Chapter 19
SPOV
Our nest, which had quadrupled since our European adventure, had fallen into a harmonious routine. Everyone was comfortable and meshed perfectly. In the two weeks that had passed, we trained and planned. We had amassed a lethal army of vampires, fairies, gnomes, weres, and shifters. The Intel Eric got from Bill, may he burn in Hell, was vital. The three that Sinclair had discovered were involved turned out to be just the face of our enemy. They were a lot like lobbyists for Big Tobacco, desperate to get as many on their side as possible. Our reach was global and little did they know some of their audiences were our allies. Together, we strategically strengthened our powers so that we would be ready for anything.
As I lay on my back, enjoying the sun without a care in the world, I realize that I hadn't tanned in a while. I was humming to the sounds of the birds and wind when I felt that I was not alone. I cracked an eye to see a blur run pass me. I was surprised that I could not catch a glimpse of this intruder, even with my enhanced senses. Just as I sat up, it passed me again. This time, I realized that there were two intruders. I rose from my lounge chair, remembering to pull my wrap over my naked breasts, and walked to the middle of our rooftop garden. The beings were fast and circled me as a unit. I had begun to raise my power when one of them tickled me. It actually tickled me.
"Who are you? What do you want?" I commanded. I was getting irritated.
Then I heard them giggling. I felt like the butt of their joke and did not like it one bit. The sky began to darken. That got their attention because they stopped moving. On either side of me were two boys. They were as tall as me, lean, and looked to be about 12 years old or so. It was their faces that finally made me calm down. I had to sit down.
They both approached, standing in front of me with that smirk that still drives me crazy.
"We would never hurt you." said the one on my left.
"We just wanted to play with you in the Sun." said the one on my right.
I was speechless. I placed my hands on my belly. There were two heartbeats thrumming through me. Both boys smiled at me just like their father. Just as I called to Eric, they disappeared.
Eric barged into the garden, his eyes ablaze. He knelt in front of me as he scanned me for any sign of distress.
"Lover? Are you alright?" he asked, his voice dripping with concern.
I still did not speak. All I could do was grab his hands and place them on my stomach. His eyes widen. We both felt them. We did not have to say a word. The love between the four of us swirled through the bond. Eric and I spent the rest of the day in the garden.
After watching the sunset, he stood and pulled me to my feet.
"Let's go get dressed. We will have guests soon."
I looked at him with confusion in my eyes. Who was coming? Had there been new developments? I was just about to verbalize the feelings that I knew he felt through the bond, but I was struck silent by waves of lust. Before my knees turned to jelly, I was in his arms. He gripped my chin, taking my lips greedily. As he carried me through the palace to our room, he discarded my wrap. We reached the bedroom door. Instead of setting me down on my feet, he kicked the double doors open. He turned to close them just as Pam rounded the corner to see us.
With a raise eyebrow and devilish smirk on her face, she spoke "Our nest has begun to arrive...how long should we wait?"
Eric and I looked at each other. I could feel that his desire to consume me was palpable.
"Entertain them until we come down. There is no telling when we will emerge." With that, he kicked one door close. I busted into a fit a giggles. Then the other door closed and Pam disappeared.
Two hours later, Eric and I came into the den where everyone was assembled. They rose and bowed. We nodded and they took their seats again. Eric led us to his oversized armchair that sat nest to the fireplace. I took my place in his lap, observing our family.
"Good evening all," Eric began. "As always, Sookie and I are happy to have you with us. We are gathered because I have been informed that our enemy is moving. We also may have someone who can identify their leader. This invaluable knowledge will no doubt lead us to victory."
The energy in the room surged. Everyday, minus the week of our return, each of us had been preparing for war. I spent hours alone in the basement meditating, communing with my Mother to help reaffirm my purpose. All of the pain and death we suffered was to give us the ability to justly protect and unify the supe community. Eric and I were great at dealing with people fairly throughout our many lives. This was more so true for Eric with his almost 1200 years walking this earth. The one thing that Eric always said was that he loved that I saw him as more than the evil deeds he committed over the centuries, a man with a soul that was capable of love. Freya told me that this was part of the reason why he and I were destined to be one.
Returning to the present, I rejoined the conversation.
"Before our guests arrive, I want to make sure that we are all in agreement. In order for any of us to survive in the future, we must be able to live peacefully with humans. But those who feel that they are superior to other beings and that they can be used however they want need to know that abusing their power will be met with that of a greater force." Eric squeezed me and I was overwhelmed by the pride and love he sent me.
"It is not our goal to rule over the supe community. It is to unite it under the belief that no matter what you are, you have a right to live without fear." As Eric spoke, our nest nodded in agreement. Their thoughts mirrored our own, which made me love them even more.
"We were all human at some point in time." I mumbled this to no one in particular, but everyone in the room heard me loud and clear. Before anything else could be said, Eric's phone began to vibrate me ass. "Ohh", I moaned. That earned me some giggles from the peanut gallery.
Eric answered it and I dismissed everyone for the time being. I rose and walked to the window to stand next to my Pam.
"Whatcha thinking about?" I said as I nudged her. She smirked, but never looked at me.
"It's been a long time since I have had a good fight. I'm impatient. I need to feed the...beast." Her tone was thoughtful, as if she'd finally realized something that had her stumped.
"Soon. I want to get this over with too." I replied. She nodded.
"WHAT?!" Eric roared. Our heads snapped in his direction. He was pacing in front of the fire. His fist was clenched as he listened intently to the caller.
"Alright. Close Fangtasia and have all survivors taken there. Call Ludwig. I'll pay her whatever." he ordered. He listened again. Pam and I moved closer.
The den was empty by this point. Everyone had scattered to parts unknown. I scanned the estate. Some of our nest mates were enjoying the backyard and pool. Some were in the theatre, and the rest were in kitchen. The guards were all at their post, patrolling as ordered. Just knowing our home was full of life made me think of Gran. We had started having Sunday dinners with her before she passed. I smile when I remember how Eric had her giggling like a school girl.
Eric put his phone back into his pocket. With his back to us, he just stood there. Pam and I exchanged glances. I walked over to him and grabbed his hand.
"Pam. Give us a minute." he said. She turned and walked out, closing the doors behind her.
"The Shreveport pack, along with the Hot Shot pack and a group of shifters, were attacked by unknown assailants. Some of which were vampires. Alcide, Jason...and Merlotte were there. 12 are dead. Most are injured and being treated."
I was speechless for the second time today. My mind told me to rush to Fangtasia, but my heart told me to pause. I put my hand on my belly, feeling the love of our sons.
"Bring the three of them here. Take Pam, Vayl, and Sinclair with you. I'll get Carlyle and we can treat them ourselves." I squeezed his hand and walked away. I made it about five steps before I was face to face with his muscular chest. He wrapped me in his arms and I immediately relaxed.
"Do not worry, lover. This will not go unanswered. Thalia and her crew are already tracking them." He sent reassurance and determination through the bond.
"I know. Bring my brother home. And be careful." I kissed him hard, hoping to give him incentive to hurry. When I pulled back, he looked into my eyes. The small twinkle spread into a brighter light, then turning his eyes the same sapphire blue as his irises. I wanted him so bad; my whole body began to glow from the yearning. Then I felt Jason. It was like our bond as brother and sister flared. My light faded and with another deep kiss, Eric released me.
There was a knock on the door. Pam opened it, allowing Vayl and Sinclair to enter, and then she followed them in.
"There was an attack tonight during the run. There are three individuals that we need to retrieve. I need you three to with me." The two men nodded. Pam, on the other hand, put her hands on her hips.
"Do I need to change?" She said it full of venom.
"No. You are driving." he replied and walked out. Pam followed; and after a bow from each man, they were gone as well.
I left the den and walked out the front door to stand on the porch. I felt a burst of love hit me as Pam drove by, heading towards the gate. I just don't understand why someone would disturb something as beautiful as a run of a pack, a peaceful moment in time when a creature could be completely free. Those bastards will pay, but one thing at a time.
EPOV
I did not want to leave her, then again, I never do. I would much rather be licking her clean on top of the dining room table. When Thalia calls me with their fucking location, I will take care of them myself.
I decided on the Suburban for the leg room. I had just finished filling them in on what had happened when we pulled into my parking spot.
"This was a message directed at you and Sookie." Pam said as she cut the engine. "Alcide's mutts, Jason and the cats, plus the shifter?! They are trying to fuck with both you."
"I would agree with that assessment." Sinclair said as Vayl nodded.
"I agree with you, all of you. Thalia, our best tracker, is on their trail as we speak. For now..." I opened my door, "let's get what we came for. I do not want Sookie to come out." I exited the SUV and they followed me into the employee entrance.
As soon as I stepped inside, my senses were bombarded by the scent of fresh blood. We all dropped fang, making our way to the main bar. Bodies were strewn all over. Gnomes hustled along with bandages and antiseptic. I spotted our targets and told Pam to take the guys to get the assholes. I'd let them die if it weren't for my wife. Her caring and loving nature applied to all creatures, even those who coveted what was mine. I've always been a jealous man, but I am also patient. They'll make the necessary mistake and will pray to deal with me instead of her.
I found the good doctor nursing Jason's broken leg. He was unconscious.
"Are you just going to stand there or make yourself useful?" Dr. Ludwig was still the charmer.
"Sookie sent me to collect him, the wolf, and the shifter." I said.
"You do realize this was to get the attention of you and the misses, right?" she said.
"Yes and it worked." I replied. With a nod, she stepped back. I grabbed Stackhouse and hefted him over my shoulder. I joined the others and we piled into the massive vehicle. All three were out. Merlotte had a broken arm and a nasty wound on his head. Alcide had both arms, a clavicle, and jaw broken. I wish I could have delivered those blow.
Pam drove like the wind. She threw open the front doors and we filed into the palace with our injured. Sookie popped in front of me and led us to the basement. She had cleared the game area and setup three tables. We laid them out and assessed their wounds.
"Reset their bones." she ordered. I moved to stand behind her, wrapping my arms around her. She leaned into my chest. As their bones cracked, I whispered into her ear, "We will find who did this. I promise." She sent love and pride through the bond, causing a moan to escape me.
Pam, Vayl, and Sinclair stepped away from the patients as Dr. Cullen began to work on them. Alcide and Merlotte would heal in a short time, but Jason was family. Pam ripped open her wrist and forced her blood down his throat. "Do I have permission to skin this cat if he starts following me again?"
Sookie giggled and I laughed.
"I thought you liked pets, Pam?" Sookie asked.
"Yea, but your brother...is a headache I can't bear." she replied and we all were in stitches, as my lover would say.
I knew Sookie was hungry, even though she had not said anything. I felt it through our bond, which had changed recently. I think it is the bond between us and our sons developing while they are in the womb. They are not even here yet and I'm prouder than ever at how they care for their mother.
After sending the others upstairs, I led her to our 'private' room here in the basement. She immediately ran and jumped on the bed. I moved to the fridge and removed two bags of blood and the ingredients for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I set the blood in the microwave and made her sandwich. She devoured it quickly and I became excited as thoughts of other 'activities' ran through my mind.
She sensed something from me because when she took the last bite, she stood and began removing her clothes. The long summer dress was pulled over her head to land at my feet. Wearing only a nude color thong, she walked to the microwave and hit the start button. Even with her back turned, her very presence made me want to drop to my knees in worship. I needed her in every way possible.
I scanned the room, trying to decide where I would ravish her. She turned and headed towards the bed. I was naked before I finished my first step in her direction. She laughed and said, "I though you were hungry. I just didn't want to get any on my dress."
I know she's lying because the bond told me and the sweet smell of her arousal was invading my senses.
"I am, but there are several hungers that need to be satisfied. Now, drink your blood." I wanted to penetrate her so badly, but she needs to feed before I take anything from her.
She obeys and drains the pouch. I give her the second one. After a fierce staring contest, which I won, she finishes that one as well.
"Are you trying to gorge me?" she whined.
"No. I know what you need and I will not let it go until you have it." I replied.
"What do you mean?" She was very curious, yet she did not probe my mind like she could have. I joined her on the bed. Grabbing one of her ankles, I said "I have now fed your hunger for sustenance. Next, I will feed your hunger for me." I waggled my eyebrows right before I snatched her to the middle of the bed.
The quick movement surprised her and she yelped. I took her lips greedily, and she matched the intensity. Our tongues covered every inch of the other's mouth. I positioned myself between her legs and hovered over her. I kissed and licked all over her body. I saved my favorite place on earth for last, now removing her thong with my fangs.
Her eyes began to turn white, only to grow slightly brighter.
"Please, Eric." she begged me. "I need you to love and fuck me now."
"Can I taste you first, lover?" I asked. I love it when she curses. She bit her bottom lip, nodding adamantly in response.
I began to trace the crease of her folds with my fingers. She was soaking wet and I grew harder.
"See? Look how wet you are for me." I brought my finger up to show her. Grabbing my wrist, she pulled my hand closer. She put the wet digit into her mouth, moaning at the taste of herself. Now, my eyes were glowing.
I struggled to regain my finger, but she finally gave up when fingers from my other hand began to fondle her. She was already close, so I leaned down and began leisurely licking in between her folds. My thumb rubbed circles on her clit. She arched her back as her first orgasm began. I plunged my tongue into her core and she exploded, panting my name like a prayer as her juice flowed into my mouth. Before the aftershocks could end, I pushed into her to the hilt. She grew brighter, the light spreading all over her body. Her walls constricted me, in an attempt to milk me, but I resisted.
My mind was so clouded with the pleasure of being inside of her that I didn't realize what was going on around me. One moment, I was pounding into her. The next moment, I was lying on top of the pool table with Sookie riding me hard. I glanced around the room. Jason was gone, but the other two were still in the room with us.
"Lover?" I panted, trying to figure out what was going on.
"Shhh, my King." She squeezed my dick with her womanly muscles. The growl that ripped through me startled both of the men that lay near us.
"What's going on?" Merlotte yelled. His face contorted in horror at what he was seeing.
"What the fuck? REALLY?!" Alcide roared as he jumped up from his gurney, turning his back to us.
I wanted to speak, but she increased her pace and I was almost there. I was struggling to contain myself. Sookie's head was thrown back, her nails leaving trails of blood down my chest.
"You both were dreaming about what it would be like to have me." She said, never slowing or missing a beat as he rode me. "Now you get to see it firsthand."
I couldn't hold back any longer. My orgasm shot out of me with such force that she came, screaming my name for all to hear.
"Fuck you, both!" Alcide yelled. I laughed and she giggled.
"Don't go too far. We need to talk about what happened. We'll meet you both upstairs." She nodded towards the door and they scurried out of the basement as if it were on fire.
"I think you should take the title of Sex Goddess, lover. What was that about?" I asked. We've never, purposely, made love in front of anyone before.
"They were dreaming about me! I couldn't help it. I had Pam come and get Jason and I popped us here. Sam had you bound in silver, watching from the corner in his dream." she rushed out in defense. I laughed until I realized what she said about the shifter's imagination. She must have felt my rage flare up because she swirled her hips on my shaft, completely replacing all other thoughts with only her pleasuring me.
"I love you." I said and pulled her lips to mine. We popped back to the bed. Our love making became slow and true. We loved each other with our minds, hearts, and souls as well as with our bodies.
Spent and sated, we collapsed in a heap on the bed. I lazily licked beads of sweat from her face while she twirled a stand of my hair around her finger.
"Niall and AP are here" she said matter-of-factly. I could tell that she wasn't in a hostess mood, selfish in her contentment in my arms.
"Let's get clean and join them." I ushered. I got up, but she didn't move. I could feel determination and stubbornness in the bond.
"The quicker we get this over with, the faster we can return to this." I offered.
"I think I will stay here. You should too." She is an evil temptress and I'm struggling with myself not to heed her words. She jumped up on all fours, wiggling her ass in the air to entice me to join her. It took my 1000+ years of will power not to do so.
"I do not want the Prince to come looking for you." I said. I slapped her on that plump ass of hers. She jumped out of the bed, rubbing her tender cheek which was now red.
Pouting, she stalked into the bathroom. The shower began and she stuck her head out of the door, "I'm not washing myself." she declares.
I walked into the bathroom, but it took us another 30 minutes to come out.
PPOV
I finally managed to get everyone into the conference room. With both sides of the 24-seat conference table almost filled, putting the Prince and the Ancient One at one end and us at the other. As I reached to pull out my chair, a wave of pure ecstasy hit me. My knees buckled and I crumbled to the floor. Godric rushed to my side and Jessica took a defensive stand in front of us.
"Are you ok? What's happening?" he said, gripping my upper arms to pull me to my feet.
Before I could speak, there was a crash and the sounds of the guards' cocking their guns could be heard by all. I vamped to the scene, followed by Godric and Niall.
"FUCK THEM! You fucking bloodsuckers have destroyed her!" roared the wolf. His eyes turned yellow and he was primed to shift.
The shifter was trying to pry the front door open to escape. He was mumbling something about it should have been him, tears streaming down his face. Godric went to deal with him while Niall and I handled the Packmaster.
"Alcide Herveaux." Niall's voice made every being in the foyer stand at attention. "What is the meaning of your curses towards my children?" The last part was said in a less threatening tone.
"How could you allow them...no, HIM to change her? I woke up in a strange room with them...FUCKING RIGHT NEXT TO ME!" He was screaming. I had never seen the wolf this angry.
Finally deciding I should intervene, I said "You both know it's your own fault. You have been pining over the idea of the wholesome, southern belle that steals your heart with her smile and kindness. Ms. Good Two Shoes." I paused, putting my hands on my hips, "She is no longer that woman. Life has made her more. She is QUEEN of Faery, for fucking sakes. You are a Packmaster and he's too chicken shit to get involved. Do you really think you can love her the way she deserves?" My words took the steam out of both of them. Alcide began to calm down.
"To answer you question, Mr. Herveaux, my great-granddaughter is not a normal half-breed. She is beyond being a full-blooded fairy. And your obsession with her is a side-affect of her evolving power. Your hatred for her mate is based on your insecurities in that it is a vampire that holds her heart and not you. You need to accept that your dream can never be. If you truly care for her, you will accept this now. I can help if you wish." said the Prince.
"Yes!" said Merlotte, finally joining the conversation. "Make it stop! I've tried on my own. I love Luna and Emma, but when I close my eyes, Sookie is all I see." He looked so pitifully that I felt a little sorry for him. Niall placed a glowing hand on the shifter's head. Merlotte's eyes widened and flickered with light. Niall released him and stepped back.
Merlotte shook his head as if to clear it. He didn't utter another word before Godric led him to join the others.
"What shall it be, wolf? Man up and get over her now or take the quick route and have the Prince do it for you?" I was growing tired of these idiots drooling over her after she repeatedly tells them she belongs to my maker.
"I'll give you an answer after this meeting is over." He pushed past us both, marching to the conference room.
"I didn't think she would allow him to put her on display in such a manner." He said it as if the thought disgusted him.
"It wasn't my Master, but my Mistress. He knew nothing. She told me to remove Jason from the room. I did. I hope you aren't suffering from that same idiocy as those imbeciles, are you Prince?" I asked.
With an arched eyebrow, he said "I have accepted what will be. He wasn't my choice, but it never was mine to make." His head was bowed. I knew firsthand of the Prince of Faery's hatred toward our kind. With Sookie to soon be announced as heir to the throne, no one knew how any of us would fare. Our enemies must be retarded to pull a move like this. This is why one shouldn't underestimate their opponent. I finally understand what Eric has been trying to teach me all these years.
"They are ready" I said to the fairy. He popped and I vamped back to the conference room.
SPOV
We popped in the room separately. We, well I, had caused enough trouble for one night and wanted to get down to business. Everyone stood, with the exception of AP of course, until we took our seats.
"Thank you for coming. We sincerely apologize for our...tardiness. We extend our appreciation to our guests. Since we all know each other, I give our guests the floor." Eric waved his hand to direct everyone's attention to our 'Elders'.
"Thank you, your Majesty. Since our last meeting, my scouts have discovered more about those individuals that King Sinclair presented. All three of them were killers in their human lives. Salome Herod is the daughter of King Herodias."
"Pardon my intrusion, but did you say Herodias?" asked Raoul.
"Yes. I am speaking of that individual." the Prince replied.
The majority of us didn't know what they were talking about. Huginn flew in, having appeared out of thin air, to land on Eric's shoulder. His eyes flashed for just a moment. "Salome is the one who asked for the head of John the Baptist on behalf of her mother, Herodias. She also sent her maker to the true death."
"You are also correct. Originally, Tomas de Mada was the first Grand Inquisitor. Lucrezia Borgia is the last of the Borgia family from the 15th century. Now they are vampires and part of a group that believes that controlling this nest will ensure control of the supernatural community." Niall was about to continue when AP grabbed his arm. Her usually milky white eyes had now turned clear. Her head was raised towards the ceiling.
As everyone was focused on AP, I glanced over at Alice. Her bubbly disposition had been replaced with a grimace. Edward, who was three seats down from her, began to speak. "One female, long blonde hair with hazel eyes. She is giving a group of about 50 vampires their orders." he said.
"Kill all the wolves, except the pack leader. His mate is the key. Together, they will bring the entire nest to us." AP stated this, oblivious to everything in the room.
"They are moving. THEY ARE IN FORKS!" Alice screamed.
Bella jumped up only to be grabbed by Edward. "They are going for Jacob and Renesmee." Her tone was lethal, yet calm.
I squeezed Eric's hand and he nodded.
"I want Pam, Betsy, Suzie, Jazz, Dave, and the Cullens to come with me." I rose, pausing only to kiss my husband, and walked out to the foyer. Those I named followed closely behind.
"Pam. Call Thalia and inform her of this pending attack. We will need her to track them too." She was on her phone in the next second.
"Suzie and Jazz." They both stepped closer to me. "Get your tools. You two stay with me." They nodded and ran off to get their weapons.
"Betsy. You and Dave will stick to Bella and Edward." They nodded and stepped back. Both were eager to lay down some punishment.
I walked over to the Cullens. Jasper held Alice in his arms tightly, as if he were sure she'd be snatched away from him at any moment. Bella stood in Edwards's arms, seething with rage and growing impatient. Her eyes were blood red. She snapped to attention when I approached.
"Which one of you can show me their current location?" Both Bella and Alice stepped closer to me. They took the other's hand, their eyes closed. I grabbed the free hand of each woman. Jacob and Renesmee were on a reservation, their whole pack rest around them. The bare land that held the cabins was almost completely surrounded by trees.
"Time to go." I called. "Grab on and don't let go until I say so." They all agreed.
Slow breaths...POP!
EPOV
"It would seem that as we learn about them, they are leaning about us." John said.
"Worried?" I asked.
"No. Intrigued, actually." he replied.
"Two attacks in one night. By vampires. Their targets were weres for the most part." Raoul stated to no one in particular.
"Add to this that these weres are connected to us." I added.
We all sat contemplating the obvious. They know us and those we associate with, but to what extent no one was sure. AP's eyes began to flutter. When the rapid blinking ceased, they had become white again.
"There are factions pooling their knowledge about you. The Volturi do Borgia's bidding. They gave her the child since they have always been threatened by her existence. The American Vampire League gave information about you and your nest because they fear the power you have amassed having been the chosen monarch for three states. Even though you gave two to others, you still have influence over their direction. Your dealings with other beings also fueled their anger as they believe you should only care about your own kind." she said. She was resigned. I took this as an indication that there was more to be discussed in private.
"It is time to meet with the Council, Eric. We need to know where they stand in this. The time to pick sides has come." Niall was absolutely right. They have stood back and allow this bullshit to continue when they claim to want peace. There are also other beings that we needed to see about as well.
"Are you willing to talk to Cataliades or should I do that as well?" He looked away, processing my question.
"I'll let you deal with the Demon. There are others that I must consult." he said and I acknowledged with a nod.
"What's all this got to do with my pack? We haven't done anything with you and the vamps in ages." Alcide said to clenched teeth.
"It could be for many reasons. Your pack resides in his area, his kingdom. It could be that you have had business dealings with vampires in the past. It could be because you are in love with his wife..." Sinclair answered without looking at the were, who didn't care for that last sentence.
"Watch your mouth, vamp. I'd hate for you to lose your fangs while here." Sinclair barred his fangs and rose, slamming his chair into the wall. Alcide followed suit as they both moved to face each other.
"ENOUGH!" I roared. "We will not have any of this in front of our guests. Sinclair, please do not antagonize the wolf. Alcide...I understand your anger stems from what happened earlier, but we all need to be objective." If Sookie could see me now, she would be so proud that I didn't make this worse by saying what I was truly thinking. Especially since I have believed for years now that he is in love with her and I hope he makes a move so that I can skin him. But I have grown to control my rage when it comes to her. "What can you tell us about the attack on your pack this evening?" I asked him to change the subject.
"Isn't it obvious? We were in the middle of our run. When we assembled in a clearing that allow us to see the moon directly, we were ambushed by bloodsuckers! And they weren't biting, but just trying to maim and kill all of us." He sighed and put his head in his hands. He was thinking about the families he had to notify about the deaths."
"Alcide, we have our differences, and against my better judgment, you are a part of this nest. We will help you and those of your pack in this time of need. I will have to confirm with my wife, but your pack can use the woods at the farmhouse until this threat is resolved. It is fortified with wards placed by fairies and witches. With a slight modification, no one that plans on threatening your pack would be within property boundaries." Knowing that he is a prideful creature and hates me to no end, I was sure that he would decline my offer.
"The pack would greatly appreciate that. There are still two days left in this moon and we need to run now more than ever with the losses we have suffered tonight."
"Once this meeting is concluded, everyone needs to get updates on their loved ones. As of now, we need to assume that anyone close is in danger. Let me know if you need assistance securing their safety. It will be done tonight."
"You need to have the wards reinforced on all of the properties. I will send a few of my strongest warders to do it tomorrow, but they will need an owner with them." Could it be that Niall doesn't know that I can now day-walk? Should I let it be known now? "I will make sure that they can do what needs to be done." He nodded.
"Niall, can you place wards on Merlotte's as well. Since he has been established as a way to get to her, he will need to be protected as well." He nodded and that was all I needed.
"Let us end here for the night. There has been a lot going on and we will need fresh minds to prepare for battle." I stood, followed by those who remained. They bowed and dispersed.
Alcide left, taking the shifter with him. Merlotte wasn't his usual annoying self, drooling over my lover as if I could not rip him to shreds in a nanosecond. Something had changed. I filed that away for later consideration. Raoul escorted Cassandra back to her room to wait for Dave's return. I asked Sinclair, Vayl, John, and Godric to meet me in the library. I knew that neither them, nor I, could relax when our women were out of sight.
The room was finally clear of everyone except AP, Niall and I. I moved to their end of the table, taking the chair closes to AP.
"It was strange having a vision in front of a group like this. It has never happened in all my time that I had an audience, other than my maids of course." she said as she pondered the significance of that one thing.
"I am grateful for your presence and willingness to come to us. Sookie or I can come to you for now on in order to maintain your safety." I said.
"I see the fairy has brought out your sweet side, Viking. That won't be necessary. I need to go out from time to time. Living in the cave can give you cabin fever after a while." She winked at me and I laughed.
"Let's get going, my beauty. I don't want your maids to fret." Niall said to AP.
"That's all they do. You would think that they are the old ones." I leaned down and kissed her hand. She giggled, or should I say cackled, and Niall nodded. They were gone in a second.
I called Huginn to me. He appeared just like before and perched himself on my shoulder. "Go to your Queen. Protect her if necessary. Report what is happening." He nodded his head and took flight, disappearing into nothing. Now, all I could do is patiently wait for Huginn's report back to me and for my Sookie to return. I would much prefer the latter.
Author's Notes:
Whew! That was a long one, possibly the longest chapter yet. Just to make sure everyone knows the time line; the events in this chapter take place two weeks after London. Keep in mind that was Halloween. AP foretold that the battle and birth of the twins will be in three months.
Also, the three players for the enemy team are real historical people. Well, Salome is a biblical character, so whether she really existed depends on your belief in Christianity.
I want to hear predictions so please BE KIND AND REVIEW.
*All characters in this chapter belong to their respective authors.
**I OWN NOTHING**