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| REBECCA |
She had thought she'd be fine, her body was tired from constant contact but by the end of the first day Alcide was away she felt the knot take hold in her center. Even her sleep was restless ,wandering though dreams hoping to catch a glimpse of him. He called of course and she knew he was fine but it wasn't the circumstance of his absence that troubled her. It was the mere fact that he was gone. Rebecca found moments of peace when people or work where there to distract her. The inside of the house came to a completion and many of her new friends came around at one point or another to spend time with her. She hosted Sookie,Tara, Lafayette and Jesus for an impromptu dinner by the pool the first night and on the second William sat with her on the porch leading her through stories and telling tales of his own. She felt loved and protected by their kindness but there was always that feeling something was missing. On night three she found herself at Merlotte's where she mixed with the townsfolk, ate greasy food and even had a few shots with Jason. They had come to a silent understanding. She was off limits and as long as he behaved himself she wouldn't have him or let him get pummeled. She caught Sam glancing in her direction several times. He liked to watch people, know his surroundings and those who worked their way through them. She waited for a few minutes after he left the main floor and then followed him. She broke away from those in the bar under the pretense of having to pee. She walked down the hall and heard him rummaging around in his office she went over and lightly knocked on the door jam.
" Busy for a Monday night?" He ushered her into the room with a wave of his hand so she took the same seat the first night she'd meet him and gave him a minute to find what he was looking for.
" Yeah guess they didn't get their fill over the weekend." He sighed and sat down behind his desk.
" Everything alright?" she asked leaning forward putting her elbows on the desk preparing herself to listen if he needed an ear.
" Family troubles making me antsy but there's nothing you can help me with." Sam's real family had come back into his life and he questioned every move he'd made concerning them.
"Okay." she nodded. She had yet to meet any of them. From what she had gathered the parents were missing in action, his brother however was still lurking about. Stealing from Sam whenever he could get his hands on.
They sat in silence.
" I can keep him from taking anything else if you like."
He starred at her for a minute and then with a knowing look nodded his approval.
" Do you have anything that belongs to him."
He walked over to where the employees kept their personal items and picked up a lightweight military style jacket.
" This was his." he held it out to her.
Rebecca took it. Sam's brother was troubled. The energy coming from this simple piece of clothing told her a lot. She got what she needed from the cloth in her hand and then went to the door. She placed a spell that would not allow him to enter.
" He came in the window last time. He's a shifter like me. Can become whatever he likes."
She nodded and performed the same spell on any point of entry in the room. She also made it where no one could open the safe even if they knew the combination but Sam.
" You have the ability to give permission where you need to."
" Thanks." he had watched her as she worked and only a small part of him remained skeptical. At this point though he would take any quiet help he could find.
" Your welcome. Family can be the biggest pain in the ass. Have spent my whole life battling some of them. I'm sorry you found yours and they weren't what you'd hoped they would be."
He looked away from her but nodded his head just slightly to let her know that he appreciated what she had said.
" You do know that you owe them nothing? I know you are going to do what you feel you must but I have to tell you that despite the fact that they are blood you do not need to ruin you life in order to try and save them. What they are they were before you even meet them. You also should know that it is very unlikely that any efforts you make will change who they are."
" I know" He looked at her straight away then and let her see all that he had been going through. He did know but he still felt like he had to try. But he also wished he had never opened up the can of worms in the first place. He'd be settled here, had a good fairly uncomplicated life. He'd been a stable person for quite some time. But recent events in Bon Temps had set him reeling and had brought back a restlessness he had hoped was gone for good.
" You need any more help with the rest of the bar or your place out back you let me know. You should at the very least be able to dictate how they get to you. Being on the offensive is always better than being on the defensive."
" Can you stick around tonight and work your magic for me?" He showed her some teeth and pushed himself up out of his chair.
" Got nowhere else to be. The inside of the house is done. Alcide is away and Mason and I are on the outs."
" Where'd Alcide run off to?" He asked.
" Debbie" She said simply.
" I see" he wondered if she was ever going to be seen again. He doubted it. " You two worked things out I take it?"
" Yes we have." and there was the blush that always was there when she talked about him. " I am sure there will be other hiccups but hopefully there will be no further giant leaps in the wrong direction."
" Your a good woman and he's a good man. You'll make it work." He was hopeful for her but wished for someone like her for himself. Always seemed the good ones got snapped up by someone else. He doubted that with Tara's issues both with him and herself that she would ever be anything more than a friendly diversion. She ran to hot and cold for him to make a real go of a relationship. He wanted someone who could accept him and he wanted someone he could trust.
" She's got to much turmoil running around inside of her right now. She can't find it in her to trust herself much less anyone else. It is quite likely she will never be able to fully handle those who's humanity is tinged with a second skin or extra abilities. She is envious of what those around her have and can do but she fears it even more. I feel for her Sam and respect her apprehension. She may let herself get lost in you for a moment or two of passion but you should be weary that the darkness inside her will turn on you. If you were not a friend, a lover she wouldn't bother to fight herself to keep contact."
Sam listened to what she had to say. " You speak truths others wouldn't dare." He knew he was playing with fire with Tara but when you feel you have nothing to loose you tend to be careless. With yourself and everyone else around you.
" Despite what you think Sam you have quite a bit to loose. Don't loose sight of what you have built here and be drawn back into a life that you left for a reason. It didn't fit you then and it won't fit now. It may seem easier to be the bad guy, to mindlessly hurt others to hide the hurt that lives within you but trust me Sam even if it seems like they always win they will pay for what they have done. Karma keeps detailed notes." Rebecca stood sensing that Sam had had enough though provoking thoughts for the moment.
" How does she react when she's around you?" he asked as she left.
" Honestly?"
He nodded.
" She finds me the most frightening of all cause she has no idea what I am capable of." She tapped on the door again as she walked out and back into the bar.
Layafette was in the kitchen and yelled out to her as she passed. She waved his comments about her glow away and shook her head as he let out a high pitched whoop and went back to flipping the burgers on the grill. She took a open seat at the bar and before she could turn around there was a tumbler sitting in front of her. Tara gave her a hint of a nod and went back to filling a order for the impatient Arlene who was hopping from one foot to another at the end of the bar. She coloring was still tinged with green and Sookie had told her Arlene was finding it hard to work when everything in the world made her sick to her stomach. She felt a pair of weary eyes on her and she turned to her left to see Holly watching her. She had been fine with the distance Holly had kept between the two of them. Even when they were in the same space Holly managed to stay a world away but tonight she felt it was time to have a talk with her fellow Wiccan. She dug in her pocket and placed some money in Tara's jar knowing that she would keep her thirst quenched for as long as she was in the bar. She grabbed her drink and stopping to let Jessica know that she was taking a booth in Holly's section. She got a mental WTF from Sookie who had offered her a booth when she arrived but quickly explained her reasonings and her friend went back to dealing with the insanity that filled her station.
Holly looked shocked to find her sitting there when she returned from the kitchen with a tray of food and even contemplated ignoring her as she passed to food out to her customers. But when she was finished she slapped the tray across her side and came to where Rebecca sat.
" Good Evening Holly." she smiled and put her hand out to indicate that Holly was to sit. Holly gulped hard and tried not to shake as she sat down.
" I am not sure why it is you fear me Holly. I mean you no harm." she searched Holly's mind for some clarification. Holly was a solitary for a reason. There was boiling bad blood between her and the coven she once belonged to. Holly was not supposed to practice and she was afraid Rebecca would somehow expose her and that was the last thing Holly wanted.
" I do not approve of what you and Arlene tried to do but your castings are between you and the Goddess. I have no interest in causing you any issue. You should know though Holly how you use your magic can dictate the path of your existence. The path that lines the dark side can be quite tempting but you will find your ruin at the end. Your aura is stable so I know that you do more good in your practice than bad. I hope that you will continue to do so for it is not just your soul that you harm if you do not. Do you understand?"
" Yes" Holly replied softly. She inhaled and let go of some of her anxiety. Rebecca wasn't sure they would become friends but they uncomfortable wall that she felt between them had come down. Holly was guarded with everyone Rebecca would be no different.
" Now Holly I am assuming that you have not told anyone about me am I right?"
" I haven't said anything." She wasn't in the habit of announcing other peoples business.
" Good, I'd like it if you would keep it that way." Rebecca smiled to reassure her that this was not a threatening request.
" That will be no problem." She understood. Some things were no one's damned business. She leaned in to the booth and lowered her voice to a whisper. " I know that you are a powerful witch. I felt you from the moment you arrived here in Bon Temps. I'm sorry if I offended you by my ways. I just didn't want to cause no undo attention to myself. I got a family to think about." she paused. " I've made some enemies by turning my back on that darkness you talked about. I was scared to talk to you but I can tell now you ain't anything like those I knew before." Rebecca still felt the seed of doubt, Holly was a novice but she was not a fool. Rebecca could end her if she wanted to and Holly knew it. Rebecca decided it was better for her purposes to let Holly believe she had been appeased. It was what Holly needed and since she didn't foresee Holly being a problem she was happy to let the subject drop.
" Arlene has been terribly sick with this pregnancy correct?"
Holly hesitated,like before she wasn't keen on speaking of others affairs but in the end she nodded her agreement to what Rebecca said.
" May I borrow your pad and a pen." Holly reached into her apron and handed them to Rebecca.
Rebecca hastily wrote the ingredients and instructions on the pad " I am sure you have probably tried to help your friend but this I assure you will do the trick. Follow the instructions precisely and see that she drinks some before every meal. She will be feeling much better in no time."
Holly looked over the paper mentally checking each thing she had handy off the list.
" At the bottom there is a number if you need anything call and ask for Brianna. She works for me in my shop in New Orleans. She is discrete and will overnight anything you may need." Holly pulled the piece of paper from the pad and held it a moment before folding it.
" Thank you Rebecca." She put it in her apron as she stood and went back to work.
Within seconds she was joined by Sookie " Everything alright?"
" Fine and Dandy Miss Stackhouse. Just giving Holly something that will help Arlene and you since once she's started taking it she won't be such a pain in the ass."
" Fantastic, God knows we all could use some relief from the pregnant dragon lady. Is it gonna ease her mind any about how the babies gonna turn out? You know she thinks he's gonna be a serial killer like it's Daddy."
" I have no idea Sookie but if it was you wouldn't that be something that filled your mind from time to time?" She had a feeling that the idea would remain with Arlene throughout her child's life. The thought of Arlene's baby daddy ran through Sookie's head often to but for very different reasons. She couldn't say she was sad he was dead especially since she'd done the deed herself but she hated to see her friend still hurting because of him. Just like everyone else she hadn't known what he was capable of until it was to late and she didn't deserve to suffer because he'd been smart enough to fool everyone.
" Guess you just hope for the best." Sookie looked over to where Arlene stood at the moment smiling at a table full of townsfolk.
And prepare for the worst Rebecca thought to herself. " So Sookie you got a booth open for me. I think Holly has had enough of me for the night and I'm starved."
" Sure" She smiled brightly and she followed Sookie to her booth in the back. Soon she had a huge plate of food in front of her as well as another drink. This one just a bit stronger than the last. Tara had apparently seen her tip.
Slowly the bar began to clear out. Rebecca had several visitors come by her booth and she welcomed them all. The faces were friendly the conversation light and being around so many people kept her mind off of Alcide. Sookie passed her mental notes and observations and more than one time she was caught laughing at seemingly nothing. She was smart enough to hold up her phone when Sheriff Bellefleur's gaze sat on her for longer than she liked. Layafette came and sat with her near closing. He to was missing his man that night so they commiserated over a tumbler of tequila. She let him tease her and ask totally inappropriate questions. Alcide was a looker and Layafette wanted to know all the in's and out's of her doings with him. He was lude and crude and no holes barred but and she answered them with equally smutty language. She could get down in the dirt with the best of them when it was called for.
" Shit girl, you nasty." He howled after one particularly vulgar comeback.
The bar now empty except for those who worked there so his voice bounced off the walls. She saw Sam out of the corner of her eye. Leaning against the bar watching the two of them while the girls ran around cleaning up so they could get the hell out of there. He gave them the signal to leave and Holly and Arlene hightailed there way to the back and she could hear what sounded like the back door slamming before Sookie and Tara were able to make their way over to where she and Layafette sat. Tara gave her cousin a slap and told him to stop being so sick and then gave her a look that told her she hadn't expected to hear what had come out of Rebecca's mouth.
" We're getting out of here. You want to walk out with us?" Sookie asked
" Not quite yet. You three go on. It's been a long day and I'm sure your done in." She smiled away any questions they had and watched as they all walked past Sam who hadn't moved from the bar.
She waited until she heard tires on gravel before getting up and walking toward Sam.
" I need a drink" he said fishing a bottle from under the bar and pouring himself a glass. Scotch and expensive at that.
She took the bottle from him and filled her glass as well. " You can charge me if you like" she said in response to the lingering look he gave her as she put the glass to her lips. " I'm good for it" she said after downing the glass and pouring herself another.
Sam couldn't help but chuckle at her. " You need anything." he stopped and gulped.
" Besides this?" She shook the glass back and forth the liquid splashing dangerously close to the top of the tumbler. " No I'm good." She put the empty glass down on the bar and turned her stool towards the front door. " You want him to be able to get in here?"
" Might be a bit weird if he gets zapped trying to come into the front don't you think?"
" I suppose but it would be a free floor show." She giggled " Of course you could always charge admission if you'd like"
He couldn't help but think it would be a sight to see and that his brother deserved it but still he didn't want any more ruckus going down inside the bar. Enough had gone down here recently already.
" All right then let's head out back to your place then." she hopped of her stool and headed down the hall. Sam followed close behind.
" So Rebecca," Sam had finally gotten the nerve to ask her what he'd been wanting to all night. " That invitation for a run still good?"
" Of course" she said turning her head back toward him but continuing to walk.
He hadn't gone running with anyone since Daphne. Daphne who no longer walked among the living. It was the thing he missed most about her.
" Alcide know you offered?" He didn't want no trouble.
" Yes though he will probably be less than thrilled to know I did it with you before I did it with him." She giggled as she walked through the threshold of the back door and turned completely around to gage Sam's expression. She had expected him to look flustered and surprised but what she saw was neither of those things. Instead he'd gone white and silent. He pointed behind him before he could speak and Rebecca read what he saw and wanted to say just a second to late. Two pale hands grabbed her by the arms and pulled her into an air tight embrace. A wisp of blond hair fell across her shoulder and she knew that the blond vampire from the woods had decided to make his move. He had grown tired of waiting. She was supposed to have died at that wolfs hands in the woods that night. He had watched the attack and had sat listened as she faded away. But her she was living and breathing in his arms and it infuriated him. His name was Maarten and he'd been Vampire for more than two centuries. He knew who Rebecca was. What she had done and it was determined to have her life. Draining it from her now seemed to be his sole responsibility and it was one he took on gladly.
She pleaded with Sam to stay put, focusing her mental telepathy directly on him so that Maarten wouldn't catch the connection.
Sam stayed put with hands in the air started to talk " Whatever it is you want you can have it. We don't want no trouble Mister." and play dumb.
" I have what I want already." he jerked her hard and she pretended that it hurt far more than it did letting out a squeal and a sob. She could play dumb to. She knew why he wanted her but she didn't want Maarten explaining any of that to Sam. Luckily Maarten wasn't in the mood to chat. He could care less if she knew why he wanted to kill her. He just wanted her dead and once he was done he planned on draining Sam to.
Sam didn't need to be warned of that fact he knew the score what he didn't know was how to help her. He couldn't stand the idea of watching helplessly as this piece of shit Vamp killed her. How would he explain that to Sookie, to Mason or God forbid Alcide.
" Sam" she called to him, his mind was racing through plans and it took three times before he heard her. " Calm down and please stay where you are"
Maarten's grip grew even stronger but he released one one of her arms so he could wrench her head back. He marveled at the white silkiness of her throat and his eyes danced as he caught sight of her jugular just under her skin. " You are remarkably calm for a woman about to die. I'd have expected nothing less from you." As his head moved downward the thrill of tasting her running through him Sam started towards them. His hope was to knock him off balance. To give Rebecca a chance to work some kind of magic. For him to split his skin and take off running. Saving the questions for a less potentially deadly time. She closed her eyes at the pinch of fangs piercing her flesh and waited. Maarten's senses were overtaken by the taste and smell of her blood. In all his years he'd tasted none richer or more intoxicating. He was entranced and fixated so the impact did exactly what Sam had intended. Maarten fell backwards, Rebecca however lurched forward and into Sam's arms. He'd somehow managed to pull of his shirt and was now holding it to the wounds on her neck. He turned sideways putting the bulk of his body between her and her attacker. If they were both going to die the least he could do was die first.
Maarten hissed and lurched forward but found her could not get to his feet. His body lurched again this time not of his will and his gaze which had never left Rebecca's face registered what she already knew. Slowly she let the smile creep onto her face. She was glad he had enjoyed the taste of her. She hated to think that last blood that he would ever know would be disappointing. His hands started to shake and his body bent in two. He was forced onto his back and as her poison reached every part of him the convulsions took over. He cried out in agony his first death and rebirth hadn't come close to the pain that seared through him now. His true death was just moments away and Rebecca sent him a final farewell. She snapped his head towards her
" You should be proud Maarten. You died with far more dignity than your sire." He hadn't known everything about her. If he had he'd have never come to find her. He'd lived for centuries and had ample opportunity to gain all of the knowledge needed to avoid the pit falls the befell those who lacked common sense. She watched as his flesh started to dissolve and fall from the bone. From top to bottom until all that was left was his eyes and as they sunk into crater of his newly exposed scull Sam let out a string of curses and turned away his gag reflex causing him put his head between his knees.
" What the fuck?" he screamed into the night sky.
Her eyes stayed glued to Maarten until he was nothing but a pile of red goo with swirls of white running through it. She felt at ease and a sense of calm rushed through her. A threat to her was now disposed of and she was glad for it.
" You couldn't have told me you were fucking Vampire Napalm with that mind melding shit of yours? Maybe given me an idea of what the hell was going to happen to that son of a bitch?" He was once again standing upright behind her. He turned his face in front of hers and took her in.
"Sorry." she said softly. Everything else around them was quiet it seemed silly to fill the void with the sound of her own voice.
" That's all you got?" He gently pulled her head back taking another look at her neck. His hands dropped when he saw she had already begun to heal.
" Under the circumstances I'm afraid so." She grabbed his hands " Well there is one more thing. Thank you."
Sam shook his head. How'd he end up in the middle of this kind of shit? Just when he thought he'd seen it all. He would never think that again after tonight. Anything was possible. Plain and simple. He ran his hands through his hair and pushed the last of the death stress from his body.
" Help me clean this up?" He didn't want any trace of what had just happened her lingering by his back door come morning. Rebecca didn't have the heart to tell him this wasn't the first jellied Vampire to know this ground.
" Of course. Show me to the shovels." he did and they worked quickly putting the remains of Maarten in sacks and tossing him into the swamp.
They stood at the edge of the water starring at the moon shining across it's surface.
" Think we'll have to save that run for another time. I think I'm bout done." She looked up to find his face wasn't grim. In fact the corner of his lips were turned upward.
" Well if your tired" she replied innocently, patting his arm to let him know she understood.
Her reaction set Sam to laughing. She rolled her eyes and watched him with amusement of her own. When he stopped she took his arm " Come on funny man what do you say we call it a night."
When they reached the trailer Sam stopped short of the front step. " Not sure I'm comfortable with you heading home by yourself." He wasn't sure he wanted to be alone here right now either.
" I'll be fine Sam" and so will you she sent to him silently. He started to protest again when a familiar voice rang out from the darkness.
" I will see that she makes it home safely Mr. Merlotte." Mason's frame moved from the shadows and took it's place next to her. " I can assure you she will be well looked after. I can also assure you that you will not be bothered further." Sam looked from Mason to her.
" Go inside Sam. Get some sleep." She hugged him and while he let her she planted the seed that would ensure he would rest easy. " Thank you again."
" I'd say anytime but you'd know I was lying." There was nothing but the truth in that. " You got her?"
" I do." Sam knew that Mason was far better a protector than he could be so with one last look he turned and went inside.
Rebecca handed the keys to Mason he had come on foot rushing from the house the moment Maarten had grabbed her. He had arrived in time to see his end but had stayed hidden in order to watch for any other trouble and to not freak Sam out any further than he already was.
" There was no other way Rebecca. His death was a certainty. It was only a matter of when,how and by whom." She knew of at least three people in her life who would have gladly done it themselves. Another who would have died trying. She was glad that he had not been here.
" I believe he had hoped to find you alone and tonight despite Sam's heroic ideas you were closer than you have been since he arrived."
Mason knew all she did. Had seen and felt every moment and the connection was now clear. She had never seen Maarten before, he had not been there when Alexander had died. She'd have remembered him instantly. Clearly he took acceptation to what had happened after but the question was how he had come to know of her part in what had happened.
"It is quite possible he knew nothing but your connection to Alexander. That might have been enough." Maarten had been a vengeful Vampire. It had taken little to slight him and he was prone to latching on to hatred and letting it feed him until he had gotten his revenge. Rebecca's mere existence would have been more than enough.
Something about the situation struck Mason as funny for his low throaty grunt like laugh suddenly filled the space between them. " Human Napalm... Sam's face..." He stopped and wiped away invisible tears. She sat in her seat quietly and let him have at it. It was to nice to have him acting in such a comfortable way with her. She hated to ruin it by being combative.
As he pulled to a stop in front of Belle Vita the serious side of him returned. " You handled yourself well tonight." The calm she had displayed tonight had eased his mind.
She had unleashed no magic and simply had let the nature of the beast accosting her take his most logical steps. She had read him, learned what she could without him knowing. That is until it was to late for him to do anything with it she had suppressed her anger but it had still been present. She couldn't have help the dig right before the end. He had after all tried to kill her. Most importantly though she had kept herself and Sam intact. His death would have been the one she wouldn't have been able to live with.
" Thank you Mason." She bid him goodnight as they parted ways but it was only as she reached for the doorknob of the tailer he replied. His voice rang through her head for the first time in days. It was a good sign. She leaned against the railing looking up at the house and breathed in the night. The last hour had been one better forgotten but she couldn't help but feel it had also signaled the beginning of an ending. Maarten's presence had been the first clue that something was amiss. He had been the one feeding Debbie information, in exchange for his blood and now he was gone. All that was left was for Alcide to find Debbie. Once she was contained she felt that the dark cloud hanging over Bell Vita would certainly dissipate. There was a breeze coming off of the water and she stood and watched the fireflies dance at it's edge. She ran her hands across the soreness of her upper arms. Even in the dark she could still see the fingerprints the Vampire had left behind on her skin. They would be gone before she saw Alcide again. Still she hated to have to tell him the tale of what had transpired tonight. He hadn't been happy to leave her here to go look for Debbie. The lack of choice in such matters would weigh heavy on him no matter what the circumstances. It was just another addition to the internal debate of his two sides. Inside the pocket of her jeans her phone began to to buzz. She hadn't heard from Alcide all day and the sight of his his name flashing across her screen at three am in the morning made her heart jump.
" Hello?" she answered.
" We found her." spoke the voice on the other side of the line. Her question had been answered.
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| ALCIDE |
His lead had taken him from Arizona to Vegas. He'd taken a plane out west but had driven the trek between states and it was the time on the open road between stops that had been the most difficult. His companions were not talkers and the music only drowned out the thoughts running through his head so long. He had quite a bit of time to think about things. What he was going to do when he found Debbie was second only to how Rebecca was doing back at Belle Vita. He was on a mission and the sooner he completed it the sooner her could get home. He'd gotten a lashing from his Dad before he'd left, to many people were looking at him in a way he didn't like and yelling about it seemed to be his only solution. Alcide's first priority had to be getting the talk running through the pack stopped. Finding Debbie would go a long way in making that happen. He'd struck out in Arizona getting there just a day to late. He'd known he was on the right track though because her scent was still all over the torn up hotel room. Seemed Debbie wasn't alone though. She had brought a fellow Were along for the ride. He was probably to dumb to realize he was being used and that if need be she'd use him as a human shield to make another break for it. The next logical step seemed to be Vegas. Debbie had a cousin there and he figured she would try and find someone who would put up with her shit in the name of family.
When he arrived in Vegas the cousin first said she had no idea where Debbie was but then a day later had called and told Alcide to come and get her. She had no idea what her cousin was but she knew she was a V junkie, she had shown up over the shoulder of some biker doped out of her mind. She didn't want any part of the kind of trouble Debbie could bring to her door. The Vampires in Vegas were bad news, one taste of V and you were likely to disappear into the desert without a trace. There hadn't been much small talk or much of a fight. Debbie had been passed out cold and her cousin a girl barely out of her teens had just wanted them gone. He had driven to the outskirts of Vegas and settled into a Were safe house before calling Becca to let her know what was going on. She had been pleased to hear his news and now he found himself following her instructions and crossing the New Mexico border. Rebecca knew a woman she thought would help. A Were/Witch who used her magic to clean up and straighten out those whom everyone else has given up on. She specialized in dealing with the supernatural. What had sold him on the idea was when Rebecca told him that if she couldn't fix Debbie she'd have no problem killing her.
Elise he learned once he arrived at her facility outside of Taos was a no-nonsense slip of a woman, who at first sight would frighten no one but after spending a few hours in her company he had no doubt that she could handle anyone and anything that was thrown at her. He had wanted to leave right away after hearing what had happened with the Vamp back in Bon Temps but Elise had insisted her stick around and Rebecca had told him she was fine and that he should do as Elise instructed. Debbie' detox was brutal and at the end of his three day stint watching her go from being meek and full of remorse to being full of venom and changing uncontrollably he understood why he and his pack mates had been asked to stay. It had often taken all of them and then some to keep her under control. Elise bid them farewell before dawn Friday morning and he had danced in his seat all the way back to Louisiana on the red-eye. He drove like a mad man towards Shreveport and just about lost control of the truck when he caught sight of the Bon Temps exit sign. He felt the strength of her pull from the highway and he had to blink back the image of waves of energy humming in the air as he passed by. The force of her nature had spread to the highway and Alcide couldn't help but wonder how many others besides himself would see what he saw or could feel what he felt. She knew he was near,he could see her welcoming smile but she made no attempt to tempt him to her. He dropped off his men,checked in with his sister and made an appearance at the office to have a talk with his father and fill him in on the last few days. There would be a pack meeting the next night and would make his presence known throughout the weekend just to satisfy his Father and everyone else who had anything to say about him not being around as of late. When he left the office his Father was the calmest he had seen him in weeks. Crisis now contained he could get back to business, which probably meant a poker game and a loss of his shirt by dawn. Alcide worried about that for as long as it took him to get back onto the road. He didn't even waist time going to his apartment. Everything he needed was waiting for him up in Bon Temps.
When he finally pulled into the drive of Belle Vita it was close to five. He was dead tired but the closer he got to that driveway the more hyped up he had gotten. Despite being so close to shutting down for the week the crew was hard at work on the exterior of the house and when he stepped out of the truck he had to stop at the back end to take in his surroundings. He had just caught Max's eye and motioned him over when something running out onto the porch distracted him. Rebecca came to a squealing halt just inches from the steps, her shoes making enough noise to get everyone around her's attention. She was wearing shorts and a bright green tee with her hair tied back in a bandana and even though she was working to control the muscles on her face she was glowing from end to end at the sight of him. The sight of her trying to contain herself,making an effort to respect his desire to keep things quiet when the crew was around was enough to melt any resolve he had left on that matter. He let a smile fill his face and then he called silently to her. " Come on already get over here."
In a flash she was off the porch and running towards him. He could see through his peripheral vision everyone stopping what they were doing to watch but his main focus was on her and setting himself for impact. She jumped into his open arms wrapping herself around him. He closed her in and held her tightly,she smelled like strawberries and the sun and holding her filled him with joy.
" Mrs Whitstaff brought strawberries from her garden this morning, we made shortcake for lunch and MY GOD you feel like a bazillion dollars." she sent to him burying her face in his neck.
He pulled her back with both hands placing them on each side of her face and took her in. " You good?" She'd been attacked by a pissed off Vampire just a few days before but looking at her you would never be able to tell.
" I am now" she replied back. Thinking though that she would be better if he would only kiss her.
He gave her a crooked grin and with his thumbs running across her cheeks let her pull him into her. As their lips meet the silence that had enveloped them irrupted in cheers as all of the crew voiced their joy that Alcide had finally got off the pot.
They both laughed and he squirmed at being the center of attention but Rebecca would have non of it. She went off hooting and hollering with the rest of them all the while filling his face with kisses and squeezing him ever harder.
" And to think I've only been gone five days. Can't imagine what I'd come back to if I stayed away any longer." He kissed her one last time and then put her down but didn't free her completely, he wrapped his arm across her shoulders as she encircles his waist with hers and they both turned towards the house. He knew his face was red and the shit eating grins surrounding him was only making it worse.
" All right now that's enough. You all get cleaned up and get the hell out of here. The weekend is calling."
More cat calls,eye brow raises and shoulder bumps ran through the crew. They all had an idea of what that really meant.
" They all think you want them gone so we can go at it." Rebecca sent to him with a giggle.
" Yeah Becca I can read that just fine without you telling me." He sent back.
She bumped him and he lost his grip on her for a moment " Now don't make me throw you over my shoulder and spank your sassy ass in front of everyone." She gave him an eyebrow raise of her own but let him bring her back to him without a fight.
" All right you guys you heard the boss he said to get cleaned up and get out of here. Since when any of you need and excuse to start a weekend. MOVE IT!!" He'd have expected it from Max but it wasn't his voice that rang out it was Crawfish. Now standing where Rebecca had been literally kicking people off the porch and kicking their butts in gear. Max stood in the middle his arms folded looking stern and when Crawfish caught his eye he jumped back a step and swallowed hard. Max's face crumbled and he bent over in laughter and as Alcide passed him he gave him a slap on the shoulder " Way to have my back."
Crawfish grinned from ear to ear and then turned the color of his name sake when Rebecca reached up and ruffled his hair and planted a kiss on his cheek.
" Thanks Red for starting that fire" She nodded her head toward the crew who were now just minutes from pulling out of the drive.
" Anything for you Ms. Rebecca. You two enjoy your evening. " He gave her a wink and a smile and then took a look at Alcide to make sure there were no objections to it.
" Ya'll enjoy your weekends" Rebecca called out to everyone and hand and hand they walked inside and shut out all the noise behind them.
Before the door had clicked close he had her up against it. The kisses he put to her then had no hesitation, there were no eyes watching and there was no need to control where he kissed her, where he put his hands on her body or what all of it was doing to him. She willingly let him pull her in and lift her propping her up between him and the door so he could manhandle her easier. He'd have taken her right then up against that door but for the second time in that situation the phone in his pocket started to ring.
" Your sister again to" she said with a sigh and an laugh filled with irony. This time though there would be no fight after the call ended.
She started to walk away as he reached to get the phone and he grabbed her arm " Don't go anywhere this will just take a second."
She smiled sweetly and removed his hand " You talk then go upstairs and get cleaned up. I'll bring you something to eat. You've more than showed me how much I was missed and now you need to unwind and chill out for a bit." He gave her a pleading look as he said Hello and asked Janice to hang on a second.
" Alcide you look like a puppy who's lost his bone. I ain't going no where. Now talk to your sister." She retreated down the hall with an extra sashay just for him and he climbed the stairs as he talked. The conversation was quick just an update on a favor he'd asked his sister to take care of for him and within a minute he'd tossed the phone on the dresser chucked his clothes on the floor and headed into the bathroom. Now completed he looked longingly at the whirlpool tub but decided he wanted to christen that in a totally different way so he settled for the shower which had turned out just as well as the mural in the kitchen. The stars that ran through the night sky twinkled in the lights and from what he was told would shine along with the moon when the room was dark as well. The ran his hands across the cool golden tiles and thought of how the real thing dictated so much of his life. What he wouldn't give for it to be different though he supposed these days the need he had to shed his other skin permanently had turned dull and distant. He turned on the shower heads, situated in a way that they hit him from above and the sides, scalding hot water that kneaded all of his aching muscles and washed the last few days down the drain. He took sat down on the built in seat and let the pulsating heads concentrate on his upper back and shoulders. His body free of tension he realized once again how tired he was. He'd slept very little while he was away and now that he was home and several of his worries were off the table there was little to keep him from actually getting some rest. He just wanted a few more hours before passing out and if stayed where he was he would probably fall out right there. He turned off the water dried off and wrapped the towel around his waist. Rebecca was not in the room but the food she had promised was sitting on the coffee table waiting for him. The smells coming from across the room made his stomach growl and when he sat down he saw that everything in front of him was meant to comfort. Fresh made biscuits with butter and blackberry jam,beef stew on a bed of rice, some collards and a piece of the strawberry shortcake. He poured himself a glass of tea from the pitcher and then dug in. It didn't take long before everything was gone and he sat back on the couch and took in the empty plates guiltily. He'd have to make up for this meal this weekend. His body may have enjoyed every bite of it but it would cost him more than it was worth if he didn't work it off somehow. Thoughts of how to get a work out ran though his head and of course the easiest way would be for Rebecca to show her pretty little ass and let him finish what he had started downstairs. He called for her and she replied to hold his thought she'd be up in a few. He laid his head back and closed his eyes, it couldn't hurt to give them a rest while he waited. He was out like a light in seconds.
His eyes fought him but he finally managed to pry them open. The room was dark and with a start he sat up when he looked out the window behind him and saw that the night sky glimmering back at him. He threw his legs off the edge ran his hands across his face and rubbed his eyes. Once able to focus he found the clock by the bed and saw that it was almost eight thirty. He'd been sleeping just over three hours but it felt like much more. The towel that had been around him when he'd dozed off was gone replaced by the throw that usually hung across the back of the couch. Rebecca apparently had made it up to him eventually and managed to strip him and lie him flat without him even realizing it. Sometimes she really was scary strong he thought. From the corner of right eye he saw a shadow cross the beam of light coming from the closet. She was also freakishly quiet. He knew it had to be her the shadow was far to big to have been one of the cats. He stood but had to wait until his legs woke up and the dizziness left his head before heading to the door. She stood at the end her back to him the criss-cross of blue strings running across her back. She was petting Saffy who was resting on her personal perch and Emmy was at her feet working on her fur. She stopped for a second put a paw to her Mother's leg as if to signal his arrival and then when back to work.
" I see you got your present." His voice came out huskier than normal he cleared his throat and tried again. " You look even better in it than the last time."
She turned her face aglow with a smile and a bit of shimmer. She was more made up than he had seen her before and while he loved her fresh faced the bombshell look set him off as well. She could stop a room with way she looked at the moment.
" I must say that your taste is quite refined for a country boy." She slinked over to him and he took her arm and gave her a twirl when she got to him.
" I may be a simple backwoods contractor but I know what will look good on that ass." He grinned and gave her a slap. He hadn't expected she'd get it so soon.
" Janice brought it over a while ago. She said you asked her to have it delivered by no one was going to do that shit on a Friday night so she just brought it herself." Rebecca shrugged and giggled as Alcide rolled his eyes.
" Ask a simple favor and all you get is sass and shit."
" It was quite cute actually. I think she just wanted an excuse to get the hell out of Shreveport for the night. She's downstairs watching TV and nursing a beer."
He supposed he couldn't blame her at the moment he didn't want to be there either.
" You two going out somewhere?" he didn't think Rebecca got dressed up to hang around the house.
" Just to Merlotte's, Sookie invited us down for a few celebratory drinks and Sam promised to let me have a glass or two of the good shit he keeps locked up under the bar." For the first time she gave him a proper once over. " You, I think are a bit under dressed for going anywhere." She put her hand to her mouth and lifted her eyes to the heavens.
"Don't think Sam will appreciate your showing up in birthday suit even though he's been known to go running around the woods in his." She looked him up and down again. " Now I personally don't mind but hey you have to go with what is comfortable for the majority." She ran a hand across his chest and then pointed to his recently cleaned clothes hanging in a empty section of the closet near where he stood. " I know this room frightens you but that space is for you. Fill it up, leave it empty or sit that duffle in the spot and call it a day." She gave him a slap and walked out of the room.
He dressed quickly and re-entered the bedroom just as she was placing the throw back in it's place.
" Can't believe I feel out like that. I was sitting there waiting for you to come up and then, gone." He sat down and watched as she fiddled around the room. She straightened the comforter, took her hairbrush back into the bathroom and then started digging through the drawers of her jewelry box.
" You were really tired and needed to get some sleep." she shrugged finally finding what she was looking for.
He watched her as she tried several times to clasp the necklace around her throat. Each time she grew a bit more annoyed. He was on her in the blink of an eye taking both ends of the necklace and snapping them together. He let his hand run down the length of the necklace and sat the center stone gently against her skin.
" You got something to tell me Becca?" He smelled her guilt. It was mingled with lavender and honeysuckle but he could smell a woman with something to hide from a mile a way. Even the best of liars had a tell. Rebecca's was getting agitated at little things and the inability to stand still.
" I slipped you a magical mickey." her response came tumbling out " You were tired but you'd have never agreed to get some rest hyped up as you were so I slipped a little something to help you sleep in your tea."
" So that wasn't mint?" He teased pressing her against the dresser.
She bite down on her lip and shook her head. " Nope"
He leaned down and kissed her collar bone. " I ain't even gonna pretend to be mad at ya." She maneuvered her face in front of his and kissed him sweetly. Whatever it was she had given him made him feel great. More relaxed than he'd been in days. She had been concerned and she'd been right but still " Next time tell me first."
" I promise" she said into his lips.
" Hey are we ever getting out of here? came a voice tinged with annoyance from the bottom of the stairs.
Alcide marched out the door and leaned over " Keep you God Damned pants on Janice." He was getting tired of his sister cock blocking him.
Rebecca had followed him out the door and was now walking across the landing.
" Come on now it's Friday night, your sisters itching to get her drink on and we have a couple of things to celebrate ourselves. I'm especially looking forward to walking in on your arm now that you've finally decided to not be ashamed of me."
She threw her head back and laughed at his shock from the last part letting him know that she knew that nothing could be further from the truth. " Get your shoes on and get the lead out."
He pulled on his boots and bounded down the stairs. The ladies were whispering by the front door. Janice gave him a pointed look and a middle finger both of which he ignored while opening the door for them.
When Janice went to get into her own car Alcide started to protest but Rebecca cut him off with a slap in the chest. " She's already agreed to give me her keys when we get there so let her drive so I don't have to hear the two of you go at it all the way into town.
" All right but you get to fight with her when she gets plastered and goes back on her word." Janice was a real angry drunk.
" If she gets to bad I'll just have Sam or Lafayette throw her in the walk-in freezer til she cools off." She snuggled up next to him and he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. They talked about the serious stuff on the drive each wanting to fill in the few remaining blanks they had about their time apart. He could feel Rebecca's contentment. The first weeks in her new home hadn't gone as smoothly as she would have liked. But that had started to change after the full moon and now the other two things that stood in the way of her peace of mind were gone as well. Rebecca seemed to only see the silver linings. He still felt the fear and pain that went along with that night in the clearing at Belle Vita and the hate he felt for Debbie's part in the whole thing. He'd also have liked to have gotten his hands on Fabio the Vampire and found out what the hell he had against Rebecca to make him come after her like he did. He'd also liked to have been the one to do him in, the idea of him touching Rebecca much less tasting her made him crazy.
Once they pulled in to the lot of Merlotte's the conversation stopped and their evening began. Despite not having her all to himself, he was ready to let loose and let his hair down. Beside him Rebecca giggled at the mental image and he nudged her gently with his elbow which she took and pulled her arm through. It was their first time out as a couple. This made him feel better about heading towards the lights of Merlotte's. The last time he had been her he'd made an ass out of himself he wasn't sure he'd be all that welcomed back.
As if on cue Sam came from around the corner of the bar, heading straight for them. He caught up with them just as they reached the front entrance.
"Rebecca, was coming back from the trailer when I saw you two pull in." He greeted her and then gave her a once over. Rebecca tilted her head back so he could get a good look at her neck. " You are one tough chick." he shook his head and then turned his attention to him.
"Alcide, you just get back?"
" Few hours ago." He looked the shifter in the eye and held out his hand. Neither of them were good with apologies or with accepting gratitude so when Sam's hand met his an understanding passed between them.
" Well then all that traveling must have left you thirsty come on in and let's see if we can get you drunk. I promised the little pistol here some of the good shit." He ushered them inside and lead them to what he referred to as Rebecca's booth and then went to the bar to grab them something to drink. Alcide had watched the reactions as they had entered the bar. Sookie who was sitting with his sister and her brother smiled and waved. He saw something silently pass between her and Rebecca whatever it was made his girl hold on to him tighter and smile brightly herself. Jason looked jealous and Tara who was behind the bar had looked like she thought they were nuts.
" Well shit look who decided to come up out the closet?" Layafette came into view as they settled into the booth across from each other. " Bout damned time. You don't keep something that looks like that hiding in the backwoods even in this back water town. This, he leaned against Rebecca's side of the booth and pointed down at her " is a class A sexy bitch."
" I know Lafayette, why do you think I like to keep her to myself in that backwoods shack of hers." Rebecca smirked and Layafette jutted his head back and then slapped his palm across Rebecca's.
" Well play on playa, PLAY ON. You be sure to break her off good." He looked down at Rebecca and whispered " and you be sure to tell me all about it." Rebecca laughed.
"Rebecca" he sent her silently. He had this image of them sitting around the living room painting each others toe nails and talking about the size of their boyfriends dicks.
" What? I'm humoring him." Alcide knew that wasn't exactly true when she laughed again this time because of the thoughts running through his head.
" Jesus not coming by tonight?" She asked. Now she was just fucking with him. He turned around in his seat to see where the hell Sam was with the beer.
" He's paying the bills. He'll be round later." Sam returned then, giving Lafayette a look that sent him scurrying back towards the kitchen. He gave Rebecca a flamboyant wink and a wave from behind Sam's back.
" Here you go." he sat a beer down in front of him a tumbler full of dark liquor in front of Rebecca. Holly will be round to take care of you two. Foods on me as well as the pistols scotch. The rest of the drinks are on Sookie. She's in a real good mood tonight. She said she'd be over in a bit doesn't want to leave your sister alone with Jason."
" Alcide" Rebecca warned when he turned around to where the three were sitting. Sookie was in the middle. His sister knowing Jason's reputation and his recent history didn't look interested but after a few drinks he apparently became more appealing. He was thinking of going over and bringing them back now when Rebecca distracted him by taking off the little sweater she'd been wearing over her dress.
He cursed silently at the sight of newly exposed flesh. The curves of her breasts cupped by a thin layer of cloth. He knew what was underneath and he forgot whatever it was he'd been thinking about before and started to imagine how easy it would be to strip her down so he could see the rest of her. She'd caught him off guard and the thrill of these moments was something he hoped he never lost. He could look at her for hours and then a simple move of her head or turn of her hip would show him something new, a bit of exposed skin or a slight curve in her body and it would send him reeling. His heart was pounding in his chest, his mouth was watering and he was pretty sure he was numb from the waist down.
" Alcide?" Rebecca head was cocked to the side trying to figure out where he had gone to. " You in there?"
" Yeah, Yeah... right here." He did the best he could to shut his thoughts down. She'd go looking if he wasn't careful and she'd seen far to much of that part of his mind already.
" I was apologizing, back at the house I forgot to thank you for my present. It's beautiful and I truly love it. She ran her hand across the fabric covering her chest.
" Looks better on you than I'd imagined." He smiled devilishly but tried not to look swarmy at the same time. He didn't want to be leering at her like a leech from across the booth.
Rebecca sat up straight and leaned back against the seat, arching her back and giving him an even better view. Her lips parted slightly and she stared at him with a knowingly, seductively. She bit down on her lower lip as she took a look around the room. " Soooooo the dress meets your approval."
" The dress is nice but the woman wearing it is what does it for me." She still wasn't looking at him but smiled and ran her tongue across her top teeth. Rebecca's looked very naughty.
" So you like what you see Mr. Herveaux?" Something was happening to those around them. The noise level dimmed, the light seemed to get brighter, the air thinner.
"Yes." He said quietly. Rebecca was up to no good. Slowly her gaze turned back to him. Her eyes were lined and shaped to look like a cat and at the moment Alcide felt very much like potential prey.
" How much?" she locked her gaze with his.
" How much do I like what I see?" He felt his pupils grow wide as he saw the light in Rebecca's eyes grow a deeper shade of green.
" Yes" she replied " How much?" from beneath him he heard something tap against the tile and then he felt the tips of Rebecca's toes move through his jeans and scrap across the skin of his shin.
" Very much" he sent to her unable to find his voice as her foot moved slowly up the leg of his pants and made it's way to his crotch.
" Very much indeed" she giggled when she got there.
" For fucks sake" He screamed into his own head. He wanted to look around to see if anyone had noticed what was happening. Sure that if they hadn't the look on his face would give him and them away. He may run around naked from time to time but getting a rub job in the middle of a crowded bar hadn't been on his bucket list.
" You've done a lot worse in the middle of a crowded bar." she sent him with a snarky tone. He had, but a bar full of were's hardly counted.
" Don't worry hun, they can't see a damned thing. You could scream your head off while busting the greatest nut ever and not a one of them would look up from their burgers. Now sit back and relax" She pushed him back with a jolt of power and tucked her foot underneath him moving it back and forth which caused such incredible friction he heard the snap of sparks.
" If they can't see anything why don't you just hop on over here in my lap and finish this proper." His thought of coming over to get her was meet with a shove against the seat back.
" You stay put mister" a shudder ran through him, his hands went from gripping the table to in between his legs where he grabbed her foot guiding it to where he wanted it to go.
" Nothing I'd like more than to be over there right now but if I move I risk loosing my concentration and then this wall I built will come tumbling down and everything surrounding us will come rushing in. I can stop what I am doing now and within seconds no one would no the wiser. If I come over there and get all worked up, there will be no explaining away the ride-um-cowboy stance now would there?"
" We'd be banned from here forever." At that moment he'd be willing to take that chance.
She grinned widely and applied more pressure. He felt like her hands were all over him caressing his skin right through the clothes covering it. Every inch of him was on fire he'd let her take control of his body and she was now pulling his strings in her own magical way. The tea earlier wasn't the only thing she had spiked, from the first time he'd kissed her he'd felt her flowing through his blood. She'd become another part of him, a piece he'd surely not be able to live without. The rhythm of his heart kept coming faster and faster. He felt a similar fire flow through him when the change started to take him but he wasn't afraid he was going to wolf out.
" Never let that happen love." He trusted the her voice in his head, he was as protected by her side as she was by his. He leaned back and let go of what control he had left.
The bubble around them burst, bright white little pieces as his release ran through him the waves of which kept hitting the back of his eyelids, Rebecca was no longer physically touching him but she was still touching him mentally and he shook rather violently whenever she caressed a soft spot.
" Alcide you all right?" Sookie's voice broke through the connection his eyes flew open and his head snapped to his right.
She was standing looking more than a little puzzled and waiting for an answer. Sookie was blocking everyone from seeing him and he gave thanks for that but he still couldn't find his voice.
Rebecca answered for him " He fell asleep while I was talking to him which is a total insult but other than that he's perfectly fine."
He shook the cobwebs off, blinking his eyes and giving his body a stretch. " Sorry Becca guess that nap wasn't enough."
Janice joined them " Jesus Alcide what the hell happened to you? You look like you've had the shit kicked out of you."
He returned her middle finger from earlier. His sister could totally ruin a wet dream.
" Literally" Rebecca sent into his head. He gave her a PLEASE BE GOOD glare but he had to admit she was right.
" Alcide fell asleep" Sookie explained with a bit of a gapped grin that told him she wasn't really buying the story.
" Ladies let me move over there if you don't mind" The move had nothing to do with her not wanting either woman sitting next to him ( for very different reasons) and everything to do with Rebecca's desire to be near him. He moved over in the booth and she slid in next to him. She placed her hand on his thigh which instantly calmed him, the twitching stopped,his heartbeat slowed and he finally found his voice.
" Thanks" he whispered into her ear lingering for a second to take in her scent.
" Your very welcome" She replied silently. She kissed him lightly with those fiery lips " For all of it. "
" You're gonna keep doing that kind of shit to me aren't you?" She threw him curve balls at every turn. Nothing in his life would ever be ordinary with her on his arm. He'd known his own kind, had lovers who drove him crazy but Rebecca was finding new edges to hang on to. He was afraid he'd never be able to firmly plant himself before she shook him again.
" I'm just getting started." her fingers moved across the back of his neck and her eyes sparkled with secrets he'd have to wait to unlock.
He shook his head and went to kiss her again when she crooked her head just slightly to remind him they weren't alone. He took a look and found Sookie was beaming, Janice was grossed out. Alcide was amused.
" Well fuck me is that a real smile on your face brother?" Janice exclaimed.
He continued to smile as he placed his beer to his lips. He couldn't be mad at her. It was just as much of a shock to him as it was to her.
" Rebecca I got to hand it to you your a God damned real as hell miracle worker." She pointed to Alcide " That face hasn't seen a smile in at least fifteen years. The muscles must be killing him from lack of use."
"Nothing you can say or do lil sis is going to change it either. So nip the wise cracks and order another beer." He was chill and comfortable, feeling like he really did have something to celebrate. He took Rebecca's hand in the booth between them squeezed it tight and let in the sights and sounds of the night.
|
| REBECCA |
As the night wore on more people came to join them. Their booth was abandoned and several tables were put together so that they could all converse with greater ease. She'd gotten a text from Crawfish and had invited him to drive over which he did in record time and now he and Alcide were bantering back and forth about some mishap that had happened while he'd been away. Alcide was red faced and animated bouncing back and forth between anger and laughter at Crawfish's explanations and responses. They had always been friendly enough, shared a healthy respect for one another but now they shared a mutual admiration. It was nice to know that Alcide had someone of his ilk who he could talk to and who understood what he had here and felt the same way he did. If Rebecca had learned anything about her new friend it was that he was loyal, Alcide had given him a chance when so many others had passed him over or treated him like he didn't exist. He lived his pack life feeling like an outsider,accepted but only because of his nature. He had often been sent the shit jobs, the ones that those who were expendable were sent to do. He'd always known it didn't matter one way or another if he'd come back. Alcide was one of the few people who had never treated him poorly and that was something Crawfish would never forget. He'd found a good place when he'd started working for Herveaux construction and he didn't want to loose it. In Rebecca he had found someone on the outside who understood and talked to him honestly and didn't think him less than a joke. Crawfish's alliances sat at the table and she and Alcide were in need of people they could count on.
Crawfish had been forthcoming with his worries about the goings on in the pack and Rebecca had been glad he'd felt comfortable to let her into a place Alcide had not. Giving her the 411 wasn't something he did callously or without reservations but Crawfish was an observer like her and right now he didn't like what he was seeing one bit. Tonight though none of that was even being thought about,not that they would have a conversation about the state of things back home here. Still it was nice to see a formidable bond forming between the two men.
Jessica and Hoyt were perched to her right and Terry had been nice enough to take over for Layafette when Jesus showed up. Sam sat across from her the bottle of scotch between them and Tara came around from behind the bar from time to time. Seems she couldn't help but feel the pull of the laughter and the need to not be left out of the fun. She had been most surprised when Alcide had invited Jason over and even more so when he actually accepted and then behaved himself. She knew that both gestures were for Sookie's benefit and she was proud that both of them were big enough to do what was right and not let any lingering animosity damper everyone's good time. She was surrounded by fresh happy faces, the first time she had been truly incased in such a way since she'd left her Mother's home. She had no problem being on her own, a solitary was always part of her definition but at the moment she was profoundly aware of the pleasures that came when in the company of others sharing good food, drink and conversation. She could shine in a room full of strangers, mingle and meld into the crowd giving them a smile and make them feel at ease but it took much more work to really engage yourself and try to build something more substantial. She realized that she had already shared many bonding moments with the people at the table with her. They had listened to her stories, had shared in her heartaches, knew many of her secrets, taken care of her when she was sick and she'd had even had sex with two of them. What a difference a few weeks can make. These turn of events were more than she could have ever hoped for. She felt connected to a place and the people in it and was no longer just walking mindlessly through her existence. She scanned the faces of her new friends and wistfully thought of one other she wished were there, William who see knew was walking around their properties that night feeling a bit lonely but pleased at the same time to have the wood to himself again. It would have been to much to expect him to be welcomed at the table, maybe someday but not yet and even Rebecca knew she could not influence the time it would take to heal wounds made before her time. And then there was her oldest dearest friend, Mason who was but minutes away, but was completely out of reach. She had no idea what he was doing or if he would be home when she returned. There was nothing but a dark void in that part of her.
Why was it that when certain things in your life seem to fall into place others have to fall apart? She let a smile smooth the frown that had moved across her face as Sam poured her another glass and tipped his up to her. He was feeling no pain at the moment happy to be just numb, hell happy to be alive. He'd stolen a few moments to ask after her and the situation they'd both been in the other night. No one had come sniffing around looking for Maarten and she assured him no one would ever trace him back to him or his place. Mason had made sure of that. That worry was all but quashed, the ends may be a bit loose but she'd be willing to let them be and except the quiet that came with Maarten's true death and Debbie's detoxing incarceration. The storm clouds receded but she still kept an eye on the sky just in case. Maarten had been a piece of a puzzle she'd thought had been completed long ago. With nothing else to go on she could only hope she hadn't missed any others. Their glasses clinked together with a thud which splashed the scotch down her hand and she swiftly put her lips to the droplets. The shit was expensive and there was no cause to waist any of it.
" I think you got it all" She stopped midway up her wrist and looked out of the corner of her eye. Alcide and Crawfish had both stopped talking and were looking squarely at her. In fact almost everyone was. The men looked appreciative, the woman looked like they were ready to laugh at the men's reaction and at her for causing it.
" What," she exclaimed " Where I come from waisting good liquor is a sin." She gave her wrist an exaggerated lick and slurp then threw her head back and laughed. Being the first gave everyone else freedom to join in without feeling bad and after a few minutes of teasing her something else came along to take control of the conversation. Alcide's eyes stayed on her and she had to call on air to cool down the heat of his gaze. He was still reeling from what had transpired between them earlier, so was she but for different reasons. The pleasures of it was all that ran through his mind, hers was trying to absorb the energy that was running through her. Her current was strong, she was a walking live wire and tonight she had thrown out some serious sparks. Alcide assumed it had always been in her, that she was always capable of things she was slowly clueing him in on but in reality Rebecca had been shocked she'd been able to do it. To simultaneously block out an entire room, creating a wall around them that kept everyone moving but unaware and also constantly feeding Alcide sexually had taken a lot of concentration and should have drained her. But she hadn't felt any different after. If anything she felt more charged up. The fire inside her was growing wild, she had felt like this once before but the circumstances had been vastly different. She was happier than she had been in years and the difficulties that she had found recently rolled off her without the usual melodramatics. She shouldn't be worried how her abilities were manifesting themselves but having them come back so strong, so quickly and without any real provocation at times gave her pause. What was it that had changed? Was it this place? Or finding Alcide? Or simply a reawakening of her core after a very long sleep. As she sipped she remembered a recently given promise to Mason. One that she intended to keep. Despite their issues she needed to tell him how she was feeling. He'd want to know. She resolved to speak with him as soon as possible. She figured he would request she speak to her Aunt or Mother as well. That would be much harder for her to do. She put the seed of resolve in her head now so hopefully by the time she had to do it it would have grown large enough for it not to be so difficult.
" Rebecca" Sookie sat down next to her. " Alcide just told me he was going to be staying in Shreveport this weekend and was wondering since I'm off if you'd want to hang out." They'd talked alright. Alcide felt guilty for leaving her again so soon and Sookie didn't want her to be alone.
" Sure thing, we can work on your tan and I got that research I told you about. We can go through it and talk Sup. That is if your up for it?" Sookie had been to polite to ask but the smile on her face said she was more than up for it. Sookie couldn't wait to see what she could learn about the Fae and where she fit in with them.
They agreed since they would be out late and more than likely hung over they would play the day by ear. Whomever woke first would call the other and they would go from there. Soon Sookie's attention was called back to the party but Rebecca suddenly didn't feel like sitting. The scotch should have soothed her but her legs were restlessly bouncing up and down under the table. She also found that the more she drank the warmer she became. She excused herself from the table placing a hand on Alcide's shoulder as she passed by. Her head had started to spin the moment she stood up the multiple tumblers of scotch had finally caught up to her so she giggled to herself and walked cautiously down the hall. She'd never live it down if she fell flat on her ass in this crowd. The bathroom was empty so she went into the handicapped stall and turned on the water. She splashed her face with handfuls of cold water not caring that she was totally ruining her carefully applied make up and then soaked handfuls of paper towels. She wiped her streaked face clean carefully looking in the mirror to be sure she didn't miss anything. She frowned at her refection already missing the perfectly done cat eye she'd worked so had on earlier. She'd had very little cause to get made up since coming to Bon Temps. Unbelievably fucking hot in here she thought to herself. Grabbing yet more wet towels she took a seat rubbing the cool across the back of her neck, across her chest and down her arms. The water mixed with the cool air in the room felt fantastic but the sensation didn't last long and once she was finished peeing she gave up and tossed the paper towels in the toilet. As she washed her hands she took another look in the mirror and caught a gleam of light reflected in her eyes. She had heard Alcide's thoughts on their change in color but now she was seeing it for herself. Like many other humans it wasn't uncommon for them to change with her mood.. The different facades of her being were all awake inside her each of them fighting for control. She was more than herself at the moment and was in desperate need of a release. She knew the quickest way to get one and it would take but a matter of minutes.
She smiled at her reflection and with much more confidence than she had going down the hall strolled back through it and into the bar to find Alcide.
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