Just a reminder that this story concentrates on Eric. No Sookie in this chapter, she's discussed in the next chapter but doesn't appear until Chapter 4.

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Update: Eric is leaving London to start a new 'life' in Shreveport, but he has to say Goodbye.

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It was Eric's final night in London. He needed to reach the airport by dawn, but before then he had things he needed to do, none of which were particularly enjoyable. Although he was leaving many of his belongings behind, he had to empty the safety deposit boxes in his apartment and stow his most precious items in a strong box, which would stay with him during the flight to New Orleans.

Another chore was packing clothing for his first few days in Louisiana, he had chosen a suit to impress Queen Sophie-Anne, whom he would pay court to as soon as he reached the city. He intended telling her then that he was applying for the position of Sheriff of Areas Five and Six. Eric was not sure how she would take his offer and, in his mind, he had run though various versions of this conversation.

He was not taking much clothing with him, Pam had promised to get him a new wardrobe. She was paying for it with his credit card, so this offer would probably prove costly, but convenient. Pam had also claimed she had found a house for him, although in the phone call they had shared, she kept the details quiet, preferring to 'surprise' him. Although Eric was not fond of surprises, he indulged her in this.

The most unpleasant job for the evening was letting his pet know he was leaving. He had called Tegan once he woke and asked to see her that night. Generally they only met on Sunday evenings, when neither of them were working. Tegan sounded thrilled at the thought of a rare chance to see him on a week night, Eric was not looking forward to the meeting quite as much.

Before the revelation he would have, most likely, just left London and let Tegan find out in her own time that he was no longer in the city. However, now he had to be careful of publicity and, as Tegan was 'almost famous', Eric did not want to risk her making negative comments about him to the British Press. Although not particularly worried about his own reputation with humans, he didn't want to leave a publicity problem for Londinium to tidy up. Eric did not want his ex-pet in any contact with Vampires if he could avoid it.

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Less than a year ago Tegan had been living on her family's small farm in Wales, she was engaged to her childhood sweetheart and happy at the thought of spending her life there. It was a trip to a Karaoke Bar on a rare night out in Manchester that changed her life's ambitions. She was spotted by Andy and Rupert, a couple who were musical producers looking for a singer. They were impressed with her voice, as well as her personality and looks. The three met the following day and worked on a half-written song, called 'In The Night'.

A few months later the song was a hit in Europe and Tegan, Andy and Rupert had become a group called Tar, they were travelling summer-party locations to promote the single. They had chosen the bands name in a rush, using their initials and it had stuck (quite appropriately) before they had chance to think of anything better.

Tegan's fiancé was not impressed with her new interest, but she did not want to give up this opportunity. Their break up was not pretty, but Tegan did not have time to dwell. She was single for the first time in her adult life and content to stay that way. Although Tar performed in nightclubs and at festivals, they did not indulge. They were learning how to perform, Tegan's voice got stronger and she became more of a show-woman at each performance.

Her looks changed too. She had always had mid-length dark, blonde hair, but after taking advice from the record company, she had it cut very short and certainly suited the pixie-look. With highlights and the summer sun, her hair was almost white-blond by August. She had always had plenty of exercise helping out on the farm, but she was leaner than ever and along with Andy and Rupert hit the gym, rather than the bar, when they had chance to stay in a decent hotel.

Finally Tar's record company decided to release 'In The Night' in Britain and in September the three of them returned to London to promote it. Although not written as such, it was classed as one of the first Vampire themed songs, in a time when any mention of night meant Vampires. This connection brought notoriety and publicity that helped 'In The Night' enter the British chart at number three.

Vampires also understood the benefits of good publicity and quickly realised that Charity events were excellent publicity. Caroline, Londinium's child, arranged an event for Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital in the ballroom at Vamp HQ. As a last minute addition, Tar were invited to play a short set between two Vampire musical acts.

It was a big night for Tegan, one she would not forget. 'In The Night' reached number one and she had her first one-to-one conversation with a Vampire, when Caroline introduced her to Baron Northman.

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Eric certainly liked the way Tegan looked and sounded when he saw her on stage. The background music he could do without, but he thought her voice sounded sweet and dirty at the same time.

Caroline watched him, watching Tegan and realised he was interested. She teased him, as only the child of his king could. "Baron, you seem hungry? Too much blood from bottles and donors? Would you like to meet the talent?"

Eric did not agree to the meeting, but he did not decline either. He did consider that Caroline had a point, humans did not particularly interest him now they were so freely available.

It was a pleasant surprise to find that he liked the girl's company. They danced, talked about the new life she had thrown herself into and Eric enjoyed the evening more then he had expected. She smelled fresh and exciting, more so than any donor or human he had tasted recently. When he asked if he could take her home, she blushed so much her face clashed with her white hair, but after a moment of self-debate, she agreed.

Eric rarely made mistakes, but he did that night. When he had arrived there had been a press pack taking photographs of the celebrity guests. He had not considered that they would still be there when he left with Tegan, and that together he and Tegan were an interesting photo-opportunity.

Tegan had done so much publicity recently that she automatically stood and smiled, with a hand on Eric's arm. Eric managed not to look shocked, but he certainly did not smile, especially when a few paparazzi shouted out questions to the couple. A glare from the Baron silenced them and he steered Tegan away from the cameras.

A moment of irritation, a flash of anger and he put the girl in a taxi, paid the driver and let her leave alone. He counted the night as a momentary lapse, fed from a dreary donor and made himself forget about the little singer.

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It was over a week before he saw her again, he was leaving HQ after collecting some papers, and Tegan was sitting at the bar by reception at the hotel. She froze when she saw Eric and seemed to panic for a moment, she stared down at her drink and did not look up again until he joined her.

When he wished her good evening and asked if she was alone, he was mildly surprised when she admitted she was and added, "Our studios are quite close, I thought I'd stop by." She fiddled with the stem of her wine glass, and admitted. "I hoped I'd see you."

They were interrupted by a member of staff asking if Eric wanted a drink. He declined and asked Tegan if she wanted to sit somewhere quieter.

As he steered her to a seat at a table further back inside the bar, she began to explain. "I don't know what went wrong the night I met you, but I thought it might be worth trying to find out." She did not admit that this was the third night that she had passed by Vampire HQ, but the first night she had dared to enter.

Eric sat opposite the girl and considered her. The blush in her cheeks and the little huskiness in her voice appealed to him, as did her racing heartbeat. He remembered how sweet he thought she might taste, particularly compared to the donors. He was sure she had never sat waiting for a man in a bar before and got the impression that she was relatively inexperienced.

She kept her voice low. "If I did something wrong that night, I didn't mean to, and..."

"You did nothing wrong. It was not you, it was me." Eric interrupted her.

Tegan almost laughed at his words, but brought her hand up to cover her mouth.

Eric realised why. "That is quite a cliché, I think?"

"A little, yes." She smiled at him, he liked that too.

"Then I shall be honest. I did not like the photographers. All the shouting. Telling me where to look!"

Tegan nodded, understanding. "Yes, they can be really rude, but I think I'm getting used to them."

"I doubt that I will." Eric stopped himself from scowling at the thought and decided to lighten the mood. "Which is my best side, do you think? For next time, I want to look my best." He turned so she could see his profile, from left then right.

"You look handsome from every angle, Baron Northman." She spoke with a laugh, but was blushing again. Eric really liked that.

After a moment of quiet, Tegan continued. "I need them though, if they don't take my picture, I'm in trouble. We need to stay in the public eye while we make our record."

"That is what you are doing now? A new song."

Eric listened to her talk about Tar's album, making music in these times wasn't something he knew a great deal about and he enjoyed her enthusiasm. It did not take long for him to decide that Tegan's obvious interest in him was something he would like to encourage, as she finished her drink he offered her another. When she hesitated to reply, he continued, "Or may I take you home?"

She laughed a little, but looked boldly at him. "You won't just put me in a taxi this time?"

"Not this time." He confirmed.

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Without ever meaning to, Eric had a pet, of sorts, although unlike many pets she was independently wealthy and had an occupation to fill her days. Five months later and Tegan had spent almost every Sunday evening at Eric's apartment as this was the night they both rarely worked.

Tegan had written a song about him, it was called 'Midnight Secret' and was number one for two weeks in December. Tar's popularity was certainly increasing, although the song missed out from being number one at Christmas because a novelty charity single came along.

Eric had even taken Tegan to the New Years Ball at Vampire HQ. This time they had stood together for a little while for the paparazzi. Eric had even introduced her to Londinium as his.

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On Eric's last night in London, Tegan arrived at his apartment full of smiles. Eric helped her off with her long, winter coat and watched her legs as she took off her knee-high boots. Remembering that after he told his news, those legs were unlikely to be wrapped around him, he raised his gaze.

Her hair was a pale lilac tonight, it clashed with her red dress. She saw him looking. "Do you like it?" She asked, touching her hair.

"Very pretty. It suits you."

"Thank you, I'm glad you approve. I think this will be my colour for a while. Although I almost didn't recognise myself, they've tried so many shades on me."

Tegan was being styled by her management company, the white blonde hair from when they met was now even shorter and had been a variety of colours in the past months. She was pleased that he was happy with her new look and stood on her tip-toes to kiss his cheek, before things went further he led her into the lounge.

"Let us talk for a moment." He was not particularly hungry but the familiar scent of her blood was appetizing as she was so close. "There is something I need to tell you."

His sombre tone was enough to make her serious and concerned. She took his hand and let him lead her to the large leather sofas in the lounge.

"I am leaving London." He began.

"Really? For long?"

"Probably, for a long while. I have another position to go to."

"Another job? But you have a great job here. Why would you leave?" Her voice got a little high pitched with surprise.

"This is a good opportunity for me." Eric decided not to mention he had not got the job yet.

"But you love London! I thought you liked it here."

"I do, but it is time for me to move on."

"When are you leaving? Do you really have to go?"

"I leave tonight." He said calmly.

"Tonight!" The word was almost a screech of surprise and made Eric regret that he had ever begun this conversation.

As he had taken a good deal of Tegan's blood over the last few months, he could easily sense her feelings. Most of the time he blocked them out, but generally these days she felt happy and excited, also a little overwhelmed. He blamed a lot of that on her musical career and the pressure she felt trying to make the most of this chance she had been given to be successful.

Right now Eric could feel the tension growing inside her, he knew she was close to tears, which would inevitably stop her thinking sensibly and talking coherently. Tegan was looking down at her knees, so he gently put a finger under her chin and made sure she caught his gaze. He hadn't wanted to glamour her, but now it seemed the best option.

"Tegan, we have had a wonderful time together." He nodded and she copied him. "But we knew this would not last." Again he began to nod and she followed. "It is sad that our time together is over, but you have so much to look forward to."

Tegan was nodding in agreement by herself now.

"You must concentrate on your music." Eric said, using a phrase he heard her use often. "Remember our time together, but do not share our story. Keep our time private and concentrate on your music." He raised his eyebrow a little, indicating he wanted her to respond.

Still caught in his glamour, Tegan nodded happily. "I shall! I shall concentrate on my music. Make the CD and keep our time private…" The change in her mood happened very quickly. Eric felt it in her blood, as quickly as he saw it in her face. Her happy mood changed to worry. "Private?" She whispered.

"Is there a problem with privacy? Talk to me, Tegan."

The words flew out of her. "The PR lady thinks I should tell. Andy and Rupert didn't think I should, but the PR lady said it would be great publicity for us."

"PR lady?"

"At the record company. The PR lady." As she repeated the phrase again, Eric realised Tegan didn't know or remember the 'PR Lady's' name, she wasn't trying to hide it from him. "She said dating a Vamp would make me stand out from the crowd. Make me special. She wanted to arrange interviews, but the guys didn't think it was a good idea."

"What did Andy and Rupert say?" Eric asked gently. He dismissed her idea that they were dating, he had always thought of her as a pet, not a girlfriend.

"They said it would make me look tacky and the band too. They thought you might not like to read about us either."

Eric hadn't spent much time with her band-mates, but was pleased that they were sensible. "I think Andy and Rupert are correct. I think you should keep your private life private. And concentrate on your music."

Tegan was nodding again, happier now. "I will. I will. It's private."

Slowly, carefully, Eric released Tegan from the glamour. She sat quietly for a while and became herself again with a bit of a sigh. Both her hands were holding one of his, she began to rub her thumb across his knuckles.

"I will miss you." She said this very quietly, with no sign of hysterics so Eric let her continue. "You're the calm in my life."

"I was the calm?" He replied and had to grin at her. "You didn't find me exciting at all!"

"Of course, I did!" She tried to laugh with Eric, but did not quite manage it and gave a heavy sigh again. She leant against him and did not object as he put his arms around her.

Considering what he had planned for the night, this was becoming better than Eric had expected. Tegan, moved in closer, and made a little noise, similar to "Mmm".

With most women he would have stroked their hair, in the hope that they would relax. Tegan didn't have enough hair for that. He rested his hand on the back of her neck, feeling the blood rush past his fingers, just beneath her skin.

He let her move first, she raised her face to his, her lips touching his gently, carefully, while her body pressed against his.

It was one thing he missed. Kissing. He didn't kiss donors, he didn't kiss that many humans at all actually, most weren't worth that attention.

Tegan was worth the attention, certainly tonight she was. He could feel the heat of her hand on his cock, unfortunately his jeans were in the way.

As she was clearly trying to catch her breath, he moved his lips from hers to her throat. She managed to gasp, "We should should say goodbye properly, do you think?" He made a noise of agreement and held her tighter.

Eric had been with the girl for so long he knew there were two things in particular that bothered her. Her clothes were mainly bought by the record company and she didn't like getting them crumpled, and she liked to be comfortable. The sofa was not comfortable enough.

As Tegan twisted against him, her movement was restricted by her clothing. "Take off your dress." He suggested.

She looked doubtful for a second, then smiled confidently. He let her wriggle out of his grasp and she stood before him pulling down the zip at the back of her red dress. The dress my have clashed with her hair, but her underwear had been carefully chosen to match with her new lilac look. She stood before him, dressed only in a little lace, gaining confidence at his gaze.

Tegan let her voice drop to a husky tone. "Should we say farewell in your bedroom?"

Eric suppressed a grin. He had known she would want to avoid the sofa. "We should." He replied. "Quick. Run!" He changed his hidden grin to a growl and bared his fangs.

Tegan gave a squeal, that was actually more of a giggle and jumped over his lounge table, darting in the direction of his bedroom.

Eric didn't move until she had reached the door, then caught her before she reached the bed. He held her a little off the floor with one arm around her waist, at first she kicked out and wriggled against him. Her butt tight against his cock. She twisted her head to claim his kisses, as his free hand roamed over her body.

Her breasts were high, quite small but sensitive. He could feel her nipples harden beneath the lacy bra. She made an incoherent noise as he pinched her, but she cupped her hand over his, encouraging him to continue.

Eric had been a large man, his cock was certainly in proportion, and as a Vampire he became harder, and stayed harder than any human could dream of. Of course, this was not a problem for him, but he was aware that it could be a problem for any human partners. They had to be ready for him if they were to be comfortable with his size and stamina. Tegan especially, as when she met him she was quite inexperienced.

Eric's hand slipped over the top of her lacy panties and stayed still. Pausing while she stopped wriggling, he could feel her racing heartbeat and hear her shallow breathing. To stabilise herself Tegan clasped her arms around Eric's arm that was holding her against his chest.

Her pussy felt hot and wet through the lace and once she was still, he slipped his cool hand beneath the damp fabric. She gasped and shuddered as he began to tease her.

Tegan was so excited that her orgasm came quickly. Eric's sensitive fingers felt a slight rise in her temperature, he heard her sharp intake of breath as pleasure took over her. He resisted the temptation to feed from her, knowing there would be opportunities later and he needed to conserve her strength, so they could fully enjoy this farewell.

As Tegan calmed down, he set her on her feet, holding her steady while she caught her breath and regained her balance.

"You are wearing too many clothes..." He grumbled in her ear, plucking at her bra strap.

Tegan turned to face him, tugged at his t-shirt and grinned boldly. "So are you!" She stepped back to the bed, taking off her bra and dropping it to the floor with a flourish. Six months ago she would have never been quite so daring, but Eric had boosted her confidence, as well as her experience.

Eric eyed her breasts greedily, her nipples looked incredibly tasty, he was sure they were aching to be kissed.

As she sat on his huge bed wriggling out of her panties, Eric pulled his t-shirt over his head. He took care to move at human speed, so she could watch him properly. He shrugged out of his jeans and had no underwear to worry about. Tegan's eyes became a little wider, her heartbeat picking up speed as she watched him.

He kissed her, pushing her back onto the bed as she reached to stroke his cock. She hitched her legs up to his back, opening herself to him as she placed the tip of his cock at her wet entrance.

Tegan moaned through his kisses, as Eric slipped inside her. He lifted his head so he could watch her changing expressions. As usual she was murmuring, "Oh my god, oh my god."

"My name is Eric." He grinned.

Tegan almost laughed as she looked up at him and managed to concentrate on her lover. They had shared this exchange many times. "Oh Eric. Eric!"

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They lay quietly together, Tegan catching her breath and recovering, while Eric made a mental list of what he needed to pack and wondered how long his guest would expect to stay.

While he waited he considered his options for a sexual partner in Shreveport. He could exist without sex and fresh blood, but considered that a tedious existence. Maybe he would find a human, one with a little independence like Tegan, but maybe not so young. Although a older woman would have even less stamina then Tegan.

Inwardly Eric scowled, although his face remained impassive. Would it be worth taking a Vampire Lover? Stamina would be guaranteed, although with other Vampires came issues with their makers and children. Pamela would probably be upset if he became involved with another Vampire as soon as he returned to her.

Eric resolved to take a look around once he reached Shreveport, he was sure he would find someone to interest him, if only for a short while.

Time was up. Tegan needed to move on.

Eric leaned out of bed to collect his phone from his discarded jeans and took a calculated look at the time.

"What time do you need to leave?" Tegan asked.

"I must be at the airport at least an hour before dawn. There are things I need to do before I go."

"Anything I can help with?" She asked hopefully.

Eric shook his head.

"I should leave you to do what you need to do." Her statement was more of a question, and she looked crest-fallen when Eric agreed. Scooping up her underwear, she left the room quickly to use the bathroom, which was through the lounge as Eric did not have an en-suite.

The en-suite bathroom that was originally in Eric's apartment had been turned into a light-tight bedroom, hidden behind a secret door. The room was just able to fit a double bed with extra secure storage below. Fixtures like this had convinced him to keep the apartment while he left for Louisiana, he would rent it fully furnished to visiting Vampires and expected to make a nice amount of cash from it.

When Tegan returned from the bathroom, dressed and tidy again, Eric was waiting for her in the lounge. He had retrieved her winter coat but did not help her into it as soon as she returned. He felt it seemed polite to delay.

"You must take good care of yourself, and enjoy making your record."

"I will… Yes, I must concentrate on my music."

For a moment Eric wondered if he had gone too far putting that phrase in her head, but altering the glamour now might cause more problems so he decided not to.

As she buttoned her coat, Tegan said, "Oh, I must get your address, I could send you the CD!" She looked hopefully at him.

"Mrs Mullins will be able to get anything to me. You could send it to her at HQ." Eric suggested. He could see she was beginning to get upset as he led her to the door.

"Please call me, if you're ever over here again. Or in Europe? Or…"

"I would like to, but I am not expecting to leave Louisiana in the foreseeable future. You have fun here, I have lots of work to do."

Her tears were almost spilling over as she whispered her goodbyes and left.

Eric could hear her crying in the corridor, and a little in the lift, but by then the sound blurred into the background noises that he could always hear. He was quite relieved by the evening. She clearly wouldn't be discussing him with the press or anyone else, and he hadn't had to see her cry, which was always a bonus.

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I've been thrilled at the positive reaction to this story. Thank you so much for all the reviews and alerts.

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More next weekend.

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19th April 2013