Author's Notes:
I know I've been on a long hiatus, but I need to figure out where I wanted to go with this first installment and make sure I do it justice.
Thank you all for your patience and continued readership. Please keep your feedback coming and let me know where you'd like to see this go.
I plan to update this weekly and we are almost at the home stretch, so please hang in there.
*The characters in this chapter belong to their respective authors, CH, & AB.
**I OWN NOTHING**
Chapter 53
EPOV, fifteen minutes later…
We are finally done with the war meeting and the majority of those gathered have returned to the party upstairs, leaving only my bloodline and our godly family in attendance.
"My darling, why don't you return to the party? We will be up momentarily" says my godly father to his wife. She is beyond beautiful like Sookie and the Goddess, but there is not anything about her that creates any arousal within me.
"Of course" she replies as she kisses him and rises from his lap. Both Goddesses (Frigga and Freya) exchange a smile before she reaches the stairs. It reminds me of interactions between Pam and Sookie for some odd reason. The Goddess Frigga pauses and looks back at our assembled group.
"Brynhild, come with me." It was obvious to everyone that she was not making a request, but issuing a command. The Valkyrie hesitates for just a moment, but reluctantly follows her Mistress.
As soon as the door closes, it is as if a weight has been lifted from the room.
"It's about time she left! She is so melodramatic and petty. Why hasn't she been replaced yet?" I am not surprised that Thor is the one to voice his irritation at the iconic warrior's behavior this evening.
"As far as first impressions go, hers was most disappointing" I say to Odin.
"I must take the blame. For thousands of years, she was like a daughter to me. That was, of course, until Sif joined us and her mate by ascending to Asgard to be at his side. I didn't pay attention to her growing obsession with my son" he points towards Thor "and now, she must have similar ideas towards my other son" then gestures in my direction.
"Well, I completely understand" Pam adds, but then looks at me and amends her statement. "Of course, it is still totally reprehensible."
I see a smirk appear on my lover's face, but it is gone just as quick.
"I need to know that you all agree with this course of action and that there are no doubts. If anyone has any, speak now." I walk around the group and stand before each person. I look into their eyes as they give me an affirmative nod or words that they fully agree. When I reach the Exalted One, she grabs a hold to my face, forcing me to look into her unseeing eyes.
"This is the beginning. You too must agree for your destiny is no longer in your hands. It is in hers." She is referencing something that she told to me upon our first meeting when I was about 150 years old. It is not that I gave no credit to her words at the time, but I was a young vampire and blind to the emptiness and loneliness that was building within me without my mate at my side.
"I know and accept. I did so the moment she came back to me." I look over to see Sookie staring at me. Tears slowly fall down her blushing cheeks; her eyes are full of a love I have never imagined existed.
"Good. I knew my son was right to keep you." She kisses my on the forehead, something that I do to the women in my life.
Moments later…
Now that our inner circle – some use teleportation and those unable to do so use the elevator that will take them directly to the second floor VIP lounge – are gone, only my lover and I are left in the basement. I am in awe of her strength and I send her my pride. She rewards me with a radiant smile that makes my undead heart tremble.
"We should hurry. I want us to have fun too before we're knee deep in bottles and diapers." We both laugh.
"As you wish min Gudinna" I reply as I pull her into my arms. Her giggle makes me yearn to ravage her, but I refrain. Instead, I blink back to our thrones.
The stage had been cleared of all the other thrones except for two – ours. The abruptness of our entry startles the crowd and we wait a moment for the whispers to settle.
"The time has now come in which we will hear bids for the kingdom of New Mexico. The starting bid is five million, US currency. Payment must be received immediately. You may begin."
The crowd hesitates, as if no one wants to be the first to show their greed. Typical. I would not have given a fuck what impression was received. Sookie squeezes my hand to get my attention. When I look at her, she asks – only with her eyes – why they are all suddenly so shy. I shrug.
"What is this? Is this not why most of you have come? As the humans say 'Closed mouths get ignored'" I taunt. I can hear the laughter of several from the nest – mostly the non-vampires – and my wife.
"I think you mean 'Closed mouths don't get fed' my Viking." Her amusement fills the bond. I give her my most charming smile and a wink before turning back to the audience.
"I'll bid seven million" shouts Arizona. Martin Cortes would be considered a middle-aged vampire at about 500 years dead. Although he is rumored to be the first Spanish/Mexican mixed-blood born to Hernan Cortes (the Spanish conqueror of Mexico) and Dona Marina (native maiden who went from slave to advisor for her ability to interpret for the Spaniards), most vampires view him as fair which is why I am looking for him to take it off my hands. Humans – especially those of Mexican descent – would no doubt label him as the offspring of the worse traitor to their culture, his mother. However, that is a moot point after all this time.
"Finally, someone has pulled their head out of their ass and spoken up. I have Arizona for seven. Is there any other interest?" I ask.
"I'll bid ten million plus another three for an alliance with Louisiana" says Freyda. The annoyance I feel from my bonds with both Sookie and Pam intrigues me. Although I expect such a reaction from my child – who is quite aware of the Queen of Oklahoma's obsession with me, feeling this from my wife from a first impression alone says something about a person.
"Don't you think asking for an alliance before you even win the state is laying it on a little thick? Even for you?" Pam calls from the balcony. Betsy, Jazz, and Suzy are at her sides.
"Excuse me?" Freyda replies in my child's direction before turning towards me. "I thought you taught her how to respect her elders. I've been a Queen far longer than she has been undead and shouldn't be subjected to such disrespect."
"She is just as much a Queen as you are, regardless of the length of your tenure. I have witnessed no disrespect" I tell her.
"And we shouldn't be subjected to your melodramatics." Freyda bristles and goes to speak, but Sookie raises her hand and continues. "Are there anymore bids worthy of our attention?"
"I will bid twelve million, with a non-marital alliance, on behalf of my friend here" calls my maker, who along with Alex, have now approached the balcony rail to stand with my child. Alex leans in and whispers something in her ear that causes her to become aroused. Sookie and I exchange a knowing look. We now have the fuel for a most delicious teasing session.
"And who the fuck is he?" Freyda shrieks.
"None of your fucking business other than a legitimate bidder, so if you think you can do better say so and stop wasting our time." Obviously, Freyda's thoughts were rubbing my lover the wrong way to elicit such a response.
Seeing that this could easily turn violent, I take over. "The standing bid is now twelve million. Are there any other bids? Arizona, what say you?"
Godric and Martin are in deep conversation for a few moments. "I'm willing to concede my bid and will align with New Mexico's new ruler…should it be this gentleman" says Martin as he gestures towards Alex.
"Are you trying to imply that you won't align with me if I win?" Freyda asks.
"I see that dim light flickers a little when it wants to" Pam answers and the crowd bursts into laughter.
"To be fair to our other bidder; Freyda, do you have a counter offer?" I ask her.
"Will an alliance be included if I counter and win this auction?" she asks.
"No" Sookie answers.
"I was talking to Eric, the King."
"And she is my Queen and she just answered your question" I reply.
With a look for utter defeat, "I have no counter" she answers with her head bowed low.
"Great. I am happy to announce to those gathered here tonight the new King of New Mexico, Alex Cedon. The invitation to his coronation will be sent to all those present in the near future." Once Godric has translated what has been said, he nods to me and now we can move on the finale of the evening.
"Our last order of business this evening will be the execution of one of those guilty of attempting to enslave our kind. My Queen now has the floor." The chatter of the crowd quiets and all eyes are now focused on Sookie.
With a wave of her hand, Lucrezia is escorted up onto the stage by Thalia and Chow. Shackled at her wrists and ankles, she is silent and avoids eye contact with everyone in the room. Chow secures her restraints to the floor before both vampires leave the stage.
"Lucrezia Borgia has been found guilty for the crime of conspiracy to commit genocide against her own kind and the attempted murder of an entire werewolf pack, as well as other travesties that don't require mentioning at this time. You have been sentenced to the true death which will be performed in front of your victims this night. Do you have any last words?" Sookie's voice is full of power, commanding all who hear to stop and listen.
Before the traitorous wretch can speak, her maker jumps to her defense. "Where is the evidence of these crimes? As her maker, I demand proof and witnesses!" I know the voice and we watch as the crowd parts to reveal the leaders of the Volturi.
"Just like anyone else, you can make a request to review the documents of her crimes through the Council at your discretion. We do have eyewitnesses here at this very moment that you can question if you like." Sookie gestures to the balcony. As the eyes of the Volturi – as well as the rest of the audience – rise, Carlisle comes forth to the rail.
"I should have known. You dare make such accusations against one of my children?! Have I not been merciful?" Aro says through clenched teeth.
"You don't have to touch her to know that she is guilty of these crimes. I refuse to believe that you, her maker, had no knowledge of them. However, her crimes were witnessed by others of our kind and other species, not just those of my house. Our hosts are eyewitnesses as well." Aro turns to focus back on my wife. The look in his eye tells me that I may have to end him.
His methods of picking and choosing his progenies are well known to all in the vampire community. Carlisle knows first-hand what is like to be at his court, but Aro needs to remember that he is a long way from home.
"Mr. Cullen is correct. Our assistance was requested when the Olympic Coven learned of a pending attack against the Quileute pack, their allies. As you are quite aware, the daughter of Edward and Bella Cullen is the mate of their Pack-master, Jacob Black. I accompanied half of their nest to their territory where we fought 50 unknown vampires. Their leader was your child. I personally apprehended her and she has confessed to her crimes and has been cooperating with our investigation as to the identifying all of those involved with this plot." I love it when she gets 'all royal' as she would say.
"I have also witnessed her crimes as she took me into the kingdom of New Mexico as a prisoner under Carloman's reign in an attempt to force the surrender of my kingdom and the kingdoms of my allies." I add.
I catch movement from the balcony with my peripheral vision as those of my bloodline step back to make room for the Cullens. Edward, Bella, and Alicejoin Carlisle along the rail. Between Alice and Edward, I know that they must have 'seen' something and are getting into better position.
Aro has always been arrogant. His 800 years as a vampire has not tempered his lust for power, but more so exacerbated it. A prime example of this is that he brought his entire nest with him to this event. Perhaps he was unaware that Lucrezia was in custody. Regardless, he underestimated our strength and he may pay the price for it tonight if he is not careful.
He stands in the middle of the circle created when the audience made room for him to address us. The brunette standing at his side must be Renata, his personal bodyguard. Behind them stand the two youngest to be turned in the history of our kind. Jane and Alec are the vampire equivalent to Neave and Lochlan, minus the incest. As I look at them, I wonder which duo would have been more victorious in battle. The fairies had the advantage of being insane and twisted when it came to torturing their victims. However, these vampires are able to dispatch almost any foe with the use of their minds alone. Unless the fairies could block the vampires' mental gifts, then I think I would have to bet on my own kind. But it is no matter now; the fairies twins are dead and if Aro is as stupid as I think he may be, these twins will soon follow.
Caius and Marcus remain seated at their table. The vampiress to Caius' left must be Chelsea, since it is by her gift that forces his loyalty to the nest despite his opposing ideals. His mate, Athenodora, is on his right. Marcus sits unmoving with Sulpicia (Aro's wife) on his left. Corin is on her right, in between Sulpicia and Athenodora. Her presence is only to ensure that both women, who are only allowed out of their prison for such events, remain compliant.
Aro glares at the Cullens for a few moments before returning his attention to us. "I ask that, as her maker, I be allowed to exact punishment and pay whatever fines necessary to resolve this matter. If no one was killed, then I believe this solution should be sufficient."
"No" Sookie says as she stands from her throne. "You fail to realize the seriousness of her crimes and if you had 'sufficient' control of this child as you do over the ones at your side, then perhaps Lucrezia would not have made the decisions she did. Lives had to be altered and we are still tracing back her activities to the beginning of this ridiculous pursuit for power. Therefore, your request is denied. I will allow you to take her place and meet the true death for your failure as her maker. If you choose to do so, then her life will be spared and she will be entombed in silver for the rest of eternity. Do you choose to take her place?"
SPOV
I wait for Aro to make his decision. He looks as if he had gone into downtime. His thoughts are moving very quickly as he tries to figure out a way to retrieve Lucrezia to get the information she has learned before he gives her the true death for her failure in being captured.
As we wait, I feel a push against my shields. I look up to find Edward staring at me intently. I open my shields and let him in.
"Forgive me, but Alice sees that he will have the Volturi guards attack us, you specifically, once the evening ends. He will have them wait outside and then when the last guest leaves, they will try to overwhelm us" Edward sends to me. I haven't communicated like this with anyone other than Eric since Barry. That seems like ages ago.
"Thanks for the warning. I will let him think he will succeed. The wards around the club will not let anyone's with ill intentions enter, so we will let them learn that the hard way. This event is being recorded, so his attack on us will be proof that we acted out of self-defense." He bows his head to me and relays my plan to Alice who giggles and salutes me like a soldier would his commander. I give her a smile in return before looking back to Aro.
He is now working my last nerve. I see his guards retreating out the front entrance, no doubt going to take their positions outside.
"I have given you enough time to decide. Will you take her place to spare her life?" I ask again.
"No" he said in almost a whisper.
"Lucrezia Borgia, do you have any last words?" She flinches when I say her name.
"I…I am sorry for my actions against my kind and for failing my maker." She looks into Aro's eyes, but all she finds is hatred from him. It saddens me because I know she was only following his orders, but without her confession, there is nothing that can be done.
"By the power given to me as a member of the Supernatural Alliance and Queen of Louisiana, you will meet the true death. Your cooperation will be known to all in hopes that they will think twice before participating in such activities." For the first time since I captured her, she meets my eyes. The pain she feels as she tries to fight her maker's command not to reveal his part in this war is more visible than ever.
I lean over and place a hand on her shoulder. "I know" is all I say to her. She exhales in relief and mouths 'thank you'. Having no other choice, I use my mind to slide the silver rod through her heart. She doesn't scream. She only looks at her maker as her body disintegrates into a bloody pile of gore. Then, I retake my seat.
Eric stands and addresses the crowd once more. "Those of you who have sworn fealty to our cause of stopping these traitors will be contacted tomorrow evening with your assignments and the timeline for our attacks. Those of you who are still undecided will be contacted for your final answer. Anyone else who is on the side of the enemy will soon experience the true death. We hope you all enjoyed this evening, as it will be the last for some of you no doubt. You are now dismissed."
As the crowd begins to meander towards the front entrance, the consensus of their thoughts were that (a) Eric still knew how to throw an epic party, and (b) that he was lucky to have a powerful supernatural as a mate, although their feelings about the babies were mixed. Some were jealous and in awe of the possibility while the rest were uneasy and scared of what they would be able to do once they were born. I made a mental note of those brain signatures for future reference.
Eric never let go of my hand since we returned to the stage. From his mind, I can tell that he is in warrior mode. He had either picked up on my thoughts while dealing with Aro or Edward communicated his concerns with both of us. Regardless, he is now issuing orders to our most loyal vampires. Thalia is currently up in the lounge with our nest, giving them access to the armory in that room. Chow is in stealth mode, placing weapons in strategic places nearby.
There are still several occupied seats, other than the Volturi. Freyda is still huffing and puffing in the corner, glaring at Eric. There are also about five other vampires I've never seen or encountered before just hanging out at the bar, ignoring the fact that the party is obviously over. Just as I am about to probe their minds, I hear the familiar POP of my cousin's arrival. Thank goodness she cloaked her scent. The look on her face is what bothers me. She is nervous and scared. Not a good sign at this moment.
"Sookie. We need to talk. Now" she begs. I stand and walk towards her, but I'm not willing to leave Eric's side. Something is telling me to stay with him, no matter what happens and I'll be damned if I'm not going to listen.
"Okay, but we have to speak here. I can't leave." I cut my eyes to the stragglers. She nods and looks to her right (the side of her facing away from the audience) to draw my attention to her weapon. I was a beautiful silver scimitar with the Brigant crest at the hilt. I shrug to signify that we may or may not need it and she nods in acknowledgement.
I turn to look at Eric, who has been observing our silent conversation while monitoring those who plan to stay behind. "Talk to your kin, lover. I am right here" he projects to me. I nod and release his hand. I close the distance between me and Claudine as she conjures a privacy bubble around us. The translucent pink membrane reminds me of blowing bubbles with Jason as a child. If only this could be a moment of innocence and bliss.