Spellbound

Thank you all for reading, reviewing and making this story a favorite. I wasn't ready to post this chapter but I feel that I needed to in order to clear up some confusion that I may have caused.

There were a few questions dealing with André sending Bill to speak with the police. André wasn't sending Bill to the police station to do his bidding. He is sending Eric. When he and Eric had the meeting, Eric told him that it would be best if he and Sookie talked with the police. André agreed. He told the police chief that he would be sending his best vampire. I don't think that Compton fits that bill. Compton is following Eric and Sookie for André. He would never send Compton to speak with the police. Compton is a nobody in the vampire world. Who would listen to him? Who would take him seriously?

Another reason it's not Compton going to the police station is because of Pam's comment. When Andy said that he didn't think that the vampire that is coming to meet with him wouldn't mind if Sookie stayed, Pam said, "I'm sure he wouldn't." Sookie and Eric devised the plan before they left home but he hasn't had a chance to tell her about Bill. He hasn't spoken with her yet but I promise they are not going into this blindly.

I hope that I've caught most of the editing mistakes. If not, I apologize. I hope that you all enjoy this chapter.

Following Eric's orders, Selene parked the Humvee at the back of the police station. She knew that she wouldn't be able to tag-along. She wanted so desperately to be a part of what is going on tonight but she knew that the police station meeting involved only Sookie and Eric. She wanted to be the one to come with Sookie to the police station but Pam, being Eric's child, won out. She wanted to beg and plead but she knew that it would do her no good so she did what is expected of her. She continued to wait for her orders and as soon as Eric was in the back of her Humvee, he gave them to her.

As he put his phone in his coat pocket, he told her what he needed her to do. "Park the car in the nearest parking lot and return here by foot, Selene. Sal says that they stalled Compton but he is more than likely headed here. Patrol the lot and keep your eyes open. I'll be sending Pam as soon as I get inside. Once you capture the prisoner, you know what to do and you know where to take him."

"Yes, master," she said.

"There's no need to return here. When Sookie and I leave we won't leave with you. I'll take care of our transportation. Call Clancy and Chow and have them do as much research as they can on Compton. I want to know everything about him. No matter how mediocre it may be, I want to know what everything. Have I made myself clear?"

"Crystal," she answered.

"And if allowed, you'll play a bigger role next time."

"Yes, master," Selene replied. She tried to hide her smile but couldn't.

Eric got out of the car and slammed the door. Selene drove away without saying another word.

Eric stood in the parking lot and looked at the building. Never in a million years did he ever think that he'd be working with the human police. He shook his head in disbelief but what other choice do they have? They needed to work both sides of the middle to get to the answers that they need.

As he began sauntering across the parking lot to go inside, a black SUV pulled into the parking lot followed by a black limousine followed by another black SUV. They parked in front of the concrete stairway. Eric watched as the passenger side door of the first SUV opened. A man in a black suit jumped out as if he was drunk on adrenaline. He looked as if he was ready for just about anything; black shades, walkie talkie watch and a gun. This man was nothing more than a reject from the police academy.

At first glance, Eric could tell what he was. He's a bodyguard for a self-important jerk. With a hand shoved in the inside of his suit jacket, he gave the parking lot a quick look over. He put his fancy watch to his mouth and gave them the okay to let the self-important jerk out of the car. And there he was, Copley Carmichael. He was a man of vast wealth and he's not afraid to show it or use it.

Carmichael was a man of medium build, muscular, and quite handsome. His salt and pepper colored hair was perfectly styled. His deep brown eyes had the look of wealth and status. His snobbery could be smelled miles away. His black cashmere coat fit him perfectly; matching black gloves and a scarf complete the ensemble. He was everything a wealthy man was supposed to be; well-bred, well groomed, and self important.

Another person got out of the back of the limousine. He was dressed almost as nicely as Copley but his coat was not as expensive. "Mr. Carmichael," the man said. "The chief is waiting to see you. He wants us to come directly to his office."

"Thank you, Tyrese." Carmichael pulled the collar of coat up as if he was trying to hide his face. It was more than obvious that he wanted to be seen. Why else would he come to the police station in a limousine being led and followed by two SUVs? A man that wanted to be hidden could have hidden in plain sight if he wanted. Carmichael didn't want that. Eric couldn't help but laugh at the spectacle that he'd made of himself.

Tyrese led the slow walking Carmichael up the concrete stairs as the others stayed behind and watched the cars and pretended to patrol the parking lot. Carmichael, on the other hand, acted as if he owned the place. When he reached the doors, he shoved his gloved hands in his pocket and waited for Tyrese to open the door for him. When he walked in, he looked straight ahead. Tonight, Copley Carmichael owned the NOPD.

Once they were inside, Eric followed. It was time to find out what the police officers know and don't know. It was time to figure out what Carmichael's daughter had to do with all of this; the sooner the better. He'd spent enough time in the company of idiots. He couldn't wait to see his wife.

0o0o0o0

When Eric entered the building, the rancid odors of the humans filled his nostrils but there was one sweet smell that called out to him. He quickened his gait to the police officer that was sitting behind the desk. Though he could have found her own his own, the policewoman was going to be the one to lead him to his wife. He didn't want to burn any bridges with the police. They have to believe that they are in charge.

She was sitting behind her desk and doing her best to remain professional. The phone call that she was on must have been challenging. The scowl on her face told Eric that she was past perturbed. The look on her face told him that she was beyond tired and she needed some time to herself. Her body was screaming for just a few minutes of peace and quiet but there was no way she was going to get it in a police station. She disconnected her call with a fake smile and a slam before he approached her.

"Stupid ass people," she mumbled. "They get on my last damn nerve. If I had …"

"Excuse me," Eric interrupted.

"Yeah," she said in her native New Orleans accent. "What do you want?"

When she looked up and saw him standing there, the look of frustration was unexpectedly gone. She no longer yearned for a few minutes of peace and quiet. Her eyes brightened and she smiled broadly. She quickly ripped the ponytail holder from her hair and shook her hair loose. As she ran her fingers through her hair, she gave it a quick toss over her shoulder. She then rested her elbow on her desk and her chin on her hand as she dreamily stared up at him.

"How may I help you? And no, I'm not married."

A flicker of amusement appeared in Eric's eyes. He wasn't surprised at her reaction. Women have always fallen at his feet but this officer had taken it to a new level. She'd changed her entire appearance in only mere seconds; right in front of him and she no longer spoke in her native New Orleans accent. She was almost as proper as the Queen of England.

"Yes and I'm sorry to hear that. I'm sure that you'd make some human a very happy man," he said. "But I'm here to see Detective Andy Bellefleur. I have an appointment with him this evening."

She jumped up from her seat and ran to the other side of her desk. She leaned her backside against her desk and began batting her eyelashes at him. "I'm Perri. I know Detective Andy Bellefleur. He's a really good friend of mine. I can take you to him."

Eric looked down at her; his face showing no emotion. "I can find him myself if you would let me know where his office is. I'm more than capable. I only say this because I'd hate to take you from your work."

"No … no …," she answered hurriedly. "I'm not busy. I'll be more than happy to take you anywhere you'd like to go." She shook her head and shrugged her shoulders as she giggled. "I don't mind at all."

"I've got it, Perri."

Eric turned to see a police officer approaching him. "Hi, Mr. Northman, I'm Detective Alcee Beck. I heard you say that you have a meeting with Andy. Well, I'm Bellefleur's partner. I can take you to him." The cop looked down at Eric's hands and then back up at him. He slowly offered his hand to Eric as if shaking a vampire's hand was the last thing he wanted to do.

Eric looked at Alcee's hand with the same aversion that Alcee offered it in. He didn't want to appear antisocial but shaking the human's hand was something that he and Sookie hadn't discussed and it was something that he is not open to doing. Eric decided to smile at him.

"I'd appreciate it that."

"I want him," Perri said as she walked around Eric; her native New Orleans accent coming back stronger than before. "I mean, I want to take him to Andy. I mean, I'm not busy. It's almost time for my break and I have nothing else to do. I have can do it."

Alcee shook his head at Perri. "Stop it, Perri. He's not interested in you. He's already spoken for."

Perri looked confused.

Alcee rolled his eyes before he spoke again. "The vampire's married."

"How do you know?" Perri asked. "I didn't hear you ask him. Anyway, he's a vampire and vampires don't get married. Isn't that right, Mr. Northman?"

Eric looked at Perri and said, "I'm afraid you're wrong." Eric showed the girl his hand. "I'm very married."

Alcee laughed. To Eric he said, "This is why I'm the detective and she's the meter maid." To Perri, he said, "There are two things that you don't seem to know. Vampires get married all of the time and he's wearing a wedding ring. Now, you need to quit flirting with the men that come in here or you'll be moved to another department."

Perri didn't hear a word Alcee said to her. She was too busy looking at Eric's ring. The flirtatious woman from earlier was gone. She sulked her way back behind her desk. She put her hair back into its ponytail before she returned to answering the phones. It was as if Eric had never entered the building.

"Follow me, Mr. Northman."

Alcee held a windowless door open as Eric walked in ahead of him. Alcee led the way to where Detective Bellefleur is supposed to be waiting. The further they walked, the stronger Sookie's scent became. The anticipation of seeing her was more than he could stand. He almost ran to where she was but he continued to walk as regally and as calmly as possible. His torture soon came to end when Alcee opened the conference room door that housed his wife and his child.

Eric's lips curled into a pleased smile when Sookie turned around and looked at him. She stood up smiled seductively at her husband. He reached out and kissed the back of her hand. Since feeling his arrival, she'd been sitting on the edge of her seat waiting for him.

"Sookie," Eric said.

"Eric," she answered.

Pam unnecessarily cleared her throat.

"Pam," Eric said without turning around to look at her.

"About damned time," she grumbled. "We will discuss my jumpsuit at a later time."

Alcee interrupted them. "Andy, this is Mr. Eric Northman. Mr. Northman, this is Detective Bellefleur."

Andy looked at the vampire and sighed. He figured that Sookie's husband would be handsome but he had no idea he'd be that handsome. He was at least well over six feet tall. He had a head full of hair and he was muscular. He had to be smart for André to say that Eric's the best vampire in New Orleans.

No wonder he doesn't approve of strangers calling her by her first name. Why does he have to look like that?

Sookie dropped her head as she smiled.

Andy walked around the conference table and mumbled his hello to Eric. As he stood beside the vampire, he suddenly felt even more inadequate than he did before. The vampire was impeccably dressed and as he said before, he was extremely handsome; especially up close. Andy looked down at his too little clothes and sighed. He ran his fingers over his scalp as he looked at that vampire's long, blond hair. He started going bald at twenty-two.

I fucking hate vampires. I really do need to go on a diet.

Again, Sookie smiled.

"So, you're the vampire that André Paul sent?" Andy asked.

"I am," Eric answered. Still holding, onto Sookie's hand, he pulled her into his side.

"He said that he was sending his best vampire to us but I never expected … I thought that you would be … older. I didn't expect to see a vampire that looks like you. I thought you'd look like an old vampire."

Eric only stared at him.

"You have a very charming and beautiful wife." Andy stared from Eric to Sookie. He then glanced at Pam. "And Miss. Ravenscroft is … she's quite … she's very vocal." He smiled and nodded at his compliment of Pam.

Pam chuckled.

Sookie looked up at Eric and said, "She's been in rare form tonight."

Eric wasn't the least bit surprised. He would've been surprised if Sookie had said that Pam behaved herself. He turned to her and spoke to her in a voice only she could hear. "Selene's waiting for you. Call her to you and she will fill you in on what's happening. Call Claudette and let her know that I'm with Sookie."

Pam nodded to her master and left.

The detectives watched Eric and Pam. They couldn't help but wonder what was going on between them. They never saw Eric's mouth move. They never heard him speak a word to her but she nodded to him as if he'd been talking to her. She left without saying word.

Once Pam was gone, Alcee spoke to Sookie. "It's very nice to meet you, Mrs. Northman. I'm Detective Alcee Beck." He offered Sookie his hand. She took it and she didn't like what she saw.

He's a phony. His sweet smile and his friendly manner were nothing more than a façade. He was a devious man. He was deceitful and he hates vampires. He particularly hates Eric. He hates any and all vampires that hold a position of power. They're immortal and they kill at will. They have too much power. They need to be kept in line. Those were his thoughts. That's what he believed. He's also in the pockets of Copley Carmichael. A blaze of distrust filled the bond.

Eric instantly went on alert.

"It is so nice to meet you, Detective," Sookie answered. Though she smiled at him, she wanted to squeeze the life out of him. She tried to hide her revulsion for him but she couldn't. Needless to say, he noticed.

But foolishly, he didn't think that the distaste was for him. He believed that she fears the vampire. The vampire must have glamored her into being with him. He's done that mind thing to her. I'll talk to her later …alone, without the vampire or Andy.

Sookie released his hand and stared at him. She stepped into Eric's body. He could smell her fury. It was taking everything within her to remain calm. She could feel her shimmer about to build and she couldn't stop it. She was going to ruin everything.

Feeling her distress, Eric protectively wrapped her in his arms and filled her with his love and calm. He lovingly kissed the top of her head and stroked her arm as he held her. She soon relaxed in his arms.

Alcee snorted. "I hate to interrupt," he said snidely. "We need to get this started as soon as possible. Will Mrs. Northman need an escort to her car?"

Eric held back a growl as his arms tightened around Sookie.

"No," Andy answered. "She's a representative of André Paul's. She's supposed to be here."

Alcee couldn't believe his ears. A human is a representative for the vampires of New Orleans? That didn't make any sense and if it doesn't make sense to him then something isn't right. "He didn't say that he was sending a vampire and a human. He said that he's sending his best vampire. He didn't advise me that he was sending her." He stared at Sookie and Eric. "This doesn't sit well with me. I don't like it. As far as I'm concerned, she can't stay."

Eric pulled out his cell phone and proceeded to dial André Paul's phone number. He put the call on speaker phone so that the detectives could hear the entire conversation. "Hello, André. This is Eric. I'm here at the police station and with these fine New Orleans detectives that you've sent me to. One detective in particular is not happy with the fact that Sookie is here. He said that you didn't advise him that you were sending her. I wasn't aware that you needed to advise Detective Alcee Beck of your decisions."

Well played, Sookie thought.

"Advise," André said coolly. It was more than obvious that he wasn't too keen on answering to anyone; especially a human. "I didn't know that I had to advise him of anything either. Sookie is there and she will stay there in order to assist you. If he has a problem with that, you can both leave and they will work the vampire angle on their own. The fact that the two of you are there should show that we are going above and beyond for them. We owe them nothing."

"I'm well aware, André."

"You let this Detective … what is his name?"

"Detective Alcee Beck," Eric answered.

"You let this human know that he will get nowhere in the vampire community without the help of you and Mrs. Northman. No questions will be answered. No interviews will be granted. You are the liaisons. Am I understood?" André barked.

"Yes, André," Eric answered.

"Fine," he stated. "And Sookie?" he said in his nicest tone.

"Yes, André?" she said.

"I'm sorry to have missed you this evening."

"I as well," she replied. "I'm sure we'll see each other very soon."

"I'm sure we will. Tomorrow night as a matter of fact," he said.

"I can't wait," Sookie replied. She looked to Eric for an explanation and he didn't have one. He was just as surprised as she was.

André's nice demeanor was soon gone. "Eric, you tell that fucking Detective Beck that I don't owe him shit."

"Will do," he said. Eric ended the call and put his phone back in his pocket. He looked at Alcee and asked, "You did get his message, didn't you?"

He got the message and he didn't like it. Alcee stared at Eric and then at Sookie. "I don't like this."

"If you don't mind," Sookie said. "I'm here because of Copley Carmichael. He doesn't trust vampires and because it was believed that my sister is missing. She was his daughter's roommate. He and I have common interests. We need to work together so that we can find out if the same human that was stalking my sister has done the same thing to his daughter."

"What?" Alcee asked. "Carmichael said that vampires took his daughter. He is adamant that a vampire has taken his daughter and I'm inclined to believe him. They are blood suckers. She frequented vampire bars and she was known to sleep with them. Vampires have done something to her. It's more than obvious."

"If it's so obvious, Detective Beck, then why haven't you figured it out?" Eric asked.

Sookie smirked.

Alcee looked embarrassed and ignored Eric's question. "What makes you think that humans are involved?"

"I can answer that," Andy offered. "Please, Mr. and Mrs. Northman, have a seat. I'm sorry I was so rude and didn't offer you one when you first came in, Mr. Northman."

The lovers walked to the other side of the table. They took the chairs that were facing the door. Eric pulled a chair out for Sookie. She looked over her shoulder at him as she sat down. Once she was seated, he took the chair closest to hers. The lovers held hands and waited for Andy to fill his partner in on what he'd learned but he didn't. He was too busy staring at Sookie.

"Andy?" Alcee exclaimed as she snapped his fingers. "Tell me!"

He told Alcee about the meeting that he had with Bridget. He told him all about the girl saying that she'd been stalked … during the daylight as well as the nighttime hours. "He frightened her. You should've seen her, Alcee. The girl was frightened for her life. And unless vampires have started walking in the sun, I'd say that her stalker is human."

"Did you record the session?" Alcee asked.

"No." Andy was surprised by Alcee's question. "We never record the sessions unless they're confessing to something or if they're suspects. She was neither. I wrote up a report for her and let her leave." He snatched the papers up from the table and handed them to Alcee. "I like your fucking nerve; questioning me on how I do my job. Who in the fuck do you think you are?" Andy's face was filled with anger. So was Alcee's.

He slammed his fist on the table. "I just want to make sure the fucking job is done without any fuck ups. We don't want another Rene Lenier case. That made the NOPD look like complete fuck ups."

Sookie interrupted their argument by clearing her throat. They both looked at her and then at each other.

"We'll discuss this later," Alcee grumbled.

"We sure as hell will," Andy confirmed.

Just then, a loud buzz filled the conference room. Andy grabbed the phone and answered. Brusquely, he said, "What?" He rolled his eyes at whatever the person said. He hung up and walked towards the door.

Without looking at Alcee, he told him to come with him."Carmichael is here. We need to meet with chief before our meeting starts. You two can stay here. We won't be long."

As soon as the detectives left the room, Eric covered Sookie's mouth with a lingering kiss. She moaned softly against his lips. When he broke the kiss, she slowly opened her eyes and smiled. "I love you."

"What have you done to our dear Detective Bellefleur, my lover?"

"He likes my smile and blue eyes."

He lightly kissed her once more before questioning her. "Detective Beck; what did you see?"

The sweet moment was now marred. Though they were alone, she spoke in a tone that only he could hear. "He can't be trusted. He's the one that called Carmichael and told him that you'd been sent here. He's bought and paid for. He pretends to be the friend of the vampires but he's not. He hates you. He hates everything about you. He plans on getting me alone and questioning me. He thinks that I've been coerced into being here."

"That'll never happen, my lover."

"Our plan worked perfectly," she said. "I could feel your amusement earlier tonight."

"Perfect," he said as he looked into her eyes.

"Perfect," she repeated as she lovingly placed her hand on his cheek.

He leaned in and kissed Sookie's neck just as the conference room door opened.

"Eating?" Alcee asked as he and Andy returned.

Glaring at him with complete disgust and scorn, Sookie answered his question. "My husband enjoys his meals in private, Detective Beck. He respects me and our marriage. He has manners. Something that you appear to lack," she added.

Alcee's eyes went flat.

Eric wanted to snatch his forked tongue out of his mouth but instead, he remained as calm as ever. "André Paul sent us to assist you in solving this case. We are your connections; your only connections. We didn't come here to trade barbs with you, Detective Beck. Either you need our help or you don't. The choice is yours."

Alcee was pissed. He didn't want the help of the fucking vampires. The NOPD never needed their help before tonight. They had ways of making people talk. Those same ways can be used to make the vampires talk. Feeling his oats and his anger, Alcee decided to voice is opinions. "We don't need you, Eric, or your wife."

Andy looked surprised. "You can't make that decision. The chief said …."

"I don't give a good damn what the chief said! This is our case! We put the man hours in on this! Not him!" Alcee yelled as he pointed at Eric. He turned to Eric and continued on with his rant. "We don't need the help of any vampire. So as far as I'm concerned, you can leave right now and never fucking come back. How is that for your choice?"

Eric smiled at the detective's words.

Alcee didn't hear the door open. Unbeknownst to him, his 'boss' was standing right behind him. "Ignore him, Mr. Northman. We desperately need your help with this case; yours and your wife. We need all of the help we can get."