A/N: This is my first Fanfic, but i've had this idea in my head for too long. Please review and send your constructive criticism my way- i appreciate it so much!

Disclaimer: I own nothing, it's all the wonderful world of Ms Harris and AB.

Chapter 1

ERIC POV:

The cool night air was whipping past me as I glided toward the roof of my home. I landed with a soft thud and started pacing, anger and confusion stirring my mind. This was one of the only places I could come to think and do most of my scheming. Hey, I am the bad ass area 5 sheriff and viking. Most importantly, I am Vampire. No thing, or human could change that. Currently, one particular breather was threatening to destroy all I had built these last 1,000 years of my existence. I wanted to erase her from my mind but knew almost certainly it would end me.

Currently, Sookie Stackhouse was MIA and I had a pretty good idea of her whereabouts. It was a waiting game. She had been gone for almost a month and don't get me wrong- that's like blinking an eye for someone as old as I. But with Sookie, it was as if the nights stretched infinitely. Pam was beginning to think me a whipped school boy and said as much. I had half a mind to put her in her place but she was partially right. What the hell was wrong with me? Get it together Northman, go fuck her out of your mind...

Just as I was landing in Fangtasia's parking lot, I realized it was time to feed and find some kind of release. I went to my office after glamoring a doe-eyed brunette who looked as if she was 21. After I was sated and considering having sex, there was a strange spark in my brain. I felt the bond come alive- Sookie was back. I sent the confused girl away thinking she needed to get home suddenly and summoned Pam. My smile informed her that either I had just had the best meal of my life or I was losing my mind...She looked at me with curiosity and quipped, "Good evening Master, I'll have what you're having." I chuckled and informed her that our favorite telepath was home. She rolled her eyes in typical Pam fashion and deadpanned, "My favorite little breather has returned? Oh the joys. So, will you be making a late night visit..and can i join you?" She ran her tongue over her fangs briefly and I growled "No Pamela, I don't share. Enjoy thrilling the vermin tonight, let me know if there are any problems." I flew off for the second time that night but this time I was feeling her emotions- shock, wonder and hope...maybe that last one was mine.

SOOKIE POV:

My skin was tingling as I felt the residual effects of teleporting back home to Bon Temps. I walked from the cemetery to my gran's old home, wondering what I would find and hoping no one would be there. It was near dark and no cars were parked outside, so far so good. As I walked in, my feet immediate charted a path to my bedroom. I looked around my room and realized that everything was back to rights. How was this possible?
It was as if the house took a drink from the fountain of youth. My eyes roamed from the pictures of Gran and Tara to the freshly painted walls and refinished floor. I was anxious to tour the rest of the house when my cell phone started vibrating on the nightstand. Hmm, already? I looked at the caller I.D. and saw Eric's name. Seriously? You've gotta be effin' kidding me. Then I remembered that the blood bond would still be intact and he was most likely responsible for the renovations. I hated owing anyone, especially that smug bastard. Should I answer and give him a piece of mind or thank him? Better to ignore. Let him wonder for a change!

I started toward the kitchen and set about fixing myself a sweet tea. I looked in the fridge to see no food but at least it was clean. I guess a trip to the market was in order. The inevitable was looming over my head though- better call Jason, Sam and Tara to let them know I was back and safe. I made my phone calls and only reached Sam. He was relieved to hear from me and told me to take as much time as I needed. I thought about the time I spent with the Fae. It felt like a few hours but I knew that time would be different here in this realm. I turned on the TV to a local news station and picked up the time and date- it had been about a month. Wow, time flies, I laughed to myself. Also, those faery freaks had done a number on my mind and emotions which was making me loopy. Feeling drained, I put off going to the store and settled in on the couch for the rest of the evening.

I woke up to a soft knocking on the door. Rubbing my eyes, I registered a void.. Great, i thought to myself as undoubtedly it had to be Eric or Bill, coming to see if I was really alive. I called out, "Who is it?" And after a brief pause, i heard a low voice reply "It's me, Sookie." Crap. Eric, aka smug bastard. "What the hell do you want Eric, I thought I made it pretty plain last time I didn't want you coming around..." Pause. I heard him shuffle his feet slightly and then his voice, sounding just above a whisper resonated near the door, "If you let me in, I can explain." Oh HELL no. He wasn t pulling this card. Was I really this stupid? It was like Charlie Brown NOT kicking the football yet again. But that voice...

I was Charlie Brown. Sookie 'glutton for punishment' Stackhouse.

"Fine Eric, you may come in for a few minutes." I opened the door and my stomach immediately erupted with nervous energy. There stood the viking sex god in all his 6'4" glory. I wanted to smack him but not on the face. I had to admit his slow smile was making my nervous energy turn into something else.

"Hello Sookie," he purred as he glided into my home with the ease only a 1,000 yr old vamp could possess. I shut the door, turning to motion him to my couch but he was already standing in front of me.

"Jesus Eric! Don't do that, you know it freaks me out!" He looked amused but intense as his stormy eyes slowly soaked in my body and then stopped at my lips. "We have much to discuss lover," he started but then began leaning into my space and right when i was expecting a kiss I closed my eyes and felt instead his nose in my hair, inhaling. What is with these guys? I am not a fucking flower!

Reminded of how these vampires really saw me, I took a step back and crossed my arms in front of my chest defiantly. "Well, get discussin', i haven't got all night!" I didn't really feel as pissed off as I let on, but it made me feel better to not completely give in...yet.

Eric let out an unnecessary sigh and sat his long frame into my favorite armchair. "Sookie, you seem to have kept your...sass. I trust you liked the renovations on your home..." he added with a wink. I seethed and ground out, "Yes. Thank you, but you didn't have to do that!" He laughed and his eyes sparkled with mirth. What the hell? Was he genuinely happy to see me? Oh brother, Sookie get it together.

"You know, your compliments leave something to be desired. But i accept your gratitude and am happy you find it to your liking. Now, on to the business part of the evening. You do realize that everyone is waiting on your return and you will need protection now that Billy is out of the picture. I can offer you that." He gazed at me proudly and sat forward awaiting my response. I sat on the sofa opposite him and shook my head while chuckling darkly. "You really think you're going to win my trust that easily? Wow, you must think i'm a complete moron. Last time i trusted you, i became a buffet for you and Russell-" He was about to cut me off, but i held up my hand. "Let me finish! I refuse to get involved in this vampire shit, or anything supernatural for that matter."

His eyes took on a discerning quality as he studied me and then the question i was hoping wouldn't come, came. "The faeries really disillusioned you didn't they? So much for happy endings?" He smirked sarcastically and cocked that damn eyebrow. I would have slapped him at the moment but i settled for a look that sizzled, "You really have some nerve. You know, if this is your way of sweet talkin' , you haven't learned much in a thousand years! Spare me the grass isn't greener crap and leave me be" I stood up and walked to the door. "Just get out, i m not in the mood Eric and honestly, tomorrow ain't lookin' good either." He stared at me with a look similar to the night of Bill's confession.

"You have no idea what you're dealing with do you?" he asked solemnly and walked toward me slowly, but not predatorily. It was as if he wanted me to feel safe. I opened the door and looked at him with all the fire i could muster. "Don't call me, i'll call you when i'm ready." He touched my lips slowly and deliberately then spoke "I will always be ready for you, lover" then was gone.

I stood panting for a moment or two. It felt good to tell him off but that look killed me. Just when I felt he was being the typical smug asshole he usually was, there he would go and look genuinely affected. Vampires are just too Emo.

I went to bed that night with my mind reeling. Coming home from Fae, I knew I would be facing the same problems I'd left. Queen Sophie Anne and her minions would most likely be sniffing me out, not to mention any of Russell's followers. Eric was right, I would need protection. I sure as hell wouldn't ask him, so I needed another option. My mind immediately thought of Alcide but hesitated. I couldn't ask him, it wouldn't be right. He had a day job and I couldn't pay him what he made in construction. Having picked up a few tricks from my cousin Claudine during my stay,I settled temporarily on taking care of myself. I thought about calling Alcide anyway and asking him out. That sounded pretty ballsy huh? I wasn't trying to make a certain viking jealous was I? No, I was more mature than that. That's it, I m calling him tomorrow, I thought to myself with a smile as I dozed off.

ALCIDE POV

"Hell no Northman! I done you a favor and we're square, I don't owe you shit!" I can't believe that vamp is trying to manipulate me again. Damn fangers. He claims Sookie needs protection but she would've asked me wouldn't she? I really don't need this right now. He interrupted my thoughts suddenly. "Look, she doesn t have to know. I'm simply asking you to watch over her when you are not busy. I will pay you 5,000 a day." I almost choked on the beer I had been starting...what the hell? That is a ridiculous sum to pay for her-granted I would love to take her out given a chance but what was she to him? Well, I had to make a decision and I did care about her... "Alright Northman, but no 5 grand, just my travel expenses. I'll check on her daily but I don't want her knowin' about it, she'd never forgive me." There was a quick pause before he responded, "That is agreeable. Let me know immediately if there are any problems Herveaux" and with that he hung up. Fuckin' vampires thinking they could control everything. Wait, what did I just get myself into?

ERIC POV

Finishing my call with the Were, I made my way to the throne I kept for image purposes. Watching the dancers was getting tedious. Normally I could achieve some form of excitement but since her return, I felt like my mind was on auto pilot, waiting for the next opportunity to see her. Fucking pathetic Northman, focus!

My progeny walked up and leaned down to whisper in my ear, "I've never seen him before but he appears to know you." As I immediately sniffed the air I detected a scent I had not partaken in a millennia. "Pam,
take over, I am not sure when I ll be back in tonight." She was feeling some alarm, I could sense it in the bond but she nodded and headed back to door duty. I sent a wave of calm her way.

I went out the back exit, knowing he would follow me but anticipating it just the same. I waited in the parking lot, watching the door open and there he was, looking the same as when I d last saw him. An almost splitting image of myself.

"Gustaf", I said and a slow smile crept onto his face."Hello Eric. Surprised?" he replied in a soft Swedish dialect. I was but I didn't need him knowing that. "Where have you been all this time..." I waited for his explanation. Suddenly his fangs descended and he laughed whilst rushing me for a hug. I stiffened under his touch. "You were missing in the fire, what happened?" I asked with masked emotion while he had a good laugh. "You should see your face brother, it is quite humorous..." My fangs descended in anger, growing tired of his games. When he had calmed, he retracted his fangs and said "Oh you are no fun, the old Eric I knew was much more lighthearted...I suppose we have some catching up to do. "

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