tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22889337923776139742024-03-12T22:01:15.606-04:00nox's writingsvarious works of fanfiction, all by me.noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-63087183248479271692009-09-10T17:21:00.003-04:002009-09-10T17:29:55.460-04:00Warm Fuzzies For Me :DI know this is kind of a self-ego stroke, but I felt the need to share this with you. I was browsing through my email, reading some reviews/criticisms of work I'd previously written to get back in story mode, and I stumbled upon this little gem. I honestly don't know how I missed it before, but I definitely would have remembered a compliment like this (regarding "Everyone Likes a Challenge":<br /><br /><em>"Of all of the short FanFic writings I have to tell you that your short story from Eric's POV is good enough I wouldn't be surprised if you were really CH but pretending to be a fan/writer. It is really very well written and in the same style/spirit as the Southern Vampire/Sookie Stackhouse series.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Keep up the good work and you might think about doing some short stories and publishing them.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Sincerely,</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>(name withheld cuz it's someone else's)"</em><br /><br />I had to reread that a couple times to make sure I wasn't hallucinating. My sincerest thanks to the author of that lovely PM, it was just the boost I needed to get my ass in gear and start writing again.<br /><br />Much love, Noxnoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-31929847334711242872009-09-08T00:35:00.003-04:002009-09-08T00:43:55.173-04:00OMG I'm still alive!Hey all you smutt mutts out there!<br /><br />I -as you no doubt noticed- took a seven-month hiatus from writing. A lot has been going on in my life, from my brother becoming a Marine to kid sicknesses to becoming re-addicted to World of Warcraft (yes, I'm a gigantic nerd LOL), I have very little time/inclination to sit down and churn out some wordy-goodness.<br /><br />However, I've decided to start doing something with all these ideas that have been whirling around in my head. I'm attempting to start a piece of original fiction, and will be posting bits and pieces on this blog.<br /><br />I am not abandoning my smutty stuff though... this new season of TrueBlood has given me lots... and lots... and LOTS of stuff to work with, so good news to everyone who liked my naughty stories. :D<br /><br />And as I always said on the BlueWhale boards, if you have any requests for sexy-time with our favorite vamps, let me know in a reply to this post or e-mail me or something.<br /><br />In the meantime, thanks for putting up with my break, and I love you all!noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-41669021659531561112009-01-24T23:19:00.001-05:002009-01-24T23:38:02.376-05:00Yes, OfficerAnother gratuitous smut story, just for you my lovelies. And as always with smutty one-shots, it falls under the PWP category (Plot? What Plot?) Hehe, enjoy. :)<br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><strong>. . . . .</strong> </div><br />The annual Halloween bash at Fangtasia was a huge success. The bar was packed and everyone was having a good time. Predictably, just about all the fangbangers had dressed like... drum roll please... vampires! Even the vampires had dressed up, and some of the costumes were hilarious.<br /><br />Thalia was a Greek goddess, wearing a one-shouldered toga with gold accents; she was absolutely stunning. Indira was dressed as a harlequin with a black and white jumpsuit and black diamonds painted on her eyes. Clancy was the devil and certainly filled the part well, seeing as he was kind of tempermental this evening; more than one fangbanger offered to sell him their soul.<br /><br />The biggest surprises of the evening were Pam and Bill. I hadn't even realized Bill was at the party until he came up to greet me. I nearly choked on my drink as I saw him. Standing in front of me with a fangy smile and True Blood in hand was Luke Skywalker, lightsaber and all. Pam was channeling 80's Madonna for the evening. She had teased hair, a trampy wedding dress and lace gloves, complete with the 'VIRGIN' belt buckle.<br /><br />Eric and I wore a couple's costume, and he was thrilled with my choice. Since Halloween is basically an excuse for women to dress like total whores and get away with it, I picked out something I knew my viking would adore. He was dressed as a cop, and I was his prisoner. His dark blue shirt and pants fit him impeccably, making fangbangers want to go turn themselves in. Complete with a nightstick, several pairs of cuffs and a badge, Eric was enjoying the hell out of himself.<br /><br />My outfit was nearly non-existant it was so small. A bright orange minidress proclaimed that I was 'Prisoner ID 69-69-69-69, Property of the Penile System' and barely covered me. The front was unzipped far enough to show off my black lacy bra, and I had to wear black hotpants underneath so I didn't flash the entire bar whenever I moved. Pam let me borrow a pair of black thigh-high stiletto boots and Eric insisted on cuffing one of my wrists.<br /><br />Around 3 am the party started winding down, so Eric and I took our leave. I felt his lust raging through the bond as I squirmed into the Corvette, trying not to expose more of me than was already visible. He had a devious glint in his eyes as he slid in the driver's seat, but he had mastered blocking me so I had no idea what he was thinking. Oh, I knew it centered around us naked and screwing like rabbits in heat, but something told me he had a plan for the rest of the night. Since whatever he was thinking would bring me pleasure also, I decided to play along. I batted my eyes and put on my poutiest look as I rubbed his thigh.<br /><br />"Officer, I can't go to jail. Is there any other way I can pay for my crimes?"<br /><br />His eyes sparkled as his fangs ran out. "I believe that we can come to a compromise, Mrs. Northman." I felt the car speed up.<br /><br />"Thank you, Officer. I would do <em>anything</em> to keep this off my record." I brushed his length through the thin material of his pants and the car sped up a little more. Within ten minutes we were parked in the garage.<br /><br />He had my door open before I could even reach for the handle. I took his offered hand and stood in front of him. "How soon will I start my sentence, Officer?"<br /><br />I was spun around and pressed into the side of the car in a split second. "Before I can hand you your sentence, I need to search you. Hands on the roof and spread your legs."<br /><br />"Yes, Officer." I arched my butt towards him and placed my hands flat on to top of the car. Slowly, he ran his hands up my arms and down my sides. Down the left leg, back up the right. Inching my dress higher, I felt a sudden breeze as he ripped my hotpants along the seams.<br /><br />"Well, Mrs. Northman, it seems that I need to search you more thoroughly. I'm taking you into custody. Hands behind your back, please." I clasped my hands and he cuffed me. Turning me towards the house, he tried to escort me inside. Unfortunately, I had been drinking and wasn't too steady on my heels. Sighing, Eric picked me up and threw me over his shoulder into a fireman's carry. "I see you are resisting. We cannot have any of that."<br /><br />He zoomed upstairs and back down into the bedroom before I could protest. He stood me up next to the newly-installed stripper pole and uncuffed me. Turning me around yet again, he recuffed me so my arms were around the pole. He pushed me into position, bending my waist and spreading my legs. I heard his belt jingle and felt something cool and hard on my thigh a second later.<br /><br />"You have been a very bad girl, Mrs. Northman. What can we do to remedy that?" The nightstick ran up my leg and stopped right next to my center. I wiggled a little and a hand lightly smacked my ass. "Ah ah ah. No moving."<br /><br />The nightstick settled on top of my clit and slowly rubbed in circles. Surprisingly, it actually felt good. Different, but still good. When Eric deemed me wet enough, he pushed the stick inside me, thrusting it gently. It wasn't unlike using a toy, except that I wasn't the one controlling the action. I was brought to the edge over and over again, but never allowed to come. When he finally pulled the nightstick away from me, I was shaking with need. I could feel through the bond that Eric was barely controlling himself.<br /><br />"Eric, please..."<br /><br />"Please, Officer..."<br /><br />"Please, Officer. Fuck me." He was inside me instantly. Two thrusts and I came so hard my knees buckled. Gripping my waist, Eric held me up until my legs started working again. I held onto the pole for dear life as he began moving inside me again. Reaching around me, he unzipped my dress and tore the arms to get it off me, never losing his rhythm or slowing down. My bra soon followed.<br /><br />Working my clit in time with his pounding, it was no time before I was on the verge of another mind-melting orgasm. He leaned over my back and brushed my hair aside before sinking his fangs into my neck. My whole body seized up as pleasure washed over me, and from the groans in my ear, Eric was getting off just as hard as I was.<br /><br />After he licked my wounds and pulled out, I was released from the handcuffs. I rubbed the indents and marks on my wrists and pouted at him.<br /><br />"Next time, I'm locking your ass up."noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-81311495893005629142009-01-21T09:18:00.003-05:002009-01-21T09:22:02.959-05:00DreamyThis is actually based on a dream I had. Some things have been changed, but that's just because dreams aren't linear. This was an Alex dream -not Eric- but I left the name out so you can picture whoever you want. :)<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>. . . . .</strong> </div><br />He stood in the doorway, the light behind him outlining his muscular form, making him look like an angel. Slowly, seductively, he walked to the bed and crawled on top of me. Looming over my body, he whispered in my ear.<br /><br />"I've always wanted you."<br /><br />The breath on my neck sent shivers down my spine. As his fingertips traced my jawline, feather-light kisses were trailed across my face and neck. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I pulled his lips to mine and moaned as our tongues met. His hands roamed my body, soft touches and caresses making me arch my back into him.<br /><br />"Move for me."<br /><br />I gasped against his mouth and writhed at his command. When his wandering fingers found my breasts, light pinching and pulling hardened my nipples into tight buds that scraped across his pectorals. I felt his lips widen into a smile as he licked and sucked his way down my chest. Flicking his tongue out he teased my nipples, his hands never ceasing their downward movement. When they reached my center, my hips bucked involutarily as he brushed my clit gently.<br /><br />"Watch me."<br /><br />As my eyes locked with his as a finger slipped into my tunnel. A moan escaped me and he smirked, stroking me from the inside. I watched as he kissed and licked his way down my stomach, my fingers running through the long, dark blond hair of the man worshipping my body. He sucked my nub into his mouth and increased the speed of his fingers. It was all I could do to keep my eyes on his as I felt my climax building.<br /><br />"Come for me."<br /><br />His order was accompanied by teeth grazing over my sensitive flesh. The pressure became too much and I felt my body explode. My head flew backwards and a low, animalistic sound came out of me. He continued to stroke and suckle me through the orgasm, licking me clean of juices and until I was ready to go again. Crawling over me again, I felt his warm weight settle on my still-heaving chest.<br /><br />"I want to fuck you."<br /><br />His coarse language stoked the fire in me and I stretched up to his lips. I could taste myself on his tongue. Nudging my legs apart -even further than they already were- he settled between my thighs and rubbed himself against my entrance. My hips rose in invitation, but he just teased me with the head.<br /><br />"Say my name."<br /><br />He pushed in and I moaned the word. Hissing in approval, he attacked my neck as he sunk into the hilt. I knew I would have marks on my neck from his attentions, but I couldn't bring myself to care while he was fucking me. I scratched my nails down his back until I could grab onto his glorious ass. As I kneaded his flesh, he sped up until I was gasping for breath in between moans and begging for release.<br /><br />"Ah, you are amazing."<br /><br />His mouth overtook mine as he felt me tensing. My body convulsed and shook with pleasure as he drove into me mercilessly. I felt his body stiffen as he filled me up, his cock throbbing in time with his pulse. I groaned as he collapsed on top of me, but reveled in the sensation of the gorgeous body pressing against mine. He stood and brushed his fingers from my temple down and across my collarbone.<br /><br />"Beautiful, my love."<br /><br />I felt my eyelids drooping as he retreated back to the doorway. The light shone around him again, highlighting his perfect form. The last thing I remembered was seeing him blow a kiis at me.<br /><br />"Goodnight... Lover."noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-78803879318972085402009-01-16T11:50:00.006-05:002009-01-16T12:08:18.410-05:00Get Drunk! (NOT FF)I recently dug up an old book of poetry I wrote, and taped inside was this prose by Baudelaire. I fell in love with it all over again, so I'm sharing it with you.<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>. . . . .</strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">One should always be drunk. That's all that matters; </div><div align="left">that's our one imperative need. </div><div align="left">So as not to feel Time's horrible burden </div><div align="left">that breaks your shoulders and bows you down, </div><div align="left">you must get drunk without ceasing.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">But what with? </div><div align="left">With wine, with poetry, or with virtue, </div><div align="left">as you choose. </div><div align="left">But get drunk.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">And if, at some time, </div><div align="left">on the steps of a palace, </div><div align="left">in the green grass of a ditch, </div><div align="left">in the bleak solitude of your room, </div><div align="left">you are waking up when drunkenness </div><div align="left">has already abated, </div><div align="left">ask the wind, </div><div align="left">the wave, </div><div align="left">the star, </div><div align="left">the clock, </div><div align="left">all that which flees, </div><div align="left">all that which groans, </div><div align="left">all that which speaks, </div><div align="left">ask them what time it is; </div><div align="left">and the wind, </div><div align="left">the wave, </div><div align="left">the star, </div><div align="left">the bird, </div><div align="left">the clock will reply: </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">"It is time to get drunk! </div><div align="left">So that you may not be </div><div align="left">the martyred slaves of Time, </div><div align="left">get drunk, </div><div align="left">and never pause for rest! </div><div align="left">With wine, </div><div align="left">with poetry, </div><div align="left">or with virtue, </div><div align="left">as you choose!"</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">-Get Drunk! by Charles Baudelaire </div>noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-6244074252000379212009-01-13T13:18:00.002-05:002009-01-13T13:22:02.399-05:00DarknessPost<em> Dead Hearts Still Feel</em>. Um, yeah... this was really hard to write. Don't hate me. Listen to these: "Shadow of the Day" by Linkin Park, "My Immortal" by Evanescence.<br /><div align="center"><br /><strong>. . . . .</strong></div><br />It was a freak accident; a horrible, horrible tragedy that literally turned my life upside-down. Three-hundred sixty-four days ago, my entire world shattered.<br /><br />Nothing held meaning anymore. Food lost its taste, vibrant colors faded to gray, music turned to white noise. My house -once my sanctuary, my center- had turned into a mausoleum, memories etched into every corner.<br /><br />I thought my heart was broken before, when Bill confessed to me that I was just a project for the queen. I scoffed at my naivete. That was nothing, a school-girl crush. I now knew what a broken heart truly was, and I wouldn't wish this sort of pain upon my worst enemy. It felt as if there was a ragged hole in my chest, a crushing pain that would never cease. Sometimes I wouldn't be able to catch my breath, hyperventilating until I passed out from the panic.<br /><br />Barely able to sleep, the images imprinted in my skull ravaged me every night. More than once, I woke up to the sound of my own screams. Lately, the attacks had been getting worse and I knew it was because of the date. Tomorrow was the anniversary of both the best and the worst day of my life.<br /><br /><em>Nearly ten years had passed since I first saw my husband. I'll never forget walking into that bar for the first time, seeing him sitting in a throne while people worshipped at his feet. He was a gorgeous, dangerous, charismatic vampire back then, even when he still scared the crap out of me. Now he was gorgeous, dangerous, charismatic... and my husband. Five years ago we were married in Las Vegas. We had a huge ceremony in Louisiana six months later and life had never been better.</em><br /><em><br />Tonight, on our fifth anniversary, I was going to give Eric the greatest gift I had to offer him. I was going to be turned into a vampire. Once I had made my decision, all the stress left me and a calm resolve took its place. One lifetime wasn't enough to spend with your soulmate, and lucky for me, my mate had the ability to give me more than one.<br /><br />As we drove back to our house from dinner, I laid the seat back almost flat and watched him in profile. His hands were glued to the wheel as we flew down the highway, eager to get home so we could make love one last time before he buried me. Pulling onto our exit, the car slowed to a stop at a red light. Eric turned to me and kissed the back of my hand.<br /><br />"I love you, Sookie. Eternity is waiting for us." I smiled and raised up to kiss him, trying to express all the love in my heart without words that couldn't do justice. I settled back into the reclined seat as we started to move, and then the world stopped turning.<br /><br />An SUV tried to rush through the light and plowed into the driver's side of the Corvette. Somehow the hood detached and sliced through the top of the 'Vette like a hot knife through butter. When the grinding and screeching ceased, I was mostly unharmed, contorted inside the ruined car. I sat up and looked around for my husband, easily the worst moment of my life. Half of him was still sitting in the driver's seat. His head and shoulders were on the ground about twenty feet away. I vaulted out of the car, ignoring my body's protests and fell to my knees beside his face. Even though it was already starting to flake away, I cradled what was left of him to my chest and screamed.<br /><br />I didn't notice when the ambulance came. I didn't notice when they tried to examine me. I didn't notice anything until someone tried to pry the remains of my soulmate from my desperate grasp. Several strong pairs of hands restrained me as I fought to hold on. A pinch in the crook of my elbow was immediately followed by my entire body going limp. The last thing I saw before fading to black was Claudine, bawling her eyes out.<br /><br /></em>I woke up three days later. Inconsolable, I needed someone to force me to live. I couldn't move, eat, sleep, speak... nothing. Besides crying and sobbing his name, I didn't say a word for almost a month. Even then I still didn't leave the house, wearing his clothes and wallowing in my depression.<br /><br />Six months later I was able to function on my own again. In Eric's will (vampires made wills?) Fangtasia was given to Pam, along with a hefty chunk of money. Everything else was mine; houses, businesses, bank accounts I didn't know existed... all of it. Pam and I spent a lot of time together. I never set foot in Fangtasia, but she came to me almost every day. We watched movies and went shopping. I had a tendency to burst into random fits of tears, but I was learning to control it, at least in public.<br /><br />Per Dr. Ludwig, I was placed on a strict regimen of sleeping, anti-depression and anti-anxiety pills, plus several vitamins to make up for my lack of nutrition. I hated taking medicine, but I forced myself to swallow it daily. Well, today was another day, so I set my alarm and downed my knockout pill. I curled up in one of Eric's t-shirts and cried myself to sleep, just like every other night.<br /><br />When I woke up, it was the anniversary of the beginning and the end of my life. I went to a couple appointments and came home to sulk. I was by myself, having ordered everyone I knew to leave me alone today. The phone was off the hook and I would refuse to answer the door if anyone knocked. I locked all the windows and doors, pulling all the blinds and curtains shut, double checking that not a single ray of light made it into the house. A bottle of wine in one hand, a photo album in the other, I sat on our bed and relived the best years of my life.<br /><br />Every time he saved me, every kiss, every touch, every fangy smile was revisited. Our wedding pictures, from both ceremonies. The honeymoon in Venice. The log cabin in Canada. The time we dressed up as a cop and inmate for Halloween, and after the party when I had to 'pay for my crimes'. Pages and pages of memories assaulted me, each one more intense than the last. The bottle of wine was nearly empty by the last photo, taken the day before the accident. A simple Polaroid Pam had taken in the office at Fangtasia. She barged in on us making out and took the picture before we knew she was there.<br /><br />Tears had been silently streaming down my face the whole night, but this picture broke the floodgates. I traced his face with my fingertip, wishing that I had died along with him. After the love that we shared, how could I possibly move on with my life? We were bonded, body and soul. Even before we shared blood, we had been drawn towards each other. Was it fate? I don't know if it was or not, but my only regret was not giving into him earlier. He truly was my other half, something I didn't realize I was missing until he filled the spot.<br /><br />I shook the wine bottle and heard some liquid sloshing in the bottom, probably enough for a couple swallows. Thankful for the foresight to visit the lawyer today, I popped the top on my bottle of sleeping pills. I had just refilled the prescription last week, so there were more than enough to do the job. I poured the contents into my mouth, chasing the bitter pills with the rest of the wine.<br /><br />I curled into a ball under the sheets, cradling the photo album to my chest. <em>I would have given you my life then, and nothing has changed. I give my life to you now, my love. I will be with you soon. </em>I could almost feel his cool fingers stroking my cheek as darkness took me.noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-22402738800520953642009-01-11T17:29:00.001-05:002009-01-11T17:38:44.287-05:00Earning Their KeepThis is my first foray into SLASH and 'gheybuttsecks', so be kind. Regrettably, Micah is not mine. He belongs to EricDreamer, who was kind enough to let me do dirty, dirty things to him. This takes place long ago when Eric and Micah were still with their maker (who is a complete bitch). Gratuitous male-on-male lovin' ahead - don't like, don't read.<br /><div align="center"><br /><strong>. . . . .</strong></div><strong></strong><div align="left"><br />Eric entered the darkened bedroom, the only illumination coming from a few candles scattered randomly. Ignoring the shadowy figure in the corner, his gaze settled on the brunette in front of him. The other man, Micah, was similar enough to him that they could pass as brothers, despite them having been born centuries apart. </div><br />One had long, straight blond hair and striking blue eyes; the other had slightly wavy chestnut locks sitting over deep chocolate brown eyes. Although the brunette was marginally shorter than the blond, their bodies were a match. Both had wide shoulders, narrow waists and hips, well-muscled from top to bottom. Both of them nude, very faint scars that criss-crossed their bodies were visible, remnants of mortal lives spent on a battlefield.<br /><br />Closing the space between them with two large strides, Eric crashed his lips into Micah's. Stubble ground againt stubble, rough tongues met, fangs extended. Threading one hand through the thick mane, Eric yanked the younger vampire's head back to attack his throat. As his fangs grazed the sensitive flesh, Micah's body shivered in response, emitting a low growl and raking his fingernails across the blond's back. One hand scratched its way down his back, over his toned ass, around his hips and wrapped around his quickly growing erection. The blond moaned, releasing his hold on the man's neck as his cock was stroked.<br /><br />Stepping back a bit, Eric rubbed his hands across Micah's pecs, giving his nipples a hard tweak before shoving him backwards onto the plush bed. The brunette propped himself up on his elbows and watched as the taller man crawled up between his legs. Eric licked the underside of the thick shaft and swirled his tongue around the tip before taking it into his mouth. He was careful not to draw blood as he ran his teeth up and down in time with his nails scratching Micah's thighs. Taking the entire length in his mouth, Eric buried his face into the other man's pubic hair, grateful that vampires have no gag reflex or need to breathe. At this, Micah wrapped his hands in silken blond hair, throwing his head back and moaning loudly.<br /><br />Responding to the insistent pull on his scalp, Eric slithered up to the lips waiting for him, kissing, licking, nipping all the way. Their tongues met and dueled for dominance as the men writhed against each other. Breaking the kiss to briefly lick two of his fingers, Eric pressed those digits deep into Micah, feeling his muscles contract around the invasion. Curling his index finger, the blond found a sweet spot that caused his partner to convulse and howl in pleasure.<br /><br />Sitting back on his haunches, he curled his fingers again, eliciting another deep groan from Micah. The brunette raised his legs and Eric took that for the invitation that it was. Removing his fingers he spit on his hand, rubbing the makeshift lubricant over his thick length as he positioned himself at the man's entrance. Pressing his hands to the back of Micah's muscular thighs, Eric pushed through the tight ring of muscle, gasping at the tight heat.<br /><br />Slowly, he eased himself inside and held still, waiting for the muscles to relax around his cock. When the spasming stopped, Eric started moving. Halfway out, then back in to the hilt then out again, the motion brought out growls and moans of pleasure from both men. Harder and harder, the blond pounded into the brunette, stroking Micah's hard-on in time with his thrusting. Adjusting his position slightly, Eric searched for the sweet spot again, knowing he found it when Micah cried out.<br /><br />Fucking him in earnest now, Eric plunged hard into his partner, abandoning the other man's cock to prop himself in position. With a throaty howl Micah came, splattering his seed all over both of their chests. When his muscles contracted, Eric came as well, shooting deep inside the brunette. Leaing over Micah, he kissed the man as he pulled out.<br /><br />After wiping themselves off with a thin towel, both vampires stood facing the darkest corner of the room. A female spoke, her voice icy.<br /><br />"Good. You have entertained me well enough for the evening. I expect a better performance tomorrow, however. You are now free to feed."<br /><br />The men bowed towards the voice before leaving the room, still naked. "Thank you, mistress."noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-20193940756026167772009-01-07T16:52:00.003-05:002009-01-07T16:56:42.475-05:00Tub Scene RemixHow the tub scene from Episode 8 would have gone if I directed. :)<br /><br /><div align="center">. . . . . </div><br />"Bill? You home?"<br /><br />Sookie poked her head into the old house and looked around. No lights were on, but she could hear faint music from upstairs.<br /><br />"Bill? I'm comin' in."<br /><br />The blonde closed the door behind her and walked up the stairs. When she reached the top, she noticed a stream of light flickering out from underneath the bathroom door. Smiling at the memory of their bath together, Sookie opened the door, prepared to hop in the tub with him. What she saw stopped her in her tracks, though.<br /><br />"Eric! What are you doing here?"<br /><br />The ancient vampire smirked, never lifting his head or opening his eyes.<br /><br />"Ah, Sookie Stackhouse. What a pleasant surprise."<br /><br />"Not really. What are you doin' here? And why are you in the tub?" He opened his sapphire blue eyes and focused on her, pinning her in place with his gaze.<br /><br />"I required Compton's assistance. Since you have decided to meet me, however, that need has been circumvented. And I am soaking because it is relaxing."<br /><br />"Why do you need to talk to Bill?"<br /><br />"I would like to make use of your particular... <em>talents</em>."<br /><br />"And you couldn't talk to me because..."<br /><br />"You claimed that you are his, therefore I was to speak with him before approaching you. You have come to me, so that is no longer necessary."<br /><br />Sookie's temper flared. "I didn't come to see you! I was expectin' to see Bill here, not another vampire!"<br /><br />Eric waved a hand at her in dismissal. "It matters not. I am here, you are here, he is not. Please, have a seat." He motioned towards the toilet. She sat, waiting for him to continue. "It has come to my attention that there is a thief in Fangtasia. I would like you to find out who it is. That is all I require."<br /><br />"That's it? And you couldn't come talk to me without Bill? I'm not his property. I can make my own decisions, thank you." The vampire raised his eyebrows at her, she obviously had no idea of the magnitude of her last statement.<br /><br />"What is your decision, Miss Stackhouse?"<br /><br />"I'll help you this time, but I refuse to be summoned. If you need any more favors, ask me yourself." He chuckled and stretched his arms over his head.<br /><br />"I'll keep that in mind." With that, Eric raised himself out of the tub in all his naked glory. Sookie couldn't help but stare at the water dripping off of his long blond hair, across his huge biceps, down his well-defined pecs, over six-pack abs to die for (haha), and running down the full length of... She jerked her head away and blushed, biting her lip in astonishment. That thing was bigger than... well, a lot of stuff. Certainly bigger than Bill's had been.<br /><br />Eric smiled at her discomfort, knowing exactly what was throwing her off. Even though he was perfectly comfortable being nude, the woman wasn't. He quickly dried and wrapped a towel around his waist. Peering down at her, he ran a finger down the side of her face, tucking an errant piece of hair behing her ear and tilting her chin up so he could look her in the eye. She shivered as his finger slowly ran along her jaw.<br /><br />"Come, Sookie. Let's discuss this somewhere more appropriate."<br /><br />She followed him out of the bathroom and into... the bedroom? Sookie stopped in the doorway while Eric made himself comfortable on the matress.<br /><br />"The bedroom, Eric? Seriously? I'm not some fangbanger who's gonna just fall in bed with you, I'm not like that." He smirked and showed a hint of fang.<br /><br />"I am well aware of that, Sookie. Please, sit." Cautiously, as if she expected him to jump up and ravage her at any second, she made her way to the bed. After kicking her shoes off, she scooted next to him, leaning against the headboard. "See, now isn't this more comfortable than the toilet?"<br /><br />She had to agree with him. "Yes, it is. Now what did you want to discuss?" He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his side. Stiffening, she resisted for a moment before giving into the sensation. Bill was never much for cuddling, but Sookie loved it.<br /><br />"I want to talk about you, Sookie Stackhouse. You bring out severe reactions in my kind, and I want to know why that is." He brushed another stray piece of hair back, noting how she leaned into his touch. "I have my suspicions, but I cannot say for certain what it is that is so alluring about you."<br /><br />"I don't know why y'all like me so much. I like you 'cause I can't hear you like I hear everyone else."<br /><br />"So you have no idea whatsoever what I'm thinking about right now?"<br /><br />"Nope." She popped the 'p' and smiled.<br /><br />"Good." Eric darted in and flicked his tongue against her earlobe. Automatically, her head rolled back to give him access and she moaned. He sucked and gently nipped her pulse point before she pushed him away, breathing heavily.<br /><br />"Eric, stop! We can't do this! I'm with Bill and-" He pressed a finger to her lips and cut off her excuses.<br /><br />"Shh, I understand your confusion. I also understand that you are not Bill's property, as you so vehemently insisted earlier. And although your mouth is saying no, the rest of you is saying yes." To prove his point he ran his index finger lightly down her side, causing her back to arch as she moaned softly. Embarrassed by her obvious attraction to him, Sookie blushed and tried to move away. Eric's arm tightened around her and she went nowhere.<br /><br />"That shade complements you very well, lover."<br /><br />"Lover? Where did that come from?"<br /><br />"Sookie, I do not pursue partners. I have not done so for I-don't-know-how-many years. I find myself desiring you, wanting you, pursuing you. Therefore, I find it only appropriate to call you by a term of endearment."<br /><br />"Did anyone ever tell you that you think too much?" He laughed.<br /><br />"Only those who know me well, lover. Tell me, are you frightened right now?"<br /><br />"Uh, should I be?"<br /><br />"No, you should never fear me. However, most people are worried around vampires and terrified when alone with one, especially one as old and powerful as myself. You are a unique individual, and that is no bad thing."<br /><br />"Oh, you are intimidating. And I'm sure you can be scary when you want to be. But besides cuddling with another man in my boyfriend's house, I'm fine."<br /><br />Throughout the conversation, Eric had slowly stoked the fire inside Sookie until she was ready to burst. Soft brushes with fingertips, hints of breath at her ear, slight movement of the towel around his waist all indicated how much he wanted her. "Cuddling, lover? No, no. Cuddling comes afterwards. This is <em>foreplay</em>."<br /><br />She opened her mouth to protest but was silenced by his tongue. Her entire body melted underneath his barrage of kisses, the fingers sliding underneath the hem of her shirt. Part of her mind screamed in defiance at the situation, but the rest of her rejoiced at the sensations flowing through her body. Every touch sparked, every kiss a jolt, every caress sent currents of electricity across her skin. Never in her life had she imagined anything this wonderful, and it seemed that he was just getting warmed up.<br /><br />Eric moaned into her mouth as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She tasted sweet, like nothing he had ever experienced. Never before had he been unable to resist a woman, yet this naïve southern girl had infiltrated his senses and filled his mind with thoughts of her. The first time she had stepped into Fangtasia, she had intrigued him. He had been unable to tear his eyes from her once she spoke, and now he had her underneath him, writhing with desire. As much as he wanted to rip her clothes off and have his way with her, he controlled himself. Knowing that she had only ever been with one person meant he needed to be gentle.<br /><br />Slowly he inched her shirt up, caressing each newly revealed piece of skin. Arching her back so he could reach, Eric unhooked her bra and slid it off. He lowered his mouth to her nipple and suckled, licking and biting until she was begging for more. Kissing his way down her stomach, he deftly unsnapped her shorts and pulled them off in one quick motion. She wore pale blue underwear, and it set off her tan skin beautifully. Carefully removing the last obstacle, he lowered the cloth and replaced it with his mouth.<br /><br />Sookie gasped and bucked her hips involuntarily. Nobody had ever done this to her before, and it felt amazing. His tongue swirled around her clit as he pushed a finger inside of her. She moaned his name as he massaged her from the inside, adding another finger when she was wet enough. He felt her climax building and increased the tempo of his tongue. When she was teetering on the edge, he turned his head to her thigh and bit down. She screamed as her world exploded into stars and her body convulsed in ecstasy. When she came back to earth, Eric was looming over her with a big grin on his face.<br /><br />"You are so gorgeous when you come." Still breathless, she grabbed his hair and pulled him in for another kiss. He pushed her knees higher and positioned himself at her entrance. Raising her hips in invitation she whimpered, needing him inside her, filling her completely. He penetrated her slowly, gritting his teeth to stop himself from fucking her until she passed out. Her nails dug into his back as his thickness stretched her tunnel.<br /><br />When he was pushed in to the hilt, they rocked together. He took his time with her, savoring every delicious movement, every sound she made, every breath she took. Feeling her begin to tense for the second time, Eric picked up the pace. Nuzzling into her neck, he waited until the first ripple of her orgasm before sinking his fangs in. He stiffened and spilled inside of her as blood filled his mouth.<br /><br />As her heart rate slowed to normal, he pulled out and laid next to her on the bed, pulling her into his side. She shivered with aftershocks as he stroked her hair.<br /><br />"Eric. That was... wow." He chuckled and continued to stroke her.<br /><br />"I'm glad you enjoyed it. Come, lover. Let's get cleaned up." He led her into the bathroom and turned on the radio as she ran fresh bathwater. Settling in the tub, he pulled her down in front of him so her back was to his chest. Not a moment later, Eric heard a car pull up and the front door open quietly.<br /><br />Bill pushed open the door. "What are you lis-" He froze as he saw who was in the tub. Sookie turned red and tried to shrink into Eric's chest. Fangs out, Bill took a menacing step towards the viking before he was stopped with a glare.<br /><br />"Honestly, did you think you could keep her to yourself?"noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-23335025387284982752009-01-03T12:54:00.002-05:002009-01-03T12:57:26.538-05:00Not Quite Deja VuA quick and dirty one-shot for all my girls at the Pub.<br /><br /><div align="center">. . . . .</div><br /><em>Why does this all seem so familiar?</em><br /><br />I was sitting in Eric's Corvette wearing my skimpiest short-shorts, a lacy red bra and a barely-there white shirt. The vampire driving down the gravel road, frowning at every pothole, wore only a pair of low cut, super tight jeans that showed off his best assets, both in front and back. We turned off the gravel road onto a set of ruts that could barely be called a driveway. Bumping downhill, we stopped in front of a large cabin.<br /><br /><em>What the heck? I've never been here, but it feels like I know what's going on...</em><br /><em></em><br />Eric, always the gentleman -or at least when he wanted to be- opened my door for me and helped me out of the car. Placing his hand on the small of my back, we walked to the door and knocked. When I saw who answered, my heart nearly stopped. Quinn... and he was naked... and <em>very</em> happy to see me. Eric greeted him as if it was perfectly normal to be speaking to his wife's nude 6'9" ex-boyfriend. I pushed past the two behemoths and ran right into another one. Alcide, who was also naked and happy to see me.<br /><br /><em>Oooo-kay... I think I'm going to have a fuckin' panic attack.</em><br /><br />Looking around the room I saw Sam, Bill, Pam and Amelia. My eyes widened when I realized that Eric and I were the only ones clothed. A large pair of hands spun me around and I corrected myself - I was the only one with clothes on. Eric pressed himself against me and any reservations I had about this situation were swept away. Another large pair of hands wrapped around my waist and unbuttoned my shorts, shimmying them down my hips. My shirt and bra quickly joined the pile of clothing in the corner.<br /><br />Eric snaked his hand down between my legs and flicked my clit a few times. My legs automatically opened and a different set of fingers pushed into me. They were warm and just as large as my viking's... Quinn. My eyes fluttered and I caught sight of Pam, who was concentrating on swallowing Alcide. Next to her, Amelia was sandwiched between Bill and Sam. My little cluster walked over to an empty spot on the couch where Eric made himself comfortable.<br /><br />I positioned myself on him 'reverse cowgirl' style and took Quinn's almost-as-big-as-a-viking erection into my mouth. I sucked in time with Eric's thrusts and moaned around my mouthful. I heard a loud groan from someone else and a minute later, that someone was underneath me, suckling my nipples and rubbing my clit. I felt fangs, but had no idea if it was Bill or Pam.<br /><br />My orgasm exploded before I knew it was coming and Eric stiffened inside me as my body rippled with pleasure. Quinn came like a cannon, his hot seed shooting straight down my throat. I managed to swallow most of it and was grateful that being with Eric had cured any gag reflex I might have. Several hands lifted me off of one cock and placed me onto another. This one was as warm as the one I just had in my mouth.<br /><br />I peeked over my shoulder and saw it was Sam fucking me like there was no tomorrow. Eric was going to town on Amelia's mouth while Alcide took her from behind. Pam and Bill were going at it like wild animals, scratched and bleeding and growling at each other.<br /><br />We all fucked and sucked and rode and teased and pleased each other for hours. Somehow I ended up in the middle of a gigantic ball of flesh. We all writhed together, not knowing who we were touching, whose parts were whose, what holes were being plundered. I lost count of how many times I came, how many climaxes I helped with. Finally, my body couldn't take it anymore and I collapsed to the floor, a boneless pile of post-orgasmic bliss. Amelia fell to one side of me, the shifters and the Were landed on the other side. The vampires merely seemed amused at our exhaustion.<br /><br />"Sookie," Eric began, "I need to feed." Laying back, I motioned for him to come to me. He was followed closely by Bill and Pam, but I didn't really think about it. Kneeling to one side of me, my viking bent his head and sank his fangs into my breast. Bill lightly kissed me on the lips before biting into my neck. I felt a tongue swipe across my clit, then another set of fangs drove into my femoral artery.<br /><br />The vampires drank, and drank... and drank from me. At first it was nothing but pleasure, another climax in this surreal orgy. Darkness began to wash over me and I weakly protested, but they continued to take my blood. My body refused to work for me. My mind was slowing and I could barely... keep my eyes... open... must stay... awake...<br /><div align="center"><br />. . . . . </div><br />"Sookie? Sookie, wake up!"<br /><br />A large hand shook my shoulders as I struggled to open my eyes. I was in a large bed with obscenely soft crimson sheets. Raising my arms above my head I stretched out, joints popping the whole time. I spoke to Eric through my haze.<br /><br />"No more multiple vamp feedings, okay, hon?" I could practically feel his eyebrows raise at that.<br /><br />"Um, what?"<br /><br />"You and Bill and Pam all fed on me at the same time and you almost killed me. You know after... um... everything else that happened?" My cheeks flushed as I said this. I couldn't believe I had actually done any of the things that I did last night.<br /><br />"Sookie, love, I have no idea what you're talking about. I woke up less than an hour ago and you were asleep. You started thrashing around a moment ago, so I got you up."<br /><br />"So we didn't... it was a dream." I melted into the bed with relief.<br /><br />"Yes. Now would you kindly inform me why you were begging Alcide and Quinn and Bill to fuck you?"<br /><br /><em>Oh, shit.</em>noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-76315878136396351032009-01-02T11:13:00.003-05:002009-01-02T11:26:59.493-05:00Fur + Fangs = Fun<p><strong>A/N:</strong> This is a pairing of two people we all know and love who never seem to get any on their own, so I decided to give them a hand. It's also something of a special request from someone who has given me a lot of ideas and inspiration, you know who you are, you dirty girl! </p><p align="center"><br />. . . . . </p><p><br />BEEPBEEPBEEPBEEPBEEPBEEPBEEPBEEP-</p><p><br />The alarm clock smashed against the bedroom wall and died a painful death. Rubbing his face, Sam Merlotte yawned and sat up. He disentangled himself from the sheets and stretched as he stumbled to his bathroom, joints popping with each step. Eyes still blurry, he splashed cool water on his face in a half-hearted attempt to wake up. </p><p><br /><em>God, my head hurts like a sonuvabitch. I musta drank myself retarded last night</em>. Fumbling around in the medicine cabinet, Sam managed to dig up a few aspirin. He cupped his hands underneath the faucet and sipped at the water. In the shower, Sam noticed his neck was a little sore on one side. Figuring he just slept on it wrong, the discomfort was ignored.</p><p><br />After toweling off, Sam stood in front of the mirror and lathered up to shave. As he tilted his head back to get underneath his jawline, two small pinkish marks caught his attention. Two perfect circles, just the right distance apart for... <em>No, it can't be... I...</em> Gingerly, the shifter touched the side of his throat, feeling the pulse underneath his new scars.</p><p><br />"What the FUCK?!?" As the memory resurfaced he slapped his palms to his forehead. "Oh, fuck me."</p><p align="center"><br />. . . . .</p><p><br /><strong>THE DAY BEFORE</strong><br />Pam was on the lookout for a good time. Helping Sookie with her surprise for Eric had tested her control, especially after the little impromptu photo session. Even though Sookie was by far her favorite human, Pam would enjoy exacting punishment on her; after all revenge was a dish best served cold.</p><p><br />She had grown tired of feeding from the fangbangers at Eric's bar, and she sure as hell wasn't going to be there when she didn't need to be. Giving into an urge, she drove to Bon Temps to see if Amelia was available. They had enjoyed each others company a few times before. </p><p>Unfortunately when she got to her house, she smelled a Were inside and Amelia was definitely occupied. She rolled her eyes and sighed before getting struck with an idea.</p><p><br />It wasn't the first time the thought had crossed her mind, but this was the fist time she had a chance to act on it. Pam had always considered herself up for experimentation, but she had never done this before. <em>There's always a first time for everything</em>, she thought as she drove away.</p><p align="center"><br />. . . . .</p><p><br />Merlotte's Bar and Grille had been closed for an hour and Sam was, as his customers called it, hammered. He didn't drink often, but every now and then he got the urge to go on a bender. </p><p>That's where owning your own bar came in handy; a bottle of whiskey and maybe a mixed drink or two wouldn't kill his profits, and seeing as it was a rare occurence anyway Sam didn't begrudge himself that. Tonight he was sitting in front of his newest addition, a 55" HD plasma flat-screen TV. It cost an arm and a leg, but it was well worth it. The better TVs he had, the more money he could pull in on game days.</p><p><br />For now, though, the TV was tuned to some miniseries on war. The really tall guy with the buzzcut looked familiar, but the drunken shifter couldn't quite place him. He smelled the vampire a second before she appeared by his table.</p><p><br />"Pam? What are you doing here? What's wrong?"</p><p><br />"Nothing is wrong. I found myself at loose ends in this area and wanted some refreshment." Sam raised an eyebrow at her. <em>Uh-huh, right. Vamps and their ulterior motives, wonder what she wants.</em></p><em><p><br /></em>"Yea, um, help yourself." Pam busied herself behind the bar for a moment, then sat next to the shifter. She finished her True Blood as Sam downed several shots and three Jack 'n Cokes. He turned to Pam before slurring at her.</p><p><br />"I shink I should get to... uh.. to bed. Yeah." He stood up for all of three seconds before toppling over. The vampire caught him before his head cracked on the floor and he looked up at her. </p><p><br />"Ya know, <em>Pam</em>," he snickered, "you're actually kinda pretty for a dead chick."</p><p><br />Pam smiled one of her rare genuine smiles. The extended fangs ruined the picture somewhat, but the intent was clear. "Why thank you, Sam. You aren't so bad yourself, for a dog."</p><p><br />She helped him out to his trailer and he invited her in. <em>She actually isn't so bad for a bloodsucker, I guess. At least she helped me out here.</em></p><p><br />"Hey, do you want another True Blood or anything?" He turned around and jumped. Pam was inches away from him.</p><p><br />"No, thank you. I prefer the real thing." She wrapped her arms around him and shoved her tongue in his mouth. Sam froze for a split second before his male programming took over. He pushed his tongue against hers, fighting for dominance.</p><p><br />Pam wrapped her hand in Sam's shirt and pulled him towards his bedroom. Once there, she shoved him onto the bed and stripped. Swiftly, she removed all of his clothing, too.</p><p><br />The shifter was in shock when the vampire climbed on top of him and straddled his hips. She impaled herself on him and he moaned in pleasure. Pam reveled in the warmth of the cock inside her, Sam savored the cool flesh against him. It was utterly unlike anything they had experienced before.</p><p><br />Pam rode him like there was no tomorrow, pinching his nipples and gasping when he hit the sensitive spot inside her. Sam placed his hands on her hips and gripped tightly. A few thrusts later, she leaned over his chest and nuzzled into his neck. When her fangs sank in, they both came. </p><p><br />She slid off of the shifter and wrapped her hand around his softening member. Stroking gently but firmly, she was intent on making him hard again, no matter how much alcohol he had consumed. When she placed her lips around him and sucked, Sam felt a jolt run through his body as her fangs grazed his head. He stiffened again under her careful attention.</p><p><br />Positioning herself on her hands and knees, she barked at him. "Fuck me, shifter." Sam responded immediately, getting on his knees and pushing back into her.</p><p><br />"No. Not there." She rocked forward until he was completely out. Reaching back, she grabbed his cock and pressed it against her small puckered hole. "There."</p><p><br />"Uh, are you sure? This'll hurt." Pam scoffed and turned to look at him.</p><p><br />"I am a <em>vampire</em>. Pain IS pleasure. Now, do it." </p><p><br />Already slick with their combined juices, Sam pressed into the tight entrance. When the ring of muscle relaxed enough to allow him entrance, he nearly came with the sensation. It was so tight and wet, a curious blend of hot and cold flesh. Slowly, he eased himself in further and further. Fed up with the snail-like pace, Pam braced herself against the bed and shoved backwards, burying him up to the hilt in one swift move.</p><p><br />"Holy <em>shit</em>!" Sam yelled the same time Pam let out a long groan. His hands automatically went to her hips as they started to move together. </p><p><br />Tangling one hand in her hair, Sam yanked Pam's head back and pounded into her. She squealed in delight and ordered him to move harder, to be rougher. The shifter redoubled his efforts and smacked her ass so hard his hand hurt. She snaked one hand underneath her body to fondle his balls, earning an appreciative moan.</p><p><br />Leaning over her, he pushed her hair aside and bit the nape of her neck. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling and pinching her nipples as hard as he could. Never releasing her neck or her breasts, Sam plunged into her over and over. Pam bucked back into him after a particularly deep thrust and he bit down in surprise, breaking the skin. Without thinking about what he was doing, he lapped up the few drops that escaped, pushing her over the edge.</p><p><br />As the muscles around his cock spasmed erratically, he stiffened and released deep inside the vampire. When he regained the ability to breathe Sam collapsed on the bed, pulling out of her with a wet pop. Closing his eyes for a moment, he willed his heartbeat back to normal. He fought the overwhelming urge to pass out and looked at Pam, she was already dressed and waiting. Darkness started to overcome him, but he heard one last thing before he passed out. </p><p><br />"Hm, I was right. You aren't so bad for a dog." </p>noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-16310338509770123892008-12-29T22:32:00.003-05:002008-12-29T22:42:16.335-05:00Returing the Favor<strong>Sookie- A Month Earlier</strong><br />I was so beyond embarrassed to ask Pam for pointers on this particular subject. I had a sneaking suspicion she would ridicule me for my curiosity, but she passed up the opportunity. I caught a glimpse in her head and she was stockpiling information to harass Eric. She noticed the look I was giving her and gave me a look right back.<br /><br />"Hey, if I can't watch I should at least be able to have some fun." Rolling my eyes, I pointed at her 'bag of tricks' -as she called it- and my education began.<br /><br /><strong>Eric </strong><br />It had been a long, slow, torturous night at Fangtasia. My mate, my lover, my wife had opted to stay at home this evening, making it even worse. Every Monday, Pam and I switched doing the weekly paperwork. I hated my Monday with a passion. Vikings were not meant to be seated at a desk for hours on end paying invoices, verifying stock counts, checking job applications. Didn't I hire people to do this stuff for me? I thought I did, where the hell are they? Oh, right. Thanks to my wife, I have to take turns with that person. It's amazing what a woman can get you to agree to when your cock is in her hand.<br /><br />When I finished with the stack of paperwork, I had to make my appearance in the bar. Like sharks smelling blood (or was it the other way around?) the fangbangers and vampire-wannabes circled me as I moved to my usual seat. I had a True Blood in my hand as soon as I sat down. This waitress certainly knew how to serve her master.<br /><br />I ignored the pathetic creatures that frequented my bar. Human beings, with a few notable exceptions, were a pitiful bunch. And here, in front of me, these people were the epitome of that theory. They paid an outrageous cover charge to enter a place where they were not welcome, bought exorbitantly priced drinks, and in all honesty risked their very lives just so they could be ridiculed, abused, and possibly used as a food source. Even after a thousand years of living among them and studying their behavior, the average human psyche still made no sense to me.<br /><br />Three hours I had to spend in this self-imposed hell. Three hours of people begging me to bite them, to fuck them, to turn them. The ones who wanted to be bitten were ignored. The humans who wanted to be fucked were stared down until they ran the other direction. The loathsome creatures that asked to be turned, however, were kicked squarely in the face. That was a gift reserved for those who were worthy. Anyone who asked for it deserved to be broken open and left to die. There was only one person I would consider turning, and the second she indicated that it was what she wanted I would.<br /><br />As if she could read my mind from this distance, my phone <em>beeped</em> to tell me I had a text message. I flipped open the little device and my eyes widened at the picture. Pam and Sookie were wound around each other and dressed in nothing but their underwear.<br /><br /><em>Beep</em>, another message. Pam stood behind Sookie, her hands on my wife's hips. Sookie's head was bent to the side and Pam was licking her neck, fangs fully exposed.<br /><br /><em>Beep</em>, another message. Sookie kneeled in front of Pam, her hands on my child's thighs. Her lips were pressed against Pam's stomach and they gazed into each others eyes.<br /><br /><strong>Beep</strong>. Oh, how I loved camera phones. Sookie was alone in this picture, and she was completely naked. A message came with this image. <em>U stay @ work. U come home early u get none Luv U :)</em><br /><br />That little minx. And Pam, too. I willed my throbbing erection away and dialed my wife's cell phone. She picked up on the third ring.<br /><br />"Hi, honey." She was using her innocent voice.<br /><br />"Sookie, my love, what have you been doing?"<br /><br />"Oh, nothin'. Pam and I were just messing around and, well, you know..."<br /><br />"No, I don't. Please enlighten me." Sookie giggled and I heard Pam snicker in the background. "Pamela, I hear you. What are you doing to my wife?"<br /><br />"Nothing that she didn't ask me to do, Master." More giggles and laughter from them. I had to shake my head at their antics. I hadn't seen this type of behavior from Pam in ages; only Sookie could turn a centuries-old vampire into a giggling teenager.<br /><br />"Fine. Play your games, you will pay when I get home-"<br /><br />"No, no, no, Eric. You will pay me when you get home. See you in a few hours, love ya, bye." The line disconnected.<br /><br />I raised my eyebrows in surprise. My wife just hung up on me. Unbelievable. She didn't answer when I called back. Pam's phone was shut off. I probed the bond and felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness flow from Sookie. A minute later I got another text.<br /><br /><em>Stop it. Patience is a virtue. Be good. </em><br /><em><br /></em>Since when did being a vampire require being <em>virtuous</em>? I sighed internally and settled back into my throne. Very well, I'll allow them to have their fun for now. A glance at the clock above the bar told me I still had over two-and-a-half hours before I could leave. I loved my bar, but it was nights like this that I couldn't stand it. I glared at yet another human who dared to approach me and counted the seconds until I would be able to drive away.<br /><br /><strong>Sookie</strong><br />I turned the ringer off and put my cell back on the charger. "That'll whet his appetite for tonight."<br /><br />"Most certainly, Sookie. Before we get you dressed, let's finish getting the room put together." I followed Pam into Eric's game room and we finished setting up the little stage. A little while later, we stepped back to admire our work. "You know, after tonight I think he's going to install one of these things permanently."<br /><br />I dubiously eyed the pole we had purchased and sighed. "Yeah, probably. Hopefully I won't fall and crack my head open or anything."<br /><br />"Oh, come on. We watched all those videos and practiced and you took the classes during the day, right? And you're going to use that CD we made, aren't you?" I nodded. I had been thrilled to learn that the gym I recently started visiting offered striptease and pole-dancing classes. To my surprise, I ended up being the star pupil. "Well, then. You have nothing to worry about, except a big vampire you're going to be cockteasing."<br /><br />"Pam!" She smirked, knowing her language shocked me.<br /><br />"C'mon, let's get you ready." We went upstairs and Pam crimped and curled and teased my hair until I felt like a poodle. She insisted on doing my makeup and helping me into my outfit before letting me look in a mirror.<br /><br />When she finally deemed me ready, I walked into the bathroom and gasped. "Oh. My. God. Pam, he is going to love this! You are so awesome!"<br /><br />"Why thank you, Sookie. You know you owe me for this, right?"<br /><br />I sighed. "Yeah. What can I do for you?"<br /><br />"Let me watch."<br /><br />"NO, you can't stay! I told you this before you even agreed to help me."<br /><br />"Fine, but I want details."<br /><br />"Pam, you were with Eric after you were turned. You know all about him."<br /><br />"Yes, but I don't know all about you." My jaw dropped.<br /><br />"Pamela... Ugh! If I knew your middle name I would so use it right now!" She grinned at me as we walked downstairs.<br /><br />"I know, Sookie. Have fun." She gave me a peck on the cheek and disappeared. I had to laugh at her, even though she was long gone by now. Pam was one-of-a-kind and I loved that we had become friends. Granted, she still wanted to have sex with me, but Eric had laid down the law about that. <em>No touching Sookie unless I am present and involved, is that understood, Child? </em><br /><em><br /></em>Yeah, like I could take on two vampires at once. I remember reading online about a hooker who tried to do that; she ended up in a coma for a week. I think I'll pass on that experience, thankyouverymuch.<br /><br />A look at the clock told me that Eric would be leaving Fangtasia in about ten minutes. Add in a twenty minute drive... I figured I would see him in fifteen minutes or so. I fixed myself a gin and tonic and watched the time tick by.<br /><br />Seventeen minutes later I sensed him pulling in the driveway. I posed with my little prop and waited for my husband to find me. When he stepped in the doorway, the expression on his face made all the planning worth it.<br /><br />"Come to me, Viking."<br /><br /><strong>Eric</strong><br />When I left the bar I flew home. Not literally, but I went at least twice the speed limit the entire way. I could tell Pam had gone home already and Sookie was nervously awaiting me. She didn't feel guilty, so I knew that nothing had actually occurred between the two.<br /><br />"Sookie?" No response. I followed her scent and the sound of her heartbeat through the house and into the game room. What I saw there stunned me.<br /><br />She stood next to a chair from the dining room, posing with a very large and very fake sword. Her hair was artfully tangled and wild-looking. She wore a suede top with fur lining and a nearly nonexistant skirt. Her entire midriff was bare, as were her thighs. A pair of high heeled boots and a hat that matched completed the ensemble. Sookie was a Viking Warrior Goddess.<br /><br />"Come to me, Viking." I walked towards the goddess, only vaguely noticing something different about the room.<br /><br />"Sit." I complied and grabbed her waist to bring her down on top of me. She slapped my hands and I looked at her in surprise. "Did I say you could touch me? Now you are to be punished. Put your hands down." I let my arms fall to my sides, unable to resist this new temptation.<br /><br />"You are not to touch me <em>or yourself</em> until you are given permission. Is this understood, Viking?" I nodded, barely restraining myself from knocking her to the floor and taking her this second.<br />Sookie gave me a penetrating look for a moment, her eyes running up and down my body, as if assessing me. When her gaze reached my tented jeans she licked her lips. She turned and sauntered over to the stereo, bending over just enough to make sure I saw she was wearing crotchless panties. I gripped the legs of the chair to stop myself from diving into her and fucking her senseless. She felt my reaction and turned to wink at me as she walked to the makeshift stage in the corner of the room.<br /><br />I couldn't believe I was just now noticing the setup. A small stage, only about six inches high, had a long silver pole embedded in it and running up to the ceiling. I scooted my chair closer to the stage. When Sookie noticed she rolled her eyes.<br /><br />After a short intro, industrial music pumped out of the surround sound speakers and Sookie began dancing. She had always been one to need reassurance and second-guess herself, but the one thing Sookie always acknowledged is that she was a good dancer, and she was using all of her skills to seduce me right now.<br /><br />Using the sword as a cane she made her way over to me, kicking up her heels the whole time. She plucked her hat off and put it on me. She swung her hair in a circle, running it across my chest. Straddling my waist, she tossed the sword away and placed her hands around my neck. She ground our crotches together and a moan escaped me. This was exquisite torture. I saw her bite her lip as my pleasure hit her. She got up and swung one of her legs back to stand. Making her way back to the pole, she swayed her hips to the beat, swinging her hair as she went.<br /><br />Reaching out with her left hand, Sookie swung herself around the pole. That was just the beginning; she flung herself around and around, upside down, every which way I could imagine. Rubbing and slithering up and down, she ended her routine sitting on her heels, back against the pole, knees spread. I had a perfect view of her cleanly-shaven pussy through her crotchless panties and I could smell her arousal. It took every ounce of willpower and determination I had not to jump on her. She crawled over to me on her hands and knees, raising herself up between my legs, every inch of her rubbing against my hardness. She flipped around so her back was to my chest and laid her head on my shoulder. She undulated against me, nipping my neck and ear as she writhed in my lap. It felt so divine I almost came in my pants.<br /><br />I needed her. I needed to feel her underneath me, on top of me, all over me, I don't care how we fuck, I just need it. She felt my lust and whispered in my ear.<br /><br />"Ah ah ah, not so fast, <em>lover</em>."<br /><br />Sookie stood up and swayed her body to the beat of a new, slower song that had begun to play. She slowly unlaced the front of her shirt and eased it off her shoulders. Turning around, she looked at me over he shoulder and blew a kiss before she threw the minuscule top at me. Not taking my eyes off of the temptress in front of me, I lifted the scrap of fabric to my nose to inhale the intoxicating scent.<br /><br />"Stand up." She commanded me and I stood immediately, eager to see what she was planning. I watched her run her hands all over her body, lightly pinching her nipples as she went. "Off with the shirt." It was on the floor in a heartbeat. Sookie reached out to me and scratched her fingernails down my chest, stopping just short of my waistband. By now, my entire body was shaking with need.<br /><br />Putting her hands on my hips, she dipped and rubbed and twirled around me like I was her new pole. Somewhere in the midst of working me into a new frenzy, she had taken off her skirt and underwear, leaving her only in the high heeled boots.<br /><br />She placed the tip of her index finger on my chest and pushed me back into the chair. She sashayed back to the stage and took up her previous position, back against the pole, knees spread. One hand snaked its way down her body and carefully touched her swollen nub. My jaw dropped and she gasped in pleasure. She continued rubbing herself, moaning and biting her lip as she did. One finger slid inside, quickly followed by a second. Her eyes found mine as she fucked herself.<br /><br />She moaned my name as she shivered in pleasure. "Eric, I need you in me..." My tongue had replaced her hand before she finished the sentence.<br /><br /><strong>Sookie</strong><br />Part of me couldn't believe that I was actually masturbating in front of my husband, but the rest of me was overcome with lust and desire. When our eyes met I couldn't take it anymore, I had to have him.<br /><br />"Eric, I need you in me..."<br /><br />He dove at me with such speed he was just a blur. His mouth latched onto my clit and he sucked as he plunged his fingers into me over and over. I wrapped my hands in his hair and pulled his lips to mine. "Fuck me, Eric."<br /><br />His fingers picked up the pace and I felt the denim of his jeans rubbing against me. I felt him try to kiss his way back down, and even though I loved his mouth on me, it wasn't what I wanted. My inner viking bitch came out with a vengeance; I pulled his hair again and when his eyes met mine, I slapped him across the face. Not super hard, but hard enough to shock the shit out of him.<br /><br />"I said <em>fuck me</em>, not tease me. Fuck me like the viking you are." He froze for half a second before he crashed his lips into mine. I heard his jeans shred as he ripped them off and impaled me on his erection. I screamed in ecstasy as he pounded into me. I ordered him to go harder, give me all he had. He flipped me over onto my hands and knees and pounded right back in, growling in an ancient language the entire time.<br /><br />Tangling his hand in my hair, he smacked my ass as he pulled my head back. In the back of my head I knew I would be eight shades of black and blue tomorrow, but I didn't care. I was being pillaged, and it felt <em>amazing</em>. I kept egging him on to go faster, harder, to be a <em>fucking viking for chrissakes</em>. He leaned over by back and pulled my head to the side, driving his fangs into my neck. Two thrusts later the most mind-bending, head-splitting, body-ravaging orgasm I had ever experienced rocked through my body. I screamed and my muscles all turned to jello. I fell to the floor with a gigantic vampire on top of me, but I was too spent to even consider trying to move him.<br /><br />The aftershocks than ran through me were nearly as intense as a normal orgasm, and I could barely stand it. The weight on my back lifted but I stayed flattened on the floor, waiting to gain control of my body again.<br /><br />"Sookie?" A husky voice called me. "Are you all right?"<br /><br />"I'm fine. Just waiting for my bones to come back, that's all." Eric laughed. I felt him take my boots off before he lifted me into his arms. He carried me into our bedroom and laid me down so gently you would have thought I was made of spun glass. By that time my body had decided to work again, so I scooted to the head of the bed and leaned against the headboard.<br /><br />"Did you like your surprise, Eric?"<br /><br />"That was... <em>incredible</em>. I need to get one of those poles installed in the bedroom. What posessed you to do that?"<br /><br />"Well, I had to top your little performance in Vegas."<br /><br />"Ah, I see. Just promise me one thing, my love." My eyebrows knitted together as I looked at him. "Next time, get a real sword."noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-50794902325143211392008-12-29T20:07:00.002-05:002008-12-29T20:21:32.687-05:00Everyone Likes A ChallengeI have never had any shortage of women throwing themselves at me. Pathetic, all of them. Customs may have changed in a millennium, but desperation remains the same.<br /><br />When I was alive they wanted the feeling of security that the chieftain's son could provide. Every battle I fought, every time I came back to our village, I was propositioned by more fathers and brothers seeking an advantageous marriage for their charge. Being thirty years old and unmarried was nearly unheard of in my culture, but my father was old and feeble, demanding nothing of his second son. He refused to push me into a position I would come to despise. I had always admired his ability to avoid tyranny yet still have the complete and utter devotion of every person in his domain.<br /><br />Now that I am dead, they want the feeling of my fangs in their neck, my glamour pleasuring them. Every night I come to Fangtasia, to my own little kingdom, and I am assaulted by hordes of piteous dogs that want nothing more than a temporary high. At least the dogs I used to own knew their place and their worth. These disgusting curs kept coming back for more abuse, no matter what was inflicted upon them.<br /><br />A particularly revolting female sauntered across the bar, moving in my direction. She held her head high, proud of the numerous scars decorating her neck. I ignored her, as I do most of the patrons, but her scent reached me and I could barely keep my lip from curling in disgust. She reeked of cheap beer and stale cigarettes, hairspray and dollar-store 'perfume'. Already bitten this evening, she was trying for a second fix. Boldly, she spoke without waiting for me to acknowledge her presence.<br /><br />Pam noticed my guest from her post by the door and I sensed her amusement. She was well aware I was in no mood for any bullshit this evening, and she was anxiously awaiting my reaction to the female propositioning me. I continued to ignore the woman, wishing she would realize she was not wanted. However, she refused to take the hint and leaned towards me, arching her neck in what I suppose was meant to be an erotic gesture. It only irritated me further. I could have continued to dismiss her presence as one would a fly buzzing nearby, but she placed her hand on my knee.<br /><br />In a fraction of a second I was towering over her, holding her upper arm in a grip so tight I was close to snapping the bone. I narrowed my eyes and glared down at the fool who thought she could have me. Half of the bar was staring at us, making my decision to add insult to injury an easy one. I could smell her fear as I bent down and made a show of delicately sniffing her neck. I jerked my head back as if something had shocked me and intensified my glare.<br /><br />"Filthy whore." I spat the phrase as I threw her to the floor where she crumpled into a heap and began crying. I leveled a look around the room and everyone who witnessed the scene quickly averted their eyes and busied themselves with something else. I caught Pam's eye and motioned for her to meet me in the office. She jerked her head towards the door, indicating the other bodyguard was on break. I nodded and she visibly relaxed. Pam was not the source of my ire, and I would not allow myself to take it out on her.<br /><br />The crowd parted for me as I walked towards the 'Employee's Only' door. Normally the instinctive submission of the humans would have amused me, but I barely noticed it tonight. In my office I turned on the computer and busied myself on the internet until Pam could join me. Ah, the internet. Next to sports cars and artificial blood, this was humankind's greatest achievement. The entire world at ones fingertips any time of the day or night; once I had learned to utilize it properly, I could hardly imagine living without the convenience. It was possible and I would do so if necessary, but I would much rather have it at my disposal.<br /><br />I was browsing through possible investments when Pam entered. She bowed towards me and sat, waiting for me to begin. I started the system shut down before speaking, but grew impatient and just clicked it off before it had finished. Pam noticed this and raised an eyebrow.<br /><br />"Pam, I am taking a small vacation. You will run the bar in my absence and will not disturb me unless it is a dire emergency."<br /><br />"Of course, Master. How long should I expect you to be gone?"<br /><br />"No more than a week. I may be back sooner, though."<br /><br />"Will you be here the rest of the evening or are you taking your leave immediately?"<br /><br />"Immediately. That trash from earlier ruined my appetite."<br /><br />Pam curled her lip. "I know what you mean. I had to take her outside and if I was human I would have vomited."<br /><br />"Is there anything you require before I go?"<br /><br />"No, Eric. Go relax, it has been hard for you lately. You need a break."<br /><br />She was right. Between the bombing at Rhodes and the takeover, I had been running myself ragged for almost two months. Hosting a king and his entourage was no easy task and I was more than pleased to see them on their way last week. I reminded Pam not to call me and went out to my car.<br /><br />I slid into the leather seat and remembered reading that the new model came out a couple months ago, mentally noting to upgrade soon. I scanned through my iPod, looking for something to relax me, stopping at a playlist I hadn't listened to in months. 'Sookie Songs'. Honestly, nothing in that category appealed to me except the name. Glancing at the dash I noticed it was just after eleven, more than enough time.<br /><br />I gave the dial a spin and clicked on the random list where it stopped. Hard rock blared through the speakers and I peeled out of the parking lot, turning towards Bon Temps.<br /><br />The shifter's bar was packed when I arrived. I had originally planned on going to her house, but the bar was on the way and I felt her as I drove by. Smiling to myself, I remembered her yelling at me for making a Grand Entrance every time I came to her work. I did no such thing; I couldn't help if people were naturally compelled to gaze at me.<br /><br />I walked in and several people turned to look at me. The shifter's eyes widened a fraction before he nodded at me in greeting. I returned the gesture and seated myself in her area. <em>Shock, happiness, irritation, calm</em>. Emotions pummeled me through the bond as Sookie realized I had come to see her. My lips curved up in the half-smile I knew she adored as she came to my table. I ordered a bottle of O negative and watched her go to the bar to heat one for me.<br /><br />For the millionth time I wondered why I felt the need to be close to her. Undeniably, she was beautiful. She was also one the most difficult humans I had ever come across, and that was certainly a distinction, considering how long I had walked the earth. She was headstrong and stubborn, refusing help with everything. Even if it meant doing things exponentially harder than it would be otherwise, once she had made up her mind there was no persuading her. She had experienced more in the past few years than other humans could imagine in their entire lifetime, and she still continued to surprise me with her tenacity. She was the only human that still had the ability to confound me, not that I would ever let her on to that.<br /><br />She returned with the blood a moment later and shifted uncomfortably as she handed it to me. I tried to gauge her state of mind. "Sookie, you look delicious this evening."<br /><br />"What brings you out here, Eric?" <em>Hope, concern, hint of lust.</em><br /><em><br /></em>"I find myself with some free time, so I came to speak with my lover." <em>More lust, sadness, anxiety, fear</em>. Fear? This was worrisome. Of all people, Sookie had the least to fear from me.<br /><br />"I'm working, Eric."<br /><br />"Obviously. I assume you will be released soon, and we must discuss some things." At that moment, the red-haired Fellowship bitch passed behind Sookie. Arlene, if I remember correctly.<br />Sookie clenched her jaw and squeezed her eyes shut, her body tensing up and seething with rage. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to control her anger. Her eyes opened and she plastered on the smile that always made her look slightly psychotic. "Of course. I get off in about an hour."<br /><br />"Is everything okay, lover?" I raised an eyebrow in question.<br /><br />"It's just Arlene being awful. Nothing new." She shrugged it off and went to her next table. I glowered at the other waitress.<br /><br />The redhead was becoming increasingly annoying. If anything, she made the whore from Fangtasia look like a saint. Humans like her are what give people like Sookie a bad name. I saw her shoot another glare at Sookie before she turned to me. I caught her eye and snarled. She turned bright red -almost the color of her horribly dyed hair- and stomped off to the other side of the bar.<br /><br /><em>Alarm, confusion</em>. Sookie's eyes were bouncing back and forth between me and the waitress, apparently trying to figure out what had happened to set off her ex-friend. I smirked at her and almost felt her roll her eyes. She wasn't annoyed at me and I knew it. Our bond wasn't strong enough for her to know my mind, let alone for me to know hers, but I knew enough of human behavior -Sookie, in particular- to read her like a book. Sometimes she did things that would surprise me, but that is part of the joy that is Sookie.<br /><br />Arlene made another pass by my booth and huffed like she smelled something bad. If this was my bar she would have already been broken and bled. Out of respect for another man's business, I merely growled at her. She turned to glare at me, flipped her hair in a haughty manner and stuck up her nose as she walked away.<br /><br />I rose from my seat and walked to the bar. Sam looked up from the drink he was mixing and nodded at me again. "Eric. What can I do for you?"<br /><br />"I require a moment of your time, Sam. In private, if possible." He motioned for another waitress to take over tending the bar and led the way into his office.<br /><br />He sat in his office chair and leaned back, ignoring the ungodly squeal it made. "What's up? Is something wrong with Sookie?"<br /><br />"No. However, there is something about to be seriously wrong with the redhead. I refuse to be disrespected in such a manner."<br /><br />"Arlene's getting that bad, huh?" He ran his fingers through his hair, thoroughly disheveling it. "I knew she was getting sucked in, but I didn't think she would go so far as to purposely antagonize a vamp... and you, of all of them. How's Sookie? This has to affect her, too."<br /><br />His caring for her went far beyond the normal worry a boss should have for his employee. I didn't like that, but I was appreciative that another supe was watching out for her well-being, even if he was two-natured. "I sense that she is nearing the edge. One of these days, Arlene," her name left a bad taste in my mouth, "will do or say something and Sookie is going to snap. She barely restrained herself from attacking her earlier. After everything the Fellowship of the Sun has done to Sookie, I have no doubt that she will take her revenge out on the woman."<br /><br />"Well, shit." Sookie had informed me once that Sam didn't curse, so I was slightly mollified by his outburst. That meant he saw the severity of the situation. "Hopefully, they can both keep it under control for a month or so. After that, I think Arlene won't want to set foot in here."<br /><br />"Ah, coming out of the doghouse so soon?"<br /><br />Sam snorted. "Better that than the coffin. Hey, I really hate to ask, but would you mind loaning me a bodyguard or two for that night? I already have a Were coming, but if anything happens, I wouldn't be much use as a collie." Of course he wouldn't shift into something able to defend itself, he needed to make this as palatable as possible for his customers.<br /><br />"Certainly, Sam. I would-" I was cut off by a crash and high-pitched screams from the main area. <em>PAINHATEFURYANGERKILLKILLKILL</em>. Sam was out the door immediately, but I beat him out front. I was shocked and amazed by what I saw, my fangs involuntarily running out with blood lust.<br /><br />Sookie was sitting on Arlene's chest, one hand tangled in her hair, the other punching her in the face over and over. When Arlene reached up to grab Sookie's ponytail, Sookie slammed the woman's head into the floor. Both were screaming obscenities at each other at the top of their lungs. Several customers were trying to separate them, but Sookie was like a wild animal, kicking and screaming and biting and punching. Sam managed to wrap his arms around her waist and pull her off of Arlene's chest, but Sookie reached out and wrapped her other hand in the red curls, dragging the other woman along the floor by her hair.<br /><br />I stepped to Sookie's side and grabbed her wrists. I forced her to focus on my eyes. "Sookie, STOP." She glared daggers at me, but loosened her grip enough to allow the redhead to wiggle free. Seeing I had Sookie under control, Sam let her go and went to restrain Arlene.<br /><br />Sam spoke first. "What the hell happened out here?"<br /><br />Arlene shrieked, "That vamp-fucking slut tried to kill me!" My eyes blazed at her as I held Sookie back from attacking her again.<br /><br />"You're one to talk, you skank whore! Maybe if you try closing your legs once in a while you'll find a real man instead of one of those Fellowship fucks!" Sookie screeched right back.<br /><br />"At least my man has a pulse!"<br /><br />"Oh, yeah? At least my man will stick around after I fuck him instead of stealing my silverware!" I didn't know the story behind that, but it sent Arlene into a renewed fury.<br /><br />"STOP THIS RIGHT NOW!" An older, slightly pudgy man stepped between the two women. "Ladies, I might not be on duty right now, but if you don't stop screaming I'll take both of you in this instant." That got them to be quiet.<br /><br />"Bud, what happened?" Sam, clearly disappointed with his staff, asked the officer. "I need to know who to fire."<br /><br />"From what I saw, Sookie accidentally bumped into Arlene. She apologized and Arlene said something back. They went back and forth for a minute and then Arlene punched Sookie. Sookie bashed Arlene with her tray and jumped on her. That's when y'all came out front." He turned to address the crowd. "Did anybody see anythin' different? If so, speak up now." The crowd murmured their agreement with his observations.<br /><br />"I'm gonna sue you, Sookie Stackhouse! Look what you done to me!" Arlene certainly was a sight to behold. Her left eye was swelling shut, her nose was bleeding, and she seemed to have at least one broken tooth. Scratches covered her neck and I could tell she would be bruised from head to toe tomorrow. Her hair was a mess and wouldn't look right for months, seeing as Sookie still clutched two handfuls of red curls.<br /><br />Sookie had a busted lip and a few scratches. Her ponytail was lopsided and falling out, but other than that she was unharmed. There was no question as to who won the fight.<br /><br />Bud spoke up. "I'm afraid you can't do that, Arlene. You put your hands on her first, so it counts as self-defense. It can't be helped that she's stronger than you. You touched her first so it's your fault, and that's what the law says. You can <em>try</em> to take her to court, but I wouldn't recommend it."<br /><br />"I don't care, Sheriff! She's gonna pay for this!" Arlene was working herself back into a frenzy. "I'm calling my lawyer first thing! Give me your lawyer's name, now!"<br /><br />Before Sookie could open her mouth I cut off whatever she was thinking, "Frederick R. Stevenson. You can contact him if you have anything more to say to Miss Stackhouse." Bud looked impressed, Arlene blanched, and Sookie's jaw dropped. I used the most expensive attorney in Shreveport, and he didn't charge an arm and a leg for no reason.<br /><br />"Now, if it is acceptable to you both, I would like to take Sookie home. We will both gladly give statements when you require them, Sheriff. For the time being, though, I believe it would be best to get these two ladies as far from each other as possible." Arlene lunged toward Sookie again, proving my point.<br /><br />Sam tightened his grip and picked her off the ground. "Arlene, enough. Don't make us regret pulling her off you." The shifter turned his attention to me. "Go on, Eric. Take her home. I'll let you know what happens here." I nodded at both Sam and the sheriff before steering Sookie out the back door.<br /><br />I stopped in the office to get her purse before we exited the building and I escorted her around to my car. I knew she was in no state to drive, as I had barely snapped her out of her haze long enough to get her to release the chunks of Arlene's hair before I placed her in my Corvette. I tuned to some classical music as we drove. I was starting to get concerned about her mental state, as she hadn't spoken a single word since the sheriff stopped her screaming.<br /><br />"Sookie?"<br /><br />No response.<br /><br />"Sookie, my lover?"<br /><br />Silence.<br /><br />"I know you can hear me, my love. I will take care of you. I will not leave you." The words surprised me. I, Eric Northman, Sheriff of the most profitable area in Louisiana, was promising to aid a mere human? Half of my mind relished taking care of my mortal lover; the other half rebelled against the very thought, let alone the action. I listened to the generous part of me and carefully carried her into the house.<br /><br />I no longer needed an invitation over the threshold. The blood bond overruled the normal protections a house would offer. Any place Sookie claimed as home would accept my entrance, unless she fully rejected our bond and embraced another as her mate. As non-sexually as possible, I ran a shower and washed her thoroughly. I dressed her in an over-sized shirt and laid next to her on the bed. I cuddled her into my side and tucked the blanket around her so she wouldn't catch a chill. I felt her breathing and her heartbeat slow into a steady rhythm and I allowed myself to slip into what she called 'downtime'.<br /><br />My mind ran away with me as my body froze against the woman of my dreams. <em>Eryck the North Man, what the hell are you thinking? This</em> mortal <em>makes you vulnerable and this will not do! You have lived for over a millenium and have the ability to literally live</em> forever <em>and you are willing to throw it all away for a single mortal lifetime because of this stubborn female? What the hell is wrong with you?</em> Never <em>in your long life have you ever been more concerned with another person's welfare than your own. It goes completely against your nature as a vampire. Drain her now and be done with this nonsense!</em> My entire being rebelled against the last thought. As much as I despised being bound to a mortal, not to mention one as difficult as Sookie Stackhouse, I couldn't help but protect her.<br /><br />I contemplated our relationship as she slumbered. There were still several hours until I had to go to ground for the day so I had plenty of time to think. I remember the first time I laid eyes on her like it was yesterday.<br /><br />I knew she was much too good for Compton when she actually had the courage to ask me about the murdered women. I was further intrigued by her when she resisted my glamour. When Long Shadow attempted to kill her, I reacted out of pure instinct; Bill didn't move a muscle to protect her. Sixty thousand dollars was pocket change to me; I would have punished the thief, but actually killing him? That was something that would never have been considered. In Dallas, I took a bullet for her. Instead of chasing after the scum that ambushed us, like Bill did, I stayed and protected her, defying my very nature. I went to an orgy with her and I didn't even get to enjoy myself!<br /><br />The first time I was genuinely surprised with her behavior was in Jackson. She seemed to look past the fact that Bill had cheated on her and was going to drop her like a bad habit; she insisted on saving his life at the risk of her own. Seeing her hanging on a Were drove me insane, even though I had set it up. When she was staked, I had to take care of her. Letting her out of my sight was not an option. I nearly claimed her, and certainly would have if Bubba hadn't interrupted. When I healed her, I knew exactly what would happen, how we would be tied together... I did it anyway. When I broke her and Bill out of the trunk they had been locked in, it took all of my determination and willpower to not murder Compton; I knew what had happened, and I knew it wasn't consensual. I had never been fond of him, but that was the moment I truly began to hate him.<br /><br />Then I was cursed. I didn't know it at the time, but that was when I fell in love with Sookie. Even though she knew that I would not remember our time together, she gave me her heart unconditionally. When she told me what had happened, I didn't believe her. My feelings had certainly changed towards the woman, but I couldn't understand why. I had never felt an irrational need to protect anyone before, but it was overwhelming when I was in her presence. In New Orleans, I felt her heart being ripped out when Compton confessed to using her. I saved her at the banquet massacre; she was completely unaware of it, but I killed more than one vampire going after her.<br /><br />The summit in Rhodes changed everything. The blood bond was sealed; even though I didn't want to do it, I couldn't stand seeing André force his will on her. At first, I resigned myself to the fact that she would come to hate me. I thought I could stand it. Lots of people hated me, what was one more? I remember her terror the morning of the explosions. She didn't try to save Bill. She didn't go after her 'boyfriend' Quinn. She came to protect Pam and me. I could barely stand to not see her while I was recovering, but I knew it was for the best. Knowing Sookie, she would have offered to let me drink so I could heal, and I don't know that I would have been able to refuse or even stop before I killed her.<br /><br />When the takeover happened I was concerned with three things: Fangtasia, my own life, and Sookie. I left Pam in charge of the bar and I flew to Bill's house. That idiot had gone to Sookie's, even after direct orders from me to stay put. I already knew that the other sheriffs were incapacitated or dead, and I had a feeling that the queen was no better off. I tried to reassure Sookie that we would all live through this, but I decided that I would give my life to protect hers. The vampire in me railed against this, but it was no match for the bonded part.<br /><br />When I submitted to the new regime, I was miserable. I found myself sitting in Sookie's bedroom when it hit me. I had been getting flashes of memories from the time I was cursed: sitting and talking by the fire, her washing my feet, the war meeting at Pam's house. But when I sat on her bed, her scent triggered something in my brain and I was bombarded with experiences, everything from loving her to fighting for her to taking the bullet and hiding the were-bitch's car.<br /><br />That was what brought me to her today. Except for the night when Pam and I gave her the news of her formal protection, I hadn't seen or spoken to my lover since she saved Felipe, Sam and me from Sigebert.<br /><br />I will have her,<em> she is mine</em>, no matter how vehemently she denies it. I refuse to allow her to run from this discussion. I will remain with her until we have come to a conclusion, regardless of how long that will take. For the first time in many, many years, I don't have a well-thought out plan. I know what I would like to come of this, but instead of approaching the situation like the master negotiator that I was, I was going in unprepared.<br /><br />I don't think that I've done anything without a plan since I turned Pam. To use a phrase I heard recently, she was my favorite mistake. I had created only three vampires before her, and they were all dead before their first century was up. Pam, however, took to vampirism with such zeal that I had come to believe she was fated for this life. She was one of my proudest achievements, and it was pure luck that she kept her spirit when she was turned. All too often people who are turned have a different personality when they wake up a vampire.<br /><br />That was part of the reason that I hated being bound to a human. I love her as she is, even though she is mortal and frail. I don't want to change her and have to deal with a different person. Sookie may be a difficult, stubborn, headstrong, immature woman, but she was my difficult, stubborn, headstrong, immature woman. If I don't end up changing her, she will wither away and die, if her lifestyle doesn't do away with her before she has a chance to age. When she died -unless it was during the transformation, of course- I would be inconsolable.<br /><br />A few centuries ago, I knew a vampire whose bonded had passed away. Lecia was killed in a small territorial skirmish. Gostun lost his mind, completely and totally. He tracked down the vampire who staked his beloved and killed several of his children before torturing the other vampire to death. He met the sun less than a year later.<br /><br />I know for a fact that I will hunt down anyone who does Sookie any harm and make them pay a thousand times over for their crime against her. I sincerely doubt I will meet the sun, though. Then again, it depends on how strong our bond will become.<br /><br />My train of thought was interrupted when Sookie shifted against me, her thigh brushing against my length. I hardened instantly. She mumbled something and my heart almost beat.<br /><br />"Mmm, Eric... don't leave me..." I knew she was deep asleep, and it was very erotic that she dreamt about me. I would have loved to wake her up and show her I wouldn't leave, but I could sense that the sun would be rising soon. I carefully disentangled myself from her and kissed her softly on the lips.<br /><br />I listened to the house and found that the older witch was still sleeping in the small bedroom. Wonderful. Now I have to either sleep at Bill's or literally go to ground. I decided on the lesser of two evils and looked through the kitchen until I found a plastic bag for my clothes. I wrote Sookie a short note and placed it on her nightstand before heading into the woods.<br /><br /><em>Lover-</em><br /><br /><em>I hope you feel better after last night, you were amazing. Your car is still at the bar, so feel free to use mine if you need to leave before I awaken. I am staying nearby, so I will be back shortly after dark.</em><br /><br /><em>-E</em><br /><br /><div align="center"><><><><><><><><><><></div><div align="left"><br />I rose just after the sun set. Taking time to brush myself off, I managed to get most of the dirt out of my hair before I arrived at Sookie's back door. My car was gone and I frowned a bit. I didn't mind her using it, but I wanted her to be here when I woke up. On the kitchen table there was a note for me.</div><div align="left"><br /><em>Eric,</em></div><div align="left"><br /><em>Sorry to take your car, I know you're worried it isn't here. Amelia and Octavia left earlier for some witch thing or I would have gotten a ride. I'm at work if you want to come in, if not I get off at 9.</em></div><div align="left"><br /><em>Make yourself comfortable. There's True Blood in the fridge if you want any.</em></div><div align="left"><br /><em>Sookie</em></div><div align="left"><br />At least she was functional again. I took a shower and dressed in the clothes I wore yesterday. I always carried spare clothing in my car, just in case I was unable to make it home.</div><div align="left"><br />After I combed my hair I flew to the bar and changed in the back parking lot. I had never been shy about my body, so I didn't think about it until I heard a gasp behind me. I turned and saw Sookie standing there, gaping at me. I had jeans on but was still shirtless, so I ran my fingers across my pecs and licked my lips. "See something you like, lover?"</div><div align="left"><br />"Uhh... uummmm... ah, what?" I laughed and turned around.</div><div align="left"><br />"Or maybe you would prefer this view." I shook my ass at her and I felt her reaction through the bond. <em>LUSTLUSTLUSTLUST</em>. I laughed again and threw on my t-shirt before walking to her and placing my hands on either side of her face.</div><div align="left"><br />"I like this angle, personally." I brushed my lips against hers, just enough contact to make her shiver. I took her hand in mine and led her to the door. "Come, lover. I'm thirsty, and unfortunately you have to continue your servitude to the shifter. We will finish this later."</div><div align="left"><br />I took a seat in her section as she heated up my breakfast. When she returned she had a genuine smile for me. My mouth automatically curved up in response.</div><div align="left"><br />"Thanks for stopping me from killing Arlene last night, Eric." Her cheeks flushed.</div><div align="left"><br />"Anytime, my lover. What did she say to you?"</div><div align="left"><br />"I don't really want to talk about it right now, Eric. I'll just get upset again. I promise to tell you later, though. Oh, and Sam wants to talk to you, he's in his office." Great, now I'm being summoned to speak to a <em>shifter</em>. Sookie noticed my mood spike, "It's nothing, really. He just wants to tell you what happened after you took me home."</div><div align="left"><br />I told her I would go after I finished my drink. She smiled at me and bounced off to another table. She definitely seemed as if a load had been lifted off of her since she lost her temper. After taking their order she told the bartender what she needed and slipped into the back. A second later she popped back out and gave me a thumbs up. Sam was okay with me drinking before I went to his office? Oh my, what ever would I have done without his approval?</div><div align="left"><br />I swallowed a mouthful of True Blood and grimaced. Horrible, disgusting stuff. I don't see how some vamps live on it. I drink it when necessary, but there is nothing like the feeling of a warm body beneath you, fangs scraping across the skin, the penetration and the rush of warm, salty liquid filling your mouth, blood and sex and pleasure and... I mentally shook myself. This was no place to start fantasizing. It wouldn't bother me at all, but I don't think Sookie would like it too much if I bent her over the pool table and fucked her right now.</div><div align="left"><br />After finishing my blood I walked into the office as if this was my bar instead the shifter's. "Eric." Sam greeted me as I sat in the extra chair in his office.</div><div align="left"><br />"Sam. You asked to speak with me."</div><div align="left"><br />"Yea, just wanted to let you know what went on last night." I nodded and he continued. "Arlene insisted that Sookie hit her first and that she was going to press charges, no matter that <em>everyone</em> saw Arlene hit Sookie. Bud said he would either stop in here this evening to talk to you two or he would see you on Monday at the station to take your statements.'"</div><div align="left"><br />"Will the redhead continue to be an issue here? If her employment is not terminated, Sookie will need to find a job somewhere else... preferably underneath me." The shifter chose not to acknowledge my words, even though I knew he was irritated by them. His eyes narrowed so slightly that nobody but a supe could detect it.</div><div align="left"><br />"No. Arlene is gone and banned from ever setting foot in here again. Sookie has no need to go anywhere else. She can work here for as long as she wants."</div><div align="left"><br />"Right. Well, if you're done, I'm going to see my lover. Does she work tomorrow?"</div><div align="left"><br />"No. Two days off."</div><div align="left"><br />"Make it three. I'll provide a waitress and pay her wages for the evening." He mulled it over for a minute.</div><div align="left"><br />"All right, but you tell Sookie."</div><div align="left"><br />"Of course. I wouldn't have it any other way."</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><><><><><><><><><><></div><div align="left"><br />We drove back to her house separately. When I told her about the schedule change she was furious, as expected.</div><div align="left"><br />"Eric, how dare you? You walk back in my life after ignoring me for months and try to take over all of a sudden? I don't think so, buddy. You didn't even have the courtesy to call or visit or anything over the holidays! Do you know how much that hurt-" She stopped herself, but I knew the rest. <em>Do you know how much that hurt me? I missed you</em>. The bond made it clear that she wasn't angry, she was in pain.</div><div align="left"><br />I embraced her and tucked her head underneath my chin. She fit against me perfectly, like we were built to be together. "Lover, I was dying without you. I was unsure if Felipe was having me followed or had my phones tapped. If I was in his position I certainly would have done so. I refuse to place you in any more danger than you find on your own. Only now did I recieve enough time to see you."</div><div align="left"><br />I pressed her into me and inhaled her scent. My fangs ran out as she rubbed my back and sighed. I had to have her. She pulled her head back and parted her lips slightly. That was all the invitation I needed. I brought my lips to hers, pushing for a reaction, but not forcing, never forcing her.</div><div align="left"><br />Our tongues met and the bond flared with mutual pleasure. I explored her mouth like I had never been there before. When she wound her tongue around one of my fangs and moaned my name, my entire body stiffened. Before she had time to realize we were moving, I already had her in her bedroom and partially undressed. Her shirt lay in tatters somewhere in the hallway, her pants were unbuttoned and halfway unzipped. Our mouths locked together again as I unbuckled my belt and then pushed her jeans over her hips. My hands ran over her perfect ass and I gave her a playful spank. She jumped and kissed me with renewed vigor. I growled and pushed her down on the bed.</div><div align="left"><br />Stepping back, I peeled off my shirt and jeans, never taking my eyes off of the woman waiting for me. She was propped up on her elbows, legs slightly spread. A lacy red bra and matching thong set off her tanned skin beautifully. This was the stuff orgasms were made of.</div><div align="left"><br />I watched her eyes travel up and down my body, stopping to gaze at my 'gracious plenty'. Her tongue flicked out to lick her lips and I felt my cock throb with desire. I crawled up her body, rubbing myself all over her on my way to her lips. She wound her way around my fangs again and I nearly came. Kissing my way down her jaw and neck, I let my fangs graze her skin. Every time they touched her she shivered and gasped. I licked her nipple through the bra and she arched her back, giving me access to the hooks. I slid the offending garment off her and resumed my attentions on her breasts. I suckled and nipped all over, never breaking the skin but always keeping my teeth touching her.</div><div align="left"><br />I kissed and licked my way down her stomach, my hands busy removing her thong. I made it a point to pay attention to the ragged scar on her right side. She was ashamed of it, but I couldn't have been more proud of her for her actions that night.</div><div align="left"><br />I looked up at her and she was gazing down at me, her gray-blue eyes burning with lust. I smiled at her and plunged a finger into her folds. She threw her head back and moaned as I pulled it out and pushed back in.</div><div align="left"><br />"Lover, look at me." Her head snapped back down and she locked eyes with me. I loved seeing her face when I made her scream my name. I added a second finger and she gasped, but her eyes never left mine. Slowly moving my head toward her center, I saw her bite her lip in anticipation. I stared deeply into her as my tongue snaked out and flicked her clit. She spasmed in pleasure and sucked in a ragged breath. I peeled my gaze away from hers and focused on the pink flesh in front of me that was begging for attention.</div><div align="left"><br />I closed my eyes and sucked the hard little nub into my mouth. Her hips bucked against me and I had to hold her still with my free hand so she didn't break my nose. I alternated running my teeth and my tongue across her clit; in no time she was convulsing in pleasure. I watched her face as I increased my tongue's tempo against her most sensitive spot and I saw her eyes glaze over a second before the orgasm rocked through her. My mouth filled with my second favorite bodily fluid and I cleaned her thoroughly before I kissed my way back up to her mouth.</div><div align="left"><br />She wound her hands in my hair and pulled, crashing her lips to mine as she raised her hips in invitation. I drove into her and groaned. She screamed my name and I felt her tight, wet tunnel spasming to accomodate my thick length. I slowly pulled out, the cold air a striking contrast to her slick heat. I slammed back in and she let out a gutteral moan that was pure sex. Holding her hips still, I plunged into her over and over again until she was writhing in ecstasy and covered with a thin sheen of sweat.</div><div align="left"><br />I felt the impending explosion and leaned over her. She automatically tilted her head away, presenting her neck. I kissed the area and bit down. My fangs pierced the thin skin over her vein and the divine liquid filled my mouth. As I pulled on the wound her body stiffened and her muscles contracted around me, encasing my cock in pure pleasure. I shuddered as I came inside her with such force thought I would die (again). I collapsed on top of her and she let out an "oof" as my weight smashed her into the mattress. I rolled off her and she instantly snuggled into my side.<br />I bit my finger and rubbed over the fang marks. I was going to be biting this neck for the rest of her life, and I didn't want to scar her any more than she already was. She started tracing my abs with a single fingertip and it felt amazing. Never had such a simple touch done so many things to me. My libido responded immediately.</div><div align="left"><br />She laughed and wrapped her hand around my quickly growing erection. "Eager this evening, aren't you?"</div><div align="left"><br />"Lover, you have no idea. Unless you want me to ravage you again, I would recommend watching where you put your hands."</div><div align="left"><br />"Oh, you mean like this?" She asked in her most innocent voice as she stroked me.</div><div align="left"><br />"Mmm, yeah. Just like that." My head fell back as she picked up speed. She moved away from me and I looked down at her positioning herself between my legs. I raised my eyebrows at her in question and she just grinned before sticking her tongue out and swirling it around my head.</div><div align="left"><br />I closed my eyes and moaned. "Lover, look at me." She threw my words back at me and it was so sexy I couldn't stand it. My eyes met with hers and she took me in her mouth, never breaking eye contact. Her hands moved up and down in the same rhythm as her mouth. Even though I didn't need to breathe, I found myself panting. I felt her enjoyment across the bond when she noticed.</div><div align="left"><br />She lightly scraped her teeth across the tip and my hips bucked involuntarily. She stood up and put her hands on her hips. "Well, I guess I better go get cleaned up." My jaw dropped and she laughed as she walked into her bathroom. I heard the shower start, but I was too stunned to move for a moment. I heard faint laughter from the other room, "Feel free to join me, viking."</div><div align="left"><br />I was pulling aside the shower curtain before she finished her sentence. The water was streaming down her naked body in rivulets. I took in the sight and spoke my thought from earlier, "This is the stuff orgasms are made of."</div><div align="left"><br />She got a devious glint in her eye and took hold of my so-hard-it-was-almost-painful erection. She tugged gently, pulling me under the water with her. "Oh, yeah? I think I can help you out with that." My eyes widened. I have no idea where this new sex kitten persona came from, but I sure as hell wasn't complaining.</div><div align="left"><br />Turning around, she pressed her palms against the wall and arched her back to me. "I want you inside me, lover." When she called me that I lost it. The positioning was awkward because she was so much shorter than me, but I managed. I was inside her and pounding away before she knew what hit her.</div><div align="left"><br />Even though I knew she would have bruises, she kept telling me to go harder, faster, deeper. When she climaxed she let out a scream like a wild animal. I bit her shoulder and tasted more of her ambrosial blood. I savored the sensation as I healed her newest set of fang marks.<br />We washed and dried each other before snuggling up underneath her comforter. Sated for the moment, I contented myself with stroking my lover's gorgeous blonde locks.</div><div align="left"><br />"Lover?"</div><div align="left"><br />"Hm?"</div><div align="left"><br />"You never told me what Arlene said to set you off."</div><div align="left"><br />"Oh, yeah," she laughed. "She said that if you weren't dead you wouldn't have to go slumming to get laid, you could find a real woman like her. I told her that a real woman can hold onto a man for more than one night."</div><div align="left"><br />I roared laughter. "Too true, lover. She's worse than a fangbanger, way too easy." I kissed her hair. "A real man likes a challenge."</div>noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-35212463152890802242008-12-29T20:03:00.000-05:002008-12-29T20:05:26.519-05:00SheShe doesn't like when I share my wealth with her.<br />I don't care, I will do as I please.<br /><br />She hates being involved in what she calls 'vampire shit'.<br />I don't care, she will accompany me when I deem it necessary.<br /><br />She says she hates being bound to me.<br />I don't care what she says, she lies.<br /><br />She defies me without hesitation.<br />I don't care, I expect it.<br /><br />She hates not knowing what is happening.<br />I don't care, I refuse to place her further in harm's way.<br /><br />She dates other men.<br />I don't care, I wait.<br /><br />Why?<br /><br />She sighs and tightens her arm around my chest as she sleeps.<br />I <em>do </em>care, and she is the one who made me realize it.noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-44285957616072938222008-12-26T14:38:00.002-05:002008-12-26T14:41:07.584-05:00Dead Hearts EpilogueSix months after my fateful trip to Las Vegas, things had returned to normal. Well, at least as normal as they can get for me.<br /><br />I still worked at Merlotte's, but only part-time. Sam was less than thrilled about my marriage, but after stewing at me for a few days he decided that he couldn't change it. Recently, he had started dating Tanya Grissom, and I was glad for him. She was actually a pretty nice girl once we exorcised Sandra Pelt from her head. The Weres and shifters came out a few months ago, and as expected Arlene freaked out and quit. Last I heard, she was trying to move out of Bon Temps. Merlotte's didn't suffer at all, and Sam couldn't have been more thrilled with the community for accepting him.<br /><br />Jason and I were speaking again, but it was still strained. He hated that I married a vampire and made no secret of it. I had forgiven him for the whole Crystal/Calvin thing because from what I understand, once it was found out that he manipulated Calvin and me into catching his wife cheating, the panthers exacted their own punishment. I'm not sure what they did, but Jason had to limp around for a couple weeks. Crystal ended up losing the baby, to nobody's surprise. The service was short and sweet, held in Hotshot.<br /><br />Octavia moved back to New Orleans in January, right after I officially moved in with Eric. Amelia decided to stay in Bon Temps and rent my house. We still saw each other all the time and last time I talked to her, she was pretty sure that Tray was going to pop the question.<br /><br />Claudine was thrilled by my marriage, but disappointed that she couldn't visit me more often. My husband trying to eat her every time she stopped by wasn't exactly incentive for her to make house calls. Claude didn't care either way, but he did ask me to model with him again, since his last cover was such a hit. I spoke to Niall once in a while, even though he was unhappy with my lifestyle.<br /><br />Bill had been ordered by Felipe to cease all work on the database permanently. It was simply too dangerous to have all that information in one spot. He still didn't like that fact that Eric and I had married, but after being threatened with dismemberment, he learned to keep his mouth shut on the subject. He was scheduled to leave for England next week for some reason, and to be honest, I didn't expect him to be back for a very, very long time.<br /><br />Felipe quit pursuing me when he found out I was married. Apparently, Eric had the right idea about eloping in Vegas. I flew out to assist him for four days each month. I was paid handsomely for each visit, always had a private jet, room comped, and an expense account to buy suitable clothing. All in all, it was a pretty sweet deal.<br /><br />Pam and I continued to get closer and closer. More than once she, Amelia and I had a girl's night in (or out). When we stayed in it drove Eric crazy because he wasn't allowed to be in the same room with us (because that's the whole reason for a girl's night, DUH), and when we went out it drove him crazy because we tended to act a little insane when we got together. Once the three of us reenacted 'Coyote Ugly' at Merlotte's, and even though I made almost a hundred dollars he was upset that Sam got to see it and he didn't.<br /><br />As it turns out, the fire that was the end of the Fellowship of the Sun wasn't set by vampires. The entire plaza it was in had burned to the ground. Apparently the owners had neglected several blatant fire code violations. An old wire sparked and that was the end of that.<br /><br />Eric announced our marriage at Fangtasia a few days after we returned from Nevada. Other than a smaller throne placed next to his, the bar remained the same and continued to draw fangbangers and tourists alike. The area vamps knew of his preference for me and weren't very surprised by the proclamation.<br /><br />I hadn't spoken to any of the Shreveport Weres in ages, but Sam kept me updated. Alcide was furious that I picked "a filthy bloodsucker over a real man". My standing as Friend of the Pack remained unchanged, though. I hadn't seen Quinn since the day he walked out of my kitchen.<br /><br />I had just experienced the best six months of my life, and things looked to be getting better all the time. I looked at myself in the full-length mirror and sighed. Eric was truly giving me the wedding of my dreams. Pam had begged to play wedding planner and was ecstatic when we agreed to it. Even though this was just a recommitment ceremony, she insisted on doing an entire wedding and had rented out a country club to do it. Eric had given her a huge budget to work with and she spent every penny.<br /><br />Eric used the occasion the buy me a sports car. I fought him tooth and nail on it, but he insisted it was a wedding gift. I thought he had given up on it, but the other day when I had to work he pulled a conniving-bastard-vampire trick on me. I parked my Malibu out back in my regular spot and when I came out of the bar six hours later, a steel blue Maserati Gran Turismo was sitting in its place. He had snuck into the bar and switched the keys in my purse without anyone noticing. Sam was flustered about that, although he was more concerned with checking out the car than anything else. I had fully planned on reaming Eric up one side and down the other when I saw him, but the second I slid in the car I fell in love. When I got home, I flung myself at him.<br /><br />I think Pam bought 'How to Throw a Wedding for Dummies' or something, because she did everything from the 'old and new, borrowed and blue' to the shoes tied to the back of the car. I noticed someone wearing the E(E)E logo and angrily confronted her about it. She apologized profusely, but explained that they were the only company willing to carry the ritual items used for the blood exchange during the ceremony.<br /><br />I tracked Quinn down, and as expected, he was unhappy with my decision. He gave me a hug and wished me luck though, saying that "It just wasn't meant to be, babe." I thanked him for coming, saying that it meant a lot for him to be here. He said he had to go back to work and I went to go find Eric.<br /><br />Eric was furious that Quinn was here, but I calmed him down by saying that after we got home he could erase every scent of shifter off me. By that time, Pam was frantic about getting me in my dress. She had to literally pull me out of Eric's room and into mine. Amelia and Pam stripped and redressed me in minutes. Pam, ever the perfectionist, insisted on carrying me to my spot by the aisle so I didn't get anything on my gown. She handed me a bouquet of red roses and hurried off to her seat. I didn't have any bridesmaids, partially because I wouldn't have been able to choose between Amelia and Pam for maid-of-honor, and partially because I didn't think Eric had anyone he would want to stand next to him during the ceremony.<br /><br />A minute later I heard the music start and an E(E)E employee motioned for me to go. I stepped onto a long red carpet and was greeted with the smiling faces of everyone I knew. Sam, Alcide, Bill, Pam, Amelia, Octavia, Jason, Calvin, and too many others. Eric had invited all the vampires in his area also. I recognized most of them from Fangtasia, but I was too preoccupied with the man waiting at the altar for me to bother placing everyone. I ended up across from him, a small table with an ornate chalice between us. An equally ornate blade sat next to it.<br /><br />This wedding went by in a blur just like the first one. The only difference is that instead of exchanging rings, we had to exchange blood. Eric took the blade and made a shallow cut in my left wrist, letting a bit drip into the chalice before he licked the wound. I repeated the cut in his wrist, but his was healed by the time enough blood had mixed with mine. I felt a wave of disgust rise from the crowd when I drank from the cup, but I ignored it. I mean, come on people, I was marrying a <em>vampire</em>. What did you think was going to happen?<br /><br />We kissed and faced the crowd as the minister pronounced us Mr. and Mrs. Eric Northman. The crowd burst into applause and I noticed a shimmering at the other end of the aisle. Niall, Claude, and Claudine were all standing there applauding. As we started towards them, Claudine waved at me and they disappeared. I felt tears well up in me. I didn't think any of them would come, and it meant the world to me that they did.<br /><br />Even though he couldn't eat any of it, I smushed a piece of cake in Eric's face. Most people laughed, but I could hear Pam over everyone else. He kissed me after I ate a small piece and licked his lips. When I threw my bouquet, Amelia caught it. She blushed up at Tray and he smiled back.<br /><br />Our first dance was to Aerosmith's "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing." While the humans and shifters ate the wedding feast, Eric had the bartender open the two very special, very expensive bottles of Royalty he had ordered. After the toast, every fang in the room ran out in enjoyment. We danced and mingled and had a wonderful time until Pam decided to usher us off for the evening.<br /><br />Eric had absolutely denied Pam any more rice throwing after the attack he suffered last time, so she made do with showering us with half a ton of rose petals instead. In the limo I rested my head against Eric's shoulder and closed my eyes. When we reached our house, I was almost asleep. Eric carried me across the threshold and into our room, where he undressed me and hung up my gown. He climbed in bed and snuggled me into his side.<br /><br />"I love you, Eric."<br /><br />"I love you, too, <em>minn sváss</em>, and I will forever."noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-82924959742822631632008-12-26T14:32:00.001-05:002008-12-26T14:38:18.101-05:00Dead Hearts Ch 15"Mrs. Northman, there are only so many hours until dawn, and I'm sure Felipe would like to see us sometime before then."<br /><br />"Pam, shut up! I'm coming out right now." Okay, adjust the boobs, check the lipstick, fluff the hair. I gave myself a thumbs up in the mirror before I left the bathroom.<br /><br />Pam had taken to calling me by my married name, even though legally I was still Sookie Stackhouse. I found myself liking the sound of it more and more. I was nervous about taking his name, but if I thought about it, wouldn't I have taken a human husbands last name without a second thought? Deep down, I knew I was just concerned about what people thought. Well, screw 'em then. I knew the man I married loved me, and I loved him too, dammit.<br /><br />Speaking of my husband, he looked amazing in a dark blue suit. I slipped on my heels and stood next to him. We, as always, were quite a pair. I had on the peachy-gold dress I got the other day when Pam and I were out. My only jewelry was a pair of small diamond studs in my ears and of course, my set of rings.<br /><br />Bill had on his requisite brown suit, and Pam was proving to be quite the fashionista yet again. She wore a white dress with black lace around the waist and accenting the bottom hem. A black satin ribbon wrapped around her waist, and she had tied a matching ribbon in her hair.<br /><br />"So, we all ready for this super-duper secret emergency meeting?" I asked. Pam raised an eyebrow at me and shook her head a little. Bill refused to look at me. Eric chuckled a little before speaking.<br /><br />"Okay. Quick game plan. We have no idea what this is about. Play everything close to the chest in here. Take my lead, and Bill, if he asks you about the database, don't say anything you haven't told me, okay? All right, let's go."<br /><br />We piled into the elevator and when we reached the right floor were immediately escorted into Felipe's office. We bowed and were seated at a large conference table.<br /><br />Felipe wasted no time starting the meeting. "Am I correct in assuming that none of you know the reason for this meeting?"<br /><br />"Yes, my king, you are correct." Eric answered for us. I heard why the king had wanted to speak to us, and I barely kept my cool. Eric sensed my excitement but didn't let it affect his façade other than a quick flick of his eyes in my direction.<br /><br />"I have received confirmation that yesterday morning, pre-dawn, a certain bookstore in Shreveport burned down. More specifically, it was the bookstore that you informed me was base of operations for the Fellowship of the Sun." Eric's eyebrows raised slightly, and the King noted it. "Also, it appears that both Steve Newlin and his wife, Sarah, were trapped inside. I know not why they were in a bookstore at that time, but it has led to their demise."<br /><br />Bill, Pam, and I all looked to Eric for his reaction. He was smiling broadly. "That is wonderful news, my king. Without their leader, the Fellowship is sure to fall apart."<br /><br />Felipe nodded at him, returning the smile. "Now, Miss Stackhouse, you have been in direct contact with Newlin several times, if I have been informed correctly." I nodded. "Do you believe that this spells the end of the Fellowship of the Sun?"<br /><br />"Your majesty, I do believe that. Newlin seemed to have been on the run since the destruction of his Dallas stronghold. Last time I saw him in person, he was trying to do the staking himself instead of ordering his lackeys to do it. More recently, when we caught the Fellowship spy in Fangtasia, through the man's thoughts I saw that Newlin seemed desperate to regain some power. He looked as if he was still on the run, dirty clothes, only meeting in very public places, scruffy hair. I think we may encounter some rogue patches of the Fellowship, but for the most part they are done for."<br /><br />"That is an excellent assessment, Miss Stackhouse, which brings me to my next point. For this, however, I would like to speak to you and Mr, Northman alone. If you would please come with me." We all rose from the table in unison. Pam and Bill bowed to the King before nodding to Eric and leaving the room. Felipe led Eric and me through a set of double doors into a smaller, but still large, parlor-type room.<br /><br />We sat around a large coffee table and Felipe motioned for drinks. I received white wine while the men, obviously, got glasses of blood. After I took a sip and nodded appreciatively at Felipe, he began talking.<br /><br />"Miss Stackhouse, yesterday we spoke about possibly having a contractual agreement in order for you to assist me. Would you care to go over some details now, or should we wait for another day?"<br /><br /><em>It's all right, lover. I am here and I will handle it if you would like me to do so. </em>Eric thought at me.<em> This is the time to bring up our marriage, as he will no doubt ask why you would like me present.</em><br /><br />"King Felipe, there is no time like the present. I would like Eric to help me negotiate, as well." Felipe raised an eyebrow.<br /><br />"I had the understanding that you were not under the dominion of your local Sheriff."<br /><br />"That is still correct, your highness. I do not fall under the Sheriff's jurisdiction. However, I do need to consult my husband if I am to be traveling out-of-state on a regular basis." Eric held my left hand, positioning our hands so they looked to be in a natural grasp, but showing the set of rings off. To his credit, Felipe was floored by this new development, but he face never showed a bit of surprise.<br /><br />"Well, then let us toast to the good news. To Mr. and Mrs. Northman, may your life together be long and happy." We raised our glasses and Eric's platinum ring glinted in the light. "Now, back to the business at hand. We need to draft a new contract with your name changed, Mrs. Northman, but we can discuss all of the other specifics now."<br /><br />"Of course, your majesty."<br /><br />After a long, long, loooooong process of Eric and the King wheeling and dealing about my contract we were free to go, assured that the new version would be prepared by tomorrow evening. Surprisingly, Felipe upgraded our room to the honeymoon suite as a wedding present. A honeymoon suite in a vampire hotel... go figure. Well, it was Las Vegas.<br /><br />We packed our things in our original room, told Pam and Bill where we were moved, and went up to our suite. My jaw dropped as Eric led me through a set of ornate double doors. This 'suite' was bigger than my whole house! I followed him into the bedroom and was struck speechless. The room was done in purple and gold and was beautifully decorated, but the bed was what commanded my attention. It was <em>gigantic</em>. I don't mean like king size or even California king. I mean that me, Pam, Eric, Bill, Alcide, Sam, and even Quinn could all stretch out on the mattress and still have room left over.<br /><br />The thought sent me into a fit of giggles. I'm sure every person who I have ever been involved with would absolutely<em> love</em> to have a slumber party, ha ha. When Eric raised his eyebrows and asked what was so funny, I exploded into laughter. He just looked at me as if I was sprouting a second head and I thanked God that he couldn't read my mind.<br /><br />"I... oh, Eric...it's... it's just... the bed..." I managed to gasp something resembling a sentence through my laughter. He looked at the bed, trying to figure out what was so funny about the luxurious spread. The blatant confusion on his face was slowly replaced by his trademark mischievous smile. I put my hands up in a stopping motion when I realized what he was going to do.<br /><br />"No, Eric. You'll mess up my hair! Eric, ERIC! Stop it! No, no no no!" I squealed and bolted into the living room as he flung the pillows from the bed at me with vampiric speed. Thanks to my daily infusion I managed to avoid most of them. I kicked off my heels as I streaked around the monstrous sectional, still dodging the down-filled bombs.<br /><br />I managed to swipe a pillow off the floor as I ran by, and I flung it as hard as I could towards the viking. It was a direct hit, smacking him right in the face. He stopped mid-stride and stared at me, open-mouthed. The shock on his face was beyond priceless and I couldn't help but egg him on.<br /><br />"HAH! Bullseye, bee-yotch!" By this point I was laughing so hard I was bent over and could barely breathe. Eric laughed along with me, or at least he did until I reached the pillow I had been inching towards. I scored a second bullseye on the unsuspecting vampire and he was after me in a flash.<br /><br />I squeaked when his muscular arms wrapped around my waist and threw me on the couch. Eric jumped on top of me and straddled my hips so I couldn't move. "Think that's funny, huh? I'll show you funny, Mrs. Northman." He poked my side and I jumped. "Real funny now, isn't it?" He continued to tickle me as I writhed and laughed underneath him, trying to free myself from the torture.<br /><br />"Eric! Stop! Oh my God, not funny! Quit!" I grabbed his wrists and tried to get him to stop, but he just seized both of my small hands in one of his. Raising them above my head, he tickled me all over, from my armpits to my waist. Apparently, Eric had no intentions of releasing me, so I did the only thing I could think of to stop the tickling. He was leaning over my face, so I bent up and bit his neck.<br /><br />His free hand stopped tickling me and he hissed in pleasure. I nipped again, licking the skin underneath his jaw. He let go of my hands and I automatically wound my fingers into his hair and pulled his lips to mine. His growing erection ground against my lower stomach as I writhed underneath him again, this time in pleasure.<br /><br />I felt him untie my halter top and free my chest from the strapless bra I wore. I ran my tongue over his fangs and he growled in response as he pinched my nipple. I ran my hand over his back and yanked his shirt out of the dress pants he was still wearing. He arched into me and moaned as I scraped my fingernails across the newly exposed skin.<br /><br />"Clothes. Off. Now." Eric complied with my order and stood up, loosening his tie as he went. I sat up and watched him strip for me. He eased the tie down and slowly pulled it from underneath his collar. He threw it around my neck and used it to pull me in for a searing kiss. I tried to reach for the buttons on his shirt, but he swatted my hand away.<br /><br />"Oh, I don't think so. You stay." I pouted a little, but sat back to enjoy the show. Eric picked up a remote from the entertainment center and turned on the stereo. He flipped through a few stations before he settled on one. When he heard the first notes he smiled broadly and turned back to me. If he wasn't so drop dead gorgeous (ha ha) I would have groaned; the quintessential stripper song pounded out of the speakers.<br /><br /><em>Step inside, walk this way.<br />You and me babe, hey hey!</em><br /><br />Slowly he pulled his shirt free of his pants, making sure to flash part of his stomach. He ran his fingers across the taut flesh before letting the shirt drop. The top button was undone, then the second. His hips pumped with the rhythm of the song and he licked his lips as the third button was unfastened.<br /><br /><em>Love is like a bomb, baby, c'mon get it on<br />Livin' like a lover with a radar phone<br />Lookin' like a tramp, like a video vamp<br />Demolition woman can I be your man?</em><br /><br /><em>Razzle 'n a dazzle 'n a flash a little light<br />Television lover, baby, go all night<br />Sometime, anytime, sugar me sweet<br />Little miss ah-innocent sugar me, yeah</em><br /><br />Another button came free. And another. One more and the shirt hung open, revealing his chiseled body. Tantalizingly slow, Eric ran his fingers through his hair, down his neck and across his pecs, stopping to rub his nipples lightly. He closed his eyes, moaned softly and bit his lip. I felt my body jerk in response and I could almost feel my tongue following the same path.<br /><br /><em>Take a bottle, shake it up<br />Break the bubble, break it up</em><br /><br /><em>Pour some sugar on me<br />Ooh, in the name of love<br />Pour some sugar on me<br />C'mon fire it up<br />Pour your sugar on me<br />Oh, I can't get enough</em><br /><br /><em>I'm hot, sticky sweet<br />From my head to my feet</em><br /><br />His hands continued over abs that would make Adonis weep and he unhooked his belt. He moved his hips in a circle, pulling the belt free in one smooth motion. He threw it aside and ran his hands back up his chest to pull off his shirt. He sauntered over and rubbed his naked chest across me. He bent his head down and grazed his fangs on my neck, moving down to suck a little on my still exposed breast. I tried again to touch him and he backed away, chuckling.<br /><br /><em>Listen! Red light, yellow light, green-a-light go!</em><br /><em>Crazy little woman in a one man show</em><br /><em>Mirror queen, mannequin, rhythm of love</em><br /><em>Sweet dream, saccharine, loosen up</em><br /><br /><em>You gotta squeeze a little, squeeze a little</em><br /><em>Tease a little more</em><br /><em>Easy operator come a-knockin' on my door</em><br /><em>Sometime, anytime, sugar me sweet</em><br /><em>Little miss ah-innocent sugar me, yeah</em><br /><br />Bucking his hips to the beat, he unhooked the button on his pants. He ran his thumbs underneath the waistband and lowered the zipper. Abandoning his pants for the moment, Eric ran his hands all over himself; his hair, his nipples, sucking on his little finger and growling in my direction. He turned his back towards me and whipped his pants off, presenting me with his best asset (ha ha) covered in a thin layer of black silk.<br /><br /><em>Give a little more</em><br /><em>Take a bottle, shake it up</em><br /><em>Break the bubble, break it up</em><br /><em><br />Pour some sugar on me</em><br /><em>Ooh, in the name of love</em><br /><em>Pour some sugar on me</em><br /><em>C'mon fire me up</em><br /><em>Pour your sugar on me</em><br /><em>Oh, I can't get enough<br />I'm hot, sticky sweet</em><br /><em>From my head to my feet yeah</em><br /><br />Spinning around, he inched his boxers down to just above his massive hard-on. He traced the v-lines leading to the 'gracious plenty' and smirked at me. Wrapping his hand around it, he stroked himself through the boxers. He never broke eye contact with me, but I saw all of his stomach muscles ripple in pleasure. I licked my lips and pulled my dress off. Just because he was taking his time didn't mean I had to. He smiled broadly and began to slowly come to me.<br /><br /><em>You got the peaches, I got the cream</em><br /><em>Sweet to taste, saccharine</em><br /><em>'Cos I'm hot, say what, sticky sweet</em><br /><em>From my head, my head, to my feet<br />Do you take sugar? one lump or two?</em><br /><br /><em>Take a bottle, shake it up</em><br /><em>Break the bubble, break it up</em><br /><br />Eric eased himself out of the boxers and let them fall to the floor as he walked. By the time he made it to me, I was literally dripping wet. I flipped around and arched my back towards him. My knees were on the cushions and I braced myself against the back of the couch. He rubbed one finger across my soaking thong and I almost came. Before I could take my next breath, he had ripped the underwear from me and was pounding away.<br /><br />I moved against him, matching him thrust for thrust. He wrapped one hand in my hair and pulled my head back while his other hand smacked my butt and held my hip. I groaned in pleasure as he pulled my hair; it hurt, but it felt so good. I pounded back against him so hard I could feel his balls smacking my clit with every plunge. I felt our bodies tensing as he leaned over me. His hand still tangled in my hair, Eric yanked my head to the right and sunk his fangs deep into my neck. Wave after wave of pleasure washed over me, inside me, and through the bond.<br /><br />I felt him lick the wounds on my neck as he pulled out of me. He flopped down on the couch next to me and I curled into his side. After my breathing slowed back down to normal and the aftershocks stopped rumbling through me, I could barely find words for his striptease.<br /><br />"Wow, Eric."<br /><br />"Liked that, did you?"<br /><br />"Yeah, that was... wow."<br /><br />He chuckled and ran his fingers up my spine, giving me a little shiver. "Next time, it's your turn."noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-22601644995720571132008-12-26T14:29:00.001-05:002008-12-26T14:32:50.851-05:00Dead Hearts Ch 14Wrapping a muscular arm around my waist, Eric gently led me to the elevators. Pam appeared next to us and he whispered something to her, but I was too worried about what Felipe was planning to pay attention.<br /><br />I snapped out of my daze when we made it to the room and I sat on the edge of the bed. Eric sat next to me and took my hand, not saying anything, just waiting for me to spit it out.<br /><br />"Felipe wants me really bad, Eric. He'll do just about anything to lay claim to me."<br /><br />"Okay, that isn't news to either of us, but I feel like there's more."<br /><br />"He was going to order you to relinquish your hold on me."<br /><br />"<em>Was?"</em> His eyebrows raised.<br />"Yea, was... until he saw my ring. Now that he knows you won't give me up, he's thinking about making one of us disappear. Either kidnapping me, or... um, taking care of you." I felt him stiffen beside me, anger creeping across the bond.<br /><br />"Anything else, Sookie?" he asked in a voice that made me shiver.<br /><br />"Yea, um, his first idea was to take me away somewhere and then force me to bond with him. Then he thought about waiting until you came after me and staking you first. And, then, um... uh, Eric?" If I hadn't been on a steady diet of vamp blood for a while, he would have unconsciously broken my hand, his grip was so tight.<br /><br />He looked down at our hands -mine was slowly turning purple- and released his grip to carefully kiss my fingers and the ring. "I apologize, lover. Please continue."<br /><br />"Uh, well, I think he's gonna use the Fellowship database thing as an excuse to do it. He would have to take out all three of you to get to me, and he knows it. Bill he would blame on the fact that he created the stupid thing. You and Pam he would blame because you are his superiors and should have kept him in check. As far as I know, he hasn't decided how hes going to do it, but he is intent on getting me."<br /><br />"That certainly sounds like something Felipe would be capable of, but I also know that he is trying to mainstream. Acting on an impulse like that would be stupid and rash, and he is neither one of those things. I will not count that out as a possibility, but I believe that it is highly unlikely. In order to combat the Fellowship, he will need all of the strongest and smartest vampires available and willing to work with him. If any of us is harmed in any way, I will do everything in my power to make the rest of his life incredibly short and incredibly painful."<br /><br />"But isn't he allowed to do pretty much whatever he wants? He's a king and said you were his subject. Doesn't that mean he can do whatever he wants with you?"<br /><br />"Ordinarily, yes. I do have a few tricks hidden up my sleeve, but I would like to prevent things from getting that far. I have an idea that will make him think twice about doing me harm to get to you, my love."<br /><div align="center"><br /><><><><><><><><><><></div><br />My <em>new</em> new ring sat neatly against the rock he gave me earlier. Leave it to Eric to be prepared with the set. Our ceremony wasn't what I imagined it would be, but he promised to give me the wedding of my dreams when I felt like announcing our union back in Bon Temps.<br /><br /><em>Pam was ecstatic. She planned the entire event and she went all out, or at least as 'all out' as you can get with a few hours notice. A limo, flowers, my dress, a minister. Enough money can get you any of these things at any hour, especially since we were in Las Vegas. </em><br /><br /><em>She told us it was a surprise when we asked where we were going. We were both blindfolded and shoved in a limo. A short drive later, Pam took our hands and led us into a building. I felt Eric being moved away from me and heard a door close. Before I could realize what was happening, Pam had stripped off my dress and was maneuvering me into a different one. She zipped me up and gently took off my blindfold. </em><br /><br /><em>The dress was basically a white version of the one I had on earlier. She handed me a small bouquet of red roses and I started to choke up. I was getting married. Sookie Stackhouse, crazy telepath, barmaid, target for terrorism... and the luckiest girl on earth. </em><br /><br /><em>Before I could start to cry, Pam led me to a doorway covered with a red curtain. She poked her head through and came back smiling. I heard piano music begin. She kissed my cheek and stepped through the doorway. A minute later, someone pulled aside the curtain. I took a deep breath, forced my legs to work and stepped into the chapel. </em><br /><br /><em>It was small but beautifully decorated. Red and white roses dominated the room. Bill sat in a pew to my left with a blank expression on his face. Pam was standing on the altar next to my spot, looking adorable in the charcoal cocktail dress she bought the other day. All of this paled to the sight of my viking waiting for me. </em><br /><br /><em>He was wearing the same tuxedo he had at Felipe's party, but it was the look on his face that made my throat tighten up. He couldn't take his eyes off of me and his smile only got wider the closer I got. When I reached the altar, I took his offered hand and stood across from him. </em><br /><br /><em>The ceremony flashed by. I remember exchanging rings, but I don't know where I got mine. I know somewhere in there I said 'I do' because I felt love fill the bond from both ends and all of a sudden Eric was kissing me. A couple of the chapel workers present as witnesses clapped as we walked back down the aisle, hand in hand. When we got outside it started raining rice. Pam was hurling it at Eric as hard as she could, clearly enjoying throwing things at him. </em><br /><br /><em>Bill shook Eric's hand, congratulating him. It killed him to do it, but his southern dignity forced him to mind his manners. He gave me a hug and a peck on the cheek. When Bill embraced me, I felt his despair like it was my own. Eric felt the mood shift and politely took me back. He steered me towards the limo and we took off towards the hotel. </em><br /><br />I lazily traced Eric's well-defined abs as we cuddled. My human needs called, and I regretfully disentangled myself from him.<br /><br />"Where are you going, love?" He made a move to pull me back into his chest.<br /><br />"Human needs, Eric."<br /><br />He thought about that for a second and let me go, "Hurry back, Mrs. Northman." He was relishing the fact that we were married. As I did my business in the other room, I faintly heard him thinking about what he was going to get me for a present and how quickly I could officially move in with him. Part of his mind was preoccupied with the Felipe mess, as was mine. I hated to ruin the night with plans and strategies, but we had to figure something out.<br /><br />Eric was still lounging on the bed when I came back out and laid next to him. He gathered me into his side; I resumed rubbing his stomach.<br /><br />"So what now, Eric?"<br /><br />"We subtly flaunt our relationship and make it quite clear that we are a package deal, and if anything is implied by him, we refer to each other as <em>husband and wife</em>." His eyes glinted with pleasure. "And I know you are uncertain about how others view you, my love. I know you were rushed into this, and I will not force you to take my name or tell anyone you do not want to inform. Obviously Pam and Bill are aware, but they will tell no one if I say they are not to do so."<br /><br />"That reminds me, you didn't order Bill to come to the wedding, did you? "<br /><br />"No. I told him of our plans, but it was his decision whether or not to attend." That was a bittersweet sentiment on Bill's part. I knew he hated seeing me dating Eric, not to mention marrying him, but he was there because he knew I would be touched to have him at the chapel. I also had a feeling that he was still trying to prove his undying (haha) love for me, even though he knew it was in vain.<br /><br />"Pam seemed excited about it."<br /><br />"Yes, she loves planning parties and celebrations. That's her main job at Fangtasia. She doesn't quite understand why I would want to marry a human, but she's glad that it's you and not someone she can't stand."<br /><br />"Well, I'm glad you got Pam's permission first." He laughed and kissed my hair. "Back to the important things, though: what are we going to do when Felipe gets mad about this? I don't know what he's going to do, but he won't sit back and take it."<br /><br />Eric sighed and trailed his fingers up my spine. "We will discuss this tomorrow, my love. There is only so long until dawn, and our mouths will be occupied until then." His lips collided with mine and he kept his word.noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-18204671288587962842008-12-26T14:21:00.002-05:002008-12-26T14:29:22.793-05:00Dead Hearts Ch 13"True love cannot be found where it does not exist, nor can it be denied where it does." - Torquato Tasso<br /><br /><div align="center"><><><><><><><><><><></div><br />I woke up before Eric did and took full advantage of it. Claiming the bathroom, I showered and shaved and took the time to blow-dry and straighten my hair. The whole time, I practiced my shields and made them as strong as possible; as much as I liked being closer to Eric, I really didn't want to know his thoughts... after all, that's why I was attracted to dead guys to begin with.<br /><br />My viking was sitting on the bed waiting for me when I came out. He looked me over and shook his head. "Sookie, I thought we were past showering separately."<br /><br />"I actually needed to get clean this time. That thing is at 9, right?" Eric nodded. "Almost 6 now... I'm ordering room service. Do you want anything?"<br /><br />"You know what I want, lover," He purred as he wrapped his arms around me.<br /><br />"Yes, I do, but I have to finish getting ready. You go." I gave him a quick kiss and pushed him towards the bathroom. As he showered I gave myself a quick french manicure, silently praising Amelia for showing me how.<br /><br />I finished my last nail right as Eric emerged from his shower. Less than a minute later there was a knock at the door. He answered and moved aside so the room service cart could be rolled in. Before the first man could leave, another showed up with black garment bags.<br /><br />I ate my omelet and sipped coffee while my nails dried. We discussed a little more strategy, deciding that I would never be unaccompanied throughout the evening. I also agreed to take a bit of blood now . Eric's bleeding wrist was at my lips before I could blink.<br /><br />Closing my eyes, I pressed my mouth to the wound and sucked. I felt him releasing the knot on my robe and I looked up at him. His eyes were blazing with need. I felt myself being pushed back onto the bed and my legs spread. One of his fingers caressed my folds and I gasped, my hold on his wrist breaking. Eric smiled at me, fangs fully extended, and kissed his way down my body before settling his face at my core. His tongue ran circles around my nub. He pressed a finger inside me, curling it so he could touch that certain spot. My whole body spasmed as he hit the mark; I felt him smile at my reaction.<br /><br />"Lover, look at me."<br /><br />I couldn't help but obey. Our gazes met, my hazy gray-blue and his vibrant sapphire. I nearly came right then, seeing the intensity in him. Watching an immortal man worship your body in ways you never thought possible has to be the hottest thing, ever. As I took in the sight, he nuzzled into my thigh, bit down, and I came so hard I couldn't breathe for a moment.<br /><br />When I could open my eyes again, Eric was on top of me, positioned at my entrance. He crashed his lips into mine as he pushed in to the hilt. I moaned his name as he thrusted, jerking a little bit each time just to get that much deeper. I kissed my way down his neck and bit again. The warm, coppery liquid flowed into me as I pulled on the artery. Eric's whole body tensed up and shook as I drank from him. His thrusting kept speeding up until I couldn't take anymore. I let go of his neck and threw my head back, screaming his name as wave after wave of pleasure rocked through me. I felt him stiffen as I did.<br /><br />Eric rolled off me and curled himself around my boneless form. He stroked my hair and hummed a little in Old Norse (I assume, it sure wasn't English). When I was able to feel my legs again, I told Eric I was going to finish getting ready and I went to the bathroom.<br /><br />I smoothed my hair as best as I could and pinned it up into a simple twist. I did my makeup and spritzed on a little perfume. Eric was ready to go when I came out to get my dress. He held it out to me and I stepped in, reveling in the feeling of the silk sliding over my skin. He zipped me up and I stepped into my shoes, a pair of strappy black heels so high they were almost stilettos.<br /><br />I saw our reflection in a mirror and admired it. We were quite a pair, both of us blonde and blue-eyed, dressed in black. My dress was floor length and very simple, with a bow on my waist. Eric looked amazing in a perfectly tailored tuxedo, complete with bow tie. His hair was left loose, but was immaculately combed.<br /><br />"Something is missing, lover." I turned and looked at him, surprised. We were perfect, I couldn't understand what he meant. Eric smiled down at me, "Close your eyes."<br /><br />I raised an eyebrow at him before I did. "No peeking, now." I felt feather-light touches on my ears and at the nape of my neck. I felt him turn me back to the mirror. "Okay, now you're good."<br /><br />I opened my eyes and saw my new additions: a necklace with three drop diamonds and matching earrings. "Oh, Eric. They're beautiful, but it's too much, I can't let you do this."<br /><br />"And I thought you were broken of this habit, lover. I enjoy getting things for you, and you look absolutely magnificent."<br /><br />"You can't keep buying me things like this, Eric. I don't even want to think about how much you've spent on me these past couple weeks, let alone since we've been in Vegas. I appreciate the gestures, but-" He put a finger on my lips.<br /><br />"I can and most certainly will, Miss Stackhouse. Remember we had a conversation about this earlier?" I nodded. "So you are going to deny me the pleasure of buying you things that you want but have been unable to obtain previously? You have to be the worst gift recipient in history."<br /><br />My jaw dropped at his words. I wanted to throw his stupid necklace and earrings at him and rip the dress off and... and my common sense caught up with me. He was right again, dammit. Here he was, going out of his way to give me designer clothes and diamonds and I'm fighting him tooth and nail. What woman on earth gets upset when her boyfriend gives her jewelry?<br /><br />"Fine. I get what you're saying. I'm just uncomfortable getting this kind of stuff because I'm not used to it and I can't give you anything that compares. Everything is lovely, Eric. Thank you for the jewelry." I kissed him softly, wrapping my arms around his neck. His hands went to my hips and squeezed gently.<br /><br />Pulling away, he smiled down at me. "One more thing before we go, love." I crossed my arms and tried to look impatient as he dug in his suitcase. When he came back up he laughed at my expression and held his hands behind his back.<br /><br />"Sookie, I have a feeling I know how you are going to react to this. Just remember that nothing is imminent, this is a promise." My heart started racing as I imagined what he could have gotten. I could feel his anticipation across the bond, and that made me incredibly nervous.<br /><br />Eric took his left hand from behind his back to grab my right. He led me to the bed and I sat on the edge, part of me knowing what was going to happen, and part of me hoping I was wrong. His right hand slowly came up to mine and I squeezed my eyes shut, not wanting to see what he placed in my palm.<br /><br />"Sookie, you can look. It won't bite you." I opened my eyes to see him smiling at me. I braced myself to look at my hand, and when I did my heart stopped.<br /><br />A small square box. Powder blue. With a white ribbon.<br /><br />I don't care how much or how little money you have, every female knows what those colors mean. I looked back and forth between him and the box. I could feel my mouth moving, but no sound came out. After a minute, I finally managed to stammer out something. Unfortunately, that something didn't even slightly resemble a sentence.<br /><br />"E- Eric...I- I don't know-... but what-... T- T- Tiffany... I- uhh..." My rambling stopped when Eric actually opened the box. Inside was a diamond solitaire. He took the box from my hand, removed the ring, and kneeled down. I froze.<br /><br /><em>Ohmigodohmigodohmigodhe'sreallydoingthisohmigodohmigod...</em><br /><em><br /></em>"Sookie Stackhouse, I love you. In a thousand years, I have never met anyone like you. Nobody has ever touched me the way that you have, and nobody ever will. Knowing you has made me happier than I could have ever imagined, and I want to be with you always. I treasure every moment we have spent together, and I want to make memories with you. Will you marry me?"<br /><br />By this point, my brain had ceased all function. My shields had greatly improved if I kept this doozy of an idea out. I sat in shock for a few seconds, then all of a sudden the haze lifted and I saw what was happening. "Oh, Eric... yes."<br /><br />Love washed over the bond like a tidal wave as he slipped the ring on my left hand. He stood up and pulled me with him. Our arms wrapped around each other and our lips met. At that moment, nothing else mattered. The Fellowship, Jason the bastard, the database, Felipe, everything else ceased to exist. Eric lifted me off the floor and spun me around, his lips never leaving mine. I giggled into his mouth and he smiled. He broke the kiss and whispered to me.<br /><br />"Jeg elsker deg." *<br /><br />"I love you, too, Eric." He set me back on my feet and stepped back to look at me. He was grinning so broadly I thought his face would split. I couldn't help but return the sentiment with a big smile.<br /><br />"Now, you are perfect, my only love."<br /><br />I glanced in the mirror again and saw our reflection. "No, Eric. We are perfect."<br /><div align="center"><br /><><><><><><><><><><></div><br />Felipe's gala event was certainly that. He made a speech congratulating himself on his victory over Sophie-Anne, framed by a backdrop of the Nevada, Louisiana and Arkansas state flags. Even though he was a concieted jerk, Felipe knew how to hold a celebration. A stage with a live band, a large dance floor, and plenty of tables to relax was topped off with waiters watching like hawks for anyone getting low on drinks.<br /><br />Eric and I took several turns around the dance floor, loving the feel of each others body. We were interrupted by Bill.<br /><br />"Eric, may I cut in?" Bill quietly asked, never meeting Eric's eyes. I gave him a gentle squeeze to say it was okay and he relinquished his grip on me.<br /><br />"You may, Compton." Eric kissed my forehead and walked away. He took up a position on the wall and didn't take his eyes off me the whole time I was dancing with Bill.<br /><br />"I noticed your new jewelry, Sookie." <em>Good start, Bill</em>. I scoffed in my head.<br /><br />"Yes. We won't be doing it immediately, but I guess he's going to make some kind of formal announcement when we get back home."<br /><br />"Are you sure this is the right thing to do? I would give anything to have you again, Sookie. I would do anything. I doubt he could say the same." My shields were all the way up, so I had no way to know what was actually going on in his head. Come to think of it, I didn't want to know.<br /><br />"William Compton, you listen to me. I meant every single word of what I said to you in Eric's house. You lied to me, used me and abused me in every way possible. I gave my heart to you and you stomped on it. I'm willing to be friends with you, but you have got to realize that there will never be anything more between us. Eric or no Eric, I am not going to put myself through that ever again. I'm sorry, Bill, I really am, but if you don't get over this, I'm not even going to be able to be friends with you anymore."<br /><br />I felt bad telling Bill off again, but he just didn't seem to get it. We finished the song in silence and I was relived when Eric took me back in his arms. Bill nodded at Eric, bowed slightly in my direction, and disappeared.<br /><br />Eric growled under his breath. "That man is getting on my last nerve. I may have to do something about him soon."<br /><br />I blanched at the thought. "Eric, don't worry. He's just concerned about me. If he says anything else, I'll let you know, but I doubt it. For now, let it go, please. Tonight we are only thinking about each other and this," I waved my left hand in front of him and my ring sparkled, "right? Just us."<br /><br />He grabbed my hand and kissed my palm, then the ring. "Of course, <em>minn</em> <em>sváss,</em> this night is for us." He led me to an unoccupied table and we sat. I sipped a glass of champagne and watched people swirling around the floor. Eric took my hand and sent his thoughts in my direction.<br /><br /><em>Have you heard anything we should be concerned about yet? </em>I shook my head minutely, but I knew he caught the movement. <em>Good. Felipe is going to ask you for a dance sometime this evening, and I need you to find out everything you possibly can from him. I know it will be difficult for you, but trust me when I say that I will more than make up for it later. I smiled and flushed a bit. That shade is lovely on you, my dear. Oh, here he comes already</em>. Eric growled internally at Felipe.<br /><br />"Mr. Northman, Miss Stackhouse." He inclined his head in my direction.<br /><br />"Your highness. To what do we owe this pleasure?" Eric bowed his head at Felipe.<br /><br />"I am asking for Miss Stackhouse to accompany me on the dance floor."<br /><br />Yea, 'asking' my southern butt. "Of course, your highness. I would be delighted to dance with you."<br /><br /><em>Be safe, lover</em>. I smiled at Eric as I gave Felipe my hand. He led me to the center of the floor and we began spinning in time with the music.<br /><br />"You look radiant this evening, Miss Stackhouse."<br /><br />"Thank you, your majesty. Please, call me Sookie."<br /><br />"Sookie, then." He smiled, fangs and all. I barely contained a shiver. "How are you enjoying Las Vegas?"<br /><br />"I enjoy it very much, thank you. This is certainly a change from Louisiana. Even before Katrina, New Orleans wasn't like this."<br /><br />"It is certainly a shame what happened to that area. It will be years before the city is back to its former splendor."<br /><br />"Most definitely. I've only been there a few times, and each time I became acquainted with more things that were lost."<br /><br />"Except for the past few months, I haven't visited New Orleans in almost 50 years. Of course that has changed, I will be seeing more of Louisiana's beautiful sights now that it is mine. It just so happens that one of those beauties came to Las Vegas to see me."<br /><br />"Thank you your highness, I appreciate the compliment." I tried to be an innocent southern belle and not vomit when I heard what he was thinking.<br /><br />"Sookie, you are no doubt aware that I am now King of Louisiana. I can make you my mate and you would never want for anything, ever again. Mr. Northman is my subject. If you consent to joining me, he is obligated to release you."<br /><br />I had to literally bite my tongue to stop from going off. "That is certainly a gracious offer, your highness, but I rather like my life how it is."<br /><br />"It would be much more convenient for both of us if you were to reside in Nevada. Traveling between Louisiana and Las Vegas on a regular basis will be quite expensive and very time consuming." I felt power tweaking around me as he tried to use his glamour.<br /><br />"Again, your majesty, I appreicate the offer, but I feel that it is in my best interests to remain where I am. I'm sure we can reach a conclusion that satisfies both sides if we were to negotiate a contract."<br /><br />"You do realize that I can make your Sheriff bring you to Nevada any time I wish, do you not?"<br /><br />"I know that would be a valid point if I was a vampire. As a human, I am not obligated to participate in vampire politics. If we had a written contract, that would be another matter entirely. And please excuse my being blunt, your majesty, but if you ask anyone I have previously assisted, they will inform you that I work best when I am not under duress."<br /><br />"Ah, Miss Stackhouse, but you must forget that you are under my formal protection."<br /><br />"Mr. de Castro, I have not forgotten that. I humbly appreciate it, but my understanding was that it comes as a repaid favor for me saving your life."<br /><br />"I have the ability to revoke that protection at any time, Sookie."<br /><br />"Yes, your highness, I understand that. I also know that even if your protection is removed, if I am harmed forces will be set in motion that cannot be stopped." I said this so matter-of-factly that he didn't consider it a threat, but wondered what I meant.<br /><br />The band started another tune and Felipe danced me towards Eric's table. He hadn't moved the whole time I was dancing. "It seems our time is up, Sookie. I look forward to speaking with you again, very soon." He bent his head and kissed the back of my left hand, his eyes opening a fraction more when he noticed my ring.<br /><br />"Thank you for the lovely dance, your highness." I bowed slightly and placed my hand in Eric's.<br />Eric bowed towards Felipe as he walked away. When I was sure he was far enough away not to notice, I whispered in Eric's ear, "We need to talk, now."<br /><br /><div align="center"><><><><><><><><><><></div><div align="left"><br />*Jeg elsker deg - I love you.<br />This is actually Norwegian. The translator I used before is broken, but since Norwegian is very close to Old Norse, it works for the story.</div>noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-510805687382259402008-12-26T14:16:00.002-05:002008-12-26T14:21:26.594-05:00Dead Hearts Ch 12Felipe rose from his chair to greet us. "Eric, so nice to see you again. Who are your companions?" Eric introduced Pam (she bowed), Bill (he bowed deeply), and me. I awkwardly bobbed, the movement feeling foreign to me. I hadn't bowed to anyone since Sophie-Anne. "Ah, the famed telepath, Miss Stackhouse, you are a vision, as always I'm sure." He then did something very un-vampire-ish. He tipped his head to me, took the back of my hand and kissed it. <em>She is beautiful, I wonder what it would take for her to be mine. If it was not for her interference, I might not be here today, she belongs at my side. </em><br /><br />I plastered on my fake smile and summoned as much southern charm as I could. "Why, thank you, Mr. de Castro. Please, call me Sookie." He smiled back, showing a hint of fang. Eric noticed, and he was not happy.<br /><br />"Please, everyone, I insist you be comfortable. Drinks, anyone?" We sat down on a pair of leather couches Felipe indicated. A human quickly entered from another room, holding a tray with 4 glasses of blood and one with white wine. I noticed my vamps were waiting for me to take the first drink. I knew nobody had messed with anything yet, so I sipped and nodded appreciatively at Felipe. It was very good wine.<br /><br />"Now that we are all acquainted, Eric, please inform me of the troubles in Louisiana." Of course he knew all about it, or at least what Eric had told Victor. At least Felipe was still playing nice guy, not flying off the handle right away.<br /><br />"One of my bartenders was poisoned with bad blood and murdered. One night when visiting my bar, Sookie found a man from The Fellowship of the Sun. He had attempted to poison another one of our patrons so a vampire would either die or fall ill and be easily staked. We apprehended him in time, and through some investigation, we found that the Fellowship had somehow procured a copy of the Vampire Database. This is obviously a much bigger scheme than we originally anticipated, or we would have contacted you sooner. As it is, I spoke to Victor as soon as it was determined that they possess this knowledge."<br /><br />Felipe nodded, deep in thought. "And what of this poison?"<br /><br />"One of the humans that was poisoned survives, but in a coma. My contact at the hospital where she is staying informs me that it is mostly a combination of Rohypnol and Scopolamine. The drugs cause many of the same symptoms as drunkeness, sometimes with hallucinations, blackouts, and in cases of overdose, coma or death. They were using pills that dissolve instantly. Odorless, colorless, tasteless. No way to tell that a drink had been tampered with."<br /><br />"I find myself wondering how the Fellowship of the Sun managed to obtain a copy of a vampire-only database. Mr. Compton, I hope you have an answer for me."<br /><br />Bill steeled himself. "Your majesty, I personally checked everyone that requested a copy of the database, and I verified that all were vampires. I believe that the information was stolen at the summit in Rhodes. I was selling the database at the time, and after the explosions my remaining inventory was never located. That is the only time that any information was unaccounted for. There are no disks anymore, as I only make them to order since the bombing."<br /><br />"Miss Stackhouse. You are more... perceptive than my other guests. Please tell me your thoughts on the situation." <em>I don't care but I had better start currying her favor if I am to make her mine...</em><br /><br />"Your highness, I insist you call me Sookie." Gosh, that was weird to say, "As you are aware, my particular abilty does not extend to vampires. However, I know Bill, and he is not one to leave such knowledge laying around. I also know much more about the Fellowship than I care to, and they will not stop until they get whatever it is that they desire. Vampires, humans, all are fair game for them."<br /><br />"You hold the belief that none of the vampires present are in any way responsible for these events?"<br /><br />"If I correctly understand what you're asking me, then yes, that is my firm belief. I believe that I know these three as well as any human can know a vampire, and I find that any blaming of them is ludicrous. Yes, Bill created the database, but he was meticulous about how he sold it. Placing the blame on him for this fiasco would be like blaming the Wright brothers for a hijacked 747 crashing." Eric, Pam and Bill were positively beaming at me through their thoughts.<br /><br />"You make some interesting points, Sookie." Felipe smiled at me... eew, creepy. "I require time to think upon this. Please, make yourselves comfortable in my town. Anything you require charge to room service, your stay will be fully comped. Mr. Northman, Mr. Compton, I look forward to speaking with you again." We took that as the dismissal it was and bowed to the King before returning to the elevator.<br /><br />Once the doors closed, I slumped against Eric. <em>You were wonderful, lover. When we are alone I will pick your brain for his thoughts, then you will be... rewarded for your efforts</em>. A rush of lust ran through me.<br /><br />We reconvened in Pam and Bill's room. Pam, although she didn't speak a word in the meeting, was incredibly proud of how well it went, even though she knew this was just the beginning. Bill was in awe of me, how I defended him despite everything that has passed between us. And Eric's thoughts were running so fast it was just a big blur tinged with satisfaction.<br /><br />"That went much better than I expected. This is by no means the end, and we are still far from safe. The king has a certain respect for Sookie, considering her past services to him and the formal protection over her. Her stellar character references seemed to go over very well with him. I am quite sure that Felipe will wish to meet with all of us again, so if you will excuse us, my lover and I must speak." Eric took my hand and led me back to our room. I waved to Pam and Bill before closing the door behind me.<br /><br />I settled myself on the bed, listening for Bill and Pam to do something else so they weren't paying attention to me and Eric talking. Hey, with vampires you can never be too sure who's listening. When I was sure that they wouldn't overhear us, I started filling Eric in on Felipe's thoughts. "He wants me by his side. Bad."<br /><br />Eric growled, "I noticed. And I am quite unhappy about that. What about the database?"<br /><br />"He was fully prepared to not let Bill leave that meeting. He wasn't lying when he said I brought up some interesting points; he thought the Wright brothers thing was genius."<br /><br />"That was quite the simile, Sookie." He smiled, "What are his feelings towards each of us?"<br /><br />"Bill, he wants to blame for the whole thing, of course. Pam, he is indifferent towards, so far. He doesn't know as much as he would like about her yet. You, he would like to keep around because you're a good sheriff, but you aren't indespensible. Me," I sighed deeply, "Felipe wants me. My blood, my body, my ability. That's why he asked me questions at the meeting, he wants to make me think he cares about me. Pfft, as if." I felt his anger rumbling through the bond. "But, hey. On the plus side, he can't glamour me, and it isn't like a have a contract to work for him, right? And we're blood bonded, that has to mean something."<br /><br />"To an average vampire, yes, that would mean something. To Felipe, I'm not so sure; he is quite ruthless at times. How else could he have managed to hold on to Vegas for the past 60 years?"<br /><br />"Well, is there anything that you think might discourage him? It's gonna be hard enough to deal with the Fellowship thing by itself, I don't want to have to fend off a vampire intent on... annexing me."<br /><br />Eric smirked and I heard his thought loud and clear. "Oh, no, Eric. I love you, but I am NOT getting married. I am so not even anywhere close to being ready for that."<br /><br />"You wanted my suggestion. There it is. He can't force you away from me if we're legally married. Vampire-human marriages are legal now, both in Nevada and Louisiana, you know?"<br /><br />"Um, yea. No." Eric's face fell. "I'm not ruling it out in the future, but not now. And not to change the subject or anything, but I'm hungry. Can we go get something to eat?"<br /><br />"Of course, lover. We can discuss this later on. Let me treat you to a night in Vegas."<br /><br />Eric did just that. We went to another hotel for dinner (the vamp hotel didn't have a restaurant), caught a late-late show, and of course, we gambled. He gave me $500, even though I tried not to take it. Eric taught me how to play craps, and I came out even at the end of the night. Eric ended up leaving with an extra grand in his pocket. We walked down the strip, kissed in front of the Bellagio fountains, and had a great time.<br /><br />By the time we made it back to the hotel I was exhausted and more than a little tipsy. I was almost too tired for sex... almost. Cuddling in the afterglow, I reached up to give Eric my usual last kiss before I passed out. "This place is great, but I don't think I could ever stay out here. Too much of everything going on at the same time, it's overwhelming."<br /><br />He chuckled and kissed my hair, "They don't call it Sin City for no reason, lover."<br /><div align="center"><br /><><><><><><><><><><></div><br />The next night went pretty much the same as the first. Eric and Bill attended another meeting with Felipe while Pam and I went shopping.<br /><br />Eric had given me a credit card and insisted that I buy something for myself. I found a peachy-gold dress that wasn't too overpriced and couldn't pass it up. Pam was in heaven. I never figured that she would love fashion since I usually thought of her as a 'soccer mom vamp', but she had to have tried on at least 10 things in each store we went through. She finally settled on a cute little charcoal cocktail dress and a stunning blue/white/patterned evening gown.<br /><br />By the time we made it back to the hotel, Eric and Bill were waiting to fill us in. Apparently Felipe was holding a black-tie event the next night and we were invited (read: required) to attend. I guess it was supposed to be some sort of victory party to celebrate his political coup and had been planned for almost a month. For a little while, we discussed strategies for keeping a watch on each other through the festivities.<br /><br />After we figured out a plan, Eric and I headed back to the strip so he could buy a tuxedo. He headed straight for Armani and was immediately taken away to be fitted. I walked around the store and browsed through some evening gowns. There was one in particular that caught my eye, but after looking at the price tag my eyes nearly bugged out of my head. I turned around and ran right into Eric. I bounced off of his chest and would have fallen if he didn't have those super-reflexes.<br /><br />"See something you like, lover?" He released his hold on my waist.<br /><br />I ignored his question because I knew if I said anything, he'd buy that dress. "Did you find a tux?"<br /><br />"Yes, I did. A few minor adjustments need to be made, though. It will be delivered tomorrow shortly after dark. Are you sure you didn't find anything you wanted in here? We do have an extremely formal event to attend, and I know that nothing you brought will suffice."<br /><br />I started to get mad at him for saying I had a crappy wardrobe, but as usual he was right. "Dammit, Eric. Why the heck do you have to be right all the time? I'm getting tired of that." I crossed my arms and attempted to look sullen, but it was almost impossible not to smile when I felt his happiness from my inadvertant little ego stroke.<br /><br />"A millenium of life experience will do that to you, I guess." He reached around me and plucked the too-expensive dress out of the display. "Let's get this fitted."<br /><br />"How do you know I like that one?"<br /><br />"Oh, well..." He pretended to think for a second, "I only saw you salivating over it before you tried to knock me over."<br /><br />The dress fit me like a glove without any alterations, and Eric asked that it be delivered along with his tuxedo. We decided to get something to eat and headed back out onto the strip.<br /><br />We debated on where to go, finally deciding on House of Blues. Halfway there, we got caught up in a wave of Elvis. Thirty to forty Elvis impersonators all performing "Viva Las Vegas" and gyrating had taken over a large stretch of sidewalk and gathered quite a crowd. I had to stop and watch for a bit, even though Eric reminded me that I knew the real guy.<br /><br />"Yea, but I've never seen him sing, and you have to admit, this is pretty out there."<br /><br />"True. Come on, let's get some food in you." I tore myself away from the ever-growing spectacle and off to my dinner. We ate, listened to some blues, danced, gambled, and enjoyed each other's company for hours.<br /><br />Back in the hotel, I wanted nothing more than to take a shower and pass out, but Eric insisted on joining me in the bathroom. I didn't get to sleep until he died for the day, and by then I was prepared to be dead to the world right along with him.noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-87075668917229868002008-12-26T14:05:00.002-05:002008-12-26T14:15:35.576-05:00Dead Hearts Ch 11I didn't have a hangover, per se, but my head hurt like crazy. For once I was glad of the pitch-black darkness in my bedroom, I didn't think I could handle daylight quite yet. I looked over Eric's shoulder to see the clock. Exactly 5:15 pm. I truly was keeping vampire hours now. Just as that thought crossed my mind, a muscular arm tightened around me.<br /><br />"Good morning, lover. Did you sleep well?" <em>Mmm, smells like sex and my blood and fairy...</em><br /><em><br /></em>My whole body stiffened. <em>Holy crap, did I just... no, it's impossible</em>.<br /><br />"Lover?" I felt Eric prop himself up on his elbow and he flicked on the bedside lamp. "Sookie, are you alright?" <em>Is she okay I hope I didn't hurt her last night we were so rough but she felt so good...</em><br /><em><br /></em>"Oh. My. God." I burst into tears and Eric freaked.<br /><br />"Sookie? Sookie, what's wrong? Did I hurt you last night? Are you okay?" <em>What's wrong she isn't telling me I knew I was too rough and-</em><br /><em><br /></em>"Stop, Eric! Just... stop for a minute, please." He contented himself with holding me and stroking my hair while I calmed down. "I need to take a shower. Alone, please. I just need some time right now." He nodded and I got out of bed and staggered to the bathroom.<br /><br />I turned the shower on full blast, as hot as I could stand it. I knew I would come out looking like a boiled lobster, but I didn't care. What I <em>did</em> care about is that this last dose of blood allowed me to read Eric's mind. Even now, I could hear his thoughts in the other room; wondering if he should come check on me, what this weird feeling in the bond was, why I wouldn't say what was wrong.<br /><br />How can I hide this? If our bond wasn't so strong, I may have had a chance, but if my emotions fluctuated with his thoughts he would catch on really fast. This kind of thing had happened before, but it was only glimpses then. Now I was hearing full thoughts, images, the whole deal. If I had any hope that this would fade like it had before, it was quickly squashed when I remembered I promised to let Eric give me blood daily. <em>Oh, man, the vamps are going to kill me</em>.<br /><br />I tried to stay out of my head for the rest of my shower, just concentrating on the steaming water relaxing my shoulders. I towel-dried my hair as best as I could. I tweezed my eyebrows, brushed my teeth, put on lotion, and basically did anything I could except walk back into the bedroom and face Eric. Finally I ran out of ideas, realizing that I had to come clean about this before it came back and bit me (haha).<br /><br />Eric was laying on his stomach on the bed reading when I came out of the bathroom. He dog-eared the page he was on and closed the book. I rolled my eyes at his choice, Bram Stoker's 'Dracula'. Of course. He didn't say a word before he came over to me and gave me a hug. "I know how you need space sometimes, lover. I will respect that, but just know that if there is ever anything bothering you, I will always be here for you." He was so sweet to me, it sent me into another fit of tears. Everything just came pouring out; once my mouth had opened, I couldn't seem to close it.<br /><br />"Eric, I hear you. I don't mean I agree with you, and I don't mean with my ears." I tapped my forehead, "I <em>hear</em> you. And I know the only reason I haven't died before is that I couldn't read vamp minds and now I can and it won't fade because you want to keep giving me blood and I don't want to read your mind I love you too much to want to know what you think and... and... Oh, no, I'm so dead." I looked up at my viking, "You hate me now, don't you?"<br /><br />"No, my love, I could never hate you. Truthfully, I had a feeling this would happen sooner or later. This is much sooner than I thought possible, but our bond is much stronger than I initally believed as well. The test will be if you can hear other vampire's thoughts. And luckily enough, we have two others in my house." He smiled. "Once you get over the shock, dear one, I am sure you will see this as an advantage. Give that time, though. In the meantime, I'm taking a shower. You're hungry, go get something to eat. I'll be up in a bit."<br /><br />"So... you really aren't upset? I know you guys are really super-protective of your privacy..." He laughed and squeezed me tight.<br /><br />"I have let you lay with me in my daytime stupor. You know not only where my house is, you know exactly how to get to me inside. We are so bonded that even if you couldn't read my thoughts, you would probably be able to guess most of them. I have nothing to hide from you, Sookie. Only someone with something to hide would be upset." He kissed me and stepped back. "Now get dressed and get some food. If you don't I might be forced to keep you in that bed all night."<br /><br />He got in the shower and I got dressed. Heading to the kitchen, I tried to get a reading on Pam and Bill so I wouldn't be surprised if I did hear them, but they were still dead. I decided to fry a couple eggs and make toast while my coffee brewed. I had about three seconds of warning before Bill was at the fridge, because I heard him. <em>Oh... shit.</em><br /><br />"Good morning, Sookie." <em>She reeks of him. They weren't even speaking before I left and now, not two weeks later, she's living with him. I wonder what he fed her to convince her to do it. My Sookie would never...</em> I decided to keep my new abilities to myself until I spoke to Eric again.<br /><br />"Morning, Bill. Did you sleep well?" I mentally slapped myself. Stupid question to ask a vampire, Sookie. He was dead all day.<br /><br />He raised an eyebrow at me. "Same as always." We exchanged more social niceties while he heated up his breakfast. He sat down at the bar a few seats away from where I was eating. "So, you and Eric."<br /><br />"Yep." I so didn't want to do this right now.<br /><br />"Why?" Oooh, instant anger.<br /><br />"Why not?" I looked at him expectantly.<br /><br />His thoughts were conflicted. Half of him wanted to know... well, actually all of him wanted to know, but half of him didn't want to hear what I had to say. I barely kept my jaw from dropping before he spoke as I registered his next words. "Well, he hasn't exactly been completely honest with you the whole time you've known him."<br /><br />I snapped. "Oh, yeah, Bill? I forgot that you're the authority on being a good boyfriend. Need I remind you? I think I should. The trip to 'Seattle' when you really went to your vamp-ho maker and tried to pension me off? Or maybe the fact that you raped and almost killed me in that trunk and never apologized, even after I risked life and limb, literally, to save your ass. And that you were forced to be with me and you took my virginity under Sophie-Anne's orders. Or how about when you ran off after those guys in Dallas before making sure I was okay, or even still breathing? And you know what? I'm not even going to touch the whole database thing, especially now that your absolutely fucking <em>brilliant </em>idea is going to get us all killed. Before you even think about saying one more word about Eric, you better take a damn good look at yourself, Mr. High-and-Fucking-Mighty, because in this past week that man has done more for me than you could even imagine. Hell, he treated me better than you did while we were together. Maybe instead of buying businesses and throwing money at the Bellefleurs, who by the way don't give a shit if you live or die, you could have noticed that your girlfriend was on the verge of poverty. But, no, Eric helped me. Not to get in my pants, not to drive a wedge between us, but because he knew I needed it and you were too busy to bother with me. I'm not going to tell him we had this conversation, Bill, but if he asks I won't lie, because that is how a relationship works, not that you would know. And just so you know, if you ever say another bad word about my bonded ever again, I will stake your ass so fast you won't even know what happened."<br /><br />Bill stared at me in amazement as I dumped the remains of my breakfast into the trash, refilled my coffee and left the room. I went upstairs to the study and pulled a random book from the shelf. I made myself comfortable in a fluffy armchair before seeing what I was about to read. 'Pride and Prejudice', pretty good for a random pick.<br /><br />I settled back in the chair and began to lose myself in the love of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy. A couple chapters in, Eric entered the room. Not from the bookshelf door, but from the hallway. Which meant that he probably heard me rip Bill apart. Sometimes I hated their super-hearing.<br /><br /><em>Can you hear others?</em> I nodded. <em>Excellent, my love. That bodes very well for us, especially with the dire circumstances that we are in.</em> I smiled. Eric was obviously enjoying that he didn't have to speak to me out loud. <em>And I heard your... defense of me. Pam enjoyed it as well</em>. Oh, wonderful. But what else could I expect in a house full of vampires?<br /><br />"So, should I say anything? Or is this just for us?"<br /><br /><em>No, lover, this is something that shall remain between the two of us. I have no doubt that Pam will eventually guess what is happening, but she is incredibly adept at reading people. Bill, however, I doubt he will ever figure it out.</em> I had to agree with him on that. The less that we advertised my new and expanded abilities, the better. <em>Come, Sookie. We must all sit and discuss what we are going to do about the database</em>. Reluctantly, I took his hand and let him lead me downstairs.<br /><div align="center"><br /><><><><><><><><><><></div><br />A couple hours later we were finished with our meeting. We were all seated in the dining room. Eric, of course, sat at the head of the table. I was on his left side, Pam was on the right. Bill sat next to Pam, intentionally not looking at anyone or anything in particular the entire time. I felt kind of bad that Bill was basically everyone's punching bag, but realistically, he brought most of it on himself. It made me feel even worse when I realized, through both Pam and Eric's thoughts, that I ranked higher on the vampire 'totem pole' than Bill did, and I had no desire to even <em>become</em> a friggin' vamp.<br /><br />Apparently Eric had already spoken to several of the new sheriffs about the drug, but hadn't yet called anybody about the database. It was reasonable to assume that since it was the only thing to save us during the takeover, that it would mean our deaths now. It had been decided that Fangtasia would be closed for the time being. It was too dangerous to have that many vamps in one place. Eric called all twelve of the remaining vampires that resided in his area and told them to scatter, but to keep in touch. Even though it might be the end of us, we had no choice but to call Victor, Felipe de Castro's man in charge.<br /><br />Eric left the room for that particular conversation. Even though Pam and Bill could hear him if they wanted and I could read him if I tried, none of us wanted to know what was being said. Pam and I made small talk about unimportant things: flowers (she liked lilies, I was partial to daisies), books (anything with a vamp worked for her -except for that new one, "vampire's don't sparkle"-, I read everything), and shoes (I am a total shoe-whore, she wore loafers mostly).<br /><br />I felt him coming before he pushed open the door. "Victor is calling Felipe as we speak. He will call me back when they figure something out." Eric stood behind me and lightly massaged my shoulders. "Let's go get our minds off this for a bit. Who's up for a game?"<br /><br />After some discussion, Eric, Pam and I decided to play darts. Bill sat in the corner and brooded while we took turns. Needless to say, I lost miserably. It didn't help that every time I was up Eric purposely thought lewd things to throw me off. It especially didn't help that Pam noticed I stuck my tongue out a little when I was aiming, and she thought that was just adorable. I managed to block Bill almost completely, but it was clear to everyone that he wasn't happy with my new found camaraderie.<br /><br />I was well on my way to losing the third game when Eric's phone rang. He answered it immediately and only talked for a minute. "Yes. Yes. When? Everyone? Of course. Yes. See you then." Eric jammed the phone back in his pocket. "Well, get packed. We're going to Vegas."<br /><div align="center"><br /><><><><><><><><><><></div><br />Bill and Pam needed to go back to their houses to get ready for the trip, leaving Eric and me alone in the house. We took full advantage of that. In the kitchen, on the dining room table, in the living room, on the pool table. He had to bite his finger and heal me a couple times. When we finally made it back to the room, we packed all of our bags. Eric took them all out to the door by the garage.<br /><br />He insisted on giving me another full dose of blood, saying that the stronger I was the better. If I could read other vampires easier, I would have a better chance of knowing if (when?) we needed to pick up and run. Damn him and his logic, again. After another round of blood and sex, I curled into Eric's side and he softly sang me to sleep.<br /><br />It turns out that Victor had arranged for one of Felipe's private planes to take us to Vegas. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 6:30 from a private airfield on the other side of Shreveport. I didn't have time to make anything to eat, so Eric stopped at Wendy's so I could get my double bacon cheeseburger. I wasn't concerned about the calories like I would have been normally. With Eric jumping on me at every opportunity, I had no worries about working it off.<br /><br />Pam got to the airport the same time we did, and Bill arrived about 20 minutes later. We settled into our seats for the ride. Pam and I sat across the table from each other and after the plane had leveled off, we played a few card games. Eric was thinking how much fun it would be to initiate me into the 'Mile High Club', especially since my ex was sitting right there. Bill was miserable, and he radiated unhappiness.<br /><br />Eric was right about Pam, she was really, really observant. She saw me shoot a few glances at Eric, and I could see the gears grinding as she tried to figure it out. She definitely knew something was up, but she couldn't quite put her finger on what it was. If I hadn't known she was planning on my reaction, I would have jumped when I heard her 'speak' to me. <em>Sookie? Sookie! Can you hear me? </em>I ignored her as best as I could and concentrated on my next play in Rummy. She reconsidered what was going on, but couldn't think of anything else.<br /><br />A few hours later we arrived in Vegas. We were whisked off the plane, into a limo, and away to our hotel. We drove down the strip and I was the stereotypical tourist. I bounced from window to window, trying to take in the spectacle that was Las Vegas at night. Apparently my attitude was contagious, as Pam and Eric were grinning at my excitement by the time we got there. Even Bill snapped out of his funk for a bit. We checked into Moonlight, a vamp-exclusive hotel just off the main strip.<br /><br />We were given adjoining rooms on the 15th floor, Pam and I registered in one, Eric and Bill were to share the other. Much to Bill's disdain, as soon as we recieved our key cards Pam and Eric switched. Our room was beautiful, and in keeping with the theme of the hotel, was mostly done in blues and silver. I had just finished unpacking my makeup when Eric got a phone call. I was trying to avoid reading him as much as possible, so I poked my head out of the bathroom to ask him who it was.<br /><br />"Felipe's assistant. We have a meeting with him at 1:30." I looked around the room till I saw a clock, 11:21. Good, plenty of time to get ready.<br /><br />"Dressy or casual?"<br /><br />"Dress up. The rainbow dress would be perfect. While you get ready, I'm going next door to strategize. Come over when you're ready, love." He kissed me before walking through the door into Pam and Bill's room.<br /><br />A little while later, I was showered, shaved, made up, dressed and ready to go. I knocked on the door between the rooms. When it was opened, I was greeted by Bill, who couldn't keep his eyes off of me as I walked in and sat by Eric on a small loveseat. Pam was probably in the bathroom getting ready.<br /><br />Eric saw Bill's reaction to me, and although he was proud at having a date that made other men drool (stupid guy complexes), he was pissed that it was Bill who was drooling. "Compton, avert your eyes before I remove them." Bill promptly lowered his gaze, but kept sneaking peeks at me when he thought Eric wasn't looking. We soon excused ourselves from the room so Bill could get dressed.<br /><br />Immediately after closing the door, Eric wrapped his arms around me, kissing me with such passion that my knees buckled. "You are stunning, my love. If we weren't short on time, I would insist that you join me in the shower. I am going to insist that you drink from me again, though. I want to go into this meeting with as many advantages as possible, your ability included." Before I could protest, his bleeding wrist was at my mouth. I sucked at the wound until he moaned and I felt a wave of pleasure run across the bond. Eric tried to convince me to come with him in the bathroom, but I just laughed and shoved him in, shutting the door behind him.<br /><br />We had decided it would be better if we all arrived en masse, so a little after one we met outside our rooms. Eric wore a black suit, Bill had brown on. Pam looked... wow. She was wearing a pale, pale pink knee-length dress with a big rose on the front. Her hair was down and perfectly straight, not a single strand out of place.<br /><br />Eric led the way to the elevators. We rode up to the penthouse level in silence. Eric was worried about what Felipe would try to do to us, but was ready to fight for our lives if he had to, his mind running different scenarios and how he might be able to act accordingly. Pam's thoughts were about the same as Eric's. Bill, however, was already resigned to the idea that he was a (finally) dead man. He wasn't wallowing in self-pity, but he was going through his life and thinking about what he would have done differently. I noticed that quite a few of those thoughts revolved around me.<br /><br />By the time the doors opened, I was ready to run the other direction to avoid this. Eric noticed my bleak mood and grabbed my hand, trying to project strength and calm. <em>Stand tall, lover. We cannot afford to show any more weakness than we already have</em>. His eyes flicked toward Bill.<br />I stood up straight, lifted my head, and walked towards Felipe's guard like I was a queen. Eric and the guard exchanged nods. I took a deep breath as he opened the door.<br /><br />"Mr. Northman, Miss Stackhouse. Welcome to Las Vegas."noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-69914052822254147272008-12-26T13:55:00.002-05:002008-12-26T14:05:53.064-05:00Dead Hearts Ch 10<div align="left"><strong>Quick timeline update:</strong><br />Thursday - Bubba shows up at Sookie's house.<br />Friday - Eric and Sookie's date. Sookie seduces Pam and is almost drugged.<br />Saturday - E/S admit their love.<br />Sunday - Sookie returns home. Felicia is killed.<br />Monday - At Merlotte's. S moves in with E.<br />Tues. thru Tues. - S realizes she likes living with E<br />Wed. - Today. </div><div align="center"><br /><><><><><><><><><><></div><div align="left"><br />Eric and I had fallen into a comfortable routine at his house. Wake up, make love, then some activity before going to the bar. Lately we had been playing pool; he whipped me almost every time, but I was getting better. After work, we'd go home, watch a movie, make love, and fall asleep tangled up with each other. </div><div align="left"><br />At the bar, over a week passed by without incident. Fangtasia now opened at 8:30 p.m. instead of 6 and stayed open until 2 a.m. I screened people as they entered the bar. Every other night I switched between being Eric's escort and a waitress. I located a Fellowship member once, but he had no idea about the drug, simply there only to satisfy his curiosity. Pam erased his memory and sent him on his way. </div><div align="left"><br />I was on Eric's arm this evening and we were making our rounds when I heard it. <em>Vamp humping whores I hate being here but that last idiot screwed up and missed the big one so now I have to clean up the mess sluts everywhere why in the hell would anyone like these abominations act like they're better than everyone else parasites they'll get what's coming to 'em starting with that curly haired bitch</em> -the man pictured Thalia, who was on duty this evening-<em> I got a few doses into that idiot that's hanging all over her she'll keel over like the lesbo from last week</em> -Felicia­- <em>or I can stake her she deserves it condescending bitch I hate bloodsuckers scourge of the earth...</em> </div><div align="left"><br />The venom continued to spew from his thoughts as I steered Eric in the direction of the voice. Easy, considering this mind broadcast better than Amelia's. I located the guy and pointed him out. Eric motioned to Clancy, who quickly grabbed the murderer and dragged him into the office. We moved over to Thalia's table, where she was preparing to leave with her 'friend' and convinced both of them to come to the office as well. </div><div align="left"><br />Surprisingly, the Fellowship spy didn't look out of place in the bar, excepting the fact that he was now tied to a chair surrounded by angry vampires. He was tall, lean and pale. Short, spiky black hair sat above dark brown eyes. He wore a tight, sleeveless black shirt, black leather pants, and what looked like a pair of Doc Martens. Eric motioned for me to take his seat behind the desk as everyone else settled on the various chairs around the room. </div><div align="left"><br />Eric slowly paced around the man, as if sizing him up. "What is your name?" </div><div align="left"><br />"I'll never tell you anything, you bloodsucking filth." The man's back was towards me, so when Eric met my eyes I whispered his name, knowing full well he could hear me. </div><div align="left"><br />"Fine, Scott Anthony Keegan," Scott's head snapped up so fast I heard his neck crack. "I can play these games much better than you can. I have had lifetimes of experience to perfect my poker face. What have you done to this man?" </div><div align="left"><br />Eric pointed at Thalia's date. She had propped him up in the corner of the couch, and she had to keep lifting him back into position. He was so out-of-it, he seemed as if all his bones were gone and his brain was almost completely shut off. I would have thought he was dead if I hadn't seen him breathing. Every so often I caught flickers of what was going on in his head, and it seemed like he was experiencing the acid trip to end all acid trips. </div><div align="left"><br />"What's it to you? He's just a<em> human</em>. All we are is dinner to you demonic creatures. Kill me and get it over with, at least I know I'll be going to Heaven for my work on earth." </div><div align="left"><br />"Spoken like a true fanatic. For being able to fit in so much better than your friend, you certainly are much stupider. He at least had a sense self-preservation, something which you seem to completely lack." </div><div align="left"><br />"I will go to Heaven and-" Eric grabbed Scott around his neck and lifted him up off the floor, chair and all. </div><div align="left"><br />"Do you honestly believe that by murdering other innocent humans you will go to a better place when you die? Just because your insipid little mind cannot comprehend that there are things beyond your knowledge does not mean that you are above them. Do not seek to punish others for your ignorance. Now if you are quite finished with your brainless babbling, I want to know what you are doing to my customers." He released his grip around Scott's neck and the chair fell to the floor with a loud BANG. </div><div align="left"><br />While he was catching his breath, I dug through Eric's desk to find a pen and some paper. He interrogated Scott until I shook my head, indicating that his mind was just repeating itself. I had written down everything I heard that sounded important, including some things that didn't seem so vital, but I'm sure could come in handy. </div><div align="left"><br />At that point, Thalia's date slid completely off the couch into a crumpled heap on the floor. Eric looked at me with one last unspoken question. I flipped through -wow- 4 pages of notes. "Back right pocket." Eric reached into Scott's pants and pulled out a small tin. </div><div align="left"><br />"I understand that these are not merely breath mints, are they, Scott?" </div><div align="left"><br />"Why don't you try a few and see?" Stupid, stupid man. Eric narrowed his eyes as he backhanded Scott across the face so hard the chair fell over sideways. He was unconscious before he hit the floor. </div><div align="left"><br />Pulling his cell out, Eric looked around the room. "Pam, Clancy. Go finish closing the bar. When the authorities arrive, escort them here immediately." The two vampires bowed to him and left the room. He dialed quickly, and I could faintly hear a voice on the other end of the line, although I couldn't make out the words. He explained the situation to the operator and requested an ambulance. </div><div align="left"><br />Thalia, who Pam had once referred to as 'a badly-tempered pit bull kept chained in the front yard', was certainly acting true-to-form. She had just finished throwing her date against the end of the couch again, and was staring at Eric like she thought he would burst into flames if she concentrated hard enough. "Master, this is ridiculous. Why should we turn this <em>human</em>," she spat the word, as if it hurt her to say it, "over to the police. He tried to kill me and I have yet to feed this evening." </div><div align="left"><br />Eric glared down at her. "I need not explain my reasoning to you. We live in a human world now, Thalia, and while in my area, you will respect that. I have tolerated more than enough of your behavior. Do not make me repeat myself." She ducked her head in acknowledgement, clearly unhappy to do so. </div><div align="left"><br />The police arrived within ten minutes, one human and one vampire. An ambulance was with them. Thalia's guy -I still didn't know his name- was quickly strapped to a gurney and hustled off. Eric explained what had happened, mentioning that I had seen Scott slipping something into the other man's drink. When asked about the growing bruise on one side of Scott's face, Eric expained that he may have accidentally handled him a bit roughly when restraining him so he wouldn't try to escape. One of the cops searched the still unconscious man, finding his wallet and the tin that Eric had replaced. </div><div align="left"><br />It was discovered that not only was the man a part of the Fellowship of the Sun, he had the membership card to prove it. The vamp cop's lip curled in disgust when he pulled it out. He hauled Scott to his feet and dragged him to the police car, making sure to bang him against any corner they passed. I gave my statement to the human cop, then Eric gave him his lawyer's information if they needed to get in touch with us. </div><div align="left"><br />After the police left, Eric flopped down on the couch, pulling me down to sit on his lap. He dismissed Thalia and she stalked out of the room. Pam entered the room shortly afterwards and sank down in the middle of the floor. </div><div align="left"><br />"I sent Clancy home. So what's the plan, Eric? Sookie found this one in time, barely. What about next time?" </div><div align="left"><br />"I hate to admit it, but I don't know. We were very lucky to stop Thalia before she fed. What did you get from the scumbag, lover?" </div><div align="left"><br />I went to the desk to get my notes. Skimming the papers, I sat back down next to Eric. "Um, let's see. He had orders directly from Steve Newlin. There's a base somewhere here in Shreveport. It's fronted by a religious store, I didn't get where. Uh... from what he knew of the pills, it's some sort of cocktail of 'date rape' drugs. He's single, I know where he lives, um.... what else? He's terrified of you, Eric." He smiled. "That's pretty much it." </div><div align="left"><br />Eric was thrilled with my information. "A religious store. There can't be many of those in Shreveport. And now we have his address, so we can go look there for more. You did an excellent job, Sookie." </div><div align="left"><br />"We should go to his house while he is still with the police. There are still several hours until dawn, and we don't know if we'll have an opportunity later." Pam stood just as gracefully as she had sat down. "I'm going to assume that you are going to accompany Eric and me, Sookie. That means I get to drive." </div><div align="center"><br /><><><><><><><><><><></div><div align="left"><br />Pam had a beautiful car. It was no Corvette, but it certainly wasn't the minivan part of me expected. She drove a BMW 7-series sedan that she told me was her baby. Much to Eric's disappointment, she refused to hand him the keys when he asked to drive. </div><div align="left"><br />To my amusement, Pam insisted that ladies sit up front. After all, her car, her rules. Eric squeezed himself in the backseat, sulking the entire way to Scott's house. Pam's eyes sparkled with amusement the whole time, and I could barely keep from laughing. </div><div align="left"><br />At the house, Eric picked the lock. I had to go in first and invite the vampires to cross the threshold. I started looking in a small desk in the corner of the living room. Pam and Eric swept off to investigate the other parts of the house. </div><div align="left"><br />I found what was to be expected on the desk: a stack of bills, a few pens, a magazine, a red marker, a box of paperclips, an address book. Hm, an address book. I quickly browsed through the names, but nothing jumped out at me. I did notice that it held an appointment calendar, though. One drawer was locked, and I couldn't find the key. </div><div align="left"><br />"Eric." I called him softly, knowing he heard. Within seconds he was by my side. "Can you pick that drawer open for me? I can't find the key." He had it open in another second, kissed me on the forehead, and then returned to wherever he was. </div><div align="left"><br />The drawer was full of manila folders. It wasn't until I started flipping through them that I panicked. The first few were nothing special; paid bills, bank statements. The next label read 'Shreveport'. I opened it and was greeted with a picture of Eric clipped to a piece of paper with his name, age, known business holdings, what he drove, his preferred company, etc. Underneath that sheet was an identical one with a picture of Pam. Clancy, Indira, Bill, Thalia, Felicia (her picture had a big red X on it), every vampire I knew and some I didn't were in the file. </div><div align="left"><br />There were more files with similar contents behind that one. New Orleans 1, 2, 3. Baton Rouge. Lafayette. Monroe. Jackson, MS. Every city within a several hour drive had a file. The very last file simply read 'VDB'. Inside a slim case was an unlabeled CD-rom. <em>Oh, no. Nononono, this can't be here!</em> </div><div align="left"><br />Pam appeared beside me and I yelped. She raised an eyebrow at my reaction. "Pam, Pam! If there are any computers around here, get them! CD-roms, hard drives, memory cards, anything like that. Eric! I know you can hear me! Find me a big box, fast." Pam saw what was laying on the desk and her eyes widened. She was gone before I could blink. </div><div align="left"><br />Eric brought me a box a split second later. He saw the files, too, and was instantly enraged. He flew off to look for anything else he could find. I piled as many folders as I could into the box. By the time I was done, both Pam and Eric were in the room with me. They both had boxes as well. I put the remaining files on top of their findings and closed the drawer. </div><div align="left"><br />After loading our boxes into her trunk, we all piled into Pam's car. We rode to Fangtasia in silence. When we got there Eric kissed my hair and hopped out. He slid in the Corvette and took off towards his house. Pam followed. </div><div align="left"><br />At Eric's we gathered in his dining room, spreading our files all over the table. I plunked down into a chair, closed my eyes and massaged my temples. This evening had certainly gone from bad to worse. A loud BANG echoed through the room and I nearly jumped out of my skin. Eric had pounded his fist on the table, almost breaking it in half. I could feel the rage rolling off him.</div><div align="left"><br />"Fucking Bill! I always knew that database was a bad idea. And now the Fellowship got its hands on a copy. Wonderful, just fucking wonderful." He pulled out his phone and dialed. "Bill. My house. Now." Slight pause. "I do not give a flying fuck what you are doing, get here NOW." Another pause. "I do not like repeating myself, William Compton. You will be at my house within one hour or this will be the last night you ever see." He flipped the cell closed and looked at it. "Sometimes I wonder why I allow him to stay in my area." He caught my eye and gave me a bittersweet smile. "Oh, yeah. Now I remember." </div><div align="left"><br />Throughout the entire exchange, Pam had busied herself arranging the files into neat stacks. "Okay," she pointed at different stacks as she spoke, "these are dead that the Fellowship knows about. These are dead that they don't know of. These have moved out of the area and they haven't managed to relocate them yet. And these," she indicated the largest group, "are the remaining vamps they have information on, separated by the area where they live. Luckily, there aren't any home addresses here." </div><div align="left"><br />"Oh, that reminds me, I found an address book in the desk, too. I didn't look at it very closely, though." I dug through a box filled with various CD's and disks. I pulled out the book and handed it to Eric. "While you two go through that I'm getting a drink. Do you want anything while I'm in the kitchen?" They both nodded silently, absorbed in their work. </div><div align="left"><br />I reached in the fridge to grab their blood and I nearly knocked another bottle on the floor. Tonic water. Hm, I wonder. I popped the bloods in the microwave and opened a few cabinets. I should have known Eric would notice my drink preference. A bottle of my preferred gin waited for me in the third cupboard I opened. I had planned on just having a bottle of water, but it was a really bad night, and I had a feeling I wouldn't be able to sleep anytime soon without at least a little help. By the time the blood was warmed up, I had my drink ready and everything put away.<br />I took the bottles in to Eric and Pam. They barely registered my presence as I set their drinks on the table. Looking around, I saw that they had further divided Pam's stacks and were still poring over the address book. I told Eric I was going to watch a movie, gave him a quick kiss and went to the living room. <em>Mindless comedy, that's what I need. What do we have... </em></div><div align="left"><br />I decided on a DVD, popped it in the player and made myself comfortable on the couch. The opening credits to 'Shaun of the Dead' started and I began laughing in anticipation. This was one of my favorite comedies, and even though it was a zombie flick, watching it was a surefire way to cheer myself up. </div><div align="left"><br />About half an hour later I was on my second gin and tonic when someone knocked on the front door. I turned to watch Eric walk past me and fling the door open, revealing Bill standing on the porch. "About time, Compton." Eric glared at him before inviting him in. When he walked back past me, he leaned down and kissed my lips. "We are almost done for the night, my love. Then, I seem I am obliged to," he waggled his eyebrows and grinned, "<em>reward </em>you for all of your hard work today." </div><div align="left"><br />When he stood back up, I could see Bill's face. His eyes jumped back and forth between me and Eric; sadness, anger and disbelief were flashing over his face. His gaze finally settled on Eric before he spoke, his voice frosty. "You could have at least let me finish unpacking before you summoned me here to flaunt your new... relationship." </div><div align="left"><br />I watched Eric's face transform from grinning and playful to barely contained rage. He whipped around to face Bill. "I flaunt nothing for you, Compton. I do not care for your reaction, so I would not misuse my energy looking for it. You are here because your database, which almost cost us our lives before, WILL be the death of us now. You are extraordinarily lucky that I do not stake you where you stand. The <em>only</em> reason you are alive and well so far is that it would hurt Sookie for you to be gone. We have matters to discuss, and I will tolerate absolutely no insubordination from you for any reason, whatsoever. Have I made myself clear?" </div><div align="left"><br />Bill nodded and followed Eric into the dining room, casting one more look in my direction. I chugged the rest of my drink and got up to get a refill. <em>If I'm going to deal with this, I'm sure as hell not gonna do it sober.</em> </div><div align="left"><br />I poured a very stiff drink and sat down to finish the movie. I enjoyed a few more parts, but I was mostly absorbed in my thoughts. <em>Okay. The Fellowship knows more about vampires than we ever imagined. And though it technically isn't Bill's fault they got a copy of that damn CD, it definitely </em>is <em>his fault that it exists in the first place. How much havoc can a simple disk wreak? It was the end of my first relationship, almost killed Bill, I was staked, raped and almost drained. Bubba almost got crucified. Eric risked his life to save me. I killed someone -granted she was going to kill me, but still- and I was on the bad side of the King of Mississippi for a while. And because I had to act like a Were's girlfriend, Bubba killed someone who was after me, I had to dispose of a body, and eventually a were-bitch tried to shoot me, so I had to kill someone else in my kitchen. Damn, and it just snowballed from there. That disk will kill us all</em>. I sat straight up as the realization rocked through me. <em>That disk will kill us all. Me, Pam, Bubba, Bill... and Eric. Oh, god, we're all dead, we just don't know it yet. Oh, no. I can't deal with this, I need another drink. </em></div><em><div align="left"><br /></em>I tried to stand up. Note the word 'tried'. I got halfway and fell back on my butt. Nope, I was definitely not sober. I managed to make my way into the kitchen to pour another super-stiff drink. Somehow, I even made it back to the couch without spilling any. I restarted the movie and tried to focus, determined not to sink back into thoughts of the database. </div><div align="left"><br />Just as Shaun and Ed were beating the snot out of a couple zombies with a cricket bat and a shovel, Eric threw himself down on the couch next to me. He sniffed the air around me, "You're toasted." I stared at him for a second before busting up laughing, thinking it was hilarious that a thousand year old vampire would use modern slang. Hey, I <em>was</em> toasted. He got that wicked glint in his eye, darted in, and started sucking on my ear. Immediately, I stopped laughing and started moaning. </div><div align="left"><br />"Did I say something funny, lover?" I couldn't remember. All I knew is that I needed him, and I needed him now. I leaned down and bit his neck, but not hard enough to draw blood. </div><div align="left"><br />He growled in my ear as his hands ran under my sweater, "Do that again, Sookie, and I'll have you right now." I licked his ear, kissed his neck, and bit harder. This time I tasted blood. Before I knew what was happening Eric had me in the study and he was punching in the code to his room. I bit again in the same spot. When I felt him begin to bleed, I latched on and sucked. His whole body shook underneath me. We barely made it down the stairs before we started ripping each others clothes off. </div><div align="left"><br />He stood me up next to the bed and I fumbled with my pants. By the time I had my button undone, Eric was completely naked. I couldn't help but stop what I was doing to stare at him. "Wow." I heard my voice say, and he laughed. </div><div align="left"><br />He swooped in on me and tore my clothes from me faster than I thought possible. "You think that was 'wow'? Wait until you see what I'm going to do to you." He growled in my ear, his voice dripping with sex. He gently maneuvered me backwards to the bed, and when the back of my legs hit the mattress, I flopped ungracefully down. Before I could recover my sense of balance, his mouth landed on my center. He sucked my nub into his mouth and ran his teeth over it.<br />I twisted my hands in his hair and pulled. He moaned and pushed his fingers inside me. I felt them curl and I screamed in ecstasy. Knowing he found my spot, he flicked his fingers against it again, giving me another mind-bending orgasm. I heard my voice again, and I was shocked at what it said, "Eric, oh god... I, uuhhh... I need you to fuck me... oh my god, Eric... fuck me!" </div><div align="left"><br />His mouth found mine and I tasted myself. With one quick thrust he was buried in me all the way. I screamed in pleasure as he held my hips still and plunged into me over and over so hard I thought my pelvis would break. I didn't care, I just wanted it faster, harder, deeper. Suddenly he flipped me over so I was on my hands and knees. Before I had a chance to miss him inside me he was back, his hands on my hips, pounding into me. He smacked my ass and a guttural, animalistic sound came out of me. He flipped me on my back again and kept thrusting like there was no tomorrow. I was close to coming, and when Eric leaned over me and sank his fangs into my neck, my whole body convulsed with pleasure. I felt him stiffen a second after me, and I knew he had come, too. </div><div align="left"><br />He leaned against the headboard and we started our usual post-sex snuggling. I reached up to give him a kiss, "I love you, Eric. I'm scared about all this. I don't want to lose you right after I found you." He held me tighter to his chest. </div><div align="left"><br />"Sookie, my only love, you won't lose me. I will never allow anything to separate us." He seemed to think for a moment. "Just to be safe, though, I would like for you to take some more of my blood. I want you to be as strong as possible for anything that may happen. If you will permit it, I would like to give you a bit daily, so the strength can be maintained. Before you can say it, I know you do not want to be turned, and rest assured you won't be. I promise I would never force that upon you for any reason." </div><div align="left"><br />He was right, of course. Sometimes I think that Eric knew me better than I did. "Well, I already got a taste earlier, I guess more blood wouldn't hurt." I smiled at his shocked face. After almost a week of me not arguing with him every chance I got, you would think he would stop staring at me like that when I agreed with him. Since he's already shocked, I might as well take the lead. "If I remember correctly, I believe that this," I straddled him, "is the best position." </div><div align="left"><br />Eric wrapped his arms around my waist and moaned when I licked his neck. I bit down in the same spot I had earlier and my mouth filled with the coppery liquid. He entered me, slowly moving me up and down on his erection. I latched onto the flow of blood and sucked. Every time I pulled, he groaned. As I threw my head back and yelled his name, he shuddered inside me. I looked in his eyes and they gazed back at me, burning. I licked my lips, tasting the blood that remained and shivering in delight. </div><div align="left"><br />I moved off of him and settled on the bed. Eric got up and stumbled over to the mini-fridge he kept down here. He pulled out a bottle of blood, nuked it, and came back to bed. "You, my dear Sookie, are the only woman who has ever made me weak in the knees." I smiled, curling into his side while he replenished the blood I took from him. When he was done drinking, he scooted down to lay next to me and we fell alseep in each other's arms. </div>noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-26508831688679764702008-12-26T13:46:00.002-05:002008-12-26T13:54:33.454-05:00Dead Hearts Ch 9The first thing I heard in the morning was a sharp knock on my door. I stretched and rubbed my eyes. "Yea?"<br /><br />Amelia opened the door and poked her head in. "Hey, sleepyhead. You got a delivery."<br /><br />"M'kay. I'll be out in a few." She closed the door and I forced myself out of bed. My whole body ached. I guess that's what happens when you have more sex in three days than you have in the past year. I showered, towel dried my hair and threw on some sweats and a baggy t-shirt.<br /><br />Amelia was waiting for me in the kitchen. She bounced over to me and gave me a big hug. "Sookie, I missed you. What's been going on while we were gone?" I mumbled something not-very-nice at her. "Oops, I know, no perkiness before coffee. My bad, Sook." She sat down and fidgeted impatiently, waiting for me to pour a cup and sit at the table before she started again. When Amelia was excited, she was more hyper than a terrier on crack.<br /><br />"When did you get back, Amelia?"<br /><br />"About ten. The retreat was so much fun, I learned a few new spells, and met some more people that live closer than New Orleans. And Tray called this morning and we have a date tonight. And you got some packages." So that's what she was excited about. She enjoyed me getting gifts almost more than I did. Amelia was one-of-a-kind, and that was a good thing. I love her like a sister, but I don't think the world could handle more than one of her.<br /><br />I had two boxes. A large square and a long rectangular one. Talk about dejá vu. I opened the long one first, and it contained two dozen long-stemmed red roses. There was a note attached.<br /><br /><em>A rose for every hour of the day that I miss you when you are not in my arms.</em><br /><br /><em>I love you, Eric</em><br /><br />I felt the warmth of a blush spread across my cheeks, and I smiled to myself. Amelia was beside herself. "Ohmigod, Sookie, are those from Eric? I knew the two of you would work things out! Aaww, I wonder if Tray will ever get me roses?" I made it a point to ignore her, because I knew she was just thinking out loud. I opened up the second box to find an outfit identical to the one Eric destroyed last night, except it was much finer quality. The sweater was cashmere, and the skirt was silk. Underneath that were at least twenty pairs of skimpy underwear. Red, blue, black, white, pink. Lacy, smooth, see-through. Boy-short, bikini, thong, and even a pair of...crotch-less? I blushed furiously and quickly covered up the offending garments with the skirt. I saw another note tucked in the corner of the box.<br /><br /><em>Lover, I hope you enjoy your presents. I know I will. Wear some for me tonight.</em><br /><br />I could see the leer on his face when he was writing that. Well, if he wanted to buy panties specifically to rip off me, that was fine by me. Amelia said she was going to finish unpacking, and I was left alone with my thoughts. I drank my coffee and tried to think about Eric asking me to move in. <em>It seems wrong to move in with him right now. I mean, we've officially been together for three days. And already he wants to buy me a car and have me move into his house. If I didn't know to expect that type of stuff from him, that would be seriously creepy. And we are bonded. Hm, he's big on negotiations and compromises, what can I do so he'll be satisfied without letting him buy me a car or move in?</em><br /><em><br /></em>Pondering that, I put the roses in a vase in the living room and I got ready for my shift at Merlotte's. I worked the split shift today, and even though I hated it, I was happy because I got off work at nine and I had all night to be with Eric. I decided on wearing a pair of lacy pink boy-shorts that he bought me. Luckily, I had a matching bra. I put on my uniform and headed to the bar. I would be a little early, but I didn't mind, and I knew Sam wouldn't either.<br /><br />I walked in the employee's entrance and stopped in the office to put my purse in Sam's desk. He was leaned over some paperwork, and I interrupted his concentration when I came in. "Hey, boss. How's it going?"<br /><br />"Fine, Sookie. You look better today. Did you have a good weekend?" His eyes ran over my neck and stopped at the edge of my shirt. One of Eric's fang marks was showing. "Oh. I guess you and Eric made up, huh?"<br /><br />"Yeah, you could say that."<br /><br />"Well, hon, you make sure he treats you right. You aren't some skanky fangbanger to be treated like a piece of meat. I'll stake him if he starts that stuff." I felt a jolt of pain when he said that.<br /><br />"Oh, no, Sam. I appreciate the offer, or at least the thought behind it. But I doubt I'll ever be treated like 'some skanky fangbanger'. I'd stake his ass myself before I'd let that happen." He smiled when I said that.<br /><br />"Point taken, Sookie. Just be careful with him. You know how vampires are." <em>More than you know, Sam, more than you know.</em><br /><br />"Okay, I'm off to work for the slave driver." He laughed. "I'll talk to you later, Sam." I gave him a peck on the cheek and went out front.<br /><br />It was dead, just as I expected. One o'clock in the afternoon on a Monday isn't exactly the busiest time at a bar. Arlene was waiting on a table, and turned just enough to glare at me when I entered. I didn't even give it a second thought. She had completely changed since her sixth -or was it her seventh- 'soulmate' turned her onto The Fellowship of the Sun. Every time she walked by me, she made it a point to huff loudly, like she smelled something bad. I ignored it. If she was weak-willed enough to be drawn into that cult of wackos it was her own damn problem. I had enough issues of my own to deal with to be bothered with hers anymore.<br /><br />I busied myself with refilling all the salt and pepper shakers and napkin holders. I wiped off all the tables and chairs, the bar and all the stools. I even took the time to face all the liquor bottles and clean all the taps. The only person to come in was Jane Bodehouse, our resident alcoholic. I poured her drink, took her money, and went back to the storeroom to get a few more bar towels for Sam.<br /><br />When I came back out front, Claudine was sitting at the bar, looking fabulous as usual. Her hair was down and fell almost down to her butt. She had on a turquoise sweater and a chocolate colored asymetrical skirt. She also was wearing stilettos that added about five inches to her already considerable height. I broke into a wide smile when I saw her and ran up to give her a hug. Then I remembered I was supposed to be upset with her.<br /><br />"Claudine, why didn't you tell me Claude got a contract? I found a romance novel with my picture on it the other day!"<br /><br />"Actually, dear, that's what I was here to tell you. He just got signed last month, and he only told me about the book last week. I figured with everything else going on in your life, you didn't need to worry about it."<br /><br />"My life hasn't been squat except for work until a few days ago." I blushed, remembering my date.<br /><br />"Oh my, come, sit, spill." I followed her to one of the tables in my section, noticing that with her shoes she was taller than Eric, and that was saying something. We dished about my weekend, about how her and Claude were doing, and just enjoyed each others company.<br /><br />I got up twice to refill Jane's drink, but other than that, I didn't have a single customer. Sam came out to say hi to Claudine, but seeing all my work was done, plus some extra, he didn't say anything about me talking for so long. Arlene kept giving me dirty looks, so I indulged my evil side and smiled at her while I took a sip of my soda. She turned red and went back to working. Claudine left around 4:30, and about half an hour later, people started coming in.<br /><br />I served burgers and beer and did it with a genuine smile on my face. My shields were up and everyone's thoughts were just a gentle buzz in the background. Only twice did I actually pay attention to the buzzing. Once when Arlene got close enough to me to see my fang marks, she practically screamed in my head that I was damned and a slut and blah blah blah. Arlene calling someone else a slut is truly the pot calling the kettle black.<br /><br />The other time I paid attention is when a blank spot appeared. It was only likely to be one of two vampires, and one I knew was out of town until next week. Lo and behold, in walked Eric. He caught my eye and smiled. I blushed, and I felt desire run across the bond.<br /><br />To my surprise, instead of taking a seat in my section, he walked up to the bar and spoke to Sam. Sam's eyes widened, and he motioned for Terry Bellefleur to take over bartending. Terry wasn't working tonight, but he was in a good enough mood to oblige Sam for a little while. Sam and Eric stepped in the back as Terry took over the bar like he had been there all night.<br /><br />A little while later, they came back out and Eric took a seat at my section. He ordered an O negative, and when I asked what he wanted with Sam, he promised to tell me after I got off. I went behind the bar to heat up his blood and I asked Sam the same thing. He just shook his head as if to say it wasn't important and kept serving drinks. At least I had Eric's promise to tell me later.<br /><br />I worked the rest of my shift like a madwoman, and I refreshed Eric's drink twice. When I got off, I went out to my car and he was waiting for me. He hugged me and inhaled deeply. "You smell delectable, lover."<br /><br />"Claudine was in earlier. I sat with her for a while." His fangs ran out when I told him that. "Never mind that, what was all that business with you and Sam?"<br /><br />He tensed up. "I was warning him about the new drug. I know that the redhead that works here is attached to the Fellowship, and that vampires drink here." I sensed there was something else, so I crossed my arms and waited. "And... I also asked him to give you some time off." I was enraged.<br /><br />"Eric, how dare you! We start seeing each other and all of a sudden you want me to move in, and buy me a car, and work for you, and now you're trying to get me to come away from my job for whatever reason? I thought you knew me better than that, Eric Northman!" He looked at me without expression.<br /><br />"Felicia is dead."<br /><div align="center"><br /><><><><><><><><><><></div><br />I sat at my kitchen table and watched Eric. We had driven to my house separately and I warmed him up some blood to drink while I changed. He was deep in thought, unmoving. If I didn't know better, I would have thought he was having some downtime. "So what happened?"<br /><br />He looked up at me and then back down to his bottle. "After we left someone slipped something into Felicia's favorite girl's drink. She closed down the bar, and they went out in the alley. When the owner of the dry cleaners next door came in to work this morning, he found the girl laying there and what was left of Felicia disintegrating. He called 911 and now the girl is in the hospital in Shreveport, in a coma. They are trying analyze whatever is in her system, but that could take a while."<br /><br />"That's horrible! Was Felicia staked or did the stuff kill her outright?"<br /><br />"I do not know. There was no stake at the scene, but that does not mean that one was not used."<br />"What does this mean for Fangtasia?"<br /><br />"I honestly do not know, Sookie. If this cannot be resolved... I might have to close down." I felt his misery at that. Fangtasia was Eric's baby. And to tell the truth, I couldn't imagine it not being there. The thought of him not being able to sit in his booth and be king of his own little domain sent a pang of hurt through me.<br /><br />"What can I do, Eric? I don't want to see the bar closed. Anything, just ask me." I reached across the table and held his hand. He absently stroked the back of my hand with his thumb.<br /><br />"I got you a temporary reprieve from working for the shi- ...for Sam." I raised my eyebrows at that. He never called Sam by his name. "He understands the severity of this situation. If the Fellowship manages to drive vampires back into obscurity, what will happen to the Weres and shifters when they go public? I do not particularly care for their issues, nor do they care for vampire problems, but the Fellowship of the Sun has become a thorn in many supernatural sides, and something must be done to stop them. With this new drug, they are going out of their way to harm fellow humans because of their different beliefs.<br /><br />"To answer your question, I would like you to accompany me to the bar from opening to closing daily, until we get a lead on this. Starting tomorrow, Fangtasia's hours will be restricted. You have been given a leave of absence until further notice. Sam's only stipulation is that we keep him informed, which is no hardship. You will be compensated for time spent away from your job, and you will immediately be placed on our payroll, according you all the benefits of working under me." He smiled a bit at that.<br /><br />"I would still be waitressing though, right? Or would I just be arm candy?"<br /><br />"Waitressing, However, I reserve the right to claim you as 'arm candy' when I deem it necessary." He genuinely smiled at me. "I would also like to suggest that you stay with me for the duration. I do not believe your car would survive very long going back and forth to Shreveport so often, and I would prefer not to spend half of my night driving."<br /><br />I wanted to argue with him, but I could see he was right. My Malibu was almost ten years old, and Shreveport was an hour away. And even though it was only a twenty minute drive when Eric was behind the wheel, it wasn't fair to make him chauffeur me around because I couldn't suck it up and stay with my boyfriend for a couple weeks.<br /><br />"Alright, Eric. Let me go pack." He looked shocked. I guess he was prepared to fight me on it. Jeez, how hard am I to get along with? I really need an attitude adjustment if everyone thinks I'm going to fight them tooth and nail for everything. "Oh, shoot. I never got new luggage after Rhodes." I would have asked Amelia to let me borrow hers, but she was out with Tray, and I didn't want to bother her.<br /><br />Apparently, Eric thought I was trying to make an excuse to not come with him. "Oh no, lover. You agreed and you are coming. Let me take care of this." And with that, he grabbed my hand and pulled me out the door, barely giving me time to lock up. I slid into his Corvette -I was beginning to love this car- and he drove to the 24-hour WalMart a couple towns over.<br /><br />He picked up the biggest set of luggage they carried and bought it for me. When we walked back outside, a few people had stopped to gawk at his car. I had to laugh. It wasn't often, or ever, that you saw a brand new Corvette parked in front of a WalMart. Eric growled at the teenagers and they scattered. He threw the bags in the trunk, and when we got back to my house, he sat on my bed while I packed just about everything in my room.<br /><br />I wrote a note for my roommate while Eric carried my stuff to his car.<br /><br /><em>Amelia-</em><br /><br /><em>Something came up and I'm staying with Eric for a couple weeks. If you need to get a hold of me, I have my cell. I'll keep in touch.</em><br /><br /><em>Sookie</em><br /><br />Eric was almost giddy when we reached his house. He refused to let me carry a single thing, floated up the stairs (literally), and he had such a huge smile on his face that I thought it would get stuck. It was without a doubt the most ludicrous thing I have ever seen, even though it was beyond touching that he was so happy to have me staying with him. I never, not in a million years, would have ever thought that a vampire could act like a schoolgirl high on PixieStix, but Eric proved me wrong.<br /><br />We cuddled on the couch and watched 'Gone With the Wind'. We talked and laughed and made love. When we finally made it to his day room, I was exhausted. Eric wrapped his arms around me and held me close while I drifted to sleep.noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-86876295780183056172008-12-26T13:20:00.002-05:002008-12-26T13:44:45.058-05:00Dead Hearts Ch 8For over four hours I listened to people's thoughts, and not a single person had any ideas of harming anyone else, unless it was part of some kinky sex thing. When Eric finished making his calls and came out to sit with me, most of the fantasies began revolving around him. A few had me starring, and a couple involved both of us. <em>Oooo-kay</em>, I thought, and switched channels quickly after those. When we made our circut around the bar so Eric could mingle with the other vamps, a few sets of fangs ran out when they saw me. As sick as I knew it was, another part of me loved my ability to make vampires want me. I made a mental note to call a shrink in the morning.<br /><br />Pam joined us occasionally, and always kept Eric between us. Once in a while, when she knew he was watching, she would wink at me or lick her lips. He tensed up and narrowed his eyes at her every time. I was beginning to see why she enjoyed teasing him so often, it was very entertaining. He stayed glued to my hip the entire night, and by closing time, all of the fangbangers and most of the waitresses wanted to punch me in the face.<br /><br />When he felt my mood change, I told him what was wrong and in classic Eric fashion, he just had to make a statement. He led me to the dance floor and pressed against me as we swayed to the music. When he kissed me, I was glad he held me so close, because I felt my knees buckle. He smiled and kissed me again as he swirled me around.<br /><br />I had a headache by the time Fangtasia closed for the night. Sorting through so many minds used a lot of energy and I was ready to go home and relax in front of the fire. Strange, I'm already thinking of Eric's as home. <em>Ugh, it's too soon, way too soon</em>. When we left, I asked if we could stop and get some aspirin. He pulled into a 24-hour drugstore and helped me out of the car.<br /><br />Inside, I excused myself to use the restroom. When I came back out, Eric was occupying himself by leafing through some cheesy romance novels. I laughed, and he held up the one he was looking at. On the cover, a male model wearing fur and holding a big sword closely resembled Eric, long blond hair and bright blue eyes included. "Oh, I don't know, Eric. I think I prefer real vikings."<br /><br />"Think that's bad? Look at this one." He held up a second book and I gasped. I was looking at a picture of Claude, bending me backwards over his arm. I snatched the book from him and stared at it, open-mouthed.<br /><br />"How did they... but when... Claudine never even told me!" I never expected Claude to have the courtesy to tell me that he finally made it as a model, but I thought Claudine would. And I never expected it to be so soon. Eric plucked the novel from my hands and put the other one back on the rack.<br /><br />"I think I just found some new reading material." I stared at him. "After all, the thought of you hanging all over a fairy... I cannot pass this up." He grinned broadly and I grabbed the book back from him. He shrugged, picked up another copy from the display and walked away.<br /><br />I stomped after him. Stopping to grab a bottle of aspirin and a bottle of water, we went to the register and he paid for everything, including the book. I was determined to stay mad at him, but his cheer flowed through the bond and I found it impossible. Before we made it back to the car, I had already knocked back a few pills and a couple swallows of water.<br /><br />Back at his house, Eric turned on the fire and popped in a DVD. We cuddled on the couch and watched 'V for Vendetta'. Definitely not the most romantic movie ever, but Eric said it was one of his favorites, and I liked it, too. Before it was over, I was asleep in his arms. I woke up a little when he carried me upstairs, but didn't open my eyes. He laid me on a bed and began to remove my clothes. "Eric, I'm tired. Can we not do this right now?"<br /><br />"I'm just being considerate, lover. I did not think that you would want your new dress to get all wrinkled." I looked at him and he was grinning. "Besides, dear one, if you just lay back, I will do all the work." He touched me through my panties and I gasped. My legs automatically spread as he gently rubbed me. He stopped for a moment to finish taking my dress off and then went to the closet to hang it up. He pulled my underwear off just as carefully as he removed the dress, and replaced the cloth with his mouth. This was a man who loved his oral sex, and I was certainly not going to be the one to deny him.<br /><br />He licked me until I came, and then until I was ready again. Crawling up the length of my body, he kissed and licked and nibbled every inch of skin he could reach before settling on my lips. I could taste myself on his tongue, and I moaned his name when he pushed inside me. His hands ran up and down my body, feather-light touches that made me shiver. "Tell me, Eric."<br /><br />"I love you, Sookie, and I will always be yours."<br /><br />"Oh, Eric, I am yours, I love you so much."<br /><br />He thrusted a little faster, sensing that I was on the brink. He licked my neck and I felt his fangs graze me. He bit down and his whole body vibrated as he exploded inside me. My muscles clenched around him and an orgasm rocked through me. He pulled out and laid down beside me. He pulled me into his embrace and threw one of his legs over mine. "I love you, Sookie. I will never get tired of telling you this. And I will worship your body every single night for the rest of our lives."<br /><br />I started crying at his words. "That is the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me, Eric. I love you, too." I reached up to kiss lips, then snuggled back into him, kissed his chest and fell asleep.<br /><div align="center"><br /><><><><><><><><><><></div><br />I woke up slowly, a strange weight on my side and an unusual warmth at my back. I turned over and accidentally kneed Eric in the thigh. He was out though, so he didn't even flinch. I craned my neck to look over his shoulder at the clock. 5:02 p.m. I had slept for over twelve hours and Eric would be awake any minute now. I pushed his arm off me and stumbled out of bed. A sudden pain lanced through my guts. I needed to find a bathroom, and I needed to do it fast. I felt around the walls for a light switch. When I found one and flipped it, I saw that I was in a different room than last night. I hadn't stumbled upon it when I was looking around, so I had no clue where I was. Luckily, through a cracked door, I saw the gleam of white tile and rushed over. After I was done with my business, I washed my face in the sink and noticed that I didn't have any bite marks on my neck. Aw, how sweet, he healed me after I fell asleep.<br /><br />I flicked the light back off and crawled back into bed, flopping Eric's arm back over me and pressing my back into his chest. I closed my eyes and waited for him to wake up. I knew the moment he regained conciousness because he tightened his arm around me and kissed my neck.<br /><br />"Good morning, my love. How did you sleep?"<br /><br />"Excellent, thank you. And thanks for healing me up, too."<br /><br />"It was my pleasure, dear one," he purred in my ear. "I enjoyed holding you in my arms as you slept. You are so beautiful; I couldn't take my eyes off of you until I had no other choice."<br /><br />I pressed even closer to him, and found evidence that he enjoyed waking up with me. "So how about we get cleaned up and-" I was swept off the bed and into the shower before I could blink. Eric stood me up in the stall and turned on the water. I turned around and pressed my palms against the wall, shaking my bottom at him suggestively. He growled with desire and his fingers found me. Leaning over my back, he reached around and pulled on my nipple. I gasped as he removed his fingers and entered me. We moved together, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, until he kissed my shoulderblades and sunk his fangs into my neck. We came together and my knees gave out. Eric held me up until I could stand again, then we washed each other and toweled ourselves dry.<br /><br />"Where are we?" I asked as we went back into the bedroom and got dressed.<br /><br />"My day room."<br /><br />"And where is that? I didn't see this yesterday when I looked around, and I didn't find any locked doors."<br /><br />He chuckled. "Sookie, you don't live to be as old as I am without learning a few things about safety." He opened a door and I saw a narrow staircase leading up. Taking my hand, we walked out the door and he closed it behind us. There was no handle on this side.<br /><br />"But, how..." I was confused. He pointed at a small keypad on the wall.<br /><br />"There. And there is another one at the top of the stairs as well. Both have different codes that are changed every so often." I nodded and followed him upstairs. <em>Wow, this is a long staircase</em>. At the top, Eric pushed open another door and I found myself in the study. I stepped into the middle of the room and turned around to look at him. He closed the door he was holding, and a bookcase settled against the wall. If I hadn't just come through there, I would have sworn he was crazy if he told me there was a door there. I didn't see a keypad, though.<br /><br />"Where's the thingy?"<br /><br />He walked to the other side of the room and moved a light switch cover to reveal it. "Ingenious, isn't it?" He asked proudly. "Who would think to come to the top floor to get to the basement?"<br /><br />"How can you have a basement? The water table is too high out here."<br /><br />"It isn't a full basement, the bedroom and bathroom is all that is down there. Any more and I couldn't have done it. As it is, it cost more than I like to remember. But," he shrugged, "I'd rather be safe than sorry." I couldn't fault the logic.<br /><div align="center"><br /><><><><><><><><><><></div><br />A little while later, we had the agenda for the evening. Dinner first, then Fangtasia. After the bar closed, Eric would drop me off at my house because I had to work tomorrow. He was far from happy about that, but I told him that I was still considering his offer of moving in, I just needed some time to think.<br /><br />For dinner, Eric treated me to italian. He wore jeans and a button-down shirt that brought out the blue of his eyes. I was dressed in a simple black skirt and a red v-neck sweater. At Fangtasia, it was business as usual. Fangbangers hated me, Pam tried to get a rise out of Eric, and Felicia insisted on making me special drinks all night. Apparently Pam had reminded her that it was 'my fault' that all the other bartenders had died. She certainly had a sense of humor, that Pam.<br /><br />The minds I read this evening were no different than last night. Sex, sex, sex, sex. Gosh, didn't anyone ever realize that vampires enjoyed things outside of the bedroom, too? Granted, most things eventually led back there, but that was beside the point.<br /><br />Eric got a few phone calls from vampires that he talked to yesterday, so Pam was on bodyguard duty on and off all night. Since our little 'display' on the dance floor, she seemed to have accepted me as something of a friend. I wasn't up to par with a vamp, of course, but at least she no longer treated me like her pet. We gossiped for a little bit, and I found out that we had generally the same taste in movies and music. I told her about my picture of Eric as the Sheriff of Nottingham, and she laughed so hard she had to wipe her eyes. The vampire in question walked up just as she was calming down and looked at her, raising his eyebrows. "It's nothing, Sheriff." She laughed again as she walked away. Eric looked at me in question. I just waved my hand in dismissal.<br /><br />"It's nothing, you know how Pam is." He just looked at me, and I knew he would ask again later. "Are we just about done here?" It was getting close to 2 a.m.<br /><br />"Yes, lover. If you still insist, I am ready to drive you back to Bon Temps so you can continue with your servitude to the shifter." I wanted to protest the way he said 'shifter', but I knew that Sam sounded the same way when he spoke about vampires.<br /><br />"Let's go, then. I'm tired of listening to people think about sex."<br /><br />His eyes blazed. "I don't want to listen to it, either. I want to do it." He swept me out of the bar and into the Corvette. We were at my house in record time, and I barely had time to unlock the door and get inside before he was on top of me. My clothes were ripped off me and we had sex right there on my kitchen floor. It was hard and fast and intense. When we were done, I picked up the remains of my outfit and threw them in the garbage.<br /><br />"That's another outfit you owe me, mister. I really liked that sweater." I frowned at the scraps of fabric in the can. "At this rate, I'm going to have a whole new wardrobe by next week."<br /><br />Eric looked thrilled at the prospect. "I may just hold you to that, my love." I rolled my eyes.<br /><br />"Alright, time for the human to go to sleep. As much as I would love for you to stay with me, I know I won't get any rest with you here, and I have to get up at a decent time tomorrow."<br /><br />He pushed his lower lip out and tried to give me puppy dog eyes. "Do I really have to go, lover?"<br /><br />"Yes! Now be gone, vampire. I love you, and I'll see you tomorrow."<br /><br />He brightened at that. "I will never tire of hearing you say that, <em>minn sváss</em>. I love you, too, Sookie. Goodnight, my lover, and sleep well." He leaned down and gave me a passionate kiss. He tried to push further, but I stepped back and laughed. "You are a hard-hearted woman, my love."<br /><br />"Damn right I am." He laughed as he walked out the door.noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-77356899254771300322008-12-26T13:10:00.002-05:002008-12-26T13:20:16.560-05:00Dead Hearts Ch 7I woke up sore but refreshed. I was alone in the gigantic bed and the room was pitch black except for a clock that read 4:34 p.m. Eric would be awake in less than an hour. Stretching, I walked across the room and flipped the lightswitch by the door. Now I understood why it was so dark; Eric had opaque glass installed, like in the vampire hotels. With the lights on, I could now see that the opulence of the living room and kitchen was continued upstairs. Eric must really have a thing for dark wood, because it was everywhere in this room, too.<br /><br />The king size sleigh bed was carved with a tiny pattern of leaves and vines, and was absolutely gorgeous. It had (very rumpled) midnight blue silk sheets and a matching comforter. The large dresser and nightstands were carved in the same pattern as the bed. It felt wrong to leave the beautiful bed unmade, but I had urgent 'human needs' -as Eric called them- to take care of, and I had no idea where the bathroom was. There were only two doors in this room, and one led to a small closet. After poking around for something to wear, I put on one of Eric's spare button-down shirts and a pair of boxers, and I went out the other door into the hallway. There were several doors on either side of the hall, and all of them were closed. I sighed and started peeking in.<br /><br />The first door led to another bedroom, this one done in tones of red and gold, and of course, the requisite dark wood. The second door held a small utility closet with a vacuum, a feather duster and a few other cleaning products. It seemed ridiculous the think of a vampire having a closet of cleaning stuff. I mean, when you think of a vampire, you certainly don't picture them doing mundane housework. I imagined Eric wearing an apron, pushing the vacuum and dusting, and I laughed out loud. That was almost as good as the Sheriff of Nottingham. I knew he probably had a maid service or something, but it was funny all the same. The third door I came to held what I think was a preview of Heaven.<br /><br />The bathroom was decadent, to say the very least. The one place in the house that dark wood did not reign, it was white. White tile, white porcelain, white towels, white marble. A shower big enough for a small car dominated the furthest corner. It was completely surrouned with glass, and I could see showerheads running up and down the walls. One of the attachments that simulated rain was hung above the center, and I shivered to think of how much fun could be had in there. And I'm sure Eric would happily oblige, I reminded myself and smiled. The pool -it was certainly too big to be referred to as a bathtub- took up the opposite corner. Six people could easily fit inside, and jets everywhere ensured that everyone would be satisfied. After I took care of my human needs, I washed my hands and saw a small note taped to the mirror. I dried off, marveling at how impossibly soft the towels were, and picked up the note to read it.<br /><br /><em>My dearest Sookie-</em><br /><br /><em>If you have found this, you have woken up before me. I am truly sorry that I was not there to wake you up myself, but rest assured I will make it up to you later. Feel free to explore the house, and while you are here, I insist you consider it your home as well. There is some food for you in the kitchen if you are hungry, and anything I do not have that you require we will purchase this evening. </em><br /><br /><em>I will see you soon, lover.</em><br /><br /><em>-E</em><br /><br />I contemplated taking a shower so I would be refreshed and ready for Eric when he woke up, but decided against it. I know he would much rather help me get clean, and I wanted to experience that shower to the fullest, so I decided to head to the kitchen and see if I could find coffee. As I walked towards the stairs, I looked in every room. I found two more bedrooms, a study, and another bathroom. This one wasn't nearly as sinful as the other, but it was still very fancy. The staircase wound around a large foyer and ended by the front door. I unlocked and opened the large french doors and was confronted with a large and perfectly manicured front lawn. I stepped outside and turned to look at the front of the house. Last night I saw that the house was two stories and was big, but it was beautiful, too. It was red brick, with large white columns and black shutters. The rays of the setting sun glinted dully off of the opaque glass. I went back inside, locked the door and went straight through the living room, into the kitchen, and out to the backyard. Oh, my. I was speechless. The large patio I was standing on held an outdoor bar/grill and a fabulous table set. A huge Jacuzzi overflowed into what looked like an Olympic-size swimming pool. A diving board was on the far side of the pool, and past that, a football-field size expanse of more perfectly manicured yard. I knew Eric had more money than I could ever dream of, but this was insane.<br /><br />After another minute, I decided I needed my morning fix and went in to find some coffee. Of course, Eric had my favorite brand ready. I sat at the bar and sunk deep into thought while I sipped. <em>Okay, Eric is loaded. Looooaded. He's used to the finer things in life, and here I am, a barmaid that's been on the brink of being poor more than once. The only reason I'm not penniless right now is the money that he gave me for keeping him earlier this year. If I didn't have that, I don't know what I would have done when my house burnt. I don't want to be a kept woman. I am not some gold-digging trailer trash, and that's exactly what I'll feel like if I keep letting him take me out and buy me things</em>. I put my face in my hands and massaged my temples. <em>But I'm miserable without him. I don't know what to do. I can't let him spoil me, but I know he'll insist on it. I don't want to- no, I can't live without him again, I love him and- WHAT?!</em> My head snapped up and my eyes widened. <em>I...I love him? But... but... oh my god... I'm... in love... with a... a vampire.</em> As much as my head wanted to deny it, my heart knew it was true.<br /><br />Right on cue, Eric wrapped his arms around me and kissed my cheek. "Good morning, my lover." I burst into tears and he panicked. "Sookie... Sookie, love, what is wrong?" He picked me up and sat down on the couch, cradling me in his arms. He made soothing noises and stroked my hair. "Dear one, will you not tell me what is wrong? Is something wrong with the house? If anything disturbed you, consider it changed." This made me bawl even harder. "Lover, I cannot help you if you will not tell me what is wrong."<br /><br />I managed to calm myself down enough to speak. "Eric, you're too good for me. I mean, look at this place. You live in a palace and you have more money that I can even think about." He tried to speak, but I put a finger to his lips. "I know you don't think it matters, but it does. I am a barmaid, Eric. <em>A barmaid</em>. I live off of tips from serving people beer and chicken fingers. I have been pennies away from being in the poorhouse. You own at least one business, and I'm sure have more investments than I can comprehend. You insist on buying me things, and I don't deserve it. I never did anything to make you like me, and on more than one occasion, I've gone out of my way to irritate you. I honestly don't know why you want to be with me. The only thing I can think is because of the fairy in me. There are tons of women would die to be with you, literally." I let out a single, rueful laugh at that. "And I'm sure any of them wouldn't be anywhere near the trouble I am."<br /><br />He waited until he was sure I was finished before speaking. "Sookie, I know that you think it matters that I am rich and you are not, but to me that makes no difference whatsoever. I care not that you are a barmaid. I would want to be with you no matter what your career. I insist on buying you things because it makes me feel good to do nice things for you, since you have had so few people treat you as you deserve throughout your life. And I am well aware that you have done things purposely and expressly to anger me, but that is what I admire about you, lover. It has nothing to do with your heritage. You have a fire inside you, a flair for life. I am also well aware that most other women would do anything to be with me. I fend off hordes of them every time I enter my bar. But they do not, nor does any other woman, have a fraction of the allure that you do."<br /><br />"Eric, you're a thousand years old. You were alive when the last millenium rolled around. You've seen and done things that people can't even imagine. You can't possibly tell me that after all that time, you want to deal with me."<br /><br />He chuckled a little and rubbed my back. "That is true, lover, you are a bundle of trouble. But after seeing and doing as much as I have in my long life, don't you think that I would know what I want by now? I have also learned that human life is short, and I should take advantage of whatever life hands me, and in this case, it was you that fell into my lap. I intend to hold on to you as long as possible, Sookie, and nothing you can say will convince me otherwise. This is not the way I wanted it to come out, but," he took a deep breath and puffed out his cheeks, "Sookie Stackhouse, I am in love with you. In all my thousand years of life, I have never said that to another soul. I haved loved others, but I am <em>in love</em> with you. I would give anything to be with you. I would do anything. I cannot stand the thought of ever spending another second without you. I love you, <em>minn sváss</em>, and that will never change."<br /><br />I gaped at him, staring into his blue eyes, and I swear I could see his soul in them. I started crying again, but they were tears of joy. "Oh, Eric, I never thought... I always knew... oh, god, Eric, I love you, too." I leaned forward and kissed him. The bond swelled with happiness and warmth. I straddled him and deepened the kiss while he first removed my shirt, and then broke the kiss briefly to remove his tee. He stood up and I wrapped my legs around his waist. Settling me down on my back on the thick, fuzzy white rug, he removed my boxers and his as well. Eric laid back on top of me, pressing his body to mine, but supporting himself on his elbows. One of his hands parted my folds and a finger slipped inside. I gasped around his tongue and ran my fingers through his hair.<br /><br />"Say it, Sookie, say it for me, please," he begged.<br /><br />"I love you, Eric Northman, I love you."<br /><br />"I love you, Sookie." And he entered me. I moaned into his mouth and he began to thrust slowly, pulling almost all the way out, and pushing in until he was buried. His hand ran over me, memorizing every curve, often stopping to cup my face. I leaned into his caresses like I had never been touched before. I felt myself nearing the edge, and when he kissed his way down ny neck and bit, I fell off. He jerked inside of me, and I knew he had come, too. He laid down beside me and we held each other for a long time, whispering "I love you" back and forth. I sighed and rested my head on my viking's shoulder. <em>So this is what they write all those songs about</em>.<br /><div align="center"><br /><><><><><><><><><><></div><br />Eric parked behind Fangtasia and opened my door for me. Earlier, after another intense session of making love in the shower, he had driven me back to my house so I could grab some clothes and necessities. We then went grocery shopping and he insisted that he buy me an outfit to wear to the bar tonight. I smoothed down the silk of my new dress and shivered with enjoyment. This was, without question, the finest piece of clothing I owned, even surpassing the red and black dress from last night. It was patterned like a rainbow colored abstract painting. A black band ran underneath my boobs, and straps crossed my chest. I loved it dearly, and Eric was so ecstatic that I liked the dress so much that he bought matching shoes, underwear, and a purse. I protested when I saw the total, but he reminded me that he got as much joy as I did from the purchase. I left my hair loose and it flowed over my shoulders in tousled waves. Eric smiled at me and held out his arm in the age-old gesture of chivalry. Beaming up at him, I wrapped my arm around his and he led me inside.<br /><br />In the office, Pam was waiting for us. "Master," she said as she bowed deeply. Eric laughed and she looked up.<br /><br />"Pam, you are forgiven for any wrongdoing that may have occured yesterday evening, as long as you can keep your hands off of my lover from now on."<br /><br />She straightened from the bow and looked me over. Eric had turned to look at me, too, so only I saw her wink and the mischievous smile on her face. "I don't know, Eric, you keep dressing her like that and I won't be able to help it." His head snapped back to glare at Pam and I laughed.<br /><br />She put her hands up in a stopping motion and smiled at him, "Just kidding, boss. Well, time to go play with some humans." She winked at me one more time and walked around us. When she opened the office door, a waitress was in the hallway talking on her cell phone. "Back to work, whore!" That Pam, always a barrel of fun.<br /><br />Eric sat in his office chair and I followed, hopping up to sit on his desk. I crossed my legs and smoothed my skirt, shivering in pleasure again. He saw the look on my face and reached for me. I gave him a quick kiss on the lips, but stopped him from going further. "I just put this on, and you already want to take it off me? At least let me enjoy it for a while." He rolled his eyes and leaned back. I sighed and asked the question of the day, "So what are we going to do about this new drug?"<br /><br />He reached in the top drawer, took the Altoids container out and threw it on top of the desk. "I honestly don't know, Sookie. What I do know is that I'm going to call every important vampire I know and tell them about it so they can spread the word. This is serious. The Fellowship is sneaking drugs that make people act drunk into bars. If they have the ability to produce something like this," he angrily shook the tin, "who knows what else they have hidden up their sleeves. As a matter of fact, Sookie, that brings up something I meant to ask you. How would you feel about accompanying me in the bar on a regular basis?"<br /><br />"Um, Eric, I kind of have a job, you know, in Bon Temps? With Sam, where I've been for over five years now?" I replied with some sarcasm.<br /><br />"I am painfully aware of your association with the shifter, lover. If you agree, I fully intend on putting on the payroll, where you will not only enjoy an excellent paycheck, you will also be eligible for our health plan. And might I say, with your history, that would be no bad thing. You would be responsible for accompanying me into the bar for a few hours each night, and simply making sure that nobody is intent on killing anyone."<br /><br />"Sounds like you've given this a lot of thought."<br /><br />"I have. I tried to imagine every possible excuse you could give me and come up with a reasonable counter. Have I suceeded?" He looked smug. I had the sudden urge to slap that stupid grin off his face.<br /><br />"I live in Bon Temps, and I have an old car."<br /><br />"I'll buy you a new one. Or... you could always move in with me."<br /><br />My jaw hit the floor. "Are you serious? I can't move in with you!"<br /><br />"Why not? You love me, I love you. I understand that this is how a relationship progresses."<br /><br />"Um, yeah, but you're skipping a few steps in there. There's the dating, and the engagement, and the wedding, and <em>then </em>the moving in."<br /><br />"There isn't much that's traditional about us, Sookie. Why should we follow the regular steps when we are clearly past most of them?"<br /><br />"Well, um..." I hated when he made sense like that. "Damn you and your logic, Eric. All right, I'll think about it." He smiled broadly and rubbed his hands together. "Now that you're done being Mr. Persuasive, what's the plan for the evening?"<br /><br />"I need to make these calls immediately. I would like it if you wouldn't mind having Pam escort you around the bar again this evening." I raised an eyebrow. "And please refrain from dancing tonight, Sookie. I meant what I said about not sharing well, and I don't want you to seduce Pam again." He grinned and I playfully slapped his arm.<br /><br />Pam opened the door and walked inside, her eyes still sparkling with humor from earlier. "I promise, master, nobody will lay a finger on Sookie. And if they do, they will lose it." She smiled at Eric and showed fang.<br /><br />He laughed and gave me a kiss. I walked with Pam out to the bar and into Eric's preferred booth. I listened on the way, but of course, the only thing I heard were thoughts of sex, kinky sex, and the kind of sex that should be banned in the US. Pam settled across from me and fidgeted a little. I looked at her, surprised. Vampires don't fidget. Ever.<br /><br />"Sookie, I want to apologize for last night. All I can think is that the music and the dancing and your scent got to me, and I acted out of bloodlust. I am glad I had enough control over myself not to bite you, because I would not be sitting here right now if I had." I was shocked. Vampire apologies were very rare, and an apology to a human was unheard of.<br /><br />"It's alright, Pam. It happened, and now it's over. And actually, Eric said if we were to continue, as long as he could join in, he would be fine with it." Oh, crap. As soon as the words left my mouth, I knew it was the wrong thing to say. Pam's eyes sparkled and her pupils dilated a bit. When she spoke, her fangs were halfway out.<br /><br />"Oh, did he now?"<br /><br />"Yes, but I told him that there was absolutely no chance in hell of that ever happening. I like you Pam, but I don't swing that way."<br /><br />Her fangs retracted a little. "I know, Sookie. You get to work. I'll leave you alone so you don't attempt to seduce me again." I glared at her and she laughed. Damn vampire hearing.noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-60973348406688207432008-12-26T12:57:00.002-05:002008-12-26T13:10:32.862-05:00Dead Hearts Ch 6"Lo- lover? I thought you wouldn't want to speak to me again after...uh...after Pam." I was glad I was already sitting down, or else I would have fallen over with surprise.<br /><br />"Sookie, you have gone to such lengths to as to purposely flaunt other men in front of me, and I was still willing to be with you. I hardly think that Pam kissing you in a moment of bloodlust is enough reason to shun you. Although, I must say, it does make for a whole new issue to discuss." He turned to look at me and gave me a sweet half-smile. Reaching out, he put his index finger under my chin and pushed up. My mouth closed with an audible click. I didn't realize I was staring at him like a slack-jawed idiot.<br /><br />I turned and looked out the side window. The scenery was passing by in a blur, and I didn't want to think about how fast we were going. All I knew is that we were heading into a part of Shreveport I had never been before, and the houses were getting bigger and more expensive the longer we drove. Eric finally slowed and turned into a long, paved driveway. I couldn't see the house very well, but it had two floors and was large, very large. We pulled around back and into the attached garage. Eric turned off the car and was around to open my door immediately.<br /><br />"Sookie," he began, "you have to understand that very few people know the location of my house, and nobody knows where I rest within. I-" I cut him off.<br /><br />"Eric, I would never tell this to anyone, and to be honest, I didn't even pay attention to where we were going. Even if I did know, I swear your resting place will remain a secret." He regarded me for a moment before turning to open the door into the house. I stepped through and he flicked on the lights. "Wow, Eric. Your place is beautiful." As if that wasn't an understatement. We were in the kitchen, and it was huge. All the cabinets were made of a rich, dark wood. An island with a breakfast bar sat in the middle, and all of the appliances were stainless steel and very pricy. If this is how he treated a room he never used, I couldn't imagine how the rest of the house looked.<br /><br />I must have looked as astounded as I felt, because he waved a hand dismissively. "This is nothing, resale value only. I can give you the grand tour tomorrow, if you so desire, but there are only a few hours until dawn, and we must speak." I nodded wordlessly and followed him to the living room. It was as palatial as the kitchen, and I felt like the poor country cousin all over again. He smiled at my expression, "I take it you admire my house."<br /><br />A large fireplace took up almost an entire wall. Bookshelves flanked it, and they were filled until they were about to overflow. A flatscreen television was hung above the mantle. The room was done in dark wood and white. A white sectional took up a large portion of the floor, and a few matching armchairs were arranged throughout the room. Something seemed a little off, and I noticed that there were no photos or personal affects displayed. There was a single painting hung on an empty wall, but it seemed to be there purely to cover the blank space.<br /><br />A certain viking had made himself comfortable on the couch while I looked around. I was about to sit in an armchair when he patted the cushion next to him. I sat down, took off my shoes and curled my legs underneath me. "So, where do we start?" I asked after I settled in. He picked up a small remote and pushed a button. We watched a small fire start before he turned to look me in the eye.<br /><br />"I think we should discuss this evening, Pam in particular. I want to get this out in the open before we attempt deeper issues." I cringed. I should have known he would want to talk about that. "I have always known that Pam preferred women over men, but I had no idea you felt that way as well, Sookie."<br /><br />"Oh no, Eric, no no nonono. I like men. I don't know what happened out there. I honestly don't know why I reacted the way I did. I have no desire to be with a woman, ever."<br /><br />"That's a shame," I heard him mutter softly. I felt my eyes widen at that, and something clicked in my head.<br /><br />"It was you, you big jerk! You liked seeing me kissing Pam! Oh my god, you...you were getting off on it! I felt your lust, and... ugh, you are such a... a <em>man</em>!" I slapped his arm, but only ended up making my hand hurt. I crossed my arms and leaned away from him. He took in my look of indignation and laughed. My jaw clenched and I seethed. He was actually laughing at me, not just a chuckle either, it was a full and hearty belly laugh.<br /><br />"Oh Sookie, you are too much. I have never heard that being called a man was a bad thing. And, no, I wasn't <em>getting off</em>, as you so eloquently put it. I was not pleased to find you in someone else's arms, but after I realized that it was Pam you were wound around, I merely found it...exhilarating. I became angry only when I saw you at the bar speaking to another male."<br /><br />"What about Pam, though? She's the one that kissed me, is she... I mean, did you...?"<br /><br />"No, lover, Pam is fine. Once I understood what had happened, I could forgive her excitement. You know as well as I do that Pam has never made it a secret that she finds you attractive. If I had been in her place, my reaction would have been no better. I think that I would have fucked you right there, and damn everyone else in the room." He smiled seductively. "She did not mark you, so she must have used amazing self-control. If she had bitten you, I do not like to think of what we would be doing right now, instead of lounging in front of a fire."<br /><br />"What about her calling you 'My Lord'?"<br /><br />He snorted. "Pam knew that I was upset, but she wasn't sure where my anger was directed. She has known me long enough to know that when I am in such a mood, subservience is the surest way back into my good graces."<br /><br />"So, are we okay, then?"<br /><br />"As long as you two can keep your hands off of each other when I'm not around, the whole incident is forgiven." His fangs ran out a little and he got a devious glint in his eyes. "Of course, if I am present and you feel the need to continue where you left off, I wouldn't mind as long as I could join in."<br /><br />It took a second for what he said to sink in. Once it did, I was hopping mad. "Eric Northman, do you honestly believe that I am the type of woman who would do such a thing? I'm mortified that I kissed a woman, and now you're saying you want me in a threesome? With Pam? I don't fucking think so, buddy. Just because you've had a thousand years to learn how to be a sex god does not mean that I am going to play that little game! Besides, what kind of super-woman do you think I am that I would be able to handle having sex with two vampires at once? I can barely manage you, and I don't even want to know what Pam is like in bed!" I stepped into my shoes, grabbed my purse and headed towards the garage, fully intent on walking back to Bon Temps if I had to. I didn't even make it to the kitchen before I felt a pair of muscular arms wrap around my waist.<br /><br />"Do you really think I'm a sex god, lover?" Eric whispered, his lips barely brushing my ear as he spoke. I froze as chills spread all over my body. "I'm flattered that you think so well of me." He kissed me softly, feather-light touches all across my neck and shoulders. Releasing my waist, his hands went to my hips and turned me to face him. I gazed up at him and lost myself in his eyes, all my anger evaporating in a single second. "I do not share well, Sookie, and I have no intentions of allowing anyone else to lay a finger on you ever again. I was only stating that if you would desire anything of the sort, I would gladly oblige you." I opened my mouth to speak, but he shushed me. "However, I am now aware that you do not, nor will you ever, desire any such thing, so I will not mention it again." He bent down and kissed me. I dropped my purse and wrapped my arms around his neck. He opened his mouth appreciatively and our tongues met. I knew I was supposed to be mad about something, but for the life of me, I couldn't remember what.<br /><br />The kiss was gentle and sweet, as opposed to the lusty need of earlier. Eric broke the kiss to bend down and hook an arm behind my knees. He picked me up and cradled me against his massive chest as he walked through the living room and up a winding staircase. I only vaguely noticed this, as I was concentrating on kissing what skin of his neck and shoulder I could reach. I let my tongue trace a line up his neck, almost to his ear, and I nipped at the sensitive spot behind the earlobe. He hissed in pleasure and held me tighter. Eric kicked open the door to what I assume was his bedroom. He softly laid me on a magnificent bed in the center of the room. I felt myself slide on the midnight blue silk as he lowered himself on top of me. He rested his weight on his elbows and brought his lips to mine. I felt his desire and something else (love?) wash over me and I reveled in it. I tried to send the same sensations back and he must have gotten them, because he started rubbing his crotch against mine. I didn't have any panties on because he killed my thong at the bar, so the denim did interesting things to me. I groaned and I felt him smile.<br /><br />He rhythmically rocked himself against me, and although it felt really good, I wanted more. I needed his skin on mine. I worked my arms from around his neck, down his chest and sides, and gave his butt a squeeze. He pushed his erection against me even harder, and I felt it jump through the pants. I worked my way under his shirt and ran my nails along his washboard stomach. He got the idea and raised up to remove the offending piece of clothing with one swift movement. My god, he was <em>glorious</em>. My insides gave a little squeal of joy knowing that this beautiful man was about to worship my body in ways I didn't even know existed. He caught the tenor of my thoughts and smiled. His fangs were fully extended, as were other parts of his anatomy. Eric held out a hand and I took it. He pulled me to my feet and undressed me slowly, caressing every inch of newly revealed skin. I shivered as he turned me around and kissed in between my shoulders.<br /><br />I turned back to him and molded myself to his body. I began to work on his belt as I latched onto his nipple. He placed a hand on the back of my head and I increased the pressure, biting a little bit, knowing he liked it. I lowered his zipper and pushed his jeans over his hips. I felt his hardness spring free from his pants and poke me in the stomach. I would have giggled, had my hands not landed on his perfect butt. I massaged it and he held me tighter to his chest. Slowly, I teased and licked and kissed my way down his abs until I was faced with his massive erection.<br />I looked up at him and licked my lips as I placed my hands around his thick arousal. He moaned, but his eyes never wavered from mine as I started to rub up and down. I flicked my tongue out and liked the underside of him. He threw his head back and cried out. I smiled coyly and did one more time... then again. I glanced up and saw Eric was staring down at me, so hungry for me he was quivering. In one motion, my mouth was on him, moving up and down in time with my hands. I heard him moaning and saying my name. When I knew he was getting close, I removed him from my mouth, held his arousal up and took one last lick from his balls up the underside of his shaft, twirling my tongue once around his head, and I stood up.<br /><br />Enjoying my new-found power, when he tried to touch me I playfully slapped his hand. "Not yet, Eric." His eyes widened with surprise, but he nodded. I turned around so my back was towards him, rubbing my body against his the entire way. He shivered and growled deep in his throat, but he kept his hands to himself. I crawled up on the bed on my hands and knees. I arched my back and watched his eyes travel down my body until he reached the part I was offering him.<br /><br />"You can move now." He was on me before I finished the sentence, licking me and pushing his fingers inside. I felt myself coming closer and closer to the edge. He removed his fingers and replaced them with something much better. He pushed in with torturous slowness and held still for a moment to let me adjust when he was buried to the hilt. He pulled out and re-entered with the same agonizing speed. "Eric, please, oh god, Eric, please..." He answered my pleas and sped up, harder and harder until I thought I was going to break in half, but I still wanted more. He reached around and rubbed my nub in perfect sequence with his thrusting. I felt the explosion coming, and he sensed it as well, doubling his efforts. As I came, I felt him shudder inside of me, and I screamed his name.<br /><br />We collapsed on the bed, our limbs too weak to support us. Eric moved off of me and laid on his back. I curled up beside him and rested my head on his chest. He ran his fingers through my hair, releasing what remained of my style. I rubbed his stomach and heard him sigh contendedly. Snuggling even closer, I stretched up and pecked him on the lips. "I'm so happy, Eric. I never thought it would be like this again."<br /><br />He kissed the top of my head and rubbed my back before answering. "Sookie, it will be like this as long as it is in my power to make it so." I laid my head where his heart was and closed my eyes, basking in the afterglow of the some of the most mind-blowing sex I'd ever had. A few minutes later, I heard a low rumbling inside Eric's chest. I looked up at him and realized he was humming softly. He smiled and leaned down to give me a tender kiss.<br /><br />I ran my hand down his stomach and found that he was ready to go again. My hand circled his length and began to move up and down. I opened the bond and his lust washed over me. I moved to straddle him and slowly lowered myself down until I landed on his hips. I moved up and down, pushing down a little extra every time I hit bottom, just to get him that much further in. Eric placed his hands on my hips and pulled himself up so we were chest to chest. He rocked me back and forth until I was ready to scream, and when he bit my neck and came inside me, I did.<br /><br />Always the gentleman, Eric bit his finger and rubbed it over the wounds in my neck so I wouldn't be scarred. I curled up to him again and I felt our bond swell with warmth and happiness. He softly brushed my hair away from my ear and whispered something in a foreign language. Obviously, I had no idea what he was saying, but he repeated one phrase a couple of times.<br /><br />"What does 'min savas" mean?"<br /><br />"<em>Minn sváss</em>, Sookie," he said, pronouncing it correctly. "It's Old Norse for 'my beloved'."<br /><br />"Mmm, <em>minn sváss</em>. I like that." I yawned and nestled my head into his shoulder. Eric leaned down a little and pulled the comforter around my shoulders. I kissed his chest and drifted off to sleep.<br /><br />The last thing I can remember was Eric kissing the top of my head. "Sleep well, <em>minn sváss</em>, my only love."noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2288933792377613974.post-85004439187013043742008-12-26T12:53:00.002-05:002008-12-26T12:57:30.146-05:00Dead Hearts Ch 5"Um, I said that the guy I was talking to tried to drug me so you would be vulnerable when you drank from me." Eric glared at me, and I finally understood what it meant to be on his bad side. I was horrible to him, and after everything he did for me this evening, or heck, everything he has done for me <em>ever</em>, I wouldn't be surprised if he picked me up and threw me in the alley and never spoke to me again. He looked down, pulled his phone out, pushed some buttons very quickly, and jammed it back into his pocket with such force I thought his jeans would rip.<br /><br />"Explain. I want every detail of every second you were out there." He crossed his arms and waited.<br /><br />"Okay, well, umm...me and Pam decided to act like we were together out there, to explain the bite. Since all the girls hate me because I'm with you, we thought it would be better if they thought we weren't together, so they wouldn't think about beating me up. Pam showed me a blonde girl acting weird and I listened to her but didn't get much of anything, so we went around to another girl and she showed me a guy who bought her a drink that made her feel funny. I found the guy and he didn't broadcast well so we moved closer and he was near the dance floor so we danced and...uh...you know..." I trailed off, not wanting to anger him further. His eyes narrowed, and I felt his fury hit me like a ton of bricks.<br /><br />"Yes, I know very well what happened next. Continue. Tell me what you heard."<br /><br />"Uh, well, he thought a lot of nasty names about me, and since I was dancing with Pam, he decided he would drug me to get to her. He's part of the Fellowship, and said that Steve Newlin would be proud of him. Apparently he had orders directly from him. And he went to get me a drink to spike, and that's when...you showed up. And, uh, when I went to the bar, he gave me the drink and was excited because he put more than normal in, enough to knock out three or four of you, and he almost danced when you came over and called me lo- lover." I stuttered over the word. I had a feeling I wouldn't be hearing that from Eric for a long, long time, if ever again.<br /><br />"Is that all of it? You are not omitting anything about this human?"<br /><br />"N- no. He wasn't easy to listen to. That's all I got."<br /><br />"Very well. Sit there." He looked at one of the chairs in front of his desk. I sat down on the edge of the chair, ready for anything. "Bring in the Fellowship dog!" He bellowed at the door.<br /><br />Immediately Felicia and Pam entered, carring Ryan, tied to a chair. Ah, that's what he was texting. They set him down in the center of the room and walked out. "Pam," Eric called her before she could close the door.<br /><br />"Yes, my lord." Uh-oh. This was definately bad, very very bad.<br /><br />"Stay. You are to witness these proceedings. You are my second-in-command and are obligated to attend any meetings that affect my area." He never looked at Pam, or even in her direction.<br /><br />"Of course, my lord." She did more than bow, she actually <em>curtsied.</em> She dipped so low I thought she would fall, but of course she didn't. Pam rose just as gracefully and took a position against the wall next to the door. She never lifted her eyes from the floor.<br /><br />"Now, Ryan, is it? You are going to tell me everything. And I do mean everything, do you understand?" Ryan said nothing. He calmly looked up at Eric... and spit on him. My eyes nearly popped out of my skull, and even Pam looked up as her jaw dropped. Eric merely took a tissue from his desk, wiped the spot as well as he could and threw the crumpled wad into the trash. "You will pay for that later, but I have questions first. You would be unable to answer them if I break your jaw before asking."<br /><br />For the first time, I saw fear on Ryan's face. Eric noticed and grinned at him. His fangs weren't showing, but they didn't need to be. "Do not forget, vermin, that I have had centuries of practice interrogating humans, and I know many ways to get my answers. I will not elaborate out of courtesy for the other human in the room, except to say that if you do not fully cooperate with me, you will wish you were dead, long before you are." I gasped, unable to hold it in. I had never seen this side of Eric. His head snapped up and his eyes met mine. For a split second I saw pain flash across his face before the mask of cool rage came down. "Ah, Sookie. I seem to be in need of your unique services. If you would be so kind."<br /><br />He went to a darkened corner and pulled out a chair identical to the one Ryan was tied to. Eric positioned the chair in front of the other one, and I sat down on the edge. Ryan's hands were tied together in front of him, so I reached over and settled my right hand on top. I could instantly hear him as clear as if he was speaking out loud. Understandably, he was nearly incoherent with fear. I closed my eyes to concentrate. I nodded, and Eric started speaking again.<br /><br />"Ryan, I believe you have already made my lo-...my associate Sookie's acquaintance."<em> Ouch</em>. I felt the pain echo across the bond at his words. "I am going to ask you a few questions. You are going to answer me completely and truthfully. If you are considering lying to me, Sookie will inform me when you do. Know this: I am not unreasonable. If you answer my questions honestly, I will let you leave here in one piece, alive and well. If you do not, well, I leave that to your imagination." I flinched as I was overwhelmed with increasingly disturbing pictures of punishments he imagined Eric inflicting on him.<br /><br />I felt him trembling and opened my eyes. He was stark white and a cold sweat had broken out all over his body. I patted his hands and made soothing noises. "Eric is being honest, Ryan. If you tell him the truth, I promise you that you will leave here unharmed." Ryan stared into my eyes and I could feel him relax. I glanced at Eric and closed my eyes.<br /><br />"Who sent you here, and why?" Eric decided to be as concise as possible.<br /><br />"Steve Newlin, from The Fellowship of the Sun. He said that you were one of the most powerful vampires in the state and taking you down would be a major coup." I could feel Eric watching me, waiting for my response. I nodded to say that he was telling the truth.<br /><br />"Why attempt to drug my bar patrons?"<br /><br />"Steve said it would be the best way to get to you. He told me to drug as many of the fangbangers as I could, because the more vampires that went down, the better. And he also said that since people who want to be with vampires are no better than vamps themselves, it didn't matter if they overdosed or if the stuff didn't agree with them." I opened my eyes and glared at Ryan. It made my stomach turn to do it, but I nodded.<br /><br />Eric continued questioning Ryan for over an hour and to his credit, Ryan did not even attempt to lie once. In short, Steve Newlin had people watching me, and since I had no contact with vampires for a long time, he decided to take a different route. Ryan had no idea what the substance he was putting in people's drinks actually was, but he knew it was strong enough to knock the average vamp out for almost a week. He handed over what looked like a tin of breathmints, and said that they dissolved instantly in liquid. No smell, no taste, no way to tell the drink had been altered. He also had no idea where Steve Newlin was hiding, as they always met in a public place. I searched his mind for a long time to find that, but to no avail. When he was finished, Eric untied Ryan and signaled to Pam. She touched Ryan's arm and he looked up at her, instantly dazed, and she went to work erasing the memory of this evening as she led him outside.<br /><br />When the door closed I stood up and stretched, glad to be off of that uncomfortable chair. I turned and saw Eric looking at me from across the room. I didn't feel any emotions through our bond, and his face had no particular expression. I was unable to meet his gaze for more than a second, and I stood there awkwardly, shifting my weight from one foot to the other. Finally, I couldn't take the silence any longer. "Eric, it's pretty late an-" He cut me off by placing one finger on my lips. I didn't even see him move.<br /><br />"Sookie, this is not the place to discuss these things. Let us go where there are no other ears to hear us." He was avoiding contractions, which meant he was still upset. Understandable, considering all that had happened in the last few hours. I 'yielded' to him, I made out with his second-in-command, and I was almost drugged in order to kill him. The Fellowship was not only targeting him and his bar, but his customers as well. The new weapon was undetecable and I was sure it would spread like wildfire. All this, on top of the fact that tonight was supposed to be the night for The Talk, made for one emotionally drained vampire.<br /><br />I gathered up my things and we went out back to his car. I slid in at the same time he did. He pulled out of the parking lot and turned towards Bon Temps. "Are you taking me home?" I wanted him to say yes so I could go home, bury myself in my bed and not come out for a week or two.<br /><br />"No. We are going to my house. We are not avoiding this any longer...my lover."noxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07603715113740916655noreply@blogger.com0