Eric's POV:
"Fuck you Eric!" Freyda fumes. She was mad, more like livid and I couldn't blame her. I had just told her that I didn't want to see her anymore, in a physical sense. I was open to being friends, but I no longer wanted to see her in an intimate way. I think she might've had the idea that we were a couple. I considered her a companion, like a fuck buddy, but not a girlfriend. I had told her that I wasn't looking for a relationship right from the beginning, but I guess I should've kept reminding her of that fact when we first started fucking. Now, I was paying the price.
I cover my eyes under my hand, hoping that she would just disappear and be gone from my life. This was why I hated relationships and never sought one out with any of the women I fucked.
I had made the decision on that island that I was going to finally change my life and move into a different direction. A direction where I would just focus on bettering myself and my career. No longer was I going to be the guy that jumped from bed to bed with nameless women. I was going to be alone for a while, to learn more about myself, to figure out who I really was. Granted, I still wanted to eventually meet someone that I could seriously see myself having a future with, but I could wait for that. I was still young and there was plenty of time for that.
The time I spent by myself on that island also made me realize that although Freyda and I were sexually compatible, we didn't have anything much in common. I wanted a quiet life, she wanted a life in the spotlight, eventually our connection would've run its course.
She calls me a few more names in English as well as Norwegian, before grabbing her purse and slamming the door on her way out.
I breathe a sigh of relief. Well at least that wasn't too hard.
I look at my phone and the reminders that Pam sends me to be at the airport in a few hours, for the next awards show. This one was in London and it was Europe's biggest film awards. All the nominees were expected to be there. Most of the celebrity news agencies said that Alcide and I were currently neck in neck for the best actor statue.
I felt nervous. I also decided that I loved and respected my craft. I loved acting and I was proud to be getting recognized by my peers. I wanted to win that award. Since we got back to LA from that disastrous yacht excursion, Pam and I had worked endlessly promoting me and the film to the critics and journalists. I even accepted more endorsements and filmed a few overseas commercials along with a men's cologne advertisement.
I was prepared to give my career 110 percent of my attention. The bad press involving me and Sookie had seemed to go away and I was still one of the most popular and sought-after actors on the planet, perhaps even more so. I had been offered a three-picture deal with the most powerful studio in Hollywood. I would be getting 75 million dollars, along with a percentage of the film profits.
I was continuing to climb my way to the top, and I was finally letting myself enjoy my success. It felt like a huge burden had been lifted off my shoulders.
The next day I check into my hotel in London. Pam had fired my old publicist and we were now working with a new agency. A few of their representatives accompany us on this trip.
"So, we have an interview at 8am in the morning with the breakfast show and later on an interview on the BBC at 3:30," Alice Sinclair, my new publicist says to me.
"Eric, the stylist will be here in the morning at 6am," Pam adds as she jots down notes in her book.
"Is that all?" I ask as I look through my phone. They all nod and wish me a good evening before making their way out of my suite.
"Oh, Eric, I almost forgot," Pam says before she leaves. "I got an email from Janice Herveaux? She says she's Alcide's sister."
"Oh Janice!" I say happily. "Was there something she needed or wanted to say? You can give her my private number."
"She said that she was going to be here in London with her family. Her dad and mum would be here as well. I guess they have come to support Alcide. Anyway, she was asking if you wanted to join them for dinner at their house. They have a house outside of London?"
I nod. I remember that Alcide had said he bought a house for his parents in London a few years ago.
"Yes, I think I know where it is," I add. "What day and what time?"
"Tomorrow night, around 8:30," Pam says.
"Ummm okay, send her a message," I tell her. "No, nevermind! Give me the contact information she sent you and I'll let her know myself."
I hand her my phone and she punches in Janice's number.
"Are you sure Eric?" Pam adds as she hands back my phone.
"Sure of what?" I ask.
"For gods' sake Eric, don't try and act daft, you know what I mean," Pam says as she rolls her eyes.
"You think Alcide and Sookie will be there?" I ask, trying to sound nonchalant. Despite the new road I was taking, I still hadn't thought about how to come to terms with them. I knew I couldn't avoid them, I had to face the two of them eventually, especially Sookie. But perhaps I should be thinking of Alcide more so. After all, I had known him longer and he still held a special place in my heart.
"Hmmm…. Let me think…. Of course they will be there," Pam retorts. "Will the two of you finally make peace once and for all?"
I take a minute to ponder that question. "I would like to."
"I hope so, for both mine and Alcide's managers' sakes," Pam says. "I like Sookie, I really do, but she is still just another blood bag," she says before walking away and not letting me respond.
The next evening, the car service drops me off in front of the Herveaux's spacious townhouse. I look around the street, it was quiet. I was glad that there were no paps or journalists here to get pictures of me.
I grip the bottle of white wine that I had brought as a gift for them before walking up the short steps to the front door.
"Eric!" Janice and her mother, Grace, squeal as they greet me at the door.
They give me a jubilant hug at the same time and I hand Grace the gift.
"Hello, Eric, it's good to see you again," Jackson Herveaux says before grabbing my hand to give me a sturdy shake. "How have you been?"
"I've been doing well," I respond.
"This is my husband Del and my son, Tommy," Janice says as man who was several inches shorter than me, holding a young boy in his arms comes up to me.
"Hello, it is great to finally meet you. I've heard a lot about you," Del says to me as he shakes his hand. "I'm a big fan of your movies. We've watched all of them. Tommy thinks you're one of the strongest heroes out there."
"Thanks," I smile before giving a little fist pump to the boy.
I do a little small talk with Janice as she takes my black leather jacket and hangs it in the foyer closet, while the others go into the living room.
"Alcide and Sookie are here," Janice whispers into my ear as she puts her hand on my shoulder. "You need to have a serious talk with him."
I give her a slight nod as we walk into the living room as well.
Right away I spot Sookie on the couch holding Tommy in her lap. She gives me a small smile. She looked beautiful as always in a purple dress. Her hair was in a high ponytail and she wore a silver necklace.
The next person I saw was Alcide, who didn't look too happy to see me as he stood by his father.
"Alcide, Eric is here," Janice says as she stands beside me.
She gives me a slight nudge. I take a few steps forward. "Hello Alcide."
"Eric," Alcide says in a neutral tone as he raises his glass to me.
We are all so silent afterwards that you could probably hear a pin drop.
"So, this isn't awkward at all," Janice amuses as the rest of the family laugh lightly. "So, I will admit and you probably now have the idea of why I brought all of us together tonight. Alcide, I think you and Eric need to talk."
Alcide gives Janice a strained look.
"C'mon Alcide," Janice says. "You and Eric have been like brothers for almost a decade. You cannot just throw that away."
He gives me a look that says "watch me".
"I think we should talk," I say to him.
He gives me a hard look for a few seconds before looking at Sookie. "Fine."
We walk towards the back of the house, to the sun room.
"Did you want a beer?" he asks me.
"Yeah, sure that'd be great," I respond. He goes back into the kitchen and comes back to hand me a bottle. He then takes a seat in one of the chairs across from me.
I open the cap and take a sip.
"So…how's it going?" he asks as he takes a sip of his glass.
"It's been great…. I've been doing a lot of thinking," I answer.
"Oh, I bet," Alcide says with a sarcastic tone.
"Look, I didn't come here to argue or fight," I say as I place the bottle on the coffee table in front of me. "I just wanted to say sorry about what happened in Capri, about the whole trip. Especially about not partaking in the photo ops, for not doing my part."
He gives me another hard stare. "Is that all?"
I take a deep breath. "You want to know about Sookie too."
"I've only heard her version about what has been going on between the two of you," he responds.
"And shouldn't that be enough?" I retort. I didn't like what he was implying. He seemed to be implying that Sookie was lying to him. I had no idea what she said to him about us, but whatever it was, I know that she would have been completely honest with him. I didn't like his tone at all when it came to her.
"She said that she's through with you, that you are no longer an important part of her life," he says. "That whatever the two of you had is in the past and that she's moved on."
Ouch, Alcide's words stung, but I keep a neutral face as I give him a small nod.
"What I want to know is," Alcide says as he leans forward and puts his glass on the coffee table. "Are you over her?"
It's my turn to give him a hard stare. "What I had with Sookie is in the past. I did love her, but I never told her that. That will be one of my biggest regrets. As I look back, I realized things happen for a reason, and I've learned to accept that. If I stayed with Sookie, I probably wouldn't be as successful as I am now and being a successful actor has been the number one goal in my life. My career is the most important thing to me now."
Alcide continues to look at me seriously.
"Look, I haven't betrayed you nor have I tried to seduce her or change her mind ever since I saw her with you. I've been respectful towards her and to you. I haven't overstepped my boundaries. You have to agree with that," I say.
He looks down towards his glass as he ponders my words.
"You know what? You're right," he says as he takes another sip.
"And I don't intend to put myself between you too. I want the two of you to be happy," I say sincerely. And that's what I truly wanted.
Keep telling yourself that Northman, eventually you will come to believe that.
He gives me a sly smile and chuckles. "I've never thought of you as an enemy or my competition from the first moment we met, Eric. I've only ever thought of you as my best friend and my brother. Who knew that it would be a girl that would come between us?"
"Well, she's not the first girl to do that? Remember what happened with Debbie?" I smile. I shudder as I recall the time she claimed to Alcide that I was hitting on her. Of course, he believed it and a fight ensued between us. The whole situation pretty much almost ended our friendship. As if I would ever tarnish my body by being physically intimate with that insane bitch. I'd rather have cut my dick off than inserting it into that vile woman.
Though Alcide had said that he never viewed me as competition, I was always envious of him. I was envious that he had two supportive parents and a sibling. I was always envious of how close he was to them. Now I was envious that he had Sookie, the one woman that I desired most in this world.
"Have you heard?" he asks.
I shake my head.
"Debbie is going to be my leading lady in my next movie," he responds.
"Oh really," I say trying to be nonchalant. "How did Sookie respond?"
"She's upset about it of course," he says. "But she's agreed to it. I told her that this is part of the business."
"How do you feel about it?" I ask.
"Nothing. Debbie doesn't mean a thing to me anymore. It's just another job for me. The only good thing about it is that it will be shot in Bon Temps. I could still be with Sookie. I'm hoping that after we marry that I can convince her to quit her shitty job and be with me on different locations while I work," he says.
I take a sip. One of the things that I loved and also found equally frustrating about Sookie was how fiercely independent she was. She didn't like relying on other people and refused to receive handouts. I suspect that Alcide's plan for her was going to be a thorn in their relationship.
"But listen Eric, I'm willing to let bygones be bygones. I hate being that man who worries whether or not his woman is in love with another man. I trust Sookie. I know that she would not betray me. And I trust you Eric. I trust that despite your questionable past with women and with my Sookie, that you would not act upon your desires. Because, I know that Sookie is a desirous woman. I've seen many men turn their heads at her every time she walks into a room and she seems oblivious to it. She doesn't completely understand how attractive she is and that's one of the things that I love about her. There's no vanity in her mind and heart," Alcide says.
"That's great to hear," I say, trying to sound enthusiastic.
"So, can we put it all in the past and be friends again?" he asks.
I take a sip of my beer and look at him. "We will always be friends as long as we have a clear understanding."
"Great!" Alcide exclaims as he stands up.
I stand up as well and we give each other an awkward hug. Our embrace reminded me of the scene from Harry Potter when Voldemort hugged Malfoy.
We walk back into the living room together.
"All's well!" Alcide exclaims as he pats me on the back.
"I knew you would make up! The two of you should not be quarreling," Grace says to us as she gives her son a hug, then me.
I make idle chit-chat with Janice and Del before dinner, while at the corner of my eye, I watch Sookie talking to Grace. I really wanted to talk to her and to just be near her, but I wasn't sure if that was acceptable. Alcide and I hadn't really discussed the parameters of how Sookie and I could interact.
Afterwards, we head to the dining room to enjoy a traditional English dinner. After dinner we stay at the table and talk some more.
"So, who do you think will win tomorrow night Eric?" Del asks me.
The whole table goes silent.
"I think the voters probably voted for the actor who did the best job at portraying their character in their film," I respond.
"Oh, so that means neither of you will win!" Janice quips before the rest of the table roars out in laughter.
"Well that was a terrific dinner," I tell Grace. "Thank you all for inviting me. But I should get going. I need to get as much rest as I can for the awards ceremony tomorrow night."
"Yes, Sookie and I need to get some sleep as well," Alcide responds.
I give Sookie a quick look, who seemed ambiguous, according to her body language. She hadn't said too much during the whole night, she seemed like she was out of place or something.
"Well goodnight," I say.
"I'll walk you to the door Eric," Janice says as she gets up from her seat.
"Thanks for coming over Eric," she says as we stop at the door. She reached inside the closet and hands me my jacket. "Are you sure you don't want me to call a taxi?"
"No, my driver is waiting for me outside," I say.
"Ohhhhh your driver," Janice teases. "When did you become such a snob?"
"When my last movie made over a billion dollars worldwide," I say with amusement in my voice.
Janice laughs. "Oh Eric, I'm glad you haven't changed a bit. Maybe you've changed, just a little bit though."
"Call me whenever you need anything Janice." I say to her.
I head on out and back to my hotel room to sleep for the night.
"I really wished you could have dumped Freyda after the awards season was over like what we agree upon," Pam says as she inspects my suit on the night of the awards show.
I was wearing a custom-made Gucci suit. The stylist was making some last-minute adjustments.
"But it could also be a good thing too, now you are seemingly 'available'," Pam continues. "There are many voters who love hot and sexy single nominees."
"What parties are we attending tonight?" I ask as I adjust my cufflinks.
"The usual ones, the awards show after party, which is just down the street. Then after that the studio party, and of course, the after-after party that I'm not invited too," Pam huffs.
I chuckle a little. Usually there were ultra-exclusive parties for nominees that were held after hours that started around 2 or 3 in the morning after all the official parties had ended. These exclusive parties were only for A-listers. They were kept under wraps from the press and phones are confiscated at the door. No one is allowed to take pictures. If anyone broke any of the rules, then they would be banned from the party as well as future parties. It was a chance for the elites to let their hair down. Which was why executives were banned from attending as well.
We head to the awards ceremony and walk down the red carpet. I pose for the cameras while the photographers and members of the press yell at me to pose in certain ways and they yell out questions at me. I hear Sookie's name being called as I look down the end of the carpet and see her and Alcide posing as well. She looked gorgeous in a fushia colored ballroom gown that showcased her ample cleavage. Her hair was in an up-do.
I turn back to the cameras as the photographers continued yelling at me to look at their lens and what not. I also do a couple red carpet interviews with some of my co-stars and director.
Afterwards we are shown our seats in the auditorium. I look around and spot Sookie and Alcide sitting on the other side of the stage. She catches my eye and gives me a warm smile. I smile back at her.
The awards show begins and various presenters and winners are called to the stage throughout the night.
"Can I go get a drink go for a bathroom break?" I whisper into Pam's ear.
"NO!" she hushes. "The cameras are on us, so smile. You need to look like you're enjoying this ceremony and that you are supportive of the other nominees."
I snicker a little.
Finally, it was time for my category to be announced.
It was Sophie-Anne LeClerq who was presenting the award.
She gives a brief monologue of the nominees and short film clips, before opening the envelope. "And the award for best actor in a motion picture goes to….."
Pam grips onto my hand as we all hold in our breath.
"Oooooooooooo, Alcide Herveaux!", the red-haired actress squeals out.
Everyone claps and some give him a standing ovation.
"Oh well, we knew we were a long-shot for this one," Pam says as she politely claps. "He's British, of course the academy would vote for one of their own."
I clap as well. I was a tad bit disappointed but also happy for him.
Alcide saunters up to the stage and accepts the award.
"Oh my, there are so many people I need to acknowledge, but I'll start off with my fellow nominees, my peers. You guys are an inspiration and I have never seen such great work from the four of you. I would also like to acknowledge, Eric Northman. Eric, where are you?" Alcide says as he pretends to look for me in the crowd.
He sees me and points. "Oh, there you are. I just wanted to say how great you are. You are truly one of the most talented actors I have ever seen, not to mention you have been my best friend as well as my brother for all these years. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. I'd also like to thank my parents and sister who are sitting somewhere up in the crowd." He points to the nosebleed section of the auditorium.
"I'd also like to thank the cast and crew. I wouldn't have been able to do this without them. Lastly, I would like to thank my fiancé, my Sookie. She's perhaps the most gorgeous, most gracious woman that I have ever met and I am fortunate to be marrying this amazing woman in the next few months. I love you! Thank you!"
"Ugh, I can't wait till this is over….." Pam gripes into my ear.
Later that night, we were at the first after-party. I had changed into a more casual look. Still wearing Gucci, but no tie. I pose for the cameras before heading into the party with Pam and my publicist.
The party was crowded, the tables were filled and the dance floor was full. The DJ played old and new dance hits.
"I'm going to our table," Pam says. "I see Amelia waiting for me!"
I nod my head as I walk through the room. I get stopped by my fellow actors and some film executives to talk. I pose for some selfies with some of the younger actresses and actors that were new to the game.
"I was soooo sad you didn't win Eric," Sophie-Anne whispers into my ear. She carasses my side and my runs her hand along my arm. "So, I heard you're single again." I look down at her as she gives me a thorough eye-fuck.
"I've always been single," I reply as I give us a few inches of space between us. Sophie-Anne was attractive, but not my type. She was power and money hungry. I was afraid that if I ever ended up with her, that she would sink her claws into me and I would never get away from her.
"Ohhhh, that's lucky for me," she says as she closes that gap between us again and starts petting my arm again. Her other hand starts inching closer to my ass.
"Hey Eric," Alcide says as he and Sookie come up to us. He was holding his statue in one hand and his other arm was around Sookie. She had changed her dress into a long white, form-sitting, floral embroidered dress that clung to her curves. She had let her wavy blonde-hair down and it was currently cascading over her shoulders and down her back. I couldn't help but gaze in awe at how stunning she looked.
"Hey!" I say a little too excited. I was feeling uncomfortable having the unwanted attention of Sophie-Anne clinging to my side.
"Congratulations again Alcide!" Sophie-Anne says as she remains glued to my side as though we were a couple.
"Thanks Sophie," Alcide says. "This is my fiancé Sookie Stackhouse."
"Oh hello, my, aren't you a breath of fresh air," Sophie says to Sookie.
Sookie responds with a nervous smile.
"No really, I can see why so many find you appealing. You look so natural…." Sophie says. "We were all wondering what kind of girl had both Alcide and Eric's panties in a twist. And now I see you with my own eyes. You're gorgeous, I can see why they were fighting over you."
Sookie looks at her with uncertainty and chuckles nervously. "Ahhh no one was fighting over me. But it's nice to meet you. I saw your last movie, my friend Tara and I really enjoyed it."
"Thanks. I really like your accent," Sophie-Anne says in a somewhat sarcastic tone. I could tell she was gearing herself up to be a bitch. I was ready to tell Sophie to take a hike before Sookie chimes in.
"Thanks, I really like your new plastic boobs. A better upgrade from the previous ones…" Sookie says.
Sophie-Anne scoffs, "At least I'm not some trailer park trash!"
"No, you're euro trash," Sookie taunts back.
"Why you….." Sophie says before I intervene.
"Okay, that's more than enough," I say calmly. I look towards Pam, who was rushing to us. She leads Sophie-Anne away.
"Wow Eric, you keep such great company," Alcide says sarcastically.
"I'm sorry about that," I say sympathetically. "She's not my friend. She just popped out of nowhere and latched onto me."
"That seems to be the theme of the night," Sookie says sadly. "A lot of people have forgotten about good manners."
What does she mean by that? I asked myself as I look at her.
"We're going to find our table," Alcide says as he leads Sookie away.
I stand there watching them walk away. I need a drink.
I head to the bar where I meet a few more people who wanted to talk to me.
"Hey Eric," Charles Twinning says as he comes to stand beside me.
"Hey, how's it going?" I say politely.
Charles Twinning was another up and coming actor from Ireland. We were the same age but he was finally just breaking out. He had starred on a popular series and was now acting in films. His latest film was sure to be a huge hit. He was several inches shorter than me but we roughly had the same build. He was a nice guy, but he had fallen into the bad crowd. They were the ones that enjoyed their coke and booze and other types of drugs. Admittingly I had tried it early in my career, but I didn't like it. Charles, on the other hand, seemed to be heavy into that crap. He was always sniffing with other people and injecting various things into his body. I had no doubt that he probably had a bag of the white stuff on him now.
"I think you should've won tonight," Charles says as he drinks. "Alcide was okay, but his American accent could use some work. Whoever they hired did a craptastic job."
I chuckle. "Alcide and I lived in Louisiana for a long time. As a matter of fact, he still lives there."
"Is that where he met his mouth-watering girlfriend? God, that girl can give any man a boner with just one look," he says as he stares across the room. I follow his eyes to see Sookie on the dance floor swaying her hips to the song as she danced with Alcide.
"Yeah, she's from Louisiana," I say. "She's a great girl, very nice."
"Fuck, what I wouldn't give to have someone like that," he rambles on. "You know my last girlfriend had no tits. She was so flat-chested, but her, she's got a great set of…."
"Just shut your mouth about Sookie," I glare at him. "I don't want to hear you say anything more about her."
Charles gives me an incredulous look. "Wow, Sorry Eric. I didn't realize you were in love with her too. Does Alcide know that?" He says before walking away.
I take a swig of my drink, before looking for the table where Pam and Amelia were sitting at.
The night continues on and the crowd becomes larger and louder. I start feeling antsy. I couldn't stand to hear another story from Amelia about the renovation issues in her house, I needed to take a walk.
I stand near one of the posts close to the bar and watch the crowd. Of course, more people try to come and talk to me, but I shoo them away like the vermin that they were. I was no longer in the mood to socialize.
"Hello again, Eric," a soft, familiar voice says behind me. I knew who it was instantly.
I turn around. "Hello Sookie."
She smiles at me. "What a party eh?"
I smile back at her. "Yes, it's quite something."
"You don't look like you're enjoying it," she replies.
"Not really," I say as I scope the crowd again quickly before focusing on her again.
"Me neither," she says lowly. "Not my type of crowd."
"Not my type either," I say to her. But you most certainly are my type.
We were too busy gazing at each other that neither of us had noticed the crowd rushing behind Sookie trying to make it to the bar. Someone bumps into her and it causes her to stumble forward towards me. I hold out my arms to catch her and to hold her steady. I put my hands on her waist firmly as she stands extremely close to me. I could feel the warmth of her body against mine. I had been longing to hold her like this again for so long and it felt… absolutely right. I could feel her chest moving in and out quickly against me as she continued to stare at my chest. I could feel her warm breath against my skin.
"Sookie," I say huskily. I wanted more. I wanted to touch her more. I wanted to explore every inch of her body. It had been too long since the last time that I had had that pleasure. She runs her hands slowly on my upper arms as we continue to embrace.
Suddenly it felt like the crowd had disappeared and it was just the two of us as she slowly looks up and meets my gaze. She bites her lower lip as I lean more closely to her beautiful face. I stop for a brief moment, waiting for her to change her mind before I continue inching towards her even more closely.
Just as I get closer, we are suddenly interrupted.
"Eric, so the car is almost here, ready to take us to the studio party. We should make our way out!" Pam says loudly. "Sookie, I think Alcide is near the entrance waiting for you."
The interruption causes Sookie to jerk away from me quickly. Her face was flushed as she gives Pam a nervous smile, mumbles something to her, and then quickly walks away through the crowd.
I breathe a sigh of frustration.
"Good Lord Eric," Pam rolls her eyes. "At least wait until the two of you are alone before you grope each other."
"It's not like that," I say lamely.
"The whole room can feel the electricity between you too, that's why you need to be more discreet," she says.
Thankfully, Alcide and Sookie were not at the studio party for my film, they were at a different one. I suddenly feel at ease and decide to mingle with the crowd. I talk to the producer and director who I was going to be working with on my next three films. I was going to be living in Australia for two years while the films were to be made back-to-back. Though I was happy about it, a part of me felt sadness. I was going to be away from home for two years. And I wasn't talking about LA, I was talking about Shreveport….. Bon Temps, where Sookie would be.
I only stay at the party before I receive the text about where the location of the after-after party was going to be held and the code word.
"Let me guess, you're leaving," Pam says. "Oh, I wish they would let me come along with you. Hey! Maybe you can tell them that our relationship was no longer just business, but business and pleasure…."
I laugh. "Yeah, I doubt they would believe that, Pam."
I say goodnight to her and Amelia and head out the back entrance to get into a black Escalade that would take me there. I stare out my window as I watch the crowd that was gathered outside, waiting for glimpses of the stars. Most of them had already left outside the back entrance like I had.
Twenty minutes later, we reach the destination of the private party.
I give the security guard the code word and he lets me through, but not before putting my cell phone in a sealed bag with my name on it. He lets me know where I can get my phone when I leave the party. I undo some of the buttons of my shirt as I suddenly feel warm. I walk through the entryway as the sounds of the music and voices of the crowd get louder.
This party had a different atmosphere than the previous ones. Most of the crowd looked like they were lost in their own worlds and had no sense of their inhibitions. I look towards the dance floor and catch a glimpse of different mega-stars dancing seductively, enjoying the music and each other. People who were supposedly either married or in exclusive relationships, were almost fornicating with other people on the dance floor and in booths. I also see glimpses of people enjoying the large selection of various drugs that were readily available out in the open. I had enjoyed parties like these in the past, but now it felt different, it felt wrong. I didn't want to be here. I turn around ready to leave before catching a glimpse of Sookie and Alcide walking in. She looks around the room, looking uneasy and extremely uncomfortable. She whispers something into Alcide's ear and he whispers something back to her. She nods her head and they head further into the party, towards the other side of the dance floor and to the private booths.
"Hello Eric, fancy seeing you here tonight," a woman purrs into my ear. I look to my side to find a woman that I vaguely remember meeting. It takes me a few seconds to remember her name. It was Holly Cleary and I remember having had a one-night stand with her a few years ago. She was a fairly successful actress who worked mostly in rom-com films.
"Hi, Holly," I answer back.
"Are you looking for a good time?" she asks, trying to sound seductive, but was failing miserably. She was clearly under the influence of something.
"Uhhh not right now," I respond. "If you will excuse me," I say, quickly leaving before she can add anything further.
I wanted to leave, but I also didn't want to leave because Sookie was here. I wanted to be sure that she was safe. I knew that Alcide would protect her, but I still had a feeling that was telling me to stay and to make sure that she was really safe.
"Well, look what the cat dragged in…." a strong rough voice says behind me. I knew who this fucker was.
I turn around feeling incensed as I look at the bald-headed fucking tiger, John Quinn, standing in front of me. He had two scantily-clad women wrapped around him on each side.
"Wooooah easy there big fella," he snickers. "I'm not looking for a fight, or rather someone to jump me again while I was too drunk to fight back."
"Fuck you Quinn," I growl. "You were doing something that was wrong and you know it."
"From what I hear, you're not behaving like a nobleman with Herveaux's woman either," he retorts.
"Stay away from her," I say in my most menacing tone. "I won't be responsible if anything happens to you, if you don't."
"Fuck you, Northman," Quinn growls before leaving with his side pieces.
I take a seat in one of the empty chairs and watch the crowd, while swatting away vermin who continually come up to me.
Awhile later, I see Alcide, standing by one of the booths talking to some guys, who were huddled together. I look around him and don't spot Sookie.
Where was she?
Immediately, I leave my chair and make my way towards Alcide. I walk by him and he doesn't even notice me. I could tell by the look in his eyes that he was drunk or stoned, probably both. I keep searching the crowd for Sookie but don't see her anywhere. I briskly walk towards the back way, where the restrooms were. There were people leaning against the wall, making out and some even openly having sex.
I look towards the woman's bathroom entrance to see Sophie-Anne walking out with a smirk on her face, before another man, whom I didn't recognize walking into the same door. That sent red flags to me.
I sprint towards the door and open it quickly. There I find Charles Twinning sitting on one of the velvet sofas with someone beside him. He had his hand on her but I couldn't really see who it was, but I instantly recognize the bald head that was standing in front of the woman as he begins leaning down towards her. I look at her dress and I recognize it. It was Sookie's dress!
"She's going to enjoy this," Quinn says in a disgusting tone.
Immediately I am filled with rage. I run and grab Quinn by his bald head and immediately begin punching him. He recoils to the floor and suddenly Charles Twinning stands up.
"Eric, this isn't what it looks like!" he yells before I punch him in the face so hard, that I hear something cracking. I'm pretty sure I broke his nose. He falls to his knees, yelping out in pain, as the blood continues to gush out of his nose.
I give Quinn a few more hard kicks to the stomach as he stays on the floor. All of a sudden, I hear women in the background squealing in terror at the sight.
"Get security!" I yell at them. I watch as they flee the bathroom.
Charles continues crying out in pain. I wanted to do more to him, but I had to see Sookie. She was laying there, on the sofa, unconscious. I examine her dress, it didn't look like they had gotten too far. Her dress seemed still in place. I must have showed up before they did something more vile to her. But I was still angry at myself for not being here in time before they laid their hands on her.
"Sookie, wake up," I whisper into her ear as I put my palms against her cheeks.
"Sookie," I whisper again.
"What has happened in here?" a booming voice asks from behind me. I knew it was security.
"They tried to take advantage of this young woman, she is unconscious. Call the police," I tell them.
"Sookie," I whisper again. I was beginning to worry.
Suddenly, she begins stirring. She slowly starts opening her eyes, "Mmmmmmm"
"Sookie, it's me," I whisper close to her.
"Eric?" she says softly. She opens her eyes and smiles up at me. Her eyes seemed dilated, like she was under the influence of something. I suddenly remember the look on Sophie's face and I bet her drink was laced by either her or Quinn or Charles… it was one of them or all. I didn't want to think about that right now, I just wanted to make sure Sookie would be alright.
"Eric, is it really you? I've dreamt about this for so long…" she says softly as she continues to smile at me. Suddenly she puts her palms on my cheeks and brings me closer to kiss me.
I wanted to stop her, but I couldn't do it. Her lips were soft and tasted like strawberries. She moans a little as we continue kissing. I knew this was wrong, but at the same time, it felt so right, it felt like I was home and I was where I belonged. She clasps her hands around my neck as I grip her waist.
She breaks away from our kiss and whispers. "I missed you so much."
I am suddenly brought back to earth. "Sir, we will need to take statements," one of the guards says to me.
"Uhhhhh," I respond, suddenly losing my train of thought.
"Eric, take me away from here. I don't want to be here anymore," Sookie whispers into my ear.
"Sir?" the guard asks, waiting for my response.
"We will call you," I answer. I take Sookie into my arms and carry her out of there and out towards the exit. I look back briefly to spot Alcide, but I don't see him anywhere.
Oh well, he can fucking find us! I think to myself irately. I was angry at Charles, Quinn, Sophie-Anne, and especially, I was angry at Alcide.
I walk towards the bank of elevators with Sookie still in my arms as one of the security members hands me my phone.
I look down at Sookie, who was continuing to smile at me, "I love you Eric," she says as she strokes my hair.
Oh shit, Pam is going to be pissed. I think to myself.