Thank you for the kind reviews. I hope my work continues to entertain.

*Again. Not my creations. Just having fun.*

Chapter 3

I awoke the next morning with a smile my face and an extra pep in my step. I felt like I'd run the Boston Marathon of sex. The sun was shining, the birds were singing and my Viking lay just mere feet away. Even though he was dead asleep, literally, I could feel Eric's presence and it comforted me.

I went to the kitchen for my morning mojo and found a note with what looked like an invitation strategically leaning against the coffeemaker. I recognized Eric's penmanship instantly.

Min Skon Alskaren,

I enjoyed our evening immensely. You are more exquisite than I remembered.

Until tonight,

E.

I caught my breath as his words caressed me.

P.S. Hand delivered as per your request..

"That Pam," I giggled knowing she must have filled him in on my little outburst. I picked up the invitation. It was plain grey with a black border and Dracula, in full hiss, dead center. The writing was blood red with black outlining.

Miss Sookie Stackhouse,

You are cordially invited to Fangtasia's Dead Man's Party

October 31st

Dusk to Dawn

Dress accordingly

You will come, Lover

E.

His innuendo gave me a jolt of lust as graphic images filled my head. Warmth spread throughout my body as I felt every touch, every kiss, every thrust all over again. I was so lost in thought, I didn't hear the faint pop and the appearance of my Fairy Godmother, Claudine.

"Whatcha got there cousin?" she asked, hovering over my shoulder.

"JESUS CHRIST, SHEPARD OF JUDEA!" I shrieked, grasping my heart. "You scared the fire out of me. What are you doing here?"

Claudine smiled happily. "I sense you need help."

Suddenly, Amelia ran through the door. "Sookie, you ok? I heard you scream."

"She is flushed and breathing erratically," Claudine said coyly.

"Well that explains Tall, Blonde and Dead's car." Amelia smirked as she strolled over to the table and sat down.

I rolled my eyes and poured my coffee. "Cut it out y'all," I pleaded as I made my way to sit. "let me get a few sips before the games begin."

We giggled and I was just about to share my big news when I heard a rumble. I looked out the window to see Jason's truck coming up the drive.

"Why is he here?" Amelia asked.

I knew exactly why Jason was invading my home and it wasn't going to be pretty. I opened the door as he bounded in and proceeded to open his big fat mouth.

"Look, I know you're not speaking to me Sookie. But, damn it, I'm your brother. You should have told me."

I sighed, exasperated (word of the day). "It just happened Jason."

"What just happened?" Amelia asked. "What's up Sook? What'd I miss?"

"She married that vamp," Jason snapped.

Well there went my announcement. And I really would have liked to tell Claudine and Amelia MYSELF!

"Jason! I'm not married." I gritted my teeth trying to stay calm.

"But you said last night.."

"It's called sarcasm Jason. Look it up."

"Wait, I'm confused," Amelia cut in.

"Eric and I are pledged."

Claudine's eyes widened and her smile grew brighter. "This is wonderful news cousin. Why haven't you told us?"

"Well it just happened two nights ago and I would have if we weren't so rudely interrupted." I glared at Jason.

"Pledged?" Amelia asked inquisitively.

"It's a vampire version of marriage," I explained. "But it's not legal or anything. As far as the State of Louisiana is concerned, I'm still Miss Sookie Stackhouse."

Amelia beamed giving me a huge hug. Her thoughts confirmed she was genuinely happy for me. "Whatever you call it, I think it's great. Good for you Roomy."

"Well I don't think it's great," Jason spat. "It's unnatural. It's not right. HE'S DEAD! You gotta get a divorce or annulment or something. I forbid this."

I couldn't take it any more. I literally blew my stack.

"Who do you think you are Jason Stackhouse!" I hissed, shaking with rage. "You FORBID it? This is MY life! You can't just barge in here and order me around! Alright, so I married a dead guy. BIG DEAL! If Eric were to propose, I'd legally marry him in a heartbeat. He is way better than your tramp of a wife. And spare me your fake concern. Eric is wise and strong and beautiful and he has done more for me in the past two years than you have in your entire pathetic, narcissistic life. Now get out of my house."

"Fine! Be that way Sis," Jason snapped as he stomped back out onto the porch. "But don't come crying to me when you end up drained or turned. From what I heard, he's the biggest vampwhore in Shreveport. He loves those fangbangers. But I guess YOU already knew that."

"FUCK YOU JASON!" I screamed and slammed the door so hard, the frame cracked. Oops! I'd forgotten my enhanced strength, courtesy of a Mr. Eric Northman.

I heard gravel flying as Jason spun out and drove away. Although I was furious, I was still glad the BLDSKR was parked out back. I don't think I could have saved Jason if he had damaged Eric's baby. I didn't wish him bodily harm even if he did deserve it.

"Vampires do not divorce," Claudine said, out of nowhere.

My head snapped to attention. "Pardon?" I asked, still reeling from my confrontation and totally caught off guard.

Claudine spoke as if she were giving the weather report. "Divorce. It is not their way. Vampires are such selfish, fickle creatures and Pledgings are very rare. When vampires pledge themselves to another, it lasts until death. It is said the loss is so painful, the vampire left behind almost always meets the sun."

You could have knocked me over with a feather. Amelia looked stunned too. I steadied my self and sat down next to her.

I felt like I was in a Twilight Zone episode. "I didn't know. He didn't tell me." I started to weep.

"Do not cry Cousin," Claudine said, gently squeezing my hand. "This is a blessing. You will never need to question his motives. There is no other agenda. This is how much he loves you."

My heart swelled. She was right. Somewhere deep inside, I had still feared a "Bill part 2" except with Eric as the leading man err vamp. Now, I could let all of that pain and hurt go. It was freeing, calm, warm and I smiled as I dried my tears. I felt a million times lighter.

"Thank you Claudine," I said, wrapping her in a big hug.

"That's what Fairy Godmother's are for," Claudine smiled triumphantly.

"Trey and I are going to the Dead Man's Party," Amelia said changing the subject as she held up my invitation. "As Bonny and Clyde." She smiled.

"Oh, yes," I stammered. "I was going to talk to you about this. I just got the invite today and I could use your help."

"How can we be of assistance?" Claudine asked.

"I need a costume. I'm at a loss and I don't want to disappoint Eric."

"Girl, you could wear a paper bag and Eric wouldn't care," Amelia teased.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," I cracked. "What I mean is I don't want to wear something ordinary, cliché or offensive. I've never been to a vampire Halloween Party and it IS Eric's bar. I just want to make him proud."

Amelia snorted. "Unless you wrap yourself in garlic infused silver, I think you'll be fine." We all got a good laugh then quietly pondered my dilemma.

"Marilyn Monroe," Amelia suggested, but that had been done to death. I thought Dolly Parton but we didn't have the time to put together one of her outfits. Besides, there is only one Dolly.

"Wait a minute. I have the perfect thing, Sookie," Claudine said excitedly.

Amelia and I turned and looked at her like she had an extra head.

"Claudine," I said skeptically. "You're a Fairy. You don't celebrate Halloween. How would you have a costume?"

"No time to explain," Claudine chirped. "Trust me. He'll love it. See you here tomorrow Cousin," she sang as she popped out. I never did get used to that.

Amelia immediately turned to me with a devious grin. "I WANT DETAILS!"

I immediately turned eight shades of red.

"A lady doesn't kiss and tell," I grinned innocently then looked at her. "But it was wonderful!" We joined hands and did a screaming girly jump. I felt like I was in 10th grade.

"Oh and that reminds me, do you have any stripper shoes I could borrow?" Amelia was a freak and I knew I wouldn't offend her.

"Why do you ask?" She smirked

"I promised Eric, something. I just need them." Nope. No details here. Move along.

"As a matter of fact," she said slyly. "I have the perfect pair." Amelia ran upstairs and was back in a jiffy carrying a pink shoebox. "Here, take these."

I lifted the lid and pulled out a pair of clear, platform "F" me pumps. Rhinestones spelled "Sexy Bitch" across the tops. They were perfect!

"You are the best Roomy! Thank you so much,' I beamed.

"My pleasure. Or in this case, yours," she teased. "I guess this means I have to spend the night with Trey again." She winked.

"If you wouldn't mind."

"Of course I don't mind! You are technically on your Honeymoon and this is your house. Besides, Trey will be dropping off your car today. I'll ride back with him."

We spent the rest of the morning cleaning the house and discussing the party. We had a blast speculating what Eric and Pam would where. Fall hadn't completely taken over so after lunch, we went out to get some sun.

Trey showed up around four and my car was purring like a kitten. I went to pay but he declined saying Eric had already taken care of it. Why was I not surprised?

As soon as they were gone, I jumped in the shower. Eric would be up soon and I wanted to be ready. I was so nervous. I'd never been around Eric when he rose. I didn't know what to expect and it thrilled me.

I opened the closet and stood in the doorway, spread eagle. I was completely naked except for those wicked shoes. My body tingled with anticipation as I felt more and more lust. I was so turned on, I prayed I wouldn't drip on the floor.

Slowly the hidey hole creaked open and I met Eric's piercing blue eyes.

"Good Evening Mr. Northman. Care for a bite?"