SPOV

I start to feel at least a little okay about the situation when it turns out that Godric knows whoever this lady is, but from the way they're talking now, it seems she's from a time in Godric's past that I probably wouldn't like hearing about. Eric hasn't straight up told me that Godric was a ruthless killer and that he's done things that I would be disgusted by but from what I learned, I think so. For one thing, the way that he was talking to Gran about God and forgiveness, for another, Eric told me that he taught Eric everything he knows so he had to be the one that made him so hard and it made it almost impossible for someone to past the outer layer of what Eric shows the world of himself. So, I doubt that when these two got together in the past, there were many humans left alive to tell the tale.

I shake my head, thinking about Godric's past isn't going to help get us out of this situation. I listen into her head and that's when I remember that I've met her before, she was at Sam's bar. Her head gives me a headache to listen to, it's like she's thinking in a hundred different languages all at once and all the thoughts are swirling around each other. I'm a little frightened when she looks right at me with a small knowing smile on her face. "Ah ah ah, it's not very nice to listen to someone's thoughts when they don't give you permission."

She knows I was trying to read her mind? Or trying to anyway. What is she? Eric pushes me even further behind his back and I'm opening my mouth to say something when he squeezes my hand and I feel a strong wave of warning in the bond, he obviously wants me to stay quiet so she can go back to ignoring me. That scares me because he's obviously weary of this woman, how strong is she? When Eric gets into a battle that he might not be able to win, he doesn't feel scared, he feels excited and exhilarated. For him to be scared right now, he must really think he'd lose a one-on-one fight with her.

"Now, now, Callisto, I know you and your kind well. You can hold on and wait to have a feast somewhere else, it will not hurt you. For some ungodly reason, these people are important to my new daughter-in-law. I'd really rather not have to fight you, we've been friends for so long, after all. And perhaps the most important reason for you to move on, your planned meal has lost all their lust and drunkenness, you'll get nothing from them."

Callisto, I guess her name is, is looking at Godric and seems to be thinking over his words. Dear Lord, I pray she listens to him. I look over to Tara and she is scared, it seems whatever was happening to them, whatever Callisto was doing to them to make them okay with orgies and murder, has worn off. "Though that may be true, my old friend, it would take naught but the wave of my hand for them to forget about us and focus back on what's really important in life."

I don't think I've ever seen Godric annoyed before but if I had to guess, this is his annoyed face. Yup, he just sighed one of those exasperated sighs. If it was appropriate, I'd giggle at seeing him lose his cool. "Callisto, I grow tired of this, you were given your sacrifice, why are you still here? What made you want to stay?"

"Hmm, yes, I grow tired of this too." She raises her hand, maybe to do that 'wave of the hand' she was talking about earlier but stops and looks at Godric annoyed and scoffs. "Sacrifice? That measly ox was disrespectful. It's not the 17th century anymore. There are much more… pleasurable sacrifices that would have been much easier for her to come by and much more acceptable by my standards."

Well, I guess that's good to know for the future, I mean, if I survive the night anyway. She raises and waves her hand and it seems like all the brains of the humans become foggy although I can almost feel their lust as my own. If me and my Viking were alone right now, focus Sookie. I cringe when I see Tara go right over to John Masters to grab his head and pull him down for a kiss. First of all, he's gross, and uncleanly, and second, he's treated her horribly her whole life just because she's a different color skin than him. God, I have to get her out of here.

Andy groans but doesn't move, I kinda forgot he was here after Callisto threw him to the ground where he hit his head hard enough to knock him out. I can't explain what happens next, partly because Eric turns around, throws me on the ground, and covers me with his body. And partly because there's this high-pitched sound coming from somewhere, I think it might be Callisto and my brain is getting images and feelings of pain from everyone at the party. It's so much and so loud I can't concentrate enough to put my shields up, I don't know if I would anyway, I'd feel evil for just ignoring everyone else's pain.

I realize Eric must have been shaking me and trying to get my attention for a while when I feel his worry turn into panic in the bond. That's also when I realize that the pain from the other brains and the high-pitched sound is gone. Blearily I look around and quickly turn all my attention back to Eric, I never want to see that much blood in my life again if I have any choice in the matter. "Sookie, min stjärna, it's over, you're safe. Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?"

"I-I think so, I think you protected me…" I wince when I try to move my head. My body might be fine but I don't think my mind will be for a long time. That was one of the most gruesome things I've ever experienced. "Oh God, Tara!" I say as I push past the headache to get up to look for any survivors. Or, at least I try, Eric stops me from moving and I notice it's because Callisto is still here. I might not be able to get up to look for my friend and see who's still alive but I'm calm enough now that I listen with my telepathy, there are a few people who are still alive but they're smart enough not to get up yet because of the crazy psycho murderer that's standing a few feet away from everyone, well, except for Andy whos right next to her. He's still alive too, I think he was lucky enough to stay knocked out through the whole thing. There are only two other brains that are still alive right but neither are conscious and one of those two is barely holding onto life. This woman really needs to leave already so I can try to help these people.

"You've had your fun, Callisto, it's time to leave now," Godric says in a tone I've never heard before and I can't help but shiver at the deadliness in it.

Callisto seems surprised to hear that from him too, or maybe she's just surprised to hear him using that tone with her. She stares at him for a long time looking both sad and disappointed, I wonder if they used to be lovers or something because he clearly doesn't want to hurt her and I think she feels the same. She stares at Godric for a long time before replying. "Okay, Godric. If that is your wish."

"It is."

"Are you sure that you will not come with me?"

I feel surprise coming from the bond and I honestly can't tell who it's coming from more, me or Eric. I know I wasn't expecting her to want him to go with her, I hope he doesn't say yes.

"Sorry, Callisto, as I said, my tastes have changed since we last met. I fear I would not be the fun company for you should I come. Plus, for now, my place is beside my progeny to help protect his mate."

"Hmm, that is sad news indeed, though I understand. I hope it is not so long until the next time we meet again."

Godric simply nods his head and the weird lady finally leaves so I can breathe a sigh of relief. That relief quickly changes to anger, why did we let her leave? She just killed so many people in my town, people that I've known for most of my life if not all. I don't say anything, I want to give her enough time to get out of hearing distance. The whole time I'm waiting my anger grows more and more. Once I finally think I waited long enough I get up, walk over to Godric, and start poking his chest, "Why did you let her leave? She just killed people I care about and she's just going to go do it another time in a different town?!"

Eric quickly vamps up behind me to wrap his arm around my waist and pull me far enough away that I'm no longer poking Godric. He's also whispering in my ear telling me to calm down but a man as old as him should know that's the exact opposite way someone should go about calming a woman down. "No! I won't calm down, people are dead! I know it might not mean that much to you because they were human but it sure means a hell of a lot to me! In case you forgot, your bonded is one of those humans you don't give a fuck about!"

I know that's probably not fair and he hasn't done anything wrong but I'm madder than a wet hen and when I get to this level of anger I sometimes let my mouth get away from me and it seems like now is one of those times. I want to keep yelling but I hear sounds from the porch and remember that there are hurt people here. I run over and feel a huge wave of relief when I see Tara stand up from under a chair that was flipped over, she must have been able to hide before the attack began. She sees me just as I notice her and we run to each other and hug tightly. She's been my best friend since we were kids, I can't imagine never seeing her again. What the fuck is happening in this town? It used to be peaceful but lately, things have been crazy, and way too many people have been murdered.

"You okay, Sook?"

"Me? What about you? I'm fine, I had a big vampire to keep me safe. How'd you get away?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, I was able to hide before the shit really went down. Where's Laff?"

Fuck, Lafayette. I start looking around and I find him, he's on the ground and bloody, I run over to him panicking, and kneel down next to him, I start feeling around for a pulse but I can't really focus on anyone else because mine is beating so loud in my ears. I assume Eric can feel my fear because he's right behind me with his hand on my shoulders trying to pull me away from him. "It's alright, dear one. His heart still beats, I can help him if you wish."

I take a second to comprehend what he's saying, it feels like my brain isn't running at top speeds right now because there's so much going on. I don't think I'll ever get used to this much blood but there's been a lot of it since getting involved with vampires. Eventually, I nod my head and let him pull me out of the way so he can get close to him.

"What are you doing? Get the fuck away from my cousin! He's not dead yet, you can't use him for a meal, he needs a hospital!" Tara yells when she sees Eric get close to him with his fangs down. Eric growls at her when she tries to push him away but of course, he doesn't budge.

I run over to her, put my hands on her shoulders, and turn her so she has to look at me and pay attention. All of our emotions are running pretty high right now. "Tara, listen to me, it's okay. Vampire blood heals, he's saving him."

"What?"

"Watch," I say and turn her back to them just as Eric puts his wrist to Lafayette's lips. Just like I knew it would, his wounds start healing immediately and a few seconds after Eric takes his wrist away Lafayette sits up really fast with a gasp.

"What the fuck? I for sure thought I was a goner."

We're both so relieved we throw ourselves at him and hug him. He hugs us back for a few seconds before freaking out and pushing us away. I look at him confused. He jumps up and looks horrified after he realizes he is lying next to a bunch of people he knows who are now all dead. Yeah, I get how that'd be jarring for someone.

I notice Andy Belefluer sit up from where he was thrown and I'm relieved, he was an idiot tonight but he wasn't involved with any of this. I look around and cringe, Tara, Lafayette, and I help the few people who are still alive and I know this is evil of me, and thinking it might be what lands me in hell but I'm relieved that it seems that the people that were killed were the ones that were active in Hoyt's murder. Maybe Callisto did it on purpose that way because it doesn't make sense for only the innocent ones to be alive. After all is said and done, there are five dead and six injured, the two that needed medical attention were given blood by Godric.

It doesn't take long for Tara and Lafayette to decide that they have to get to their own homes to clean up and go to bed. I agree with them completely but don't think it's right to leave everyone here like this. I notice Eric is on the phone with someone and I walk over to him. "Good, we'll be here…" He says before he hangs up the phone.

"What's going on?"

"I'm having my cleaners come here. It is not as if we can leave this mess for the local law enforcement to clean up. How could we explain it?"

"Eric, what's going to happen to everyone? They have families."

In the bond, I feel something close to surprise or more like he just remembered something. It takes me a second to realize that he just realized that I'd care about that stuff. I guess as a vampire, who has had the need for a 'cleaning team' before, he's never really cared about the aftermath of the results of the beings that were 'cleaned'. I forcefully shove that thought away to think about later, because I don't think I can handle it right now. I don't know if I can look at Eric the same after unloading that. So, denial, thy name is Sookie.

He puts his hand on my cheek and I have to stop myself from flinching before I calm myself down. He looks hurt because he obviously knows what I'm feeling. "Do not worry, I will handle it. All the families will be properly notified and taken care of."

I want to ask more but all of a sudden it's like the whole night catches up with me, I don't know if I've ever felt this mentally or physically tired in my entire life. I slump my shoulders and nod at him. He wraps his arm around me and leads me to the car. Godric is waiting there and I flinch when I see him. I feel really bad for yelling at him earlier, it wasn't his fault. Especially because I was yelling at him for not killing someone. That's not who I am. He must see the regret in my eyes because he gives me a small smile and nods his head.

Eric sits me in the front seat and I must have fallen asleep right away because the next time I wake up I'm in bed and Eric is laying next to me dead for the day. That means it must be morning. Cheese and rice, I hope I didn't frighten Gran last night because Eric had to have carried me in. I listen in and I hear Gran downstairs in the kitchen reading. I must have really needed the sleep because I feel like a new person this morning. Last night was horrible and maybe I'm just compartmentalizing, word of the day yesterday, but it feels like I can handle it a lot better now.

I look at the clock and jump it's almost 4 p.m. Holy guacamole, I must have slept like 16 hours.

I definitely want to go check on Gran but I feel like I need a shower. I look down at myself and realize I'm in pajamas and Eric must have cleaned me up last night. How did I sleep through all that? I quickly shower and get dressed before going downstairs. Gran's face lights up in relief when she sees me.

"Oh Sookie, thank the lord, I was so worried. Eric said you were just exhausted but I called horse pucky, I know my grandbaby and she does not knock out like that. Especially when there are human brains around for you to hear. What happened?" She asks as she gets up and rushes to me to look me over then hug me, I sink into it happily.

"I'm alright, Gran. I think I just needed the rest. I think keeping vampire hours finally caught up to me."

She looks at me with that look only Gran can pull off. That look that says 'I know you're not telling me everything, I'm not gonna make you tell me right now but you best believe I'll get that information out of you.' "Alright, Sookie. Well sit down, I'm sure you're hungry, you slept through three different meals."

I do as she says and smile when she hands me a plate of freshly cooked chicken parmesan. I just take my first bite when my phone rings, I sigh but look to see who's calling. I don't know the number but it's a New Orleans area code. Cheese and rice, why didn't I save the number that Hadley called on last time, is this her? If so, I wonder what the new little scheme is that the queen is working on to get me. I think it says a lot about her that she keeps having Hadley call me when Eric is dead for the day so he can't be with me when I talk to her.

I make a spir of the moment decision and after I press answer on my phone, I say to Gran, "Hold on a minute, Gran, someone from New Orleans is calling… Hello?"

It's quiet so long that I consider hanging up and because of the long silence, I know who it is before she even says anything, "Hey, Sook."

"Hey Hadley, how are you doing?" Gran perks up hearing her granddaughter's name. I already told her that I've been in contact with Hadley even though Hadley asked me not to, of course, I did, Gran has missed her so much all these years, especially because I know that Hadley doesn't actually give a crap about getting back in touch with me, she's just doing her master's bidding. She doesn't hold any loyalty to me, so why should I show her any? Wow, I mentally shake my head, I might be hanging out with Eric too much, that's a little vindictive and I've never been like that. Oh well, in this case, it's warranted.

"Shh, Sook! Are you still in front of Gran? I told you I'm not ready to talk to her."

"Oh shoot, Had. I completely forgot, I'm sorry. Yeah, she's right here, Gran is chompin' at the bit to talk to you."

"Fuck, Sookie. Ugh, okay, give her the phone I guess."

I hand the phone over to Gran and regret it almost as soon as it leaves my hand. Gran already knows everything that's happening, she knows why Hadley is in touch with me and that she doesn't actually care about or miss us but that won't change anything. Gran loves her kids completely and without condition, she might know she's being used but she'll let herself be used anyway. If Hadley asks her to come to New Orleans I don't know if I'll be able to talk her outta going. And if she goes, I will definitely have to go along. Not only because she's getting up there in age and I wouldn't want her to have to travel by herself but also because it's the queen's territory and she'd be going to see the queen's favored pet. We still don't know what the queen's plans are and Eric has made it pretty clear that she's not above kidnapping a loved one to force me into staying with her,

I take a deep breath, hopefully, it won't come to that. Hadley isn't the sharpest tool in the shed and she wasn't planning on talking to Gran today. So she might not even think to try to manipulate the situation. She probably doesn't want to see Gran at all because she doesn't want to feel guilty for trying to sell her other granddaughter into something akin to slavery. But even if she does think fast enough to ask Gran to come, I know Eric won't leave me to go alone, I know he'll be with me. And if we go, Godric will come too, and don't doubt Pam will be ready for a little trip either. I heard Eric talking about the Queen's kids but he said the only reason they're a force to be reckoned with is because they're all together and now we have the same thing but with much older vampires. Plus, if I remember correctly, some of the vampires at the queen's compound are actually loyal to Eric, even though Sophie Ann thinks they are hers.

Thinking about that makes me a little more relaxed, I don't have to worry too much, we're in a good place and we have a lot of contingency, word of the day today, and plans in case the queen makes a move. So, I stop worrying and listen to the phone call by lowering my shields. By listening to Gran's mind, I can hear both sides of the phone call clearly.

"I miss you too Gran, I'm so sorry for staying away so long."

"You should be, missy, you've been missed greatly. Are you taking care of yourself at least? Are you happy and safe where you are?"

"Yeah, I am, I still got problems like everyone else but I'm doing good."

"That's great to hear, Hadley. Now, when are you coming to see your old Gran? I won't be around forever you know." I feel a strong wave of pain and sadness at her words and slap her arm. She knows I don't like talking about or hearing things like that. She somehow gives me an unapologetic look that still holds a lot of sympathy in it.

The sun must have just set or is about to because I feel Eric wake up, he must feel my upset feelings because he sends me peace, love, and security. It helps a lot. Somehow, through the bond, it also feels like he's telling me to hold on because he'll be with me soon. That's new, I think we still have to test out the bond and see what all it can do. I send him back acceptance and continue to listen to Gran.

"… Really busy here, I do wanna see you Gran but it'd be a lot sooner if you could come here. Is there any way that's possible? I've been trying to get Sook to come but she said she's busy with her new business."

Fuck.

"That's true, she is really busy, she's been working hard, Had, I'm really proud of her. You should be too. I'll talk to her, her new bau likes to travel and spoil us, we'll try to make something work. Plus, his boss works out there and she seemed interested in hiring Sookie, maybe we can make it a working vacation."

I listen closely to Hadley's voice and response, I wanna know how she's going to react to the queen being brought up. Dang, this is the first time I've ever wished for my telepathy to travel over phone lines, normally I'm happy talking to someone over the phone so I only have to listen to their voice and not their thoughts, not this time though. Good thinking on Gran's part, we have to learn all we can before we enter the lion's den, and now that Gran got the invitation, I bet we're going to go there sooner rather than later.

"Oh, Eric works for Sophie Ann? I didn't think about it but that makes a lotta sense, Sophie told me she has a lot of underlings in the state."

So she's finally admitting she knows the queen. I wonder what that means, Sophie Ann's plans have obviously changed. I must be too focused on their conversation because I jump when Eric put his hands on my shoulders. I look at him and mouth 'Hadley' to him and he nods his understanding.

"You know Eric's boss? How?"

"Oh, well, she's kinda… my girlfriend." Hadley sounds worried Gran will judge her, at least she still cares what Gran thinks even a little, I wasn't really sure anymore. Of course, I already know she has nothing to worry about, Gran wouldn't judge her about something like that, that's just not who Gran is.

"Really? Well, I'm going to have to eventually meet her then. I hope she's treating you well, if she treats you half as well as Eric treats Sookie then I'll be happy."

"Oh yeah, she treats me great, I bet she treats me better than Sookie's guy." Uh oh, I know that tone, jealous Hadley is making a comeback.

"That's great then, Hadley, really."

"Listen, Gran, Sophie Ann will be getting up soon so I have to get going but I still have to talk to Sook, can you give me back to her?"

"Sure, Hadley. I love you and don't wait so long to call next time, alright?"

"Alright Gran, I won't, I promise. I love you too."

"Bye now," Gran says then makes a kissing sound and hands the phone to me. I want to sigh because I really don't want to deal with this right now but I hold it in. "Hey Had, what's up?"

"I really wish you wouldn't have told her about me yet, Sook. That wasn't cool. But since you did, she can come too when you come to visit."

"I never said I was coming, Hadley. It'd still be easier for you to come here."

"Since you were probably listening to our conversation you probably already know that I'm with the queen. She isn't able to travel as easily as a sheriff, her job is too important and I can't leave her. It'd make more sense for you to come here." Que snide comments about how her life is better than mine, even how her significant other's job is better than mine's. It just makes me remember how but I just do not miss talking to her.

"Whatever Hadley, fine. I'll see what I can do and when I have a break in clients." Honestly, I don't even know what my schedule is in terms of work. For all I know I could be free to go to New Orleans tomorrow. I've been leaving it up to Eric to set up, I know I have to go to Fangtasia tonight to read some people but that's as far in the future as I know. I decide I'm going to take a more active role in my own business. He might be like a manager for me, but it's still my job and livelihood.

"Good, make it fast, I miss you and family is important. We should always put family first."

It takes all the self-control and willpower I have in me to hold in the scoff and vicious words that want to come out of my mouth at that comment. Like Hadley has any room to talk about putting family first. She left us after stealing from us, Gran prade for her every night and cried often too. And now the only reason she cares enough to contact us is because her master wants her to, she doesn't give one fig about us. I quickly stop thinking about it because it's just getting me more angry and I'm barely holding my tongue as it is. "You're right, Hadley. Okay, I gotta get ready for work, talk to you soon."

"Love you,"

"Love you too." I inhale deeply then let out a long sigh as soon as I end the call. Gran is looking back and forth between Eric and me worriedly, hoping she didn't say anything wrong during the phone call, so I smile at her and put my hand on top of hers which is resting on the kitchen table. "You did good, Gran."

She sighs in relief. "Thank the lord, I was worried I said too much when I brought up the queen. It was really good hearing from her though, even though I know she's still up to her old tricks, only playing nice to get what she wants."

"I know what you mean"

"I have a feeling I will get a call or email from the queen tonight officially purchasing your services, Sookie. As we already spoke about, a few nights ago I sent her your contract but after learning what was said during this phone call, she'll know you're amenable to going there and that your only excuse for not rushing there is work. She'll make some job up for you and schedule it so we have no choice but to go." Eric speaks up for the first time tonight.

I jump again, this time because Godric scares me, I didn't hear him come in either. "Looks like we better get ready for a trip to The Big Easy then."