Author's Notes:
The cavalry is on its way. What will they find when they get there? The party to surpass all parties is about to commence. Are you ready?
Translations for this chapter:
The conversation with Irma is German.
SPECIAL THANKS to ashmo2000 and AlphaSprout for their continued readership. Means a lot.
*The characters in this chapter belong to their respective authors, CH, & AB.
**I OWN NOTHING**
Chapter 51
PPOV
Kaitlin pops us into Sookie's childhood bedroom where the scene before us is truly disturbing.
Esme Cullen is lying on the bed, squirming and laughing hysterically as Alice, Bella, and Rosalie hold her down. It's like they are tickling her yet they are only securing her to the mattress.
"What happened?" I ask the owner of the room.
She begins with a heavy sigh and recounts the story. As she does so, I can tell that something else is going on. She is wringing her hands and looking down at the floor. I've seen this behavior before. It was long ago, when my favorite breather of that time was new to the supernatural world and the fuckery that comes with it.
Before she can even tell me what exactly happen to Esme, I grab her by the arm with one hand and slap the shit out of her with the other. Everyone gets quiet, even Esme, as the room becomes heavy with magic. Still in my grasp, Sookie is now engulfed in a bright red light that is pulsating at the same rate as her heartbeat.
"I need you to calm the fuck down and remember everything you have been through to get here." I grab her left hand with my right (the free one) and place it on her belly. "You should not give a shit about what anyone thinks about you. You are not weak and are more powerful than anyone else. Stop acting pathetic and unsure. We need our Queen to be fearless."
She stares back at me with eyes fully engulfs in a blazing red flame I've never seen before. Her gaze only leaves me for a second as she takes in her surroundings. As if shaking off this madness, she pulls away from me and moves over to the bed. With her index finger, she touches Esme in the middle of her forehead. The contact makes Esme's entire body shudder, forcing her children to release her. Not a moment later, Esme sits up with a start as she looks to us for an explanation.
"What happened? Is everything alright?" Her eyes fall on Sookie. "I hope my words helped." Obviously, she is not aware of her psychedelic experience. "Well, I think we all need to be heading out. You know men get into trouble when we are not there to supervise them." She scoots to the edge of the bed and stands on her own. Moving to the floor length mirror, she straightens her beautiful mint green dress. Then, she surprises us all by walking out the room and down the stairs.
As everyone else watches Esme, I watch Sookie as she watches me. The red fury of her power has been fading by the second so she is back to her normal by the time Esme leaves.
"I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that Sookie accidently did something to Esme. She didn't hurt her so let us forget about this and party like there's no tomorrow." That's my child, making me proud. The Cullens – Alice, Rosalie, and Bella – had been struck silent by what happened, but they agree and exit without a word. The only people left in the room are Tara, Jessica, Sookie, and I.
"It's okay, Sookie. You are still gaining control over your new powers. They know this too so don't start feeling guilty over nothing." Jessica pulls Sookie in a hug. Sookie just nods her head.
"Enough of this weepy bullshit!" I state with exasperation. "We need to get to Fangtasia before Eric, Godric, and every vampire there comes here." As Tara and Jessica move to leave the room, Sookie finally finds her voice.
"You guys go ahead. Pam and I will meet you there." Answering her nonverbal call, Mari and Kaitlin appear. "Please escort Tara, Jessica and the Cullens to Fangtasia. Let Eric and Godric know that Pam and I are right behind you. The four women leave. We stand in silence until we both sense that we are alone.
"Thank you. I really needed that. I was wallowing in self-doubt and she came to help me. It really was an accident, but I'm fine now." She takes her place in front of the mirror to make sure that nothing of her attire is out of place.
"Anytime. That's my job; to slap sense into those that need it." She gives me a smirk and that gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. This just won't do. "If you are done upstaging me as being fashionably late for a party I planned, then I suggest we go." I tell her. She nods and walks over to me. When we hold hands, fingers intertwined, I feel her emotions even more so than any other time since I've known her. Next thing I know, we are back at the club.
EPOV
The relief that flows through me when I feel my wife and child return to the club forces me to release an unnecessary breath. My maker flashes me a knowing smile before he vamps off the dais and back to the employee area. Since everyone is in my establishment, I must stay perched for everyone's viewing pleasure.
As I finally set my gaze over the crowd once more, I see a few of the usual suspects. They seem to be trying not to interact with one another, but their awkward glances could not be ignored. The usual vampires that lust over me are also in attendance. They have been quiet for about the last ten years, but conflict is always considered to be an opportunity to take what you covet most. Let them try. I would love to see Sookie turn them to ash.
As I feel my nest mates take their positions, I see someone enter through the main entrance. The vampire, whose dark curly hair is reminiscent of two Roman vampires I know, both of which are older than I, seems to cause those around him to take a step back. Although he slithered into my club with unknown intentions, there was a power emanating from him that is oddly familiar. It has something to do with his aura, but I can not identify what it is exactly. He walks to the end of the bar closest to the door, which faces the entirety of the main floor, and sits. Chow takes his order and passes it to him within seconds. He nods once and as he takes a sip, he brown eyes capture mine.
I have no time to react as the music stops and the lights dim. I cannot help that I am buzzing with anticipation of what is to happen this night.
SPOV
If we had been humans, the process of getting us all into formation for the procession onto the stage would have been a mess. Lucky for us, we are (a) supernaturals, (b) nest mates, and (c) being directed by Godric. He is amazing at directing us and within two minutes, we are ready. He stands at the end of the hall, leading out to the main floor.
The plan is simple enough; Felicia, who is the Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening, will announce each hosting kingdom. Starting with AP, our comrades will walk directly to their designated throne and remain standing. When it gets down us – those of Eric's bloodline – Godric will go in with Jessica, followed by Pam with Tara, and then I will bring in the rear.
The Gods were not to be upstaged and made their entrances before the ceremony was to begin. Without any warning, one would just appear out of thin air next to an unsuspecting vampire. It made me giggle watching them startle 'those who cannot be scared'. God Odin was the most bold by appearing in the middle of the dance floor, spinning Goddess Frigga into a deep dip before straightening them booth and moving to Eric's personal booth. Brynhild appeared along with them, but acted as their personal bodyguard. I think she did her research on Eric because her strapless, golden dress was a lot tighter than I would imagine the famous Valkyrie to wear when she may be required to kill something at a moment's notice. She was the sentry, making the curious scurry away in fear. I did notice that her eyes were glued onto the floor when Mr. and Mrs. Thor arrived. I have a feeling that I may need to illicit such a response from her in the future so I plan to keep a close eye on her throughout the evening.
My mother, on the other hand, actually used the main entry. From the minds of the fangbangers hanging around in the parking lot, she and my sisters dropped out of the sky like asteroids. The crowd was easily able to forget about the massive craters they left behind because they were too enamored with their beauty. Goddess Freya is wearing a sleek white gown with gold bodice and high collar. She decided to let me wear Brisingamen tonight, so it was currently hanging around my neck. Hnoss and Gersemi were almost as gorgeous in their flowing dresses in a matching tan color. Thor and Sif came in a more conventional manner by actually driving (one of Eric's rarely seen vehicles if I'm not mistaken) He look just as handsome as all the men in our nest and she was even more beautiful than I could imagine. I didn't know she was pregnant as well; her black lace dress showcased their future addition very tastefully.
They all seem to find our booth to be the best place in the building. Their laughter could be heard over the bass of the music and the vampires couldn't help but gawk at them. The rest of the booths in that area were reserved for our nest mates that weren't involved in this portion of the evening. This included the rest of the Cullens'; the Branco Trust – Cole, Bergman, David, and Cassandra; with the Minnesota – Jessica II (as I like to say to distinguish between mine and Betsy's), Marc, Tina, and Laura (who is Betsy's sister and the real-life Antichrist) on the end closest to the stage. Jacob insisted that we allow his pack to do security in thanks for saving them against Lucrezia. We were happy to agree since it saved us additional money that we'd have to pay to Alcide and frankly, we were paying him enough already to secure our residences.
As the music stops and the lights dim, I know that it means the show is about to begin. I hear Felicia making the introductions as I move forward to sneak a peek of the crowd from over Godric's shoulder.
I can't see most of the bar, but I can definitely see the main floor. On the occasions where I've been surrounded by a large number of vampires, I've felt like the featured entrée on the menu. Now that I am more, I automatically cloak my fairy scent and feel like I could be one of them.
Half of the crowd I know or have seen in the past while the other half are new to me. Of the unknowns, most of their thoughts are in foreign languages (all of which I can speak now) and focus on what trick the Norseman was going to pull out his sleeve. Everyone knows about the self-proclaim demi-goddess who went on national television laying claim to the vampire perched on the stage and letting the FOTS know that the supernatural world will smash him and his zealots like the specks they are. I think they all were somewhat proud that a fellow supe, other than a vampire, stood up to the P.O.S. (piece of shit) and made it clear that they were not alone in the fight for equality. That aside, most of these new vamps have never seen me in the flesh so their curiosity as to the woman who tamed the eternal bachelor and universal vampire sex symbol was very prevalent. This time around, I don't have the infamy of saving most of the US monarchs from true death in Rhodes. In fact, the Summit was relocated to a more vamp-friendly location with low FOTS presence because of my warning to the Council via Nan Flanagan.
I spy a couple of female vamps whose thoughts are very graphic as to their past dealings with my husband and their hopes that they can rekindle the lost flame; only in their undead dreams. I hope I don't have to make an example of anyone tonight.
Godric is about to be called. The anticipation and excitement of everyone in the club is hammering on my shields. My mind wants to fight and keep them out, but my soul has other plans. My shields dissolve and the thoughts of every being within a mile radius flow through me. I can hear the limousine driver for the King of Arizona hoping that he gets a chance to come inside. I hear a little boy in a house four blocks away saying his prayers. Before, I would have felt overwhelmed and probably crawled into the furthest corner of the basement. But now…their thoughts give me power. I feel so light and energized; I want to do back flips right this minute!
Calm down! I think to myself. I take a few deep breaths and step up next to Godric. When I look over at him, he hits me with one of the most beautiful smiles I have ever seen. I feel my own lips turn upwards as I place my hand to his cheek. Jessica leans over and kisses my cheek. I touch my spot where her lips made contact because I feel the love there and it is warm. Unlike the cold beings vampires are said to be.
Godric and I don't speak because there aren't any words strong enough to express how we feel about one another. I'm so happy that he is here with me this time, teaching me and guiding me to love Eric the way he deserved from the beginning.
At the moment when Felicia should've begun his introduction, it is my husband's voice I hear.
"I know that most of you came to see if a legend has come to fruition. It is completely understandable. But know that to know of this is to choose what side you will either fight or die on. We thought that humans would be our downfall, but it is us. The greed that we allow to consume our minds, while controllable to some, can easily become dangerous with the simplest of manipulation. The older we get the more we understand this, but like the humans, we have failed our young. Right now, a 600 year old vampire is in custody for making deals with a fairy to turn us all into slaves. She does not even know the identity of the plan's mastermind or the endgame of this pettiness." Pointing out into the crowd, he goes on.
"Before this night's end, each of you will have to decide what side of this war you will fight on. Do not make the mistake of being arrogant and thinking that this conflict does not concern you and that it will somehow bypass you. I will vow to you all that I have made my choice. My decision will not waver or be influenced. My life belongs to my mate and I will die for her. As will those of my bloodline. It is by her word we will fight, so know that it is by her word as well if you live to fight or die tonight."
The thoughts of the crowd have now mutated into a mixture of amazement and defiance as the meaning of Eric's words sinks in. Some think that Eric has been spelled by a witch and is vulnerable for the taking. Others are scheming on ways to gain his trust so they can 'hang with the cool kids'. The rest are mostly genuine and are thinking about situations where they observed a young vampire being complete reckless and dishonoring their kind. This is what needs to be preserved. Each and every beings right to make a choice for oneself is a part of being alive. Without choice, we are nothing but puppets.
Godric grasp my hand and places a chaste kiss to my knuckles. My smile widens, but it is not because of the man at my side. It is because of the vampire standing at the end of the bar closest to us. He was originally sitting at the far end of the bar, but moved closer as Eric was speaking. He stops and is staring at us with a smile that looks just like Godric's.
When our eyes meet, I tell him before placing a quick kiss to his cheek. "Your brother is here. I can't wait to meet him." As he stares back at me with a shocked look on his face, I kiss his cheek again just as Eric begins again.
"It is my honor and privilege to announce my maker, King Godric Gaul of the Kingdom of Arkansas and his bonded child, Jessica Hamby." Releasing my hand to grasp Jessica's, they both walk out into main area and up onto the stage.
This hallway, having been a place where the three of us have spent much time, is too small to encompass the love and friendship that we have. Tara, the closest thing to a sister I had as a child, was undead and at my side. I couldn't say that before. We had lost each other to our life struggles dealing with the supernatural world. I almost lost her this time, but I was happy my telepathy helped me honor her wishes.
Pam is my best friend. Although she jokes that I am now her mother, we are sisters through and through. Even in the past, we had a connection. She was jealous because she had never shared Eric's affection before. I was easily intimidated and totally insecure. This time, I knew how to reach her and let her know that I loved her as much as I loved Jason. I can't say as much as I love Eric because…well, I can't. The only thing comparable is the love I feel for our babies, which equals our love for each other. I think seeing the past helped her accept my words as truth and she was more open than I could have ever hoped her to be.
"It is my honor and right to announce my child, Queen Pamela de Beaufort of the Kingdom of Nevada and her child, Tara Thornton." With quick hugs and kisses, Pam and Tara make their way up the stage, putting the most practiced runway models to shame. I even spot a few glares of envy from some of the whores in the crowd.
I close my eyes and think back to the first time I stepped foot into this building. It has changed over the years, but it still feels the same. What has changed is the relationship I have with the same man sitting in the same throne as that night so long ago. When I look into his eyes, I still feel the pull I did then. Although we knew nothing of each other and it was only simple eye contact, it really was the beginning. It is no wonder that our end might as well be here too.
It is not the end of us or our lives together, but the end of being threatened and scared by another. There will be peace or there will be death. It has to be that way, for all our sakes.
"It is my honor and your privilege to know my pledged and bonded mate, Queen Sookie Briggant-Northman of Faery and the Kingdoms of Louisiana and New Mexico."
EPOV
As I look to watch her come to me, I notice the vampire I noticed earlier near the end of the bar closest to her. They exchange a glance and she flashes him an innocent smile. He has no choice but to reciprocate and does so in a way that would normally make me go into a rage. However, I am not worried in the least. Could this be his brother? That is a question that must wait to be answered.
The only thing that takes my mind away from my curiosity is my lover. She is ethereal in her beauty. She is savage in her loyalty to her family. She is immaculate in her care and love for all creatures especially that which she gives solely to me. I see all of this every time I look upon her face, into those big brown eyes, peering into my soul.
With her head held high and a smile on her face, she slowly makes her way to me. Her gown flows over her figure, camouflaging my sons. She uncloaks her essence so all in the room can sense that she is with child and that she is indeed a fairy. She let just a little more of her essence hit the air to confirm that she is also of royal blood. I hear the gasps from the crowd but I do not care. When she is at my side, I kneel to her and kiss her stomach. I shockwave of golden light erupts from her and spreads over all who witness it.
Rising, I address my guests. "As you can see, vampires and fairies can and will live in harmony, as will the rest of the supernatural community. The time of change is almost upon us and it will begin with the births of our children." Already holding her hand, I help her into her throne and take own, followed by my accompanying monarchs.
"We will now open up the evening to allow those who wish to swear fealty to do so. Thereafter, we will have a brief intermission then be available for questions. I will also entertain bids for the kingdom of New Mexico. Enjoy this party as if it is your last night on this Earth, as it very well may be just that" I announce.
45 minutes later…
As the procession of vampires and other supernatural beings greet and swear fealty to my lover continues, I find myself only partially engaged. My attention is drawn to the stranger I have been observing since the beginning of the ceremony. He is the last vampire in the line and is accompanied by my maker. They are speaking in a hushed whisper so that they remained unheard.
My curiosity as to this stranger's identity is beginning to eat away at my control. My last thread is Sookie. We have been holding hands since she joined me on stage, and with everything going on, I need her close to me. I do not plan to relinquish her hand. And if I have to, there will be hell to pay.
She feels my anxiety over not knowing through the bond and sends me her love and calmness. I look over at her to see that she gives each and every being that pledges a warm smile and a genuine 'thank you'. I kiss her knuckles as a means of showing my own gratitude. And then I feel her…lust? Could it be that my lover got aroused from my chaste kiss. I harden at the thought. However, the many pleasurable possibilities are derailed by a female throat being cleared in front of us.
Severe as always, Irma Grese stands before us. How and why she is even in the United States and not dust as she should be? Barely a century old, the German looks up and glares at Sookie. No doubt it is because she would have been consider to be a 'weisse Jude' with her brown eyes. For some sick reason, her maker (who I am happy to say has met the true death) told her stories of a true man of the pure race. When Godric and I posed as Nazis, I was known for my looks and made to be the iconic Nazi man.
Unfortunately, lies were told and she became obsessed. About 60 years ago, I did have to threaten her with the true death to prevent her from pursuing me further. I guess it worked, up until now. The open hostility that she is showing towards Sookie could not be ignored. My lover stares her down just as fiercely, only she wears a smile as she does so. Every being within hearing range is watching Irma's pathetic display, which only reinforced the point I made earlier.
"Wasmachst du denn hierIrma? Ich dachte, ichwar klarmit meinen Worten. Haben Sie schonerreichendiesen Moment, wennSie sehnen sichden wahrenTodtreffen? Aus diesemGrundmussdasSiejetzt vor mirsein."(What are you doing here Irma? I thought I was clear with my words. Have you already reach that moment when you yearn to meet the true death? For that has to be the reason you are before me now.) One thing I learned from my time with the Nazis that they did get right is that you have to cut to the chase and be swift with your actions. It truly does set an example for others to follow.
"Ich hatte, um zu sehen, ob die Gerüchte warenwahr!Wie? Welche Art vonMagiehatdieser Judesetzenauf Sie?" (I had to see if the rumors were true! How? What sort of magic has this Jew put on you?) Taking a step closer to the stage, she reaches out to touch my ankle, but ends up crashing into the wall near the front entrance. Sookie did not even stand from her throne to inflict such a powerful blow. All fall silent.
Pam vamps to her side, hand on her hip. "What's wrong? Was it her ugliness? I think it was because it was sure as shit bothering me." Chuckles spread through the crowd.
"The 'Bitch of Belsen' attempted to touch my mate. By the laws of her own kind, I was well within my rights to deliver swift punishment for such a transgression." Her words, and their meaning, were clear. She knows all about my kind, as she should, for she is my Queen. And our relationship is no petty attempt to protect my pet from the other vampires who would covet her as it may have been in another lifetime.
"Well, next time, allow me. I don't want you messing up your nails." My child picks up my wife's hand (the one I am currently not holding) and checks said nails for any damage. They share a giggle in the time it takes Irma to come back to face us.
"Ich willdir meine Liebezu retten!" (I will save you my love!) Just as she jumps to lunge for my lover, she freezes in midair. This time Sookie moves to stand and I help her rise.
"I know that there are others of you out there who do not approve of Eric settling down with me. I understand. Just look at him." She waves her hand to focus the crowds attention on me (and yes, I secretly love it).
"All I will say..." With a snap of her small fingers, Irma implodes and becomes a bloody mass of gore suspended in the air. The sickening sound of the blood and tissue rubbing together is loud for a second, before the mass turns to ash and falls to the floor. "... is that you are welcome to try and take him from me. Just remember that I can read your mind and you will not get as close as that former mistake." I notice that she looked at a specific person when she said that. Surprisingly, the person was near our godly parents. Another question to be answered.
With that possessive display over me, I can no longer refrain from having her. I pull her into my arms, kissing her savagely. I finally release her swollen lips when I hear my maker call my name.
Giving me a look that says he knows my mindset at this moment, he switches gears. "The guest I told you of is here and I would like to introduce you both to him. Let us reconvene in the basement in...about 30 minutes." He does not wait for an answer and both vampires disappear. I look towards the end of the stage and see that the Ancient Pythoness has already left her throne.
When my eyes meet Sookie's beautiful brown ones, I am surprised by what I see. They are glowing with a fuschia light instead of the white I have known her to have. Before anyone can notice her increasing glow and my growing erection, I blink us to the personal daychamber above my office.