell phone out of her pocket, dialed Eric's number and waited.
"Hello my love." He purred.
"Hi gorgeous, you asked me to call, I am calling." She giggled.
"I see you got my note. I am truly sorry I had to leave this morning Sookie, I hope you are not angry." He sounded sincere she thought.
She rolled her eyes. "Eric, you are King, you have responsibilities, I know that. You're coming home early though right?"
Eric laughed. "Yes, I will be home maybe we can swim in our new pool but unfortunately I have a meeting this evening after. I will be gone the rest of the night."
Maybe if she pleaded with him he would tell her. "Eric, please tell me what's going on, you have me worried."
"I will when I have a solution, alright? I will not have you worrying about something you cannot control. I am your husband, I am the one that takes on the burden, not you. Take care of my children, that is what I need you to focus on." There was a pause.
Sookie wanted to fight him on it, she knew something was brewing and she was getting angry he was not including her. "I guess I have no choice then do I? I just want to let you know that I thought we were past all this Eric, you promised me there wouldn't be anymore secrets."
She could feel through the bond he was upset and hurt by what she said. "I understand and all I can say is I am sorry Sookie. I promise I will speak to you about it tonight, alright?"
"Ok, I will see you tonight then. I love you Eric." She felt like crying.
"Do not be upset, I am not trying to hurt you, I am trying to protect you. I only want you safe and happy, you and my children. I love you darling, I will see you tonight." He hung the phone up.
She did the only thing she could do, go back to her kids. The day flew fast, she and the kids played in the floor with the baby, she ate lunch with them, took them all upstairs with her for a nap, got them up, spent time with them while they did their lessons then when dinner came she had them at the dinner table, still no word from Eric. "Ok guys, daddy is running late, lets eat." She helped Enar with his carrots, he made a face at her. "Baby, you like carrots, eat up." Sookie smiled at him and he ate. Trish was clearing the dishes when Sookie felt something, she looked over to Johan.
"Mommy, we need to hide, he is coming." Johan was looking around, Enar was looking at his mother concerned. Erika looked like she would cry.
"Mark!" Sookie jumped up. Lily rushed in. "Lily hold Gunnar please. Where is Mark?"
Lily turned and pointed, he strode in. "What is it?" He looked like the assassin he was paid to be.
"Something is coming. My kids sense it. Call Eric. Now!" She was rushed to get the kids. "Ok, lets go." She picked up Erika and turned to Lily. "Lets get the kids downstairs, hurry!"
They rushed to the secret door near the foyer that lead them downstairs to the light tight room they had never had to use since Eric became a day walker. She punched in the code, opened the door and turned to Lily. "There is plenty of items in there for the kids, it is always restocked, you know what to do. Right?" Lily nodded confidently. "Go." Lily took Gunnar and the kids and rushed down the stairs. Sookie shut the door and resealed it. She concentrated and threw her light on her kids.
Mark appeared in the foyer. "He is on his way."
"The kids are downstairs Mark, if anything happen, protect my kids alright?" He nodded knowing what she meant. "Stay with my kids Mark, no matter what."
The door flew off the hinges, Niall stood in the doorway, his face was red and his clothes were blowing in the wind. "My blood." He looked at Sookie like a mad man. "I am here to collect what is rightfully mine."
Sookie narrowed her eyes. "Niall, what are you talking about?" The guards ran in the house from all different directions. "No, you guys leave. Now!" They were reluctant but they did as she said, she didn't want anyone to get hurt, she would deal with her great grandfather alone, for now. Sookie sensed Mark just out the door, he would not leave her.
Niall's head shook our of anger. "You will go to Fairy with your kind, now!"
She held up her hands up. "No, not until you tell me what is going on."
"I will not allow that blood sucker to get away with this! You are needed by your people, you will come with me!" His blue eyes were glowing.
Sookie was beyond confused, she would try the sweet approach. "Great grandfather, I don't know what your talking about. I cant go with you, I have babies that need me."
"Those abominations mean nothing to me. You have cursed the blood you were gifted with that of the bloodsucker! I should have poisoned him and left him to die when I had the chance in the beginning." Niall walked closer to her, she backed up, she needed a plan, she hoped her magic would be enough to keep him occupied until help came.
"Grandfather, leave her alone." Claude walked in the door.
The Prince whipped his head around to look at his grandson, Claude looked like a God, his hair flowing long on his back, his swords strapped to him, the white cotton pants he wore were bright as sunlight and he was shirtless. "This is none of your concern Claude, I have told you to stay our of this matter. I have been dismissed by the council, I will not be by her. She will go with me, now!"
"No, I care for her, I will not let you hurt her. You and I can settle this." Claude walked closer to stand next to her. "Sookie, are you alright?" She nodded.
Niall moved like lightning, he was lunging forward to grab Sookie when she heard the sound of the sword cut the air. Claude's reflexes were much faster than his grandfather's, the sword made impact and sliced a big gash on Niall's chest. "How dare you? You owe your loyalty to me and I alone!"
Sookie watched Claude's face change to pure anger. "Where are the warriors Prince? They have abandoned you! Why? Because this is ridiculous and no one will die for this cause! If I do not kill you the Viking will." Claude moved to strike again when Sookie heard the war cry she knew well, that of her husband.
"Eric." Sookie said to no one, Claude nodded.
Things moved so fast, Claude pushed her out of the way, she went flying backwards and hit the floor, Claude and Eric worked in unison, they were dancing with the Prince who was not about to give up without a good fight. The smell of fairy blood was strong, Eric was beginning to lose his focus, his fangs were down and he was licking his hand that the blood splattered on from the Prince. "Focus Viking!" Claude yelled to him. Claude lunged forward, taking another swipe of his grandfather. Sookie scrambled back to her feet.
Eric growled and narrowed his eyes at Claude unsure whether to trust him or not. "Eric!" Sookie yelled stopping her husband before he did what she knew he was thinking, cutting off her cousins head.
Her husband's head whipped her direction. The hissing that came from him was frightening. Sookie took another step back. "You will not win this Viking, she will return with me. I shall take your children too, just because I can!"
Eric growled, his face distorted. "Try to touch my bonded! Try it old man! You have muddied my home yet again with your filth and your insanity. My children live here, you come into my home and frighten them! I will kill you for this. Time to die you old fool."
In that moment Sookie almost cried, she saw the being that was supposed to be her family, he had promised to be there for her, love her and all he had ever done was betray her. Niall was nothing but another who wanted something from her and it hurt her deeply. She watched as her husband double fist the sword, pushed it into Brigant's chest and through his heart. Claude stepped forward, almost in defense of his grandfather but then lowered his sword. "I am sorry Prince." Claude lowered his head and fairy tears began. The howl that came from Niall made Sookie's instinct flare, her put her hands up, she was about to throw her magic when Claude stopped her. "This must be done by your Viking Sookie. It must."
Eric chest was heaving, he was near the end of this fight, he pulled the sword back again, Niall grabbed his chest where the sword just left. He began to fall down on his knee, Eric's sword sounded like a whistle as he wielded it against Niall's back, slicing him almost in half, then he pulled back and went the other direction, finishing the job. Sookie fell against the wall, her eyes full of hatred, sadness, despair. Eric was growling, his fangs still down. He moved toward Sookie. "Stop." Sookie said to her husband, he looked at her like he didn't understand. "This was it wasn't it?" He just looked at her, unsure what to say. "Answer me Eric."
"Yes." He hissed.
"Claude, what do we do with him?" She pointed to the Prince who was already beginning to flake.
"I will leave him for you to sweep away. I need to return to Fairy and let them know." He turned to walk away then stopped. "I had nothing to do with what he planned cousin." Claude looked at her with pleading eyes. "Please tell me you believe me."
"I do Claude, I know you didn't." She walked into the arms of her cousin, she could feel the tears against her neck as he wept for their kin. "Call me tomorrow ok? We have a lot to talk about." She stood up and kissed him on the cheek.
Eric stood in front of her not knowing what to do, he was still lusting for blood, his fangs down, his clothes full of blood. "Sookie."
Sookie looked down the hall. "Mark?"
He appeared in the foyer, looking down at Niall first he looked at Sookie. "I will take care of it."
She nodded. "I am taking him upstairs. Don't let the kids out until its cleaned up and can you do something about the door? Have Lily bring the babies upstairs to our room when you get them out." Mark nodded and looked at Eric who also nodded.
She grabbed his hand, he walked with her up the stairs. When he was in the room he laid his sword down and whipped to look at her. "I will not apologize for what I have done Sookie."
Her eyes filled with tears, she went to the bed. "I am sorry Eric, I know I should trust you to do what you thinks best. I know why you did it and I appreciate it."
Eric stood in front of her, he was taken aback for a moment. "Pardon me?"
Giggling she wiped her eyes. "I said thank you."
He grinned. "You are not angry that I did not tell you?"
"Eric, you need to tell me what happened. But I know why you kept it from me, you were afraid I would be upset. You were looking out for me and the kids. I am not happy you didn't share it with me but I understand." She wrapped her arms around his waist. "I love you Eric."
He picked her up off the ground putting her face eye level with his. "You never cease to amaze me. I thought you were going to be angry about this."
"I just watched you kill Niall Eric. Why? Because he threatened to hurt our family. I could never be upset about that. That would be selfish and I will do anything in my power to protect you and our kids. If I had to die fighting him I would have done it if it kept my kids out of harms way." Her eyes were glowing.
His head fell back, he laughed. "I love you my wife!" His lips found hers and he kissed her hard until the knock on the door stopped him.
"Take gracious plenty and go take a shower sweetie, our babies are here." He set her down on her feet and she checked her shirt to make sure there was no blood on it and went to the door. Eric rushed to the bathroom.
"Mommy!" Johan rushed forward. She knelt down and hugged her kids, the twins were asking all kinds of questions. Gunnar was sound asleep. Mark stood watching her kiss and love on her babies.
"Thanks Mark. I think Eric and I will keep them in here with us tonight ok?" Sookie smiled up at him.
"You got it. Hey you guys I will see you in the morning ok?" He handed Gunnar to Sookie. Mark hugged Erika and ruffled the boys hair before leaving.
"There are my troops!" Eric rushed at vampire speed, gathered them all up tightly and kissed them all. He had taken a quick shower, changed to a t-shirt and put on a pair of shorts.
"Daddy your squishing me!" Erika was giggling.
Eric laughed too. "I have yet to squish you my Princess. We are going to squish you until you can not breath is that not right my boys?"
The boys giggled and they were tickling and poking at their sister. Eric turned, threw them gently on the bed and fell on top of them gently making all three of them howl with laughter. "Ok you goof balls, Gunnar is trying to sleep." She waited until Eric was sitting on the bed. "Here, watch your vampire, I need to go get a few things for him and the kids."
Eric took him and smiled down at his new son. Sookie saw the pride in his eyes as he turned to look at the three kids on the bed who loved him unconditionally, they didn't care he was a vampire, or that he had money and prestige, they didn't care he was a great warrior. They loved him because he was their father, a good father. She smiled as she went to run down the stairs to gather some items for their slumber party. Lily was in the kitchen getting a glass down. "Thanks Lily for everything tonight."
"Oh, hey Sookie. You're welcome. Is everything ok now?" She poured a glass of milk.
"Yea, all better. We are going to have a slumber party. I am making Eric do double duty tomorrow since he bailed on me today. Why don't you and Mark take the day off and go to the movies or something." Sookie got two True Bloods out, warmed them then grabbed a cold one.
"Are you sure? I don't want Eric to get mad." She looked giddy.
"I will tell him and Gary right now. Take the rest of the night off now and I don't want to see you until day after tomorrow. How's that?" Sookie grabbed the sippie cups and filled them with milk for the kids.
"Great!" She hugged Sookie.
"Tell Mark to get Gary and come in here." Lily was gone in a flash.
Sookie got some cookies out of the container and put them on the tray. The True Bloods and sippie cups she put next to them. "You wanted to see us Sookie?" Gary stood in the doorway with Mark.
"Yep, I did. Ok, Gary you are officially in charge starting now until day after tomorrow say oh eight hundred. Mark is off the clock officially. If the whole supe community rains down on us between now and then you are in charge of handling it. Are you up to the challenge soldier?" Sookie smirked.
Gary looked at Mark who looked like he was going to protest. "Yes ma'am. You and your family will be well taken care of on my watch. Enjoy your vacation old man." Gary smiled brightly.
"Sookie, after what happened I….." Mark started to say.
"I am the Queen, I make the rules. Well, actually Eric does but I help him. I have made my decision, now if you want me to go up there and yell at him and make him mad because you two wouldn't listen to an order I gave you then I will. Is that what I need to do?" She put her hands on her hips.
In unison they replied. "No ma'am."
"Good, now goodbye Mark." She waved to him and he left. "Gary, get your men in line. Eric and I will be in our room with our kids. If you need anything you know where to find us."
"I know what needs to be done your Majesty. I will see you in the morning." He bowed to her and left.
She grabbed the tray, stopped off at the nursery to grab diapers, powder and a Fangtasia onesie just in case. When she opened the door she found Eric had Gunnar in the middle of the bed, the kids were all sitting around him and he was awake. They were petting and loving on him, she almost cried.
"Hi mommy. We are playing with Gunnar." Enar looked excited.
She went to the table and sat the tray down then put the babies things on the dresser. "Baby, if mommy knew giving you a baby brother would make you so happy she would have done that along time ago."
Eric looked so happy, his face was lit up with love and pride. She took one of the bloods off the tray and handed it to him. "Thank you my love." Sookie smiled at him.
"Guess what mommy brought? Cookies and milk!" The kids all stood up and jumped on the bed. "Now, we are going to watch a movie, cuddle and eat cookies in bed. Daddy hate cookie crumbs in the bed so lets only get them on his side of the bed." She stuck her tongue out, the kids cracked up laughing, Eric lunged at her pulling her on the bed and they all started to tickle her. She was begging for them to let her go until tears came out of her eyes from laughing so hard.
Eric let her go and kissed her. He leaned over and whispered in her ear. "You are amazing Sookie, you make me so happy."
She touched his face and whispered in his ear. "I will show you in the shower later how happy you make me, only if you promise to be quiet and not wake the kids." She wiggled her eyebrows.
His fangs came down. "Troops, under the covers, we need to find a movie and commence eating cookies and milk as your mother has directed you too." Eric helped them under the covers, Sookie got under too, picked up Gunnar and brought him up in her arms to hold him close. Eric got the remote control out of the drawer and turned on the big screen TV on the wall that had hadnt been used that Sookie could remember last.
Eric went through the list of movies and the kids chose 'Lion King.' All the blue eyes were on it until about half way through and they began to fall asleep one after another. Sookie began to feed the baby, he was still half asleep but she knew he was hungry. Eric turned the TV off after the troops were asleep. "How is he doing?" Eric looked at him feeding.
"He is doing really good. Feedings are when he wants, which are often. He doesn't take blood all the time, just about every third feeding. He is reminds me so much of you, minus the curly hair." She curled his hair around her finger.
He cleared his throat. "My mother had curly hair, just like his. It was the same color, my mother was very beautiful, she came from a good family in our village. Father was a Prince when he met my mother. My father told me stories of how he fell in love with her the day he met her, love at first sight he had said." Eric reached over and took his sons hand and held it. "Mother said she did not care that my father was a wealthy raider and great warrior. She wanted a good, honest, loving husband. Father would tell her all the time how pretty she was and she was that. Men would look at my mother like men look at you. Sometimes you remind me of her, your sweetness, you consideration of others, your love. Father would tell her she needed to be firmer with me, I was a Prince, I thought I was handsome and deserved anything I wanted. She told me one day I would meet a woman that would make me want to give everything I had to my love. I never believed her until I met you."
Sookie wiped the tears from her eyes. "Oh Eric. She sounds like she was lovely." She sniffled.
Eric smiled. "Yes, she was. I see my mother and my father in him. That makes me very happy. I never took the time to look, really look at my human children. We were always gone for long periods of time. My wife took the job of child rearing and they were just products of our world then. Men had sex with their wives, if they stayed pregnant that was fine. The more children you had the more boys you had to take into battle, the more girls you had to wager for money in marriage. It is not a life I would ever want to return to. I never want my children to feel the way I am sure my human children felt."
Sookie watched her husband tell her about his life and it humbled her. She reached over and touched his face. "These babies love you unconditionally. Not just because they have to because you're their daddy, its because you are a great daddy. You love them, teach them, talk to them and do thousands of other things for them. When we found out we were pregnant with Johan I was so scared Eric, I had never even had a boyfriend before you. Here I was married to this powerful, sexy vampire and I thought what kind of father could he be? I was so wrong for doubting you, you have been amazing. I am so proud of you, you have given your heart and your time to our kids. You make sure to kiss them in the morning, sit down with them at meals, tuck them in at night and love them like no one could. I couldn't have asked for a better father for my kids."
Eric's eyes welled. "Thank you Sookie. That means more to me than I can tell you."
"Do you want to hold him for a while?" She lifted Gunnar up for him to take if he wanted to.
He nodded and took the baby into his arms. "They are all so special in their own way are they not? It is so wonderful, they are such good children."
"Yeah, cause they are babies. Wait till they get older and watch what happens. Johan is going to be all smart like you, Enar will be the bossy like you, Erika she will be sweet like me of course and this one, I have a feeling he is going to be your wicked side. I cant wait to watch them grow."
Eric smiled down at his vampire son. He was bursting to tell her what Johan had said but he wouldn't, he wanted it to be a surprise. "I as well." He lifted Gunnar and sniffed his head. "He smells so wonderful. Just like me."
Sookie yawned. "Your staying home tomorrow right?" He nodded. "Oh, I gave Lily and Mark the day off, actually tonight and tomorrow off."
Eric looked up and narrowed his eyes. "Sookie, he is our head of security."
"Gary is here Eric, isn't that why you hired him?" She asked plainly.
He smiled. "Yes, you are right. I will enjoy seeing how he does. Now, lay down, lets get some sleep."
Yawning she nodded. "Will you lay him next to us?" She still wasn't comfortable leaving him alone.
"Of course, he will be right here Sookie, he will be safe." Eric leaned over and kissed her. "I love you, good night." She repeated him and pulled the covers up to her face. He looked over, his daughter was the same way. He chuckled, laid down, put his son next to him and watched them sleep. His phone rang, he reached over to answer it.
Xavier was on the line. "Eric, I understand we will not be needing the tribunal any longer?"
"That is correct." He said flatly.
"Just as we wished. I will call you with retribution. Give Sookie my best. Good night Eric." He hung up.
Eric smiled, one more of his enemies down. Eric was relieved that things hadn't gotten more out of hand. He dialed Pam.
"Master."
"The issue we had has been taken care of." Eric said smiling into the phone.
Pam purred. "Yes, the news has spread."
"Head back to Nevada, I will speak with you tomorrow." They said their goodbyes and hung up.
He sent text messages to Isabella and Bill. He read a few messages and emails he had received then sat his phone on the table. Turning on his side, he put his arm around his family, closed his eyes and went to sleep.