Uhtred: Is he coming?
Toby: Of course. These were his people once. Before…You just run your bar as usual.
Eric: Ready?
Taylor: I…I should call Jax before we go in. Just to check on the boys…*Eric nodded and kissed her cheek*
Uhtred: Eric!...*Eric smiled and they hugged*
Eric: I have missed you!
Uhtred: It has been too long brother. You are well? Toby tells me of a bar and you own the vampire drink…*Eric nodded*
Eric: Yes. Are uh…You married?...*Eric knew his answer would mean a bunch of things if Uhtred says no*
Uhtred: Yes…*Eric nodded*...Come sit. Have a drink…I guess we both ventured into the right business?...*They both smiled*
Eric: Humans love to drink…*Uhtred opens a New Blood for Eric*...Tell me how bad it is?...*Uhtred cleared his throat and looked away*...That bad?...*Toby sighed and so did Eric*
Uhtred: I wouldn't ask you or bother you…But…
Eric: You are never a bother…*Uhtred saw Taylor walk in and remembers seeing her in his dreams. Taylor looked around at all the old viking photos. She looked closely at the sword hanging up, remembering the one in Eric's office*...Who is she?
Uhtred: I…I haven't seen her in here before…*Eric turned around and smiled as he saw Taylor looking at the history*...You know her?
Eric: Come…*Taylor felt his command and walked over to Eric*...My child…This is my oldest and most stubborn friend…*Uhtred smiled*...Uhtred.
Taylor: Nice to meet you…*Uhtred held out his hand and when Taylor shook his hand…She felt this connection, like she had known him for years. Taylor felt her wolf bones speaking to her, telling her that he needed her help. Eric saw how they looked into each other's eyes*
Toby: Can I speak to you?...*Taylor slowly removed her hand from Uhtred's*
Eric: Fill her in…*Eric caressed her hand as they walked away and she sat at the bar*
Uhtred: How rude of me…Would you like a drink?
Taylor: Uh. No. No, thank you. What do you have to fill me in on?...*Uhtred sighed and started to explain*
Toby: You brought her and didn't fill her in?
Eric: She knows what I want her to know…*Toby sighed*...She knows that I need her help and that she is promised to be married.
Toby: The witches will bring them together if it must be.
Eric: Well, new deal. She comes and helps him. That's it. They both have to be single. He is married and so is she? Unless they plan on breaking it up…She comes, we help and we leave.
Toby: Eric…
Eric: She is my child. Mine and I will do as I see fit. For right now. Let's just worry about saving our people…*Toby sighed as they walked back over*...All caught up love?
Taylor: Think I'll have that drink now. You didn't tell me how sad it is…*Uhtred smiled*
Uhtred: Of course.
Toby: Fancy a game of pool mate?...*Taylor nodded and walked off with Toby*
Uhtred: Is she?
Eric: The one?...*Eric nodded*
Uhtred: She is beautiful…*Eric felt his teeth clench together*...She is married? You know they won't like that she belongs to someone else.
Eric: Yeah, well, they should have thought about that four to five years ago when she was fresh. She has kids. She will fight this. Speak for yourself. You are married. I thought the prophecy is for both of you to be single…To find each other…*Uhtred nodded*
Uhtred: They wolf?
Eric: All three?...*Uhtred looked confused*...Little wolf, little vampire and even some witch.
Uhtred: Wow and the father?
Eric: Turned.
Uhtred: She has been away this long. You sure you want to take her with?
Eric: We will need her strength. She is like you…*Uhtred looked at Taylor*
Uhtred: Hybrid. You know what the prophecy says.
Eric: I remember…*Uhtred smiled*
Uhtred: You sure you are ready for this?…*Eric nodded*...I should probably close up. Wednesday. Out by the old field. The pack will meet there. Give you a day.
Eric: We will be there…*Uhtred looked at Taylor and Taylor looked away as she felt him looking at her*
Uhtred: Till then my lady…*Taylor nodded and left with Eric. She didn't speak one word the whole car ride and Eric sighed. He pulled into the parking garage and held her hand*
Eric: Love, you want to tell me what you are thinking?
Taylor: I keep having this feeling like I know him or have seen him before…But I haven't. I have never seen that man before in my life.
Eric: Did you hear anything?...*Taylor slowly turned her head to look him in the eyes*
Taylor: Was I supposed to?
Eric: No.
Taylor: When I shook his hand…It felt like…
Eric: Like you have had a lifetime of memories with him. Like you have had a lifetime of laughs with him and like you could trust him unconditionally.
Taylor: Yeah…*Eric saw her tears roll down her face*...I…I thought you were being funny.
Eric: You were promised to marry him my child…*Uhtred was near by listening to every word*
Taylor: What? Eric…But we?...I…Jax…My kids…Eric. I can't be a queen to anyone but my kids…Or…Or…You…*Eric sighed and caressed her face*...He had a ring on?
Eric: Love, I wouldn't force you. You don't have to go…But you should know the witches have been pinning everything to get you two together. I will work on the witches and getting them off your back. Us helping them should be enough. Some of these people are…From my time and…It's just different now…*Taylor nodded*...Witches, wolves, vamps…We stayed in our own lane until someone got out of line. Humans are coming after them and killing the wolf cubs…I…*Taylor held his hand*
Taylor: How…How do you know all of this?...*Eric cleared his throat and was about to tell her something he hadn't ever told her before*
Eric: My wife…*Taylor's eyes went big*...My wife and I.
Taylor: You never?
Eric: No one really knows. Pam, Uhtred, Toby…
Taylor: So this is really…
Eric: Real. I am so sorry. I never thought they would get you here.
Taylor: Do I have to marry him?
Eric: No, they could just be bringing you two together to help. But…If they brought you two into marriage…*Taylor sighed*...Don't worry…*Taylor smiled as Eric got a hotel room with two beds in it knowing they wouldn't use the other one. She showered and thought about her kids. How she wouldn't want them to suffer and to be able to run freely as a wolf. She hated thinking about their future where they may suffer and she wanted to be there every step of the way to stop it.
Taylor came out of the bathroom to Eric on the phone. He smiled as she dropped her towel and got into bed. Eric ended his call and slowly undressed. They held each other before they ended their night in passionate love making. They knew it was wrong but it was time that they got to be together. Taylor wanted it to last for as long as it could but knew it would be over.
Taylor cuddled and held onto Eric as they watched the night sky from their room. She asked him to tell her stories of the old days. She wanted to know what his wife was like. Of course he left out the part of his wife being a Dhampir. Taylor loved all the stories that he was telling her and now knew why Abel loved hearing stories from Eric.
Wednesday came and Eric drove over to the old field. On the way he told Taylor of his time in New York and how it has changed. How the wolves knew to stay away from the vamps, the vamps knew to stay away from the witches and how the witches knew to stay away from the vamps. Things always didn't workout as normal and eventually war broke out.
Taylor looked around at the towns they passed and he told her which belonged to who. Eric told her they had to keep their bloodline going and their history going. Each supernatural being had to prove they could handle the life. If not then they were to live how they wanted or they could leave at their own free will. Taylor felt awful seeing the children and thought of her children.
Taylor knew Eric wasn't big on helping the wolves or witches but he would do it for her kids. It made her fall in love with him even more that he was doing this. Taylor smelled the hybrids and nodded when she saw them. Eric made sure to keep her close to him in case any vamps tried to take a chance. Uhtred smiled when he saw them*
Taylor: So who runs all of this Eric?
Eric: Think of it as…A government. Three vamps represent the vamps, same with the wolves, witches and hybrids. When they notice the human faction starting to take a rise. They usually send an alert for everyone to take shelter or get a way for a little. This time is different. We all deal with our human problems…These just happen…
Taylor: Part of your history. I'll help you because I can see how important this is to you…*She rubbed his back*
Eric: I'll help my friends who need it…But then I thought of the kids. I saw Abel, Thomas.
Taylor: Hey, hey, we won't let anything happen to them…*He nodded and she caressed his face. Uhtred noticed the love between the two and it was more than just a maker and his progeny. The witches noticed it as well and they whispered to each other*
Leo: Are my eyes playing tricks on me?...*Eric smiled*...This must be our front and center…*He bowed*
Taylor: Oh…Please don't…*Leo looked confused*
Uhtred: I will explain.
Leo: Do I know you?
Eric: Think you just hurt my feelings.
Leo: Northman!...*Taylor smiled as they hugged and she saw Eric happy. Milo shedded some tears, hearing Eric's voice again. Milo was blind but remembered everything from when Eric was here. Milo was the only witch who liked Eric and all his badness*
Milo: We thought you had died…After.
Eric: No, no. I…*Milo nodded*
Milo: It's good to hear your voice again son. My Queen. It's an honor.
Taylor: Please. Don't call me that.
Milo: We are thankful that you have come. We are in need.
Taylor: Well, I will try my best to help as best as I can.
Milo: Have you both settled in?
Taylor: Yes, thank you.
Uhtred: OUR AMLETH IS BACK!...*All of the vamps cheered for Eric and Taylor smiled*
Taylor: Go. I guess if I am here to help…*She sighed*...I should go talk to the witches and wolves. Let them know I come in peace.
Eric: But?
Taylor: Go. I never see you like this…Go love…*He nodded and they all cheered. Taylor went to walk away and Milo walked to her. She held his hand and helped him sit on the tree stump*
Milo: My lady.
Taylor: Taylor.
Milo: Taylor…The witches told me that you were coming. You are confused but there is a prophecy that must take place.
Taylor: So I have been told…
Milo: Uhtred is a good man. He wouldn't dare bring harm to you or your children.
Taylor: I…I didn't get your name.
Milo: Milo.
Taylor: Milo, I am here to help. That is all. I have a life back home. I…Wait, how do you know of my children?
Milo: Witches. The prophecy doesn't really have a timeline or anything. It just has…
Taylor: Which I totally respect. Uhtred is married and same with me. I can't leave my husband or my kids.
Milo: So then why are you holding back your love for Eric?...*Taylor looked speechless even though he couldn't see it, he felt her emotion. Eric looked over as he heard Milo. Taylor went to speak but nothing came out*
Taylor: Eric and I…We're complicated…*Milo nodded*...I should go say hi…*Eric walked over as Uhtred walked over to Milo*
Eric: She doesn't understand. She is a fighter and she won't back down without a fight. You need to tell them she is here to help and only to help. That's as good as it'll get…*Milo nodded and felt Eric's words that were demanding by his tone. Eric walked to Taylor and Milo felt the love between them went deeper than his ex wife*
Milo: He is in love with her. More so then…
Uhtred: I know. Which is why…This prophecy doesn't fe-...*Milo cut him off*
Milo: Do not speak of such thing.
Uhtred: Yes my lord.
Eric: You okay love?
Taylor: Having fun?...*Eric sighed and wrapped his arm around her*...Will they regret having us?
Eric: I told you. Don't worry. I am handling it.
Taylor: Okay.
Eric: Hungry?
Taylor: You?…*Eric grinned*...The wolves like me. The hybrids love me…*Eric smiled*...The witches…Not so much.
Eric: Come. We can go back to the hotel after we get a bite…*She nodded and walked off to call her boys*...You seem?...On edge. Tell me…
Uhtred: I know. This feel?
Eric: Wrong?...*Uhtred nodded*...They can't fake a prophecy.
Uhtred: Why can't they?…*Eric looked at Uhtred as he walked off and Eric sighed. He officially felt something was off. Milo was a good man and wouldn't lie. He also told the truth. Eric knew about the witches around these parts…Ruthless and down right cold.
He just hoped that none of them were spilling lies to Milo for their own personal gain. Another way to kill his hybrid. Eric knew he wouldn't let anyone kill or hurt her. It was officially on his radar and he was on the lookout for trouble…Taylor rolled over with Eric's arm wrapped around her and she sighed*
Eric: Good evening love.
Taylor: Mmmm, I missed this…*Eric chuckled and kissed her head as she laid her head on his chest*
Eric: Me too.
Taylor: So what happens tonight?
Eric: You go to talk to the hybrids and I go talk to the vamps…*Taylor rested her chin on his chest and he smiled as he looked into her eyes. He saw his sons and missed them terribly*
Taylor: But?
Eric: Uhtred is talking to the wolves. Milo will get filled in no matter what.
Taylor: Then after?...*He sighed*
Eric: They will decide on how long we will be here…*Taylor slowly lifted her head from his chest*
Taylor: What? You…You have a business and I…I'm a mother…*He sighed and caressed her face*
Eric: We will figure it out…*Taylor sighed as she nodded her head*
Taylor: This really means a lot to you?...*He nodded and she kissed him*...Why?
Eric: My wife's family were witches. They got snatched and turned vamp. Not all but some. They were tortured and I…
Taylor: Feel like you owe her?...*Eric sighed as he looked away*...Baby, that was how long ago?
Eric: I'd do it for you…*Eric ran his fingers through her hair and she straddled him. Eric vamp sped on top and she smiled*
Taylor: Du får mig att känna mig så speciell. (You make me feel so special)
Eric: You are...*They made love and laid together*...Shower?...*Taylor nodded*
Taylor: Will you be close?
Eric: Yes, I made sure they tolerate each other for a little…*Taylor smiled and they kissed deeply, letting the water run on them. Milo felt their love and knew the air was telling a lie. He heard them laughing as they talked and waited for everyone to get here. They kissed and rubbed on each other*...I promise to take you to Sweden.
Taylor: You better…*Taylor slowly looked over as she smelled all vamps, wolves and hybrids*
Eric: Breathe…*Taylor nodded*
Boy: These are for you my lady…*Taylor smiled and took the flowers from him*
Uhtred: Looks like your husband may have some competition…*Taylor smiled slightly*...Walk with me?...*Taylor felt herself hesitate*...I wish you no harm…*Taylor nodded and walked with him*...How are you holding up?
Taylor: I…I don't really know how to answer that.
Uhtred: Well, just focus on the mission and the rest will happen as it may.
Taylor: You work with the humans? How do you manage to get away when they are right under your noses?
Uhtred: We blend in when we have to. Us, who take the blood in…We have a supplier who delivers blood bags. We hunt on the nights when the streets are crowded, causing less attention…*Taylor nodded*...We should head back…Oh, this is my wife…Gisela.
Taylor: Nice to meet you.
Gisela: Likewise. Thank you and Eric for coming to help us…*Taylor nodded and they walked back over. It took about an hour for them to talk to all of the groups. Between questions and making sure they knew Taylor was here to help. That she could be trusted and is loyal. It took about thirty minutes for them to find out they needed to be here a little longer. Taylor sighed as she had to call Jax*
Taylor: Jax?...*Uhtred listened in with his back turned to her*
Jax: Hey baby. What's wrong? You okay? You sound upset.
Taylor: Jax. We may be here a little longer than expected.
Jax: Okay? There is something more
Taylor: I…
Jax: T?...*Taylor sighed*...Taylor?
Taylor: I have to tell you something and none of this makes sense. I can't wrap my head around this.
Jax: What is it? Is Eric okay? Do you need me?
Taylor: He's okay…It's just.
Jax: Babe?...*She couldn't tell him what was going on because Taylor didn't understand*
Taylor: I love you.
Jax: I love you too. What's wrong?
Taylor: Nothing, nothing. It's nothing. No worries.
Jax: You're lying. Baby, just tell me and we can fix it together…*Taylor bit her lip and looked at Eric*
Eric: Let me.
Jax: T?...*Jax froze*...You aren't coming back are you?
Taylor: I am. I just…
Jax: Are you running away with Eric?...*Eric took the phone*
Eric: She has been made promise to marry…*Jax raised an eyebrow and chuckled in anger*
Jax: This isn't 1864! Eric, she is my wife!
Eric: I know…I am putting a stop to it. We just have to handle some things and then…We can come home. She just can't tell you what all of it is.
Jax: So she has been with him the whole time?
Eric: No…Jax, I know this is hard but I can't have her say anymore because it may put you and her in danger.
Jax: You know what…It doesn't matter. I have been fucking Tara anyway…*Taylor felt her eyes glow and she took the phone*
Taylor: What? You were dead for two months?
Jax: Before…*Taylor starting crying*
Taylor: You're lying. Stop pushing me away Jax…I love you.
Jax: I am not.
Taylor: PROVE IT!
Nattie: I can prove it…*Taylor looked over*
Jax: Who is that?
Taylor: One of the witches here…*Taylor nodded and the witch used Taylor to see into Jax's mind. Taylor gasped and Jax yelled in pain*...You…You said you…Jax…I mourned you! You are my everything.
Eric: Was…*Eric took the phone and felt his father role step in*...You will no longer talk to my progeny unless it's about the boys.
Jax: T, can we talk when you come home?
Eric: We'll be home soon and you will not speak to her…*Eric hung up and hugged Taylor*
Taylor: My kids…Eric…
Eric: I will help you. Taylor, you are not alone.
Taylor: I have…I have to shift…*Eric nodded and sighed as she walked off. He knew she needed space. Even he didn't see that coming and he knew Jax was messing around with others but not like that. Jax had a full on relationship with Tara. He hated Jax and how he hurt his child. Eric didn't care that Taylor slept with him but he was pissed that Jax was with another woman. He would make him suffer one way or another*
*Okay, so these next couple of chapters...I went into a The Last Kingdom thing when I was writing this. Which I thought was perfect because Uhtred is a viking and so is Eric. So I thought meshing them as friends was super solid. If anyone hasn't seen the show then I highly recommend it and if you like vikings. Also...Happy first of August loves! Xoxo ~ Anslee*