*This wouldn't be possible without Charlaine Harris's brilliant imagination. No copyright infringement intended.*

Hello again and thanks for stopping by. I'm overwhelmed by the positive response to my initial FF attempt and truly flattered by all the kind reviews. I could wax poetic about how reviews are like crack to an amateur writer..HINT HINT..However, I'm anxious to get started so here we go. When last we left our favorite couple, they were preparing to enjoy some much needed downtime. This is where we come in.

Chapter 1

"You will visit the blood contracted royals no more than three nights each and we will find if the king's chief lieutenant acted alone or had help from the other kingdoms. When you've completed this task Viking, you will take your bonded to your mountain. There, my sister will see to her training and you won't be disturbed."

Eric and I had been summoned by the Ancient Pythoness. It was the night after our presentation/repledging and we were supposed to be on an uninterrupted honeymoon. I was annoyed to say the least, but thankfully, Eric was sending me a steady supply of serenity.

My gift the A.P. referred to was what I called my "Sun Power" and it was given by her twin sister and creator of the fae, The Oracle. Though the sisters had fought since the dawn of time, both agreed I'd need to learn how to control my new supernatural ability. I guessed the fact that I'd accidentally decimated a very expensive hotel suite along with five rogue vampires and the remains of their asshole in charge Victor Madden, had a lot to do with it. Sunlight had literally exploded from my body and the only things to survive the fallout were myself and Eric. Although I was a bit miffed this trip would cut into my much wanted viking time, I was on board with the plan. I knew nothing of my power or how to control it and the possibility I could accidentally send my sort of stepdaughter Pam to her final death unnerved me.

"And what of my king?" Eric questioned and as if on queue, horrible shrieking came from within the walls. I didn't need to ask. It was Felipe De Castro and he was paying a terrible price for Victor's transgressions.

The king, along with every royal who'd survived Rhodes, had signed a contract sealed in the A.P.'s blood. It swore a blood oath no harm would befall us while we were in their realm. Unfortunately, Victor Madden hadn't shared His Majesty's convictions and attempted to kidnap and turn me right under the king's nose. Even though Eric and I made it out alive and undead while Victor and his cronies didn't, Felipe was still held responsible.

"We are extracting the blood payment at the moment," the A.P. replied. "However, before we removed his right arm,"…ICK!…"he signed the financial restitution. Per your request Sheriff, payment made in gold and placed in your vault as well as the deeds to both suites." She paused and cast her blind eyes in my direction. "Child, are you certain you won't take more than one million?"

I was stunned and my knees began to buckle. Eric quickly took me in his arms and steadied me. "My Lover," he said softly, calm and reassurance radiating through the bond. "I know you think it a fortune, but if it were up to me, I'd bankrupt Felipe. Victor, his SECOND, committed a blood offence and we still don't know if the king was involved."

"We will know soon enough," the A.P. cackled and her eyes glowed an eerie red.

I slumped into Eric's cool embrace while a fresh wave of pride washed over me. My viking held my face in his massive hands and his piercing blue eyes gripped mine. "Min Älskling Fru," he said gently. "You are an honorable woman and I know you don't want to appear greedy. But, one million to Felipe is what you humans call…petty cash. However, I'll respect your decision as long as you feel justice was served."

I took a deep breath and a step back, gaining new strength from our bond. How do you put a monetary value on your life? And, how much money were we dealing with? I mulled it over a few moments before giving up and asking, "what do you think is fair, Eric?"

"No less than twenty million," he replied firmly and I gulped. This must be how lottery winners feel when their final number matches.

"Umm, ok but only if the Pythoness approves." I still couldn't comprehend what was happening. "Survive a vampire kidnapping, win twenty million IN GOLD."

"The price is an acceptable, albeit meager amount," the A.P. said earning another quiet gasp from me. Felipe must be the definition of old money. The Pythoness continued. "The kingdom will finance the Britlingen bodyguards I've summoned to accompany you as well as the two sent to aid your child in your absence, thereby securing your area."

Eric bowed his head respectfully. "You honor us Ancient One. When would you have us leave?"

"Tomorrow night," the A.P. replied. "California is expecting you. Work your way East before going abroad. That is all." Eric bowed again and squeezed my hand, prompting me to do the same.

"Thank you Ma'am," I said politely as Eric grasped my arm and led me away.

My mind was a buzzing plethora of questions. Like who was in control of Nevada, Louisiana and Arkansas? Based on what I'd heard, Felipe wasn't in any condition to rule. How far abroad were we going? Could I obtain a passport in time? How long would we be gone? My viking must have felt my inner turmoil because the bond opened wider and filled with love and adoration as he held me close.

"You did well My Lover," he whispered into my ear. "I am proud to call you wife."

"Thank you Honey," I smiled weakly. "Glad one of us is."

Eric made what sounded like an exasperated sigh. "Dear One, why must you continue to degrade yourself and your deeds? You defended your bonded, in a most SPECTACULAR way, and you kept your head in front of the Pythoness. I know our ways are difficult for you to understand and as much as I enjoyed Felipe's cries, I know it bothered you." He was right but not for the reasons he thought. I'd come to the horrible realization I too had enjoyed the king's punishment. As far as I was concerned, it was payback for what he'd done to Queen Sophie Anne. Still, my lack of humanity frightened me and I confided as much to Eric. He said nothing but when the tears began trickling down my cheeks, he picked me up and carried me the rest of the way.

"Thank you," I sighed as he placed me gently on our bed. "I needed to organize my thoughts and appreciate the silence." I removed the simple wrap dress I'd been wearing but left my panties on. Knowing Eric, they'd be off sooner rather than later but I needed enough time to pick his brain.

"You should thank Pam," Eric replied as he divested himself of his clothing and I cocked a questioning eyebrow. "She's been reading Dear Abby to me and I've surmised human women don't want their lovers to fix their problems. They only want them to listen while they work the problem out themselves. It appears I've succeeded."

I couldn't suppress my smile. "Yes Honey. You did. I feel loads better but would you mind clarifying a few things?"

"Ask me anything Lover," Eric prompted while laying down next to me. So I began my own Inquisition.

I learned that for the time being, the A.P. would be running Felipe's kingdom discouraging anyone from an attempted takeover. Neither of us knew how long we'd be gone so I decided I'd call Sam tomorrow and give my formal resignation. It was silly of me to think I could go on waiting tables at Merlotte's. Still, I appreciated Eric allowed me come to that decision on my own. My viking also shared he'd recommended the vampire Indira for Sheriff of Area 1. The role left vacant by Victor. According to Eric, the female vamp was strong yet just and she had good economic sense which was desperately needed in post-Katrina New Orleans. Since we didn't have to visit Louisiana or Arkansas, we'd finish our royal visits in about a month which was how long it would take to obtain my passport.

"Great," I whined. "Another month of wall to wall vamp politics followed by fairy boot camp. Will we EVER catch a break Eric?" My husband stared at me and I figured he was having difficulty with my slang so I returned the love he'd sent me earlier along with an underlying need. "I guess I'm just selfish Honey. All I wanted was a few nights alone with you but now I'll have to share you again for who knows how long." I paused and ran my fingers through his golden hair. "And to top everything off, I won't even get to see Celine Dion."

Eric chuckled and pulled me to him. "I promise you Lover, you'll have both wishes fulfilled. My mountain is completely isolated. So much so, I fear you may grow tired of me before you complete your training." He gave me a wink and continued. "When we return, I'll glamour this Celine Dion into giving you a private performance. Does this make you happy?"

He didn't need to question my mood. I was beyond happy. The words completely isolated were music to my ears and I'd only been half serious with my Celine complaint anyway. I leaned in and tenderly kissed Eric's cool lips. "Does that answer your question?" I purred.

"Oh yes," Eric growled as lust began creeping through the bond and my body came alive. "It seems I've handled your emotional needs, Dear One. Allow me to satisfy your physical ones." By the time he'd finished his sentence, my panties had evaporated and two delightfully long fingers were buried inside me.

I made a small moan then rolled my body onto my back though my head still faced him. "Be my guest Honey," I invited seductively. "You know I love to watch you do what you do best." My eyes glanced towards the mirrored ceiling and Eric smiled.

In an instant, he was hovering over me, supporting himself with his unoccupied arm. His fangs snapped and his leer singed my skin. Brazenly, I fisted his sun kissed mane and pulled him closer to explore his mouth. His fingers hadn't stopped their agonizing assault and I rocked to meet their thrusts while my tongue teased it's way around each fang. A small whimper escaped me as Eric moved away and began nipping his way down my neck…tasting every inch before suckling each of my breasts until both nipples were so erect, the ache was maddeningly sublime. He continued south and I watched his reflection in awe as his marbled frame contracted and relaxed, further fueling my desire. His tongue replaced his fingers, invading my swollen lips and he growled. When he finally latched onto my heated mound, he was moving at a speed that would shame the Hitachi Magic Wand. His powerful fingers tweaked my nipples and I screamed as my climax hit. Without missing a beat, Eric's very talented tongue drilled inside me, extending the high as he greedily drank in my juices.

"Please," I begged, shaking violently.

My viking didn't need to be asked twice. He quickly placed two pillows under my backside and thrust deeply. I thought I might split in two but it was WONDERFUL! Another orgasm crashed over me as he continued his exquisite onslaught.

Eric grunted and turned his head upwards. "Watch me fuck you Lover. See how I worship your body."

I gasped as he moved in a steady, long and forceful pace. It was a mesmerizing sight to behold and I couldn't help but grip his most perfect asset and push him deeper. By now, Eric had moved my right leg behind my head and I thought at any moment, the Gracious Plenty might appear in my throat. He folded his well chiseled torso over me and began flicking my neck as his thrusts quickened and his thumb found my pleasure center.

"OH YES… DON'T STOP…OH FUCK," I wailed feeling myself teetering on the edge again. The pounding demand continued faster and faster until…

"My Lover," Eric moaned before striking my carotid and we tumbled off the cliff together….

"So am I to assume the deeds we acquired were for this suite as well as Pam's?" I sighed as we basked in the afterglow.

"Yes," Eric murmured and I smiled lazily.

"Good. I'd hate to think of someone else violating our bedroom."

Eric laughed. "You never stop surprising me Lover."

"I have to keep up my game if I'm going to be married to The Master," I replied in a cheeky tone which earned me another chuckle and a gentle kiss.

I excused myself and slipped into the bathroom to take care of my human needs and quickly freshen up. When I returned, Eric was sitting on the bed with a covered tray. He smiled and lifted the lid revealing a rib eye steak, steamed broccoli and a loaded baked potato accompanied by a spinach and bacon salad with hot mustard dressing, a small bowl of vanilla ice cream and a carafe of iced tea. Instinctively my stomach growled and I blushed.

"Come sit, Min Älskling Fru," my viking coaxed. "I wish to feed you for a change."

I was touched and grinned as I happily joined him. Carefully, he cut my food into perfect bite sized pieces and stared in fascination as I savored each mouth watering morsel.

"I've noticed your increasing dizzy spells since you came to live with me," he said gently. "It is my error I haven't fed you properly. You have a tendency to forget and when you remember, it is usually unhealthy garbage. That stops now. My blood may make you strong but it is not enough."

"It's not your fault Honey. Besides, I could stand to lose a few pounds," I giggled and tapped my bum.

"Your body is perfect!" Eric replied firmly. "Strong enough to take what I give you yet soft to the touch." He leaned over and kissed the place I'd patted. "Don't ever think I'd prefer skin and bones."

I don't know about anyone else, but hearing my body described as perfection was an instant turn on. Needless to say, I was surprised when Eric fended off my advances, insisting I finish my meal. I pouted a little but complied.

"I've been thinking Honey," I said in between bites. "About the money…Twenty million is way more than I'll ever need or spend."

"Not necessarily Lover," Eric replied softly. "We still don't know how long your life will be. You must protect yourself even in matters of money."

I smiled and touched his cheek. "Eric, you've said yourself you've gained and lost countless fortunes. No matter what, I know you'd never let me freeze or go hungry. This fabulous dinner proves it. I just think I could do some good with my new found fortune."

"What did you have in mind Lover?"

"One of the things my telepathy prevented me from accomplishing was my education. Bon Temps is a poor town and countless good kids miss out on a chance at a college degree simply because they can't afford it. That is their disability."

"Lover, I don't understand why you care? You've said so yourself how those humans cruelly treat you. You owe them nothing."

Sometimes I forget how completely vampire Eric is. I took his hand in mine and entwined our fingers. "It's not that I owe them Honey and not all those kids are mean. Most of them have just been spooked by second hand stories. Kinda like the ones the Fellowship spins about vampires."

Eric smirked and showed some fang. "But our stories are true."

"Yes Honey," I giggled. "But so are mine. My point is, they should have just as much of an opportunity as their wealthier counterparts. Gran was real big on education so I'd like to take half the money and establish the Adele Hale Stackhouse Foundation where every Bon Temps student accepted into college would receive a full scholarship. However, I need your help."

Eric's eyebrow shot up. "Go on," he prompted.

"You're a shrewd businessman. I'd hoped you'd show me how to invest so the funds can continuously replenish. I wouldn't trust anyone else." I flooded the bond with pride as I spoke and Eric responded in kind.

"Of course I'll help you My Lover. Although I still don't fully understand your reasoning, I respect your wishes and will contact Cataliades to draw up the paperwork. He's an excellent attorney and can advise you the best way to get it up and running."

I pushed the tray aside and flung myself into Eric's lap. "You are so good to me," I sighed, hugging him tightly. "I love you Viking."

"If this is your reaction Lover, I'd be happy to do your taxes." The bond tickled as his arms returned my embrace.

"That won't be necessary," I giggled, "but I'm still a little hungry. Care to help me out?" Eric immediately reached for the tray but I grabbed his wrist and shoved him backwards. "I want dessert," I whispered, my lips floating just above his. The Gracious Plenty swelled against my heated core and I smiled wickedly.

Still firmly straddled across his lap, I picked up the ice cream bowl and scooped out a handful. Eric watched intently as I slowly began rubbing the frozen treat all over my breasts and the valley between them while grinding back and forth across the Gracious Plenty. He grunted and pushed up attempting to invade my folds but I deviously denied him.

When the last of the ice cream melted, I slid between my viking's legs, wrapped my breasts around the GP and proceeded to make my very own vampcycle. I lapped up every bit of the sweet confection like I was breaking a month long fast, teasing my viking mercilously with my tongue and hands and when I felt him swell, I looked into his eyes and nipped the tip. Eric shouted something in his ancient tongue and erupted into my hungry mouth. I kept sucking and stroking until I'd taken every drop. In the blink of an eye, I was back in my viking's arms and he kissed me deeply.

"You should have ice cream more often My Lover," he gently teased as he released me.

I giggled, shaking my head and pointed to myself and the soaked sheets. "It's to messy Honey."

"Ah, but the clean up is the best part Lover," he retorted and lifted me off the bed. "Housekeeping will take care of the bed and I'll take care of you." He wiggled his eyebrows and carried me into the bathroom where he was true to his word. By the time he'd finished, my body was completely sated. Tenderly, he placed me into our freshly made bed then slid in beside me. Instinctively, I snuggled up against his back, wrapped his cool arm around my body and sighed.

"Eric."

"Yes Lover."

"Please tell Pam she can read Dear Abby to you any old time she wants."

I felt his chest rumble as he chuckled. "I'll do that. Rest well Min Älskling Fru. I love you."

"I love you too my husband. Rest well." I felt him place a gentle kiss upon my head then lost myself into a deep sleep.

I hope I've caught your interest and you'll stick around for more. For now, it's planned as a short story but who knows where Sookie and Eric will lead me.

Again, your voice matters. Please leave a review.

Peace & Love!

Hippychik