Count my blessings.

Disclaimer; I do not own these characters, Charlaine Harris has that honour. I just like to explore the endless possibilities...

Chapter 2

Eric's POV

I am over a thousand years old and have seen unimaginable changes. I have lived through war, famine, disease and yet I am undone by a human.

Argh...

How did I let it get this bad?

It had been years since I signed the club over to Pam and resigned my position as Sherriff; no one had ever given up such a position before. People died to get such an accolade but me... I gave it up, handed it back.

After she left, with no word of where she was going or why she was leaving, I spent the first few years angry. Angry at her for daring to walk away from me. At first I carried on as normal but I could not sit out in the club, my temper was shorter and my restraint was gone. I was prone to temperamental outbursts that usually involved a detailed clean up and a lot of glamour. I was livid that she would not have the decency to talk to me, if she was scared she could have written me a 'dear John', but to leave with nothing...

Argh...

Once my anger had really taken hold I started to spend less and less time at the club, I would fly to her house and check for signs. There was nothing, her Uncle had moved in so I could not get close for fear of being overwhelmed by the scent. I tried talking to her shit of a brother but he didn't know where she had gone just that a fund had been set up to pay him 5 grand a year, I knew this had come from Niall but she had kept that information from him, no doubt because she believe he would reject it if he knew. Stupid fuck.

I handled the withdrawal symptoms; the bond was permanent and binding. When she left I was weakened by the absence of her, to compound the situation I found feeding from anyone but her nauseating. I knew it was partly my own fault as I had not explained it all to her but I hated her for that too.

Pam had dutifully kept tabs on me but I found her concern pitiful, disrespectful and it annoyed me to the point of banning her from my house. I had never known a time in my long life when I was so bent out of shape. I hated what that little blonde had reduced me too. I was ERIC NORTHMAN, yet I was hidden away like a hermit.

WHAT THE FUCK?

The physical effects were matched by the emotional torrent that raged within me.

I invested in a state of the art computer system and became obsessed with searching for her. For my own wellbeing I had to find her. To get back to normal I had to hunt her down (I knew deep down I placating myself...) Went she first left I managed to find a trail that went from Bon Temps to New Orleans to New York then to Europe. She went to France then Sweden, It gave me hope that she had gone to my home land but she then moved on to Scotland, there the trail went cold. She changed her name to Sharon Stone, which I found hilarious; she tried changing it again to Susan Sarandon which was even funnier. I spent night after night searching for news; I had contacted old acquaintances in Europe in the hope of hearing something but nothing...

The nothingness stretched on and on. By the tenth year I had been out of circulation so long I had missed another take over. This time the kingdoms had been split up again and we now have Queen Louisa of Louisiana, even in my dark state I could appreciate the comedy in that. It was a shame I had missed the demise of Victor and De Castro but such is life. There would have been a time that I would have regretted their fall at another hand but I could not muster the energy to waste psychoanalysing that shit...

Pam had kept regular communication with me through e-mail, since I threatened to decapitate her if she dared put a single over priced designer pump on my property. She tried to update me with local and national news. I scanned most of what she wrote as it held no interest for me, it did catch my eye when she was made Sherriff and went on to say that she was only keeping my seat warm for when I pulled my head out my ass.

I was in a rut and was losing faith in ever finding her and even if I did it had been so long she would be much older by now and no doubt she would have settled down and produced children but I still wanted to find her, I wanted to know she was still alive. I wanted the chance to talk to her, to hold her to love her... FUCK, FUCK, FUCK! For as much as I wanted to hate her, I could not. For as much as I reasoned my search for her was because of the bond and my health, in truth it was only a fraction of the reason.

I had spent many a night locked in my own head desperately trying to feel her in the bond, over the years the bond had weakened but it was still there. It was very faint now the last blood exchange was such a long time ago and she was obviously so far away that I had given up hope of ever feeling her clearly again.

I had woken up to the usual nothingness and had downed 2 bottles of the horrible synthetic crap that Pam had shipped to my house regularly. I logged on to my computer and found Pam's latest update. I opened it up and sat stock still as I read it and then read it again to make sure of what I was seeing.

Eric,

The Queen has graciously approved my application for an extended vacation to tend to personal matters in my home country. I am letting you know that I will be gone for no more than 2 months in which time I hope to resolve the situation.

My friend is in need of some assistance and I have offered my services in the hope she may be able to return with me.

I will give your regards to the king and hope to speak to you soon.

Pam.

It was a veiled hint, she's found something. I looked at when the e-mail was sent and it was dated 2 days ago. I bet she had already left. Shit.

I knew she was going to see her, she had never called anyone else a friend, ever...

What do I do?...

I had to go with her... I flipped my phone.

"Where are you?"

"Hello Eric how are you, nice to hear from you. I take it you finally got my e-mail? I'm in England; it still stinks and is full of cheap people in cheap clothes, oh... now they have a name for them... not just pauper but they are called Chav's."

"Pam!" I growled down the phone at her. I didn't want to hear her inane chatter about non-important blood bags.

"Okay, Okay" I could almost hear her eyes roll. "I am being escorted by a very pretty young lady, green eyes and red hair, my fav, yum. You know how I like the fair shin you only tend to get in Europe... Mmmmmm." I growled again. "I digress... I am on my way to report in with the King, should I tell him your coming?"

"Yes, I'll be on the earliest flight"

I had already been tapping away on my computer looking for flight details as Pam rambled on about her companion.

"Oh and Pam, don't you dare make a move without me" click, I flipped my phone shut.

I had my flight booked and a bag packed of the basics and was speeding towards the airport within 2 hours of hanging up on Pam. I had forced myself to drink 2 more synth bloods and down one of the royalty that Pam sent occasionally, in the hope it would improve my appearance. I had let myself go a little, obviously being a vampire I don't ever truly change but I had not been feeding properly and my colour was a bit off. I had lost my zest for life, I could gain no pleasure from hunting, feeding or even existing.

I boarded the flight and was served luke warn, red crap in a plastic bottle by a trolley dolly with the IQ of a dog. She had smiled and tried flirting with me until I snarled and told her "LEAVE" she avoided me after that even sending the other airhead to remind me of when I had to 'retire' to my travel box.

Why can't they just call it a coffin? It is what it is.

The next I was aware I was being moved around by some cockney simpleton with a lisp.

"Hey SSSSid, where'ssss thissss one going?"

For the first time in a very long time I had a mischievous thought. Just for fun I silently unlatched the lid then did the dramatic reveal. It was something you can never truly tier of. The shocked look on his face was only marred by the wet patch that seeped down his leg. It took will power not to laugh but I had more important things to be doing. As I made my way through customs I was greeted by the redhead Pam had described. Not that old for a vampire, maybe 60/70, still young enough to be nervous and show it.

"Mr Northman?"

"Yes, and your name?" not that I was really interested but I do like to know who I'm dealing with.

"Sir my name is Trina, I have been sent to escort you to the King."

"Yes I am aware of you purpose" I waited for her to start walking and then noticed the sleek black town car with little flags on the bonnet, waiting in the pick-up point just outside the terminal, I should have know, this King was never one for understatement, I should be glad it was not a limo.

We travelled in silence, it was only broken once when Pam text me.

Hope Ur flight was uneventful. Can't wait to c u. It will be nice to travel together again. P

I could only assume she was implying the King was eager to see me as she had never express any desire either way before, I'm not sure what she meant by 'travelling together' but I am sure all will become clear.

For the first time in 18 years I felt something other than anger, hurt and the nothingness. I felt a burning determination that I thought would never be ignited in me again. I felt a sense of purpose, I felt hope...

God I was getting sappy...

Argh...

We pulled up to very large intricate wrought iron gate and the driver spoke into the little box hidden in the bushes.

"Mr Northman for the King"

I had spotted the CCTV cameras before I had even heard the tell, tell whir as they angled to get a better picture. I was impressed by the level of security as we travelled toward a second set of gates this time with Were guards armed with semi-automatics. The set up reminded me of the medieval style of a castle within a castle. Once we had got through the inner security we were taken from the car and shown to an opulent drawing room complete with the authentic looking harpsichord in the corner. I hated those things they sounded awful, why anyone would want to have one is beyond me. I remember when they were all the rage; I am so glad things moved on since then.

Trina stayed in the room with me and me were left alone for some time, I found it hilarious if she was here to guard me. I could snap her faster than she could blink, I could take it as an insult but I let it slide. I just stood looking out of the window following the flow of grey cloud swirling to block out the moon. I had forgotten how overcast this bloody country was. The weather here was shit. It rarely got cold enough for snow and if it did it would only last for a few days and the summers where usually wet with very little sun. It was good for growing potatoes but that was about it.

"Well don't you look like crap"

I spun around to be face to face, or rather face to hair-line with King Richard, and yes that one. It had made me laugh when he started embellishing his own history to make himself more important and imposing than he really was. He even managed to weave himself into the Robin Hood legend somehow.

"Well hello to you too. DICK"

There was a collective gasp from the servants and staff that had entered the room with the King, at my overly familiar and 'almost' disrespectful greeting. If only they knew how little their King deserves my respect...

"Mr Northman, do I have to remind you of your place when visiting my kingdom?"

Ha don't make me laugh, he had never been able to best me in anything, and he had tried over the centuries. He even challenged me to a dual once but it wasn't me that limped away full of lead.

"I know my place"

I inclined my head to the side, not quite the full respectful bow, as I would never fully admit to his superiority.

"Leave us"

He waved a hand and in an instant the room was clear of all but the two of us.

"Now tell me, what's it like?"

His whole demeanour had changed and he had an expectant look in his eye.

"What?"

"Come now don't take me for a fool, I know you have been out of circulation for quite some time. I take it you've gone wild?"

As he said the word wild he popped his fangs and hissed slightly. Is this the gossip that had been doing the rounds, that I had turned native? I suppose it's better than the truth...

"Not quite, I suppose you could call it a sabbatical. All the political bull shit can get to be a bit of a bore after so long. The American vampires do like their intrigue and scheming."

It was the truth just not my truth but he didn't need to know that.

"Ah, I completely understand. The responsibility of power can grate... why don't we go and find your delightful Pamela."

He walked towards the French doors and opened them out on to the walled patio and called.

"Pamela, oh Pamela darllllllllling"

Okay now I felt sick, please don't tell me she decided to collect another royal notch on her bed post. Sometimes I wonder about her taste. I thought she was still indulging the feminine touch but I had known her to diversify when the fancy took her.

"Your Majesty, oh I see my Master has arrived safe and sound."

She bowed first to the King then to me holding my gaze for a second. She seemed to be trying to assess my mood.

"Now we are all here shall we partake in some light refreshment?"

The King walked back through the French doors and rang the bell by the fireplace. Within seconds there was a flurry of activity as the evenings snacks were brought in. I had a twinge of guilt and something akin to panic. I had not drunk direct from the source since she left. I had not survived on the synth crap alone; Pam had arranged a regular supply from the local blood bank as well as Royalty. I could never bring myself to bite the repulsive low lives that offered themselves; I found no enjoyment from feeding anymore. I had been spoilt; I had gotten use to having luxury available and did not want to sully the memory with fang banging whores. Pam seemed to sense my unease and tried cover.

"Thank you for your kind offer but I suggest that Eric not drink directly, I have found the difference between the American and English diet to be sufficient enough to cause side effects and would recommend my Master mix real with synth for the first couple of days."

Nice cover but I'm not sure the King will buy it.

"Oh yes I quite agree I know when I have to travel to the continent it can be quite unsettling on the old system."

"Well I actually ate on the plane, you know how it is when you get to a certain age" I shrugged my shoulders

"Well if you're quite sure."

"Quite"

Pam smirked at me but was starting to flirt with a plump brunet in the corner.

"We will be on our way and leave you to your evening... Pam" I barked her name and she reluctantly came to stand by my side as we both bowed and turned to exit the room.

"Oh Northman, I would like you to let me know when your business here is done."

I didn't even grace him with a response, all I could think about was getting far enough away from him that I could start getting some much needed information from Pam.

We were taken back to the city, accompanied by Trina. If I was a paranoid person I would suspect the King was trying to spy on me. Thankfully I have a healthy level of paranoia so I refused to be drawn into a conversation with either Trina or Pam. This left Pam free to shamelessly flirt, she managed to get her number and arranged to meet up at a local 'mixed' club called Exchange. I didn't think much of the name but Trina assured Pam it was a nice place and owned by a Supe friendly business woman.

We watched the car pull away after it took Pam 5 minutes and some of those stupid air kisses to say good bye. I grabbed her hand and walked quickly around the end of the row of shops and into an alley, once out of sight I pulled Pam in an embrace and took off, straight up into the low lying cloud for cover. She squeaked with surprise and put her arms around my waist and waited for me to find somewhere secluded to land. I had just touched the ground when she pulled away with a scowl on her face.

*SMACK*

She slapped me across the face and was drawing her hand back for another shot when I grabbed her wrist and tilted it back so far her only option was to kneel or for it to break.

"Get off me!"

"What the bloody hell was that for?"

I had no patience for this, there were more important things to sort out.

"Firstly – I didn't get to feed because of you and your 'food issues', secondly – I could have got to 2nd base at least with Trina if it wasn't for the huge grumpy Viking in the corner, thirdly – you made me jump! I haven't flown with you in centuries; a little warning would have been nice."

She was so childish at times; I had been out of practice, dealing with my most unruly child.

"I will only let you go if you promise not to hit me again"

"Humph"

"That is not the answer I require Pam"

I twisted just a little bit, it was enough to cause more pain and make her realise she had no other choice.

"I promise not to hit you"

She over pronounced each word and the set of her jaw was defiant. I had never fallen for this trick and it annoyed me that she even try.

"Or to kick, spit, punch, bite, knee, elbow or anything with the intent to inflict pain?"

She looked up and sighed.

"Yeah, whatever."

I let her go and she stood brushing off the leaves from her tailored trousers. I had landed us in a copse, about 20 miles south of main town.

"So, why here of all places?"

I crossed my arms and waited for her to reply. I was finally going to get some information; maybe I might find her at last.

"I have my contacts"

I raised my eyebrow and waited, if she continues to push me I would be forced to hurt her...

"Since becoming Sherriff I have managed to influence some reluctant 'friends' into sharing. As you know the trail went cold in Scotland but I have been reliably informed that she is living and working not far from here."

I was shocked, I had all but given up on ever finding her...yet here I was so close. I had been so focused on finding her I had never thought about this moment, about what I actually wanted to say to her, about what I wanted from her, about what I wanted to do to her...

"Where?"

It took all my control to speak and not shout at the top of my lungs.

"Ah"

"Don't fuck with me Pam, what do you mean Ah?"

"The details I was given were sketchy, I have managed to narrow it down to 2 places. I had planned to drop in and hope to catch her."

"NO"

I growled at her, how dare she presume to approach my bonded before me.

"Now, now. Hold up a second. Think about it Eric. We don't want to scare her into running again. It has taken us 18 years to find her, this time we might never find her if she disappears again."

I paced back and forth, I could see the logic in her argument but she is mine, it should be me that finds her.

Pam just stood and watched me pace till I stopped dead in front of her.

"We must find lodgings. Have you anything arranged"

"Yes, a little B&B that has light proofed some of their rooms, it is really quaint. It's a chocolate box cottage in a little village by the side of the motorway; it is conveniently located for our purposes. I'm really looking forw..."

I interrupted and rolled my eyes at how excited Pam was. A 'yes' would have been adequate.

"Pam... have you arranged a car or do I need to fly?"

"Oh, there will be a car waiting for us at the cottage. As we are now nowhere near the train station or anywhere else we could get a cab, it looks like you will have to fly us there."

We spent half an hour flying around in circles; Pam's sense of direction was terrible. We finally found our lodgings and were greeted at the front door by a little old lady with 'coke bottle' glasses and grey corkscrew hair. She was dressed in a house coat covered in flowers in every colour imaginable, there was a cat purring in her arms, which would explain the smell. She was welcoming enough and I was glad that the Vampire accommodation was actually in the old out-buildings and separate from the main house. They were sparsely decorated with simple furnishings in dark colours; at least there were no chintz or doilies...

We settled in for the day and I had 30 blissful minuets of peace as Pam succumbed to the sunrise before me. I spent my time thinking and planning. I tried to feel for the bond, I think it felt stronger but I couldn't be sure as I had not felt anything from it in so long. I was remembering our last night together as sleep finally took me.

I woke the next night with a sense of anticipation. I was up and in the shower before Pam had even started to stir. I came out wrapped in a towel and rubbing my hair when the argument started again. We bickered like children the entire time only stopping briefly for Pam to sort out the hire car but as soon as we were in the car it started again. I wasn't watching where she was driving but I had started to think Pam may have a point about not scarring her into hiding but I wanted to see her so badly that I was not going to listen to reason.

Pam and I had not fought like this is a very long time. Sometimes we acted more like siblings instead of master and child.

"PAM... Shut up"

She opened and closed her mouth a few times but obviously thought better of actually making a noise. She brought us to a stop in a car park facing a building with no windows just one single door, 'Tooth and Nail' was written in elegant gold script over a hatch in the door.

"Is this it?"

The name made me laugh, people thought my bar name was cheesy...

"Yes; now how are we going to decide who goes in?... rock... paper... scissors?"

Sometimes Pam thought herself so funny...

TBC