53

Just Another Night

I do apologize for the delay, but our lives have been uprooted and filled with pain. We've had deaths of family, friends and co-workers due to COVID. It's getting harder every day to keep my head up and to keep going. I pray daily that things improve with COVID and people stop dying, but it's not working. I just wish that things were different, and it's only getting worse. Two more co-workers are out of work. Another has lost her husband. My aunt has succumb to it. My cousin has it, and she's not doing well. It's too much. It's getting harder every day to keep smiling and pretending like everything's going to be okay when it's not.

As always, please bear with me. I'm not going to abandon you guys or the story. It's just been too much, and it may take me a little longer to update, but I will. I give you my word.

Update: To the guest that called me a twat, I want you know how selfish and self-centered you are. I have lost family, friends, and co-workers to COVID, and you're more concerned about the chapter of a story. I hope that for your sake, you never had to feel as those of us who've had to deal with COVID deaths do. I hope that your family and friends stay safe. I hope that your co-workers don't fall ill because they have no choice but to work because we have a president that has disregarded our lives at every turn. I hope that your loved ones never become a part of 250,000 plus Americans that have died unnecessarily. I hope that you grow a heart and not think that life revolves around your wants and needs. Until then, keep your nasty and disrespectful comments to yourself. Maybe you'll think about being a decent human being while you're at it. And just so you know, I will not rush my life or this story to pacify the likes of you.

Update: as of this posting, the uncaring and dangerous president is on his way out and maybe, just maybe, we'll all be a whole lot safer.

I looked around the bar and didn't like anything what I saw. The place looked like a vampire bar, but it's nothing like Eric's. The atmosphere was dark and gloomy. And absolutely everything was red. Red floor. Red walls. Red ceilings. I could only guess that's why the place is called Vampire's Kiss. Plus the big, red lips on the black background that were plastered on the wall. "I don't want to be here," I whispered. "It doesn't feel right." I held Eric's elbow as we entered the club. "Why couldn't they meet us at Fangtasia? Why did we have to come here?"

Eric patted my hand. "It's okay," he assured me. "I'm going to keep you safe, plus Victor wants to see us. And you know why we have to be here. Thalia filled us in earlier when she called. Don't worry, Sookie. We are prepared if anything should happen. I have my spies here. Thalia and Kendra are close by. Jake, Bassir, and Alcide are with us. I told you. Victor isn't the best of planners. You'll see that tonight. He's not going to want to get on Bill's bad side by causing harm to an asset to his kingdom at the king's little party and if does decide to get on Bill's bad side, we'll be saving him the trouble of handling this problem for him."

"Bad side?" I repeated. "I didn't think that Bill had any other side to him."

Eric shrugged. "He is who he is and that's an asshole with power."

"I guess," I replied. "So, tonight we thwart Bill's plan to be my hero, my savior?"

He smiled down at me. "That's my job. He could never live up to the position."

I returned his smile. "I just adore you." I leaned in, as Eric met me halfway, and kissed him. "Can you see them … through my dress?" I twirled for Eric. I watched his eyes roamed over my body. His eyes lingered on my breasts for what felt like hours. He was practically drooling. I loved it, but I couldn't let him know that. We were here on business, and we didn't have any time for his shenanigans. "I'm not going to be seen as a threat am I?"

He still hadn't answered me.

"Eric! Answer me."

"Yes, you will be but not for the things you're worried about, my lover."

I guess I do have time for his shenanigans. I playfully placed my hands on hips. "I'm not your sex kitten, Eric." I moved in closer. "I'm your sex goddess."

Eric's predatory ways were clearly in his eyes as he held my hand in his. "You are my everything, my lover."

I flippantly placed my hand to my chest and said, "Why thank you, kind sir." I did a slight curtsey, well as much of a curtsey that I could do in this tight dress, as I winked at him. "So, everyone's going to be ready … if anything happens? We won't have to do this alone?" I looked around the bar and there were many vampires here, and I wasn't sure of who's side they're on.

Before he could answer me, a vampire walked toward us as he nodded ever so slightly at Eric. "Mr. Northman," he said. "I'm so glad you could come." He then bowed to me. "You must be the beautiful Miss. Stackhouse. I have heard so much about you and the words don't do you justice. You look absolutely stunning this evening." His eyes traveled over my body.

I felt naked. I was if you think about it. I was wearing a shimmering red dress that exposed my shoulders. My boobs were pushed up so high, I could practically feel them brushing against my chin. A shawl would've been nice, but the dress didn't come with one. I would've chosen a different one but it was last minute. I was wearing Pam's red Jimmy Choo's that made me almost as tall as Eric. Eric provided me with the diamond earrings and necklace that I'm assuming belong to Pam too. No wonder she's so spoiled. Eric does a great job at it. I almost felt like a movie star … almost. Anyway, I didn't respond to him. Even if Eric wasn't the 'master', I wouldn't have responded to the disrespectful vampire. He can obviously see that I'm with Eric, but he didn't care. Anger flared through me. The disrespect that was shown to him bewildered me. It's not acceptable. I wanted to give the vampire what for, but I remained quiet. More than anything, I hate remaining quiet. I don't know how much longer I'm going to be able to be this sweet, little, submissive southern belle. If Eric would just give me a sign. The real Sookie Stackhouse is ready to make her debut.

Eric tucked me safely under his arm. He glared at the vampire. "You realize that she's mine?"

The vampire smirked. "I heard she belongs to no one. I don't understand why. She's a treasure from what I can see." He dropped fang as he continued to glower at me. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. "She smells fucking divine. Though your scent is quite strong. I guess she's not a virgin anymore, huh?" He reached out and touched my arm. "That's fine. It will allow us to have a bit more fun." Whispering, he said, "I've heard that Northman here has a gigantic cock." He then clapped his hands. "Let us dance while the higher ups have their meeting, shall we? I won't do anything you won't like." He moved in closer to me. His hand was now on my waist. Why did he do that, you ask. My guess is that he's stupid and had a death wish that was about to come true.

I never saw him move, but my eyes followed the parting of the crowd that used to be on the dance floor that Eric forced his way through. I saw the vampire's neck in his clutches. I saw the vampire's eyes almost bug out of his head. I then saw the vampire slammed against the wall … which left a gigantic hole, by the way. Sheetrock was everywhere. Because I was still standing where Eric left me, I had to hurriedly run to catch up to him, which was hard to do considering I was wearing six inch heels. Unlike Eric, I kept my manners about me. I fast walked my way through the parted crowd and said, "Excuse me. Pardon me." I smiled and pointed. "I'm with him. The blond vampire … not the one in the vampire's hand. I don't know him. I probably wouldn't admit it if I did." I shrugged my shoulders. "Excuse me." I bumped into someone. "Pardon me. I need to be with him … the blond one." I wanted everyone to know that I was not with the vampire on the losing end.

When I finally reached Eric, I could clearly hear what he said to the vampire. "I am the Sheriff of Area Five. You've committed an offense against my woman. You've gone against an edict of your king. And worst of all, you disrespected me. You propositioned my woman while she stood at my side. You've touched her without my permission. She is to be touched by no one but me because she is mine," he growled. "For you to do such a thing, you believed that I would not kill you. I must make you a believer."

I wanted to tell Eric to let him go because he didn't hurt me, but I could say nothing. I looked over my shoulder, and we were surrounded by vampires. The humans were made to turn in the opposite direction. I couldn't figure out how they made that happen but whatever's going to keep Eric out of trouble, I'm all in. The vampires were watching the humans. My guess is to keep them from watching what was about to happen.

An extremely handsome and muscular vampire was soon standing next to me. "Excuse me, Miss. Stackhouse. I'm Rasul and I'm here to protect you … to keep you safe," he said. He glanced at Eric, and I could see that he knew what was coming next. "You need to step back."

I opened my mouth to speak but before I could, two other vampires were standing in front of me while Rasul stood by me. One looked at me and said, "You don't want your dress ruined."

"Okay," I whispered. "Thank you."

Eric glanced me. I'm going to kill him. You can't run away. This was done to test us. They want to know what I'll do to protect you. They need to know what I'll do to protect you.

He spoke to me telepathically. Smart. I gave a quick nod and stood tall.

"Forgive me, Sheriff," the vampire said. He was suddenly scared. He should've been scared the entire time. "I meant no harm! My master sent me over to entertain her as you proceeded with the meeting! You're supposed to go to the VIP room alone! I was just causing a distraction … to her preoccupied during your meeting! I was just doing my job. That's all!" His voice was barely above a whisper. He even thought a smile was going to smooth things over. That wasn't going to work. Not at all. Eric was crushing his throat. Blood was coming from the vampire's eyes, and he knew that he wasn't leaving this club alive.

"Your master knows that she goes nowhere without me. She's my woman. If you were going to live past tonight, I would recommend that you remember that."

He began to shake his head but didn't get to speak.

Eric's was thisclose to the vampire. "Well, your master has sent you to die."

And just like that, the vampire exploded all over the wall and all over Eric. The guardian vampires turned to look at me and nodded. The first vampire smiled at the second vampire. "Not a drop on her." It's sad that he couldn't say the same. He smiled. I wanted to laugh because he looked ridiculous. He had bloody lips and white teeth. "You're still red … without the blood."

Eric's pale face and hair were covered in blood … just like his beautiful black suit. He stood in front of me and looked in my eyes. "Sookie, you will stay with Rasul, Geoff, and Chow. I have to go change, but I will be back in no less than five minutes."

I frowned. "What about your clothes?"

He winked at me. "Five minutes."

"Okay," I answered. Pointing at him, I said, "But don't you be too long."

He laughed heartily and loudly.

I wanted to go with him, but my stance didn't change. "Well, go on now. I'll be fine here with Rasul." I patted that huge arm of his, and I was going to just pat, but I've never touched an arm that big. I felt like touching a brick wall. I squeezed that massive arm and almost fainted dead away. "My goodness, your arms are huge."

He graced me with a bountiful laugh. "Better to protect you with, my dear Miss. Stackhouse."

"Rasul," Eric said. His voice sounded commanding and domineering, and I absolutely loved it.

He was soon answering his master's unanswered question. "No one will get near her," he said. He placed his hand to his chest. "You have my word."

Keeping a stoic face, Eric replied. "I have no doubt."

"So," I said once Eric was gone. "What do we do?"

"We wait for your master." Rasul pointed in the direction of a booth. "Once he returns, you will accompanied to the VIP room to meet with Victor Madden."

"The a-hole." I said when we were seated.

The guardian vampires laughed. "I thought she'd never met him," one whispered to the other. He winked at me. "I'm Chow, and my friend here is Geoff."

I frowned as I looked at him. I know those eyes. "Don't I know you."

He nodded. "You do. I work at Fangtasia. Heidi was my maker."

"Palomino?"

She smiled. "That's me. I work here part-time. I'm one of Eric's spies."

"Palomino," I smiled. "You're good. If I didn't know those eyes, I would've never known it was you."

She smiled. "The one and only. There was no way I was passing on this gig. To get back at the vampire that killed my maker."

"What exactly is happening tonight?"

I looked up at Rasul. He smiled. "You'll see." He patted my arm. "You're more than prepared from what I've heard."

"Okay." What else was there to say.

Rasul chuckled. "His reputation, Victor's, is not one of great standing. Don't worry yourself about Victor. He's the worst of planners. We'll all leave here intact. Now, my new friend. Would you like a drink, Miss. Stackhouse?"

I shook my head no. "I don't trust anything that Eric doesn't give me." I looked around the bar and noticed a few pairs of eyes on us. "My reputation is of great standing in the supe world and from what I've learned, I'm a hot commodity around here. I'm not taking anything from anyone working that bar." Using my head to point out in the crowd, I said, "They all know what I can do. They can pretend they don't, but they do. Look at them. They're watching us … watching me. If given the chance, they will try to do what they can to take me."

"Smart lady," Rasul answered.

A voice suddenly evaded my thoughts.

She's not that spectacular if you ask me. I don't know why he wants her. I should be more than enough for him, but I'm never enough. He's fucking men and women and right in front of me. I can only imagine how he'll treat her. She then sighed. He might treat her better than he treats me. Maybe I'll take this chance to leave. I can finally be free of him.

What in the world does that mean?

He claims to only want her to get back at Eric, but I know him. I know he's lying. He's always lying. I can't trust anything he says to me.

Who is she speaking of?

As she got closer, I recognized her right away. That's the lady that was standing outside the home Malcolm and Liam once occupied. She was the one that gave them the letter. They were working for Victor. He helped take Pam.

She then frowned at me. I think I've seen her somewhere before tonight. Maybe she's one of Victor's side pieces that he fucked right in front me. God, I fucking hate him.

I tapped Rasul on the hand.

"Yes, Miss. Stackhouse?"

"That woman," I began. "The one that's walking this way, she doesn't seem to like me. She's coming over here for her master. Do you know her?"

He nodded. "She's Victor's woman … one of his many women. Selah Pumphrey. Do you know her?"

Before I could say anything to him, she was standing at our table. "Good evening, Rasul," she said. She looked at the two guardian vampires. "Chow. Geoff." I noticed that they didn't return the greeting.

"Why are you here, Selah?" Rasul asked.

She ignored him but smiled at me … quite pleasantly, I might add. "Hi. I'm Selah Pumphrey. I'm Victor's. You must be Sookie Stackhouse." She offered me her hand. "It's nice to meet you."

I didn't want to shake her hands. I didn't trust her. Anyone that would have any type of relationship with the likes of Liam and Malcolm, I want nothing to do with but because I have a job to do, I tucked my disdain and mistrust away. I gave her my most dazzling and fakest smile. I reached across the table and offered her my hand. "That's me, and I'm Eric's," I announced. "It's nice to see you again (Yeah, I lied. So what?) I've met you before tonight." I shrugged my shoulders. "You may not remember, but I met you on the road in the middle of the night not too long ago. You helped with directions to meet a vampire for a job."

She slightly tilted her head as she shook my hand. "I was thinking that I recognized you. I'm sorry for not realizing it earlier." I could see the light go off in her head. "I guess you got the job."

She's here to get to get me to go with her before Eric returns. They know that the other vampire didn't complete the job because he's dead. She was sent to finish what he started. This was a setup. Just like Eric said, they've set us up. I nodded as I took my hand from her. "You're right. We met on an abandoned road. You were coming out of a house that looked just as abandoned as the road." I chuckled. "I was wondering why you were out there that late at night all alone."

Her eyes widened. Damn it, she thought. We could have had her then. This would all be over, and Pam would be at home … being useless there. Her eyes widened even more. I wonder if she heard that.

I pretended not to. "So, it's nice to see you again. Would you like to sit with us and have a drink?"

I knew she was a fraud. There's no such thing as a telepath. Fake bitch. Did all that just to get a job. Fucking pathetic. It's going to serve Victor right for thinking that she was unique. He's fucking pathetic too.

A relaxed look came over her face. A pleasant and welcoming smile returned to her dull looking face. "No, thank you, but I was wondering if you'd like to join me while our vampires have their meeting this evening. There's a room for the masters pets, and it's phenomenal. The champagne flows freely and the room is quite inviting. There's even enough room for us to dance if we want."

"She's going nowhere with you," Rasul interjected.

Selah glared at him but continued to smile. "I think she can answer that."

I pretended to consider her offer. I sighed. "I think he's right. I'm not sure that I should. Eric told me to wait here for him. Because of my … you know …" I tapped the side of my head. "He thinks it's best that I stay close to him and those he trusts instead of wandering off with complete strangers and as we both know, you are a complete stranger. For all I know, you could be trying to take me from Eric and give me to someone else … like Victor." I looked around the bar and more vampires were staring at the table. I looked at my watch. One more minute. "I think I'll stay here and wait for him. I don't want Eric to worry."

The pleasant smile faltered just a bit, but she remained calm. "I get that but please understand that I would never do that to you. You can trust me," she said. "Eric will have no reason to worry if you're with us."

"Us?" I looked at Rasul and frowned. "Who's us?" I asked him.

"Victor is my assumption," he replied. His eyes were trained on Selah. "Am I correct? Is it Victor?"

She ignored him. "You'll be fine with us," she assured me … or so she believed. "Victor only wants to meet you. He's considering hiring out your services. He's having problems with some of his employees."

I frowned. "But you said that the room was for the pets. Did you lie to me?"

Selah's laugh was nervous. "No. He could make an appearance in the room … just to check on me." She placed her hand to her chest. "I swear he only wants to meet you."

"I'm not sure about that." My frowned deepened. "He knows that all appointments go through Eric, right?"

I could see that the pleasantries were wavering. She was getting sick of this back and forth. She sighed silently. "You can trust us. Come with me."

I laughed. I said to Rasul, "My grandfather always told me that if someone says that I can trust them, I usually can't trust them."

"I'm over eight hundred years old," Rasul began. "My father told me the same thing. I believe those words are why I'm still here."

"I guess my grandpa and your father were right."

Selah suddenly looked frightened. "Please," she begged. "Would you please come with me? I'm supposed to take you to meet with Victor." She glanced over her shoulder. "If he's here," she added. She returned her attention to me. "So, are you ready to go and …" She's terrified and knows that if she returns without me, she's not going to have a pleasant night but that wasn't my problem.

My back was straightened and my head tilted. "I'm not going anywhere with you. So, don't ask me again."

Her eyes widened, and her mouth was slightly agape. "Excuse me?" she whispered. There was definitely some surprise in her voice. "Did I hear you correctly?"

I looked her dead in the eyes and asked, "Did I whisper?"

She didn't answer.

Rasul's amusement was in his eyes. "You did not, Miss. Stackhouse."

"I heard you clearly," Chow chimed in.

"As did I," Geoff (Palomino) said in a hushed and raspy whisper.

"And I must concur, my lover," Eric said as he appeared behind Selah. He had blood dripping from his arm, but I remained quiet. Selah didn't need to know any more than she already did. "I heard you clearly. Come to me."

I removed myself from the booth and took my place in Eric's arms. I looked at my watch. "Exactly five minutes." I wrapped my arms around him, tightly. "What happened to you?" I whispered in his ear.

He stroked my back. "I'm well, my lover."

"Do you need to heal?" I was filled with worry and my voice was trembling. "I can heal you."

I'm going to kill Victor. I squeezed him harder before letting him go.

"I am well, Sookie," he assured me. "So, what did I miss?"

I didn't get to answer him.

Selah gulped. We all heard it. "Nothing really," she hurriedly answered. "I was just telling your pet …"

"She's my bonded, therefore, she is my equal," Eric interjected. "You will never refer to her as a fucking pet. That's what you are." He stared in her eyes. "If you didn't belong to another vampire, I'd make you pay for your disrespect."

She bowed her head slightly. "Forgive me." She glanced at me. I'm sorry.

I gave her a slight nod.

She squeezed her eyes closed. She did hear me. Please, don't tell Victor. Please.

I didn't have any intentions of telling Victor what happened. I wasn't going to let her know that. Let her worry. She was trying to help them take me.

When I didn't respond, verbally or silently, she dropped her eyes to the floor.

"Is Victor here?" Eric asked her.

"VIP," she said. "Follow me."

As we followed her, Rasul let Eric know what transpired while he was away and how Selah tried to get me to leave with her while he away. "She was not happy when Miss. Stackhouse shut her down. You would have been extremely proud of her. She's a strong one."

Eric's arm suddenly tightened around my waist. "Remain calm at what I'm about to say," he said to me. To all of us, he said, "I was attacked while I was getting ready. Three of Victor's vampires attacked me in the private room." He raised his hand when he knew that I was about say something. "All is well but just know, it has begun. Thalia and Kendra are here and in hiding."

I stopped walking and looked up at him with frightened eyes. I ran my hands over his body. When I touched his arm, he winced. I touched his face. I stared into his eyes. "What happened?" I whispered.

"I'm fine," he assured me. He kissed the palm of my hand. He looked at our vampires. "Rasul stay with us. Palomino. Chow. Walk ahead. Stay alert. Thalia and Kendra are ready. The Weres are in place … armed and ready."

I'm definitely going to kill Victor.

"Yes, Master." They did as they were ordered.

I couldn't allow him to walk into the meeting not at his strongest. I can't have that. "Eric, wait."

"Yes, my lover."

"Feed from me," I begged. "If this is happening tonight, you need to be at your strongest. You have to feed from me."

Eric was considering what I said and finally agreed. "Okay."

As he leaned in to feed from me, I stopped him. "My wrist. You get carried away."

He smirked. "Your wrist it is."

I offered it to him, and he drank until he had his fill. I watched as he began to move is arm up and down. "Good?"

"It is," he assured me.

"Shall, we?" I asked as I offered him my arm.

"We shall."

Eric and Rasul were on either side of me. In a hushed tone, Eric said, "If anything seems amiss, I will communicate with you telepathically. Rasul, you do the same. Victor's definitely making his move tonight. He's not going to wait for Bill's party."

"You can really read minds?"

"I can."

"May I?" he asked.

"Sure."

I was born and raised in the Middle East. I was the first of five sons. I had three sisters. I came from a strong line of fighters. I had a wife that I loved dearly. Her name was Magda. I called her my love. I had six sons. My bloodline still runs strong in my country. I have been there to meet my kinsmen, and they have accepted me. I miss my human life.

My heart broke for him.

"What was my wife's name?" he asked.

"Magda," I answered.

He smirked. "Nice."

I whispered to my new friend, "I'm sorry."

He nodded slightly at me.

"Eric!"

We were standing at the bottom of a set of stairs. I didn't want to go up there because I knew that if we did, we'd be trapped. There was no way we would be getting out of there alive … you know what I mean.

"Andre," Eric replied. "I thought we were meeting Victor."

"He's coming," he assured us. "Come and join us! There's much fun to be had by all!"

His excitement seemed to be a bit too much for me. I'd think that he'd be on pins and needles after their group tried to kill Eric and failed. I don't like him. If he survives the night, I'll be adding him to my list of suspects. Shoot, I may put him at the top of the list.

With his hand on the small of my back, Eric guided me up the stairs behind Selah, Palomino, and Chow. Rasul was behind us and from the vibrations that I was feeling from him, he was ready. We were seated at a table for several. It was covered in a red velvet tablecloth and the room was the brightest red I'd ever seen. Everything in this room was red velvet. It was the color of …

"Blood," I whispered.

Victor's vampires were standing around and laughing. They were drinking their glasses of blood, pretending to be relaxed. Waiting for us to drop our guard.

Eric took me in his arms and began to nuzzle my neck. "What is it?"

I returned the favor and nibbled at his ear. "I've seen this room in Selah's mind … the night we met her at Malcolm's place. This is where they met." I nibbled his ear again. I guess I shouldn't have. He pulled me closer to him as he placed sweet kisses on neck. "I need to feed from you," I said.

He looked surprised. "Now?"

"Yes."

His cheek was pressed close to mine. "Do you mean it?"

"I do."

Kissing my ear, he said, "Tell me why."

"You won't get mad me?" I whispered.

"Never."

Well, here goes nothing. "I think that I can read Victor's mind if I drink from you." I quickly added, "I have no proof that I can do that, but my faery powers didn't happen until you gave me your blood. Maybe, your blood can push me further."

He stopped kissing my ear and studied me.

"Eric," I said. "Can I do it?"

He still didn't answer.

He didn't have too much time to think on it. And without warning, I was soon sitting in his lap and feeding from him.

He pressed my head to his neck as I fed. He began to grind against me and I liked it. I helped him along as I fed from him. I didn't stop until the wound closed. I released him and gazed into his eyes. "Are you okay?"

The wet spot on his pants told me that he was more than okay. He smirked. "I can't wait to get you home."

I shivered in his arms.

He used his tongue to lick the blood from the corner of my mouth. "I'm going to fuck you until you scream my name."

I moaned as I shifted on his lap. "Promise?"

The sounds of fangs clicking all around interrupted our moment. We turned to look at the others, and every single one of them was watching and inhaling the air. Everyone except Selah. She looked sad. She looked as if she was on the verge of tears.

"What are you?" André asked.

"Mine," Eric growled. He returned me to the seat next to him but kept his arm around me. "Where's Victor?"

"Did I hear my name?" The vampire entered the room with five big vampires standing behind him.

And there he was. I watched him as he walked in towards us. His eyes were on me the entire time. I could see why everyone called him an a-hole. He oozed arrogance and treachery. He's vain and uncaring. I could see that he's ambitious and will kill anyone that gets in his way. I had no idea what Selah saw in him. And it was obvious that his goal is to take me from Eric. He was going to undermine Eric at every chance. "You can leave, André."

He smiled at Eric. "I hope to see you at Bill's little soirée. Sophie Ann will be there." Glancing at me, he added, "I'm sure she'll be interested to know that things seem to have changed."

I looked up at Eric because he was suddenly uncomfortable. "André," he said before leading me away.

"Let us talk,' Victor said.

I will have her.

I was in his head.

"Northman," Victor said, his eyes still on me. "It's always a pleasure to see you. It's been quite a while." He pointed at the chair as he looked at Selah. "Sit."

She quickly did as she was told

"And don't speak."

She nodded but not before she glanced up at me … embarrassed and ashamed. That's when I saw it. She was jealous of me and Eric. She wished that Victor treated her with respect. He's never treated me as Eric treats you.

Eric glared at Victor and said, "It's been a couple of days." He looked his nemesis up and down, and he didn't bother to hide his disgust. "Why have you requested my presence?"

"Has it been a couple of days? It doesn't seem to be quite long enough." Victor was still staring at me. "I wanted to meet your companion … your human … your pet." I could see his pupils dilate as he inhaled my scent. "Your sweet, sweet pet."

I caressed Eric's thigh because we know that Victor is looking for a fight. I looked Eric in his eyes and asked, "May I whisper something to you, Eric?"

Eric's fangs snapped into place. "Yes."

Nibbling and kissing his ear, I said, "We don't need anything hanging over our heads if we have to kill them tonight. You know just as well as I do that he's trying to get a rise out of you. Don't play his game."

"We?" he said as he looked into my eyes.

"Yes," I whispered.

He studied me for a quick moment before glaring at Victor. "She's my bonded and not my pet. You will refer to her as Ms. Stackhouse … my equal, your king's asset. Now, tell me, why the fuck are we here?"

Victor had a look on his face that I couldn't quite decipher … anger and disgust mix or just disgusted. "You call him by his name in front of others?" He didn't bother to hide his disbelief at the fact that I was allowed to call Eric by his name.

"Why do you care what I call him? I'm his equal," I answered. "And I'm his."

"Now answer my fucking question," Eric growled.

Victor sat down next to the still quiet Selah and across from us, ignoring everything Eric said that was said to him. I've never met a ruder person in my life! "You killed one of my most valued vampires. Do you care to explain yourself?" He snapped his fingers.

I chuckled. He killed more than that one. I guess he didn't know that yet.

A human instantly came to Victor, carrying a tray with a single glass of blood. All I can I say is that he's not only an a-hole but a rude jerk a-hole. Gran would tan his hide for behaving like that. Not offering the other vampires any blood to drink. Just appalling and nasty if you ask me.

Victor took a sip of his drink. "You've known me for centuries, Eric. You also know that I don't take too kindly to others killing what's mine." He then added, "And know that if I don't like the answer, I have a way for you to pay me back for what you owe me. You owe me a life for a life." He smirked. "You did commit a blood offense." His eyes were soon on me. Leering.

And Eric didn't like it. He didn't like it one bit.

Eric's anger thundered through me. I've never felt anything so strong in my life. It filled me completely, and I liked it. It made me feel alive. "He touched what is mine. You know the laws, Victor. You aren't new to this world." He leaned back and crossed his legs. "He forfeited his life when he disrespected her and me. So, if you have any complaints, you can call your king and complain." He pulled out his phone and placed it on the table. "Let's see whose side he'll take."

A slow smirk was displayed proudly on my face. Staring at Victor, I said, "He won't call him. He's knows that you're right. He knows that he doesn't have a leg to stand on."

Victor downed what was left of his blood. He slammed the glass on the table, thus shattering it. "Your pet doesn't yield when she's in the presence of power, does she?" He snapped his fingers again. Another glass of blood appeared and the glass disappeared. "She must taught to learn her place."

"No, she does not," Eric replied. "As I've said, she's my equal. My bonded. She is never to yield."

I felt tingles throughout my body. I closed my eyes as his words caused a deep moan to escape me. I let my happiness and love for him flow through the bond. I've never been happier. "Thank you," I replied.

He nodded.

Selah's head dropped.

Victor was angry, but her remained stoic. "So, Eric, I want to discuss hiring out your human's services. I'm having problems with some of my staff possibly stealing from me." He took a sip of his blood. "I may need her for the remainder of the night … or at least until the bar closes. I want her to question each of my human employees." He glanced at me before continuing. "Dawn will be upon us before she'll have a chance to question everyone, and I'd hate for something to happen to you but as we all know, I have a plan. I always have a plan. You can return to your bar, and I'll keep her safe. You won't have to worry about her while she's with me." He winked at me. "You'll like it here."

I said nothing.

Eric did. "No."

Victor looked surprised. "Did you just say no to me?"

"I did," he replied.

Victor looked over his shoulder at his vampires. "Did he just say no to me?" he asked the other vampires. "Maybe I misheard him."

One of the vampires shook his head no. "You did not, Master. He must want to meet his end in front of his woman."

Victor shook his head. "I think you're right, Garrett. It would be embarrassing for that to happen, especially in front of his woman. That alone should kill him … the fucking embarrassment of dying and exploding all over that beautiful dress she's wearing." He sighed. "I would love nothing more than to help her out of it."

The other vampires laughed.

"Now," Victor said. "Let's be clear. I'm only asking out of courtesy, Eric, and I won't ask you again. I want to hire her for the night. She will stay here, and I will keep her safe. You can have her tomorrow at first dark."

Eric leaned forward just as Chow, Rasul and Palomino moved an inch closer to him. "Fuck you, Victor."

"I am your elder." His calmness bothered me.

I looked up when I heard the door open. No one else did. Thalia and Kendra were now in the room standing by the door and were covered in blood. And I swear I heard the door lock. They then moved to the opposite side of the room … standing in the shadows … waiting. I wondered where Jake and the others were. I knew that they couldn't be too far behind. I also wondered why Victor and his vampires didn't notice them. I wondered if they realized that this was their last night to be alive.

"So?"

Victor looked at Selah. "Tell them how bad it can be if I don't get what I want."

Selah glanced up at me. "Just do it. It'll be easier for both of you to just do as he says."

Eric didn't respond.

"I have a proposition for you," Victor began.

This time I spoke up. "Eric, if you don't mind."

Eric nodded.

"Mr. Madden," I began. "Eric has been getting propositions since meeting me. Since Pam's been taken by Appius, the propositions have gotten more and more frequent." I slid my hand in between my legs and placed in on my dagger. "Now, you can take Eric's answer for what it is, or you can take Eric's answer for what it is. Those are your choices. You will not bully your way into getting something that is not yours."

Victor glared at me. "It's obvious that you haven't properly trained." He looked over his shoulder at his vampires. "It seems that once I take her as mine, I will have to train her as I had to do with Ms. Selah Pumphrey here. She used to be headstrong and determined. Under my expert tutelage, she's a new woman … a new pet. Many vampires have praised me for my ability to properly train humans. She's the perfect pet now." He then looked at Selah. "Isn't that right, Pet?

"Yes," she whispered.

"Leave us now," he growled. "Go to my office and wait for me there."

She looked at me before leaving. They're going to attack you and your vampire. Me leaving the room is the signal.

Once she was out of the room, Victor returned his attention to me and Eric. His vampires were soon surrounding us all. Or so they thought.

Victor was leaned forward … his hands crossed in front of him. "I have it all planned out," he began. "You're going to give the telepath to me or …"

He never got to finish his sentence. I plunged my dagger into his heart. With his blood all over my face, I looked at the goo that landed on the table, chairs, and floor and said to the goo, "Now, what were you saying?"