Author's Notes:
When I said I was on a mission, I wasn't joking. I know I just update with a new chapter yesterday, but I love the support I get so much; I decided not to keep you waiting on a cliffhanger all weekend.
I won't update again until Monday, so I hope you guys enjoy this treat. Please tell me what you think.
Special thanks to AlphaSprout: You've been one of my biggest supporters and I can't express how much I appreciate it.
*The characters in this chapter belong to their respective authors, CH, & AB.
**I OWN NOTHING**
Chapter 57
SPOV
I'm floating again. But unlike the times before, I hear waves crashing all around me. It's so soothing and peaceful. I want to just stay here, but I know that Eric and the babies need me.
"Beautiful child...your strength knows no bounds...the love and kindness you possess will heal the world...Use your power to defeat your enemies...punish the wicked and right the wrongs perpetrated by the madness of the greedy…All will be grateful to you for the sacrifices you have made...Fear not...Let go of all uncertainty and everything will be as it should be."
As the words flow through my mind, a tingling sensation begins to spread from my core and out of my extremities. Instead of being scared, I just let it happen and replay my Mother's words over again in my mind.
Soon the feeling fades and I feel the bed underneath me once more. Eric is the first thing I see when I open my eyes. They are so intense and it takes my breath away.
"It's time, Sookie. We need to bring our boys into this world." I nod and let him take care of us.
EPOV...short time earlier.
Once my entire bloodline - Godric, Pam, Tara, Jessica, and Alex- were awake, we moved to wake the others. I dispatch them to the other's quarters to retrieve and bring them to the conference room. I determined that with its size and space, it would be easier to wake them all at once.
Pam went to Vayl's room. Jaz was awake of course, so she follows my child as she carried her husband. Jessica and Godric brought Betsy and Sinclair along. Alex carries Ivy as her witch follows behind him. In the span of seven minutes, we have all the remaining vampires of our nest gathered.
"Is it just me or is this the craziest shit you've ever seen?" Dave asks as he leans over to his twin sister.
"It's definitely in my top five of 'weird shit'. I just hope it doesn't hurt them." She is pacing behind her brother and sister-in-law.
We lay their bodies on top of the table so everyone will be comfortable for the most part. I can only hope that their reaction is not as intense as my family's.
John and Suzie decided to come along so they watch silently as I move to the head of the table. With a nod, my bloodline forms a circle around it. Closing my eyes, I once again reach out to the share blood with the five vampires and draw its power into myself. I think of that power in terms of the similarity to that which animates the vampires which still slumber.
Like a power surge, my power slams into those on the table and they begin to convulse as its energy passes through their bodies. Suddenly, they all sit up and starting screaming in panic.
John and Suzie jump to action as they try to calm Sinclair and Betsy. Jaz and Dave do the same for Vayl. Alex grabs Ivy as she lunges to attack him, unaware of what is happening to her. He simply restrains, preventing her from doing him or herself harm.
"My sincere apologizes for the rude awakening, but Sookie is in labor and will we need all of you to help protect her and my children as they are born."
After explaining to everyone that we are about to travel to another realm, potential have to fight Niall and his regime, and take control of the kingdom before returning, we discuss strategies on how to ensure that we are protected in both realms.
All of the women refused to leave Sookie, so this left the human realm in the hands of the men. A meeting with the Council of Supernaturals had finally been scheduled for tonight. Since I could not be presence, Godric and Sinclair will attend. Godric - as a King- and Sinclair - a Royal Consort - have the reputation and ranking that they will be heard. Alex will command the state in my stead and Thalia will be at his side as translator with first-hand knowledge of our kingdom. Her presence alone will keep everyone on their best behavior.
John will monitor everything - the state's boundaries, the Council meeting, the opened portals, and security at all our properties - from the security feeds in the cubby of the farmhouse to ensure we all know of any changes.
Confident in our plan, I dismiss everyone to make their final preparations. I rise to exit and feel my bond with Sookie dim. I blink into the room to find her levitating above our bed once more. She is covered in a blue light and her stomach is emitting a blinding white light that causes both Mayfair and Ludwig to cover their eyes.
All I can do is keep the Goddess Freya's words about not doubting Sookie repeating in my mind as I move to my lover's side.
After several very intense moments, she slowly descends back onto the bed. Her panting decreases to her normal breathing as the blue light, deeper than my own, fade away. However, the light from the babies doesn't change.
I grasp her hand and place it against my cheek as I wait for her to wake. Soon, those brown eyes that I love so much power open and I feel her strength as she strokes my skin. Looking at her like this feels like I am watching the last quarter century play on the windows of her soul. A soul so loving and kind, that none before or after will ever understand its depths.
"It's time, Sookie. We need to bring our boys into this world." She nods and her hand goes limp within my grasp. She has relinquished her control to me and it makes me proud to have her trust. All she needs to be doing right now is concentrating on giving birth.
I turn to the two creatures in the room. They have been extremely quiet for a few moments and I'm grateful. "We are ready to leave. I and Sookie's 'fan club' will be accompanying us to Faery to protect her. Their mates, my maker and his brother will remain to protect us on this front and deal with the Council. What else do we need to do in order to leave?" Mayfair looks to Ludwig as I wait for a response.
"Nothing more needs to be done. I have been in contact with Claudine and we found a location that is the most secure and will take Niall a while to discover. Hopefully, she will have given birth before he does. As soon as we arrive, the protection of the Gods will prevent any who either of you deem appropriate from entering. I will go now to make sure everything is in order." I nod.
She asks Mayfair if she would like to come along. Of course, she would. She is a doctor with the opportunity to witness something she has never encountered before. They disappear just as Sookie is wracked by a strong contraction.
I try my best to not be aroused by her moaning. Thankfully, a knock at the door distracts me from touching her...and me.
Opening the door, I find my entire nest seeking entry to check on Sookie. Instinctually, I want no one near her in this vulnerable state. However, I know they are our family and she would want them near.
I step back and let them file into the room. Tara and Jessica vamp to her sides and coo over her glowing belly. It was a good thing that Sookie was conscious enough to conjure herself a silk slip to cover her nakedness before I opened the door. She would have been quite upset if anyone other than me saw her in that matter.
Pam, Godric, Alex and I stand at the foot of the bed. We look on as she smiles at the antics of the young ones. Unfortunately, her contractions become stronger and occur more frequently. My lover tries hard to stay quiet and keep her composure, but it becomes too much. Her scent hits the air and we watch their eyes dilate with the approaching bloodlust triggered by her fairy scent. Godric and Alex escort them from the room, leaving Pam and I at Sookie's side.
"Will they be okay?" Sookie asks us.
"Of course, lover. They are still young and unable to handle your intensified scent. Do not worry; they will still be coming with us." She nods and tries to say okay, but again she is hit with another contraction.
Pam's fangs descend but she still keeps control. "What are we waiting for? Her orgasms are almost coming a little less than a minute apart and they haven't stopped glowing. What is the fucking hold up?!" Usually I would chastise her for the outburst, but my anxiety is rising and I am trying to hide it from Sookie.
"She's coming" Sookie whispers as she squeezes my hand. I kiss her lips and lay next her.
Ludwig pops into the room and with no preamble, "We're ready. Bring everyone in here so we can go." I nod to Pam, who vamps out to do just that. Another contraction hit that strong enough for Sookie's powers to make her glow. She calls out for me and I pick her to carry her, mostly to have her closer to me. I kiss her all over her face.
"Not much longer, Sookie. They will be here soon. You are doing excellent." She is sweating profusely and panting heavier. I can feel her exhaustion and I send her my strength through the bond. She smiles as it washes over her.
Pam soon reenters the room with everyone following behind her. This surprises me since not all of them are coming along, but I know it is to show their love and support for us.
I move to the foot of the bed, Sookie cradled in my arms. Ludwig and Mayfair look over her once more as she begins shaking. She bears her fangs and releases a string of sexual expletives that make the doctors in the room blush. She is glowing brighter, but her light is now changing colors - white, purple, blue, red.
"They're 45 seconds apart now and getting stronger. We must leave." Ludwig tells me.
"Everyone who is coming needs to lay a hand on me, not Sookie. As for the rest of you, be safe. I will keep you all informed." Normally, I would be boosting about having this many women touching me at once. However, I can only worry about Sookie and the babies.
Raising my power, I blink us all to Faery as I follow Ludwig's mental trail. We were on the top floor of a tower overlooking the entire kingdom. Sparkling pools of water, puffy white clouds, and vibrant colors reflecting off the mountains in the distance; it was an artist's dream, but to me, it was the 'Kingdom of Lies' as long as Niall was in command.
Sookie's cries pull me away from my musings. I place her on the bed, which as facing the open balcony doors. The bright sunlight was minutes away to shining directly into the room. Before I can even get comfortable, Sookie's iron grip pulls me down toward her. She kisses me deeply and tries to move me on top of her. I barely fight her off when another contraction hits her.
Brynhild, Karedon, and Pam come to stand in front of me, awaiting their orders. Based on Ludwig's recollection of fae births, we agreed that the less people in the room the better the chances that I would not hurt anyone. The Valkyrie was ordered to use her group to secure Niall's force from mobilizing. Karedon and his guards were to surround the tower and prevent anyone from entering. Finally, Pam and the other ladies were to guard the floors immediately below us.
I become extremely glad that we planned this ahead of time because a particular contraction causes light to shoot out of Sookie's eyes, blowing a whole in the ceiling. The sunshine beams down on her face and she moans in pleasure feeling it revitalize her powers and strength. I can feel the bond with the boys and their strength is increasing with her.
"You all know what to do and I put our lives in your hands. Make us proud." Brynhild and Karedon nod and disappear. Pam kisses Sookie on her forehead and whispers something in her ear. Sookie cannot really speak, but she nods vehemently. She then hugs me. It catches me off guard, but I say nothing. I kiss her on her forehead and she vamps out of the room before any words between us can be spoken.
Sookie's contractions are now 30 seconds apart and I am too afraid to move from her side. I send her my love and happiness through the bond, but I cannot help feeling as if I should be doing more.
Unaware if Sookie and Ludwig are communicating telepathically, as no words are spoken aloud, but the next words Ludwig says to me puts a fear in me that I have never felt before.
"I'm can't get close enough to her to bring the babies out. You are going to have to deliver your children. I will be by your side to guide you." I am frozen for a moment, until Sookie squeezes my hand. When I look into her eyes, she sends me her trust and love.
I let go of her hand and move to the foot of the bed. The sun is at my back and warms my skin. It feels good, but my concentration is on the task at hand. I lift the sheet and turn to Ludwig for instructions.
"Her contractions are now 15 seconds apart. All you have to do is catch them. I will clean them as best I can while you hold them." She places her step stool next to me as she hold a wet towel in one hand and a dry one in the other.
"That is all?" I ask her.
"Yes." Ludwig pats my shoulder as Sookie begins screaming. It sounds like she is in ecstasy, but I push that out of mind. The same light that is emitting from the babies is now shining out of Sookie and it is growing brighter.
Suddenly, the light disappears as the top of a head begins to emerge. I have just enough time to cradle the head as the rest of his body shoots out. Being a vampire has never been more hand than it is now because not a second later, the other baby shoots out as well.
Ludwig stretches across me to clean their faces. They do not cry. They just look up at me, smiling as if they are just as relieved as I am that they are here. I look up just as Sookie's entire body is encased in a translucent cocoon. Our bond dims almost to the point that it is completely closed. I use all my will power not to become upset about this. Then, I feel calm and know that there is no need to fear or worry about her.
I look down at the two small creatures in my arms. Still silent, but very aware, they are staring at me. The urge to go out on the balcony overcomes me and I rise to do so. Ludwig wants to question me, but she is too concerned about what is happening with Sookie as she has never seen such a thing occur before.
As we step on the balcony, a warm breeze flow on the air as the sun seems to grow a little brighter.
"This will all be yours. We will teach you all you need to know so that you will bring this realm back to its former glory." Looking into their eyes brings me to a level of happiness I could never imagine possible other than with Sookie. My blood tears drip onto them and they giggle. For the first time in more than 1,000 years, I laugh and cry at the same time.
SPOV
There is only silence as I feel the cells in my body reorganizing and reforming. My exhaustion is gone. The overload of please, though fine in the beginning, is also gone to my relief. That and what Eric makes me feel are on completely different levels...and I will stick to my husband's variety for a long while.
I can't see through this bubble I'm in and it worries me. I barely register Eric and the babies in the bond. The babies. They are here. My excitement grows, only to diminish as the troubles were are currently facing swarm to the surface of my mind. I'm going to have to send them away for their safety. I know I'm not going to like that one bit, but I know it is for the best so I will suck it up and get through what I need to end this.
As my body finishes healing, I focus on being out of the bubble. It disappears and I sit up to take in my surroundings. It is the top floor of a tower. It is mostly empty except for the bed I'm laying on, the cart with Dr. Ludwig's medical supplies, and the lone chair on the balcony.
That's when I see Eric. His blond hair glows in the sunlight. His back is to me, but I can see the tops of the two little heads laying on each of his biceps. Seeing him hold our sons takes my breath away and the pride I feel erupts into our bond.
Eric turns back around with the most beautiful smile on his face. "Look what you did, lover."
"No. It's 'Look what WE did'. Come here." I'm nervous and excited. He walks over to the bed as the babies make cute mewling sounds and reach their little hands towards his face. When he reaches the side of the bed, he sits facing me.
"Are you ready to meet our sons...in the flesh?" I nod, biting my lower lip.
First, he hands me the one on his left arm. I immediately know that this is the first born. He squeals with joy as I hold him in front of me. Those chubby little hands reach out for my face. I pull him closer so I can feel his touch.
Utter happiness engulfs me as I feel one of my babies in my arms. I cradle him to my chest as the tears stream down my face. I look down into his blue eyes and his name comes to me.
"Erikur. I love you." I kiss his cheeks and forehead. He laughs and squeals again, making my heart sour.
I hand him back to Eric and take our other son in my arms. He is a little more shy then Erikur, yet I can feel that he is just as happy to be with me. I stroke his cheek with my finger and he grabs it. His brown eyes focus on it for a couple seconds before he puts it in his mouth. I can't help but laugh, and from the sound of it, neither can Eric.
"Agni. I love you." I place kisses in the same places on his face and he smiles with my finger still in his mouth.
I look at Eric, who has blood tears running down his own face, and he stare back at me. I never would have thought that I could love him more than I do know, but I do and will spend eternity showing him just how much.
We cuddle together for a while in complete silence. He feed one baby with a punctured finger as I feed the other from my breast, then we switch until both babies have fed. Dr. Ludwig leaves a basin and several towels so we can bathe them before she pops out of the realm.
We are cuddled in the bed, watching the sky outside, as we sense the shift in the air that signals the arrival of a God. It is no surprise that it is Freya and Odin. Their arrival is bittersweet, but necessary. It's time to do work.
PPOV -5th Floor
"Well, it's about fucking time!" I announce. Jessica, Jaz, and I have been waiting for some action for a while. Eric has finally given me the signal so we can get into position.
It was decided that we would be split between this and the sixth floor. We would pick off his peons until only the wicked prince remains.
"Finally! Grief and I were becoming restless." Jaz cocks her specialized handgun (which I really want for myself) and checks her many knives.
I turn to Jessica who is concentrating very hard on something. "What's your deal? Don't tell me you are scared."
"What-, no! I'm just centering like Godric taught me. I'm ready to rip their heads off." She says this with all the enthusiasm of a typical teen.
"Good. Just remember not to bite them. We can't afford to get wasted. At least, not yet." I warn.
"Yea, Godric commanded me to be on the safe side." I nod my approval.
We feel them getting closer, so we move into position. Jessica and Jaz each move to stand at the bottom of the stairs leading to the next floor while I stand sentry in the center of the room. Not seconds later, are company arrives.
The first to enter the room are the royal guards. A quick glance at Jaz, followed by her nod, let's me know that she will dispatch them quickly. The dogs are then followed by their master who is flanked by his sons. What surprises me is that one of them looks exactly like Jason. I spare a glance at Jessica. Her infatuation with the idiot brother was thankfully short-lived once Godric entered the picture. She shrugs her shoulders and my worry evaporates.
Once they all have come in, the prince of douchebags speaks.
"What are you doing here? And how did you get into this realm?" Niall spits, barely containing his rage.
"Hello to you too. I would think that you would be smart enough to figure out why and how I'm here. Since MY brothers were just born and their mother is a Goddess, this is one of the many perks I get to enjoy." I add a hand to my hip for more effect.
"The fact that there are vampires and other beings in the realm without MY permission is something I will take up with my great-granddaughter. For now, the three of you can leave. My guards will take you to a portal." The four guards start to approach me with lethal intent. Before the first one can raise his hand to grab me, all four explode into golden dust. I turn to see Jaz lowering her gun.
Turning back to the shocked faces of the remaining monarchy, all their mouths were hanging open. I decided that I would let my comrades on the next floor have some fun.
"Hopefully, there will be no more unpleasantness. If you will follow us, we are more than happy to escort you upstairs."
"HOW DARE YOU-" Dillon begins before Niall places a hand on his shoulder. Obviously communicating telepathically, which is quite rude, father reassures son.
"Please lead the way" Niall says through clinched teeth. I step to the side so that they can go ahead. Jaz is at the head of the procession as Jessica and I bring up the rear. Now, the real fun begins.
BPOV - 6th Floor
I knew from the first time I met Sookie that she would be a perfect addition to my already dysfunctional family. Maybe it's a blonde thing. She's blonde. I'm blonde. Pam's blonde. Shit always seems to take place around us. And the three of us can cause some major damage when angry. If only the fools coming up the stairs knew that.
Jaz is first to emerge from the staircase. Following her are four men, all of which are obviously related based on their shared features, all wearing an expression of bat shit, 'I'm-about-to-snap-and-kill-everyone' glare in their eyes. Having spent time with Sookie and her family, I can't imagine why anyone would treat someone as kind and loving as she is to everyone she meets, the way they have. You would think that with my first-hand experience in betrayal and evilness, I would understand their methodology. Still, the shit blows major chunks and it isn't fucking fair.
"More. MORE! What magic allows for you to be here!? You will tell me now or I will have my sons destroy you all, regardless of your ridiculous connection with my great-granddaughter!" He growls in my direction. Why does he assume to focus on me? Like I said, it must be the hair.
"Listen here, gramps. You need to calm the fuck down pronto if you want to see your relative." I use all of the conviction in me to remove any amount of weakness from my voice. I will speak just once.
Out of the four, it is the one that I'd consider to be the third oldest who jumps first. He would've been gorgeous if it weren't for the creepy vibe he has going on. He pushes pass the oldest one to advance on me. I let him within arm's reach when I freeze him in mid-stride.
All movement around me stops, but I'm too focused on the being in my hold. The intense hunger begins to build momentum as it becomes my all-consuming instinct. Even my dead cells are hunger.
Disbelief is always the first emotion that flashes across the face of every person I've done this to. He tries to scream, but it is choked out of him as his light and blood is pulled from his body.
All too soon, it is over. It feels like I savored every molecule. I'm consumed by a pleasure I've never had before. What the FUCK have I been eating?! This is like 10 times the pleasure I get from Sinclair. This AND Sinclair...TOGETHER?! THAT is what I want for fucking Christmas.
My focus clears as the two younger ones try to avenge their buddy as the elder holds them back. Pam comes to my side as the rest of our crew fans out to flank our enemies. She touches my shoulder and I know that is my cue.
"Why so much negativity during at a joyous occasion? Let's all calm down. You, sir." I gesture to the Prince of Lies. "You want to see Sookie and the babies. Go. But...those two stay here. We don't know them and from the communication skills of your fallen homie, I'd say that you should more than agree. Am I wrong?"
He blanches. He looks about the room and surveys the beings that stand at the ready to decimate him and those at his side. He's not stupid, but he IS an arrogant dick.
"Fine. My son and nephew will stay here. But know that you will pay from killing my other son. Pray to your precious Authority for salvation. I will show no mercy." I roll my eyes in response.
"That must be a genetic trait" Pam says. Paying her words no mind, he gives a stern looks to his last of kin and storms up the stairs.
SPOV
We watch as Freya orders my godly sisters to take our boys and a starved and battered Hunter to the safety of Folksvang. Somehow, Claudine was able to free Hunter and send her handmaiden to bring him to us. And it was just in time, he didn't have much longer.
My Mother comes up to me, placing her hands on my shoulders. "No doubts. They will be safe and waiting for you when you both are done. I love you." She kisses me on the cheek and I feel more energized. She moves over to Eric and takes the same posture.
"You have proven to be the right choice in being my child's protector, Viking. Go forth and show the vermin what it means to face a child of Odin." They eye each intensely and he bows down on one knee in acceptance. A smirk flashes across his face, but is gone before he rises.
She disappears, leaving us standing alone in the room. Before we can fully turn and embrace each other, we both sense Niall and his most lethal guards at the base of the tower. We planned for this, so it was decided that Brynhild and Karedon would be stationed at this point to size up the threat. As a Valkyrie, she can communicate telepathically with anyone she chooses. So once they came to a consensus on the bastard's intention, Karedon would pop to us and deliver his findings. Neither of them is to face him. When we give Brynhild the signal, she will move into position and prepare to give OUR fairy guards and Valkyries the order to remove anyone loyal to Niall. Karedon will join her, and then they will lock down all of Faery if Niall so much as raises an eyebrow in a way I don't like.
"Have I told you how much I love you lately?" I ask my husband.
"No, but you have been busy, birthing my sons. That says it more than any words could." I'm instantly in his arms, kissing him like it will be the last time. Even though I know it wouldn't.
Our kiss is interrupted by Karedon. Eric's embrace tightens as if he refuses to let me go. A twinge of hesitation flutters through the bond, but it is replaced immediately by blind determination.
Leaving me breathless, Eric pulls back to address the captain of my fairy guard. "Report" he says sternly.
"Your Majesties" he says in salutation, kneeling to the ground onto on knee.
"The Prince was very surprised and angered that we were in the palace. He demanded to know where you were as he was unable to locate her through your bond as kin. I told him that you were here and just giving birth. He was outraged that he was not present. Then, his attention turned towards Brynhild and became hostile. She didn't answer his questions, only stating that she serves and protects you as her Goddess. He demanded to see you and that she leaves his kingdom as he didn't give her permission to enter his realm. I told him I was check to see if you are ready for visitors. I teleported here, before he could say more."
"Do you know any of those with him?" Eric asks.
"Yes, your Majesty. He has all the living Brigant males in his company; Dillon, Dermot, and Claude. Claudine isn't in his presence. He also has his top four warriors with him."
"What are you thinking lover?"
"Dermot is the wildcard. He may still be under Breandan's hold since I haven't broken the curse he was under the last time. Breaking now would be easy, but whether he would fight with us is another question all together."
"I think we should make him work for it. Since only our people can teleport within the wards at the moment, let us allow them to take the stairs. We can pick off all of his lackeys until only the prince remains." The way his says 'prince' is as if it is the lowest scum of the universe which, in this case, it is.
"Okay. We're seven stories up and we have people split between levels five and six. Let us give the girls something to kill." Eric gives me the sexiest grin before laying another searing kiss to my lips.
I turn my attention to Karedon and relay his next orders. He bows and quickly vanishes. Without a word, Eric takes my hand and leads me over to the sofa by the tower window. He sits first only so that his lap can be my seat and I don't hesitate to plant myself there to wait.
I'm waiting to finally say all of the things that I've been holding back ever since I discovered the depth of his betrayal. These thoughts lead me to wonder where Claudine is, so I order one of my Valkyries to locate her immediately.
Patiently, we wait to final bring justice.