"Awaken to darkness on this place we call Earth,
One vampire's bite brings another one's birth.
A vampire wakes with blood thirsty needs
On the warm rich sensation he feels when he feeds.
He stalks in the night like a disastrous beast,
And what once was alive will soon be deceased..."
-Victoria Boatwright
I feel the pull. I am drawn to this human. Much as I was to Pam all those centuries ago in England. Destiny is a hard thing to change. She is not meant for this mortal life. She was meant for me. Becoming a master and creating a child is not something to enter into lightly. Their undead existence is in your hands. I have been watching and waiting staying in the shadows blending into the inky blackness of night. I am life. I am death. I am destruction. I am creator. And you.. you are "the one".
I have been following her for a month sleeping in the ground much more often than I would care to admit. The dirt clings to my skin. Invades my pores. I feel like gritty sand paper and no amount of water shower or otherwise seems to lessen the scratchy quality of my alabaster shell. During these very long nights I have had no contact with the outside world for fear that someone would snatch her from me. Even my own child knows not where I am.
Four weeks ago I was enjoying the stars. I took to the sky and just flew. I can not describe the feeling of the wind rushing in my hair while looking upon the one thing that has not changed in the Millennium that I have been stalking the shadows in all corners of this Earth. I deem myself progressive, but there is something to be said about a constant. The stars are that constant. I know every night when I rise they will be there just as they were the night I was made. Taking to the stars and gazing upon the gassy orbs of light brings me peace as nothing can.
Often while out on my excursions I fly for hours with no destination in mind. More than once I have found myself halfway to Texas or Mississippi before I realize that dawn will soon be approaching. This night was no different than the rest. Imagine my sheer shock when I felt an indescribable want and need pulling me to some backwater bar in the middle of Podunk town USA. I righted my course and landed on the roof of the building. I stood immobile for hours. Unsure of what course of action to take in this matter. I am a supreme strategist and for once was at a loss for what to do. On that roof I retreated into my mind and battled myself. I weighed each option heavily and into exhaustion.
The sudden loss of the low buzz from the neon sign brought me to the forefront. Closing time. I was on edge looking for who was singing to my soul. Siren song indeed. She exited the employee entrance and said a cheerful goodnight to her boss...a shifter. Interesting very interesting. Once her back turned her demeanor changed entirely. A furrow marked her brow, her shoulders slumped, and she looked weary. I had to fight the urge to rush to her side and comfort her. When she finally reached her car I was furious. Who is responsible for her welfare? As she drove from the parking lot and out onto the road I halted the thoughts about the inadequacies of her life and followed her to a rundown yet charming farmhouse about 10 minutes from her "employment".
As if her situation had gotten monumentally worse in the last few minutes she exited her car so slowly that I was becoming impatient. The 10 steps into the house seemed to take her hours as she trudged onward as if she was sealing her fate to enter the house. Once she was inside and the lock was firmly engaged I heard her speak to someone before retiring to what I assumed was her bedroom. I flew about the outside of the house looking for the correct window. When I found her she was in the process of gathering garments from the dresser. Moments later she left her room and I heard the sound of water running a few doors down. Following the sound I reached the window just as she stepped behind the curtain. She hummed to herself as she washed off the grime and grease of the work day. I caught a peek of her curves as she bent forward to extinguish the water. The drab uniform doesn't do justice to her body, and maybe it is for the best, who knows what might happen if everyone knew that tidbit of information.
She dried off much too quickly for my liking and dressed in a long jersey and panties. As she toweled her hair she resumed the low off key humming. Her methodical strokes of the brush were soothing to her once her hair was divested of tangles she smiled to herself in the mirror as she cut the light and closed the door.
I flew back to her window and hovered just out of sight as she climbed under the gingham quilt. She reached for a book on the bedside table and read page after page before her eyelids drooped closed and her breathing evened out and became slow and shallow. I was mesmerized by the sound of her heart beat and the breaths that she took and expelled. I watched her as close to dawn would allow. I followed the creek behind the house to the east into the tree line about 300 yards and went to ground wondering why after all these centuries I was drawn to her as I was.
Night after night when I rose I followed the same path to the bar and took up my perch near the "L" in the neon sign. At closing I followed 20 feet above her car as she maneuvered the twists and turns of the road home. Her routine never changed other than for the drawn expression that would over take her features and her body when she thought no one was looking. It pained me to see that she had to play the part of happy exuberance and acceptance for this life that was clearly draining what happiness that was within her.
On the 15th night of my vigil I decided that I needed to become closer to her. Over the nights that I had been watching her I learned that she lived with her Grandmother. I glamored her into inviting me into the house and asked her many questions. She was most forthcoming about her granddaughter. I learned that she was telepathic among other things. I planted two hours of fabricated memories into her grandmother's mind and flew to the bar.
After she fell asleep I entered the house with my newly acquired invitation. I slipped into her room and breathed in her scent. I had never gotten close enough to do just that. It was like freshly cut grass, sunshine, and vanilla. Simply divine. Not realizing that my fangs had dropped into position I tasted my blood in my mouth and relished the tiny drops on my tongue. I breathed deeply once again and caught the sent of purity. By the Gods. I have luck in spades.
Cautiously I crossed the room and sank to my knees. I reached out a hand and smoothed her hair from her faced and watched her sleep. As I watched her eyelids flutter I wondered what it was that she was dreaming about. Before I had time to second guess myself I pricked my finger with my fang and squeezed several drops of blood past her parted plump luscious lips. I felt her immediately. Content, safe, and warm. I felt the pull of the sun and knew that I should go to ground with one last look at her I stood and kissed her lips and left the house. I never went to ground in the same place. The woods were littered with new and old piles of dirt covering my resting places. As the pull dragged me under I knew I was making the right decision for the both of us.
As the month drew to a close I had finally formulated a plan to reveal myself to her. I had a week left and I figured that three days would be enough time to make love to her and take her to the safety of the ground once I had drained her. Several nights a week her grandmother is out of the house and I took that time to do some serious snooping. As it turns out she is very much a Southern Belle. I knew then and there that I had her.
I flew to Shreveport as soon as I broke from my resting place. If I was going to meet her I wanted to do it in style and without any remnants of dirt and debris that I had been collecting. I showered three times before I felt semi-normal. Once I was clean and dressed I snatched the keys for my Corvette and took off for one of my various warehouses that I keep things of sentimental value. Lucky for me that Pamela refuses to rid herself of any form of clothing. She always says you never know when something will be of need or come back into fashion. Being prepared has always been my motto and I am glad that it wore off on her as well.
After sifting through trunk after trunk of clothing I hit pay dirt. Although 15 trunks of 1800's fashion is a bit obsessive. My search was fruitful. I found the perfect chemise, petticoat, corset, pantaloons, hoop-skirt, and dress. Lucky for me with the corset she will be able to fit into Pam's cast offs easily. Just as lucky is the fact that the high-button boot of leather that folds over the front and is fastened by buttons on the side, also fit her. I am going for an air of authentic. I hope it sways my favor. A deep crimson red jacquard gown swimming in fabric. The bodice is flat lined, boned, and lined and clasps and hooks. I remember it as if it were yesterday. The time that it took to dress and undress a woman was staggering. I myself am glad that those days are long gone. The pent up frustration that one person must endure to get to the package underneath is hardly worth the trouble. But for her it will make it all the more fun. Removing layer after layer of clothing the erotic thrill of inch after inch of skin being exposed at an alarmingly slow rate.
My wear was easier. It is single-breasted, with a bold turn at top. The back is cut broad across to the arm. The side-seam is tolerably straight. There are three holes and buttons only at front, the top one reaching nearly on a level with the bottom of the arm. The skirt is plain, and reaches to the knee. I hate the vests and shirts of the era, but for her sake I will suffer through it. The trousers are of gray high-quality linen, and falling straight over the boots. I have to say I never thought I would wear these again. And lucky for me that my body remains as it does. These were tailored to fit centuries ago. Garment bags in hand I locked the warehouse and stowed them into the miniscule trunk of the corvette.
I ached to be near her, but I had preparations to make. I called a local deli and ordered hors d'œuvres, finger foods, and a bottle of champagne all to be picked up tomorrow night. I returned home in search of my finest stationary. Once I located it in the office I sat in the chair and put pen to paper.
My dearest Sookie,
"Over hill, over dale,
Thorough bush, thorough brier,
Over park, over pale,
Thorough flood, thorough fire,
I do wander everywhere."
I have wandered far and wide and never have I beholden such beauty and grace. I have seen you from afar. Please meet with me tonight at dusk. I can not wait to see you in this dress. Please wear it for me and sit in your porch swing.
Until then,
~E
With only mere hours until dawn I take to the sky laden with gifts for my future child.
I arrive at her home much as I did that first night. My hair is a windblown tangle of tresses whipping about my head in the breeze. I stop just short of her windowsill and take her all in, her hair is a wild tangled mess splayed out on her pillow. I have a strong urge to rake my fingers through it and twirl it on my fingers. Eyes shut, mouth slightly agape, breathing evenly in what appears to be a deep dreamless sleep. Ever so quietly I slide the window open and crawl inside. I display the dress on the chair in the corner of the room and leave the note where her lap would be if she were filling it out.
Taking up my usual spot at the head of her bed on my knees I watch her as before. I can not resist the urge to run my finger along her cheekbone. She stirs ever so lightly and rolls onto her back. I am playing with fire, but I have such a strong want to see her eyes. I resist this temptation though. I have worked so hard at staying hidden this close to the end might spell disaster. Before I loose what self control I have left I reluctantly retreat from her bedroom window closing it behind me.
Tonight I refuse to sleep in the soil. I can not go to Shreveport because even with taking flight would make me late. I land in the parking lot of a fairly cheep motel and rent the room for two days. After glamoring the desk clerk to ensure that I will not be bothered by the maids I retire to my room. I place the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the doorknob and lock myself into the windowless bathroom. I have slept worse places than a bathtub, anything is better than in the dirt. As the pull of the sun takes me under I find myself wondering if she will like the dress.
I wake well before sundown and relish in the fact that I am not caked in dirt. I strip off my clothes and stand under the spray of water rejoicing that tonight is the last night I will be away from the comforts of my home. I dress in costume and tie back my hair with a piece of leather cord. Peeking out the drapes I see that my car has been delivered. I exit the room and check the trunk and find a picnic basket brimming with my order from the deli.
On the short drive to her house the sounds of the Louisiana night filter threw the windows of my car. Crickets and bullfrogs call to their mates as the siren song sings to my blood. I turn into her driveway and I am struck by beauty. The gentle breeze is blowing her loose locks about her face. She spies me from her perch in the swing and a smile breaks across her face. It isn't the practiced fake smile that she gives those around her a true beautiful smile. I can't help but smile back. She is perfect in every way.
"Miss Stackhouse. Pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Eric Northman. You are even more lovely up close."
She blushes at my compliment. Gods I thirst. I should have fed before I came here tonight. I have been living on minimal blood and truly I hope I can restrain myself for the duration of the night.
"Thank you Mr. Northman. The gown is beautiful. When I woke up this morning I was shocked to see it in my room. Just how did it find its self in my chair anyhow?"
"I put it there of course. I hope you did not find my gesture too forward. I was hoping to take you on a picnic and chat for a while. Would that please you little one?"
"Yes, I think that is agreeable."
"Come then", I extend my hand and she clasps my gloved fingers with her own.
As I lead her to the corvette I have to hold my breath. Her sent assaults my nose and it is almost too much to bear. I open her door and help her sit in the passenger seat. After arranging the billowing fabric I close the door and am in my seat in an instant. She buckles her seat belt and we are off.
"I love A Midsummer Night's Dream. Your note was very intriguing."
"Yes, Shakespeare can turn mere words in to declarations of forever. I am sure that you have questions for me. We will be at the pond shortly. I will answer anything that you like once we are settled."
"I am curious. The question that is in the forefront of my mind is where have you been all my life, and how is it that in all this time I have never seen you?"
"All in good time."
I parked on the side of the dirt road and came around to help her get out of the car. Once she was sturdy I released her hand reluctantly and retrieved the things from the trunk. She twined my arm with hers and we walked through the high grass and stopped just short of the shoreline of the pond. I spread the blanket out and invited her to sit with me. The moon was near full reflecting off the dark depths of the pond. The surface was glistening like an aged silver mirror. Mostly perfect for my plans. The only thing missing was a bed, but beggars can't be choosers.
"To answer your previous question I remained hidden from you on purpose. I wanted to know what you were like when no one was watching you. You have exceeded all of my expectations brilliantly. As for the rest of your life I have been near, yet apparently not near enough."
"Eric, before this gets too far I need to tell you a few things. I hope this doesn't change your opinion of me, but I think that it is only fair that you know everything about me."
"Sookie nothing you say can shock me. Really I have been around a long time. I am listening dear one."
"I am telepathic. I hear the thoughts of people, but curiously I can not hear yours. I have been trying since you stepped out of your car at my house. So what are you? It is obvious that you are not human."
"I am not sure that what I am would not scare you, I will tell you if you promise to stay with me and finish your little plate of food and talk with me for a while."
She popped another finger food in her mouth and spoke after she swallowed, "I can't promise you won't scare me but I am having a fabulous time in the quiet of the night I will stay."
"I am Vampire. Which is one reason that staying hidden in the shadows comes naturally to me."
"Vampire, Eric really? I wasn't born yesterday."
"I speak nothing but the truth." I said with a flash of fang.
She was anything but scared. She reached up and caressed my face with her tiny hand and left it resting there as she spoke.
"I am sorry. It wasn't my intention to be rude I thought you were playing a joke on me."
"I know. For humans anything out of the ordinary throws the mind into a tailspin, but you seem to be handling it better than most."
"I am telepathic. If I was so naive to believe that I was the only oddity in the world it would be a lonely existence."
"You are so refreshing."
"Thank you."
I couldn't hold back any longer. I spanned the distance between us and captured her lips with mine. Gentle butterfly kisses at first, and to my surprise she wove her fingers in my hair. I slanted my lips on hers more firmly reverently begging for entrance with my tongue on her lips. She gasped and I took the opportunity to graze my tongue with hers. While our lips were locked she darted out her tongue and swept it across my left fang and I shuttered and moaned into her mouth.
The leather cord fell from my hair. She broke the kiss and her chest was heaving in the most pleasant manner. The low cut bodice almost had her spilling out. Her décolleté was abundant. I ran my hands down her neck and over her buxom begging to be freed from the clothing prison. She met my hand and stilled it, but did not remove it.
"Eric, I have never been with a man."
"I know Lover, I will not hurt you. Let me show you pleasure."
I lifted her then and sat her in my lap. I kissed her gently not wanting to scare her. This is another reason for the multitude of buttons and clasps and layers of fabric. She has time to adjust to the fact that she is becoming undone. As I strip away the layers of clothing, layers of self-consciousness and awkwardness fall by the wayside.
I kissed her neck then trailing to her ear and whispered, "Relax. Let go. Trust me and FEEL."
I turn her in my lap then and work down the eye hooks and clasps hidden in the folds of the fabric. I silently curse myself for picking out a gown with 32 hooks and eyes. I am a glutton for punishment. As I peel the fabric from her shoulders I am greeted with another form of feminine torture. Lace up corsets are a definite turn on. There is something to be said about divesting a woman of her clothes and having to untie her to do so. As the layers become less and less she becomes more and more responsive to the touches to her exposed skin. All too soon she is left in nothing but a chemise, petticoat and pantaloons. Using erratic patterns I run my fingers over her arms and neck. Her breathing is hitched and her heartbeat is accelerated. The slightest touch causes whimpers to burst forth from her lips swollen from our many kisses. My impatience is growing taking her arms I raise them above her head and gather the chemise at the waist and toss it from her heated flesh. She gasps as the night air makes contact with her naked skin.
I sweep her backwards and lay her on the blanket. With her displayed before me I have to fight the growl that is bubbling in my chest and clawing to be set free. She is more perfect than I ever imagined.
"Perfect."
She really is. As my compliment hit her ears blood rushed to the surface of her skin staining a blush from her head to just above her navel. I had wondered for weeks just how far they went and now I knew. I kissed her then with more urgency and she moaned and wiggled against me. My erection was pulsating and threatening to unload in the trousers that I am wearing. Running my hands down her body I stilled them on her hips to stop her gyrations. In one fluid movement I removed her hoop-skirt, pantaloons, and petticoat. She was still wearing the high-button boots it was the sexiest sight I had ever seen.
With a miniscule glance at her petals she was glistening with her own juices. Wet so very wet. She was laid out like an offering on an altar awaiting holy worship. Parting her creamy thighs I settled between them. I raked her body with an unwavering gaze. I wanted to remember every writhing movement as a sheen of sweat broke out over her overheated skin. As I knelt and dipped my head into her most intimate of areas I exhaled an unnecessary breath as it washed over her she shuttered. Fixing my eyes upon her closed ones the expanse of her voluptuous body moved as I commanded. The raw power of being in control as she lost hers was almost more than I could take. I have had centuries of self-control it was most assuredly being tested.
Dipping my tongue into her folds was like finally meeting the Valkyries to usher me to Valhalla. Her sweet spicy essence filled my mouth and danced on my tongue I would never tire of the taste and feel of her. I would miss the heat of her, but having her for eternity would be well worth the trade-off. Her mews, pants, and moans were music that could rival that of any composer. Using my fang I sliced through the barrier of her innocence. She was awash in pleasure and the sting of pain drown in the sea of bliss. Inserting a finger inside of her velvet sheath I worked her into orgasm. Her muscles fluttered and clutched my digit pulling me further and further inside of her. At the apex of her climax I added another finger and began stretching and preparing her to receive me. The minimal blood that was split from her maidenhead flooded my mouth. Once I had prepared her the best I could I crawled up her body kissing and licking every inch of skin that I passed. Her body was wracked with aftershock after aftershock as I divested myself of my clothing. I stretched out beside her and held her until her breathing and heart rate returned to normal. I grabbed her around the waist and sat her on my abdomen.
"You are beautiful when you come, eyes hooded in lust, mouth twisted in a silent scream. It is the most erotic thing I have ever seen."
She was making incoherent sounds of need. Her body had given away to instinct. All creatures thrive on instinct it is the one thing that has allowed me to survive this long. I was not going to quell that within her."Lover get on your knees. The first time is often painful for women. Go at your own pace. Slowly."
She rose above me and I helped position her over me. My tip poised at her entrance. I held on to her waist and stopped the force of gravity from causing her to impale herself painfully. She pressed herself down slowly and I hissed as I was encased just inside her. She wiggled her hips suggestively willing her body to accommodate me. Inch by inch I disappeared inside her. Her walls fluttering and clenching. Flexing and releasing. Hot liquid fire was engulfing my member and I had never felt anyone so hot or so glorious.
"This is right. This is best."
A sob erupted from her throat as she slid further down. I tried to remove myself from her and she bit her lip and shook her head. As the single tear she shed dripped onto my chest she plunged onward and I was fully within her. Rocking her hips she set our pace. Only when she began to moan and plead did I help her rise and fall. My name was like a mantra of saving grace. She said Eric with such reverence I had to bite back the tears that were pricking in the corners of my eyes. I felt her orgasm began around me and I brought her flush to my chest. Nuzzling my nose into the crook of her neck I bit as she screamed out my name into the night.
Mouthful after mouthful of her blood flooded into my mouth. Her blood was like fine champagne. Sweet with an edge of fairy. Much like her scent. I felt her blood flow staunch and her heart beat weaken. She never showed fear or panic. As her heart struggled to beat the few drops of blood remaining in her body I withdrew from her and bit my own wrist and held it over her cooling lips. My blood sluggish and cold flowed into her and I felt the connection immediately. Once the wound healed I picked her up and took to the sky. I landed on my property only minutes later.
I laid her in the pre-dug hole and placed a call to Pam.
"My house be no more than 10 minutes child. Meet me in back."
With my command issued I laid in the ground and cuddled her into my chest. I smoothed her hair from her face and whispered all the things I could show her lowly in her ear. I heard Pam approaching and she clucked her tongue as she laid eyes on her sister.
"At least now I know where you have been Master. She is beautiful."
"She will be magnificent when she rises. Have everything prepared. In three nights she will be ravenous. I feel your jealousy. She could never replace you mon petit. Once you meet her you will fall for her as I did. It was our destiny to be drawn together as we were. Trust me. Everything will be as it was only we will be three. And I will have a pair of beauties with brains for my children."
She nodded her head and began to shovel the dirt onto us. Hours later as we lay in the cold earth I felt the pull of the sun drag me under. The next night I awoke and fed her from my wrist again solidifying the bond that we shared. As I drifted into myself I replayed the memories of my life that have meant the most to me. The human children that a bore with my wife. The lessons I learned during the good times with my maker which were far and few between, but they were there. The night I made Pam, and her zeal for vampirism. Becoming sheriff. Spying Sookie the first night from the roof of that dive bar. How it felt when we coupled. Lastly the way she feels now in my arms. The night was long, but nothing intolerable. Being a maker is one thing that I have prided myself on since I made Pam. It is hard rewarding work to see something you nurture become what it was made to achieve. As the sun pulled me into death I relished the fact that my decisions were always ones that I could count as anything but regrets. I woke before the sun set on that last night we were to be in the ground. I could hear the sounds of the woods around us shift from daylight to dark. The calm peaceful night took over and I felt her stir against my chest. I pushed all the comfort and calm I could at her. I remember waking alone in the ground and having to dig my way out. It was a terrifying experience. I broke free from the ground and Pam reached for my hand. As she hauled me from the Earth I took Sookie with me.
I gained my footing and set her on her feet. Even covered in grit, grime, and debris she is beautiful. Pam's facial expression was priceless. She was a cross between envious and proud.
"You were right as usual. She is magnificent. I should know by now to never doubt you."
"Indeed. TruBlood. Bring a donor by in a few hours. Leave the grave just in case."
Pam handed me the six-pack of TruBlood and took off to procure tonight's entertainment.
"Lover I am positive that you are curious. Drink these and they will quell your thirst. They are not as good as straight from the source, but we have much to discuss and you are positively dirty. Lets go take a bath and have a conversation."
"Eric what the hell did you do to me!"
"Now is not the time for questions," I said as I scooped her into my arms bridal style and swept us into the house. I stopped briefly to enter the code into the electronic lock. Sookie zeroed in on the keys I am sure that she had already memorized the code before the pressure lock disengaged. I swept through the door and locked it just as fast as I had unlocked it.
By the time the tub was filled she had downed four bottles of blood.
"Do you still thirst?"
"It is better. Not as before but I still feel it."
I slid her into the jacuzzi tub and settled in behind her. I washed off the layers of dirt from our skin and drained and refilled the tub. I washed our bodies for the second time using the hand held sprayer to wet our hair and shampoo it several times before I felt that we were squeaky clean. I drained the tub for the last time and stepped us out onto the bathmat. Wrapping us in towels we stepped into the bedroom and I sat her on the bed.
"I believe you wanted to know what I have done to you. Correct?"
"Exactly."
"You are Vampire. I drained your body of blood and replaced it with my own. We slept in the ground for three nights and you rose one of us."
"Eric, I don't want this. To kill people to survive. It isn't me. How could you do this?"
"Lover, I know that you are angry with me and confused, but there is no need to kill if you don't wish it. It is highly possible to feed and leave a person alive. I turned you because I was drawn to you. You were meant for me as I am for you. This pull can not be ignored. Destiny and fate dictated this. You will learn to accept it in time as I have. One day you too will feel this pull. Pam has yet to feel it, but it will happen. We are mostly solitary creatures, but not doomed to an existence of loneliness. Children are the answer to the monotonous glare of utter seclusion."
"You felt a magical pull to me so you murdered me. That sounds like obsession and stalking turned deadly."
"Lover, you were not murdered you were given the gift of eternal life. Immortality. You are very much alive, only you are undead. You will take to your new life easily once you have adjusted to the changes. I feel the passion within you. You are a warrior just as I am. Believe me. I would never lie to you."
"What if I truly do not want this. Will you keep me against my will?"
"Absolutely. You are MINE! As a matter of fact as your maker I command you to survive no matter the cost. You will not meet the sun, ask anyone to help you meet your final death or plot to end your existence EVER!"
She shivered and cast her eyes to the floor. I knew then that she had heard my command. I also felt her trying to fight it.
"Sookie I never make commands unless they are for your own good. Ask Pamela I have commanded her a hand full of times in her 250 years. She can count them on one hand. I am not a cruel maker or master. Quit fighting and accept it before you cause yourself pain. There is no way around a makers command. Be angry with me if you must, but know that everything I do I do it because I wish for you to survive. Dieing a mortal death and turning to dust in the ground was not your destiny. Being immortal is the ultimate form of survival."
She started to cry then. Her tears streaked her face red with blood and it was frighteningly bewitching. I pulled her naked form into my lap and cuddled her like a child. She felt small and frail in my arms. Her sobs stopped and sadness turned to anger and resignation. I knew then she was going to fight me. I wanted her to suss out her anger and resolve that this is what she was meant for. I know from experience that you can reconcile the two parts of yourself that being a vampire splits within you. The monster and the compassionate human you once were. Some people lack compassion and when turned they become a weapon of mass destruction. This was not Sookie she was a heartfelt creature wearing her emotions on her sleeve. She could do both and learn to suppress the dangerous emotions that could cause her to become reckless and weaken her. I myself had done just this. She was going to be wondrous once she accepted this and learned to school herself.
Before she could physically attack me I pinned her to the mattress. Her fury was plainly written on her face. She struggled against me and I had to hold her tighter before she had the chance to wiggle free and leap on me. I was not afraid of her hitting me but once she harmed me she would feel remorse. The extra feedings had made our bond very strong and I knew she would hate herself for it later no matter how angry she is now or becomes.
"Sookie stop this. If you truly wish to thrash me we will take this outside and you can beat on me until you tire yourself out. You can't harm me much less kill me. You are an emotional creature even for a woman. You will hate yourself later for causing harm. Think about what you are doing before you do it. If you really want my offer stands. Just know that I will not fight back I am much stronger than you and one hit from me at full strength could cause you major pain for many days. You will heal, but it will not be a slow or pain free process."
She continued to battle against me to free her arms. Instead I placed them over her head and kissed her with furious passion. Young vampires are sexual creatures and if I can redirect her anger and use it to fuel her lust. She refused to return my kisses for a few minutes until her anger flamed the passion that was in equal parts building to massive release.
"Eric, release me. I want to touch you."
I gave her the use of her hands but kept her firmly pinned beneath me. She ran her fingers through my damp hair and pulled on it with firm yet gentle tugs. My fangs popped out and she gasped in surprise when hers did the same. She removed her left hand from my hair and ran her fingers down the length of her fangs.
"Glorious. You are beautiful."
I lowered my head and kissed her then running my tongue along her fangs and she moaned in my mouth and bucked against me. She flattened her palms on my chest and pushed gently to get me to sit up. Once I had done as she silently requested she raked her nails down my chest breaking the skin leaving a bloody trail in her wake. That one small action unleashed the beast within me and I wanted to to possess and be possessed. I descended on her neck and bit in to her flesh with fervor. She growled at the point of impact and hissed as she let herself feel. I withdrew my fangs and watched the mark heal before my eyes. While I was distracted she rolled us so that she was straddling my waist. She kissed and trailed her fangs along my exposed skin and stopped to suck a nipple between her lips. She nibbled and licked and without warning she sank her fangs into me and drew a mouthful of my blood. I was humming with need. Her willingness to share and be shared was diving me into that space between control and oblivion. In one swift motion she impaled herself upon my cock and moaned and shrieked in delight. Using her new found vampiric speed and vitality she rode me with abandon. She would ride me to the point of exploding and ease into a tortuously slow pace with holding my release. Unable to take anymore of her games I flipped her on her stomach and lifted her with one hand to a kneeling position in the center of the bed. She groaned when I entered her to the hilt. Snaking my arm around her I leaned into her back to chest and expertly found her clit forcing her to climax with several subtle yet dead on movements of my wrist and fingers and when she reached her end I came with her shouting expletives in Swedish and calling her name as the last stream coated her walls. I collapsed on the bed and brought her to snugly to my side.
"Will it always be like that?"
"As long as you wish it so. Yes it will."
"I am thirsty," she pouted and pleaded at the same time.
"You, Lover, are in luck. Pamela is here with your dinner."
"You won't let me harm anyone will you?"
"No, you have expressed your aversion to killing. I will do everything in my power to keep you from taking a life while feeding."
"Thank you. Lets eat I am parched."
I pulled on some fresh jeans and she wrapped herself in my robe and we descended the stairs. I held on to her waist I knew as soon as she heard the heart beats of the donors sitting on the couch she would give in to her animalistic nature. She scented the air and raised her chin to catch the smell of the blood in the room.
"Wait. Lover, which one calls to you? Their blood should sing to you. Hear it like the ocean in a shell on the beach. Do you hear that here in the room?"
She jutted her chin to indicate a petite blonde sitting on the couch arm. I sat in the high back chair and beckoned her over to us.
"What is your name?"
"Janelle."
"Janelle that is a lovely name sit on my lap. Sookie kneel in between my legs. Pamela stand behind your sister. She has requested help to refrain from draining the donors. If she has trouble pulling back help her."
Janelle sat in my lap and Sookie knelt in between my legs as I asked. Pam came to stand behind her and placed her hands on her shoulders. Pam smiled at her I am sure that she was remembering her first night after she had risen. We went through this same routine. Only then my brother was there to help restrain her.
"Very good. Sookie this is the most important part of this lesson. Please pay attention. Be tender to the donors they are willing participants in this. They gain just as much as you do from the experience. Pick up her wrist and place it under your nose. I want you to feel and smell the blood running in her veins. This will teach you respect for the blood not only as nourishment but as life. She is giving part of her life to further yours. Do you feel it?"
"Yes. It is almost intoxicating."
"I couldn't have said it better myself. Respect for the blood is the second rule of the Vampire. Never give or take blood lightly a flippant attitude will cause death. When giving your blood know the consequences. When taking blood always be aware of the heart beat. "
"What is the first?"
"Vampires first. I know that you are still attached to your human sinceabilities, but in time you will understand this rule above all others. If I or Pamela were in trouble you would take our side over that of the threat regardless if it is human or otherwise."
"Understood."
"Back to the matter at hand. Let me see your fangs Lover."
She ran out her fangs and bared them to me in a brilliant smile. I reached out and fingered them with my index finger. Once I reached the tip I pricked my finger on the sharp point.
"Never bare your fangs without intent to use them. They like anything else are a weapon at your disposal. They can cause great harm, pleasure, and of course allow you to sate your thirst. Without breaking her skin run them along her pulse point."
I took Janelle's wrist from her and held it out to her. She did as instructed and ran her fangs along her pulse. I knew the moment that she was directly over it because she shuddered the tips of the fangs are very sensitive. At the same time Janelle moaned.
"See pleasure. Janelle is a seasoned donor so your bite should not affect her in a painful way. Even so that does not give you the right to be cruel and just tear into her skin. The gentlest pressure will puncture the skin. Once you break the skin listen to her heartbeat. Can you single out hers from the others in the room?"
"Easily. That and her thoughts are sweet. She thinks that you seem like the loving fatherly type to explain things to me that every Vampire should know. Some are not so kind to her Eric."
"Really? Janelle after we finish here get with Pam and file a grievance with my office. I do not take kindly to abuse of the willing. Sookie is the call getting overwhelming? You are fading out on me Lover."
"It is very loud. I could block it I suppose. It is becoming harder at the level I am pushing at it though."
"What do you mean block it? The lesson is almost over dear heart just a few more minutes of explanation I want you to be ready for the experience. Once the blood touches your tongue you will become a little on the wild side."
"Like with my telepathy I can push the thirst away. Not the call but the thirst yes. I can't shut it down completely, because it is so loud and pushy, but I can dampen its hold on me."
"Interesting. You are a constant surprise Lover. After you feed you will have to explain this in greater detail and maybe I could learn this skill to teach to others."
"Sure. I am not sure if I can explain how I shield to anyone, but I can try. Although now that I am Vampire the shields are not really necessary, it is like I have an on/off switch in my brain. No more like a dimmer switch on a lamp. I can turn the volume of the thoughts up and down and choose to hear one or all of them at the same time. It takes only minimal effort to turn my shields up and keep out everything."
"We will discuss this at a later time let us finish your lesson. Run your fangs along her pulse again and this time when you reach it apply pressure and break the skin. When you hear her heart slow, stop retract your fangs, and clean the wound with your tongue to seal the punctures. Pam and I will help you stop if it is needed. Proceed."
She ran her fangs along her arm several times trying to garner a response from Janelle. Once she moaned she made a final pass along her vein. As she sank her fangs into the soft flesh of her wrist our fangs ran out involuntarily. For a moment the only sound in the room was Janelle's breathing and her heartbeat. I was listening intently for the point of slowing. The exact moment that her heart rate changed Sookie's eyes made contact with mine then she retracted her fangs and sealed the punctures. She rose to her feet and kissed Janelle on the cheek.
"Thank you. I really needed that. You were very sweet to understand that this was my first feeding and know the importance of everything he was explaining."
She tuned to Pam then and kissed her on the cheek as well.
"Pam I want to thank you for ensuring that I didn't do something I would regret. Stopping was very hard to do, but I know that if I didn't I would feel like shit tomorrow."
"Dear sister, I didn't do a thing. You are strong willed and knew that you must stop so you did. I just got to witness the unbelievable first feeding of a fledgeling Vampire and I am impressed with your self-control."
"All the same I am glad that you were here just in case."
"Lover what she says is true I fully expected to have to intervene. You are remarkable. Pamela and I need to feed do you want to stay and watch?"
"Yes, the more experience I have with the fact that this is what I am the faster I will accept it."
"Very pragmatic of you. I fully agree. Sit here in this chair and I will sit on the couch. Pam find a comfortable spot and pick a donor and I will take what is left."
Everyone moved around the room and got comfortable. As I sat on the couch I moved the hair away from the neck of my donor and mirrored Sookie's movements to reinforce her lesson. It seemed that she was more interested in my fangs than the pulse under them. She listened hard her focus was on the beating hearts in the room and nothing else. Once I had sealed the wound on my donor I scooped her up into my arms and kissed her with unbridled lust.
"Eric, wait. I know that this isn't your normal routine to bring donors to your home. What do we do with them now?"
"Glamor of course. I have a feeling that yours will be quite strong maybe even rival my own. It is only a theory though."
"Teach me?", her tone was almost that of an unsure three year old.
"What kind of maker would I be if I didn't? OK watch me and see if you can figure it out."
I sat her in the chair and fixed my gaze on the donor that I had fed from.
"What is your name?"
"Samantha."
"Samantha tonight you were at Fangtasia and you had a great time. You drank so much that you can't remember much of the night."
"Yes I had a great time even though I drank more than usual."
"Very good. Pam will take you back to the bar and you will not remember the ride."
I snapped my eyes to Sookie to see that she was pressing her influence onto Janelle.
"Janelle you are a very sweet girl. I want you to remember everything from tonight except the actual address of Eric's house. Remember 845 Riverside Drive. Anything that you heard about my telepathy was an elaborate hoax. I love to play tricks on the donors."
"Master Eric lives at 845 Riverside Drive and Sookie is a gentle feeder that loves to play tricks on us all by making us think that she can read our minds."
"That's right. Go with Samantha and Pam and they will take you back to the bar."
As soon as she finished speaking they all filed out the door and Pam engaged the lock behind her.
"Lover what is at 845 Riverside Drive?"
"Caddo Parrish Court House."
She never ceases to amaze me.
"That is brilliant I will have to remember that in the future."
"Yes it has many possibilities as a covert "pretend" resting place. Cooky fangbangers show up to find the elusive Eric Northman and instead they can pay their parking tickets and file their most recent divorce papers."
"The nights candle is burning its wick at both ends the night is drawing to a close. Whatever shall we do with the remaining minutes before dawn Lover?"
"Take me to bed and tell me about Vampire Etiquette and anything else I should know before being seen in public."
I took her into the library and showed her the way into the day-room behind a gigantic bookcase. After punching in the code to the outer and inner doors I deposited her on the bed. I removed her robe and stripped off my pants before settling into the pillows. She waited patently for me to start talking.
"Alright lets start with etiquette. Vampires have a hierarchy much like in England and a council that is like the parliament. The only difference is that the monarchs answer to the council and they are the supreme decision in all things. There is no other appeals. Once the council rules it is final and carried out immediately. Each state is ruled by a King or Queen. Although that does not mean that there are 50 monarchs. Some of them control more than one state. Each state is split into areas and there are sheriffs that control the vampires in that area. I am a sheriff of Area Five. All vampires in this area report to me and I am the supreme law in this area unless it is a major issue and then it is deferred to the Queen. In the presence of a superior you must show the utmost respect. If we were visiting Area Three you would nod to the sheriff of the area. On the other hand if we visit the Queen you must bow at the waist. Being a fledgeling and a newborn you must never speak unless spoken to. In public as your sheriff and maker you should show me the proper respect. Never voice your opinions in public and anything that you disagree with must be brought up in private. If you disrespect me in public rest assured your punishment will be carried out in public."
"It doesn't sound unreasonable Eric, although do I really have to call you master?"
"Only in the presence of other Vampires. If you were to call me Eric at your young age it would be perceived as weakness. Any weaknesses could mean final death to our kind. Some would not bat an eye to either kill me or try to divest me of my area. When we are in private I want you to be yourself. I love the fact that you are headstrong and stubborn. I don't want you broken. The guise of submission is more than enough."
"I understand."
"Excellent. I meant what I said earlier about being beyond fair. My maker was anything but. When I rose for the first time I was alone and I was terrified. I had to dig myself out of the ground. He was more than 300 miles from where I was turned when I found him and answered to his call. He was already on the prowl for his next child. He never used the pull that I explained to create a child. He just took. The night I found him he was waiting on my brother Kristofer to rise. I am 12 days older than he is. On that trek of 300 miles I fed little and killed those that I did encounter. The night that Pam rose Kristofer was there where she was for you. He used our thirst as a punishment. He would with hold feeding. I was the stronger of the two of us and I was always being punished. In the first three decades of my immortal life when I was allowed to feed I usually took a life because it would be so far and few between before I could again. He would use brutality to impose his will on us and reinforce his commands. More than once he used sexual acts as punishment. I will never order you to do anything that is detrimental to your health or your person. I know how that kind of mental and physical rape creates deep scars. Anything that I ask you to do it is because I know that you can handle it or that it is for you own survival much like earlier in the evening. I know that you are tenderhearted and I will never try to make you override your humanity. Remember though you are no longer human. Hince rule one. I have great faith and confidence in you. You were meant for greatness. I do not expect you to be perfect. I am here to guide and teach you. I just expect that once a lesson is given that you try to perfect adhering to it. Everyone fucks up and I will be there to correct you and get you back on the right path. I am your greatest ally. Pamela can be trusted just as I can, but know that she will try to lead you astray once in a while at your expense. Pushing my buttons, snark, and loyalty are her greatest attributes. She is as deadly as she is beautiful. Much like yourself."
"Eric what about my family?"
"You can tell your human family anything that you wish. Before the revelation contact was forbidden. Now though when I know that you can control yourself you may visit if you so desire. It won't be for a while though I need to be sure that you are in complete control of yourself before I set you loose on unsuspecting humans. The NVL would have my ass in a sling if you flew off the handle and killed innocent humans. Just so you know once you loose a family member as an immortal it will hit you harder because you will realize that you can not die a conventional death. That is why some makers still refuse to allow their children to meet any living or remaining human relatives. I will let you make the decision yourself. Dawn is coming Lover. Let us settle down and ready for the day."
I positioned myself protectively around her and she cuddled into my chest and grabbed my hand. I died for the day knowing that this was truly a great decision and that no matter what I still had no regrets for the choices that I have made in my existence.
A/N:
Alright everyone that is it. Depending on the response that I get I could continue. It would be easy to write more, but I am not going to force it out. The quote in the letter is Shakespeare from A Midsummer Night's Dream. I want to give credit where credit is due without breaking the flow of the story. So if you want more review. Thanks in advance to all my reviewers and if you are regular readers of my stories I would like to apologize for the lack of updates to Dead Backwards. I have been scripting this and working on a contest entry for the 7 Deadly Sins Contest. I should be updating it in the next few days. Thank you all for being uber patient.
Much love,
Affy