SPOV

I wake up and stretch as much as I can with Eric wrapped around me tightly. I giggle, it's so funny to me that someone like Eric, a Viking, a vampire sheriff, a man who tries to make the outside world think he has no emotions, actually loves to cuddle so much. I enjoy the cuddle for a few minutes before making myself get up, I have important work to do today. I'm excited but also very nervous. It wasn't until we got back to the hotel last night that Eric realized Hugo never actually sat down with me while I was reading everyone. Isabel had him organizing all the other humans.

When Eric realized this, he tried to convince me to cancel the plan or at least postpone it but I heard enough from his head throughout the night to know he isn't up to anything bad. Anyone who loves their significant other so much wouldn't do anything to get them hurt or put them in danger. Speaking of coming back to the hotel last night, it was great seeing Gran so happy. She really enjoyed that Eric had Sonya come down and she was just tickled pink to meet the king. Heck, Bubba seemed just as pleased to be talking to Gran.

After I shower I go to the closet and try to find an outfit that would fit right in with those people. Don't get me wrong, I have lots of clothes that are presentable enough to wear to church, Gran would tan my hide if I didn't. I just want to look perfect, I don't want to mess this up for Eric. This is the first time I've ever gone undercover before so it's a little nerve-wracking, if I'm being honest.

After I realize I've been staring at my clothes for fifteen minutes straight without choosing anything I shake my head and grab one of my nice sundresses. I pick out a light blue one that's an A-line with white flowers on it and put on a white shaw on top. I straighten my hair and put a clip in it too. After doing my makeup I look in the mirror and nod, this is it. I make sure that my phone is charged and then grab my purse and go out to the living area. Gran and Sonya are sitting in the kitchenette, drinking coffee and talking.

"Morning, ya'll."

"Good morning, Sookie. Don't you look pretty?" Gran says with a smile. In her head, she's trying to pretend like our talk didn't happen yesterday. It's not that she wants to forget about it, or she wants me to just get over it but she's been worrying about it nonstop these last 24 hours so she's decided she's just going to forget about it until I bring it up again. Which will definitely not be today, I still haven't even had time to process the information, let alone decide how I feel about it so I'm fine with pretending for now too.

"Thanks, Gran. I'm going undercover today." I cringe internally, I don't know why I told her that. I don't want her to worry and knowing her, she'll want to come with me. That obviously is not going to happen.

"What do you mean, Sookie?" Sonya asks.

"Well, did Gran tell you about Eric's maker?" At her nod, I continue, "Everyone thinks that the Fellowship of the Sun had him. I'm going there today with someone and pretending to be looking for a wedding venue so I can snoop around and hopefully hear if he's there. Eric is putting on a strong front but I can tell he's upset, Godric must mean a lot to him."

"Oh, yes. I've met him twice before and he's the only person Eric listens to and isn't the boss around… Well, that is until he brought you home. I enjoy Godric, he's always been kind to me and actually speaks to me, unlike any other vampires I've come across. Although, I must admit, that hasn't been many. I've known about vampires for a long time because I've been working for Eric since he moved here in the 70s but as you know, he doesn't bring them around the house often. When they came out of the coffin, I was older and didn't really feel like I'd fit in places like Eric's bar."

"You know, he invited me to Fangtasia. If you wanted to go, we could go together."

Sonya laughs at Gran's invitation. "Oh no, I think I'm quite fine not knowing what goes on in places like that. I think I'll be happy just having two vampires in my life." We look at her confused, wondering who the second vampire is. "You must know by now that if you have Eric in your life, you have Pam there as well, they come as a package."

"I don't think Pam likes me too much, I don't know why though. She was nice to me the first night, well, nice in a Pam way, anyway. Then when I met her again she was short and seemed to be annoyed with me. Now, she's mad at Eric and won't tell him why. I'm almost positive it's because of me."

"Even though they are not romantically involved, she is very jealous of people who get too much of his attention. If I were you, I'd think of her like the daughter of the man you're dating, she doesn't know you and she's used to having all her father's attention and getting spoiled by him. Now, he has you too and she doesn't like the change in dynamic. She'll get used to it eventually. Eric isn't going to let one of Pam's temper tantrums mess things up between you, This is the first time I've seen him happy in a long time, maybe ever."

That makes me feel better and I give her a smile to show my gratitude. "Thanks, Sonya. Now, time for 'Sookie, Telepath Detective' to get on the case. I better get going, I'm supposed to meet Hugo soon."

"Be careful, Sookie. Those people aren't worshipers of God like they're making themselves out to be. They have too much hate in them for that. I wouldn't trust if my life depended on it." Gran warned.

I know she's right so I give her a serious nod then I walk over to give her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. I'm walking out the door when I remember that even though I packed my purse, I left it on the bed. So I go back into the bedroom and take the time to walk over to Eric and give him a quick good luck kiss. As I'm pulling away I see a note on my nightstand that I must have missed this morning. I walk over and read it.

Lover,

Remember your promises to me, you must be safe and even if you hear where Godric is, you promised to just leave and bring the information to me. Do not try to pull any heroics to try to free him yourself. If you feel the slightest bit uncomfortable, or your gut tells you something is wrong, just turn around and leave. There are other ways to get the information we need. I care about you far too much to put you in danger. Unfortunately, for me, it seems my bonded cannot stop herself from volunteering for it.

After you fell asleep last night I had some time to think and I realized that Hugo did not get read like the rest of the humans. He was too busy getting tasks done that Isabel needed to be done for the nest. I know they have been together for a while and I don't think Isabel is stupid, I've known her for a long time. So, I do not think this human would be the traitor but I've already had a bad feeling about this and now it's worse. If I wasn't positive you'd leave and do it anyway while I was dead for the day, I'd have canceled this plan of yours already.

Be careful, min stjärna and you better be in my arms when I rise this night.

E.

I smile because it's so cute how much he worries, I giggle imagining his reaction to being called cute. Then I sit back and think, I realize he's right, I didn't do an actual reading of Hugo. Though I did hear him plenty throughout the night. A part of his thoughts were on the tasks he had to do last night and most of his thoughts were focused on how much he loves Isabel. I don't think anyone who has that much love for their significant other would do anything to purposely put them in danger. He loves her so much, it's crazy, almost obsessive. But for Eric's peace of mind, I'll make sure to do a deep listen to him before we leave and if I hear anything that worries me, I'll make an excuse to leave. I purposefully ignore the bad feeling I get in my gut after reading his letter, I have to do what I can to help him.

I feel so full of warmth because of how much Eric cares about me that I can't help but kiss him again before I leave. I wave at Gran and Sonya but don't stop to talk on the way out and head for the elevator. When I get to the ground floor I see Barry and even though I know he doesn't want to talk to me, I can't help but try again. It doesn't look like he's changed his mind though when he turns to see me and his face drops. I put my best foot forward and give him a big smile anyway.

"Good morning, Barry. How are you doing?"

"I'm fine." Wow, that was rude. Manners dictate he should ask me in return. I try again.

"It's a beautiful day outside, do you have anything planned for fun after work?"

"Same thing as I do every day, get to my house as quickly as possible so I can finally have some quiet." Okay, here's my opening. I take a step closer to him so no one will hear us speaking.

"Barry, it doesn't have to be like that. Remember yesterday, you couldn't hear what I was saying? I've taught myself how to keep people out. I can be in a room full of people and not hear anyone. Don't get me wrong, it's hard and it takes a lot of practice but it's possible. Eric helps me a lot too. If I touch him, I can block people out without even trying or I can use him to help me focus on specific minds in a room full of people. I can help you if you let me."

He stays quiet for such a long time I'm almost positive he's just going to walk away. Surprisingly, he eventually speaks. "I was wondering how you kept me out."

I smile brightly again. "Yeah, I taught myself, I wouldn't have gotten through high school without it. Although, the first three years were a bitch. Here, take my number and tomorrow we can meet up in the daytime and I'll show you the basics. Does that sound good? I don't live around here and I don't know how long I'm gonna be staying but I can at least get you started and teach you the exercises to make your shields stronger."

He still looks very uncomfortable and unsure but eventually, he nods his head. "Okay, Sookie. Thanks. I don't want to get involved in any vampire business though, so it has to be during the day." I decide I'll talk to him about the plusses of working with vampires tomorrow, he clearly doesn't want to hear it right now.

"Okay, sounds like a plan to me. I'll see you then."

I smile at him one more time then walk outside to look for a cab. I find a few right out front waiting for tourists like me who are trying to get around. I'm about to get in one when my phone rings, I stop and look to see who's calling but it's a number I don't know. It has a New Orleans area code though. I don't know many people from there but not many people have my number so I answer thinking it might be Tara or someone stranded out there.

"Hello?"

"Sookie!" She says happily.

"Hadley." I stand there in shock for a few seconds, I know Eric told me that I should be prepared for her to call me but it didn't click that I'd actually have to talk to her. On top of that, I have to pretend I don't know that the queen is trying to entice me to come live on her compound with her.

"Yeah, it's me Sook. I'm so glad I've finally found your number. I've been wanting to talk to you for so long. I miss you, Sook."

"Hadley, we've lived in the same house and have had the same number since before you disappeared, we weren't hiding. You could have got in touch with me if you wanted to before.

"Yeah, I know you're right but I was scared. I didn't want to take the chance the Gran answered, I wanted to talk to you first. I'm sorry Sook, for all the hell I put you two through when I was younger. I've cleaned myself up and if you're willing, I'd like a chance to see you again."

I sigh, if I didn't already know why she was actually getting in touch with me, I'd have been jubilant, word of the day today, to get this phone call, even if we didn't get along in the past, I always loved her. Now though, I know she's only calling because Sophie Ann bid her to. "That's good for you, Hads. I'm glad you were able to get yourself together. I know Gran will be so happy to hear it. I see you're calling from a New Orleans area code, is that where you're staying now?"

"Yeah, I've been out here for two years now, it's really nice and I've made a lot of great friends. Do you think you'd be willing to take a drive down here to catch up. I'm just not ready to talk to Gran yet, I hurt her so much and I don't want to make her life any more difficult."

Part of me wishes that I was with her in person so I could hear what she's really thinking but most of me doesn't even want to deal with it. If it weren't for Hadley I wouldn't even be on the queen's radar. "I'm sure we can work something out but I won't be for a while. You know my little disability? Someone convinced me to take control of it, so I did and now I make money off of it. Can you believe it? People paying crazy Sookie Stackhouse to read the minds of their business partners? Right now I'm in Texas on a job, and I don't know how long I'll be here. My master promised me that we could stay a few extra days to explore since I've never been here before." I cringe at yet again calling him my master but now more than ever, it's important to play the part of dutiful pet. It's okay to tell her this stuff because Eric already gave this information to the queen.

"Your master? Sookie what are you talking about?" I want to growl at her because she knows exactly what I'm talking about.

"I mean, I'm with a vampire and he's who I'm in Texas with. He's also the one that helped me get my telepathy business up and running."

"You're a vampire's pet? Sookie, I can't believe it!" She already knows this, I'm sure the queen told her everything she'd need to know before she called me.

"Yeah, it was a surprise to me too. Anyway, I'm working right now so I have to go."

"Wait, Sookie. We barely got to talk yet. Didn't you miss me?"

"Yeah, Hadley I did, I do. Right now isn't a good time though. I'll call you later and I'll check my schedule to see when I can come to New Orleans for a visit but I know gran would be happier if you came to see us."

"I know Sook, and I will, I promise. I'm just not ready for that yet."

"Yeah, okay Hadley. I'll talk to you later. Take care of yourself." Even though I'm really mad at her, I mean that. I still love her and want her to be okay. I hope she decides to get away from the queen. From what I've seen not all vampires are like Eric, and they definitely don't treat their pets nicely.

I hang up the phone, get into the cab, and tell the driver where were going. As we're driving, I'm happy that Eric offered to keep us a few more days so we can explore. I try not to spend much time thinking about the phone call, I know most of what Hadley said to me was a lie, so there's no point in thinking she actually wants a reunion. I just have to make sure to tell Eric about it when he rises today. I also still have to tell him about what I learned from Gran about how the fairy in me came to be. It's just been so busy and we've been so focused on Godric that I haven't had the chance.

When we pull up to the nest I make sure my shields are down so I can listen to Hugo. I knock on the door and it only takes a few seconds for him to answer. Instead of inviting me in like I thought he would, he just steps out and starts to close the door.

"Hey, good you're here, we have to get going. Are you ready to go?"

"Oh yeah, I will be in just one minute. Would you mind greatly if I use your restroom and trouble you for a glass of water real quick? I'm parched."

'Did she really have to wait until she got here? We have to leave. They'll be expecting us soon.'

I have lots of practice not showing my emotions to things I hear in other people's heads so I just use my crazy Sookie smile and wait for him to answer me. What he said sounds very fishy but it's nothing condemning, who's waiting for them? And why? Is he talking about Isabel and Eric? Even if we spend four hours at the Fellowship, we'll still be back in enough time to be there when they rise so that doesn't make sense. We didn't set up an appointment at the Fellowship, at least not that I know of. So why would they be waiting on us? Unless Isabel is the traitor and sent Hugo to do this for her. Or it's Hugo himself.

"Yeah, sure, just hurry up. I want to make it back in enough time to be here for Isabel.

'Love her, love her so much. Why won't she just turn me? Or even give me her blood to bond? God, I love her.'

He opens the door back up and we walk in. When I read Eric's note this morning, it gave me a bad feeling about today. Now it's officially a terrible feeling and my gut is telling me to abort the mission. I know I have no proof but I'm almost positive that Hugo is the traitor. Maybe I should keep him talking to get the answers I need? Eric made me promise to not take any chances, I know if he was the one deciding he'd tell me to leave right now. But if I leave I'm still no closer to finding out where Godric is. Okay, I'm going to listen to him while I'm in the bathroom and see if I hear anything more damning. If not, He leads me to the kitchen first and hands me a glass of water.

"Thanks, you know, you don't have to worry, even if we're at the fellowship for four hours, we'll still make it back in plenty of time to be there when they wake up. Unless I misunderstood and we made an appointment."

"No, we didn't make an appointment, we're just walking in."

"Oh yeah, then we're fine."

Okay, so there's no appointment, that means that he was talking about something else when he thought about people expecting us. I take a few more sips of water and excuse myself to go to the bathroom. When I get in there, I sit down on the bathroom counter.

'I don't think she can hear my thoughts from so far away, right? She probably has to be right in front of the person she's listening to. This better be worth it, she seems suspicious already. I know I didn't think anything that would give the plan away in front of her, so she can't know, right? What am I going to do if she tries to get out of going? Should I force her? She's a tiny little thing, and I doubt Northman gave her any of his blood, he seems more stingy than Isabel.'

Okay, I don't know what he's planning but he's obviously planning something. What am I going to do? I think it's clear he's working with the Fellowship. I still don't understand what they want with me though. Ugh, what to do, what to do? Do I go and try to find Godric still? Since I already know they're expecting me, maybe I can get out of whatever they're planning? Or do I run? I know that's what Eric would want me to do, Gran too. I look around and there is a mirror in the bathroom that I can fit out of but I don't know if I should do it. Eric is counting on me to find information out about Godric, I don't want to fail him.

No, there has to be another way to find Godric. Maybe when it's dark Eric can fly over the compound with me and I can listen for him. Or he can glamour someone with the information. I don't have to put myself in more danger than I already am, I can still help him just in a different way than this. I don't know what I was thinking, there's no way that I could get out of the Fellowship if they are all expecting me there. No, it's better to leave and go back with more people.

'What is taking her so long? Is she suspicious? I think I'm going to have to force her.'

Fuck, I'm running out of time. I get up and flush the toilet. While it's flushing I open the window, so the sound is covered by the toilet. Then I turn the sink to cover the sound of me climbing out the window. It's a good thing I did too because I'm not the most coordinated of people, I definitely made some noise and said the Lord's name in vain once or twice because I banged my elbow and my knee. Then there was what must have been a pretty loud sound of me landing on my butt outside. Thankfully, Hugo heard none of it, I make sure to listen the whole time and he's just complaining about how long I'm taking.

Okay, now to get out of here, I'm not in the clear yet. I look at the house and try to picture where the kitchen is from where I'm standing. Once I do, I go in the opposite direction. Once I'm on the sidewalk I make sure to keep an eye out for Hugo, it wouldn't be good if he just drove up on me, he's already decided he'd take me by force if necessary. Okay Sookie, think. What should you do now?' I wish I told the cab to wait for me, I thought about it for a second but then told myself I was being silly. I should have listened to my gut. I don't know a number for cabs around here, so I don't know how to get back to the hotel. That would be one long walk. Gran! I saved the hotel's number in my phone, I'll call her.

"Hello?"

"Gran, it's Sookie!"

"Sookie, what's wrong? You sound out of breath and flustered."

"Yeah, I found out who was the traitor and who was involved with trying to get me kidnapped and probably who had something to do with Godric's disappearance."

"Kidnapped? Sookie, when did someone try to kidnap you?"

Cheese and rice, I didn't mean to say that. I forgot I didn't tell Gran about the kidnapping because I didn't want to worry her. Good going, Sookie. "Never mind that I'm fine, Eric kept me safe. Anyway, it was the person that I was supposed to go to the Fellowship with. I snuck out to get away from him but now I have to get back to the hotel. The only problem is, I don't know the numbers of any cab company. I'm sure there's one right around the phone, hotels always have things like that."

"Okay, hold on a second Sookie, let me look. But you best believe you'll be telling me the full story when you get back here missy."

I sigh, I know there's no getting out of this one. "Yes, Ma'am."

I run inbetween two houses and hide in a bush because I see the front of Hugo's car and it's about to drive down this street. I probably look like a crazy person hiding in the bush but I don't have much choice. He drives by slowly, clearly looking for me. He knows I couldn't have gotten too far because I'm on foot. Thank the Lord, he didn't see me.

"Oh! I found it, are you ready for the number?"

"Yeah Gran, give it to me."

"469-225-5555"

"Okay, thanks, Gran. I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Be safe Sookie."

"I will, bye Gran, love you."

I hang up and dial the number. It doesn't take long for the cab to get to me. Which was good, the whole time that I'm waiting for it, I'm looking around and on edge just hoping that Hugo doesn't come back around. He could definitely overpower me. Yes, I've had Eric's blood but it was a few days ago and I doubt I had enough to be able to keep myself safe in a situation like that. Thankfully, I don't have to worry about that because I don't see him again. Now I just have to deal with the fallout from running away and explaining everything to Eric. Oh, and we still have to find Godric.