Chapter Thirteen
Eric scrambled to his feet and ran toward the spell barrier and once more he was thrown back. Nan walked over as others joined her. "Nan, damn it, take this collar off me right now! Sookie's in danger!"
"I'm sorry, Eric, I can't do that. The authority has strict protocols in place. You know that."
"I don't give a damn about your protocols, Nan! Her life is at stake here. You need to let me go and help her."
"I understand that you're upset, Eric, but you need to control yourself. We can't just go around breaking the rules whenever it suits us."
"This isn't about breaking the rules. This is about doing what's right!"
"I appreciate your dedication to your vampire, Eric, but you need to understand that there are bigger things at play here. The fate of our entire species is at stake. We can't afford to make rash decisions based on personal feelings."
"Bigger things at play? You mean your own damn power games. You and the authority don't give a damn about anyone but yourselves. You're willing to sacrifice innocent lives just to maintain your own control."
"That's enough, Eric. I won't tolerate insubordination from you or anyone else. Now, I suggest you calm down and focus on the task at hand. We need to find a way to neutralize this threat to our kind, and we need to do it now."
Meanwhile, Sookie struggled against her restraints, but they only tightened around her wrists and ankles. She gritted her teeth, trying to ignore the fear that was threatening to consume her.
Warlow smirked as he looked down at her in yet another cage. "You're a feisty one, Sookie. I forgot how much fire you have in you."
Bill walked into the room and smiled. "I'm glad to see you made the right choice."
Sookie's voice is hoarse, her body weak from hunger. She stared at Bill with a mixture of anger and desperation, her eyes pleading with him to release her from the chains that bound her.
Sookie struggled against the chains. "Please, Bill. I did what you wanted. I came here willingly. Take the chains off."
Bill shrugged nonchalantly as Warlow smirked. "I need to make sure that you understand the gravity of the situation."
"I get it, the world is ending." She sighed with defeat.
"I'm talking about the fact that you've been playing with fire, Sookie. You've been meddling in vampire affairs, getting involved with things that are far beyond your comprehension." Bill knelt to her.
"I've been trying to help people. I didn't ask for any of this. What are you going to do to me?"
Bill smiled wickedly. "Oh, nothing too terrible. Just a little reminder of who's in charge. And maybe a lesson in obedience."
Sookie's heart sank as she realized what Bill had in store for her. She was powerless against him.
"Make sure she doesn't do anything stupid." Bill turned to Warlow and then left the room.
Sookie looked at Warlow and hoped to reach the human side of him.
"You don't need to do this. Can't you see that he is crazy? He is going to get all of us killed."
"Oh, that's cute. Are you trying to bargain with me?" He smirked darkly. "Maybe you should have thought about that before you had your boyfriend nearly kill me!"
"What did you expect? You took me captive against my will."
"I expected you to give me the same level of respect that I have given you!" He raised his voice and began to pace. "You played me Sookie. I won't forgive that easily."
She knew in order to set things right she would have to gain his trust even as the thought of it made her feel ill. "I'm sorry."
"No, you're not. Don't fuck with me. I am older and more powerful than you!"
"You can't force me to marry you."
"Then I'm afraid you leave me no choice. You see, I have the power to harm your friends. And I will unless you agree to be my bride."
"What do you mean, harm my friends? I came here like you wanted!"
Warlow smirked. "If you continue to resist me, they will suffer."
"You can't do this, Warlow. You can't force me to marry you."
He moved closer to her. "I can do whatever I want, Sookie. And I want you. You're mine. The sooner you get that through your pretty blonde head, the better everyone will be."
"I can't believe you're doing this. You're a monster."
"I am not a monster! I'm a vampire just like you. And I'm offering you a way out of this mess. You have a choice, Sookie. Make the right one." He turned from her and walked to the door where two large guards stood. "Marry me, and I'll spare them. It's a small price to pay for their lives, don't you think?" He opened the door and then looked at one of the guards. "If she tries anything break her arms and silver her."
"Will do."
"Warlow, you can't leave me like this!" She yelled as he left. She looked down at the silver chains burning into her wrists and ankles. She needed to figure out a plan and fast.
Eric was pissed as he paced inside the large office. He was joined by Jason, Tara, and Nan. All worried about Sookie.
They were all yelling at Nan.
"That's enough!" Russell came into the room and looked at them all. "What the hell is going on? I'm going to have the bleeds because of this!" He stood there in a silk robe.
"Sookie is gone," Eric interjected.
"I want to know what you are going to do to get my fucking sister back!" Jason snapped.
"We are wasting time here! We need to have a plan!" Tara added.
"Children, please." Russell rolled his eyes. "One at a time."
Eric got up to him and grabbed him by his shirt. He yanked him up. "Bill and Warlow have Sookie. Get this fucking collar off me so I can get her!"
"Let go of me and retract your fangs!" Russell warned.
Eric huffed and put him down.
"Now, start from the beginning." Russell smoothed out his robe.
They all began to yell at him about Sookie once more.
"STOP!" Russell yelled. He pointed at Nan, Tara, and Jason. "All of you, out. Now!"
"This is fucked up. My sister is out there!"
"Jason, come on." Tara grabbed him by the arm. She knew not to mess with Russell.
"Fine, whatever. I am going to ground." Nan left as well.
"Just take off this collar and I will get her myself." Eric sighed with frustration.
"Let's just relax. If you haven't noticed it is light out and I am missing my beauty rest."
"I will relax once this fucking thing is off me!"
"I think you have forgotten your role here, Eric. You are not in charge. Hell, you're barely a functioning member of society. So sit down or the collar will be the least of your worries!" Russell yelled angrily.
"This is bullshit. We are wasting precious time." Eric leaned on the large desk.
"You know what is bullshit. It's being rudely woken up to deal with your vampire fairy issues."
"Listen if you get this off me then I will leave for good. You won't ever have to see me again."
"I do believe we already had a conversation about what I would like in return and if I remember correctly you told me that you would kill me again if I even looked at your precious Sookie." He walked past Eric and retrieved a decanter of blood from the desk. He poured himself a glass. "All I ask is for a pint, maybe two of her blood." He glanced over his shoulder toward Eric.
"Fine. Get this collar off."
"Actually, I kind of need to hear you say it." Russell smirked as he sipped his drink.
"I will give you Sookie's blood." Eric fought to keep his fangs in check. He wanted nothing more than to tear Russell apart again.
Russell grinned. "Then I think we have a deal." He walked over to him. "But if you try and double-cross me, I will have your fangs and your new fairy vampire will have a place in my new display."
He pushed on the intercom on the desk and spoke. "Get Nan in here."
Eric had no intention of letting Russell anywhere near Sookie but first, he had to figure out a way to get to her.
Ten minutes later Eric was rubbing his neck as he walked out of the large office.
Pam stormed over to him; her expression furious. "What the hell are you thinking, Eric?" She snapped. "Risking your life to save that vampire fairy?"
Eric rolled his eyes. "Word travels fast around here." He began to walk past her.
"Eric," Pam called out with emotion.
"Sookie is not just any vampire fairy, Pam. She's important to me."
"She's a liability," Pam retorted. "You know as well as I do that getting involved with the fae is dangerous. And she's not even a regular vampire, Eric. She's a hybrid. Who knows what kind of powers she might have!"
"I'm well aware of the risks," Eric continued to walk and she followed. "But I made a promise to protect her, and I intend to keep it. Besides, if we don't find her, it could have serious repercussions for the world we live in."
Pam shook her head in frustration. "I don't understand why you're so attached to her," She sighed. "She's just a hybrid. There are plenty of other vampires out there."
"She is mine," Eric said. "I won't abandon her."
Pam sighed, her expression softening slightly. "I don't want to lose you."
"You fucking fanger, you finally did it!" Alcide came storming over. "You were supposed to keep Sookie safe!"
Eric's expression turned icy. "Watch your tone with me, wolf."
Alcide stood with his fists clenched at his sides. "You knew that she was in danger. I hold you responsible."
Eric got in front of him, his tall frame towering over Alcide. "We both know that there are forces at play here that are beyond our control." He narrowed his eyes.
Alcide glared up at Eric, his eyes blazing with anger. "If anything happens to her…"
"Let me remind you who you are talking to." Eric refused to move from in front of him.
"You have no power over me, fanger!"
"Ok, that's enough with all this male posturing," Pam interjected. "We need to talk, Eric." Her voice filled with concern.
"I have nothing else to say to either of you." He pushed past Alcide and began to walk away.
"You're going to get yourself killed if you go after her." Alcide finally called out. "Maybe I can help."
Eric rolled his eyes. "I don't need your help, wolf. I can handle this on my own."
Alcide sighed heavily. "No, you can't. You're too close to this. You're not thinking clearly. But I am. And I know how to track down those bastards that took her."
"You think about her far too much for my liking." Eric hissed at him.
"Do you want to get Sookie or not?"
"You know what, I will humor you. Go on, tell me your heroic rescue tale."
"We can't just go in guns blazing. Lilith and Warlow are ten steps ahead and they will see us coming from a mile away."
"Oh, it's us now. Cute."
"I can't believe I am going to say this but, maybe just hear him out," Pam interjected and they both looked at her. She touched her ear which was beginning to bleed. "I'm going to sleep. I trust that you won't do anything rash during the daytime?" She huffed as she walked past him.
"You should get some sleep too. We can talk about this tonight." Alcide glanced over at Eric's bleeding ears.
"But I am dying to hear the rest of this amazing plan you have."
"You need to just trust me."
"Trust you? I would trust Russell before I put any faith in you."
Alcide shrugged. "I'm the best chance you've got of finding Sookie. And I know you'll do whatever it takes to get her back." He began to walk past him. "You haven't exactly made friends here."
"Do you think I want you as a friend?" Eric laughed darkly. "You should worry about yourself." Eric stormed off. He would figure out a way to get to Sookie or die trying. He wiped the blood from his ear. First things first, he needed to sleep if he was going to take off at nightfall.
Meanwhile, Sookie tossed and turned in her sleep, her mind filled with images of Eric. She could see his face clearly, his piercing blue eyes staring back at her with an intensity that made her heart race.
In her dream, she was back in his arms, feeling the heat of his body against hers as they kissed passionately. She ran her fingers through his hair, savoring the softness of it, and he moaned softly against her lips.
But then something changed. Eric's face started to blur and distort, his features twisting into something grotesque and unfamiliar. Sookie tried to pull away, but she was trapped, held in place by some invisible force.
And then she heard a voice, a low, menacing whisper that sent chills down her spine.
"Enjoying your dream, Sookie?"
She opened her eyes and found herself face to face with Warlow. He was standing by the cage, a wicked grin on his face.
Sookie hissed, her eyes narrowing with anger. "You know that messing with my mind isn't helping your cause."
Warlow's expression hardened. "You don't have a choice, Sookie. You belong to me now. And I'll do whatever it takes to make sure you stay by my side."
Sookie struggled against the chains, trying to break free, but it was no use. Warlow had too much power and control over her. She could feel herself slipping back into darkness, into yet another dream that would undoubtedly turn into a nightmare. And she knew that there was nothing she could do to stop it.
Meanwhile, she wasn't the only one having a horrible time sleeping. Eric tossed and turned in his sleep, his mind consumed by a vivid and terrifying nightmare. In his dream, he was standing in a grand hall, surrounded by flickering candles and ornate furnishings.
He looked around, trying to make sense of his surroundings when he heard a familiar voice call out to him.
"Eric," Sookie cried out, her voice filled with desperation. "Help me!"
He turned towards her voice and saw Warlow standing there, his arm wrapped tightly around Sookie's waist. She had on a white wedding gown. Eric watched Warlow pull her closer, his eyes blazing with a demonic light.
"You see, Eric," Warlow grinned, his voice filled with malice. "I'm going to make her my queen. And there's nothing you can do to stop me."
Eric lunged forward, but before he could strike, Warlow raised his hand and sent him flying backward. Eric crashed into a nearby wall.
He looked up just in time to see Warlow force a ring onto Sookie's finger. The ring glowed with sinister energy, and Eric knew that it would bind Sookie to Warlow for eternity.
He tried to stand up, but his body wouldn't obey him. He was paralyzed, helpless to watch as Warlow forced Sookie to kneel before him, swearing her allegiance.
Eric screamed out in rage and despair, but his voice was muffled by an invisible force. He could only watch in horror as Warlow pulled her up. She smiled wickedly at him and then looked at Eric. She had the same demonic fire in her eyes.
"Kill him." She licked her lips as she smiled at Warlow.
The dream ended abruptly, as Eric jumped up. He knew that it was just a nightmare, but the fear and helplessness he had felt were all too real. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was powerless to protect Sookie, and that he would lose her forever. She would be the one loss that he would never recover from.
Sookie awoke with a gasp once more as she looked around the dark cell. There was only one small basement window, and she could see the stars out. Warlow had filled her head with nightmares for hours. She had watched Eric die and then her friends. It was on a constant loop. She could still hear their screams in her head.
"You look well rested." Warlow appeared in the room, and she narrowed her eyes at him.
"Keeping me in a constant state of panic isn't going to make me fall into your arms." She narrowed her eyes at him.
"I need to make sure you see what is at risk here." He walked over to the cage and looked down at her. "Just say you will be mine and they will all be safe, even that Viking."
"How can I possibly trust you?" Her voice filled with disgust as the nightmare images still swirled in her head.
"I'm trying to do this the right way, Sookie. I don't want to force you." He warned.
"You always said you wouldn't force me."
"Time is of the essence now. I wasn't expecting an apocalypse." He smirked and she rolled her eyes. "I will do what I have to, Sookie."
"I'll fight it." She stood up clumsily as she moved with the chains.
"No, you won't." He smiled and then he waved her over. She gasped as her body was drawn toward him. She couldn't stop herself. "See. You can't fight this. You will be mine." He grinned and then he opened the cell door. He closed in the distance to her. She couldn't move. "Now I could keep you like this. You'll be aware of everything and helpless to stop it." He touched the side of her face. She wanted to pull back, but she couldn't. "We're going to repopulate this world, Sookie. The new breed of vampire will be even stronger than our ancestors." He ran his thumb over her bottom lip and tears filled her eyes. "With the help of Lilith, we will finally build the world we were meant to have." He leaned in and kissed her lips softly. He pulled back slightly. "So, you can do this the easy way or…" He smiled and walked out of the cell. It locked behind him as he got to the door. "I will make you some lunch sweetheart." He left as she finally let out a huge gasp. Warlow's control over her was released. Fear coursed through her.