For the millionth time that night, Sookie wonders what possessed her to go through with this insane plan. She knows it's a horrible idea; anybody with half a brain would have come to the same conclusion. But here she is anyway.

Glancing at the digital clock on the bedside table, Sookie ponders how long she's expected to wait in the hotel room; Eric's text message wasn't exactly very informative.

Hotel Santa Clara. Tomorrow night. Ask for my room.

Wear white.

She chose something black instead.

Sookie pulls out a small bottle from the mini-bar and mixes herself a glass of rum and coke. Maybe some liquid courage is what she needs to get through tonight.

An hour later she's on her fourth drink, there's still no sign of him, and her nervousness has steadily increased. Swallowing her drink in one big gulp, Sookie sets her glass down on the table. With nothing to do, she takes a seat on the bed and surveys the room. Even though the hotel is not nearly as extravagant as the one in Dallas, it's obvious they've taken every measure to make the room more accommodating for vampires. The suite is decorated with expensive antique furniture, the walls painted a deep, royal purple and the windows covered with dark drapes. To a human being, the room would be depressing as hell. To a vampire, it's probably the next best thing to a coffin.

Taking a deep breath, she falls back on the bed. Her eyes focused on the ceiling, she thinks about the events that have led her here tonight. With Bill gone the past few weeks on the Queen's order (which he can't – or won't – divulge details about), she had no one to turn to for help when Jason landed in hot water once again.

Despite his best attempts to stay away from trouble, Jason started dating the new girl in town - who happened to be already involved with a two hundred year-old vampire that lived in Shreveport. Suffice to say, said vampire wasn't too pleased at the idea of being dumped for a lowly human and was intent on taking out the competition.

Even though Jason would never admit it, Sookie knew he was worried. Thus, she approached Eric for help. As expected, he was more than happy to take advantage of the situation she was in.

"You're being ridiculous, Eric."

"I prefer the term pragmatic."

"You can't really expect me to blindly say yes to all your future requests!"

"Of course I can."

"You're a jerk!"

He smirks condescendingly. "Don't worry. I won't ask you to do anything that would compromise your human morals and values."

"I've done favors for you before, Eric," she reminds him.

"And you were paid generously for them."

"Once! I only asked you for money that one time."

"Yes, I remember. And I paid even though you had already agreed to help me anytime I need."

"You led me into a trap," she points out childishly.

"I rescued you as well."

"Jason helped you in Dallas."

"Which is why he hasn't suffered the same fate as your friend Lafayette. We usually don't show that much restraint to humans who use vampire blood."

Frustrated, Sookie curbs the urge to throw something at Eric.

"Of course, I'm open to negotiation," he smiles, leaning back in his chair.

"Meaning?"

Eric doesn't elaborate. "You'll hear from me once I've spoken to this vampire."

Hesitant, she studies his casual facade. "I don't know if I can trust you."

"You don't have a choice."

The text message is the first contact she's had with Eric since their conversation two weeks ago. And now, here she is, waiting in a strange hotel room for him.

Anxious, bored, and now sleepy thanks to the drinks she's consumed, Sookie curls up on her side. Minutes later, she's fast asleep.

*****

"Do you still think about your maker?"

A second ago he was relaxed, sitting behind her in the bathtub, washing her back. But now, she can feel the immediate tension in him. She knows it's not something he's comfortable discussing, but she's worried about all the painful emotions he's bottled up inside. Determined not to let him distract her with sex this time – he's already caressing the curve of her ear shell with his tongue – she attempts to face him. After a bit of maneuvering on her part (since his body is occupying most of the tub), she manages to turn and sit on his lap with her legs twisted around his waist.

He tries to kiss her but she clamps her hand over his mouth. "You need to talk about it."

He shakes his head 'no', instead tracing patterns on her palm with his tongue.

"Fine. If you're going to act immature," she says petulantly, "I'm leaving."

She should really be used to his lightning speed by now but it always surprises (and scares) her when he moves this quickly. Within a matter of seconds, he's carried her out of the tub and moved her to the floor. His skin is wet and slick against hers, his body heavy on top as he penetrates her. His each thrust is controlled and calculated, but somehow laced with equal amounts of urgency and desperation.

Every part of her is connected to him; she's pinned under him – physically and emotionally. She can't breathe, she can't think, she can only feel the intense pleasure that's quickly taking over and close to erupting.

His fangs sink into her neck, hurting momentarily until the pain transforms into ecstasy. Her blood runs down her chest and onto his body; she's wet, bloody, messy, and she knows it turns him on even more.

Sookie used to think she'd miss the gentle touch of a caring lover, but this… this is something more raw and primal than love; it's a necessity she never experienced before he came into her life.

He fucks her over and over again; she comes harder each time.

"You're mine," he growls.

"I'm yours."

"Say it again."

"I'm yours," she screams, and keeps on repeating.

It's the unfamiliar caress of someone's cold hand on her neck that pulls Sookie out of the madness of her dream. Heart beating rapidly, her body trembling, she lies there as his fingers continue to stroke her skin.

"Sookie."

She opens her eyes and finds herself the object of Eric's scrutinizing gaze. He's dressed in a grey suit, balanced on his elbow next to her, his one leg languidly draped over her lower body.

"So, was it as good for you as it was me?" Eric smirks.

To be continued…

As always, thank you for reading!