I stood on my deck, leaning against the wooden railing and savoring the feel of the night around me. It had been too long since I had been home and able to relax, and I fully planned on turning off all of my phones and computers as soon as I went back inside. The people I was closest to had other ways of contacting me in case of emergencies, and I had no interest in speaking to anyone else- at least for a few days. My employers had promised me a break, but nothing was ever irrevocable in my business. Therefore, shutting myself away from the world was probably the only way I was going to get some peace.

Shaking myself out of my thoughts, I straightened and stretched, turning to go inside... and I froze. I was not alone. The warm breeze was causing everything in my yard to sway, creating moving shadows everywhere I looked, but I knew it was not my imagination. Something very powerful and very dangerous was roaming the night; and I knew without a doubt that it was roaming in my direction. A quick scan around my moonlit yard revealed nothing, but still every human instinct I had screamed at me to run, run inside my house and lock the door- but then it was too late. I felt a cold hand close around my throat and push me up against the side of my house, forcing the air from my lungs. It quickly became apparent that the hand was not choking me, however, merely holding me in place, and I had a few seconds to catch my breath while I took in the face of my attacker.

Piercing blue eyes stared out at me from a face that was somehow both incredibly masculine and undeniably beautiful. But it wasn't his eyes or his features that held my attention- it was his fangs. The beginnings of lust replaced my earlier caution and fear, but I quickly clamped down on it. Now was not the time.

"Eric Northman- I must say, they don't quite do you justice," I smirked at him, which seemed to completely throw him off guard. I understood. My complete lack of fear and/or fangirl-ish awe probably would have confused me too, had the roles been reversed.

His hand left my throat as he drew back, studying me. He was quite obviously unafraid that I would escape, which was also understandable. Humans aren't exactly known for their speed, strength, or cunning. I briefly contemplated waiting for him to say something, but being that he might simply decide not to and eat me, I thought it was best to continue.

"I understand that you're hungry and have absolutely no reason to listen to me, but if you would- just taste me first." He raised an eyebrow as his eyes swept up and down my body. "You won't be disappointed."

Almost immediately I felt a pressure on my mind, and it was all I could do not to roll my eyes.

"Glamour doesn't work on me," I informed him, and I could feel his mild surprise. I offered him my wrist.

"Just taste," I said, my voice somewhere between imploring and challenging. His long fingers wrapped around my forearm as he looked at me again.

"You know I have already had fae blood. If you think to impress me with yours, you shall be the one disappointed- and very shortly dead," he said, his eyes flashing. I laughed and shook my head.

"I know you don't have respect for humans, but I'm not an idiot. If I had fae blood, you would only be inclined to drain me faster. Now drink, Viking, and you will understand." I knew the command would not sit well with him, but I also knew he would not refuse my blood just to spite me. I was right. My pulse jumped up as he pressed his body against me and lifted my wrist to his mouth with vampire speed, and I could tell that he heard it by the slight curve of his lips against my skin. I was slightly surprised that he was taking me up on my offer- or challenge, however he saw it- but I guess after more than a thousand years, things (or people) that surprise you must get... My thought process was cut short by the sensation of his fangs piercing my skin. I sucked in my breath at the pain, but made no noise- it was not the worst I had experienced, not by a long shot. Plus I couldn't help but be distracted by his body pressed against mine- especially as I became aware that I was not the only one turned on by blood.

I banished the hundreds of quickly forming fantasies as I felt him reach the point where my blood showed him what I wanted him to see. Even if I hadn't felt it, the moment would have been easy to spot; he froze, his mouth still attached to my wrist as his eyes flew open. I couldn't help but feel a little smug as he withdrew his fangs from my flesh and stared at me. I stared back at him, challenging him. In response, his eyes were no longer flashing, they were burning- twin whirlwinds of blue flame that searched my face for something I knew he would not find.

"What are you?" If not for the intensity in his voice, I would have laughed- how many True Blood fans were sick of THAT question? Instead I grinned, finally displaying my mouth full of razor sharp teeth.

"I can tell you what I'm not," I began, as I felt my power flow out from my center and flood my body. Before he could react to my teeth or my words, I put my hands on his chest and pushed- effectively sending him reeling backwards.

"And I am not human."