Spellbound
I've incorporated another vampire into the story and her name is Selene. I love the Underworld books and movies and I love Selene. I love that she is strong and that she is a fighter and I thought that she would be the perfect type to protect our favorite couple ...or is she? So, I've decided to use a Selene type character in the story. She does not belong to me but she does belong to Greg Cox. The other main characters belong to CH but the story idea is mine.
The AP's prediction of what was to happen next in his and Sookie's life surprised Eric. It had never occurred to him that the baby has set forth changes that they would have never expected but it is something that he has always wanted. It's something they've always wanted. He and Sookie had just spoken of this only a short while ago but never to the degree that the AP had suggested. He's always known that the alliance with the fae was a great one but this ... this is monumental. It has changed everything. Knowing that their future has been altered called for immediate and drastic action. He pulled Sookie closer into his body as he pondered the path that has been laid out before them.
"What are you thinking about, baby?" Sookie asked Eric.
He looked down at her and smiled. "Our lives and the great changes that lay before us," he answered.
Sookie snuggled into his body; never letting on that she knew that something serious was on his mind. He'd been preoccupied since they left home. She knew that it had to be something big but she didn't know what it was. Secretly, she didn't want to know what was going on. Her senses aren't what they should be. Her emotions are out of whack and there was nothing that she could do about it. With that being said, she had a feeling that he was going to tell her anyway. No more secrets, right? With her head resting on his shoulder, she sighed as she looked out at the city night through the tinted windows of the black SUV. In order to get her mind off of the night's distractions, she wondered about the other occupants in the SUVs that were leading them and following them.
As the SUV that carried Eric and Sookie sped along, they were being led and followed by two matching black Cadillac Escalades. They were loaded down with the vampire bodyguards that Eric called to duty. They were the most loyal of his retinue. They'd been with him for centuries and he trusted them with their lives. So far there were fifteen guarding the house and twenty going out with them tonight. Sookie thought that it was a little excessive but she didn't tell him. She just went along for the ride.
Eric had called in every favor that was owed to him and to Sookie. Alcide has agreed to have his most experienced Weres on guard for Sookie during the daylight hours. Sam agreed to lend his shifters as blend ins. No one but Eric, Sookie and Claudette will know who they are. Eric had gone all out. Sookie wanted to tell him that it was too much but she'd given him her word that she wouldn't complain. She was going to go along with it and smile as brightly as possible. She didn't even argue when three other vampires rode along with them to meet their friends at Bloody Goodness.
Clancy drove while Chow rode shotgun. A female vampire name Selene rode in back with Eric and Sookie. Sookie had never met her before but she appeared to be quite efficient at her job. She was the one that was in charge of everything. No one moved without her approval. They did nothing without her approval. Before they'd left the compound, she'd made sure that everyone was well armed and well prepared. She was in charge of everything. She even decided what they were going to wear.
They wore what they wanted. She didn't want them looking like security. She didn't want the wearing black suits and shades. She wanted them to look like everyday vampires; vampires that were at Bloody Goodness to have a good time. There were no shades worn at night and they didn't have those little cords hanging from their ears. Sookie was pleased with how organized they were and told Selene as much. Eric praised Selene for doing such a great job on such short notice. She beamed from ear to ear.
Everything she'd ever done has been for her master. That's why when he asked her to lead his security team she jumped at the chance. She was going to keep a watchful eye on him and his fae bride. She was more than willing to start that very night even if it was on short notice. She has never said no to Eric and she wasn't going to start now. She wanted to please her master. She's always wanted to please her master. That has always been her driving force. She knew that he believed her to be the best of the best. She would let no enemy get past her. She would keep her master and his wife safe at all costs; even if it meant her life.
Selene kept a watchful eye on Eric and Sookie and she didn't like what she'd seen. She noticed how he never stopped touching her. She noticed how Sookie was practically sitting in his lap. She wondered how a vampire could love a faery. She wondered how a vampire could love anyone at all. Selene could understand how he was intrigued by Sookie because everyone that came in contact with her seemed to focus all of their attentions on her. All faeries had that effect on vampires but Sookie's was different. She had that effect on all supes.
Her eyes sparkle just for that supe when she looks at that supe. Her smile was especially made for that supe when she smiles at him or her. She's always been intoxicating but tonight, there is something different about her. She smelled sweeter. Her spirit was stronger than any faery that Selene had ever met. Sookie could pull a supe or a human into her web with a single word; a simple glance. She was just so much more than any faery that Selene had ever met.
As she looked harder at Sookie and Eric, Selene noticed that they looked different; a lot different from what they looked like when she last saw them. It was obvious that they are in love with each other but it is more than that. Their hair was the same color. Their eyes were the same shade of blue. Selene began to wonder if they were even a couple anymore. It was as if they'd melded into one being. Sookie would trace her finger over Eric's face and he would shudder. He would actually shudder.
'Amazing,' she thought to herself.
Though her face was vacant, her mind was spinning with this bit of information. It's as if Eric is the one that's bonded to Sookie.
How is that possible?
She didn't understand how a faery had bonded a vampire to her.
It's not possible.
Eric is over a thousand years old. It was as if he had been bamboozled and hoodwinked. Selene didn't get to think on that too much longer because something suddenly caught her attention. They had reached their destination and she needed her crew to make sure that all was safe for her master and his wife.
"Stop the cars," she barely said above a whisper. The vampires in all three cars heard her. Eric affectionately wrapped his arms around Sookie. She nestled closer into his side.
"Is there a problem?" Sookie asked Selene; keeping her hand on his lap.
"No, ma'am," Selene said as she opened the door. When she stepped out of the car, she looked at Eric and said, "Master, stay here and wait while we patrol the area. We'll let you know when it is safe for you to emerge. It won't take long."
Sookie was instantly offended. She removed herself from the comfort of Eric's arms and sat tall. She watched Selene as she slammed the car door. "Did you see how she ignored me? She could've included me in on that but she didn't. She acted as if I wasn't here." She shook her head. "I don't think I'm going to like this at all." She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest and pouted. "I'll bet that it's because I'm a faery. Even though we've made a lot of changes in our society, some vampires still resent us; especially since I'm married to you. You're powerful and handsome. Hmpf, she's probably one of those vixen vampires that wants you for herself." She stared at the closed car door.
Eric looked at his wife and smiled. "You know very well that's not true. She has nothing against you. She's been told to direct all concerns to me. You are in a delicate state. I am going to handle this end. We're going to do this together, remember? You agreed. My goal is to keep you safe." He devotedly placed his hand on her stomach as he leaned in and kissed her. "You are what matters."
"I know," she said as she sighed. She returned her head back to his shoulder. Sookie was happy with what Eric had told her. She wasn't up to doing any of what Eric was doing. She was glad that she didn't have deal with any of it. "Thank you."
Eric kissed the top of her head as they waited.
Selene tapped three times on the window before opening the back door to the black Escalade. "A few more minutes, Master and the perimeter will be safe enough for your exit."
Clancy and Chow were standing outside of the SUV and they were patiently waiting for their queue. The other underdressed vampires lingered around them as they looked out into the night for any hidden dangers. There were vampires underneath the burgundy and gold awning. There were vampires on top of the building. There were vampires everywhere. They were lurking in every direction. They were in the background. They blurred from here to there. When Malachi gave Selene the nod, she motioned for Eric and Sookie to get out of the car.
Eric slid elegantly out of the SUV and held out a hand to help Sookie from the car. Sookie emerged and she was beaming. She smiled at each vampire that stood before them. They bowed to her without pause. Eric puffed his chest out with pride and with the knowledge that every vampire that was seeing his wife wanted her.
Selene watched the way her master catered to his faery wife; his faery princess. He acted as if she needed his help; as if she couldn't get along with him and he couldn't make it without her.
She hated it.
There was nothing sweet about the way he waited on her. The way he kissed her, the way he held her in the curve of his arm; it angered her. It angered her to see such a strong and powerful vampire bending to the will of a faery. The other vampires smiled as they watched him with her. Each 'hi' or 'hello' that she spoke was like the sweetest taste of blood to them. Some of them smiled. Some of them almost blushed. It was a sad sight to see but Eric was the worst.
He was fawning over her; actually fawning over her. There was nothing sweet about how he catered to her. They didn't make a beautiful couple. They made an embarrassing couple. Their laughter wasn't infectious. If anything, it was nauseating and it was even more nauseating to see them together. One thing that she does agree with is that the faery is beautiful. Her chartreuse dress does look beautiful against her tanned skin. The split showed all that her legs are shapely. They curved beautifully in the chartreuse colored stilettos. Selene wasn't dead … exactly. She would've fucked the faery princess. She would've fed from her and drained her of every drop of her sweet nectar.
Eric nuzzled her neck as they walked along the carpeted walkway and said, "I want to make love to you right now. I want to claim you and rub my scent all over you. I want everyone to know that you are mine."
Sookie laughed seductively. "They know, Eric. I'm all yours. You just wait until I get you home, baby. I'm going to do things to you that you've never known."
Baby?
Every fang clicked into place.
"They all desire you," Eric whispered into her ear. "But you are mine."
"I am yours."
Eric couldn't contain himself any longer. He pulled Sookie into his body and kissed her as if it was going to be the last time. Selene stood back by the SUV and watched the spectacle that Eric was making of himself. Didn't he realize that he was putting himself in danger? He was being too forward with the faery. No vampire is to show their weakness and there he was parading along with his on his arm. She couldn't believe that the vampire that she'd admired for over 500 years was wrapped around the little finger of a faery princess. How could Eric have fallen in love with her … with anyone? It was only yesterday (sarcastically) that he ignored her … acted as if she didn't exist but now the faery princess is his world?
Selene couldn't help but wonder what had happened in just these few short weeks. How can this be? That faery had singlehandedly destroyed the vampire that Selene had once worshiped.
"Selene?" Sookie called out as she stepped out of Eric's arms.
Selene didn't realize that Sookie was watching her. She quickly stood at attention and stared at her. "Yes," she answered.
Sookie placed her hand on the black pole that was beside her. "You are coming with us, aren't you?"
Selene looked at Sookie and grinned. "Yes, ma'am," she answered sweetly. "I'm right behind you." She laughed briefly as she stepped onto the gold carpeted walkway.
Suddenly, Sookie screamed. She removed her burning and blistering hand from the black pole. A pain she'd never known coursed through her body and over her skin. She crumpled to the ground instantly. Eric had her in his arms almost instantly.
"Sookie! Sookie!" Eric exclaimed as he held her.
"My skin's burning!" she cried out. She screamed louder and louder as her hand began to blister. Steam was coming from red and swollen blisters.
Every vampire guard was on alert. They were ready to protect, kill, and/or die for their master and their mistress. Every vampire within the vicinity surrounded Sookie and Eric. Their backs were to them and their weapons were aimed and ready. There was only one vampire was brave enough to try and lay hands on the faery princess.
When Clancy placed his hands on Sookie's shoulder, Eric was no longer a powerful vampire figure. He was a husband. Clancy went flying through the air when Eric pushed him away from her. He then crouched down and was in attack mode. His fangs were in full view. Every vampire within 100 feet of Sookie stepped away. Eric scooped her up in his arms and blurred through the open door.
"You come with me," Selene pointed to Chow. "The rest of you patrol this area. Astrid, find out when they changed the poles from black stainless steel to black iron. Report back to me instantly. Kinsey, you check on Clancy. He went flying over there somewhere." Selene pointed off the left as she and Chow hurried inside.
They blurred down the long hallway and to the private room that had been prepared for Sookie and Eric's arrival. They were soon surrounded by the sounds of music and far away voices but they heard none of it. Eric gently placed his wife on the first banquette he saw. He bit viciously into his wrist and held it to his wife's lips.
"Drink, my lover," he ordered. He placed his wrist to her mouth and she latched on instantly. She greedily drank from him.
Selene and Chow watched as Eric nursed his wife back to health. They watched as he fed her his blood. They watched how she so eagerly fed from him. Selene glanced at Chow and she saw just as much concern on his face as she saw on Eric's. What the fuck was going on?
"Everyone loves this faery," Selene thought.
Claudette suddenly came bursting in the private room. Selene instantly went on the defensive and blurred in between the faery and the lovers. Claudette's sword suddenly appeared at her side.
"Come on, vampire," she ordered. "Let us see who dies first."
As Eric stroked Sookie's hair and looked into her eyes, he told Selene to stand down. "She's family. Stand down and let her through." He then lovingly kissed Sookie's forehead. "Are you better, lover?" he asked as he removed his wrist from her mouth.
"Yes," she croaked.
Selene's face remained emotionless though she was angry. She did as her master ordered and apologized to Claudette; that, she did on her own. Her fangs rescinded as Claudette's sword disappeared. Selene went back to the other side of the room. Claudette joined her cousin and Eric.
Though the burns weren't too severe, the thought of losing her best friend scared Claudette. She only had Sookie and Cissy left. She couldn't lose them. She'd have nothing; absolutely nothing. A warm tear fell onto Sookie's face.
In broken words, Sookie began speaking. "You … stop … that ... I'm … fine … I'm … healing."
Claudette couldn't speak for fear of sobbing so she nodded her okay.
"Eric," Sookie said feebly.
He smiled down at her before lightly kissing her lips. "Yes, my lover. I'm here."
"It … was … iron ... It … hasn't (swallowed) … always … been … iron … I've … been … here … before … Never … happened ... before ... now (swallowed) … I … didn't … wear … my…"
Eric looked at Selene. "Already taken care of," she said. "Astrid is on it."
He nodded and returned his attention back to Sookie. "You'll be fine, Sookie. I'm going to take care of you."
She smiled and sighed as she settled into his arms.
Claudette kissed Sookie's face. "Don't worry, cousin. I always have a way of getting extra." With only a snap of her fingers, she had the protective covering that Sookie needed.
As Claudette protected her cousin's skin, Eric continued to fawn over her. Touch her. Tell her how much he loves her. Kiss her. Assure her. Caress her. "It's okay, lover. I'm here and I'm not going anywhere."
"I know, baby," she whimpered. "I know."
Baby, she thought. She calls him baby in front of everyone. He's no baby. He's a fucking vampire killer. He has ripped hearts from chests. He has pulled heads from spines. Eric Northman is not a fucking baby.
Selene was disgusted and ashamed of the spectacle that Eric was making of himself. She couldn't stand this embarrassing scene too much longer. She was going to turn her back on this debacle but before she could, a pair of deadly green eyes was watching her; Claudette's. She turned back to her cousin and patted her hand. Sookie turned away from Eric and looked at Cici.
"Thank you," Sookie said; her color and voice returning to normal.
"Better?" Claudette asked.
"Much," Sookie answered. She then turned back to Eric. She was trying to sit up and he was trying to keep her on the banquette. Needless to say, she and Eric argued about whether or not they needed to go home and postpone the get together or to stay and party with their friends.
Claudette walked away as she shook her head at the couple. She approached Selene and said, "I'm Claudette."
"So I've heard." She didn't realize that the faery is just as beautiful as the princess. Good looks must run in the family.
She looked Selene up and down. "I notice how you watch them. You don't like that he's with her do you? You're confused as to why he is the way he is about her. I can see it in your eyes. Your colors show that you are disappointed." Claudette placed her hand on her hip and cocked her head to the side. "Is that it? Are you disappointed because he loves her or because you want him?"
"I have no opinion. I am here to serve my master."
"Hmmm," Claudette said. "I don't believe you but I guess I'm not surprised. Most vampires are liars. Why are you standing here watching them like that? Don't you have something better to do with your time?"
"Not that it's any of your business," Selene stated. "I am here to protect my master and his wife. I need for you to let me do my job."
Claudette's giggle sounded like bells but there was nothing magical or friendly about it. "Well it doesn't look like they need your protection in here. It's obvious that you're not very good at what you do." She spread her arms out wide and nodded. "No, I'd say that we pretty much have it locked down. You can return outside and patrol the grounds. You're no longer needed."
With her fangs down and her anger on high, Selene asked, "Are you questioning my abilities to protect my master and his wife?"
"Yes," Claudette answered simply. "Would you like to discuss it?" Her sword suddenly appeared and it shimmered brightly at the anticipation of a fight. A hand touched Claudette's shoulder. It was Sookie's.
"Put it away, Claudette. She's doing as Eric told her. I'm fine. We're fine. Our friends will be here soon and then everyone will be fine." She gave her cousin a reassuring smile.
Claudette glanced over her shoulder at Sookie. She returned her gaze to Selene. The sword disappeared but the unease remained. "She doesn't trust you, cousin. She doesn't trust you and/or she wants your husband. I have quite figured it out."
Selene only stared.
Sookie smiled. "It's okay. Everyone doesn't have to like or trust me, Cici and no one, is going to take my husband away from me. Eric is mine." She made sure to look Selene in her eyes as she made her declaration.
Wisely, Selene said nothing.
"Fine," Claudette said. Glancing at Sookie, she asked, "Are you sure that you're okay?"
"I'm fine. Eric healed me. But do you know what's going to make me feel even better?"
"What's that?" Claudette asked as she rolled her eyes.
"Your apology to Selene," Sookie said sweetly.
Claudette turned around and looked at Sookie. "You've got to be joking! I am NOT going to tell her …"
"Please," Sookie asked.
"No," Claudette protested.
Sookie leaned her head to the right and stared at her cousin; saying nothing.
"Good grief, you make me sick. If I didn't love you, I'd probably strangle you within an inch of your fucking life." Claudette looked at Selene and said, "Sorry."
Selene smirked. "Is that all I get?"
"You fucking vamp bi …!"
"Claudette," Sookie said.
Claudette rolled her eyes. "I apologize. I meant no harm but I do love my cousin. You disturbed me and you gave off a bad vibe. I don't like how you watch them and I'm going to keep my eyes on you, vampire. I was only reacting to you. But," Claudette added in a sinister way. "If you rub me the wrong way again, expect the same reaction."
Sookie knew that was as good of an apology that Selene was going to get so she left it alone. She thanked her cousin with a kiss.
"Maybe it was you," Selene finally said to Claudette. "My vibe was just fine. I was ready to fight for my master and his wife. I was ready to kill if he'd told me to. And to let you know, sweetie," Selene added. "If you react in such a manner again, I will be ready."
Before they could say anything else to each other, Sookie pulled Claudette away from Selene. She knew that a fight was brewing and she was going to stop it before it got started.
"Come on and let's dance. I feel as if I could dance all night long."
Claudette looked at her quizzically. "I thought that you and Eric were going to make an announcement of some sort." She waggled her eyebrows knowingly. "Isn't that why we had to be here so damned urgently? I thought that I was going to have to end my date but …." She raised her eyebrows and smiled complacently.
"Your date's here?" Sookie was excited.
Before Claudette could answer Sookie, the vampire bodyguard interrupted them. "Ma'am," Selene said from behind the Brigant ladies.
"Yes, Selene," Sookie answered.
"If you're going to the dance floor, I'll need to go with you. You can't go out there alone. The master won't be too happy if I let you go out there on that dance floor without me."
"And she eavesdrops!" Claudette exclaimed. "You nosy ...!"
Turning away from, Selene, Sookie said to her cousin, "Stop it, Claudette. You know all about vampire hearing."
Sookie was about to deny Selene's request but Claudette stopped her. "I may not like her, Sookie, but Selene is right. You can't go out there without extra protection."
"Okay," Sookie said to Selene. "Let me tell Eric where we'll be and I'll be right back."
She pulled Claudette along with her while Selene stayed behind. She watched as Sookie went to Eric. She told him that she and Claudette were going to dance together. When he found out that she'd be dancing without him, he didn't like it. His face actually dropped. His eyes clouded over. He told her that he wanted her to save the first dance for him and he didn't want her out there on that crowded dance floor without him. It wasn't safe for her.
Selene smiled because she knew that the faery was going to protest. She definitely expected a fight. Faeries never give up their will without a fight but yet again, she was in for a surprise. She was wrong. Sookie gladly bent to Eric's will. It was as if she didn't want to leave him in the first place. It was as if she'd made the suggestion to dance only to pacify her cousin. Though the dance floor was only a few feet away, they didn't want to be away from each other.
"Un-fucking-believable," Selene whispered.
Sookie apologized to her cousin. "I can't go. If he wants the first dance, I just have to disappoint you, dear cousin. When it comes to me, Eric can have anything that he wants."
"Whatever," Claudette said. She kissed Sookie on the lips and smiled. "My date's waiting on me anyway. Too bad you two won't get to meet each other." She then looked at Eric and said, "Call me when the others get here." She then kissed Eric on the cheek and danced her way out of the room.
Eric stood up from the banquette and let Sookie slide in. He sat closely beside her. The lovers were about to lean in for a kiss when a familiar voice interrupted them. It was Sal.
Eric stood up and offered Sal a seat. "Sit, my friend, and join us."
Smiling, Sookie said, "It's so good to see you again. I hope that you've been well."
"I've been doing great, my friend. I hope that all is well with you." Sal remembered that something was not quite right with Sookie on the night of the gathering. He looked concerned but said nothing else because there were too many ears amongst them.
"I'll take care of it," Eric said. "Selene."
Within seconds, she was standing beside him. "Yes, Master."
"Have you heard anything yet?"
"Not yet, no," she answered as she shook her head.
"Have someone remove those poles, tonight. Tell the owner that I will take care of the fees. Make sure that it has been done before we leave here tonight. Have the guards patrol the grounds. You make sure that what I've requested is done. I want the one that did this found. And Selene?" he said.
"Yes, Master."
"Let no unsavory characters enter."
"As you wish," she said.
Selene blurred away. She did everything he asked of her. Though she was angry at his antics, she was determined to please him. She was also determined to figure out what was so fucking special about that faery princess wife of his.