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A True Blood/Southern Vampire Series Fan Fiction.
Chapter 8 |
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| ALCIDE |
By the time Alcide arrived at Belle Vita that Sunday the party was already in full swing. When he rolled into the drive he was lead by the parking attendants to a spot right next Rebecca's trailer. As he got out the sound of a slamming door made him look around to find a redheaded woman coming out of another trailer that set up on the same side of the lawn. She stood at the top of the stairs and yelled out at two kids who totally ignored her and ran towards the back yard bumping into each other and hooting and hollering the whole way. The Redhead gave up after a moment and stood at the top of the trailer stairs looking haggard and sick. A moment later she grabbed hold of her stomach and turned quickly going back into the door with the lady on it. Alcide had to smile at the fact Rebecca had even arranged for a portable house full of toilets to be brought in for a neighborhood party. A big tent had been erected in the spot where the crews benches sat. More had been added along with big fans set up all around to help keep the masses cool. At the back of the tent several food vendors where set up and Alcide could smell sea food, barbeque, hamburgers and hot dogs. Apparently Rebecca had decided to cover all her basis and give the people of Bon Temps choices. He heard the collective yell of his boys as he went toward the side of the house, he turned and gave them a wave and a give him a minute when they motioned for him to come over. Once around the side of the house he saw a sight that almost made him fall out. There was a huge bandstand set up by the lake where a live band was currently playing a song by CCR and a dance floor was waiting for people to hoof across. There was a mini play ground set up at the back of the lawn near the path to the garden. It was filled with bouncy houses, a jungle gym and a huge slip and slide. The towns children were making tons of noise running around chasing each other in and out of sprinklers many of them adding to their drenching by squirting each other with water guns. Around the pool there were tables with umbrellas and lounge chairs full of people enjoying the August sun. By the back porch of the house there was a place for people to get drinks and snacks. There was even a snow cone and cotton candy maker. Rebecca had gone all out leaving no stone unturned and it looked like the Shreveport carnival right in Belle Vita's back yard.
He heard her long before he found her in the crowd. Her laugh played through his ears like a song and once he found her standing next to Sookie and her gang from Marlotte's he stood in his perch at the side of the house and watched her. She looked lovely her hair up in a ponytail the sun hitting her dark red hair making it shine like the long burning embers of a campfire. She was wearing a simple purple one piece bathing suit and a long multi colored sarong with fringe that moved when she did, calling attention to her pale and sleek legs. She added height to her frame with a pair of mile high wedges. She was laughing at something being said her head thrown back and a hand on her chest and she looked like she was close to tears. The flamboyant Lafayette who was wearing the brazen choice of a bright yellow wife beater and paisley swim trunks had everyone around him entranced by whatever story he was telling. A tall latin man who must be Jesus his boyfriend was standing especially close, hanging on his every word. Rebecca seemed at home in that circle of friends and it was nice to see her completely relaxed and in what seemed like her element.
Mr and Mrs Whitstaff walked up to her then and Rebecca did the introductions around the circle. Rebecca encased the old couple in a hug thanking them for all their hard work getting the pool deck ready for the party. Mrs Whitstaff said something that made Rebecca scan the crowd and when she finally found what she was looking for,him she put on her brightest smile and a waved.
He grinned, nodded back and started to make his way toward her. She excused herself from the circle and weaved her way through the people sunning and playing in and around the pool.
" Well someone is fashionably late" She crossed her arms and gave him her best annoyed look. She gave him a anything but discreet once over.
" But you came styling and profiling so I forgive you." Apparently his combo of blue board shorts white tank and ray ban shades aviators made the grade. She extended her hand and he took it glad to have psychical contact with her again. He lifted her arm and turned it giving her a look of his own as she twirled around his hand. He then let her go and enjoyed watching the blush his move induced. He found her modesty as sexy if not more so than how she looked at the moment.
" Sorry had to take care of a few things this morning." He had gone to work to check in and ended up finding his Dad passed out in his office. After taking him home he had gone to check on his sister Janice but she had not been around.
" Well I am glad you are here now. As you can see the party is totally over the top. I couldn't believe it as I watched everyone start to show up yesterday and set up their stuff. All of the vendors have been so accommodating and I am over the moon with how great everything has turned out. The food is out of this world you really have to try some of everything. Melvin who is catering the Barbeque called and asked if he could bring along a friend who was starting up a Cajun restaurant and I of course said the more the merrier and everyone seems to be liking the variety. The kids seem to be having a fantastic time though I don't how many of the parents are thrilled about all the water but I did send out word to bring extra clothes. I have saved you a prime chase lounge by the pool and of course there is tons of food and things to drink. Right now it's only soda's and tea and lemonade which seems to be teeing of some people but it's to damned hot out here for people to be drinking and with the kids and all." She finally paused and took a breath. He was enjoying watching her go on and on. Rebecca excited was very amusing to watch "There will of course be a open bar after sunset and I have a DJ coming to so everyone can get their groove on. The kids will be set up in big tent up front to feast on popcorn and watch movies. She thought for a moment "Oh and your sister is here"
He looked at her in surprise. " Janice?"
" Yeah I hope you don't mind I got her number last night from Sookie and then called her and asked her if she'd like to come by and do a bit of girl pampering and then join us for the party." She pointed down at her her newly painted toes with a newly painted finger. "We meet over at Sookie's this morning. I figured she could use a little cash and a nice day away from her problems. She's sassy your sister."
" You have no idea Becca" He was sure he would get an earful from his sister later but for now he was thankful she was getting a few hours away from the drama of their family and her worrying over her shop. " Thanks. I appreciate what you did"
Rebecca shrugged. " Glad to help" She smiled at a few people coming in behind them. " As much as I would love to go sit next to you in the sun I have to be the all encompassing hostess so forgive me for leaving you now. I promise to catch up with you later." She touched his shoulder and gave him a little pout. She really seemed reluctant to leave him and he didn't want her to go but the purpose of this party was for everyone to get to know her and they couldn't do that if she was by his side all day. She walked towards the people coming in but turned to add one more thing " Most of the boys are here already. Been wondering where the boss man was. They are hanging out under the tent eating me out of house and home. So if you could do me a big favor I'd appreciate it."
" What's that?"
" Keep Red away from the crawfish it may be his namesake but he's going to get sick as a dog and I have this vision of him puking all over my new deck and I really don't want to see that"
He had to chuckle at the image " I'll see what I can do"
" Thanks" and with one last smile that went right to his heart she turned her attention back to making friends with the residents of Bon Temps.
After hitting the food tent confirming the food was fabulous and shooting the shit with the boys which included busting Crawfish's balls, he made his way to the pool and caught up with his sister who was drowsily baking on her back next to Sookie and Tara.
" Bout time you got round to us bro." She said without moving.
" Got some grub little sis hope that don't bother you to much" He replied.
" Hello Sookie, Tara. Ya'll looking good" Tara opened her eyes briefly and nodded. While she didn't have anything against Alcide. He'd been there for her and Sookie and seemed like a decent guy he was still a Were and right now Tara was having issues with anyone who was not strictly human.
" Well they should be cause I did them up right this morning. Your new boss lady hooked me up fine. She's quite a sassy thing. I like her." He smiled. Rebecca and Janice shared the same opinion of one another. He gave his sister the same response he'd given Rebecca. Tara's face said she wasn't convinced about Rebecca. She gave Alcide a look that said just that and then went back into her own space.
Sookie who was wearing a bright yellow string bikini that highlighted her perfect summer tan and showed off one of the best racks he had ever seen had barely registered his greeting instead she was focused on the water and her brother who was as usual causing a spectacle of himself. He was playing chicken in the pool with a couple of buddies each with a squealing bikini clad girl on their shoulders. The image of Jason with Rebecca sent a rush of anger through him. He turned away from the pool. He figured it was best not to spend to much time watching Jason at work. He already wanted to punch him in the face. From the look Sookie had she did to. He wondered if it was just his current behavior that was causing her to scowl or if Sookie had been digging around in her brothers mind and found out something she had rather not have known.
She took a quick look at Rebecca who was across the pool chatting with Sam the red head from earlier and another man who was looking nervously around himself. Rebecca put her hand on his for just a moment. He looked at her and his body stopped twitching and he seemed to focus only on what was in front of him. Now at ease he reached for his girl and she put her arm protectively through his and leaned into his shoulder.
" That's Arlene and Terry with Sam. Arlene is a waitress and Terry is a cook at Merlotte's. Terry is a bit skittish since he came back from overseas. The military wasn't that good to him." Sookie gave him a guilty smile. She had been inside his head. " Sorry I didn't go in for long just saw the question on your face and figured I'd answer."
" Wouldn't spend to much time running around in there Sookie" He popped a finger across his temple. " You might see things you ain't prepared to handle" He didn't want to get onto Sookie to much for slipping but he didn't want her walking around his head at will either. He held her gaze until he was sure Sookie understood.
She nodded and looked back toward where Rebecca stood. " She's beautiful"
"Becca?"
Sookie gave him a knowing look." Yes Becca" she gave him a gap toothed grin. " You fancy her" It was not a question but he didn't answer the statement. " It's alright you don't have to tell me. I saw you two earlier. The way you looked at her, the way you were together."
He ran his hands through his hair. " How exactly are we together Sookie?"
"One hundred percent smitten" she gave a him a push. " She's nice and I already like her. She has a way of making people feel comfortable around her. With everything that has happened recently you'd think I'd go running for the hills. But I'm drawn to her. She seems to have that effect on everyone." Again she looked at her brother.
Alcide wanted to confide in Sookie but would it be to weird? The fact that they had shared a few moments made him hesitant. But he would need to talk to someone soon and Sookie seemed like the least complicated option.
" Does she know bout you?" Sookie whispered.
He shook his head. " No I haven't told her."
" You think she knows anyway?"
" Maybe, Rebecca seems to know a lot of things." He blew out a breath. " I guess she must at least know about us. She can't be spending her nights with Vampires and not have had my kind come up in conversation."
"She's a smart cookie. I'd bet my weekend tips that she knows and is just waiting for you to say it"
Alcide was suspicious " You haven't been talking about me with her have you Sook?" Sookie was a friend to the pack and she had been trusted with his secret. He'd hate to think he just brought his second nature up in casual conversation.
Again the guilt spread across her face " We talked a bit this morning when it was just the two of us. I hinted around trying to get a reaction and I tried to get in her head but she's a tough nut to crack. I can't say for sure she knows Alcide but I can't imagine she doesn't. She has lived with Vampires her entire life. She paused and shook her head. 'Hell It's impossible she doesn't." Sookie knew it would be hard for Alcide to trust Rebecca with his heart or risk her rejection when she learned his secret. She wanted her words to encourage him to take a chance and go with his gut. " More importantly than that though Alcide I don't think it will matter to her one bit."
" Do you know how many times I have played that conversation over in my head. Not just with her but other people in my life. I have never told a human ever."
" You told me"
" No Eric outed me and your not just human"
Sookie's face clouded over for a second. "That's true" She opened her mouth to speak, then stopped closing it tight and sucked in her lips. Whatever it was she had planned to say was lost and replaced with a " You are going to have to do it eventually and I figure the sooner the better. You to are burning pretty hot and your gonna combust without all your cards on the table."
" You got all that from a couple of minutes in the grass?" He found it hard to believe that even Sookie could see what was going on between them in that short amount of time.
" Hell no but you should hear the shit going round the heads of your crew." Sookie fanned herself.
" You two got those boys acting like old woman gossiping on the pouch after Sunday services." Sookie laughed.
" Ah hell. Wish you hadn't told me that"
" Why? They all think she is hot and that your a total stud."
" It ain't gone anywhere yet."
" Oh but it will" Sookie sat back in her chair and settled in " You wait and see your earn your stud cred yet"
Alcide threw off his tank and placed it behind him on the chair. He to settled into his chair and bobbing his head to the band letting the sun work some magic on his skin..
He must have dozed off and only opened his eyes when he could no longer deny his need to know what was making the kids around him squeal in delight. Once his vision cleared from the glaring brightness he could see Crawfish standing on the deck of the deep end pretending to prepare himself to go in. He'd stretch his arms and legs and wiggle them about and then take a few steps back run for towards the water and then stop right at the edge. Each time the kids would yell at him to just do it.. After several goes where he'd pretend to be scared or mess up he went back to the edge of the grass ran towards the pool and then jumped high into the air tucking his legs into cannonball formation. He hit the water and it went flying everywhere and the squeals came from the kids as they got drenched. Also watching the scene from across the water was Rebecca who was now wearing a floppy hat and hiding under an umbrella. She laughed along with the kids clapping and whistling and encouraged Crawfish to do it again when he finally surfaced from the bottom of the pool. With a giant grin he'd hop out of the pool and go through the variances of the routine again. Each time he jumped he seemed to go higher, like he found a private pocket (of nonexistent) wind and when he hit the water the splash seemed to stand suspended for just a fraction of a second and then explode in perfect drops all over the waiting kids. After several go rounds Alcide found his gaze drawn to Rebecca's hand. When Crawfish jumped her fingers went up and when he landed she closed her fist and then she reopened it with a flourish. If he didn't know any better he'd have thought that the act was something more than her wishful thinking. It was a thought that left him quickly but one he would eventually return to.
The girls beside him had vacated which suited him fine at the moment he had no need for conversation. He got up and stretched walked the short distance to the pool and dived in himself. His hot flesh sizzled as he entered the water and yet he was thankful for the cool off. He did a few laps and then found a spot at the edge to lean against.
He took in the scene around him. Crawfish had vacated the pool area and taken the kids with him. He was now leading the adults against the kids in a water ballon war in the playground. He located his crew who were sitting with their ladies around a couple of of tables near the bandstand. The Merlotte's crew were hanging out around the porch drinking tea and sharing snacks. A covered up Sookie was standing by the back door of the house trying to get good look inside. He caught Sam's eye briefly, acknowledged him with a nod and went back to scanning the crowd. He tried to take in as many faces as he could, putting names to them when he knew making notes on those he thought he should get to know. One face in particular kept catching his eye a short stocky man with with receding black hair and gangster's face. He was wearing a suit which put him even more out of place in this crowd and it seemed to Alcide that the guy was looking at no one but him. When the man realized his staring had gotten Alcide's attention he lifted his glass in salute and gave Alcide a slick smile. Alcide didn't like the look of the man and didn't want to give him any response so he just turned away. The reality was there was only once face that mattered to him and he could not find her anywhere among her new neighbors. She had brought all of these people together and they all seemed to be having a great time but he wondered if that would be the case if they all knew each others secrets. There were already so many running around this lawn and fun hadn't even begun. The Vampires wouldn't be here for another couple of hours.
The noise surrounding him got louder by the minute and it wasn't going to die down any time soon as the booze hadn't even started to flow yet. He licked his lips at the thought of an ice cold beer and wondered if he could get his hands on one sooner than sundown. Behind him a burst of screeching came from the kids on the lawn, he had had enough. He closed his eyes and taking a deep breath sank to the bottom of the pool. His ears were ringing from all of a variety of sounds and voices but now all he could hear was the beating of his own heart. He sat there enjoying the quiet and fighting back the tightness that grew in his lungs. When it became unbearable he let himself float to the surface and took a deep long breath. He pushed the water off of his face and ran his hair back onto his head. He didn't notice at first that he was no longer alone. It was as he situated himself back against the pool edge that he noticed a set of coral toes sparkling in the few inches of water on each side of him. A bit of shade covered his eyes as he looked up to see that sitting behind him in her oversized hat was Rebecca.
" Hello" Her eyes were hidden behind big black shades but the smile on her face was warm and familiar and he couldn't help but reciprocate it with one of his own.
" You were down there a long time I thought I was going to have to dump the hat and dive in after you."
'" Ummm Hummm and that would have been one hell of a tragedy" He reached up and flicked the brim of the hat. He tried not to think about how he was encased between her legs and looked straight ahead so as to not be tempted to stare at the creaminess of her thighs.
" Hey this hat has been a good friend to me today. I don't have the luxury of beautiful perfectly capable of tanning for long periods of time skin." She thumped him on the arm. " I'll be as red as Crawfish by days end if I'm not careful" She flicked some water at him with her toes.
" Good to know that hat holds more value than your foreman. I could have been dead down there."
" Na" She ruffled his hair "I kept count of how much time between bubbles.. I knew you were still breathing." She giggled and then leaned back bit taking the shade with her. "As much as I love the hat I'd have hated to have to deal with yet another foreman so I would have sacrificed my fashion to save your life."
" Priorities..... Life is all about priorities Becca" Alcide teased her.
Rebecca's face came into view again this time at his side. She had bent down to look him in the eye.
" You are so right Alcide and my current priority besides saving your life if necessary is to see that you get this." A freezing cold bottle was suddenly stuck to his skin. He jumped and then grabbed, pulling it in front of him and glaring at the label his frown turned upside down. Now in his hand was the beer he had been dreaming of a few minutes before.
" Well hell" he said out loud. She'd even got his favorite brand
" Now don't go telling everyone I gave you this. I am breaking my rule."
He turned around to look at her and to use her as a shield as he took his first covert drink " Well I am honored you'd break the rules for me Becca" The beer tasted better than he had imagined and the view he had as he drank it made it even sweeter.
" Later we will look back on this moment as the first sign of what a bad influence you are on me" Her tone was teasing. Her body language playful.
" How did I influence you here? I didn't do anything to get this." he lifted the bottle " Besides I don't think you've spent to much of your life following the rules"
She grabbed it from his hand" Oh I would say that you have done quite a bit this week to deserve this" She turned the bottle to her lips and took a long swallow. " Your influence comes from the fact I could just sense your need for this" She shook the bottle "and I was compelled to fulfill it."
He watched her lips on the bottle top intently as she took the last swig from the bottle. Knowingly she licked all around the top to tease him " And you are right I have broken a few rules in my life"
" So how is it I'll be a bad influence?" He grabbed her toes just as she went to flick water at him again.
" Because I have managed to be good for a very long time now."
" Really?" He cleared his throat "So are you saying I make you want to be bad?" He was playing her game now.
" Yes Alcide that is preciously what I am saying"
" How bad are you willing to let me make you?" His hand travelled to her ankle. He found that his hand closed around it easily.
" Hummmmm" Her devilish green eyes stared into his "I haven't quite decided on that yet but you keep on trying and we'll see how far you can get"
He gulped in a mouth full of air and looked around him. There were far to many people around to take this conversation further no matter what Rebecca's eyes were telling him. Changing gears was the only way he was going to get out of this conversation without hopping up out of the pool,throwing her down on the pool deck and fucking her brains out.
" So little mindreader who brings me my favorite beer. What am I thinking now?" His hand went around her other ankle. Time for you to cool off he thought. She didn't even flinch.
" I don't need to be a mindreader to know what your thinking." She removed her hat and untied the wrap around her waist. " But I do not intend to go easily into that crisp cold water" She grabbed onto the pools edge with both hands just as he gave her ankles a yank.
The harder he pulled the harder she seemed to hold on. If her hands hurt from gripping to the gravelly edge she did not show it. Her eyes were steely, a smirk of determination danced across her face. She wasn't the type to just let him win. No Rebecca was going to challenge him at every turn. Every time he'd push she'd just push back. Every time he took a step back she'd take one forward. He moved his hands up her legs inch by inch tug by tug until he was able to grab her by the waist. One way or another he was getting her in this pool.
She shook her head and mouthed a big NO WAY IN HELL at him. This of course sealed her fate. With one quick move and a grunt he let go of her waist and grabbed both of her hands and flipping himself backwards pulled Rebecca with him into the pool.
They moved in and around each other,their bodies intertwining in various shapes and angles. She was trying to get away from him. He was trying to hold on to her. The grappling for control seemed to go on forever and then she stopped fighting. Her hands were around his waist his were on her shoulders. She encircled him pulling him to her. His hands made there way to the back of her of her neck. He rested his head on her shoulder and he let her hold him. He watched her hair moving around them like a bed of scarlet seaweed and wondered what this was he felt. Lack of oxygen or complete surrender? He wasn't sure which. He just knew it felt foreign and frightening.
Rebecca pulled back breaking his hold on her, his hands floating free and she grabbed them putting each one to her face. With one last glance which spoke of understanding she pushed off the bottom and floated to the surface.
When he followed suit a few moments later he had expected to find her waiting for him at the surface. He circled around looking for her. She wasn't in the pool so he turned to where they had been before going in.
" NOW" Her voice rang out and then he was pummeled with waves of water as people jumped in around him. And with that a water war ensued. Rebecca's quickly assembled army against Alcide's lone guns. Waves and waves of water went sailing through the air along with the screams of adult and child alike. He laughed and sucked in to much chlorine and finally surrendered when he was overtaken by a half dozen kids who attached themselves to him so he could not move. A victorious Rebecca added insult to his injury by floating up to him and splashing water in his face. She laughed as he sputtered and blinked and tried to free himself. She was out of the pool before he could safely detangle himself. She grabbed her things and took off, the crowd wooting and hollering as she did. He hadn't thought about the party going on around him the entire time.
He waved off the attention as he made his way back to his lounger and shrugged off the teasing until it faded away. He spent the rest of the daylight hours wondering where Rebecca ran off to and being as anonymous as possible.
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| Rebecca |
She left the party for a while figuring that it would continue to move along without her. She was soaking wet and frazzled from her interaction with Alcide. She had not expected any of that to happen when she had heard his hope for a beer. She had just wanted a few moments of just the two of them and to see him smile her smile. She had gotten that and so much more. The whole time she was by his side she had heard voices running around in her head. First there were the whispers of "what is going on over there" and then " OMG he's trying the throw her in the pool" and then the delight in the fact that he did throw her in the pool. As the war raged on the parents of the kids hoped they would all get out of the pool in one piece and the kids hoped they would get to say they had taken down the big bad guy who threw the nice lady who threw the party in the pool. It was all in good fun. Everyone was enjoying the show.
Everyone but one person. Whomever it was he kept talking directly at her. He was purposely trying to distract her into looking for him by saying hateful things. Calling her a whore and a slut for the way she was acting. "Why don't you just fuck him?" They got progressively worse but she couldn't look around to see who it was. As she ran away from the pool as if she was fleeing from possible reprisal she called out to Sookie to meet her in the front of the house.
Sookie who had been watching the whole thing from a table by the porch came around the opposite side just as Rebecca made the steps. She waved Sookie on but told her to be silent and together they went into the house.
" You alright Rebecca?" Sookie asked as the door closed behind them and Rebecca made a dash for the steps.
Rebecca stopped and looked back at her. " Sorry Sookie. I'm a little winded and a bit annoyed but other than that I am fine"
" I can understand the winded part. You all were going at it out there. But why are you annoyed? You looked like you were having fun"
" I was. So much fun actually. None of that is why I am teed." She turned back to the stairs. She didn't know if the person was just being judgmental or if it was something more than that. With unknown spectators roaming her grounds at night she just wanted to get a look at who it was so at the very least she could ignore or avoid the prick. " I was hoping you could help me out with something. I heard something while we were out at the pool. Someone was not enjoying the show and they were saying nasty things about me and I'd like it if you could help me find the him." She looked at Sookie questioningly. She hated to take advantage of her new friends ability.
Sookie though was used to hearing bad things said about her in other peoples head and while she usually ignored them herself she to felt the need to put the face to the hateful mind. " Sure thing. No problem. But couldn't we have done it out in the yard?"
" Yes but I think this person was trying to get a reaction out of me and if I'd pulled you aside out there and he was watching then he would know that I heard him and that you did to."
" Most people out there already know about me." She wished they didn't. But small town life and recent events had put any hope of her "oddity" remaining hidden.
" But they don't know about me or that I know about you." Sookie nodded. Rebecca's secrets were safe with Sookie. On that they had agreed that morning. They had sat in her kitchen early in the morning with cups of coffee and homemade cinnamon rolls and Rebecca had told Sookie her story. She then listened intently as Sookie told her hers. They compared notes on the crazy shit they had come across. Rebecca filled her in on things she had yet to discover. She promised to help Sookie uncover more about the Fae inside her and to answer any questions she may have about any subject. Sookie had promised not to say anything to Alcide about the fact that like he Rebecca wasn't just human. She promised not to tell him that Rebecca knew what he was either. She understood why Rebecca wanted to let Alcide tell her himself in his own time. She knew that once he felt comfortable in doing so Rebecca would tell him her secrets to. Rebecca was convinced that they belonged together. She spoke of the connection she already felt for him. She told her of her dreams as a child and after watching them together today Sookie believed all of it was true. Alcide deserved to be happy. Rebecca could do that. She just needed the time to break down Alcide's wall so he could see it all for himself. " Let's go. Bet we can find that asshole in seconds"
As they trotted up the steps side by side Rebecca couldn't help but think that all of Sookie's well wishes were tinged with regret. She had told Sookie so much about herself that morning because she really wanted to. Because she was in need of a friend who could understand what she was going through. One who would be discreet. But there was a part of her that was marking her territory. Rebecca wanted to make sure that Sookie knew what she was after. Sookie made no indication that she had any claim and while she spoke of Alcide fondly she did not think that there would be any issues between the three of them. But still she could see how Sookie would be melancholy about the idea of the two of them together. It was never easy watching people fall for each other when your own heart was unraveling or broken.
From the bay window in the master bedroom they both scanned the crowd. Sookie knew most of the people down below and they could easily be disregarded. Her talent was also much more tuned in that Rebecca's so she was able to go through many of the unknown faces quickly.
" Shit" Sookie whispered.
" Did you find him?"
" No it's just that there are more two natured her than I thought. I can't read them clearly." Sookie looked over at her. " I suppose I shouldn't be surprised huh?"
Rebecca smiled and shook her head. " No but it's not like he'd go round introducing you to them as his pack friends now is it?"
" I don't suppose so" Sookie chuckled.
" You focus on the humans I will dig into the two natured. She didn't think any of Alcide's men thought like that. They all liked her and liked the idea of Alcide with her so she looked for anyone who was not with his crew."
Silently they worked side by side mind by mind until finally Rebecca found him. She couldn't see him from where she was standing. But she could hear him loud and clear. He was wondering where she had gone off to. He didn't have all day to sit around baking in the sun and he didn't want to hang around here much longer with all the Were's sniffing around him. He hadn't gotten a good read on her himself and wanted to observe her more. Sending those insipid fanged dead had gotten him no where. He had to know........... and then it went silent.
" Rebecca?"
" He's gone"
" What?"
"He's gone. Whomever it was just left. His thoughts got further and further away until I couldn't read him any more. He must have been going down the drive." She sighed. He was surely the man who had sent the blond Vampire to watch her. So it looked like Eric was off the hook on that account. But what the man wanted with her was still a mystery.
Sookie was looking at her as though she wasn't getting the whole story. And while that was true she had no intentions of telling any more tales that day.
" Oh well. He was just a gigantic asshole anyway. Making me feel creeped out during my big bash." She shrugged her shoulders and danced around a bit trying to connivence herself and Sookie that she was letting the whole thing go.
" So Sookie now that your in here I suppose you'd like to take a look around?" She had seen Sookie looking into the kitchen's windows.
" Could I?"
" Sure. Very little has been done upstairs except for in here. This is the master bedroom and over there is my massive, yes you can be jealous closet and next to that is my soon to be an oasis master bathroom.
She showed the house to Sookie room by room. Explaining to her from a girls perspective what the house would look like when it was finished. It was the first time actually within the house she could explain her vision to someone who could look beyond the piping, lumber and paint.
Sookie offered to help. Rebecca promised to let her and when they were done their original reason for coming into the house was forgotten. They walked arm and arm laughing about the fun that was yet to come that night.
The Sun would be setting in less than an half an hour and Rebecca was in a tizzy trying to get herself put back together and back out to the party. She wanted to be there when Mason and his crew made their appearance. William would be joining them as well standing a united front just in case there was any problems.
Rebecca had left Sookie and had gone back to the trailer to clean up and get changed. Before she did either though she typed out her observations of the day in an E-mail to Mason so she would not forget any of the details. He had been quiet in her head that day. She supposed that he was tired and full of his own concerns and she had done her best not to bother him. She was not alone and he was right underneath her if anything had gone down. She hit send and knew that he'd be brought up to speed as soon as he awoke.
She gave her girls kisses goodbye and walked out of the trailer and smack into Jason Stackhouse. " Jesus Christ Jason what are you doing?"
" Sorry didn't mean to sneak up on ya. Been looking for you everywhere"
" Really why's that?" She slipped past him and headed down the steps. He was in front of her in seconds.
" Wanted to properly thank the hostess." He had showered himself and smelled like soap and aftershave. He was incredibly cute she thought and dismissed quickly. He would not distract her and there would be no repeat performances. Their last encounter was their only encounter.
" Well you are welcome Jason. I hope you've been enjoying yourself today." She had seen him hanging over several scantily clad woman throughout the day.
" Yeah it's a fucking fantastic party. But I haven't had you to myself for one sec. What's up with that Rebecca. You avoiding me?" He planted his feet. She didn't try to get past him.
" No I'm not avoiding you Jason." He started walking pushing her up against (to her horror) Alcide's truck.
" Then what is the deal. You ran out on my the other night without a word. Came out of the bathroom and you were gone. Never had a girl do that to me before" It was true he hadn't and he wasn't pleased about it at all.
" Someone was trespassing on the property. I went to deal with them"
" Alone? Hell Rebecca you shouldn't be hanging out in those woods by yourself at night. You got no idea what's running around out there." But he did and hated the idea of her out there by herself.
" I wasn't alone Jason. There was a house full of Vampires right over there." She pointed to Belle Vita " And Mason was with me"
" Oh. Well. As long as you weren't by yourself. I'd have gone out there with you though if you had waited."
She put her hand on his chest. " I know you would have Jason" Touching him was the wrong move. He now felt he had the right to touch her back. He put his hand on her waist.
" Here I was thinking you didn't have a good time." He smiled. She felt nothing. Now she had to let him down easy.
" Jason you were amazing. I needed someone to break me off and you did me exactly the way I needed to be done. But what we had was just a one night thing. I'm sure you understand right? She looked up at him with her best player face. "I mean you wouldn't want to get all tied down to anyone being the biggest stud in the parish takes up a lot of time and I'm a girl who needs a man around all the time."
" I could be that man?" We both knew that was not possible. He'd cheat within a month.
" I don't think you could Jason. I'm hard to handle." She dug her fingernails into his hand removing it from her side.
" Hot damn I like a girl who isn't afraid to inflict a little pain." He grabbed her hand and pulled her close. This boy was as dumber than dirt but she didn't want to devastate him. What happened the other night was much more her doing that his. She should have known better and she supposed that this was karma's way of telling her to keep it in her pants next time.
" Jason I..." His hands were all over her. She was starting to get pissed and just as she was going to let him have it.
" Mr. Stackhouse I believe the lady would like you to leave her be" Mason arrived just in time to save him.
Jason turned and saw who was standing there and dropped her like a hot potato. He'd seen a few vampires in his day but non of them came close to Mason.
He slowly backed away " I was just leaving. Sorry Rebecca." He swallowed.
" I think that would be best Mr. Stackhouse. But before you go I'd like your attention for a moment if I might." He put his arm around Jason who looked like he was going to shit himself and walked a few feet away. When Mason finished speaking Jason nodded and walked back towards the party.
" He won't be bothering you any more."
Rebecca rolled her eyes. " You glamoured him?"
" Indeed I did. I didn't take away the memory of that night as there was a third set of eyes who saw and a sister who knows and will wonder. But I did make any interest he had in taking your one night together further from his brain."
She wasn't thrilled when Vamps (even ones she loved) went rummaging around in human brains but this was an exception she could live with. " Thank you Mason."
" You are welcome my love." He held out his arm and she gratefully took it. Around them the night had fallen and as the rest of the Mason's men joined them they walked together towards the lights.
She had expected a quieting of the crowd as they all rounded the corner. When she had decided it would be best if they came in together as a group she knew there was a chance that people would be intimidated by seeing them all massed together. But she figured it would be better for everyone to get a look and know how many Vampires walked among them. She also wanted everyone to be sure of where her loyalties lay. She wanted to make Bon Temps her home but it would not be done at the expense of her old friends. William had joined them and she gave him a smile and looped her free arm around his. His color was almost pink and he seemed to be in a good mood that evening. She hoped that any interaction he had with Sookie that night would not ruin it. They made their way through the crowd Rebecca making initial introductions until little by little they all started to blend in together and the volume once again increased. She stayed close to Mason's side and marveled as he charmed everyone he meet. She noticed they were much cooler to William and that saddened her. The trailblazer always ended up with the short end of the stick. William would always be the one who started it all. The first of his kind to walk freely through the nights in Bon Temps and she feared that he would never know the same acceptance as those who came after him.
" William" she could see the melancholy tightening his hollowed cheeks. "You will never again be alone here." He looked at her gratefully and then excused himself to go find Jessica.
They had reached the DJ's booth when next Mason spoke " Your spotlight awaits love." He helped her up the steps of the booth and then stood at the bottom his arms crossed protectively scanning the crowd. He was looking for the same set of brown eyes as she. The DJ handed her a microphone and she centered herself before turning it on and addressing the crowd.
" Good evening everyone." The grounds of Bell Vita grew quiet.
" I hope everyone has been having a great time today?" The crowd around her showed their appreciation for the party with even more noise than there was before.
" Excellent.. Excellent. I am thrilled. I believe that I got around to each and every one of you at some point this afternoon but in case I have missed anyone my name is Rebecca Keane. I arrived in Bon Temps a little over two weeks ago but my connection to the town goes back almost two hundred years. My Great Grandfather Etienne built this home and worked this land for over fifty years. He was proud to call this his town and loved the people who lived here. He'd be very proud to see all of you hear tonight. He loved to entertain and threw more than his share of ass kicking parties." More hoots and hollers from the crowd kept her going.
" It is my hope now that I have come here to make his home mine that I will do the same." She gave them all a mega watt grin " Now I don't want to take up to much more of your time as The DJ here is ready to spin some tunes to get you up off your feet and the bar is now open on the porch." She laughed when a roar went up at that announcement " Yeah I know ya'll will make up for lost time I am sure." She rolled her eyes at them " I could use a drink myself" a hand appeared next to with a glass full of something cold and strong. " Well hell ask and you shall receive" Alcide stood a few steps away. She was grateful to see him standing there. Even more thankful for the liquid courage. She took a swig. Yikes she thought as the whiskey hit the back of her throat. The burn didn't last long though her part Irish pallet could handle the booze and she downed the rest of the drink quickly much to the delight of the crowd.
" I threw this party tonight for two reasons. One to introduce myself to all of you and let you in on the goings on here at Belle Vita and two to thank the men and women who have been working tirelessly to get this place back in shape. First I want to thank Mr. Mason Leary and the gentlemen who work along side of him. Mason is my best friend and the architect of this restoration project. He and his men have worked together all over the world restoring historic buildings and homes and I have been proud to watch him and his crew bring several homes that have belonged to my family back to life. I hope that you will show the best southern hospitality to him and his men when you come across them. They are the very best of men and I am indebted to them for all they have done for me. She looked down at Mason. I love you she sent to him. He beamed with pride back at her.
" I also want to thank two area contractors for taking on the challenge of this project last minute. First there is the Whitstaff landscaping company lead by Sara and Ben who worked all weekend to get the back yard presentable for todays festivities. They have great plans for the land surrounding you and I know that their vision will bring it back to life." She placed the mic between under her arm and gave the grand old couple a round of applause.
" And I reserve my last comments of the evening for the men who totally saved my ass by taking on this monster at the very last minute." Alcide stood at the bottom of the steps watching her and wishing she would not say a damned word. He hated to be called out even if it was for something good. "Mr Alcide Herveaux and the OH SO MUCH MORE THAN GAME crew of Herveaux Contractors. You all jumped right in and attacked this place and have been making it bend to your will all week and I am forever grateful to each of you for taking my call and for taking the job." She gave a nod to each of the men she could pick out of the crowd and to Alcide who was trying to look nonchalant and humble. She turned to the DJ and gave him a wink.
" Lets get this party jumping" called out to the crowd. She watched as people took the dance floor bobbing her head to the beat. With one small exception the day had gone without a hitch. She hoped that the rest of the evening would be just as successful.
Rebecca danced her way down the steps and just as she started to speak to Alcide, Crawfish came in between them " Rebecca it's one of our songs. Come on out and lets see if any of those moves you showed me stuck" He pulled her away from a surprised Alcide and a amused Mason and straight out onto the middle of the dance floor.
" They have been dancing in the kitchen" Mason snickered.
" I guess so" Alcide turned and shrugged his shoulders. "Not sure how much help she's gonna do Crawfish"
" Rebecca is quite the teacher and a fabulous dancer." He motioned towards the dance floor where Rebecca and Crawfish were cutting a rug and laughing their heads off.
" Is there anything she isn't good at?" Alcide asked as she watched " Anything she's not afraid of?" He wondered aloud.
" Hummmm not that I can think of" Mason gave Alcide a slap on the shoulder " and not any more." and then he was gone.
She didn't know how long she as on the dance floor. Partners and songs started to blur together after a while and she was grateful when Sookie caught her eye and motioned her over. She excused herself from her latest partner a young man she believed was the Whitstaff's grandson and bobbed and weaved her way through the crowd to where Sookie her friends were sitting.
" You guys are not dancing?" She said as she plopped down in an empty seat at the table. All of the Merlotte's crew she had meet previously were in attendance and when the hot latin Jesus handed her a drink she gladly took it.
" Muchas gracias Senor" said then and took a sip of what looked like a mojito. "Esto es una mierda fuerte (this is some strong shit)she shook the sting off.
" So what's the deal ya'll having a good time right?" she turned an eye to everyone at the table.
Everyone nodded or spoke to the affirmative. " You've pulled off quite the spread" Sam was impressed.
" Thanks Sam" she gave him a wink. She felt compelled to wink at Sam. It just seemed like their thing.
" Your ass can tear up a dance floor to" Lafayette gave her a wink and some head sass. " I'm jealous as fuck. My man has been staring at you since you went out there"
" Oh realmente?" she said just to Jesus.
He smiled and then stood " Estare de vuelta"
" What the hell did he say? Speak English. Shit" Tara screamed at his retreating back.
" Bitch watch how you talk to my boy ya here" Lafayette put his hand up preparing to slap his cousin down.
" He said he'd be right back"
" You speak spanish to?" Alcide had joined them a chair in hand he sat down in between Sam and Sookie. He gave her a appreciative once over. She had changed into a red halter dress with a very dangerous slit up one side. She had Janice put her hair up in a chignon and was wearing ruby and onyx earrings with red bottomed black heels. She thought she looked smoking hot and was glad that he thought so to.
" Yes among others" She shrugged. " Had a very isolated childhood. Learning was what I did" She keep her eye on Alcide. He wasn't quite there with them. She wanted to speak to him. Wished he knew her secret so she wouldn't have to try and find a quiet place to do it. Instead she tried to catch his eye but he was saying something to Sam. Sookie however was looking at her. She looked sad and a bit ticked at her. What is it?
NOT HERE! She replied and turned away. The conversation went on around her but Rebecca didn't hear it. She was to busy wondering what the hell she had done garner that reaction. Sookie had closed off her mind and Alcide's was just fuzzy grey energy bouncing around to the beat of the music blaring behind them.
" Beers and a bottle of Tequila" Janice appeared with Jason,Hoyt and Jessica. Jessica came over and sat on the edge of her chair
" Hey Rebecca you look great" Hoyt sat down in Jesus' vacated chair and then pulled his girl in his lap. Jessica squealed in delight and then kissed him.
" Get a room" Tara mumbled. Sookie glared at her and Lafayette smacked her. Jessica and Hoyt paid them no attention. Rebecca watched the two lovebirds and noticed that Hoyt had fresh wounds on his neck. It was one thing to suspect it was another to know and there really was no need for him to have marks everyone could see.
She leaned in to the twosome " Psst." they stopped and looked at her " Next time" she put two fingers to her neck.
" Try the inner thigh. No one will ever see it and the sensation rocks"
They both looked at her with wide eyes and then Jessica giggled and threw her hand over her mouth. Hoyt got all embarrassed and Ahh shucks. " Uh thanks Ma'am."
" Hoyt honey as much as I appreciate the manners I am way to young to be a Ma'am." She said pointedly.
Sure. Yeah. Okay Ma'... Thanks Rebecca"
" That's better."
Jesus reappeared " Bailar Conmigo" He held out his hand and she took it. Jesus eyes called out a challenge to her and she was intrigued to see what he was capable of.
She stood and let him lead her to the dance floor. Once there a latin beat began to throb around them and with a flick of his wrist Rebecca was sent spinning. She let her momentum rotate her several times and then reach out and securely grab his outstretched hand and with a few emphasized steps planting both of her feet firmly on the floor. She sent him a look that said if you want to dance then let's dance. They tangoed around the floor. Jesus' was on fire. A man on a mission he was full of cocky machismo. He challenged her with every step demanding she take it further and with each series of moves he made she meet him with ones of her own. His hands moved her around with precision. His eyes never left her face. She moved in and out of his arms with ease and as the song hit is climax he twirled her into his arms and lifted her leg high into the air and as she held the pose he ran his hand slowly, seductively down to her inner thigh. He then grabbed her hand and dipped her low.
" I know what you are, brujas" he panted into her ear. She snapped upward wrapping her arm around him and grabbing the hair on the back of his neck. She put her lips close to his ear
" That is good brujos cause I know what you are to" She sunk her teeth into the flesh of his earlobe.
He set her free but didn't stop staring until the clapping started. He then grinned and found Rebecca's hand once again raising it up in the air. Everyone had gathered around them on the outskirts of the floor to watch what most thought was a planned exhibition. Most were amazed and everyone seemed to have enjoyed the show. She saw Mason standing above the rest of the crowd beaming with pride. You looked wonderful love. She sent him a mental kiss in response. She searched the faces and found admiration, jealousy and then finally the emotion she most wanted to find and in the body of the right person.
Alcide's brown eyes bore into her. He had watched every moment transfixed by the way her body moved and the game that she and Jesus were playing. It was like watching a relationship unfold in a four minute song. The meeting, the courtship, the need and then the loss of control. His mind had gone right past the second stage of the dance leaving him fully encased in the forth and final act. He had no control over what he was feeling. He had seen her in the arms of someone else twice that day and each time it had drove him mad. His desire for her pulled at him from all sides. It over road all of his reservations and his fears. His blood boiled. His body ached. He didn't know how much longer he would be able to reason with his mind and make his body cooperate. Eventually he would explode. He just hoped that Rebecca would still be standing there smiling when the dust cleared.
Rebecca watched Alcide blend into the crowd. She had heard him and she hoped his breaking point would come soon. She wanted to tell him that no matter what she would always be there. She stood alone in a crowd full of people and continued to wait.....
* The characters of True Blood and The Southern Vampire series are the sole property of HBO and Mrs Harris*
