Chapter 22: Hurtful

*Warning: Contains strong language*

At Stackhouse home, Sookie stared at Summer for what seemed like several minutes. She was shocked and baffled over the news her sister just told her about having a son. Summer noticed the surprised look on his sister’s face and decided to explain everything to her. After ten minutes, Sookie decided to make her way over to the couch and plant herself on it. As she plopped down onto the couch, she stared directly ahead still in shock.

Sookie: Were you ever going to tell me?

Summer: Probably not.

Sookie: You should have told me. We usually tell each other everything. I would have kept your secret.

Summer: Trust me, I have contemplated several times on whether I should tell you or Jason, but I was scared of what you might think of me.

Sookie: My opinion of you wouldn’t have changed. Yeah, it was a stupid mistake but everybody makes mistakes.

Summer turned around and stared down at the floor where Katarine was now a puddle of blood and flesh. Bill stepped into the living room and noticed all the blood. He glanced over at Sookie sitting on the couch and noticed her arms and legs splattered with blood. Quicker than the blink of an eye, he was sitting on the couch next to her. Sookie hugged him and planted her lips onto his. Eric appeared next to Summer and placed his hand on top of her shoulder.

Eric: What happened here?

Summer: It’s a long story.

Eric: I have time.

Summer: It’ll have to wait. I have to make a phone call.

Summer walked passed Eric, out of the living room and stepping out onto the front porch. Eric watched her through the front window and noticed her pulling out her cell phone out of her back pocket and dialing a number. She placed the phone up against her ear and began speaking with someone on the other end. Using his heightened Vampire hearing, he heard exactly everything she was saying. Eric heard her asking about friends of Katarine’s and where she could find them. He then realized that she was speaking with his maker, Godric. She then asked him about where someone lived and then hung up the phone. Eric strolled out onto the porch and waited for Summer to explain herself. Summer knew that he wanted to know what was going on, but she really did not want him involved. This was something she had to do on her own. Before he could react, Summer was in her car and speeding out of the driveway.

Eric: Damn it, Summer.

Two nights later, Summer was in New Orleans strolling down Bourbon Street watching as young college drunk college students partied on the streets and on the balconies. A man approached her and blocked her from moving any further down the street. He glanced at her up and down and gave her a flirtatious smile. The drunk male was probably with those other drunken frat boys that she had passed not too long ago.

Summer: Move, please.

Man: You are smokin’ hot.

Summer: Seriously, move.

Man: What are you in a hurry for?

Summer: Listen, shit-head, I asked you nicely to move.

Man: Chill, sweetness. I’m just making conversation.

Summer: Are you going to step out of my way or am I going to have to make you move.

Man: You’re a feisty little fire cracker aren’t you.

Summer: Okay, I warned you.

Summer grabbed him by the upper arm and yanked him to the side. Since she yanked him so hard, he flung out of her grip and flew back a little bit until his back hit against the wall of the building they were standing in front of. She formed a satisfied grin on her face and continued on walking down the street. A few of the other frat boys rushed to their friend’s side to see if he was okay. Summer then came upon a club and stepped foot inside. Glancing around the room she noticed a crowd of people standing in front of the bar and a larger crowd dancing on the dance floor. Summer slowly walked further into the club, pushing through the people until she noticed across the room, against the wall, an older male in his early 40’s with dark brown hair sitting in-between two younger women. As she approached him, he immediately glanced at her and began ignoring the two females sitting next to him.

Man: Well hello (flirtatiously).

Summer: Are you William LaBeau?

Man: Yes.

Summer: I need to speak with you. (Looking at the women) Alone.

William: I think I can arrange that.

He tapped both females on their knees and they quickly got up and walked away. William then began patting his hand on the seat next to him. Summer knew that this guy was going to be a hassle but if he knew anything about the whereabouts of her son, so she was willing to do whatever it took. She sat down next to him and he leaned in closer to her. He placed his hand on top of her leg and she bit her tongue to keep from lashing out at him.

William: What did you need to speak with me about?

Summer: I heard you knew Katarine.

William: Of course I knew her. I made her. Why is she being a problem?

Summer: Not anymore…she’s dead.
William: Oh, well that’s too bad.

Summer: You don’t seem too upset.

William: My relationship with Katarine is a bit on the complicated side. Yes, I’m disappointed that she’s gone, but I will move on. I have a position open now if you want it (with a smirky grin on his face).

Summer: No thanks.

William: You’re new aren’t you?

Summer: What makes you think that?

William: I can spot a newborn a mile away. Although, you seem very different than most newborns. You seem more in control and tamed. Who is your maker, if you don’t mind me asking?

Summer: I do mind.

William: I did not mean to pry. I am just curious. Since you know my name, may I know yours?

Summer: My name is Summer Stackhouse.

William: A very pretty name for a very pretty woman.

Summer could feel his eyes glazing up and down every inch of her body. She wasn’t sure if she was being evaluated as a new potential mate or maybe as a disgusting one night stand. She had to focus her mind on the main issue at hand and not worry about where his hands might end up next. He seemed very handsy and she knew if Eric was there he would rip the limbs off of him.

Summer: Has Katarine been in contact with you recently?

William: Why don’t you come with me to my place where we can finish this conversation in private.
Summer: I would rather stay here if you don’t mind.

William: I’m sorry but I have to ask. Is it me or are you ready to rip my throat out?

Summer: You are correct.

William: What did Katarine tell you about me?

Summer: She didn’t tell me anything.

William: She must have done something or else you wouldn’t be here looking for me.
Summer: Maybe it is better if we go to your place.

William: (snickering) I like you. You remind me of Katarine.

Summer: Don’t insult me.
William stood up and extended his arm out with his hand open, waiting for Summer to place her hand in his so that he could help her up. Summer sighed and extended out her arm and placed her hand in his. He pulled her up off to couch and he gripped her hand tightly, flashing her a smile and leading her out of the club.

Meanwhile, in Shreveport, at Fangtasia, Eric was pacing back and for worth in his office while on the phone with his maker, Godric. He wanted to know everything that he told Summer over the phone a few days ago. Pam opened the office door and noticed that he was getting angry.

Eric: Damn it!

He then tossed the phone across the room and as it hit the wall in front of him, it shattered into pieces. Eric turned and noticed Pam standing in the doorway with a grin on her face.

Eric: What? (Sounding angry)

Pam: That is the third phone you have broken this week.

Eric: I can get another one.

Pam: What has angered you? Is it Summer? That girl has been nothing but trouble since you turned her.

Eric: Can you run Fangtasia for me while I’m away?

Pam: Of course I will. You know that. Why, where are you going?

Eric: New Orleans. I’m leaving right now and I should be back in a few days.

Pam: Is that where she ran off to?
Eric: Thanks.

He quickly walks passed Pam and out of the office. Pam rolled her eyes and closed the office door behind her.

Later in New Orleans, at William LeBeau’s colonial style mansion, Summer was sitting on the couch in the main room. William sat next to her with his hand on her leg once again. A woman in her late twenties wearing a short pink skirt and white tank top stepped into the room with two empty glasses in one hand and a bottle of, what appeared to be red wine, in the other hand. Summer noticed the girl was nicely tanned but her face lacked some color. It appeared as if the girl hadn’t slept in days or had been drained of her blood. Then Summer noticed several fang marks on her neck and arms. The girl placed the glasses on the table and opened up the bottle. She poured the red substance into each glass and then handed one to both Summer and William.

William: To new friendships.

William’s glass clinked against hers and he quickly drank from the glass. Summer could smell that there was blood in the glass and not red wine.

William: Do you not like your drink?

Summer: I’m not hungry.

William: Of course you are. Now drink it or you will offend Stella. She spent all day preparing that.

Summer glanced at the girl and she noticed how she would not make eye contact with anyone in the room. Summer could sense her fear and could also hear every thought running through her head. The girl was basically screaming out for help in her own head. Summer didn’t have time to save her; she had to first see if William knew anything about the whereabouts of her son.

Summer: I will drink it later (sitting it down on the table in front of her). I need to ask you if Katarine contacted or met with you recently.

William: Possibly.

Summer: Did she have anybody with her?

William: Not that I recall.

Summer: Before Katarine was killed she told me that she kidnapped my son.

William: That sounds like Katarine. She is insane but that is my fault.

Summer: Did she have a young boy with her or not?

William: Shhhhhh…..lets just calm down and enjoy each other’s company.

Summer: You are really starting to piss me off.

William started snickering and grabbed Summer’s glass and quickly took a drink out of it. He then turned to her and within a second he had Summer pinned down onto the couch with his hand around her throat. Summer noticed his fangs and knew that he if she made another mistake that he would snap her neck within seconds. The girl in the room was so startled that she ran out of the room.

William: Now are you going to behave and do as I say or am I going to have to hurt you?

Summer: I’m sorry.

William: Now that’s what I like to hear.

He then leans down closer to her face and plants his lips onto hers. Summer wanted to stake his ass but she had to play for now in order to find out where her son was hidden. After he kissed her for a few minutes, he lifted his head up slightly and formed a satisfied grin on his face. He then sat up and his fangs instantly retracted themselves back into his gums. Summer slowly raised herself back up and was thought about what her next move should be.

The next night, in New Orleans, Eric meets up with one of his human private detectives at a small café and the man slipped him a manila envelope. Eric opened up the envelope and noticed pictures of Summer inside a club dancing with another man. He recognized the man in the photo and tossed the photos into the garbage can next to him. He glanced at the piece of paper before also disposing of it. Eric then reached inside his trench coat and pulled out some money, handing it to the private detective and then started walking down Bourbon Street.

Meanwhile, at William’s colonial mansion, Summer was snooping around in each room to see if anything would point towards where her son was at. She came upon his office and quietly stepped inside. As she walked over to his desk, she sat down and tried logging into his computer. As she tried that, she glanced around the top of his desk at the paper work, but didn’t notice anything helpful. Finally she got into his computer and looked around at his schedule to see if he did meet with Katarine recently. She heard a noise and quickly bolted up out of the chair and turned off the computer. William opened up the door and realized that she had been snooping around.

William: Someone is a bad girl (waving his index finger back and for worth).

Summer: I’m sick of playing these games with you. Where is my son?

William: (snickering) If I had him, then wouldn’t he be here?

Summer: I know he’s not here, but you could have hidden him somewhere else.

William: You are a clever girl. I underestimated you.

Summer could hear that he was going to try to attack her so she knew that she had to act fast. William made a move and faster than the flash of a camera, he was at her side. He hit her with his arm, really hard, causing her to fling forward up and over the desk. As she landed on her side, she quickly scrambled to her feet and faced him. Her fangs protruded from her gums and she waited for him to try to attack her again. This time she would be ready. He dashed around the desk towards her and she extended out her arms to brace for him. Once he reached her hands, she quickly flipped him over her shoulder. He flew towards the double doors and slammed into it, causing the doors to fly open. William hit the wall and scampered back onto his feet. He looked around for Summer but she wasn’t anywhere in sight. Her scent was still within close distance but he was not for sure where she was at. Suddenly he was knocked down and Summer had him pinned down to the floor. She was on top of him holding down his arms tightly.

Summer: You are going to tell me where my son is right now or I’ll make sure you suffer.

William: (with an evil grin on his face) Go ahead. Show me what you got.

Summer then yanked his arm quickly causing his radial and ulnar bones to snap into several pieces. He flinched in pain but he did not scream out.

Summer: Now are you going to tell me.

William: You think torturing me is going to get me to talk, but it won’t. It only turns me on. Punish me some more (with a grin on his face).

Summer: You are one crazy dead bitch.

Summer then pulled out a silver cross necklace from inside her jeans pocket. Her hand began to burn and smoke emanated from off her skin. Quickly she opened up his mouth with one hand and shoved the necklace inside his mouth. She held his mouth shut and his body started to squirm violently underneath her. Suddenly he broke free from her grip and pushed her off of him. She flew backwards, falling onto the floor and watched as he yanked the cross from out of his mouth. The cross necklace fell onto the floor and blood trickled down William’s mouth.

William: Enough foreplay.

Summer quickly gets back up onto her feet and darts off down the hall with William following closely behind. She decides to change directions and turns left into the next room, slamming the door shut behind her. William charges through the door and Summer tackles him into the wall. As his back hits the wall, Summer jabs a piece of the broken door into his chest, missing his heart. William begins laughing and Summer backs off away from him. He pulls out the piece of wood and throws it to the floor. His wound begins to heal and he flashes her an evil grin before charging towards her. Suddenly William is lifted up in the air and thrown across the room, landing onto the dining room table, shattering it underneath him. Summer realizes that Eric was now in the room with her. Eric’s fangs were showing and stood anxiously waiting for William to get back up. As William staggered back onto his feet, he noticed Eric standing before him.

William: Well, well, well, if it isn’t Eric, the Viking, Northman. (Looking at Summer) He’s your maker isn’t he? I should have known.

Eric: Tell her where her son is (calmly).
William: And what makes you think I have him?

Eric: Because I know you. Who else would Katarine take after?

William: I’ve always liked you, Eric, but you underestimate me.

Eric: And you of me.

William made his move and darted towards Eric. Eric braced himself and snatched William as he reached him. Eric then slammed William into the wall. As his back hit against the wall, Eric grabbed William’s head and began slamming it violently against the wall several times. Eric let go and backed away from William, as he fell onto his knees, spitting up blood. Summer noticed blood splattered all over the wall from where Eric caved in the back of William’s skull. Already, William started healing. You would have never known his head had been bashed in. He scampered back onto his feet and started laughing in an evil fashion.

Eric: Do you give up?

William: Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy our physical abuse but you’re a horrible listener. I don’t have the little runt.

Summer: He’s lying.

William: Think what you want, babe.

Eric: You are lying and I will make you confess.

William: Like I told her…go ahead and give me what you got.

Eric: I will.

Eric pounced on top of William, knocking him down to the floor and drove his fist into William’s chest. He began flinching and squirming under Eric’s body as Eric drove his fist further into his chest. William could feel his ribs crunching and could feel Eric’s hand squeezing his dead, unbeating heart. Eric leaned in towards William’s face, his fangs out and gave him an evil stare.

Eric: If you want me to stop, all you have to do is tell us where the boy is.

William did not respond he just stared into Eric’s eyes. Summer could tell that William was not going to give in. William was an old Vampire, but not as old as Eric. Eric began to squeeze William’s heart tighter.

William: He’s at my club on Bourbon Street. One of my girls is taking care of him.

Eric: I knew you would give in.

Eric yanked out his hand from inside William’s chest and stood back up. Eric’s arm from the elbow down was covered in blood. His fangs retracted and he walked over towards Summer. Summer and Eric quickly left the mansion and into Eric’s rented Prias.

Later, at the “Always Eternal” club, Summer and Eric entered the club looking for one of William’s girls. Summer spotted a young female at the end of the club sitting on the couch where she first met William. She quickly took off into the crowd towards the female. Eric followed. As she reached the young lady, she noticed the girl flirting with a younger gentleman. Her leg was lounging over the man’s leg and she was kissing on his neck. Summer made a noise in her throat which caused the woman to glance up at her.
Summer: Where is he?

Woman: Where is who?

Summer: You know exactly what I am talking about.

Man: Is something wrong?

Eric: Leave.

Man: What?

Eric: I said leave.

The young man noticed the seriousness on Eric’s face and the evil in his eyes. He quickly shot up off the couch and scuffled away from them and back onto the dance floor.

Summer: William told me that he hid the boy here.

Woman: He told me about you.

Summer: I know he’s here. It’s only a matter of time before I find him.

Woman: Are you sure?

Faster than the young woman could blink, Summer had yanked the girl off the couch by the straps of her dress and pulled her towards her face. The woman noticed Summer’s fangs and her heart began beating violently inside her chest from fear.

Summer: I am not going to ask you again. Where is he?

Woman: In the V.I.P room with the other girls.

Summer: If there is one scratch on him, I and my friend here are going to have ourselves a little midnight snack.

Woman: We didn’t touch him. I swear (now crying).

Summer pushed the girl back onto the couch and took off towards the V.I.P room across the other side of the room. There was big, muscular man in a tight, white, wife beater standing in front of the door. He noticed Summer and did not budge away from the door.

Summer: Move, please.

Man: Sorry, I can’t let you in, sweetheart.

Eric grabbed the man from behind and pulled him away from the door. Summer made her way towards the door and pushed the doors open. As she stepped foot inside the room, the girls noticed her and quickly ran out of the back door. Summer noticed a little bit sitting on the couch. He was about ten years old and had brown hair and blue eyes. The boy locked eyes with her and his heart began pounding.

Summer: I’m not going to hurt you. I’m here to take you home.

Boy: I don’t have a home anymore.

Summer: What? (Confused)

Boy: The pretty woman killed them.

Summer rushed to his side and kneeled down in front of him.

Summer: What is your name?

Boy: Alex.

Summer: Hi, Alex, my name is Summer.

Boy: Are you a Vampire, too?

Summer: Yes, but I won’t hurt you. I promise.

Eric stepped into the room and noticed Summer speaking with the little boy. He stood by the doorway and watched as the boy reached out and hugged Summer. She rose up back onto her feet and extended her hand towards Alex. He grabbed her hand and slid off the couch. Summer, still holding Alex’s hand began walking towards the door. Eric, Summer and Alex then left the club together.

A few days later, at the Stackhouse residence, Summer, Eric, Bill and Sookie sat at the kitchen table while Alex was sitting in the living room watching TV.

Sookie: He is so adorable. I just can’t believe I’m an aunt.

Bill: So what are your plans?

Summer: He can’t stay with me. Not now anyways. I’m a new Vampire and it’s hard for me to be around humans as it is, yet alone a child. I called Austen earlier and explained everything to him. He should be here shortly.

Sookie: Does Alex know?

Summer: He told me that the family he was living with told him that he was adopted. So yes, I told him that I am his biological mother.

Bill: And how did he respond to that?

Summer: He took it very well actually. I was surprised.

There then was a knock at the front door. Summer got up off out of her chair and stepped out of the kitchen. She opened the front door and noticed Austen standing in front of her. She stepped aside and he stepped inside. Summer closed the door and stepped into the living room. Austen followed closely behind her.

Summer: Austen, this is Alex.

Austen noticed the boy sitting on the couch with a remote control in his hands. Alex noticed him and flashed him a smile.

Austen: Hi, Alex. My name is Austen.

Alex: Are you my dad?

Austen quickly glanced over at Summer and she nodded her head in response to the look that he gave her.

Austen: Yes, I am.

Alex: You don’t look like a dad.

Austen: (chuckling) What is a dad suppose to look like?

Alex: Not like you.

Summer: Austen, why don’t you go into the kitchen while I speak with Alex.

Austen: Take all the time you need.

Austen then began walking towards the kitchen. Summer made her way over to the couch and sat down next to Alex.

Summer: Do you remember what I told you?

Alex: Yes, but why can’t you come?

Summer: I can’t. Not right now.

Alex: Why?

Summer: Because I need time to adjust to my new life as a Vampire.

Alex: Will I ever see you again?

Summer: Yes. As soon as I can, I will come and visit you. I promise.

Alex immediately hugged her.

A half hour later, Summer was standing on the front porch with Eric, Sookie and Bill as they watched Alex climb into the front seat of Austen’s red Dodge truck. Austen closed the door and walked around the truck. He opened up the driver side door and climbed inside. The truck turned on and Alex waved good-bye to everyone. Austen slowly drove the truck out of the gravel driveway. Summer started to feel sadness and Eric wrapped his arm around her to comfort her.

The End.

Chapter 21: Terrified

*Warning: Contains strong language*

Summer was lying on the cold ground of the cemetery with a silver stake sticking out of her chest. She tried to move one of her hands but she felt extremely weak. As she looked up at the sky, she noticed it was getting lighter and lighter. Her body sensed that dawn was approaching. Every sense of her body was telling her to do something… anything. Her fingers on her right hand slowly began wiggling back and for worth. Slowly she lifted up her hand and placed it onto her chest. She gripped her hand around the silver stake and tried to pull it out but she was struggling. Her hand couldn’t grip around the stake tightly enough and she tried to pull the stake upward but her body was too weak. Quickly her hand dropped to her side, back onto the ground. Once again she stared up at the sky as the darkness began to fade away. Smoke started to emanate from off her skin. She could feel her skin burning from the inside out. As the sky became brighter, the more her skin stared to burn like paper. Suddenly a figure stepped out from behind a tree and ran toward Summer. The figure kneeled down next to her and it was a young, beautiful, 20-something year old woman. She had long, dark hair with dark, piercing eyes. Her skin was tan and glowing.

Mysterious woman: I’m here to help you. You can trust me.

The woman grabbed the stake that was sticking out of Summer’s chest and quickly trusted the stake upward. As the stake was removed from her chest, Summer began to feel more control of her body, which meant that her body was already starting to heal itself. Quickly she bolted up onto her feet, but still felt some weakness. Her body thirsted for blood. The mysterious woman wrapped a thick, black blanket around Summer’s shoulder and up over her head, shielding her from the rays of the sun. The woman grabbed her hand and began running across the cemetery and down a small dirt path which led towards Sookie’s house. As they reached the end of the wooded area, they noticed Sookie’s house. Suddenly they both took off running across the paved driveway towards the house. As Summer ran towards the house, she kept the blanket tightly around her and over her head. The woman ran up the porch steps and frantically began pounding on the screen door. Summer suddenly appeared next to her and waited patiently for the door to open. The door slowly opened and standing behind the screen was Sookie.

Sookie: Hello?

Before the woman could speak, Sookie noticed someone standing next to her with a black blanket wrapped around them. Sookie couldn’t who the person was from under the blanket but she was extremely curious. She concentrated on reading the person’s thoughts but couldn’t. Summer raised up her head a bit so that Sookie would recognize her. Sookie noticed her sister was the one under the blanket and formed a concerned look on her face. Quickly she pushed opened the screen door and immediately reached out to grab her sister by the hand. Sookie pulled her inside and the woman followed. She closed the door behind her and watched as Sookie ran into the living room and began drawing the shades closed to make the room dark for her sister. Summer strolled over towards the couch and laid down on it with the blanket still wrapped around her. She slowly began closing her eyes, existed and still healing. Sookie drew the rest of the shades in the living room closed and noticed that her sister was lying on the couch, asleep. She rushed to her sister’s side and sat down next to her on the couch.

Sookie: What happened to her? (Looking up at the woman)

Woman: Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Claudine. Your sister was staked by another vampire and left to burn out there in the cemetery.

Sookie: Thank you so much for helping her.

Claudine: She’ll be okay. She’s already healing.

Sookie: (curious) How did you come across her in the cemetery?

Claudine did not answer her. She bit down on her lower lip pondering whether or not she should tell Sookie the true reason she was in the cemetery. Sookie waited for Claudine to answer her question, but even as she waited she was trying to look inside her mind. What she heard was very different from what she was used to hearing from humans, but maybe Claudine wasn’t exactly human and that’s why her thoughts were different… more positive and calm.

Claudine: You don’t have to read my thoughts. You can trust me.

Sookie: How did you know what I was doing? (Shocked)

Claudine: I know about you and your sister.

Sookie: How?

Claudine, once again, would not answer back. Sookie started to get very annoyed and wanted an explanation.

Sookie: Damn it! Tell me! (Standing up from the couch)

Claudine: I’ve been watching you and your sister for quite some time.

Sookie: Why?

Claudine: You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.

Sookie: Try me, you’d be surprised.

Claudine: I guess you could call me your fairy godmother. I’ve been protecting you and your sister for years.

Sookie: What? (Confused)

Claudine: I was assigned to protect both you and your sister by Prince Niall, since you’re both descendents of his, as well.

Sookie: I am still confused. Run that by me again.

Claudine: I know you are very curious as to why you possess the ability to read minds. Well, it’s because you have a faery bloodline that runs through your veins.

Sookie: Did you just say, Faery?

Claudine: Yes. It may also answer why Vampires are so attracted to both you and Summer. Our blood is very alluring to Vampires.

Sookie sat back down on the couch trying to process everything that Claudine just told her. Even though it sounded crazy to her, it really was more reasonable that other things she has came across. Nothing was insane in her mind anymore. Werewolves, Vampires, Maenads and now Faeries… she wondered what was next.

Claudine: Are you okay?

Sookie: Yeah. It’s just hard to process everything you just said.

Claudine: I’m sorry that I had to tell you this way.

Sookie: Thank you for helping my sister. Especially since she is a Vampire.

Claudine: I wish I could have saved her from death. I am disappointed in myself for letting it happen.

Sookie: Don’t beat yourself over it. It’s too late now.

Sookie glanced down at Summer whom was sleeping on the couch, wrapped tightly in the thick, black blanket. She looked like a corpse, lying still, not breathing and pale as a ghost.

An hour later, there was a knock at the door and Sookie trotted out of the kitchen, into the living room and towards the front door. She reached out for the knob and pulled the door open. Standing in front of the screen door was a twenty-something year old man with dark hair and a nice tan complexion. Claudine pushed Sookie aside, pushed opened the screen door and stepped out onto the porch to speak with the mysterious, good-looking man. Sookie realized that Claudine knew the man so she decided to walk away and step back into the living room. She sat down on the sofa chair across from the couch, where Summer was still dead asleep and reached out for the remote on the coffee table in front of her.
After about ten minutes or so, Claudine stepped back inside the house and closed the front door and slowly walking back into the living room. Sookie unglued her eyes from the TV screen and glanced at Claudine.

Sookie: Is everything okay?

Claudine: Everything is fine. It was my twin brother, Claude. He’s very protective.

Sookie: I know what you mean. I have a brother, too and plus an extremely protective…now dead…twin sister.

Claudine: Isn’t life great? (Sarcastically)

Sookie: Tell me about it.

Around sundown, Jason was speaking with Sookie in the kitchen when Summer’s eyes quickly opened. She sat up and glanced around the room, suddenly realizing where she was. Even though her body was almost healed, she felt extremely hungry. Summer could smell humans in the room behind her. The smell was so intoxicating that her fangs came out with excitement. As she felt her fangs come out, she quickly placed her hand over her mouth in shock. She did not want to attack anyone but her body was almost taking over. Sookie and Jason then strolled into the room and noticed that Summer was now awake. Sookie sat down next to Summer and Jason sat on the edge of the coffee table in front of them. Summer closed her eyes tightly and tried to get her mind off the smell of human blood. She tried to think about something else but mentally she wasn’t strong enough. Sookie could tell that something was wrong with her sister.

Sookie: Summer, what’s wrong?

Jason: Who did this to her?

Sookie: I told you I don’t know. Some Vampire.

Summer began to feel some pain deep in her stomach from the intense thirst she was feeling. As she opened her eyes, she noticed Jason sitting in front of her. She didn’t look at his face but instantly her eyes locked onto the jugular on the side of his neck. It pulsated with every heart beat. The heart beat was loud to her and the smell grew more and more appetizing. She tried to convince herself not to attack her brother. He was family and family was off the menu. Sookie noticed that Summer was gripping both hands tightly on the blanket around her. She wished she could read her sister’s thoughts so that she could brace herself for what might happen.

Sookie: Are you hungry? I can get you a Tru Blood out of the fridge.

Summer did not answer. Her eyes were glued on her brother’s neck. Sookie noticed how intense her sister’s eyes were fixated on Jason. Her eyes widened with concern and tried not to startle Jason.

Sookie: Jason, slowly get up and leave the room (in a calm voice).

Jason: What? Why? (Confused)

Sookie: Just do it. Please (calmly and anxious).

Before Jason could make a move, quicker than a flash, Summer was off the couch and pouncing on her brother, knocking him off the coffee table and onto the floor. Summer was on top of him, her fangs out, pinning him down. Sookie bolted up off the couch and reached down for her sister, but it was too late. Summer lunged at her brother’s neck, sinking her fangs in. Blood trickled down the side of his neck and dripped onto the floor. Jason screamed out in pain and struggled under her, but she would not budge off of him. Sookie tried pulling Summer off of him, but it was like trying to pull a cement block. All she could do was scream in terror as she watched her sister feed from their brother.

A minute later, the front door swung open and a blur appeared in the room and stopped in front of them. It was Bill. He gripped his hands tightly around both of Summer’s arms and yanked her off of Jason. As he yanked her off of him, Bill wrapped his arms tightly around Summer’s chest so that she wouldn’t attack anyone else. Sookie kneeled down next to Jason and placed her hand against the side of Jason’s neck. She glanced up at Summer who had blood oozing down the corner of her mouth. Her eyes were dark and evil-like.

Bill: You and your brother stay here. Do not come to my place. Understand? (To Sookie)

Sookie shook her head in response to his question and before she had a chance to blink, both Bill and her sister were gone.

At Bill’s place, Bill closed the front door and let Summer go. Summer stood in front of him, licking her lips and giving him an evil smirk. Jessica walked down the steps and Bill immediately glanced his way toward her.

Bill: Jessica, stay where you’re at!

Jessica: Why? What’s going on?

Bill: Is Hoyt here?!

Jessica: He’s in my room. Why?

Bill: Go back to your room and lock the door behind you. And don’t come out!

Jessica quickly turned around, running back up the steps and down the hallway towards her room. Bill heard a door slam shut, which meant that Jessica did exactly what he told her to do. Before he could react, Summer had her hand on his throat.

Summer: You can’t stop me.

Bill: I can.

Bill pushed her hard that she bounced back and she revealed her fangs to him. He knew that she was going to try and attack him again, but this time he was prepared. Before she had a chance to make her move, somebody grabbed her arm, tightly. It was Eric. He pulled her into the living room and yanked her down onto the couch next to him.
Eric: Summer, look at me.

Summer took her eyes off of Bill and focused them onto Eric. As she gazed into his eyes, she started to relax a bit and calm herself. She then came to the realization that she just fed from her brother. The taste of his blood still lingered on her tongue. Her eyes widened and she felt as if she were about to cry. Eric grabbed her hand, reassuring her that it was okay. He then wrapped his arm around her, pulling her toward him. She laid her head against his chest and tried not to cry. Just the thought of attacking and feeding off her own brother made her both sad and angry. She was extremely disappointed in herself. Being a Vampire wasn’t easy, especially since she’s brand new. Bill looked on and felt some relief that Eric was there to take care of Summer. He decided to leave them alone for a bit and go back to Sookie’s house to check on her and Jason.

At Sookie’s house, Bill slowly stepped into the living room and noticed Jason lying on the couch with a kitchen towel wrapped around his neck. Sookie strolled out of the kitchen and noticed Bill standing in front of the couch, looking down at Jason. Bill realized she was watching and glanced up at her.
Bill: How is he?
Sookie: He lost a lot of blood. I called Sam and he’s going to take us to the hospital. He should be here soon. Where is Summer?

Bill: She is taken care of. Eric showed up to help. She’s calm now.

Sookie: That’s good.

She walked over towards the couch and sat down next to Jason. Bill stood over her and kneeled down toward her to try to make her feel better by saying something.

Bill: Summer could not control what she did to your brother. The hunger took over. When you’re a new Vampire, it is extremely difficult to control your actions. She’s beginning to learn that. I could tell by the look on her face not too long ago that she felt upset about what she did.

Sookie: Bill, I don’t know how to react to what just happened. It was like she wasn’t even my sister anymore.

Bill: (placing his hand on top of her knee) She’s not. She will never one hundred percent be the sister you once knew. There are reminisces of her there, but most of her died.

Tears began to roll down Sookie’s face. Bill stood up from off the floor and placed himself next to Sookie on the couch. He wrapped his arm around her and she began to cry into his chest.

A few hours later, at Bill’s place, Summer was sitting in the living room, staring straight ahead at the wall. Eric stepped into the room and noticed Jessica.

Eric: You should be upstairs with your human.

Jessica: Is she okay?

Eric: No.

Jessica: What happened?

Eric: She fed from her brother.

Jessica: (with a shocked look on her face) Wow. Really?

Eric: Go back upstairs and lock the door behind you.

Jessica glanced back at Summer and then turned around and headed out of the living room. As she passed by Eric, he walked over towards the couch and sat down next to Summer.

Eric: Summer?

Summer: I shouldn’t be here.

Eric: What do you mean?

Summer: I should be in the ground right now. But now whose fault is that? (Glancing at Eric)
Eric: I did what I thought was best.

Summer: You were selfish.

Eric: You can be mad at me all you want. You are just upset.

Summer: Fuck you!

Summer stood up from the couch and faster than a blink, she was out of the living room, up the stairs and into the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind her. Eric rolled his eyes and stood up from the couch and slowly exited the living room.

The next night, at Bill’s place, Summer’s eyes opened and were glaring up at the ceiling. She slowly sat up and glanced around the room she was in. It was one of Bill’s spare bedrooms. She could tell by the décor. Next to her was Eric, still sleeping on his side. She swung her legs around to the side of the bed and quietly placed them onto the floor below. Quietly she slid each leg into her jeans and pulled them up onto her waist, buttoning and zipping. She leaned down and pulled on each black boot onto her foot. As each boot was on her foot, she quickly and quietly left the bedroom. Eric’s eyes opened and he realized that Summer was trying to sneak out of the house. He knew that she was going to try to check up on her sister.

At Sookie’s house, Summer slowly pushed the front door open and stepped into the living room. She glanced around the room and could not sense a human presence. It was probably because Sookie was at the hospital with Jason or maybe even at work. In the living room, she looked down at the floor, in front of the coffee table where she noticed a blood stain. She could still smell the blood, but this time she did not thirst for it. As she turned around, someone grabbed her by the throat, lifting her slightly off the floor and then throwing her across the room. Summer’s body was thrown back so far into the kitchen, sliding into the table. A pair of black, high-healed boots approached her and quickly Summer reacted. She lunged at her attacker, knocking them both onto the floor below. Summer was on top of her attacker, pinning her onto the floor. Her attacker was none other than…Katarine. Summer’s fangs were out and she leaned her face down toward Katarine’s. Katarine had a devil-ish smirk on her face and pushed Summer off of her. As Katarine got back on her feet, she noticed Summer standing in front of her.

Katarine: I should have known that someone would have saved you.

Summer: Here to finish what you started?

Katarine: Sort of, but I’m kind of growing fond of our rivalry.

Summer: You have a lot of nerve coming back here.

Katarine: I heard and well…smelled what you did here. Shame on you (waving her index finger from side to side) Do your siblings know that you’re keeping a big secret from them?

Summer: What are you talking about?

Katarine: I’ve been researching about your past. I wanted to know exactly who I was dealing with.

Summer: Find anything you like? (Sarcastically)

Katarine: Actually I did.

Summer: I think you’re trying to divert attention away from the situation so that I don’t decapitate you.

Katarine: You’re very funny. You can’t decapitate me.

Summer: We’ll see about that.

Quicker than a flash on a camera, Summer grabbed Katarine by the throat and threw her across the room. Katarine’s back hit the wall behind her and she fell forward, on her knees, onto the floor below. She glanced up and noticed Summer standing over her. Summer gripped a hold the back of Katarine’s neck and pulled her up onto her feet. She then punched her on the face. Blood trickled from Katarine’s lip. Katarine noticed a broken leg from the coffee table in Summer’s hand.

Summer: Karma’s a bitch, isn’t it?

Katarine: You kill me and you won’t know where your son is.

Summer: Excuse me? (Confused)

Katarine: I said you won’t know where your son is. Remember him? Or have you forgotten?

Summer realized what Katarine was speaking of. When she was sixteen she lost her virginity to her boyfriend, Austen and it resulted in a pregnancy. She told her Gram and they both agreed not to tell anybody about it. Before she started showing, she was sent to live with one of Gram’s old friends down in Georgia, until after she had the baby. They told everyone that she was just spending the Summer down in Georgia to research on a paper she had to do for her junior year. After she had the baby, she returned to Bon Temps and acted as if nothing happened. Summer thought that she would never have to think of that mistake again, but she would often think of the son that she never held or raised.

Katarine: He looks just like you (with a smirk on her face).

Summer: I think you’re bluffing.

Katarine: You know I’m not.

Summer let go of Katarine and dropped the broken table leg onto the floor below her. She then turned around and headed over towards the couch. Katarine reached down and picked up the broken table leg and before she could charge at Summer with it, she felt a deep pain in her back. Sookie was behind her with a large, closed, umbrella in her hand. She had stabbed the end of the umbrella into the back of Katarine. Summer spun around and watched as Katarine decinergrated into a pile of blood and body parts. Sookie then dropped the umbrella onto the floor.

Summer: What did you do?

Sookie: She was going to kill you.

Summer: She has my son!

Sookie: What? (Confused)

To Be Continued….

Chapter 20: Take It Off

*Warning: Contains strong language & sensuality*

Godric walks towards Summer and Eric and then approaches the Magister. He begins speaking to the Magister. Summer could hear that Godric wanted Eric to come back with him to Texas and that he would deal with him there. The Magister nodded his head in reply, but wondered what they should do with Summer. Summer couldn’t exactly understand what Godric was saying since he was speaking a whole other language. Godric ended his conversation with the Magister and approached Eric. Eric knelt down in front of his maker and lowered his head. Godric patted him on top of the head and Eric stood back up.

Eric: Why have you come?

Godric: I heard about the tribunal and your arrest.

Eric: I have disappointed you.

Godric: I want you to come back to Texas with me.

Eric: May I ask, why?

Godric: You have much to learn, my son. You can’t let your offspring confuse your judgment.

Eric: I was not confused. Lucian caused this, not me.

Godric: That may be so, but you still need to come with me.

Eric: What about Summer?

Godric: She can stay here.

Eric glanced over at Summer and then back at Godric. He had to listen to his maker and return back to Texas with him. He wasn’t for sure how long he would be away, but all that he was concerned about was leaving Summer. She looked at him in return and could hear his thoughts, which was that he had to obey his maker and head to Texas with him. She was saddened that he chose his maker over her, but she understood why.

Magister: This trial is adjourned.

Luisa approached Summer and motioned for her to leave the tribunal. Summer glanced over at Eric and wanted to say good-bye to him, but Luisa grabbed Summer by the arm and pulled her away from everyone. Summer yanked her arm out of Luisa’s grasp and continued walking away from the tribunal. Luisa watched as Summer stepped out further into the desert. Summer then stopped in her tracks and spun around. Eric appeared in front of her and planted his lips onto hers. They kissed intensely for several minutes before pulling away.

Eric: I will return.

Summer: I guess I’ll just have to help Pam out with the bar.

Eric: That would be nice.

Summer: I guess I will see you later.

Eric: Don’t worry about me.

Summer: Are you in trouble with your maker?

Eric: I sense some concern in your voice. Don’t be.

Summer: You should go. Godric is waiting.

Eric flashed Summer a grin and turned back towards Godric. Summer watched as Eric slid into the black SUV and closed the door behind him. The SUV drove off down the road and Summer noticed Austen in his car behind her. She decided that she should explain to him what happened.

Two weeks later, Summer was at Fangtasia, sitting in Eric’s thrown on the stage as customers approached her. Often they would ask her to suck their blood, kiss them, take pictures or request to be turned into a vampire. Summer finally knew why Eric didn’t like humans much. Most of them acted as if vampires were like a scene from the movie Twilight or something. Being a vampire isn’t a great as the movies or television portrays them. She knew that from experience. Pam was at the bar near the entrance, checking people’s I.D.’s as they came in. Chow was behind the bar serving and mixing drinks. A young male around the age of 20 approached her and Summer could sense that he was nervous. He wanted to ask her something but he was afraid of her reaction. His thoughts were jumpy and hard to read like he was on some sort of drug or maybe even liquored up.

Summer: What is it that you want to ask me?

Male: Would you drink my blood?

Summer: I’m flattered, but I already ate.

He just stood there waiting for something. Summer knew that he and his friends, who were sitting at a small table nearby, were going to be trouble.

Summer: Is there something else?

The young male pulled out a silver type knife and Summer bolted up out of the chair, quicker that a human eye could see and pinned the man on the floor below the stage. She was on top of him with her hand gripped tightly around his throat, her fangs exposed. Her face lowered down near his and she could smell the fear.

Summer: You made a stupid move, kid. You should know not to come into a Vampire bar and pull out a knife in front of one. Don’t be so fuckin’ stupid. If I were another Vampire, I would have snapped your neck quicker than you could take your last breath. But I’m not like most Vampires, so you’re lucky. I advise you and your friends leave and never come back or else I and the other Vampires here are going to have a little fun.

Male: O…..K…. (Nervously)

Summer released her grip from around the young man’s throat and quickly was back on her feet. As her fangs retracted, the boy scrambled to his feet and ran towards the front door, his friends following closely behind him. Summer turned around, climbed back on stage and sat back on the throne. Everyone in the bar resumed what they were doing before the incident. Pam flashed Summer a satisfied grin from over at the bar. If it were her, she would have killed the prick.

A few hours later, inside Eric’s office, Summer was on the phone with her sister, Summer. Since the trial, Summer had lived up to her promise that she and her sister would spend more time with one another. Before she would head to work, Summer would hang out with Sookie either at the Stackhouse home or at Merlotte’s. She even spent more time with Jason. Jason still was uncomfortable with the fact that his sister was now the living dead, but it was better than having her in the ground and never seeing her again. Summer was sitting behind Eric’s desk with her feet propped up on the edge. Pam then stepped into the office and Summer signaled her that she was almost done. Summer flipped her cell phone closed and placed it on the desk.

Summer: Hey, Pam, what’s up?

Pam: You did a great job this evening. If it were me, I would have killed him. But that’s just me.

Summer: Trust me, I wanted to kill him, but I figured that wasn’t such good judgment. Plus, there were more humans in the bar and that would have been bad for them to witness such brutality.

Pam: Chow and I are closing down the bar. I guess I will see you back at the house.

Summer: Ok.

Pam then stepped out of the office and Summer began finishing up some of the paper work that needed to be done before she headed back home.

At the Northman mansion, later that night, Summer opened up the master bedroom door and flipped on the light switch. Sitting on the edge of the bed was Eric. Eric lifted up his head and noticed Summer standing in the bedroom doorway. She closed the door behind her and approached him.

Summer: How was Texas?

Eric: That’s it? That’s what you wanted to ask me? I thought maybe you wanted this.

Eric stood up from the bed and pressed his lips against hers. They kissed passionately for a few minutes and then Eric spun her around and pushed her onto the bed. Faster than a blink, Eric was lying on top of her. His lips pressed onto her neck and slowly made their way down to her collar bone. He then slid his hand down the side of her thigh and down to her knee-high, black heeled boots. He sat up and lifted up her right leg, straight up in the air. Slowly he began unzipping her boot and then pulling it off and tossing it onto the floor. He did the same with the other leg. Summer bolted up and on her knees, facing Eric, she began unbuttoning his black dress shirt. Slowly she slid the shirt down his muscular, long arms. Eric formed a sexy grin on his face and moved his hands down toward her stomach. He lifted her white tank top up and over her head. Once the shirt was off, he tossed it onto the floor. Quickly he pushed her back down onto the bed.

The next night, Summer bolted upward in bed and was out of bed and in the bathroom, quicker than a flash of light. Eric sits up and then swings his legs to the side of the bed and plants his feet onto the floor below. He steps down off the bed and heads over to his large, walk-in closet. As the closet door opens, he flicks the light on and steps inside the closet. After a few minutes, Eric steps out of the closet and is fully dressed in a pair of black pants, a white dress shirt tucked into his pants and a black suit jacket over his shirt. He suddenly senses that someone is waiting for him downstairs. Moving at a speed that the human eyes couldn’t see, Eric made his way out of the bedroom, down the hallway and down the stairs.

Standing in the living room area was a tall, blond haired female. She had on a black, thigh length, one strap dress with a pair of red ankle-strapped high-heeled shoes. He was wondering what she was doing in Louisiana. Knowing her, he wouldn’t be surprised if she was up to no good.

Katarine: Surprised to see me?

Summer: (appearing behind Eric) Who is she?
Katarine: You must be Summer.

Katarine approached Summer and motioned her eyes up and down to see who she was exactly dealing with. Summer concentrated closely on her thoughts to see who she was. Her thoughts seemed guarded, which to Summer meant that she was an older Vampire…way older. Maybe she even knew about Summer’s “so called” special ability.

Summer: Who are you?

Katarine: I’m sorry, how rude of me. I’m Katarine Dall. I’m an old friend of Eric’s.

Summer: Really?

Katarine: You didn’t tell her about me? (Looking at Eric)

Summer: Eric, who is she and why haven’t you mentioned her to me?

Katarine: Yeah, Eric, why haven’t you?

Eric: It didn’t consider it necessary at the time.

Katarine: You are a naughty and devious man, Eric Northman (biting her lower lip, playfully)

Summer could tell by Katarine’s body language that she was sexually attracted to Eric. Katarine’s thoughts revealed to Summer that she and Eric spent some time together while he was in Texas spending time with Godric. It seemed obvious that Katarine wanted Summer to snoop through her thoughts. Summer didn’t quite understand why Eric was keeping his so called “old friend” a secret. It wasn’t like Eric to hide stuff from her. Was it because there was more than just a friendship? Maybe a sexual one.

Eric: Katarine and I knew each other during my time in Europe before coming here.

Katarine: That was a very long time ago.

Summer: How old are you exactly?

Katarine: It’s very rude to ask a woman her age. But if you must know, I’m around a thousand years old. I look good for my age though, right?

Eric: What are you doing here, Katarine?

Katarine: You never said good-bye to me before you left Texas.

Summer: (confused) You were in Texas?

Katarine: I guess you didn’t tell her that either?

Summer: Why are you keeping her a secret from me? You know damn well that I could read your thoughts if I wanted to. Is it because you did something with her that you don’t want me to know about?

Katarine formed a satisfied grin on her face and watched as Summer questioned Eric. She knew Summer was fired up but she loved it. Summer could sense that Eric was hiding something from her. She concentrated hard on his thoughts but he was trying really hard to block them from her.

Summer: Just tell me, Eric.

Eric: When I was in Texas, she was there at Godric’s place when I showed up. Godric wanted her there to help me. Apparently I don’t know how to control my offspring.

Katarine: Apparently.

An image flashed into Summer’s mind and she knew that it came from Katarine. Katarine wanted her to see that image of her and Eric. The image was of a half-naked Katarine strateling Eric on a large king-size bed. Summer glanced at Eric and gave him an angered look. He knew that Summer was angry and disappointed with him. Even if he were to tell Summer everything that had happened in Texas with him and Katarine, she would still be pissed at him.

Eric: Nothing happened.

Summer: That sounds very convincing.

Katarine: He is right. Nothing happened. Honestly.

Summer: Then why did you show me an image of you and Eric half-naked on a bed?

Katarine: You were right Eric, she is special. At first I thought you were exaggerating a little.

Eric: What you seen happened.

Summer: Really? (Sounding angry)

Katarine: It was my fault. I came onto him.

Eric: I am not sexually attracted to Katarine.

Summer: Have you and she ever had sex before?

Eric: Yes. But that was a very long time ago.

Summer: I see.

Summer grabs her leather jacket from off the couch and quickly walks over towards the front door. Eric appears in front of her, stopping her from leaving.

Eric: Nothing happened.

Summer: I’m going to visit my sister for awhile. You and your old friend have fun.

Summer pushes passed Eric and yanks open the front door. She steps outside on the porch and like a blur was gone. Eric slammed the door closed and turned around to give an evil glance to Katarine who was sitting on the leather couch, legs crossed and blowing a kiss towards Eric.

A few days ago, in Dallas, Texas at Godric’s place, Eric opened the door to his guest room and as the light switched on, Eric noticed Katarine sitting on his bed wearing a white shirt that was opened up to reveal her black and lacey bra and panties. Eric immediately closed the door behind him.

Eric: Katarine, what are you doing?

Katarine: I have been waiting for you. Like what I’m wearing? (Flirtatiously)

Katarine slid down and off the bed walking towards Eric. She ran her finger down the front of his shirt and bit down on her lower lip, playfully. Slowly, she slid her shirt down off her arms and let it drop down onto the floor. She pressed her body up against his and started to unbutton his shirt. Eric grabbed her by the wrists, tightly and pushed her away from him. He walked over towards the bed and sat down.

Eric: Katarine, you need to leave.

Katarine: Is this because of that bitch, Summer?

Eric: Call her a bitch again and see what happens (angry).

Katarine: Are you in love with her?

Eric: Katarine, I am not in the mood for your games tonight.

Katarine: Awww…is somebody in a grouchy mood.

Katarine approaches him and crawls on his lap, facing him. Faster than a flash of light, she pushes him down onto the bed. She lowers her face down towards his and plants her soft, dead lips onto his. While she kisses him, she slides her hands up his shirt. Eric’s eyes widened and he placed his hands on both sides of her arms and flipped her onto her back. Katarine forms a playful smile on her face.

Katarine: I forgot you like it rough.

Eric: You are really pissing me off.

Katarine: I know you want me.

Eric: I did a long time ago, but not anymore. There is somebody else that I want.

Eric steps off the bed and grabs Katarine by both wrists and yanks her up off the bed and back onto her feet. He bends down and picks up her white shirt off the floor and hands it to Katarine. She starts to feel a little aggravated by his behavior. He used to always be so fun and playful. Now he’s in a committed relationship. Eric grabs her by the arm and escorts her towards the front door. He opens up the door and pushes her out into the hallway. The door then slams shut behind her. Katarine forms and angry look on her face and stomps off to her guest room. A thought enters her mind. She’ll have to visit him in Louisiana and see why Summer is so important to Eric.

Two weeks later, at Sookie Stackhouse’s home, Summer is sitting in the kitchen at the small four-seated table. Sookie is standing by the microwave waiting for something to heat up. The microwave dings and Sookie opens up the door on the microwave and pulls out a bottle of Tru Blood. She walks over towards her sister and hands her the bottle, sitting down in the chair next to her. Summer takes a drink of the Tru Blood and sits the bottle on top of the table. She licks her lips and notices Jason stepping into the kitchen. Summer stands up and he approaches her, wrapping his arms around her, giving her a big hug. She sits back down at the table and Jason pulls out a chair, spins it around and sits down.

Jason: What’s wrong, sis?

Sookie: She thinks Eric may have cheated on her while he was in Texas.

Jason: Do you want me to stake his dead ass?

Summer: I don’t think he did anything with her.

Sookie: Then what’s wrong?

Summer: It’s her. Her thoughts were really starting to piss me off. They made me uneasy. I just know that she wanted me to hear her thoughts.

Jason: You want me to stake her, because I’m free for the night.

Summer: That’s okay. I can deal with her myself. Maybe by the time I get home, Eric sent her home.

Sookie: I know what you are going through. I had the same dilemma with Bill’s ex-Lorena. And you know how that turned out.

Summer reached out for her bottle of Tru Blood and gulped down the rest of it. Once she was done, she slammed the empty bottle down onto the table, licking the remaining blood off her lips. She sensed that Jason was a little uncomfortable when she drank blood around him.

Sookie: You want another one? I have more.

Summer: No, I’m good. Thank you.

Summer gets up off the chair and pushes it back in. Sookie gets up and realizes that her sister is about to head back home.

Sookie: Can’t you stay a little bit longer?

Summer: I have to get home. I need to speak with Eric. Hopefully that bitch is gone once I get there.

Jason: Remember what I offered. I’m still up for it.

He gets up out of his seat and Summer gives him and her sister, Sookie one last hug before she headed out. As she un-wraps her arms from around Sookie, she steps out of the kitchen with Jason and Sookie following closely behind her. Summer turns the front doorknob and pulls the door open. As she walks down the front steps and toward her car, Jason and Sookie are out on the front porch watching her. They continued watching as Summer slides into the front seat of her car and then backed out of the driveway.

A little later, at the Northman mansion, the front door swings open and in steps Summer. She looks around and it seems that nobody is around, but she does hear somebody walking around in the kitchen area. Slowly and quietly she closes the front door, slips off her leather jacket and tosses it onto the leather couch. She walks into the large dining room and then pushes open the door that leads to the kitchen. As she step foot into the kitchen, she noticed Eric standing in front of the refrigerator, his back facing her. Eric turned around and noticed Summer standing by the door.

Eric: She is gone.

Summer: I figured that much.

Eric: I did not have sex with her. There is only one person I want to do that with (with a grin on his face).

Summer: I know you didn’t. There is just something about her that rubs me the wrong way.

Eric: She is heading back to Europe so you will not be seeing her again.

Summer: Good.

Eric closes the fridge door and steps around the island counter that is in the middle of the kitchen. As he stands but a few inches from her, he reaches out and grabs her hand. Quickly, he pulls her towards him, her body pressing up against his. He then lifts her up a few inches off the floor and sits her on top of the island counter. The front of his body presses up against the counter and her legs wrapped around his waist and she leans into his face and plants her lips onto his. His hands caressed her back as they passionately kiss. Eric pulls his face away from her and his hands moved from her back to around her waist. He lifts up her shirt and pulls it up and over her head and arms. She then begins to unbutton his shirt as he drops her shirt onto the floor below. Once she undoes all the buttons on his shirt, she slides the shirt down off his arms and it drops onto the floor. Eric pushes her down onto the counter and climbs up and presses his body down on top of hers. He slides his hands down her leg and lifts it up around his waist as he continues to kiss her.

A few hours later at Sookie Stackhouse’s home, there is a knock at the front door. Sookie strolls down the stairs and opens up the front door. Standing in front of her is Katarine.

Katarine: Hello, my name is Katarine Dall. Is your sister here?

Sookie: No, sorry, she left a few hours ago.

Katarine: Can I come in? I just need to speak with you for a few minutes. After that, you can resend my invitation that way you don’t have to worry about me coming back.

Sookie: Not to sound rude or anything, but I don’t think I should.

Katarine: I promise I won’t do anything to you. I just want to talk. That’s all.

Katarine could tell that Sookie wasn’t going to be easily persuaded so she decided to play it nice and calm.

Katarine: I can tell that you don’t trust me. If it makes you feel any better, if I remotely tried to touch a hair on your head, I’m pretty sure Eric would hunt me down or maybe even your sister. Do you have silver you can wear?

Sookie: Hold on a minute.

Sookie steps away from the front door and runs up the stairs. Katarine patiently waits for Sookie to return. After a few minutes, Sookie comes running down the stairs and steps back into the doorway. Katarine forms a big smile on her face and notices that Sookie has a silver necklace around her neck.

Sookie: Come in.

Katarine: Thank you.

Sookie steps aside as Katarine steps inside. Sookie closes the front door and walks into the living room with Katarine following closely behind her. Sookie sits down on the couch and motions for Katarine to take a seat. Katarine sits down across from her in a recliner chair.

Sookie: What is it that you wanted to talk to me about?

Katarine: I upset your sister didn’t I?

Sookie: She wasn’t upset; she just did not like you.

Katarine: I tend to have that effect on people. Especially females. I did not mean to make her feel like she should be threatened by me.

Sookie: You should be telling my sister this. Not me.

Katarine: I feel like I need to apologize to you as well. I was inappropriate and I would like your forgiveness.

Sookie: I guess I accept it.

Katarine: Did your sister head back home?

Sookie: Yes. She wanted to speak with Eric.

Katarine: That’s good. Well I guess I should be heading over there to apologize to her.

Sookie: Would you like a Tru Blood?

Katarine: Sure.

Sookie gets up off the couch and heads into the kitchen. Katarine bolts up off the chair and begins looking around for a cell phone. She notices a cell phone sitting on a small table next to the front door. Katarine slowly peaks into the kitchen and notices Sookie heating up the bottle of Tru Blood. Quicker than a bolt of lightening, Katarine ran to the front door, snatched the cell phone off the table and back into the living room area where she planted her bottom back into the recliner chair. Sookie stepped back into the room and walked over towards Katarine.

Katarine: I really should be going. Thank you so much for your kindness and hospitality.
Katarine gets up off the chair and grabs the bottle of Tru Blood out of Sookie’s hand and flashes her a smile.

Katarine: For the go.

Sookie then escorts Katarine to the front door and opens up the door for her. Katarine steps outside onto the porch and Sookie watches as Katarine walks down the front steps. Katarine realizes that Sookie is no longer watching her and she tosses the bottle of Tru Blood into the bushes next to the front steps. She forms an evil grin on her face as she pulls out Sookie’s cell phone from the inside of her jacket pocket.

An hour before dawn, Eric and Summer are lying in bed, asleep. Summer’s cell phone then begins vibrating on the night stand next to her. Summer’s eyes flicker open and she notices her cell phone screen is lit up. She pulls the satin sheet up against her chest and sits up, snatching the phone off the night stand. She presses a few buttons to check her text message. It’s from her sister, Sookie. It says that she’s in the cemetery and that she needs to speak with her right away and that it’s an emergency. In a split second, Summer was out of bed and in the bathroom, changing.

Less than 10 minutes later, Summer was in the cemetery. She began looking around for her sister, but didn’t see her anywhere. She called out for her, but nobody answered back. Summer walked around, cautiously and suddenly she stopped in her tracks. There was a single thought that entered her into her head.

Voice: He will be mine again.

Summer spun around and noticed Katarine standing in front of her. She had jabbed a silver stake into Summer’s chest. Summer glanced down and noticed the silver stake in her chest and then glanced back up at Katarine who had an evil grin on her face. Katarine’s high-heeled black shoe was pressed against Summer’s stomach as she pushed her down to the ground. Summer looked up at Katarine who was wearing a pair of black gloves and wearing a black, thigh-high trench coat. She waved good-bye to Summer as she turned around and slowly began walking away from her. Summer tried to move, but it felt as if she was paralyzed all over. She noticed that the sky was starting to get lighter, meaning that the sun was about to rise in less than half an hour.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 19: Break

*Warning: Contains strong language*

Summer stared at Austen and came to the realization that somebody was missing…Eric. She expected him to be the one who saved her and not Austen. Eric would go to the ends of the world to save her. She also wondered why Austen, her ex-boyfriend from high school, was back in Louisiana. She hadn’t seen him since their first year of community college. He never gave her a reason as to why he left. Ever since then, she was always resented Austen. He was her first true love and he just abandoned her. She had always thought that maybe it was because of her special talent. But none of that mattered now.

Summer: Where is Eric?

Austen: The Tribunal has him under arrest.

Summer: Why?

Austen: For what he did to Lucian.

Summer: That son-of-a-bitch seems to get away with everything. But that will soon end.

Austen: Remind me to never get on your bad side.

Summer: Why are you here?

Austen: I saved you.

Summer: I know that. Why are you here in Louisiana?

Austen: I have business here.

Summer: Doesn’t matter. I need to get to the Tribunal.

She stood up from the couch just as Sookie strolled through the front door with Bill trolling right behind her. As Sookie noticed her dead sister standing in her living room, she dropped her purse on the floor and darted towards her. She immediately wrapped her arms around Summer. Sookie then let’s go of her sister and immediately hugs Austen.

Sookie: Thank you, so much.

Austen: It was pretty easy actually.

Bill: I am glad to see that you’re alright.

Summer: Thanks. Now I need to get going.

Sookie: Wait…what? (Confused)

Sookie stood in front of Summer, stopping her from going anywhere. She knew that her now dead sister was stronger than her and could easily get passed her, but she didn’t care. Ever since Summer’s death, Summer hasn’t been anywhere near her or Jason. Sookie understood why, but she hated it anyways. It just seemed like an unfair situation. All she wanted was her sister back or even just want her sister to visit her a little more. Bill stood behind Sookie, protectively, making sure that Summer didn’t do anything that would jeopardize Sookie’s safety.

Summer: I need to go back to the Tribunal and convince the magister to release Eric.

Sookie: They’re just going to bury you in that coffin again.

Summer: I have to help Eric. He tried to help me and look where he wound up because of it.

Sookie: Austen, do something (sounding upset)
Austen: Summer, listen to your sister. I just helped you escape from there and now you want to go back?

Summer sat back down on the couch to contemplate what she should do. She had to develop some sort of plan instead of going in there blind. Eric taught her that. Sookie sat down next to her and grabbed her hand.

Sookie: Thank-you (smiling).
Summer knew how hard things are recently for her sister. She felt bad she hasn’t spent more time with her. It’s just that she is still not completely comfortable around humans. When she gets near one, all her senses go into full overdrive and she can’t even concentrate. All she hears is a heart beat and notices nothing except the vein in their neck pulsate. Even the smell of a human is intoxicating. So intoxicating that it’s hard to keep her fangs from coming out. Summer is just trying to protect her sister and brother from herself. Her eyes then open widely as a thought comes into her mind.

Summer: I think maybe the Queen can help. I think she may have some dirt on Lucian. That night at the Halloween party, it seemed like she new him. Maybe not as the King of Georgia.

Austen: I don’t think that’s a good idea.
Summer: I really don’t care what you think right now. You’re scared of her.

Austen: Am not.

Summer: Then why are you worried about her ripping your throat out?

Austen: How do you know that? Not that I am though.

Summer: Remember how I use to always pass my tests in high school?

Austen: Yeah, why?

Summer: Some of the time, I was just cheating. Mentally.

Austen looked at her, confused. He wasn’t exactly sure why, but he always suspected that both Summer and Sookie were special when he was younger. Now that his ex-girlfriend was a Vampire, he wasn’t exactly sure what to expect next.

Summer: I’m a telepath. Have been since I was a toddler.

Austen: That explains a lot. (Pause) Really?

Sookie: It’s true. I’m one, too.

Austen didn’t know how to process what he had just heard. It wasn’t exactly what he would of guessed, but it did explain how she knew what he was thinking and how she knew the answers to everything in high school. Was she reading his mind now, he wondered. He didn’t actually want to take her to Queen Sophie Anne, but Summer was very persistent and he knew that she wouldn’t back down. The one thing he wouldn’t do is piss off another Vampire. Especially one that is a newborn.

Austen: When do you want me to take you to Queen Sophie?

Summer: Wow, you gave in fast.

Austen: I don’t have the energy to argue with a Vampire. It’s a fight I will never win.

Summer: Wow, that’s sad.

Austen: I will take you there tomorrow night.

Summer: (chuckling under her breath) It’s still early. We’re going now.

Sookie: Why?

Summer: You would do the same for Bill, so don’t even try to stop me. (Now looking at Austen) If you won’t take me tonight, then I will go by myself.

Sookie: Summer, please just stay and relax. Austen just rescued you. Eric isn’t going anywhere.

Summer: Eric doesn’t have time. It will take most of my time to convince Queen Sophie to help me talk to the Tribunal. Maybe she has some dirt on Lucian.

Austen: Summer, listen to your sister. I promise we will handle this ordeal tomorrow night.

Summer: I thought you said you didn’t have enough energy to argue with a Vampire? Yet you’re still arguing with one. Fuck this shit.

She gets up off the couch and faster than the blink of an eye, Summer ran out of the house. Sookie and Austen noticed the front door was swung open.

Austen: Damn it.

Austen stood up and quickly stepped out onto the front porch. He looked around and both his rental car and Sookie’s car was still parked in the driveway. So he assumed she ran to Queen Sophie’s, on foot. He quickly trotted down the porch steps towards his black rental car. As he walked around to the driver’s side door, he yanked it open and slid onto the seat. He slammed the door shut and he quickly backed out of the driveway and then sped out onto the main road.

Meanwhile, at Queen Sophie’s mansion, Queen Sophie was lounging in the dayroom wearing a white two piece bathing suit, showing off her pale, snow white complexion. She felt prescience in the room and thought it was Hadley. Sophie sat up, lowering her white, bug-eyed, sun glasses and noticed that it wasn’t Hadley, but her dead cousin, Summer.

Queen Sophie: I see Austen got you out. But wait…how did you get passed my guards?

Summer: I guess they’re not too bright.

Queen Sophie: What do you want? (Leaning back in her lounge chair and pushing up her glasses)

Summer: What do you know about Lucian?

Queen Sophie: Seriously, that’s what you came her for? Sweetie, Sweetie, give it up.

Summer: All I need from you is information on Lucian. That’s all I’m asking.

Queen Sophie: I already told your shifter friend how to help rescue you.

Summer: During Halloween, I could sense that you knew Lucian. Are you trying to tell me that I’m the one lying?

Queen Sophie: Don’t question me, child (getting angry).

Queen Sophie sat up in her lounge chair and placed her sun glasses on top of her head. She could tell that Summer wasn’t going to back down. All she knew was that she wasn’t going to let a child threaten her in her own home. Not without some sort of consequence. Although, she did like Summer’s persistence. She definitely is a loyal offspring. One quality that some offspring’s her age often lack.

Queen Sophie: I advise that you tone down your voice, because I won’t tolerate it.

Summer: You think because you’re the Queen that I give a shit what you say? What, you’re like 500 years old? How do you even qualify as a “Queen”? Eric is way older than you. And I’m giving you one last chance to tell me what you know about Lucian.

Queen Sophie: Bite your tongue, child. I won’t tell you again (getting angry).

Summer could feel the fury build up inside and could no longer contain it. In a flash, Summer had appeared in front of Queen Sophie and had pinned her down onto the lounge chair with her fangs exposed.

Summer: I’m tired of your bullshit. Now tell me what you know!

Queen Sophie: (her fangs now exposed) I like my women on top.

Summer: You are just as bad as he is.

Queen Sophie forcefully pushes Summer off of her, sending her flying back and into the pool. Summer swam to the surface and over towards the edge of the pool. She pulled herself up out of the pool, dripping wet with her fangs still exposed. She noticed Queen Sophie with a satisfied grin on her face, which made Summer snap. Like a blur, Summer had darted over towards Sophie and tackled her out of the lounge chair and onto the cold floor. Queen Sophie began snickering, quite enjoying the little hissy fit of Summer’s. Summer wanted to rip her throat out, but she would be in a more worse and difficult situation.

Queen Sophie: I love your dedication, but your one stupid girl.

Summer: Who’s got who pinned down?

Queen Sophie: You’re quite funny and adorable. Maybe I will have you be my pet.

Sophie grabbed the sides of Summer’s arms and quickly flipped her to where she was the one pinned to the floor and Sophie was now on top of her.

Sophie: Now who’s got who pinned?

Summer: What exactly is the Tribunal going to think when they hear that their Queen let two innocent Vampires get punished because her ego got in the way?

Queen Sophie: You are really testing my patience.

Summer: Go ahead…do it.

Queen Sophie: Watch it, child, or I will rip your fangs out from your gums one by one and use them as charms for my bracelet.

Summer: You are becoming a waste of my fucking time.

Summer violently and forcefully pushed Queen Sophie off of her. Like a violent tornado, Summer was up off the floor and out of the dayroom. Sophie glanced over at the front entrance and noticed the doors wide open. Her two, twin body guards poked their heads inside and noticed their master on the floor.

At Sookie’s house, Summer was in her old bedroom, raiding through her closet for some dry clothes. Austen then barges into her room, closing the door behind them. He had went to Queen Sophie’s only to discover that Summer had already left and that the Queen was very pissed off. Austen noticed Summer raiding through the closet and throwing clothes onto the floor that she didn’t like.

Austen: Are you trying to end up back in that damn coffin?! (Angry)

Summer: She’ll get over it.

Austen: So was it at least worth it?

Summer: Nope.

Summer took a pair of jeans and a pink sequence tank top and tossed it onto her bed. She then began pulling her wet shirt up over her arms and head and then dropping it onto the floor below. Austen averted his eyes as she began unzipping the back of her tight fitting black skirt and letting it slide down her legs and onto the floor. Summer stood in front of him in nothing but a pair of black, lacey panties and a black bra. She could tell that Austen was trying not to look and kind of snickered.

Summer: It’s not like you haven’t seen me half-naked before.

Austen: That was several years ago. We’re much older now.

Summer: That’s one advantage of being dead. I’ll never age. I’ll look like this forever.

Austen: So now what’s your plan? I know you have one (still not looking at her)

Summer: You sure do change the subject a lot.

She walked towards him and slowly began pressing her body up against his and smelling his neck.

Summer: Did you miss me? (Whispering)

Austen: Yes (in a low voice).

Summer: Do you want me? (Whispering)

Austen tried not to respond and assumed that she was playing some sort of twisted mind game on him. He felt her cold lips on his neck. He wanted to push her away but he had always loved her. Even though she was the living dead, he still had strong feelings for her. He knew coming back to Louisiana would bring those feelings back. As her lips were an inch from his, he tried leaning in for a kiss, but she instantly pushed him back.

Summer: You’re a fuckin’ idiot. I’m a Vampire. I’ll never be that girl you once knew.

Austen: You’re right. Vampires and Shifters are a bad mix, plus we don’t exactly get along.

Summer: Tell Sookie that I’m going to the Tribunal and I’ll visit her tomorrow night.

She quickly put on her jeans and top and faster than Austen could blink, Summer was out of the bedroom, down the stairs and out of the house.

In the middle of a desert, where the Vampire Tribunal took place, a trial was going on when Summer pushed her way to the front, making herself seen by the Magister. He noticed her and the crowd behind her went silent.

Magister: You are stupid to have come back.

Summer: Release Eric and I will voluntarily go back to my coffin for the next five years.

Magister: You may be stupid, but you are a very loyal offspring. But what he did was a crime. A crime should never be left unpunished.

Summer: Lucian has got all of you tangled up in his web. I thought you of all people weren’t gullible. Is it because he’s a King?

Magister: What’s your point, Ms Stackhouse? I have a trail to judge.

Summer: You have to know that Lucian is lying to you. He bribed Steve Newlin to kidnapped Eric so that it looked as if the Church had something to do with it, when it was really Lucian. He was torching Eric. Isn’t that a crime that needs to be punished?

Magister: You do make a convincing argument.

The Magister waved over his enforcer, Luisa and she approached him. He leaned down and began whispering to her. She nodded and walked passed Summer and through the crowd. Luisa began speaking with one of the guards.

A little over a half hour later, in the wee hours of the night, Eric was hand-cuffed, standing next to Summer on one side and on the other side of her was Lucian and his fellow servant. The Magister had called for both Eric and Lucian to come forward so that he could straighten this story out.

Magister: I am getting really sick and tired of this back and for worth stuff. I will get to the truth.

Lucian: Magister, why are you listening to what they have to say? Clearly they are lying. They would love nothing but to see me rot inside one of those coffins.

Magister: You seem really defensive, Mr. Drakos.

Lucian: It’s King Julian Drakos to you.

Magister: In this court, we don’t really care who you are. My job is to find the truth and then punish those that deserve it.

Lucian: Then punish them already and we could be done with this.

Summer: See how eager he is.

Lucian: Shut up, bitch.

Eric: Watch your mouth, jävla idioter {fucking idiot in Swedish}.

Magister: Enough out of all of you!! I don’t want you to speak unless spoken to. Do you all understand?! (Getting angry)

Everyone nodded their heads in response. One thing the Magister did not tolerate in his court was people speaking out of turn. It was one of his main pet peeves. He glanced down at his black berry to see the information he had stored in there. Slowly he lifted his head back up, looking at them.

Magister: There is some very interesting information given by both of you. Not sure who is exactly lying, but I recently have a thorn in my side, provided by this young lady (looking at Summer). She’s very persistent and I can tell that she won’t back down. Her story seems more accurate than yours Drakos. It just seems very strange to me that you would keep yourself hidden from everyone. You don’t even have any body guards and that’s unusual for royalty. Is this perhaps because you’re hiding something from everyone?

Lucian: What the hell would I have to hide? I’m over 2,000 years old.

Magister: More reason for you to lie. You’ve had plenty of time to master it.

Lucian: I see where this is going. I am disgusted that you would think such of thing of me. I should have you removed as Magister.

Eric: Big mistake, kusipää {asshole in Finnish}.

Magister: Don’t ever try to threaten me! (Fangs exposed)

Suddenly Lucian’s butler and loyal servant step forward and everyone looked at him, curious as to way he suddenly stepped forward. Summer was hoping that maybe he would speak the truth and send Lucian to an early grave.

Magister: Do you have something to add?

Butler: My name is Gregory Heinz and I am Julian Drakos butler. Have been for several years. But I’m not whom he thinks I am.

Lucian formed a confused and worried look on his face. He wasn’t exactly for sure what his butler meant by that, but if it was some sort of deception then Lucian would surely have him killed after the Tribunal was over. Nobody double crosses him.

Magister: Alright, go on.

Butler: I am Queen Sophie Anne’s servant. I was told to somehow become Lucian’s servant. She wasn’t aware at the time that he was the King of Georgia but she had heard that Lucian did some things that were against the Vampire code. She wanted to find out exactly what. Well just recently did I witness him committing such a crime.

Magister: So he did have Eric Northman kidnapped?

Butler: Oh, yes. And he had his offspring, Riley torture him.

Magister: How exactly did he torture Mr. Northman?

Lucian: Magister, he is lying. He is just angry that I’ve never given him a more fair position because of his age.

Magister: If you open your mouth one more time, I will have you removed from my court. Continue Mr. Heinz.

Butler: He had Riley inject Mr. Northman with liquefied silver and then he would beat him with silver knuckles.

Magister: That is a very serious crime, Mr. Drakos. It seems like there is a witness to your crime.

Lucian: He is lying. And for this I will punish him.

Summer: Don’t you see how he is? He thinks he’s above everyone else.

Lucian: You stupid, bitch!

Lucian lunged at Summer and tackled her down to the dirt with his hands tightly around her throat and his fangs exposed. Eric, instinctively, brought his cuffs down towards Lucian’s neck and the chain on the cuffs was tightly pressed against Lucian’s throat. He pulled back harder on the cuffs and Lucian was pulled from off of Summer. Summer then punched Lucian on the face. Luisa, the Magister’s enforcer stepped into the middle to stop the fight.

Magister: That is enough! I won’t have this nonsense going on here. I think I’ve heard enough. Julian Drakos, I hereby renounce your thrown from Georgia. I will immediately contact the court and they will decide what your punishment should be.

Lucian: You will regret this.

Luisa then pushed Lucian down to the ground while the Magister made the call to the court. Everyone stood anxiously waiting for what would happen next. After twenty or so, agonizing minutes, the Magister put down his black berry and looked at everyone, who was still silent.

Magister: Lucian, I’ve been advised that I’m allowed to pick your punishment. It seems as though they have heard of you and aren’t exactly fond of you. I’m feeling particularly generous and creative, so I’m going to have Summer kill you.

The Magister waved Luisa over and she walked over towards him. He whispered something to her and then she reached back into the truck bed and pulled out a huge Medieval, executioner, and double bladed axe. She walked over towards them and tossed the axe to Summer. Summer caught it and then looked at the Magister. She didn’t expect that she would have to execute Lucian. Although it did sound tempting.

Summer: It would be better if Eric did it. He was the one kidnapped and tortured.

Magister: Sorry, but I have already decided Lucian’s punishment and who gives him the punishment. Go ahead.

Lucian: You can’t decide my fate. Isn’t that up to the Queen? Plus, I’m not even from here.Magister: It doesn’t matter. I made my judgment.

Summer walked towards Lucian, who was still on his knees and rose up the axe high above her head. Quickly, without even hesitating, she swung the axe down, cutting off Lucian’s head. After his head went rolling across the ground, his body began to shrivel and turn into a pile of wet flesh and blood. Suddenly, Godric appears and everyone goes silent.

To Be Continued….

Chapter 18: Misery Business

*Warning: Contains strong language*

Outside Lucian’s mansion, on the black pavement, Eric and Lucian were lying in front of the mansion with smoke slowly rising off their skin. Eric’s eyes slowly opened and instantly he felt the intense heat under his skin. He had to ignore the pain that was slowly building up so he pushed himself up off the pavement. As he stood up, he noticed the sun slowly rising behind the wooded area. Eric glanced down and noticed Lucian still lying there. He decided that he couldn’t let Lucian meet the sun…not yet. He still needed to prove to the tribunal that Lucian has not been speaking the truth. Eric bends down and throws Lucian’s arm across his shoulders and lifts him up off the ground. Quickly they scamper up the steps and into the mansion. Eric quickly closes the doors and bends down slightly, not feeling too well. Lucian makes his way to the couch, leaning back and focusing his full attention on Eric.
Eric: We need to get somewhere dark.

Lucian: I’m not going anywhere.

Eric: I would have left you out there but I didn’t.

Lucian: You still have an agenda.

Eric: I do, but for now we need to take cover till dusk.

Lucian: (smirking) I really can not stand you.

Eric: I guess we have something in common.

That afternoon, at Sookie’s house, Sookie walks down the steps just as Sam enters through the front. Sookie notices him and starts to worry. Sam usually doesn’t show up at her place unless something is wrong. Sam waits for her to finish taking her last steps down the stairs. She tried reading his thoughts but sometimes it’s a little hard, since he’s not human. She feels more of his emotions than she does his thoughts.

Sookie: What brings you by, Sam?

Sam: It’s about your sister.

Sookie: What about her?

Sam: Come with me.

Sam grabs her hand and leads her into the living room and over to the couch. Sam sits down and Sookie sits down next to him, on the edge of the seat.

Sookie: Spit it out, Sam (anxious)

Sam: I received a call from Pam earlier this morning before dawn. She stated that Summer had to appear before the Tribunal.

Sookie: For what?! (Shocked)

Sam: She killed someone.

Sookie: A Vampire, right?

Sam: Yes.

Sookie: There had to have been a good reason. I know her.

Sam: Pam told me that Summer only did it to save Eric. The Magister didn’t believe her story and sentenced her.

Sookie: Sentenced her? (Confused)

Sam grabbed Summer’s hand and held it tightly, for comfort. Sookie’s heart rate started to slowly build and she started taking quicker breaths. She felt like she was about to have an anxiety attack. Sookie closed her eyes tightly, while trying to read Sam’s thoughts before he could say anything. She was too upset to focus so she opened up her eyes and took one deep breath, ready for the bad news.

Sam: She was sentenced to five years in a coffin chained with silver.

Sookie: What?! (Bolting up on her feet)

Sam: Pam thought you should know.

Sookie: We have to help her.

Sam: How? We don’t even know where she’s at?

Sookie thought for a moment. There had to be a way to help her sister, even if it meant risking her own life. Suddenly an idea popped into her head and she dashed into the kitchen. Sam quickly stood up off the couch and followed her into the kitchen. As he stepped into the kitchen, he noticed her sitting at the dinning room table dialing a number into the phone.

Sam: Who are you calling?

Sookie: An old friend.

Later that afternoon, at Merlotte’s bar and grill, Sookie was filling up some of the ketchup bottles before her shift began. Sam stepped out of his office and approached her.

Sam: Who is this friend of yours?

Sookie: He’s just an old friend of mine and Summer. I’ll explain more when he gets here, I promise.

Sam: Have I met him before?

Sookie: Maybe, but probably not.

Sam: Well thanks for the information, Sook. So when is this mysterious friend arriving?

Sookie: He’s flying in so I’m not sure. Tonight, maybe.

Sam: He better be good for Summer’s sake.

In the early evening hours, at Lucian’s mansion, in the basement, the lid a coffin flies open and Eric sits up. He quickly climbs out of it and runs up the steps, pushing the door open. Something wasn’t right. It was extremely quiet. So quiet you could hear a pin drop. Faster than humanly possible, Eric ran up the stairs and pushed the door open to Lucian’s room. As he stepped into the room, he noticed the room was empty. Nothing but furniture. The closet was wide open and nothing was inside except for hangers. Lucian had left. He was nowhere in the mansion. His servants were gone as well. Anger started to build up. He should have left Lucian outside to burn. All he could do was return back to Fangtasia and contact anyone he could about Lucian’s whereabouts. Eric punched a hole into the wall next to him. He pulls his hand out of the wall and watched as the wounds on his hand instantly heal.

Meanwhile, at Merlotte’s bar and grill, Sookie was about done with her shift. She took her last order of the night and made her way over to the kitchen window to hand Lafayette the last order from her. After handing Lafayette the order, she untied her apron and went into the back to clock out. Sam was behind the bar helping Tara serve drinks to the customers. The front door opens and in walks an average height man in his late 20’s to early 30’s. He had on blue jeans, a black t-shirt and a black leather jacket. His hair was light brown and sort of slit back, since his hair was thick. He walked up to the bar, leaning forward, and waited for either Sam or Tara to acknowledge him. As Sam placed the last of the drinks he fixed on Arlene’s tray, he noticed the man leaning forward on his bar. Slowly he walked over towards him, throwing his towel over his shoulder.

Sam: Hello. Would you like to order a drink?

Man: Actually I’m here to see Sookie Stackhouse. Is she here by any chance?

Sam: Yeah, she’s in back. I’ll go get her.

Sam then steps around the back and notices Sookie putting on her jacket. He waves her over and she realizes her friend is here. Quickly, and happily, she walks into the bar area and notices him leaning up against the bar. She runs over to him and throws her arms around him.

Sookie: You came (with a big smile)

Man: Why, you didn’t think I would show up?

Sookie: It’s just that I haven’t seen you in years.

Man: Where’s your sister? (Looking around for her)

Sookie: That is my emergency.

Man: Tell me everything.

After twenty or so minutes, Sookie, Sam and the mysterious man was sitting in a booth, where Sookie had told him everything about what had happened to her sister and about her being a Vampire. The man leaned back, trying to soak in everything that Sookie just told him.

Sookie: Are you okay?

Man: I’m fine. It’s just a lot to process.

Sam: Excuse me for asking, but how do you think you can help Summer?

Man: Well let me introduce myself. The name is Austen. Austen Reed.

He extended his hand towards Sam. Sam hesitated for a minute, but then extended his hand, shaking Austen’s. As he pulled his hand away, Sam caught a sense of Austen’s smell and something was very familiar. He leaned back in the booth and fixed his eyes on Austen.

Austen: Me, Sookie and Summer go way back, since High School. I dated Summer for awhile.

Sookie: Well he was her first true look (looking at Sam).

Sam: That still doesn’t answer my question.

Austen: I have ties with certain Vampires. Well business ties. I don’t exactly like being involved with Vampires, but they bring good business, plus some of the older ones are pretty trustworthy. Anyways, after Sookie called me, I called some of my so called business ties. They said they would ask around.

Sam: That’s it? (Not impressed)

Austen: Not exactly.

Austen leaned forward and grabbed Sookie’s hand. What he was about to tell her would shock her. He took a deep breath and tried to concentrate on the exact words he would say to her. Sookie tried reading his thoughts to get an early glance on what he was about to tell her, but she couldn’t.

Austen: I’m not human.

Sam: Knew it (folding his arms)

Sookie: What? (Confused)

Austen: I’m a shape-shifter.

Sookie: Really? How long have you known?

Austen: Since I was a kid. But I tried ignoring it. Trying to fit in. I’m still trying to fit in but sometimes the shifting comes in handy. Especially for this situation.

Sookie: Sam is a shape-shifter, too.

Austen: Really? What’s your main shift?

Sam: A border collie.

Austen: Really? That’s it?

Sam: Well what’s your shift?

Austen: I actually don’t have one main shift. But I do shift more into a wolf than anything else. Can you shift into anything other than animals?

Sam: Uh, no. Is that even possible?

Austen: Of course. It’s harder for some shifters. Well for the few that I’ve met anyways. You are the second shifter I have met so far.

Sookie: I’m sorry to interrupt, but my sister needs help.

Austen: Right, I’m sorry. I’m going to meet with my other client who is here in Louisiana and I will get back to you.

Austen slid out of the booth and put his leather jacket back on. As he put his jacket back on, he flashed Sookie a smile and quickly walked out of the front door. Sam glanced to look at Sookie who seemed a little happier and at peace that she had some reliable help.

Meanwhile, at Fangtasia, Eric was in his office trying to contact anyone he could that would help him regarding Lucian Stavros. Pam entered the office as he was sitting behind his desk, on the phone. She approached his desk and sat down in the chair, crossing her legs, patiently waiting for Eric. Eric placed his cell phone on his desk and pounded his fist on top of his desk.

Pam: Still no luck?

Eric: When I find that old son-of-a-bitch, I am going to rip every limb from his body (angry).

Pam: He couldn’t have run far.

Eric: He could be back in Georgia for all I know.

Pam: You need to be careful. If you do anything to Lucian, the Tribunal could punish you as well.

Eric: You don’t think I know that.

Eric’s cell phone then rang and he immediately picked it up, pressing it against his ear. Pam rolled her eyes and got up out of the chair, leaving Eric’s office to help attend to the bar.

At the Queen’s mansion, in her master bedroom, the doors open up and her two twin body guards open up each in of the door and Austen walks into the room. The doors slowly close behind him. Queen Sophie was lying across on the bed with black lingerie on. She notices him and forms a big smirk on her face.

Queen Sophie: Wow, you come in person.

Austen: I’m not here for business.

Queen Sophie: Really? How interesting.

Austen: This is about Summer Stackhouse. Do you know where she is?

Queen Sophie: You, too, huh?

Austen: What? (Confused)

Queen Sophie: She seems to have everyone under spell.

Austen: Can you help me or not?

Queen Sophie: Alright, you don’t have to whine.

She sits up and pats the bed in front of her, signaling him to make his way over to the bed. Austen walks over to the bed and sits down on the edge. Sophie crawls across the bed over to him and stops behind him. On her knees she leans forward and starts smelling his neck.

Queen Sophie: You are quite handsome.

Austen: Thank you, I guess.

Queen Sophie: Too bad you are a shifter. You reek.

She makes her way over next to him and drops her legs over the edge of the bed and her body sits close to his. Austen starts to feel a little uncomfortable but he expected as much from her. All he wanted was to know where Summer was and then he was getting his ass out of there.

Queen Sophie: Sorry but I don’t know where your dead girlfriend is. The magister doesn’t tell me. All I was told that she was punished for up to five years in a coffin. I know it’s harsh, but she did kill one of us.

Austen: Do you know of anybody that can tell me?

Queen Sophie: You are quite demanding, but I like that.

Austen: If you don’t tell me, then I will go to the Tribunal and tell them of your illegal selling of Vampire blood.

Faster than a blink, Sophie grabbed Austen by the jaw forcing him to look at her. Her fangs were out and she wanted so badly to rip him to shreds, but she knew he wasn’t bluffing. Also, she kind of liked him, even though he was a shifter.

Queen Sophie: I don’t take kindly to threats, shifter. One sudden movement of my hand and I can snap your neck.

Austen: I don’t take kindly to threats, either.

She forms a smirk on her face and releases her grip from his jaw. Her fangs retract and she gets up off the bed. She walks over to her dresser and grabs a blackberry. With the stroke of her finger on the blackberry screen she finds what she’s looking for and walks back over to Austen, sitting down next to him on the end of the bed. She hands the blackberry to him and Austen glances at the screen which has a telephone number on it. He pulls out his cell from the inside of his jacket pocket and copies down the number into his phone. As he puts the phone back into his inside jacket pocket, he hands the blackberry back to Queen Sophie. She grabs the blackberry and tosses it over to the side. Faster than the flash of a camera, Sophie had pushed him down onto the bed and climbed on top of him. She leans down towards his face and Austen is not sure what she is going to do.

Queen Sophie: This is the only time you will get help from me. Next time it will be over your dead body.

She then plants her cold, dead lips onto his and then smacks his cheek, slightly. She slides off of him and quickly Austen bolts up off the bed. The Queen snickers as she watched him walk over to the double doors. Before he opens the door, he turns back to look at Sophie who is lying on her side with her arm propping her head up.

Austen: I just want you to know that I am not afraid of you. You may want to think about watching your back the next time you threaten me. Have a nice night.

He opens up the doors and steps out, leaving the mansion. On his way over to his rental car, he pulls his cell phone out of his inside jacket and dials the number he got from Queen Sophie.

Meanwhile, at Fangtasia, Eric closes the door to his office and finishes putting on his jacket. Pam notices him and walks away from the bar and over towards him.

Pam: Where are you going?

Eric: Watch the bar for me.

He walks passed her and Pam crosses and folds her arms, stomping her pink, high-heeled shoe on the ground. He steps out of the bar and walks to his red Ferrari.

At a fancy hotel in New Orleans, Lucian is in his room, sitting on the bed, talking to someone on his cell phone. He hears the sound of a door shut from outside his room, but continues to talk on his phone. Something shatters outside his room and Lucian hangs up his cell phone sitting it on the bed next to him. He stands up and makes his way to the bedroom door. As he opens the door, an arm appears before him and grips a hold of his throat. Eric stands in front of him and lifts Lucian up off the floor, gripping his throat. Lucian forms a devilish grin on his face and starts to snicker. Eric throws Lucian across the room and Lucian lands on the bed, but falls off the side of it. A blur then makes its way over towards Eric. It was Lucian. He pushes Eric out of the room and into the living area. Eric falls onto the glass table, breaking it underneath him. Before Eric could get up, Lucian grabbed him by his jacket and quickly lifted him up. He then punched Eric a few times in the face and then kicked him in the stomach, sending him flying backwards into the wall. Eric’s back hits the wall and he falls forward onto his knees. He spits out some blood on the floor beneath him and starts to laugh. Slowly he lifts up his head and gives Lucian an evil smile with his fangs exposed. Faster than the blink of an eye, Eric was up off the floor and charged Lucian, knocking him to the floor. Eric kneeled over him, grabbing Lucian by his shirt and quickly punching him on the face several times. Blood started to ooze from the end of Lucian’s lips. Once he felt satisfied with that, he gripped his hands onto his shirt and pulled Lucian onto his feet.

Eric: You are coming with me to the Tribunal and you will tell them everything.

Lucian: What are you going to do about it, Viking? (With a smirk on his face)

Eric: This.

He grabs Lucian’s arm and yanks on it, causing Lucian’s shoulder to dislocate. Lucian doesn’t even form a painful look on his face, but then head-butts Eric. As Eric releases his grip, Lucian violently pushes Eric into the wall and grabs the back of Eric’s head. He then pushes Eric’s head into the wall several times. Lucian backs away from Eric and grabs onto his upper arm. He makes a quick upward thrust, causing the bone in his arm to go back into the sock that connects them. Before Lucian could respond, Eric tackled him to the floor and violently punched him in the ribs causing them to break. Lucian finally makes a painful face as he hears several ribs make a horrible snapping noise. Eric grabs his shirt and slowly pulls his face up towards his.

Eric: What else do you want me to break? I can do this all night.

A few weeks later, at Merlotte’s bar and grill, Sookie is waiting on one of her tables, in her section. As she writes the customer’s order on her notepad, Austen approaches her.

Austen: Can I speak with you?

Sookie: Sure, hold on.

Austen walks away and waits for her by the bar. Sookie walks away from the table and takes the order to the kitchen window. Lafayette takes the order from her and she quickly walks over to Austen.

Austen: Can we talk somewhere in private?

Sookie: Yeah, follow me.

She grabs his hand and leads him to the hallway behind the bar and towards Sam’s office. She pushes open the door and steps inside. Austen closes the door behind them and Sookie anxious waits for what he has to tell her. She hopes its good news this time and not another dead end. Eric tried to get Lucian to confess to the Tribunal but couldn’t. Because of Eric’s actions, he was imprisoned for a few days until his trial this coming weekend. She just wanted this to all end.

Austen: I know where she is.

Sookie: Really? Or are you just yanking my chain?

Austen: I did some spying and followed one of the Tribunal members. So yes, I know where they buried her coffin.

Sookie formed the biggest smile on her face possible and immediately threw her arms around Austen, hugging him.

Sookie: Thank you, so much.

Austen: I need to leave now while the sun is still up. If any of the Tribunal members find me out in the desert, it’s not going to be good. Hopefully I will have her dug up by the time the sun goes down.

Sookie: You might want to be careful. She’ll be hungry.

Austen: Yeah, I thought about that. That’s why I have an IV blood bag.

Sookie: Ewww…that’s just gross. I did not want to know that.

Austen: I just thought I should tell you.

Sookie: Thank you again.

Austen flashes her a smile and heads out of the office. Sookie continues to smile and is overwhelmed by happiness. Bill will be happy to know that she’s in a better mood this evening.

At the desert, around where the Vampire Tribunal takes place, Austen Is wearing all black with a big shovel over his shoulder and carrying a small black bag in the other hand. He keeps walking until he comes across a black cross in the dirt. He stops and throws the shovel down and begins digging.

A few minutes before dusk approaches, Austen finally hears something clank against his shovel. He throws the shovel up out of the hole and bends down, digging with rest of the way with his hands. He notices some silver chains around the casket and sighs. He reaches up and climbs out of the hole. After getting into his black duffel bag, he pulls out a big pair bolt cutters and jumps down into the hole. He clips the chains with the cutter and the chains fall right off the casket. Kneeling down, he feels around for the lid. Once he finds it, he quickly lifts it up and climbs out of the hole. He grabs the IV blood bag out of the duffel and waits for Summer to climb out of the hole. After a few minutes, he starts to worry since there is no sign of her. He takes a few steps forward and leans down slightly to look into the hole. There is nobody inside the coffin. It’s completely empty.

Summer: Looking for me?

Austen spins around and notices Summer. He notices her skin looked almost like paper. There was black under her eyes and her fangs were exposed. He could tell that she was starving. She notices the IV bag in his hand and snatches it. Quickly she bites into the pack almost tearing it apart and drinks all the contents inside. The empty bag drops to the ground and she licks her lips. Austen noticed her skin started to change and gain more color. Although it wasn’t quite enough to satisfy her thirst. Summer then realizes that her ex-boyfriend and best friend is standing before her. She runs over to him and hugs him. He tries to hug her back but he is sort of afraid of her since she’s still craving blood.

Summer: How did you find me? Did Sookie call you?

Austen: She did.

Summer: I should have known.

Summer then notices the cautious look on his face. She can’t blame him. Blood is number one on her mind right now. Even his.

Austen: We should leave here now, before somebody discovers us.

He grabs her hand and they run across the desert until they come across a black 2009 Camry. Austen climbs into the driver seat and Summer in the passenger seat. He starts up the car and they speed down the road as fast as the car is even capable of driving.

Later, at the Stackhouse home, Austen sits down on the couch next to Summer.

Summer: You might want to sit in the other chair away from me.

Austen: Oh, okay. Wait, I have more for you.

He bolts up off the couch and runs into the kitchen. Summer hears the sound of the refrigerator open and then shut. Austen rushes into the room and sits a small red cooler onto the coffee table in front of her. He lifts open the lid and inside is a few more IV blood bags. She glances up at him with a satisfied smirk on her face.

Summer: You’ve outdone yourself.

Austen: I thought you would enjoy that.

He sits down in a sofa chair and leans forward as he watches Summer grab a bag from inside the cooler. Suddenly something pops into her head.

Summer: Wait, where’s Eric?

To Be Continued…