Spellbound
Thank you all so much for the reviews, alerts, and the favorites. I hope that you all keep reading and enjoying the ride. As always, the main characters and a few of the side characters belong to CH and the Selene character belongs to Mr. Cox. The story idea belongs to me. Again, thank you so much. I will try to post as many chapters as I can so that I can concentrate on my 'I Remember You' story. I've written two chapters of that but the chapters are so long that I have a lot of editing to do. So please, please bear with me on that story and I will get it up and running once again.
"You two are looking quite happy tonight. It is always a joy of mine to be in the presence of love. Now tell me, to what do I owe this pleasure?" Sal asked the canoodling lovers. It made his dead heart feel alive when he could witness true love. It made him remember the time when he once knew love and love knew him ... or so he thought.
Sookie and Eric tore their eyes from each other to look to Sal. Sookie could feel the change in Sal but she held her tongue. She would address this sudden change later. Eric was her first concern. She knows that whatever was bothering Eric, Sal can help him with it. She also knew that Eric didn't want to upset her because he hadn't told her ahead of time that he needed Sal's help. She saw it in his face when Sal walked in the door. So, she did what any good wife would do. She helped him.
Sookie placed her hand atop Eric's and asked him, "We need your, don't we?"
He squeezed her leg gently. He didn't realize that she knew that anything was on his mind. He'd remained stoic and calm. He made sure not to show any emotion. He'd never intended to show that anything was afoot.
"I know you," she whispered.
"Yes you do," he said as he looked deeply into her eyes. He turned back to Sal and repeated Sookie's previous statement. "We need your help."
Sookie looked at Eric and asked, "Are we going to tell him?"
Looking into her eyes, he said, "It is not only my choice, lover. This conversation does not only affect my life. It affects us both. It affects us all. The final decision is not mine to make. The final decision lies with you."
She looked at Sal and thought long and hard about what they needed to say to him. She didn't know what was on Eric's mind but she knew that it was big. She knew that something was bothering him and it was important enough to change his mood. It had to have been life changing for Sal to be the first one to show up; the only one to show up so far. She also knew that Sal was in love with Eric's child and his enemy; their enemy.
"Sookie?" Eric said.
She looked at Eric and smiled before giving Sal her full attention. "Eric trusts you. He loves you." She leaned forward, still holding Eric's hand. "What we are about to tell you is of the utmost importance. If you betray us, I will kill you. I will not shed a tear of regret. I will not back down from the promise that I have just made. If you betray us, I will kill you." Sookie looked at Eric after she'd made her promise to Sal. She wanted him to see that she meant every single word she'd spoken.
Sal sat back in his seat and looked at Sookie. He laughed. "You are a spitfire, little one. Women like you always seem to please me. No wonder my son loves you." He then did something that is forbidden. He placed his hand on top of hers and said, "Whatever my son needs of me, no matter what it is, I will provide. Nothing and no one will keep me from being there when he needs me ... when you need me. There was no need for those words to pass your lips for I will not betray you. I swear on my honor. I swear on the blood."
She looked at his hand and then at him. "I believe you but you needed to know where I stand." She looked at Eric before telling Sal their secret. "We're pregnant. We're going to have the baby that is going to change our lives … and not always for the better. There are some that will not be pleased when they learn of this. They will not believe me to have been true to my husband." Sookie then looked at Eric and said, "Is that why we need his help?"
"Yes," Eric said as he looked at Sal. "I spoke with the Pythoness tonight."
Now that bit of news surprised Sookie. She had no idea that one of the phone calls that he had to make was to Andromeda. Why would have to call her? They had nothing to discuss.
Eric continued speaking. "She told me that our futures have changed. She said that in order for our family to prosper, to survive, there is something that we must do. Unfortunately, Sookie and I can't do it alone. We need the help of our friends."
Sookie was surprised. "You spoke with Andromeda? Is that the reason for the silence earlier this evening?"
Sal's eye widened. He was unable to hide his surprise at the fact that Sookie had called the AP Andromeda. No one calls her by her human name; not even behind her back. Somehow she heard and saw everything.
Eric chuckled. "That was my expression when I heard her say the name as well."
"No one calls the ancient one by her given name without surely suffering some form of punishment or the true death." Looking at Sookie, Sal said, "What did you do to her?"
"Nothing, really," she answered. "I was nice and friendly. I showed her kindness. I didn't treat her any differently than I would anyone but right now that doesn't matter. What I'd like to know is why my husband called her." This time her eyes were as wide as Sal's when she looked at Eric. "Is it because you question whether or not the baby …?"
"Never," Eric answered as he looked into her eyes. "The thought never entered my mind. Never say that. Never, ever think that."
She wrapped her arms around his neck. "Okay, okay," she sighed. "I apologize." Begrudgingly removing her arms from around him, she said, "I'm going to take Chow with me to find Claudette and her mystery date so that you guys can talk."
"You don't have to go," Eric replied hurriedly. "You can stay here with me. This involves both of us; not just me."
She placed her hand softly to his face. "No, my dearest love; it's not meant for me to be involved with this. Not now. Not yet." She gently rested her hand to her stomach.
Sookie knew this statement to be true but in all fairness, she didn't want to know what was going on or what was going to happen. She didn't want to know what Eric and Sal were going to talk about. She didn't want to know who was going to be involved just so as long as she wasn't. She knew that if she knew any of what Eric was going to tell Sal, she would want to be involved. Even if her gifts are off, she would stand with her husband; live or die but she couldn't do that now. She is pregnant and it's not about what she would do. Sookie stood up from the banquette and both vampires stood up with her.
"What you're going to talk about is a good thing, right? It doesn't involve danger or the risk of you getting killed, does it?" she asked.
Eric only stared at her.
"Nothing's going to happen to him," Sal replied. "I promise."
"Thank you, Sal but I need to hear Eric say it."
Eric's face remained blank and expressionless. "The talk is going to be a good talk. I will not be in danger. I promise."
She almost believed him … almost. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. She didn't say anything else to him. She almost wanted to call Andromeda but she wouldn't. She couldn't. She'd be no good for him; not in battle. "Chow," she whispered.
Instantly, he was standing behind her. "I'm ready, mistress."
Sookie looked out into the bar. Something was going to happen. She could see the blackness. It was strong and it was angry. She looked at Eric and asked, "After your meeting, can we go home? I've got this feeling that I'm not going to be up to dancing. I'm going to be really tired later."
His posture changed. Eric was in fighting mode and he was ready to kill. "Do you sense danger? Are you …?"
"No," she replied. "I'll be fine. I'm just not sure if I'm going to be up for celebrating later. Things are going to happen tonight that are beyond our control but don't worry. I have Chow with me. Isn't that right?"
The vampire stared lovingly at his mistress and nodded. "You'll always have me, Mistress."
Before she and Chow left, Eric said, "I'll be watching you, my lover." He pointed at the two way mirror that sat strategically behind him.
The loving gaze that he bestowed upon her caused every nerve in her body to wake up. She had to compel herself to leave him. She felt the invisible strings pulling at her even though she hadn't stepped away from him. The need to be with him gave off a fierce heat and he knew it. They could both feel it. Sookie could only guess that it's the same feeling that her grandmother felt whenever she would be away from Fintan. She couldn't imagine the anguish they both felt when the essence was severed but that wouldn't happen to them. They'll be fine.
"I expect you would, my dearest love but rest assured, I'll be fine. Are you ready to watch the masses as they dance the night away?" she asked as she looked up at Chow and smiled.
"Yes, mistress," Chow answered.
Eric never doubted the vampire for a second. He knew that Chow would lay down his life for them; especially for Sookie.
"See?" she asked. "I'm going to be just fine." She blew Eric a kiss before leading Chow out into the bar.
He smiled a slow and lazy smile that almost pulled her back to his side. She wanted to be with him in every way. His eyes were drinking in every inch of her as she walked away. She had to catch her breath and continue her long walk to the dance area or she wouldn't have gone. She had to take a few more steps away from him before she could face him again. When she'd made the long trek to the doorway, she waved at him over her shoulder.
Eric watched Sookie as she and Chow left the VIP lounge. He was suddenly struck by an ugly emotion; jealousy. Though they already knew it, he wanted every supe in the building to know that Sookie is his wife. He wanted to brand her with his bite but he would never do that. He'd always made two promises to himself; to never leave a mark on her body and to never turn her. Even if she was near death, he would never want her to lose her the life that makes her Sookie. Even without the bite marks, she was his and only his. The sway of her hips; they sway only for him. Those twinkles in her eyes; they are his and his alone. The prim and proper wife that they see walking across the floor is an exotic animal in the bedroom and she is his. She is all his. His fangs fell into place as his sweet Sookie faded into the dancing crowd.
"Eric."
Eric blinked himself back into the moment. "Forgive my rudeness, Sal. Sookie … she … she does things to me. I lose myself when I'm with her. Since the first time meeting her, she has been my weakness."
Sal laughed. "It's clear that you're a vampire in love. I've been there. I've done that but your spitfire wife Sookie; she is quite the astonishing creature. How many faeries would have the courage to threaten a 3,000 year old vampire?" Both vampires laughed before Sal spoke again. "I, for one, am happy for you, my son. Love is all that matters in this world. You remember that." A faraway look took over his eyes.
"I will."
"I have always wished that I had been your maker," Sal revealed. "You would make any maker proud."
"Thank you." Eric had never seen such vulnerability in Sal before. "It's always been my goal to make you proud. And you don't have to be my maker in order to be my father."
Sal patted Eric on his shoulder just as the two vampires were seated. "Now tell me what it is that you need from me."
The two vampires returned to their table before Eric told Sal what he needed from him. "You were at the last vampire council meeting. The laws, the borders of the states; the laws are decreasing but the borders are increasing. The kings and queens of the states are becoming greedier and greedier. The more the council gives them, the more they want. It's getting harder and harder for Sookie and me because some of the vampire monarchs don't want to listen to us. They see us as messengers. When we hand down the rulings of the council members, they become agitated and defensive. Many of them are trying to take what doesn't belong to them. And this is because of the change that is going on within the council.
"The AP said that several weeks ago, Andre Paul was attacked by an unknown enemy. He was bitten with silver tipped teeth and he is on his last leg. She said that it has not been publicized but they won't be able to hide it for too much longer. She believes that some of them are fully aware of the changes in the council. She said that they can't keep coming up with excuses. Pretty soon, the kings and queens are going to want to know why Andre is no longer attending the council meetings. They are going to want to know why his second is sitting in for him. The AP said that he has missed the last two private meetings. Andre' Paul is getting weaker and weaker.
"The poisoning that he's suffered from is never going to heal. All of his children have met the true death. His maker is long gone and his second, Sophie Ann LeClerque, is not of his blood and she is not as strong as Andre was. She's a poor replacement for him. Andromeda said that pretty soon, André may be forced into meeting the true death but until that time comes, he's taking up space. And you know just as well as I do that as soon as it's known that he's not as strong as he used to be, a vampire is going to take him and his second out. When they do, they are going to take that seat and they are going to run the council." Eric leaned back in his seat and stared at Sal; waiting.
"And the AP let you know all of this … without prodding?"
"Yes."
Sal was more than intrigued with what Eric had informed him of. He's always believed that Eric has it in him to be an excellent leader. He just never knew that he would ever take it upon himself to prove his abilities. It pleased Sal that the baby and his wife have put a little fire under Eric's ass.
Throwing his arm over the back of the banquette and resting his ankle on his knee he told Eric to proceed. "Tell me what this means for you and your wife."
Eric would have been uncomfortable with having this conversation with anyone other than Sal. Every word would have been used against him and he would've been punished for even thinking of what he was about to say. "I want to run the council with Sookie at my side. I'm sorry to say this but Andre's time has run out. The clock is ticking and I'm that clock. I want this, Sal. I need this. I have to protect what's mine."
Sal knew what Eric meant. As soon as their baby is born, Eric and Sookie's life is in danger. It will be open season on them. The baby means more power for them because there's never been a vampire/fae hybrid born to this world. The child could have the traits of a faery and a vampire. The child could be a vampire and a day walker. Their world will change. Supes will not be happy to know that the already powerful Viking and his faery princess could possibly rule this world. As soon as their enemies find out about the baby and Andre Paul, they all will have targets on their heads. Eric and Sookie will be at the mercy of the new leader of the council. The new leader could end the marriage as soon as the contract is over.
André and the AP approved the marriage of the fae and the vampire. When Adele approached the council with her request, they jumped at the chance. He and the AP said that it would be the most important union in the supe world. André couldn't wait to reap the benefits of their union but now things have changed. If it gets out that he's sick, the union will be destroyed and Sookie and Eric will no longer be. She and the baby could be sent back to Fae and never allowed to return. Eric would lose everything that he holds dear.
"I believe that this little arrangement will benefit all involved. You and I already have a strong personal bond. The professional bond would be just as strong if not stronger," Eric concluded.
Without so much as a thought, Sal responded to Eric's request. "I will stand with you. You needn't worry. I am with you."
As if he'd been holding his breath, Eric sighed. "Thank you, my friend. I want you to know that my only goal, the only reason that I am doing this is because I have to protect my family and we need to get control of that council. If we can control the council, our lives will change for the better and I don't mean just for us vampires. This will be a step in the right direction for all supes. If we can make it so that each supe leader of the most powerful and trustworthy packs have a seat on the council, we will thrive as a race."
Eric snapped his fingers and little man with a little tuxedo suddenly appeared. He was carrying a tray that held two unopened bottles of Grand Royale blood. He placed the bottles on the table along with two glasses on the glass topped table. After he filled the glasses with the blood, he was gone just as quickly as he appeared.
"We can get members of the most prominent packs to join us. We can rule this world together, north, south, east, west; vampires, faeries, Weres, and shifters. Do you know what we could do with this world … for our world? If we ruled together, not only would Sookie and I prosper but all of us. The council would no longer be led by only vampires." With his hand in a fist, Eric said, "We could rule this world."
Sal could see the plans and ideas as they formed in Eric's mind. He also knew that Eric had the vampires, Weres, faeries, and shifters in mind that he wanted to use. Those that he trusts the most will be the ones that will stand with them and without a doubt, they would stand with him. And they will flourish.
"Perfect," Sal finally said. "Absolutely perfect. And the AP has foreseen this?"
"Yes. She told me that this is our destiny; my and Sookie's destiny. When she and Adele first approached me with the idea of marrying Sookie, they said that our union would change the supe world for the better. Adele has always said that Sookie and I are destined to be and our future would be more than anyone could have expected. It's more than obvious that she was right."
Sal realized that the vampire that he loves as his own son is a fucking genius. If they could get the most loyal of the circle to follow them, they would be unbeatable; especially with the AP backing them. Sal looked at Eric and filled the private room with laughter. "I've always been quite fond of the west coast."
The vampires lifted their glasses of blood to one another and toasted to their futures.
As Eric sipped on his blood, Sal looked at him over his glass and said, "I'm sorry to ruin the mood but there is something that I have to tell you. I've talked to Freyda."
Eric looked at Sal and waited to hear what it was that he had to say and from the look on Sal's face it was going to be a doozy. "Okay," Eric said. "I'm all ears."
"There is something that you and I need to talk about, my son."