The Far Reach (Southern Vampire Mystery)

Epilogue - The Far Reach

Jackson

"You are worrying for nothing, Rusty! He is a snake, I'll grant you, but he didn't say anything overt. He was grandstanding, like he always does."

Russell Edgington, King of Mississippi, was sitting on the studded leather chair in their dressing room. Bartlett was busy putting away some new purchases. They had servants to do these things, but there was something about putting things in the right place the first time that appealed to the Indiana king. He liked the texture of the fabrics and the way the colors played against each other. In all, it was a sensual experience.

"Don't underestimate him, Bart. Bumblers don't remain Kings of major cities for long. He may look like an idiot, but I think he purposely plays that angle. You are a Clan Chief. Any hint of a threat was inexcusable."

Bartlett turned the soft ties in his hand. He had made a side trip to Atlanta on the way home to take advantage of the shopping. He walked back to Russell and held the ties close to his mate's face. "I was right, they are perfect for you!"

Russell caught his hand and pulled him close for a kiss. "What am I to do with you?" he asked no one in particular.

Bartlett placed his hand against Russell's cheek, "You will have to keep me, I suppose. After all, that's what the contract says."

Russell turned his face, captured his mate's hand in his own, and kissed the palm that had just cradled his face. He rubbed his thumb across Bart's knuckles before looking up at him, "You are very dear to me, but even more so because you are going to tell me again how dumbstruck the Viking looked," and the King's eyes tilted with humor.

"Could have knocked him over with a feather!" Bartlett grinned. He sat down on the arm of the chair and kissed Russell's forehead before brushing his hair to the side. "Pam will forward me the picture. I think she's just waiting for him to cool down a little, but you know she loves to share a good joke."

"She better not send it around like the last one!" Russell chuckled.

"What? Like Eric in the apron? Oh! That was a classic!" and Bartlett laughed as well.

"So," Russell asked, "What do you think the future King and Queen of the combined kingdoms are doing right now?"

"Well," Bartlett said archly, "I don't think it's polishing their medals." He took Russell's hand in his, "I know that you think this all ended well, and I know that you were hoping it would, but Rusty? Let's not fight about this anymore. I don't like being angry with you."

"I love you, Bart," Russell smiled into his mate's eyes.

Bartlett kissed him, "I love you too, Rusty." He rose and tugged the Mississippi King toward the bedroom. Russell playfully pinched Bart's butt and they started to chase toward the bed, but even as they slowed to start the delightful job of undressing Russell made a mental note to have a word with the guards.

New Orleans

Eric Northman felt out of breath. He was vampire and didn't need to breathe, not technically, but Sookie Stackhouse had put him through his paces and at the moment he felt broken. "That good?" his vixen teased. She trailed her hair starting at his chest, allowing the slippery, cool curls to caress his skin until she curled them around his cock.

"It's a good thing I am undead or you would kill me doing that."

"You're welcome!" he could see her smirk in his mind's eye and she kissed him, causing him to pulse again. "Think of it as aggressive negotiating."