Spellbound

Hello everyone. I hope that you all have been doing well. I've decided to change the title of the story but I'm not sure if it will delete your alerts. I'm not going to change it if it's going to cause a problem. I'll leave the title as is. Will you please let me know if the changing of the title will be an issue? I also want to apologize for not posting sooner but FanFic wouldn't let me.

Thank you all so much for sticking with me and the story.

The story is mine but the SVM characters are not.

Eric sat on the balcony off of his and Sookie's room with his feet propped up on the railing. His eyes were closed as he relaxed to the sounds of life that radiated around him. The sweet, rhythmic breathing of his wife and the strong heartbeat of the child within her filled him with calm and resolution. Their child is strong and it will be amazing. Eric hoped that their baby would have Sookie's compassion to love; her willingness to forgive and her cunning mind. He also hoped that the child would have the most important parts of him; honor, dignity, and strength. He would also be powerful, intelligent, and handsome; just like his old man.

Eric smiled as he imagined a little Eric running throughout the house wielding a sword. Learning to fight in a one on one battle. Learning to fight hand to hand with no weapons. Maiming the guards that will be his practicing dummies. Eric smiled proudly at the night sky but soon realization hit him like a ton of bricks.

Sookie wouldn't allow the child to play with a sword at such a young age. Maybe she'll allow him to have a dagger. Eric nodded as if that was the best decision. There child will be able to carry a dagger instead of a sword. No, that wouldn't happen either. There is no way she is going to allow the child to wield a dagger or a sword. There would be no hand to hand combat practice with the old man. The child would not be allowed to maim the guards.

"Maybe when he's ten, she'll allow it," he said aloud.

With her voice laced with amusement, Pam asked, "Have you finally gone crazy or do you always talk to yourself … at night … on a balcony … all alone?"

He was in such a wonderful mood that he decided to ignore her snide and insolent comments. Eric looked up at Pam and said, "Have a seat. It is a beautiful night, isn't it?"

Pam eyed him with playful disgust and disdain. "What's going on with you? If I didn't know you, I'd think that you are quite chipper this evening. I've never known for you to be chipper. I don't like seeing you chipper. It's not a good look."

Winking at her, Eric replied, "I, for one, have never been chipper a single day in my life; not even as a human. Vampires are never chipper. There may be times when we're pleased but we are never chipper. I should have you tied to a chair and make you watch every episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer while drinking a cold bottle of Tru Blood."

"You wouldn't?" she exclaimed.

"Try me."

Pam pretended to choke herself to death.

Eric quickly ended the playfulness. "Tell me what you know."

"I called Brendan as you requested of me earlier tonight."

Eric stood up from his chair and looked in the direction of his sleeping wife. Even though he was only going to his office, he didn't want to leave Sookie's side. If asked, he would tell any vampire that it's because she needs him and he has to keep her safe. Though in all actuality, he couldn't bear to be away from her. Tearing his eyes away from her, Eric told Pam to follow him.

"To my office," he ordered. "I don't want to wake Sookie."

The vampires blurred their way to Eric's office. Once there, he sat behind his desk and Pam took the leather wingback chair in front of it. "I told you ten minutes," he started. "You had ten minutes to get him on the phone and that was over three hours ago. I'd expected an update at the gathering."

She stared at her maker in disbelief. "I couldn't make him answer the phone, Eric. I did what I could. I called and called until he decided to return my call. I believe that he didn't want to speak with me; especially since he said that he didn't want to speak with me. He wasn't as friendly to me as he was when you and Sookie first married. Tonight, he was downright rude; even for a faery. If truth be known, he seemed appalled that I would call him."

In his iciest voice, Eric said, "Explain."

"What it all comes down to is that he was working with Fintan. He was out to destroy your marriage. Brendan only wanted the meeting so that he could plant seeds of doubt in your mind about her. He was going to tell you that she would never love you, that she used her will to make her see what she wanted you to see, blah, blah, blah." Smugly, Pam added, "But Adele's suicide put an end to their plan. From my understanding, his son was to be your replacement."

"Dillon?" he asked.

"Yeah," Pam said. "Dillon."

Eric slammed his hand down on his desk and said, "Fucking faeries."

"Fucking faeries," Pam repeated. "If you don't mind my asking, what did we need him for?"

Eric hoped that Brendan would do everything in his power to make sure that while in her delicate state and with him being her uncle, that he would do what he could to make sure that Sookie remained safe. Brendan could give him permission to question the faeries of The Unknown about Sookie's dream. He could find out how she came to be in one of the cells. He couldn't do that without Brendan's help. Eric can't go to Faery without Sookie or another fae that's a part of the royal family taking him there. He wasn't about to take Sookie. There was no way that Claudette and Claudine were going to return. Brendan was his only chance. Without Brendan's help, he wouldn't be able to investigate as he should.

"Never mind that," he told Pam. "I'll use my spies to try and gather whatever information we can get."

As Pam stared at him, Eric studied her silently. She was his greatest accomplishment. She's strong and virile. She's honorable and she has dignity. Above all else, Pam has always been his most loyal child. There was nothing that she wouldn't do for him or Sookie. He has never had to use the 'As your maker, I command you' spiel on her. When it is most important, she has never questioned him. She's never doubted him. She has always been worthy of his trust. He trusted her with all the he holds dear. He knew that Pam was his only choice.

"I spoke with the AP tonight," Eric began. "As you know, André Paul still hasn't healed from that bout of silver poisoning. He can no longer control the council. He's too weak and Sophie Ann just can't do the job. She's too young and naïve. She'd be dead within seconds if she took over André's seat."

Pam nodded. "I agree. She's very smart and she's capable but she's no leader. Choosing her was a big mistake on his part. I've also noticed that he hasn't been at the last couple of summits. If I've noticed it, I can almost guarantee that the others have as well. The excuses that have been given in place of his absences are no longer working. Restlessness is more than obvious."

"You've always been quite observant, my child."

"One of my many outstanding qualities," she agreed. "What's your point?"

"I have to kill him. It's the only way that I can keep Sookie and the baby safe. I have to control André's seat."

"And you got this from the AP?"

"I did."

Pam thought of Eric's words. Her master has always been a very logical thinker. He would never go into anything without first weighing all of his options. She knows that Eric will prevail. "André has always been a friend to us but his time has come. He can no longer do the job and since we don't have a retirement plan for vampires, it's time for him to go. It is what's best."

Pam never ceases to amaze him.

"Does the old lady know about the baby?"

Eric sighed before he answered her. "She does. The old lady knows everything."

Realization flickered in Pam's eyes. "You and Sookie have to go to The Gathering. It will be noticeable by then."

Her master walked to the French doors that led out to his office balcony. Once outside, he rested his elbows on the railing. Pam followed him; mimicking his position. She turned to face him before speaking again. "Most vampires are partial to her. She can wrap the coldest and deadliest vampire around her pretty little finger. Then there are those that smile in her face but would kill her as soon as they have the chance. Once they find out that she's with child, they will try to destroy everything that you two have built. They will believe her to have been unfaithful and that brings cause for distrust. The child will be believed to be a pure fae child. Her pregnancy will be the reason for them to question the contract." Quietly, she asked, "Eric, may I ask how it happened?"

"She's more powerful than they know," he answered.

"I see," Pam whispered.

"That's why I need you," he answered as he turned to look at her.

A slow smile spread across her face. "You need me to stand with you?"

Before Eric could respond, Pam continued on. "You can take that seat. If anyone can do it, you can and I will stand with you. I'm yours, Eric; body and blood. Anything that you ask of me, I will do. You are my maker and my friend. You've taught me loyalty and honor." She bowed to him. "I am yours."

Eric looked at the beautiful vampire. She's always made him proud. Her love and loyalty filled the bond. "I don't need your help in killing André. I need for you to watch over my wife and child. Sookie's senses aren't as … strong as they usually are. It's not safe for her to be in the company of others when she can't quite get a feel of what's going on around her. I need her here. I can't lose her, Pam."

Pam placed her hand on her master's shoulder. "You didn't have to ask. I am more than honored that you want me to watch over your family. If I may, did the AP say when you are supposed to kill André and take his place on the council?"

Eric shook his head and said, "She did not. She only said that I needed to be ready at a moment's notice. She said that there could be no delays. She said that I will know when the time is right."

Suddenly, emotion was on Eric's face. "What is it?" Pam asked.

"She said that things are about to happen that will put us at odds."

"Us?" Pam asked. "Me and you or you and Sookie?"

"I don't know, exactly. I'm guessing that she means me and Sookie."

"Is it that baby?"

"I asked her that," he replied. "She said no but the baby is the reason that I have to take over the seat but there's more to it. You know how cryptic the old lady can be."

"Hmmm," Pam said. "Eric?"

"Yes."

"If any vampire finds out that the seat is up for grabs, they are going to try and take it."

"Yes."

"So what you're going to have to do is act quickly?"

"Yes."

"Are you going to meet with André one on one?"

"The AP didn't say."

"Will it be safe for you to go alone?"

Eric nodded. "She said that nothing is going to transpire at that time."

"So it'll just be you and André?"

"From what I gather, yes," he answered with uncertainty.

"Is Sookie going with you when you meet with André?"

Eric sighed. "She doesn't know anything about this. I was going to tell her but she told me that she didn't want to know. She said that I could handle it without her. She believed that since Sal is in on the plan, everything would go smoothly."

Pam chuckled. "She didn't know what she was saying, did she?"

"No."

"You know that she's not going to let you go without her. She's not going to sit back and let you do this alone. She's too headstrong, Eric and she's very stubborn. She'd never do anything to put you or the child in harm's way but she will not let you meet with anyone on the council without her. Her senses may be in a weakened state but she will use what little power she has to keep you safe. You know this."

He knew that she was right. He knows that no matter what he says to her that Sookie wasn't going to let him leave her behind. She would tell him that could stay behind or that she will do something to keep herself occupied. She will find some excuse to come with him.

"You're going to tell her what's going on before you leave?"

"I have ever intentions of telling her what's going on."

Pam nodded her approval. "Good," she said. "That's good. From what Dear Abby says, unhappy pregnant women are the worst. You don't want to have to live with an unhappy pregnant woman that is also a fae. That can't be a very good combination."

As Pam rambled on, Eric's office phone began to ring. He blurred into his office to answer it as Pam walked in behind him. "This is Eric."

"Eric, how are you?"

"André," he responded as he looked up at Pam. "How are you?"

"As well as expected," he said. "The silver poisoning has not subsided but I'm making it." André tried laughing at his attempt at a joke but it sound painful and gravelly.

"To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"We have a problem. There is something that we need to discuss."

"If there's anything that I can do to …"

"It's not pleasant, Eric. Your wife will not be pleased."

Eric's face turned to stone and his eyes were glaciers. "What do you mean?"

"We need to meet."

"I can be there tomorrow at dusk."

"No," André said. "I need to see you tonight."

Eric looked at Pam. The old lady's words replayed in his mind; 'at a moment's notice'. This is the moment. "I can be there but we won't be able to meet tonight. By the time I arrive, it'll be close to dawn."

"That is fine," André said in a weak and shaky voice. "I've sent my private jet for you. Be on it tonight and I will see you at dusk tomorrow." André ended the call without saying another word.

Sitting in the leather wingback chair from earlier, Pam said, "I guess it's started."

"I guess it has."

"I think that you need to call Sal and let him know that it's started. You shouldn't go alone."

Eric was almost insulted. "I am more than capable of taking care of myself, Pam. I don't need Sal at my side. It has not started. The AP said that I will know when it's time. It's not time."

"I didn't mean to insult you," Pam responded. "I want to make sure that you are safe."

"I know that you meant no harm but I will be fine."

"Yes, master," she said. "Are you going to wake her and tell her that you're leaving tonight?"

"I have no choice. I won't allow her to wake up and find me gone."

"She's going to want to go, Eric. She's not going to let you leave her behind."

Eric disagreed. "Once I explain what's going on, she'll understand that she can't go with me. We won't know what we're walking into. She'll have to stay here. She'll agree to letting you watch over her and she'll be fine. I won't be gone too long."

"Where are you going?" Sookie said from the doorway.