Chapter 5

The Storm

You know that feeling you get when a big, major storm is blowing in? The feeling you get when the wind starts to pick up and causes all the leaves to dance along the ground. The feeling you get when dark clouds are moving in fast. The feeling you get when the sun hides behind the clouds and the world around you goes a little darker. It's almost beautiful and scary at the same time. You get a little built up excitement inside of you because you don't know what is going to happen next. When you know, deep down in your gut, something was going to happen. Something you have no control over.

This is how I felt that day.

Change was coming into my life because of something…

Or, shall I say, someone…

Eric Northman.

XXX

Six months into the job

"When are you leaving?"

Eve turned her head slightly to answer the girl who was helping her put the pool chairs away. The weather report said a big storm was coming in, "I have to go home to finish packing first. I have to be on the road by midnight. My mom and brother already left to Florida in a rental. I just have to beat the storm."

"I think it's so cool you're going to Disneyland as a family. Say 'hello' to Mickey for me."

Eve laughed a little at the new blonde girl, "I will."

"I'm glad they could use me. My friend said that they pay a lot. I need the money right now. I'm trying to save up for college. It was either this or stripping. My friend told me I would have more fun doing this," the blonde said.

Eve turned off the light to the pool house and began to lock the door, "Godric takes care of girls that work for him. You don't have to worry about money. College should be right around the corner," she looked up as the sun moved behind the clouds. Darkness would fall soon. "Though I have to admit, I don't know why he asked me to find a blonde. Megan is really popular."

"Well, maybe he wants new blood."

"I have no idea," Eve said, "Thanks for helping me. You really didn't have to. Its part of my job…I'm sorry, I don't even remember your name."

The blonde waved her off, "That's okay. There are so many of us to keep track of. My name is Katie."

"Well, Katie, welcome to the team," Eve said, "I still have a few more things to do before it gets dark. If you want to hang out with the other girls or watch TV in the kitchen, please feel free. There is also food available."

A little while later, one of Stan's favorite girls came up to Eve in the living room, "The weather lady on five said the storm would be coming in early. If you are driving to Florida, I would leave now. The boss would understand."

"Well, the weather man on twelve said differently. I believe him over the lady on five. I still have plenty of time," Eve said.

"Suit yourself," the girl said, "But if you can't leave your front door because of this monster storm coming in, don't blame me."

"Ash, thanks for your concern, but everything will work out."

It was a little past nine when night had fallen and the vampires started to show a little life.

Isabel came out looking happy and fresh with Hugo following behind like a puppy, "What are you still doing here?" the vampire asked, "I would have thought you would have left hours ago."

"I still had things to do," Eve said.

"You should get going if you want to make it to Florida," Hugo said, "It's already starting to rain."

Eve turned to look outside through the sliding door. It had indeed started to rain, "A little rain doesn't hurt anything."

"I heard this storm is going to be the storm of the century," Hugo said.

"Eve," Godric said at the entrance to the hallway, "Can I speak with you?"

"Of course," she said before following him to his office.

"Katie is starting tonight, correct?" Godric asked from his book shelf.

"She is," she said, standing by his desk, "I've explained everything to her; what she can and can't do."

"Excellent," he turned to look at her.

"If I can ask, why the new girl all of a sudden? It's not time to bring in new ones yet."

"That is true. Rotation won't be taking place for another six months," he said, sitting down at his desk, "She is for a guest. He has very…particular taste. He should be arriving soon." Lightening flashed beside them on the wall. "It seems the storm of the century has arrived early. It might be wise to wait for the morning to leave."

"Thank you for your concern but my mom and brother already have a couple of hours head start on me. My brother will be very upset if he has to wait any longer to meet Goofy," she said as Godric looked very confused, "He's a cartoon character."

"I'd like for you to wait for morning. Wait out the storm at home," he said as the wind began to blow harder and the lights began to flicker, "Possibly wait out the storm here. I will make sure you are very compensated for your time."

She sighed, "I don't know…"

"I will also pay for all the expenses for your family trip, plus an extra week in Disneyland," he bribed.

"Sold!" she said before taking out her phone, "I hope I can reach them in this bad weather," she dialed the number before leaving his office, "Thanks Godric."

"By far the strangest human I have ever met," Godric said to himself.

The storm of the century was truly living up to its name. Though, Stan and Isabel were bricking to each other over which storm they witnessed over the years surpassed the current storm. Both storms, of course, occurred before records were kept. They couldn't really prove anything.

"Is this what they do all the time?" Katie asked beside Eve in the kitchen. They could see the vampires debating in the parlor room.

"Yes," Eve answered, "When they are both here and with no official business to attend to. They do that," she gestured, "They want to prove who is better than the other or who is more fit."

"More fit for what?" the blonde asked.

Both Stan and Isabel turned their head to glare that them, "We don't need commentary from the human peanut gallery," Stan huffed.

Katie cowardly backed more up into the kitchen. Eve on the other hand stood her ground as she glared at Stan and mimed locking her lips with a key. Isabel nodded her head before turning back to Stan to continue their debate.

What she was going to tell Katie was that the two vampires what to prove who is more fit for power. Among the two of them who would be better in charge.

The lights had been flickering, slightly for the past hour, chose to finally shut off completely. The entire room and mansion fell into darkness. Eve heard Katie squeak with surprise from the sudden darkness. She can also make out Stan's and Isabel's glowing eyes.

"The back-up generator should be on in a few seconds," Eve announced, "I had it checked early this morning, in case the power would go out."

"I don't see why we would need a generator. Vampires don't have problems seeing in the dark," Stan complained.

"Humans stay in this house too," Isabel said.

The power came back on as the generator began to work.

"Yeah Stan," Eve said, reaching for her cell phone from her pocket, "We all can't see in the dark like you." She wanted to be sure her mom and brother were safely tucked away at the hotel for the night. When she called earlier to deliver the bad news, they had stopped to get something to eat before checking in.

"Eve," Isabel said, "We have a guest room for you to stay," she gestured for Eve to follow. "As you know, we like to keep a few rooms available for our human guests."

"Katie has a room too?"

Beside her, Katie was the only human working tonight, which was strange since a handful of girls are always at the mansion at one time. This guest that would be arriving must be somewhat of importance to clear the mansion.

They were walking the stairs when Isabel answered, "I believe she does but Godric's…guest might be sharing a room with her tonight, if she pleases," she implied.

Eve understood now. Why she had to find Katie at the last minute. The blonde girl was Godric's gift to whoever this new vampire was. She was going to be used to appease him. Most of the girls that worked the mansion were used for blood bags; nothing more. Most vampires that visited the mansion would bring in their own humans. The girls were there as a variety, if needed. It would be Katie's choice if she wanted to be more than just a blood bag.

The second floor of the mansion held all the bedrooms for the vampires that lived here and a few empty ones. All the windows were installed with a special glass that kept out the sun light.

Isabel opened a door on the second floor, "I hope this will be comfortable for you," the vampire said. Eve could barely look around. She was too distracted by what Isabel informed her. "Don't worry about Katie. She is safe because Eric knows how much that would displease Godric if she were hurt in anyway."

Vampires have been out of the closet for a year now. Even with six months of employment by one, Eve knows that vampires are still dangerous. She sees news reports all the time about vampire attacks on humans. Godric, Isabel and sometimes Stan were nothing like that. Vampires that are in and out of the mansion all the time don't stay long enough for her to find out if they are a danger.

But this vampire, Eric, hasn't been to the mansion before or at least during the time of her employment. For the reason that Katie is there, Eve feels very weary of his future presence in the mansion. She could almost roll her eyes. Of all the times she could have been stranded at the mansion.

Then she remembered Godric wouldn't let anything happen to her. It was part of their agreement.

"You can borrow my clothing for tomorrow but I don't think you'll like what I have to wear for bed," Isabel said, "Mostly because I sleep in the nude."

"Thanks for the picture."

"Also, most of the time, Hugo is with me before sleep takes me over," Isabel continued.

"Isabel, TMI."

"Sorry," the vampire said, "I'm sure Godric won't mind if you borrow something of his. He always wears something relaxing. I'll be right back." She returned after a few seconds with a pile of clothing in her arms, "He's here."

As if it were fate, an extremely loud thunder boomed causing the mansion to shake slightly.

"And Godric would like you to meet him," Isabel added before placing the cloths on the bed.

"Awesome, I guess," Eve said sarcastically before following Isabel downstairs.

She descended down the stairs behind Isabel and kept on following until they entered the main living room. There for the first time she laid eyes on him, this vampire, Godric's house guest.

Godric had his back to them as they entered the room. Stood before him was this tall, long blonde hair vampire. She stared at him as his icy blue eyes moved to look at her. Those blue eyes seemed as if they were trying to bore down to her soul.

Godric noticed the vampire's attention was focused else where. He turned to look at Isabel and Eve, "Eric, this is Evelyn Jones," he gestured to her, "She's been working for me these last few months…Don't be frightened, come forward."

Eve walked toward Godric, "Eve, please," she said as she found her voice.

"Eve, this is Eric Northman," Godric went on, "I've told you about him. He owns a vampire bar in Shreveport, Louisiana." She nodded.

Eric began to walk around her as if he were a shark circling his pray, "You have a human working for you," the vampire accused, "A human is only good for one thing. Godric, I hope you also use her for that."

"She is not here for any of that," Godric made clear, "She is under my protection. I value her as a great employee and friend."

Eric laughed, "Vampires can't be friends with humans. It's not in our nature…It seems that you trust her enough to tell her about me but you couldn't tell me about her. As if you were keeping her a secret," he said from behind her. He stepped toward her and sniffed her hair, "I see. You have claimed her. It would seem that you are using her for other reasons other than employment."

Eve backed away from him and turned around to face him in the process.

"Eric," Isabel spoke up from her place, "Godric values human life unlike yourself."

"I knew Godric at one time when he valued something else from humans," Eric said as he looked Eve up and down, "Something other than blood."

"That was a long time ago," Godric said.

Eric glanced at him, "So you have told me many times," he stepped away from the human, "Who do I have to fuck around here for a drink?" he looking back at Eve, "Evelyn?"

She stared wide eyed at the blonde vampire, "N-No…" He gave her a dirty look.

"Eric," Godric warned, "I'd like you to meet Katie," she stood up from a chair, "We can conduct business tomorrow night."

"Well, she's a pretty one," Eric said, walking to the blonde girl. He began to stroke her cheek down to her neck.

Before excusing himself from the room, Godric wished Eve a goodnight sleep and a safe journey tomorrow. He also gave her a kiss on the forehead; which Eve noticed that Eric noticed and he almost didn't look happy.

"I better head up to my room," Isabel said, "Hugo is waiting for me."

"I understand," Eve said, "I think I'm actually going to try to get some sleep. It's been a long day."

"Goodnight," Isabel said, "Don't let the vampire bugs bite."

Eve almost laughed, "Vampire humor. Nice."

Before taking the stairs, she risked a glance at the couch where Eric was playfully tugging on Katie's dress strap. She made it to her room, hoping that she could fall asleep before they really went at it. She closed the door and dressed quickly in a pair of Godric's grey slacks and a white shirt. She understood why he wore this all the time; it was extremely comfortable.

Pulling down the sheets before getting in, she realized she hadn't taken her insulin and then realized she left it down stairs.

She cursed herself as she made her way down stairs once again and hoped to whatever gods were out there that Eric and Katie weren't in the living room anymore. That they isolated themselves in a room somewhere.

Remembering she left her insulin bag on a table in the living room, as quietly as she could, she entered the now dim lighted room. She didn't have to go far to grab the small bag.

Once it was in her possession, she heard a moan coming from behind a couch. From what little light there was in the room, she still could make out Eric lying on top of Katie. Katie was the one who moaned because he was currently sucking blood from her neck. She stood there staring at the couple on the couch for a few seconds until Eric stopped biting the blonde girl's neck and looked up at her.

He eyed her and then smirked. He raised a hand, as if beckoning her to come forward, "Come join us," he said in a low voice.

Eve didn't say anything as she turned to go back up stairs to the safety of her room.

The next morning when Eve woke early to start her day, she was surprised she'd actually gotten at least six hours of sleep. If it weren't for the storm blowing outside and the sound proof rooms, she would have endeared the sounds of pleasure that took place downstairs or down the hall from where she slept.

It was still dark out at five in the morning. She imagined that all the vampire occupants were lying down for their sleep, or at least, she'd really hoped that were the case.

With her bed clothing still on, she made her way down to the kitchen. She was ever so grateful the living room was clear of human/vampire in the nude and blood, though there is a questionable spot on the couch. Eve really hoped one of the maids that came in at ten would clean because she wasn't touching that couch with a ten foot pole.

The kitchen was dark as she searched for the switch on the wall. She flipped it on to reveal she was not alone in the kitchen. Eric was leaning against the kitchen counter with a bottle of true blood in his hand. It took her whole being not to scream in surprise.

The vampire eyed her, "Morning," he smirked, "You're up late, well, it would be early for you."

Eve couldn't help herself from being thankful that he was wearing pants, "Shouldn't you be practicing being dead? The sun will rise in like fifteen minutes." She walked to the fridge to grab the container of orange juice.

"You actually know when the sun will come?" he asked.

She grabbed a bagel and reached around him to place it in the toaster, "When you work for vampires, it almost becomes a job requirement."

He sniffed the air, "Are those Godric's clothes?" he accused.

"I had to wear something…Can you move please?"

Eric had a look on his face as if he had never been told that before, let alone a human. He obliged, "Sleeping in the nude might have looked better on you," he said, making his way to sit at the table.

Eve finished preparing her breakfast and took a seat directly across from him. She tried to ignore him staring at her as she ate. "I'd thought you had plenty to eat," she said, referring to the bottle.

"I had plenty earlier but the blonde is passed out," he said.

"What?"

"She's fine. I just wore her out. She gave her all to keep up with me, but in the end I was just too much," he bragged.

Eve had to stop herself from rolling her eyes, "You're just so full of yourself, aren't you?"

The vampire took a quick sip from the bottle before replying, "You could be full of me."

After hearing his sexual suggestion, she almost choked on her orange juice. "That really won't be necessary," she said, clearing her throat, "If you'll excuse me, I have to go get ready for a long drive…Actually, I'm going to wait in my room for the sun to rise before I even think about taking my cloths off."

She got up to leave when his voice stopped her, "I'll see you when you return."

Eve turned slightly, "I highly doubt that."

XXX

That was the first time that I ever met the tall, blonde Viking vampire. He just had a way to irritate everyone around him and he didn't care that he possessed this ability. With his features alone, you would have sworn he was a super model in another life. This is completely impossible because he is a thousand years old and Viking didn't care about fashion. But now it seemed like every time he walks into a room, he is on a New York fashion runway. Back then I had to stop myself from laughing.

The family vacation was a total success and the three of us had way too much fun. Those two weeks were the best time in my life up to that point. It was something I really needed then, because I needed time away from vampires. I had only spoken to Eric twice with a total of twenty minutes and I really wanted to consider never coming back to Dallas. I wanted to look at my little brother and say, "Jimmy, how do you feel about moving into the Disney Castle? I know we can afford it".

Any thought of Eric Northman just made my skin crawl. I'm sure Katie had a blast spending the night with him but he had no regard for human life. And it disgusts me to the core. I thought Stan was bad but Stan is nothing compared to him. I'm sure it's unfair to judge Eric for the twenty minutes we spent together, but he's part of the reason why humans are afraid of vampires.

To this day, I've never been afraid of vampires. Not even the tall super model ones.