Chapter 7: The Fourth Man in the Fire

I woke up to loud sirens that passed by the house. I quickly got dressed in a pair of short jean shorts and a purple t-shirt. Running down the stairs barefoot, I ran into Zander at the bottom. He quickly stopped me from falling and pulling me up right. I grasped his shoulders until my head stopped spinning. "What happened?"

I'm not sure," he replied in a hurry.

I quickly pulled on some flip flops and ran out the door with Zander following. We hopped into his truck, and he drove to follow the sirens to find a taped off area around a burnt down house. Getting out, I spotted Sookie standing with Bud Dearborne and Andy and I made my way over to them. I stopped behind Sookie when I saw firefighters bringing out coffins, four of them.

"Four," Sookie whimpered. Swallowing hard, she turned to Andy. "Are you sure you found four bodies?"

"We shouldn't even be telling ya this," Andy warned.

"Andy, not now!" I snapped, making the three of them turn to me. Sookie shot me a grateful look to which I nodded. "Not with us."

Andy sighed. "There's four sets of remains inside four coffins."

"Oh my God!" Sookie exclaimed. She started towards the house, but I grabbed her arm to hold her back. She gave me an accusatory look and I hurried to explain.

"You don't want to go up there," I explained. I knew what happened when vampires died, and Sookie didn't need to see that. "You don't need to see any of them like that."

"Teddy, please, let go," she begged me, knowing that she wouldn't be able to break my grip.

I sighed as I slowly let of her arm. Andy apparently disagreed and grabbed her arm next. "We can't let you go in there!"

"Andy, if you don't take your hands off me right now, I swear to God, I will kill you!" Sookie exclaimed as she broke free of his hands and ran up the small hill to the house.

Sookie seemed to freeze as she saw what was in the coffin. I could hear her heartbeat stutter and speed up as the panic set in. The coroner said something to her, and Sookie gasped, turning to run down the hill all the way to her car. Andy called after her and I followed after her.

Sookie drove off and I saw Almora and Belladonna in the crowd. After ducking under the tape, I motioned them over as Zander also came up to me. "I want Bella to follow Sookie home," I instructed. "Keep your distance and stay outside. She just lost Bill, so she's gonna be confrontational. Almora, stay here, find out what they know, and meet us back at the house. Zander, we're gonna head back to the house."

They all nodded and we all went our separate ways.

*Queen of the Wolves*

"What the fuck happened?" Felix demanded as Almora walked into the house.

I had called all of my Alphas to the front room and they all brought their second-in-command as well. I sat in one of the main seats next to the fireplace. Zander and Sebastian stood in front of the fireplace while Georgette and Ruth stood to my left. Bryson, Leo, Farren, and Octavia all stood together by the windows. Isleen sat by next to Felix' second Nikola on the couch across from me. Felix stood facing the door with his arms folded across his chest.

It had been almost all day since we left the burnt house and Zander, and I filled the others in about what we knew. There was thunder rolling outside now, so a storm was coming. Belladonna was still watching over Sookie, so she wasn't there with Isleen. She had called earlier telling us about Sookie and Tara having a fight. I was worried about that. That she would push more people away after losing Bill. I had called her back to the house, so she wasn't caught in the storm.

I watched as Almora shrank back from his glare and sighed. "Felix, back the fuck off and calm down." Felix spun around to look at me and any argument he had, died on his lips when he saw the look in my eyes. "Do not make me repeat myself. Either calm down or you can leave until you do."

Felix took a deep breath and raised his hands in surrender. He went to lean against the wall, and I motioned Almora forward. "What did you find out sweetheart?"

Almora got her notebook out and took a deep breath. "They are still testing and trying to confirm who was in the coffins." Everyone shifted at that. "But," she continued. "I noticed something strange."

"What was it?" Zander asked curiously.

"I was able to get closer, and couldn't find Bill's scent anywhere," she told us, and Zander and I turned to look at each other. "I could smell human blood coming from one of the coffins. That could mean that instead of Bill, it could have been a fangbanger."

"That's a very real possibility," Georgette sighed. "But who would do that in this town? Especially after what happened at the bar?"

"We'll just have to wait until the sheriff makes an ID," Nikola suggested.

"At least someone else dealt with those vampires so we wouldn't have to," Zander spat. "That takes care of one of our problems."

Everyone turned to me, to see what I would say. "Bryson, if the sheriffs come to talk to you, just tell them the truth. Zander and Farren, inform Drystan and Abbie of the same. Almora, good work today. It's good that you could find this out. Just remember not to put anything in the paper until they tell you to."

"Yes ma'am," she responded.

I narrowed my eyes slightly as she smiled innocently at me. I hated being called ma'am, and everyone in my pack knew it. Only the closest in my pack could get away with calling me that. I turned my playful glare towards Zander when he attempted to cover his chuckle with a cough.

"In any case," I continued. "Try to stay out of it as much as possible. While the Vampire Authority won't condone retaliation, the local vampires and Sheriff of the area will most likely do so anyway. I don't want anyone to get involved with this."

Everyone agreed and the Betas filtered out of the room. Some left to go to their own houses, and some were staying. Sebastian gave a kiss to Almora before throwing his arm around her shoulders and led her from the room. Ruth placed a kiss to Isleen's cheek, her cousin, and gave Felix, her mate, a kiss saying that she would see him at home.

Once they all left, I sighed quietly, knowing how most of my Alphas felt about this next topic. "Any news from the Vampire Authority?" I asked.

Felix and Bryson both groaned at the topic and Farren scoffed. Georgette sighed from my side and spoke for the whole group. "They read our initial proposal and sent back their revisions. Most of it is okay, but some of it I'm not sure we can do."

I heavily sighed this time and pinched the bridge of my nose.

"They always want more than others can give them," Felix growled. "They never want to give others what they want though."

"It's just what they do," Bryson agreed. "Always taking and never giving."

"Not all of them are like that," Isleen argued. "You cannot just think that all vampires are alike because of a few bad apples." Isleen had helped me with my proposal to the VA because one of her oldest brothers found his mate in a vampire. I had taken a trip with her to her home and met them both. Titus, her second oldest brother, had introduced me to his mate Aurelia. She had been very respectful and genuine.

"You're only saying that because you have family that's mated to one," Felix shot back.

"Enough!" I shouted, and they all quieted. "This is happening, and you all need to trust me. You would feel the same if it was your family, so shut it." I then turned to Georgette. "Give me their proposal and I'll look it over to see what we can do about it. Now, I have to get some more sleep for tomorrow, because I don't think that Sookie will be in for lunch tomorrow."

*Queen of the Wolves*

"Teddy, where the hell is Sookie today?" Arlene asked as she grabbed a large tray full of food.

"I don't know Arlene," I answered as I did the same. "I'm not sure that she'll be in, but we'll make it work."

We had just opened for lunch and we were unusually busy. Arlene and I were running around just trying to keep up. I delivered my orders, apologizing for taking so long. I checked on a few tables before going to some new tables. After taking a few orders, I went to a table that had Jason a young brunette. I didn't want to be angry at him after what happened, so I need to be polite.

"Hey Jason," I greeted with a tired smile. "What can I get you two?"

Jason looked up at me with a wide smile and then it faded to a concerned frown. "Hey Teddy. Are you okay? You seem tired."

I waved off his concern. "I'm just a little tired," I told him. "A lot has been going on recently and I haven't been able to get enough sleep. Not to mention, we're really busy right now. So, who's your friend?"

The brunette sitting across from him in the booth smiled and held out her hand. "I'm Amy Burley. You must be the cousin, Teddy. I've heard a lot about you."

I shook her hand with a small smile. "Nice to meet you. Now, can I get you anything today?"

"We're still deciding," Jason answered.

"Well, let me know when you do," I nodded to them before walking off to get more orders. I walked past Sookie, who looked close to skipping. I paused to raise an eyebrow at her, but then went to the bar to get drinks. Sam looked upset and I tilted my head at him. "Everything okay Sam?"

"Yeah," he replied sarcastically. "Bill's alive, of course, I'm okay."

I sighed and rolled my eyes as I turned around at hearing a new voice calling out orders. I saw Amy serving tables and said what they were as she handed them out.

Jason then walked up to Sookie and I as we stood next to the bar. "Isn't she something?" he asked with a giant smile.

"She's with you?" Sookie asked incredulously.

"I know you're pissed at me, but I really want you to like her," he told Sookie.

Before either of us could respond, Amy came up next to Jason. "Sorry about that," she said. "You looked really swamped and the natives were getting restless so… You're Jason's sister, right? It's… I've heard so much about you."

She and Sookie shook hands as Arlene came up on my left. "Who are you?" she inquired to Amy.

"My name's Amy," she introduced herself. "Amy Burley. I'm with Jason."

"With me," Jason repeated, pointing to himself with a goofy grin. He then wrapped his arm around her shoulders as Amy continued.

"And you must be Arlene with the beautiful red hair," she smiled, and held out her hand. "It's so nice to meet you."

Arlene shook her hand lightly, looking unsure. "How'd you know all the table numbers?"

"Well, I waited tables in college, so I just assumed clockwise," she explained while pointing to the tables. "You know, table one, two, three, four, five." She then reached into her back pocket for something and held it out to Arlene. "And I think the guys at table five like you, 'cause they left you a really nice tip."

Arlene took the tip from Amy and then turned around to look at Sam. "Sam, I think we might have found a replacement for Dawn."

"Looks like you did too," Sookie said sardonically.

As she turned to walk away, I shook my head at her holding a grudge. I honestly thought it was pointless. Jason kissed her forehead with affection, and I smiled at the both of them.

*Queen of the Wolves*

I decided to work that night and it wasn't as busy as it had been earlier. I was taking food out to Hoyt when some of my pack came into the bar. Felix, Ruth, Ciro and Isleen walked in, and they all gave me smiles as they walked to a booth in my section. I smiled at them and went to take their orders.

"This is a surprise," I greeted with a smile. "This is the third time someone has come into my work. It makes me wonder what ya'll are wanting."

"Can't we just come in to see you and get some good food?" Ruth asked innocently.

I smirked at her. "When none of you do it unless we have a visitor, then no. What's going on?"

Felix was the one who answered with a knowing smirk. "We'll tell you tomorrow night after you get some rest. We all know that you haven't been getting much sleep."

I pouted that they noticed how badly I had been sleeping. "Fine. What can I get you tonight?"

*Queen of the Wolves*

I walked into Sookie's house after my shift, hoping that my own bed would help me sleep. I noticed that there was more than just Sookie around the table. I knew that Sookie was supposed to babysit Arlene's kids tonight, but I wasn't aware that Bill was joining though. Bill sat next to Sookie on one side, and Arlene and Rene sat across the table. Both Sookie and Arlene had wide grins on their faces.

'Well, this is cozy.'

"What's going on?" I asked as I closed the back door.

"Ooh, Teddy!" Arlene squealed as she stood to greet me. She thrust her left hand out to me. "Look!"

I took her hand and saw the engagement ring on her ring finger. A broad grin made it's way onto my face, and I pulled Arlene into a tight hug. "Congratulations Arlene! I'm so happy for you!"

"Thank you sweetheart!" she hugged me back. "Will you be a bridesmaid for me?"

"Of course, I will!" I told her enthusiastically. "I would be honored!"

Just then, Arlene's daughter, Lisa, came into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes. "Mommy, what's going on?"

Arlene then rushed towards her daughter. "Sweetie, your gonna be my flower girl!"

They both squealed and hugged each other. I smiled at the scene with tired eyes and tried to suppress a yawn. It apparently didn't work because Sookie's voice made me turn to her. "Teddy, honey, are you alright?"

Everyone turned to me, and I sighed. "Just not sleeping well recently," I told her honestly. "A lot going on and a lot on my mind. So, if y'all don't mind, I'll be going to bed now to catch up on that sleep."

They all said good night to me, and I did the same before heading upstairs. I quickly changed and took off my make up off. I passed out the moment that I laid down.

*Queen of the Wolves*

NO ONES POV:

Bill walked inside his house after picking up his dry cleaning. As he closed the door, he noticed that the lights were on in the foyer and there was soft music playing in the background. Bill hung his clothes on the rail of the staircase, before using his vampire speed to run up the stairs. He slows as he comes upon the door leading to the bathroom. There's light coming from underneath the door and Bill slowly opens the door.

What he sees is Eric relaxing in his bathtub. Bill sighs and walks in the bathroom in exasperation. There is a portable stereo beside the tub that was playing the music.

"I texted you three times," Eric commented in annoyance. "Why didn't you reply?"

"I hate usin' the number keys to type," Bill sassed. "What are you listening to?"

"From my younger days," Eric replied. "It's really quite beautiful if you know Old Swedish. I have a favor to ask of you."

"A favor or an order?" Bill countered, crossing his arms.

Eric turned his head to look at Bill. "Depends on how you look at it. Honestly, did you think you could keep them both to yourself?"

*Queen of the Wolves*

I walked down the hall from my study in my house looking through the proposal that the VA sent over. Most of it, we could probably do, but the main point was going to have to be negotiated. I had heard my brother calling to me from down the hall, so I read the proposal as I walked. As I came around the corner, I looked up and froze.

"What's going on?" I questioned as I set down the proposal on a side table. All of my Alphas were in the same room and their second-in-command Betas were in the same room, all of them staring at me with concerned looks. "Is everything okay?"

"Teddy, you should sit down," Bryson started.

I shook my head firmly as my eyes hardened. "What is going on?" I demanded. "I'm not gonna sit down until you tell me what has all of you on edge."

Felix, being the blunt man he is, decided to cut to the chase. "Zane is missing."

My eyes widened. Zane Johstone was a bitten wolf that I met when I was a teenager. We had dated for a little bit, and he had been my first. But when I moved again, I had to call it off. After about a month, he followed me. He had developed an obsession in thinking that I was his mate, even though he wasn't. It got to the point that we had to relocate him to another pack across the country, in order to keep him away from me.

I pinched the bridge of my nose in aggravation. The pack that he was sent to was supposed to keep an eye on him. "How long has he been gone?" I asked. "They were supposed to watch him."

Zander sighed. "They called us a few days ago. He's been missing for about a week."

"And you're only just now telling me?!" I demanded, my anger spiking. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"You've been overworked," Isleen defended. "Between the VA, the other packs, work, Gran, and now with Sookie being targeted. We didn't want to add to it just yet."

There was a knock at the front door that made everyone pause. Sookie had a key and Tara and Lafayette would have called beforehand. Bill didn't know where the house was that I knew of. Farren walked over to the front door to answer it. We all heard the door open and Farren asked who they were. It was the answering voice that made me move towards the door.

"I'm looking for Theodora Stackhouse," a deep male voice said. "Is she here?"

I walked up next to Farren and opened the door wider, so I could see who it was. The sight that greeted me was the tall, blonde figure of Eric Northman. He wore a smirk that only widened when he saw me. He wore a black jacket over a black tank top, along with black jeans. Eric had his hands in his pockets, and his shoulders were relaxed.

"Eric," I whispered. Farren turned to look at me in surprise, but I didn't take my eyes off of the vampire in front of us. My wolf howled in my head at the sight of him. "What are you doing here?"

"Aren't you going to invite me in?" he asked condescendingly. "It's impolite to keep a guest outside."

"Not gonna happen," I declared with finality in my voice. "Now, what the fuck are you doing here?"

"I'm here to invite you to my bar," he said with an amused smile and tone. "I require your assistance with something."

"And why would I help you with anything?" I countered, moving Farren behind me.

Eric's ocean blue eyes shined with amusement, and he grinned. "Because Sookie will be there. We know what she can do, and we require her abilities. I figured that you would want to be there as well."

I processed what he was telling me. If Sookie was there with only Bill, she would do something reckless or get hurt. I didn't really have a choice in the matter. It would also give me a chance to see if he really was my mate.

"Okay," I agreed, and I heard my name being called from behind me. It was Zander's voice, and I could feel him walk up behind me, so I raised my hand to stop him. The entire time, I didn't take my eyes off of Eric. His eyes briefly flickered behind me, but then returned to me. "What time should I be there?"

Eric smirked. "As soon as possible. I can give you a ride if you would like."

"That's kind of you, but I can drive myself," I told him.

Eric's smirk never faltered. "Of course. I look forward to seeing you there."

He turned and went to his car, sending a satisfied smirk towards us, before driving away. I closed the door and turned around to go change from my sweatpants and tank top. I came face to face with a furious Zander. "What the fuck Teddy?"

Shaking my head, I walked passed him to go upstairs. I could hear him following, so I spoke as I moved around my room. "Sookie will be there Z. You know that she will be defiant and stubborn, especially since she doesn't understand how the vampire system works. Bill won't be able to keep her in check, so I have to be there. Eric asking me there, was just a demand."

Zander groaned not liking it but knew how my cousin was. "At least let one of us go with you," he insisted.

I walked out of my large walk in closet wearing a pair of dark wash distressed jeans, and a graphic tee shirt. I pulled on a leather vest and sat on my bed to pull on my favorite leather boots. They were easy to move in and always felt lucky to me. I was going to need it. "Having one of you with me, he'll know something is up. We still need to keep a low profile. Especially with the Sheriff of this area."

Looking up from my boots, I saw Zander's worried look. "Zander, I don't like it either, but I have to do this alone. Please try to understand that."

"I get it," he conceded with a sigh. "But the moment you need us, you call. No exceptions. Understood?"

"Understood," I acknowledged with a nod. "This is also my chance to see if Eric is truly my mate."

"Not this again," he groaned and ran a hand down his face.

"Zander, this is a possibility and I need to find out," I implored him. "Please, you have to have an open mind."

Zander gave a heavy sigh, his shoulders sagging in resignation. He nodded while looking at the ground. I stood and gave him a tight hug. "Everything will be okay Z. You need to trust me."

"I do trust you T," Zander reassured me, squeezing me back. "It's the leeches that I don't trust."

I chuckled and let go of him. He followed me back downstairs and he pulled Georgette close when she walked over. I got my keys to my car and grabbed my small bag that had my wallet and other things.

"Teddy, try to reconsider," Bryson tried, but I shook my head.

"I will lose my patients if someone else questions my decisions," I growled at everyone. No one said anything and I nodded. "I'll be back soon."