I'm Nobody's Fool

Thanks for baring with me everyone while I work to get my sweet shop up and running. I didn't expect this much work, but it'll be worth it in the end. I'm still working my regular job which makes things a bit harder and my days a lot longer. Even though it's taking longer than I like, I'm excited and so happy with this new venture in my life. Things are going well. I'm trying to get my name and product out there, so I'm sure that it will take some time. Either way, I'm excited. I want to thank everyone for their good lucks and congratulations.

As always, I appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you for reading, making this story and me one of your favorites, reviewing, and alerting. The characters don't belong to me but the idea is mine. Enjoy!

And never fear, I will finish this story!

I watched grandpa as he gently brushed daddy's hair from his forehead. His tears fell in a steady stream as he looked at his son's face. In all the years of being on this earth, I've never seen him cry. He didn't cry when Aunt Linda left and never called him or Gran again. She swore that she would never have anything to do with her family ever. He told her that if that's what is best, then so be it. He didn't cry when he lost all contact with his other granddaughter, Hadley. I'm not saying that he didn't love or miss them or ever speak of them. He just knew that there was nothing that he could do to change Aunt Linda's mind. He wanted them to be safe, and he wanted them to be happy. Though he knew that he would never see them again, never once did he cry. And as far as the fae side of the family goes, he's never shed a tear.

He's lost quite a few fae family members since being in this realm, the earthly realm. He would always say that death was a normalcy and crying changed nothing. He never cried for them. Not once. I'm sure he loved his daughter and granddaughter when they moved away; as well as his fae family, but they could never compare to losing a son to death. I know how he feels because from where I'm standing, nothing can compare to losing a daddy.

I lied next to my daddy and wrapped my arms around him. I rested my head on his chest, and whispered, "I'm sorry this happened to you. This wasn't supposed to happen. I'm so sorry."

"Look at me, Sookie," Grandpa said as he removed his handkerchief from his pocket.

I reluctantly removed my head from my daddy's chest and did as my grandpa ordered. I watched him as he gently dabbed the tears from his eyes and face. "Don't you ever think that this was your fault," he ordered. "You had nothing to do with this. You are his daughter and there is no way that my son, your father would want you to blame yourself for something that you had absolutely no control over."

"But if I had only been more careful. If I had only …," I began.

"But nothing," he interrupted. "If only doesn't matter. You are doing what you are meant to do. You are being who you are meant to be. You are who you are. This, your father's murder, is a burden that you don't deserve and you will not carry it. None of us deserve what has happened. Not me. Not my dear wife. Not Jason. And definitely not you. We all know what goes into protecting you. We've discussed it, and we've planned for it."

My mouth went dry, and my heart almost stopped mid beat. To know that my family has discussed dying to keep me safe is something I never expected. Just as I didn't realize that they would be in danger because of me, it never occurred to me that they would have to consider dying for me. How do I do I keep doing what I do knowing that? How can I continue doing what I'm doing? How am I supposed to feel comfortable in this life knowing what I'm doing to my family?

Grandpa picked my daddy up and placed him on the couch. He sat next to me on the floor and draped his arm over my shoulder as I rested my head on his. "This is your life now, Sunshine. This is who you are. This is your world now. Your daddy lived in this world most of his life. He knew what it was and how it was to be. He's seen and done things you'll never know of." Grandpa looked up at Niall briefly before continuing. He inhaled deeply before speaking. "You don't know this, but I had your father ask you to help him solve cases."

"You did?" I asked.

He nodded. "I did."

"Why?"

He looked around the room at the faeries and the vampire and said, "For this. Your father always talked of the wonder in your eyes when we spoke of the supernatural world and the wonders in it. We could all see the intrigue and curiosity in your eyes. We knew that nothing would keep you out of it. It was our way of preparing you for what awaits you."

"I always believed that he was using me," I whispered.

Grandpa gently squeezed my shoulder. "He knew that you felt that way. He could see the joy drain from your eyes when he would mention a case, but he wasn't using you," grandpa assured me. "I offered to tell you why he was doing it, but he would not allow it. He always believed that if our deception was met with a little hate and disgust, it would be worth it in the end. We would be preparing you for this world."

I squeezed my eyes closed from guilt. "I was always so mad at him. He seemed to be ashamed of me … of what I am and what I can do. Why did he let me feel that way?"

"I'm sorry that you were led to believe that," grandpa replied. "I'm truly sorry. He was never ashamed of you. He would always speak of how wonderful and amazing you are. He was so proud of you. When you made the announcement of what you wanted to do with your life, he was ecstatic. He couldn't wait for you to do what you've always dreamed of doing. He wanted to go against your mother and let you stay home so that he could watch over you, keep you safe. He wanted to be the one to help you navigate through this world, this life, but things wouldn't have gone as planned. Your mother is a forceful woman. You needed to be away from her. Are you angry with us … with me?"

I shook my head no. "No. You and I have always had these talks about the supernatural world. You were always telling me things about who I am and what I have to offer this world. I do wish that you'd let me know why I was working with dad. That would've been nice."

"You're right," he agreed. "I was wrong for hiding it from you and for that, I am sorry. You're new to this world and it was our way of preparing you for what's ahead. The longer you're in it, you'll see the dangers that surround you." He then gave me the look, and I knew that he was telling me more than he was saying. "You'll learn that you can't trust everyone. You'll see that those that smile in your face are worse than the enemies that are standing behind you … waiting for the shoe to drop. Waiting to stab you in the back. You will survive this. Do you remember the things that we discussed when you were a little girl … the secret things (he whispered)?"

I nodded as I did my best not to look at Niall and Claudine as they stared at us. "I do."

Grandpa then gripped my shoulders and turned me to face him, and said, "You are essential, my sweet girl. Don't let anything keep you from doing what you were meant to do. If I and your old Gran die tomorrow, you keep fighting for what's right. For what you want. For us. For you. This is the life you wanted and this is the life you have. Don't run from it and don't let anything get in your way. You've taken your place in this world. I want you to own it with pride and don't you ever let anything stop you."

Or anyone.

"Okay," I answered.

Don't trust Niall.

"I won't," I promised. "I won't let anything stop me." I threw my arms around him and kissed his cheek. Whispering, I said, "He gave me money. Lots of money and he said that there is so much more that awaits me." I rested my head on his shoulder as to not give away what was going on. "Do I keep it … all?"

Every. Bit. Of it. He has made me aware, and don't feel guilty for taking it. It's your birthright. You keep every cent and everything that comes with the Brigant name. Everything that you've received comes with no stipulations. If he mentions it, don't thank him. Don't ever thank a faery. It'll put you in their debt and you don't want to owe faeries. They will try to take your very soul if they can. Trust me. Keep things as simple as possible.

I thought back to the day that Claudine saved me from Quinn. I thanked her and she's going to want something in return. I wanted to ask grandpa about it, but I didn't want to worry him. I've already put enough on him. I can't add anymore to it.

"I love you, Sookie." He kissed my cheek before ending the hug.

"I love you, grandpa." I closed my eyes briefly and said, "Gran. Is she okay? Does she know?"

He nodded slowly. "She knows," he whispered.

I sighed heavily as I closed my eyes. "Tell her that I'm sorry. Tell that I love her."

Grandpa patted my back before releasing me. "I will," he promised. He stood from the floor and looked at the couch. Speaking to Niall, he said, "You won't be here long? In her home?" He then turned and looked his father in the eyes and said, "You'll leave soon." And it wasn't a question.

Niall smiled at grandpa. "I will be here for as long as she allows. I just want to talk with my great-grandchild. I want to explain her heritage and her place in our world to her." The smile was soon gone. "She's safe with me. I promise you, Fintan, that I am not here to cause her any harm."

I noticed the look on Niall's face. Yes, he was smiling but the smile didn't reach his eyes. He was definitely up to something, and I didn't like it. I tried getting in his head, but I couldn't get through. It was as if there was a wall in his head, and it was keeping me out. "We'll see," I said to him.

Claudine laughed at me. She looked at me but was speaking to Niall when she said, "I told you that she is a spit fire. She is a great addition to our family. We can achieve so much with her on the family tree."

What in the heck did that mean?

Salome stood close to me and said, "She's safer with me." She dropped fang on Claudine while she smiled. "She belongs to my sheriff, and if you do anything to her, I will kill you and then he will kill you after my king kills you. So, keep your hands to yourself, and we should have a grand old time until Eric gets here." She threw her arms out at her side and asked, "Are we all on the same page?"

"Yep," I said. "Right with you."

Grandpa's face was made of stone. "As am I."

"We all are," Niall said. As he looked at me, he said, "I assure you, Sookie. I am only here to get to know you so that you can get to know me."

"Good," Salome said. She looked at my grandpa and mustered up as much sympathy as she could. "I'm sorry about your son. If you must go, I will keep your granddaughter safe. No harm will come to her." She placed her hand to her chest. "You have my word."

Grandpa lifted my dad in his arms. "Thank you," he said to her. To me, in my mind, he said, 'Don't trust either of them, Niall or Claudine. Remember, don't thank them. They are going to want something. They may not want it now but rest assured, they will ask for something.' With that said, he and my dad were gone.

Shoot. My mind went back to the day I thanked Claudine. I can only hope that she's forgotten.

Before getting too comfortable, I remembered my manners. "Would anyone care for something to drink?" Pointing towards the kitchen, I stated, "I have bottled water, Tru Blood, soft drinks, and beer." Frowning, I said, "I don't have anything cooked, but I can make sandwiches if anyone is hungry."

Everyone declined.

Salome and I sat on the couch that my father was once lying on. "Please, have a seat," I said to Niall and Claudine as I pointed to the other couch. I mindlessly stroked the sofa pillow that held my daddy's head and sighed. "He's gone," I said to no one. I closed my eyes and let the tears fall.

Niall handed me a handkerchief. "Take this, Child."

I smiled as I took it from him.

Salome placed her hand on my shoulder. "I'm truly sorry for your loss. You nor your father deserved what happened tonight."

"Thank you," I whispered as I smiled at her.

"Your father was a good man," Niall said. "I was very proud of him."

Claudine also gave her condolences. "I didn't know him but from what I've heard, he was very proud of you."

"My daddy would appreciate your kind words," I stated.

Salome looked at me and winked.

Niall tucked a piece of silver hair behind his ear as he sat down. He placed his hands on his knees as he stared at me. Claudine, as suspected, sat next to him. "It's very nice to finally meet you, Sookie," he replied. "I have been watching you for quite some time, as I do with all special family members. It is my duty to keep you safe. To make sure that you never need or want for anything."

"It's nice to meet you as well," I replied. "My grandfather has done a wonderful job of keeping me safe. I didn't realize that he needed your help, but I understand. We are royalty." I am part of a royal family. Who would've thought that Sookie Stackhouse would have royal blood running through her veins? I chuckled as I continued speaking to Niall. "If you mean that you are keeping me safe by assigning a godmother to me, she did a lousy job since my dad's dead. And for the record, I'd like to say that I don't like the idea of someone watching me. It's invasive and not to mention that it's kind of creepy. Why would you do that? Why would you lurk around and not make yourself known? Who does that?"

Claudine looked horrified at my comment. She'd opened her mouth to speak but Salome beat her to the punch.

Salome dropped her head and smiled before looking at me. "Damn, Sookie. Do you not have a filter? He's the prince of the fae. Do you realize that he could kill you with a snap of his fingers? You can't just say whatever you want. You're not a vampire."

The thought that Niall would hurt me never crossed my mind. Isn't he the one that wanted to get to know me? The real Sookie Stackhouse? I guess I'd better let him know that I don't want to be hurt by the Prince of the Fae. "For starters, I've always had a way with words. Sarcasm is part of my charm. I assure you, Niall, I mean no harm. And I surely don't want to die at the snap of your fingers." I looked from Salome to him. "Please, forgive me if I've insulted you."

"You have not," he stated. And I have to admit, he didn't look angry at all. "And I would never kill you. You are a Brigant. You have the essential spark. When I say that you are safe with me, you are safe with me."

Again, with that essential spark. "What is that? The essential spark? I heard it all my life, but no one has told me what it is."

Niall glanced at Salome. "We'll discuss that later when we're in better company."

Salome looked around to see who Niall was speaking of. She pointed at herself and said, "I know that you're not talking about me."

He looked at her and smiled.

She gave him the finger and said, "Fucking asshole."

I was about to remind her of Niall's ability to kill with the snap of his fingers but I remembered that she can disrespect him. She's a vampire. I patted her leg and said, "It's okay. You'll probably find out what it means before I do."

She smiled and agreed. "You're probably right."

I rolled my eyes at her before speaking to Niall. "Okay. I can learn about that later. There's no rush but back to the important stuff. What should I call you?" I asked.

"You can call me Niall or grandpa," he added with a smile. "I wouldn't object to being called grandpa."

I already have a grandpa. I guess I'll call him Niall for now. I don't want to get any more personal than I already have. Well, anyway it's good to know that I didn't insult him and that he won't ever kill me. That gave me a bit of relief. Who wants to upset the prince of the fae? "I'll call you Niall for now … until I get to know you."

"That is fine," he assured me.

"As you know, I'm new to this world. Some things that I should know, I don't know. One of those things is that I have family members watching me, and I find it strange that strange people, or faeries, are watching me. It gives me reason to think that something's not right. How do I know that I'm not being watched at my most vulnerable moments … like the shower or using the bathroom (whispered)?"

OH! MY! GOD!

Or making love with Eric.

OH! MY! GOD!

Salome frowned. She looked at Niall and said, "Yeah. How is she supposed to know that?" A sly smile soon appeared on her face as she looked at me from the corner of her eye. "My sheriff could be fucking her within an inch of her life, and you're watching her." She was smiling broadly when she stared me in my eyes. "I'll bet you're a screamer too. You look like a screamer."

I wanted to punch her in the face. Instead, I ignored her and mumbled a very dirty name to call her later when we're alone. Whispering, I asked, "Have you seen me doing anything … with Eric?"

Niall shook his head no. "I would never do or allow that. That is unbecoming of a fae."

"Whew," I said. I hurriedly added, "Not that you should concern yourself with such things."

"Ha!" Salome said. She leaned her body against the arm of the couch and laughed at me. "You're such a bad liar."

"You are ridiculous, Salome," I commented. "And you make me sick."

Again, she winked at me.

"And I will not ever interrupt or watch you during your most vulnerable moments," Niall assured me as he gave Salome the evil eye.

"We don't just walk into someone's home and spy on them." Good, old Claudine steering the conversation back to where it should be. "And for the record, I would have been here for you. It was never my intention to lose a member of our family to death by vampire. I'm sorry."

When she said that, Niall shifted in his seat and gave her a look that spoke volumes. My dear faery godmother said something that she wasn't supposed to say. I can only guess what it is. She wasn't supposed to apologize to me, and Niall didn't like it. He didn't like it all.

"But, you're here now," I said. "That's what matters."

Claudine was about to speak again, but Niall stopped her with the simple lift of his hand. I guess he didn't want her to make any more mistakes. "Your grandfather, my son, was with us when his son died. After he died, your father came to him to let him know that you were in danger."

My eyes widened. "I had no idea we could do that. How did he do that? Why didn't he come to me? It would've been nice if he'd come to me."

Niall smiled. "In time, you will learn all that you should know about our people. Your lessons will be quite informative and stimulating."

"Okay," I stated. I scooted to the edge of my seat and repeated my first question. "Why are you and Claudine watching me? Why would you do that?"

Niall briefly glanced at Claudine. "I have been told that you have taken your place in the supernatural world. You confronted Bill when he disrespected you and the Northman. You made him aware of your status as a member of the royal family. You, my dear, are a Brigant and when you took your place, we knew it. We could feel it."

"All of us could," Claudine said in my mind.

"How?" I asked her, but I was looking at Niall.

"I don't know how you did it, but you did." She sent me another telepathic message. It disturbed that she didn't want Niall to know what I should know.

Niall placed his hand on Claudine's shoulder. "You're a Brigant."

"Okay," I replied. "I'll give you that. I don't know much about the faery world so I guess I'll have to take you at your word … not that I'm calling you a liar."

"Of course not," he said with a smile.

"So, let's get down to business." I clapped my hands and sat comfortably on the couch. "Why are you here … still here, I mean?" I quickly added, "And don't say that you want to get to know me. That can be done over the phone, and you seem to know a lot already."

Niall chuckled briefly before speaking. "I'm here to see if you've received the gifts that I sent to you," he stated. "Since you've taken your place in our world and family, there are many things that you are entitled to. I hope that you received your gifts from Desmond."

Smiling, I said, "I did."

Niall stared at me. He was waiting for me to say thank you or to give him some sort of appreciation. He was going to have to wait for a very long time. When my grandpa gives me a warning, I will damn well listen to him. "Do you have anything to say about the gifts you received?"

"No," I answered. "I don't."

Claudine and Niall looked at each other.

Salome laughed … loudly. "I fucking love this woman!"

I felt happy that Salome was proud of the lie that I'd told, and you can bet that I let her know. "And I like you too." I didn't realize it until just now that I do like her … but not too much. Not yet.

"You do realize how rude that is, don't you?" Claudine asked.

I shook my head no as I looked at my cousin faery godmother. "I assumed that something that I'm entitled to didn't require a thank you; especially since I've taken my place in the supernatural world and with the royal family. I wouldn't think that I'd have to show gratitude for being who I am … which is a Brigant. I'm sure that you didn't have to say thank you to your mom when you were born into the royal family." I looked at Niall and asked, 'Am I right?"

Claudine and Niall looked at each other. "You're right," Claudine said. "I didn't thank my mother for being born into the family."

Smiling, I said, "Neither did I."

He reluctantly agreed. "You're right." He slightly shifted in his seat. "Your grandfather seems to have taught you well."

"He did," I shared. "When I was a girl, he taught me the way of the supernatural world before I started school. He wanted to make sure that other supes wouldn't try and take advantage of me." That's not exactly a lie. He did warn me about supes, but he never went into great detail about the fae. I wish he had, though, but I guess it's not that big of a deal. I'm getting pretty good at this lying thing. "My grandparents have always been my greatest supporters. They want to make sure that I'm well prepared for whatever the supe world has in store for me."

"It's a good thing that your grandfather has prepared you," Niall stated. I could tell that he didn't mean it. He wanted me to be ignorant to the way of the fae and until a few minutes ago, I was. My only guess is that grandpa never thought that I'd ever meet the fae side of our family. "I hope that you've had a chance to look over what you've received. Is there anything that I can do to help you?"

'Yes, there is," I answered. "How did I shoot fire out of hands? What was that? I've never been able to do that."

Niall chuckled as he settled comfortably in his seat. "Oh, dear girl. You've always been able to do it. I'm surprised that you were able to do it so soon." With a smile still on his face, he said, "It has always taken some hybrids years to come into their powers, but you, Sookie, are a rarity. Tell me. Have you done anything different in your life that would make it possible for you to be so … advanced?"

I frowned as I looked from Niall to Claudine to Salome. I shook my head no. "I haven't done anything. Nothing in my life has changed."

Salome looked at me and cocked her head to the side. "Really, Sookie? Nothing in your life has changed?" She pointed from herself to the faeries sitting across from us. "You've always had vampires and faeries over in the middle of the night to offer sandwiches and blood to?"

Smart Alec. "Okay, things in my life have changed, but not by much," I admitted. Then I realized that I'd lied again.

My mind wandered back to the night I walked into Fangtasia and put in the job application. I have a vampire boyfriend and I use my telepathy to help vampires. I watched Eric rip a vampire's legs off. I saw a human girl that died because she'd been drained. I was almost raped and killed by a were-tiger. I've killed said were-tiger. I got into a verbal altercation with a vampire king. I lit a vampire up with fire from my fingertips. I have a faery godmother and a great-grandfather that's a faery prince over the entire realm of Faery.

I guess I'm wrong. "My life has changed a lot in the last few months."

Niall glanced briefly at Claudine and said, "You may go."

I could tell that she didn't want to go, but my faery godmother didn't argue with the big man. She stood from the couch and said, "I will take my leave, Cousin, and again, I do apologize for not being here when you needed me. If I'd been here, maybe we could have saved your father together. I will never fail you again."

Niall glared at her but said nothing.

Claudine stood taller and nodded at me before popping away.

Salome looked at Niall and scooted closer to my side. Her posture changed, and I swear I heard her growl. She took her phone from her pocket and dialed. "Hello, Eric," she said. "You are needed here at Sookie's home. I had to bring her here because she didn't have the key to your place." She paused briefly. I can only guess Eric was speaking. "We've had to kill vampires this night but not all of them. One of them killed her father. I am still with her and will remain with her until you arrive but there is something that you must know. Her great-great-grandfather is here."

Though he was smiling, it didn't reach his eyes. "Great-grandfather," Niall corrected.

Salome playfully placed her hand to her chest. "Oh, do forgive me, Niall. Her great-grandfather." Again, she paused. "We will be waiting." She put her phone back in her pocket. "You sent the girl away, but you're still here. You should've gone with her. You didn't get Sookie to say thank you for taking her rightful place and receiving the 'gifts' that were rightfully hers, which we all know would mean she'd be in your debt." She looked at me and asked, "Right, Sookie?"

"Right," I agreed.

"She's nobody's fool," Salome said.

I agreed. "I'm nobody's fool."

Niall glared at the vampire.

Salome was practically glowing as she called Niall out on his bull poop. "You told her that she's more powerful than you believed her to be, but I can't help but think that's she more powerful that you believed she could ever be. Oh, and let's not forget that you wanted to get to know her but from where I'm sitting, you seem to know her very well. As you've said yourself, you've been watching her. For how long, we don't know." She shrugged her shoulders and said, "You could've been watching her from birth or just started watching her three days ago. Who knows? Am I right?" She was really grinning now and she was on a roll. "I've never cared for faeries, and I have never cared for you, Niall. I don't trust you." She shook her head in disbelief. "It's hard for me to fathom why you're still here."

Again, I can only guess that it's okay for her to disrespect the faery prince. After all she is a vampire. And by the way, I'm really beginning to like her. A lot.

Glaring at the vampire, Niall said, "I owe you nothing, Vampire. She is my great-granddaughter. I am here to help her."

Sneering at Niall, Salome said, "But only if there's something in it for you."

Niall leapt up from his seat so swiftly that I barely saw him move. Salome followed suit. Her fangs were down and her hands were clawed. "Make your move, and we'll both die in this living room."

"Excuse me," I stated. "Please don't do that."

Salome's mouth twitched at the corner, but she didn't smile. She was ready to fight and die for me if she had to. I didn't want that. I couldn't take another person dying for me. I took Salome's hand in mine. She looked at me. "Please, don't. Sit here with me, and we'll wait for Eric together."

Salome did as I asked with no argument. She continued to stare at the side of my face as she sat down.

Niall smiled. "You are my kin." He tugged at his suit jacket and huffed at Salome. "I don't want to fight you, Vampire, and I certainly don't want to kill you in Sookie's home. Maybe another time." He then gave his attention to me. "Dear, great-granddaughter, when you have the time and want to know about your powers, please call me. I will be here when you need me."

He handed a gold business card, I guess, with his personal information on it. I traced my finger over the lettering and nodded as I looked up at him. "Okay. I will," I said. For some reason, I believed that I didn't have much of a choice.

He nodded slightly and said, "Call me when you're ready to learn. And I assure you, you will be calling me soon."

Looking at him I asked, "Does this have to do with Pam and what's going on? Do you know something?"

He tucked a stray hair behind his ear. He looked towards the front door and smiled. "I will see you soon." With that said, he was gone.

Once we were alone, Salome asked, "What did you do me?" She was still staring at me … which made me very uncomfortable.

My eyes widened as I looked at her. I had no idea what she meant. "I didn't do anything to you."

She took my face in her hands and stared deep into my eyes. At first, I believed that she was going to glamor me, but she didn't do that. She was studying me. It was almost as if she was trying to figure me out. "You're more."

"Than what?" I asked.

She shook her head no. "I don't know, but you are. You're so much more. And he knows what is," she said. "He's not going to tell you. He's going to help you so that he can help himself." She took her hands from my face and placed them on my arms. "Don't trust him, Sookie. Niall is a fucking snake. Always has been. Always will be. Don't meet with him alone."

I believed her. I shook my head. "I won't. I promise."

"I'll do some research to see what I can find out, and I'll let you know." She lifted my face to hers once more and said, "You're more. I'll help you figure it out."

"Okay."

"Okay," she repeated.

Just as we relaxed, the door to my apartment flew open.

Salome and I both jumped up from the couch; ready to fight but there was no need. We were in no danger. There was no enemy standing at my door.

There stood Pam, and she was covered in blood.