Spellbound
Here's another chapter that's bringing us closer and closer to the end of the story. I hope that each of you enjoy. And I can't thank ya'll enough for supporting me the way that you have. Ya'll are wonderfully wonderful and I sincerely appreciate each of you.
The main characters belong to Ms. Harris but the story idea belongs to me.
Unbeknownst to their guests, Eric and Sookie stood in the doorway as they looked out into the crowded room. Vampires, faeries, Weres, and shifters were scattered all over. They were laughing and talking. They were whispering and wondering. But above all, they were anxious to see what the layout was going to be for their new world. They were excited to know that their new leaders would be chosen tonight. And it made them even happier to know that their brethren would have a real say so this time. They will be more than faces that André used to control them. They will have voices. Their concerns will be addressed. They will be able to make changes in their world. They will finally matter. And that was better than anything that could have happened. Some of the vampires were disappointed to see that Andre has met his end but there has to be a sacrifice in order to keep things peaceful and fair. Andre was that sacrifice. They were fine with that. It needed to be done. Things happen. His death needed to happen. Though they didn't want to admit it, this was an exciting night for them all. And from what they've learned, there was more to come. The induction ceremony was very educational and it was entertaining.
So far, they'd each enjoyed the induction ceremony of Eric and Sookie taking their places as their new leaders. Sandy's speech was inspiring and heartfelt.
"When it was first announced that the Viking was going to say 'I do' to the faery princess, many of us in this room, vampire, faery, Were, and shifter alike, assumed that the marriage would only be advantageous to the fae and/or the vampire races," Sandy proclaimed. "We'd assumed that we'd have to bend to their very whim and cater to their every desire. Each of us were filled with assumptions. We were all mistaken. I am not ashamed to say that I was mistaken. They have done many wonderful things for us all and from what we've learned and seen thus far, many more great things are to come.
"Under the governance of Eric and Sookie Northman, we will flourish as one race; the supernatural race. We will overcome our partialities and bigotries by working side by side. We will make our world great again … for each other … and not just a select few but for all of us. This is the chance for which we have been waiting. This is a magnificent opportunity that we cannot afford to waste. We must take this chance and use it to our full benefit. This is the chance for which we have been waiting and we've waited long enough. This is the chance that will allow us to show the world that we are not the monsters that some of them believe us to be. This will justly become our world. We will own it … rule it … and we will do it together."
There was a thunderous round of applause. There were cheers and whistles.
This is why they council needed to change hands. They are why this world needs a new leader, Sandy thought.
She looked out into the sea of supernatural faces as she thought of what she was saying. For the first time in a very long time, she actually believed the rhetoric that she was spewing. She believed that there was finally going to be a chance for hope in their world. She could see it on their faces. In their eyes. Her fellow supes didn't look as they did when André was in charge. They appeared to be enthusiastic about the new world and the new opportunities. They were excited about the chance that one of their own, fae, Were, and shifter, was finally going to have a real say in what happens in their world. What they needed wasn't going to have to go through vampires. There will be no need to pretend to have accepted what has been requested. The monarchy has changed and they were finally going to be given a chance.
A real chance, she thought. A chance that they so rightly deserve.
Sandy could almost hear their thoughts through their eyes … their expressions. She finally believed that the backstabbing and the hatred would vanish into yesterday. She finally believed that their tomorrow was going to be better than any of them have ever imagined it to be. She looked over at Eric and Sookie and smiled. With her hand held out to them, she admired them. Praised them. Revered them.
"Stand tall, my fellow supes," she said as she shouted over the cheers of their brethren. "Welcome to our new tomorrow. Give your allegiance and your faithfulness to our new leaders, Eric and Sookie Northman! Welcome, my friends, to the new world!"
The cheering increased. The whistling was louder. The applause was even more thunderous. It was glorious. It was uniting. It was satisfying.
Eric stood as he offered Sookie his hand. She lovingly took it as she looked up at him and beamed. Her beautiful black dress flowed beautifully over her body … not a bit of evidence of her pregnancy in sight … not yet … not now.
Taking her hand to his lips, Eric kissed it and whispered the words, "I love you."
She curtsied to him before taking her place under his arm as they faced the horde of well-wishers together. It was a proud moment for them both. They'd worked persistently … diligently and relentlessly to get to this point. Their friends stood with them during this trying time. Sadly, some of their friends have fallen. They couldn't let their deaths be in vain. That made them all the more determined to do the best that they could for their race. They couldn't let their fight to stay together end in disgrace … dishonor. They have to remain true to who they are and who they want to be. They had to be who they are. They were powerful yet welcoming. They were influential and energetic. Their verve was strong and vibrant.
As they stood together on the stage, they looked out at the crowd with impassive faces but they were basking in the accolades of their fellow supes. They knew that they had a lot to make up for after the damage that André had caused but they were up to the task. And they knew that as long as they worked together, all supes as a whole, they could and would do anything. They would persevere.
They didn't give a speech. Sandy had more than covered what needed to be said. The cheers of the crowd was proof enough that they were on board with what was going to take place immediately. They held onto each other's hand as they basked in the accolades of their peers. It was a wonderful moment. And it was a proud moment.
And now, once again, as they stood in the doorway, they are looking out their peers filled with joy. The smiles and the laughter of the supes; it made everything that they've done and are going to do worthwhile.
"They look very happy, do they not?" Eric asked as he leaned down and whispered in Sookie's ear.
"They do," she agreed. "I've never seen any of the supes look this stress-free at a Gathering. Everyone is usually whispering and plotting something behind the other's back. I like this. This type of atmosphere is so much nicer." She looked up at her husband and said, "I am so very proud you. You are the most amazing person that I've ever met in my life. I'm so glad that we were given this second chance."
He looked down at her and smiled. "Thank you for staying with me," he whispered. "Thank you for allowing me to have a second chance. None of this would have been possible if you were not with me. I know now that with you, I can do anything. We can do anything as long as we are together. I offer you my everlasting love and loyalty."
"And I willingly accept it. I do love you so," she whispered.
Just as he leaned in to kiss her, someone asked, "Is she with child?"
The supes in the room all turned to the doorway and looked at the very pregnant Sookie Northman as she stood by her Viking. The dress that she was now wearing was utterly different than the one that she was wearing previously. This dress wasn't billowy and graceful. This dress was form fitting. This dress was meant to show them all what was going on. Her burgeoning belly looked as if it was on the verge of exploding through the silky, white fabric.
With his hand stroking their baby belly, Eric answered. "Yes, she is. She is pregnant with my child. I am going to be a father."
Some supes smiled and said congratulations. Some were downright dumbfounded. Some weren't pleased to hear this bit of information and they made their trepidations known.
"But you're a vampire," a shifter replied.
"I am," Eric stated. "And my wife has made me a father."
Scowling as she stepped forward, a Were asked, "How?"
Looking down at Sookie, Eric answered with a modest and unassuming, "Because she loves me."
"Because I love you," she repeated as she gazed into his eyes. "I love only you."
Eric pulled Sookie into his body and kissed her deeply, passionately. It was as if their guests had disappeared … but for only for a moment.
The same Were from earlier decided that she had more to say. "I find this to be blasphemy," she said. "This marriage is supposed to be sacred. This does not appear to be sacred to me and I am sure to others. You are vampire and vampires don't get women pregnant. You don't have the means to procreate. You can fuck for nights on end but creating a breathing child? That is not a possibility. Is this why you've taken control of the council? To keep your … whatever you want to call it ... a secret? I want a full investigation …," she began. She didn't get to finish her sentence because there was an arm wrapped around her throat and a dagger aimed at it.
Eric and Sookie stared at the Were-bitch as pleasure filled their eyes. They knew that she wouldn't stay down for long … no matter what Dr. Ludwig told her.
Her voice as smooth as ever. "I may be on the mend, but I will cut your fucking throat if you finish that sentence," Pam warned her. "Or maybe I'll change my mind. I may decide I will rip your heart from your chest. Or I might drink you dry but I have not quite decided. I'll need a few extra minutes to think on it. But my master's wife is of the finest character and you will not disparage it with your obscene and vulgar thoughts or your ugly words. She has never betrayed him and he has never betrayed her. So it will be in your best interests to calm yourself and mind your words."
The Were began to snarl. "Remove yourself and your dagger from my throat," she stated.
Pam's grip tightened on the Were's throat. "Speak ill of her and I will remove your fucking tongue," she warned her. She then looked over her shoulder. "Does anyone else here share this bitch's sentiment? Does anyone else have the nerve to try and sully the name of my friend? Speak up and let your voices be heard for cowards will be seen for what they are sooner or later."
No one said anything.
No had the nerve to.
"That's what I fucking thought," Pam said. She pushed the Were away from her and ran her hands over the front of her dress. "Fucking Weres," she mumbled. She lifted her arm to her nose and sniffed. "Fucking Weres!"
"It's okay, Pam," Sookie said. She looked up at Eric and asked, "Should I enlighten them or would you rather we keep it to ourselves? Whatever you wish of me, my dearest love, I will give to you. Tell me and it will be done."
Staring out at the throng of supes, Eric said to her but to them, "We owe them no justifications. They either believe that this child is mine or they do not. As long as we know the truth and those that are close to us know the truth, we have nothing to prove to anyone here. The choice is theirs but let it be known that if I hear anyone speaking ill of my wife, their new leader, their life will be forfeit. It will belong to me. And I will assuredly claim that life as my own." Taking a step forward as his words settled heavily onto the crowd, he asked, "Have I made myself clear?" He made sure to glower at the Were-bitch when he asked the question.
The faeries unexpectedly appeared as they circled around Eric and Sookie. The possible new leaders of their world stood at their sides; the Weres and the shifters as well as the vampires. Those in their retinue made their way to them as did Pam as she slid her dagger into its sheath. They gave a united front as to show them all that they will stand together and nothing is going to tear them apart.
"The Northman is the father," Godric simplified. "They have a marriage of love and reverence. Sandy, Shiloh, and I have seen it. There is no dishonesty here. There are no deceptions here. There is no reason to fear that you've been hoodwinked or bamboozled. You have not."
Shiloh stood by Godric and agreed. "Sookie is faithful to our kind. She is loyal to yours," she said to the Were-bitch. "She is of high ethical character. I think it would be appropriate if you'd apologize for your … misunderstanding." She slyly dropped fang on the Were as she smiled at her. "I'm sure that we'd all appreciate it."
The Were-bitch looked at the group of powerful supes that stood before her and knew that death would be certain for her if she'd made another claim. She also knew that what she was being told was the truth. She had no reason to doubt that Sookie has been anything but faithful to the Viking. She has always been faithful to their race as a whole. There was no reason to doubt her.
"Forgive me," she said. "I meant no harm. I let my inquisitiveness get the best of me."
Sookie gave the Were-bitch a slight nod but nothing more.
"Now," Eric said cheerfully. "Let us get past this little hiccup and enjoy the night. This is a night of new beginnings. Have fun, my friends, for this night is for you but do not forget. The deaths of Sophie LeClerque and Bartlett Crowe will be carried out at sunrise. I know that the vampires will not be able to attend but for those that are not vampires, for those that would like to see their tormentors pay for their crimes, for those that have been mistreated by their so-called former leaders, gather in the courtyard for your dream of revenge will come true."
The guests dispersed and went about their business. Eric and Sookie believed that they were going to have a little time to themselves but they were wrong.
"Eric, we need to talk," Godric said. "There's an issue with a pack of rogue panthers in the French Quarter. Calvin doesn't know who they are or what pack they belong to but they have been wreaking havoc for a couple of weeks now. They've been destroying businesses and taking claim to the females that are not of their pack. They've had meetings with the leader but he's headstrong and refuses to listen. He believes that he has the right to take what he wants. He said that he's in New Orleans and New Orleans has no laws."
Eric was suddenly very serious. The loving husband from only seconds ago was gone. The serious vampire leader had taken his place. "We will show him that he is wrong. Come, we shall take this meeting upstairs," he told Godric. "Have everyone meet us there in three minutes."
Godric nodded just before he blurred away.
"I apologize for this, my lover," Eric said as he stared at his wife. "I want nothing more than to dance with you."
Sookie began to laugh. "We knew what this was," she said. "We knew what we were getting ourselves into and we're fine with it because this is what we wanted, remember? So, don't apologize to me. You go and do what you have to do and I'll be here waiting for you."
He opened his mouth to speak but she stopped him.
"I am never alone, Eric," she said. "My guards are always with me."
He stared at her for a long moment before coming to the conclusion that she was right. He kissed her before he walked away.
"Wonderful night, huh?" Pam asked as popped up behind her.
Sookie turned to see her friend standing behind her. Pam looked marvelous. She was obviously just as strong as she's ever been. She'd never looked healthier. Other than the missing fangs and the slight wheezing that could be heard if she inhaled deeply, Pam was the epitome of perfection.
"Yes, it is," Sookie answered. "I meant what I said while we were at home. You look absolutely gorgeous."
Pam twirled and posed with hand on her hip. "I am fucking stunning."
Sookie threw her head back and laughed. It thrilled her beyond her wildest dreams to know that Pam, her stepchild, is doing well. It terrified her to think that they could have lost her. She was especially scared for Eric. She couldn't bear the thought of him losing his child.
As she looked at her friend, she said, "I'm so glad that you're well and I'm especially pleased that you are well."
Pam inhaled unnecessarily and said, "Nothing would've stopped me from being here. I would have requested to be rolled in here on a gurney if needed. This is the night for which we've been fighting. This is our dream. This is what my master wanted. I would've given my life so that he could have it." She gripped Sookie's hand in hers as she gazed into her eyes. "Just as I would have done for you, my friend."
Tears sparkled in Sookie's eyes. She knew that the words that her friend had spoken were true. Each of their friends would've done anything in their power to give Eric what he wants and what he wants it Sookie. She wrapped her friend in her arms and thanked her. "Thank you," she said. "Thank you for all that you've done ... for tonight ... throughout this entire ordeal. Thank you. I wish that there was some way that I could repay you."
Pam patted Sookie on the back as she gently pried herself from the faery's grasp. "Do you mean that? Do you really mean that?"
Nodding, Sookie answered, "Yes, I do."
"Well, you get that credit card for me and we're even," Pam said. "If I know Eric, he keeps his wallet …"
Sookie cut her off with her laughter.
Pam had a surprised look on her face as she innocently asked, "What? What's so funny?"
Sookie shook her head as she tried to compose herself. Once she was able to, she said, "You are what's funny. You just won't stop will you. I know exactly where he keeps his wallet and I'm not stealing that card for you," she said.
Pam stood in front of Sookie and she looked as relentless as ever. "We are a family, Sookie. We stand together. We do whatever we can to help each other. You don't turn your back on family. You stick with them through anything ... everything." She dramatically placed her hand to her heart. "This trip … this trip is a very important step for us. You and I, we are going to bond as we've never done before and we can't do that properly unless you get that card. We need that card. I need that card."
Sookie leaned in and kissed Pam's cheek before walking away.
"Is that a yes or a no?" Pam called after her.
Sookie didn't even bother to answer. She waved at Pam over her shoulder as she continued to walk away.
Once she was off to herself, Sookie stood off to the side and watched her family and friends as they enjoyed themselves. Claudette and Quinn were lovingly dancing with each other. He said something extremely funny because Claudette threw her head back and laughed. Quinn only smiled. He stared at her with such love in his eyes. He brushed his hand across her cheek when she looked at him. Sookie read his lips has he said the words 'I love you' to her cousin. Claudette wrapped her arms around Quinn's neck as she rested her head on his shoulder. She was in love. She was finally in love and the damage that Lucian had done was long gone. Her cousin was happy. And it was beautiful.
Before Eric called the meeting upstairs, Sookie had noticed how close Sal and Selene had become. They were once standing off the side talking with each other. A few times, she'd Selene smile at something Sal had said but it would vanish just as quickly as it appeared. She was happy. She was enjoying her time with Sal and he with her. It may not exactly be love but it was more than either of them have had in a very long time.
She looked and saw that everyone in their retinue was happy; Marco, Chow, Clancy, and Tristan. Amanda was giggling as she wrapped her arm around Kellan's. Alcide was laughing with a vampire from a different area. Sam was dancing with his mom. She was telling him how proud she is of him and how he'll make a great addition to the council. Arayleaha was talking to one of Godric's guards as she waited for his return. Her excuse was that she needed to stick close to Godric; especially after his behavior on the night of Andre's death. Sookie laughed because she knew the truth. She knew that Arayleaha had a crush on the vampire. Everything was just as they dreamed that it would be. They looked so peaceful. They looked so relaxed.
"We've done a wonderful thing," Sookie whispered to herself.
A waiter walked past her and Sookie grabbed a fluted glass of champagne from his tray. She didn't take sip but she raised her glass to her family. "We did it, my loves," she said loudly as to get their attention.
They all stopped and looked at her … pride filled their faces … joy filled their hearts.
"You should be very proud," she announced loudly. "Each of you."
Each of them looked at her smiled. They raised their hands in the air and cheered. Though most of the guests didn't know what was going on, it felt right and it felt good. It felt so right and so good, that they decided to follow suit. They wanted to cheer. They wanted to be happy. And that's what they should want. They were free!
"We did it!" she yelled out.
Cheers erupted from all around.
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For the past three hours, Sookie spent of her time at the Gathering watching her family … those of her retinue. She didn't mind not dancing or mingling just as long as they were having fun. She'd had to send Sal and Selene away several times. She sent Chow to go and dance with Amanda because he hovered over her for too long and it was getting on her nerves. She didn't mind the presence of her fae guards because she didn't have to see them. She just wanted the peace of knowing that her family … those in her retinue were going to be safe. And they were.
She searched the bond and she could tell that Eric was enjoying his time with his underlings. His emotions were all of the charts but she could only imagine that he was enjoying every minute of it. Since he was fine, she decided to shut down the bond … but only for a few minutes. Just a little peace and quiet and she'd open it right back up. He'll never know.
Taking a little time to be alone and with her guards in tow, Sookie went to the balcony to have a seat. She admired the peace and tranquility of Lake Pontchartrain. The still, blue waters were calming. She kicked off her shoes and laid back on the chaise lounge and closed her eyes.
"Nice," she whispered as she settled into her cushioned seat.
She listened to the songs of the night; the crashing waves, the cries of the cranes, the rustling of the trees. It was most relaxing.
As she bathed under the moonlight, she stroked her belly. "Your world has greatly improved, my son," she said. "Things that were never to be, will be at your very whim. You will become part of a world that we never believed would exist. You will be allowed to dream and it will come true. You will be allowed to mingle with others of our world without fear of retaliation or fear. Oh, my son, this world is yours."
And as if to show her his appreciation, he kicked and he kicked hard.
She winced as she continued to caress her belly. "Hush," she said.
Evidently the baby didn't like being told to hush because he kicked her again just as hard.
This time, Sookie cried out.
That's when Arayleaha appeared at her princess' side. She knelt down and placed her hand on Sookie's belly. She closed her eyes and smiled. She looked at Sookie and said, "I best go and retrieve your husband."
Before Arayleaha could leave, another sharp pain hit Sookie and she grabbed the faery's hand. She shook her head and said, "Give me a minute. Just give me a minute." She began to pant and breathe deeply as the pain ravaged her body. She squeezed Arayleaha's hand.
Arayleaha remained rooted in place as Sookie held onto her. She could be thankful that she wasn't human. Every bone in her hand would have been crushed to nothing. Though her bones weren't crushed, she knew that her hand was going to be sore later on.
Though she didn't want to disturb him, Sookie opened the bond to full blast so that Eric could feel that she was going through. She needed him and she needed him now. She sent him every bit of pain that their son was sending to her.
"Arayleaha," she began. "You might want to step aside. Eric's on his way."
Just as she finished the sentence, there he was … looking down at her and his face was filled with fear. Kneeling at her side, he asked, "What has happened? What is this that I am feeling?"
Pointing at her stomach, Sookie said, "It's him. It's your son." She began panting as she released Arayleaha's hand and gripped Eric's. "I think it's time."
"He is causing you this pain?" he asked unbelievably. He couldn't believe that a child that has not made his presence known to this world could wreak such havoc.
Tears fell from her eyes as she nodded. "Yeah," she said. "He must be upset or something. Maybe he didn't like the peanut butter and jelly sandwich that I'd eaten before we left home." She shrugged her shoulders and shook her head no. "I don't know what it is but he's pissed."
"What's going on?" Claudette asked. "I saw Eric flying through here like a bat out of hell." She looked at her cousin's sweaty and pain stricken face and she instantly knew what was going on. "It's time." Then her eyes widened. "It's time!" She ran to the other side of her cousin and began to brush the sweaty strands of hair from her face.
Sookie's face was now covered in sweat and her face was twisted in pain. "This is no walk in the park, Eric. This is not what I thought it would be at all. This is hurting like hell." She shook her head again. "I don't like this, baby. I don't think that …." She screamed out in pain.
Eric lifted Sookie in his arms and held her closely to his chest. "I will get you home," he promised her. "Where's Pam?"
"I'm right her, Master," she said from behind him. She peeked around him and looked at Sookie. She shook her head in dismay. "You looked so beautiful only minutes ago. But now, you look absolutely awful. Like a train wreck. Children are obviously not going to be a good look for you either, Sookie." Again, she shook her head.
"Fuck you, Pam," Sookie growled.
A smirk appeared on Pam's face.
Glancing at her over his shoulder, Eric said, "Shut-up, Pam, and get the car."
Pam saluted him before blurring away. Seconds later, everyone could hear one long blaring of a car horn.
"Ready, lover?" Eric asked.
Sookie squeezed her eyes closed as she nodded her head.
Looking at Claudette, Eric said, "Tell Sal what's going on. He will finish out the night. Once things are done, tell him what's going on and where we will be."
"Done," she said.
"You will not forget," he asked.
"You two go on," Claudette said as she rolled her eyes. "I'll be right behind you."
With a nod, Eric blurred Sookie from the compound and they were gone.
"Kellan," Claudette said.
"Yes, my lady," he answered.
"Send the message to Sal. Leave nothing out," she ordered.
"Done," Kellan answered. And with that, he was gone.
Quinn popped from around the corner and asked, "What's up?"
Claudette ran to him and grabbed his hand and pulled him back into the compound. As she looked out at the wondering guests, she composed herself and placed a beautiful and reassuring smile on her face. "Good evening, everyone," she said. "I have an announcement to make. Clancy, could you make sure that everyone is down here, please?"
Clancy nodded and blurred through the house … upstairs and downstairs. He came back and said, "They're all here."
She placed her hand on his shoulder and said, "Thank you, my friend."
He winked at her and said, "Anything for you, beautiful."
Quinn bucked up at Clancy and growled.
"Stop it," Claudette said. "Okay, everyone. We've had a situation. Eric and Sookie had to leave early due to an extreme emergency but they wanted me to let you know that you are more than welcomed to stay here and party the night away. And don't forget the deaths of Sophie Ann and Bart will be taking place at sunup. They are going to meet the sun as punishment. I'm sorry to say that all of you won't be able to stay for the remainder of the night. Those that are part of our retinue, that includes Godric, Shiloh, and Sandy, are needed at the Northman compound.
"But before we go, I must ask all of you to welcome the new leaders. I want to say congratulations to each you. I want everyone to give a big hand of applause to the new leaders of our world. Of the south, we have Calvin Norris, the representative for the were-panthers. Sam Merlotte will represent the shifters. Kellan Brahms will represent the faeries. Alcide Herveaux will represent the Weres and Shiloh will be the voice of the vampires."
There were claps and cheers as each of the announcements that were made. The north, east, and west representatives were received with the same verve. The excitement of knowing that everyone was going to have a voice in their world made the cheering even better.
Claudette raised her hands and said, "Congratulations, everyone! This world is now ours!"
As their peers cheered and partied, Claudette gave everyone in their retinue a quick nod. She wrapped her arms around Quinn as she kissed his nose. "My cousin needs me. So, hold on tight, babe. This is going to be one helluva ride."