Disclaimer: I own nothing, I am simply taking these characters out to play.

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Chapter Four

I was pleased with the way the situation with the drainers played out. We located the two women that were involved quite easily and I decided to have Pam glamor them all into turning themselves into the King of Mississippi. I figured since they had drained a few vampires in that area, the King would appreciate the gesture, and I would not have to deal with the cleanup. It was a win-win. My Queen was too involved in her own troubles to micromanage things, and she let me handle things as I saw fit. As long as the money rolled in, she stayed out of my way.

I had Pam contact a tracker in my service to look for Jason Stackhouse. Dante Crowe was a skilled tracker, who in exchange for not having to spend time in Fangtasia, had agreed to use his skills when I needed them. Pam was furious when I made the deal with him, she thought he would bring in business since he was attractive, but he was a surly Vampire and much more use to me in other capacities. I knew if Jason was to be found, Dante would find him. It was only a matter of time.

It had been two nights since Sookie was last here and I had my day man, Bobby, contact every pawn shop in the area to locate Sookie's stolen items. Bobby was an adequate day man, and before I rose tonight he had left me a message on my cell, letting me know he located the items in a shop near Monroe called Union Pawn and Gun. He was able to acquire all the items without problem and would be dropping them off first thing tonight.

I was eager to return Sookie's missing items to her and I was impatiently waiting in my office for Bobby to show up. I tried to concentrate on some paperwork that I needed to get done for my Sheriff's duties. Failing to do that, I decided to play a little solitaire on my laptop, but I found my thoughts kept wondering to the pretty little telepathic temptress. 'What makes her smell and taste so sweet? Is it the telepathy or something else? There is something else, something less definable that draws me to her. What is it about her that has me obsessed with wanting to fuck her, and bite her, and rub myself all over her? Her body is luscious, untouched, begging to be explored.' These thoughts lead to other thoughts and I could not help but fantasize about how grateful Sookie would be when I returned her items to her. 'I would arrive at her farm house then knock at her door. She would answer wearing a baby doll night gown in red, no in white, yes white, just see through enough for me to make out her matching white v-string panties and her hard blush nipples. Her long golden blond hair left loose, would trail down her back in waves. She would invite me in, seeing as I arrived with a gift. When she realized that I brought back her treasures, she would smile coyly at me and beckon me to follow her back to her bedroom, set on rewarding me. I would follow her, stalking my prey. She would lay back on the bed, spread out for me, begging me to take her...'

Just as I began to stroke myself through my pants a loud knock on my office door interrupted my fantasy. "Son of a bitch!" I growled reining in my lust. I could smell Bobby's cologne through the door. 'Whoever told him Old Spice was a pleasant scent should be drained. With what I paid him, you would think he could spend more than ten dollars on his cologne.' "Come." I commanded. I was irritated by the disruption, but I was also eager to get on with my night. "Bobby, when you say you will be here first thing, I expect you to fucking be here when I arrive. I have been waiting for an hour! Now tell me you have the items I requested and that you are not completely incompetent."

"My apologies, Master, I have the items you requested." Bobby said. He knew I did not appreciate his excuses and I had no interest in hearing about the events of his mundane existence. Bobby walked over and placed a white cardboard box on my desk, then took a couple of steps back, to wait for his instructions.

"I trust you obtained all the items?" I asked raising an eyebrow. I wanted to make sure that Sookie would not be missing even one of her trinkets.

"Yes Master. Will there be anything else?" He asked and bowed.

"Yes, I want you to look into some property for me. The Stackhouses may be looking to sell some land in Bon Temps. The minute the land goes up for sale, purchase it. Mr. Cataliades knows to have the funds available for you, so pay cash for any purchases. I wish the purchase to stay anonymous. Do what is necessary. I will contact you if I have further instructions. You are dismissed." I said eying the box on my desk. I found I was inquisitive as to what Sookie deemed as precious items.

As soon as Bobby shut the door behind him I pulled off the top of the white box. When I peered inside I noticed the silver pieces first and decided it would be best to wear gloves while I did this. I pulled a pair of leather gloves from my desk and slipped them on, then began to extract items. There was a pair of silver candlesticks, a wooden box which contained a full set of silver flatware, and a coin folder which held a complete collection of U.S. Peace Silver dollars. These items did not really interest me. What interested me was the small bag of jewelry.

I pulled it out of the box and dumped the contents of the clear plastic bag on my desk. There were maybe twenty-five or so pieces, but only a few of them held any value. There was a set of Wedding rings, a plane gold band and a pear shaped diamond solitaire set in a complementing gold band. I looked at those first. I assumed these were Sookie's grandmother's. Then something caught my eye, a slight glittering. I put down the other pieces I had had been examining and picked up a brooch which was shaped like a butterfly. It had a rainbow of precious and semi-precious stones that beautifully colored its wings. I had never seen anything like it, it was exquisite. This was worth more than all the pieces combined. I turned the brooch over and there was an engraving on the back it said, "There are no impossibilities. Always, N.B." I could not help but to wonder who "N.B." was.

The rest of the items were mostly costume jewelry. I couldn't help but take notice to the fact that Sookie did not have any jewelry of her own. 'I will have to remedy that.' I put everything back in the box and decided I would head over to see my lover.

I wasn't sure if she was working tonight, so I pulled out my cell and I called over to Merlotte's. I was not especially pleased that Sookie worked for the Shifter. Sam Merlotte may have come off as a good 'ole boy to the locals, but in the Supe community, he was better known as a gambler who likes his alcohol, and I heard he was also a pretty good thief. He claims to be retired now, but it has been said that he will still do a job if he thinks there is enough money in it. He is not the only reason I do not like the idea of her working there. I own a bar and I know all about how barmaids get treated. The idea that some lowly drunken human would put his dirty hands on my Sookie made my blood boil. 'No man should touch her but me.'

"Merlotte's Bar and Grill, this is Arlene. How can I help you?" A woman said in nasally voice and I heard the sounds of music and the patrons conversing in the background.

"Arlene, will you please tell me if Miss Sookie Stackhouse is working tonight?" I asked cordially.

"Ah, yeah she's here. Who's calling?" She asked and I hung up. There was no need to continue the conversation. I sent a text over to Pam letting her know I was leaving and would not be back tonight. I scooped up the box and headed out the back door to my car. I was momentarily disappointed when I realized that my fantasy would not be coming to fruition, but I was elated at the thought of being able to see Sookie again, this time under better circumstances.

The whole time I was driving to Merlotte's my thoughts drifted to Sookie. I knew I had to go about things differently with her, if I wanted more than just sex and blood, which surprisingly, I think I did. She could not be glamored, and I found did not bother me…much. I liked the idea that when she came to me, it would be free of influence. 'I want her to come to me, and for me.' I could not wipe off the grin I had on my face. 'I must look like a damn fool.'

I arrived in about thirty five minutes. I had kept the pedal to the floor and was lucky I did not pass any police officers on the way. I decided to wait until I was back at Sookie's house before I gave her my present…assuming she invited me back to her home. 'No assuming…I am sure she will invite me in when I tell her I have something for her.' Women loved gifts and I knew she would be eager to find out what I have brought her.

When I entered the bar, I immediately picked up my lover's scent, even with the wretched smell of the other bar patrons. I spied her standing in front of a table in the far left corner of the room, her back was to me and I licked my lips at the sight of her lovely backside, she was laughing, a musical tinkling sound, and I felt lighter on my feet as I neared. A couple of seconds later my good mood faded when Sookie shifted her position and I saw who was sitting that table…my tracker, Dante. He had a huge smile on his face and seemed to be laughing with her. 'I do not think I have ever seen him smile let alone laugh. What in the hell is going on here?' I thought. My jealousy peaked, I stalked over to his table and as I approached his smile faltered, as it should. I pictured myself grabbing him by the back of his head and slamming his face into the tabletop...several times. I have to admit the idea amused me slightly.

"Hello Lover." I whispered into Sookie's ear when I was standing directly behind her. I knew Dante could hear me and he gave me an almost imperceptible nod. Sookie was startled and twirled to look at me.

"Eric!" She gasped, "You scared me half to death!" Sookie's chest heaved as she took several deep breaths. Then she gave me a questioning look. "What are you doing here?" 'Okay not exactly the greeting I was hoping for.' I noticed we were drawing the attention of the humans in the bar, along with the attention of the Shifter. He was behind the bar wearing an expression of jealousy and anger. I did not know before now that the Shifter had a thing for my Sookie. I did not like it one bit.

"Sookie, you are looking divine tonight." I said ignoring everyone else's stares and raking my eyes over her body. She blushed and a soft smile played on her lips. "I need to speak to you. When do you get off of work?"

"Um, in about ten minutes," she said looking at her watch and then back up to me. Despite her past claims about not wanting to get involved with me, her blue eyes twinkled when she looked up at me.

"I wish to speak to you privately. Can we continue this conversation at your house? " I said glancing over to Dante and giving him a hard look. He subverted his gaze.

Sookie seemed to think about it for a minute and then said, "Sure, do you want to wait for me here or meet me there?"

"I will wait for you outside and follow you over." I said and she nodded, turning back to Dante. I had the sudden urge to throw her down on the nearest table, and claim her then and there for everyone to see. 'There would be no doubt who she belongs to then.' I turned on my heels to make my way outside.

Just as I got to the door I heard her say, "Excuse me, I'll be right back with your check," as I exited the bar.

Not two minutes later, Dante walked out of Merlotte's and made his way over to me. I was leaning against my Corvette, waiting. "Sheriff," he said and nodded deeply.

"What in the hell are you doing here? Where is Jason Stackhouse?" I growled, towering over him, not bothering to hide my ire. This asshole is here laughing and ogling my woman while he is supposed to be finding Jason. Before now, I had no reason to think he would fail me. He had never done so in the past.

Dante lowered his head and his shaggy brown hair fell into his eyes as he cast them downward. He was a formidable vampire but no match for me, and he knew it. I was double his age and could kill him without much effort and even less remorse. "I was here following a lead. I thought she might know the whereabouts of Jason Stackhouse, so I came here to investigate. He seems to get around quite a bit. His fondness for women and his tendency to shack up with them is making it difficult to locate this human. After questioning some of the locals I found out that he spent a lot of time here and he had a "crazy" sister who worked here. I figured "crazy" or not, she may know where he is currently staying. Unfortunately she seems to have no idea, although I was not able to glamour her to confirm that, but now that I know that she is your lover. I realize that if she knew, so would you." Dante said surreptitiously pointing out that since I left out the fact that Sookie was mine, he had wasted his time attempting to question her. I scrutinized him from his Van sneakers, to his baggy jeans and Nirvana tee-shirt. He looked like he stepped right out of a grunge band from the nineties, rather than a five-hundred year old Vampire. 'Fucking insolent smart-ass. Did he think I was an imbecile?' His subtle ribbing was not appreciated. 'He did not look so fucking put out a few minutes ago when he was laughing it up with my Sookie. That smile on his face seemed genuine to me.' My face must have conveyed those thoughts since he quickly bowed his head and added, "I apologize, Sheriff. If it pleases you, I will take my leave now. I obtained a few leads from the patrons that may be fruitful."

"Go now. I will speak with you later," I said and dismissed him. I was not going to let this ruin my night. I would have Sookie all to myself in a few short minutes. Dante took off on foot at top speed. I couldn't help but wonder if he even owned a vehicle. I did not think I had ever seen him drive. He always showed up on foot.

As impatient as I felt, I was relieved when Sookie walked out the door and made her way toward me. "Sorry it took me so long," she said, closing the distance between us. "Sam needed to talk to me real quick."

"Oh? Is everything alright?" I could only imagine what the Shifter would have to say. He and I tolerated each other, since he participated in some of the card games I put on, but other than that, we did not interact.

"Yes. Everything's fine," she sighed, "If you don't mind, can we get going? I'm starving and I want to be somewhere a little more quiet," she said tapping her head.

'How hard it must be to deal with hearing other people's minds all the time. I wonder how it works.'

"I will follow you," I said getting into my car. She nodded and made her way to her own car. Then we were on our way.

The drive from Merlotte's was short and we were pulling up to her old farm house in no time. Sookie pulled her car around to the back of the house and I followed her slowly. Her gravel driveway was in disrepair, and the ruts were playing havoc on my Vette. I cursed as I lurch forward to a stop.

I exited quickly, grabbing the box that contained Sookie's treasures and walked over to Sookie's car, opening the door for her. She smiled up at me and exited, taking notice of the box under my arm and asked, "What's that?" indicating the box.

I smiled broadly at her. "This is for you."

Her eyes widened as if she could not believe I was giving her something. "What is it?"

"You will just have to wait until we are inside to see," I replied, giving her a wink. The corner of her mouth twitched pulling up in a sort of half smile. She turned and walked towards the back door. I followed her watching her behind as it swayed back and forth as she walked. I wanted to sink my teeth into it. 'Scrumptious.'

I stood as close to Sookie as I could get and she fumbled with her keys a bit before she opened the door. I was pleased that she seemed a little excited and when she got the door open she stepped inside. I stopped right at the threshold of the door. I could not enter without an invitation. "Sookie? You need to invite me in,"I said, bringing the problem to her attention.

She turned back and then it seemed to dawn on her, "Oh please come in!" she said. "So it's true you need an invitation."

"Yes, a Vampire can not enter the private residence of living being without an invitation." I said casually entering her home. It was like stepping back in time; the home had an old fashioned ambiance and did not really reflect what I thought of Sookie. 'Does she have nothing she can call her own? Everything she has is inherited?' I inhaled deeply as the scent of Sookie enveloped me; I let those thoughts drop away. Her scent was all around me and I found it to be quite comforting.

"Oh...so what happens if I rescind that invitation? Would you have to leave?" she asked innocently, eying the box in my arms.

"Yes. I would be forced to leave." I was reluctant to tell her, but it was something she would need to know as she came to know other Vampires, so I decided I would be honest with her. "So..." I said huskily, abruptly changing the subject, "do you want to see what I have brought you or do you wish to satisfy your hunger first?" I was sure I could satisfy more than her hunger, and she could satisfy mine.

Sookie blushed, apparently thinking the same thing I had been. "I want to see what's in the box first."

I nodded and handed her the box. She took it from me carefully, and then moved to sit on the couch, resting the box in her lap. I took the seat next to her. Sookie stared at it for a moment, "Well open it." I laughed, "I promise it's nothing that will pop out at you."

She gave me a brilliant smile, and pulled the top off the box. When she saw what was inside, her mouth dropped open and her eyes brimmed with tears. 'Shit. Not the reaction I wanted. This is not going as I planned.' I scowled. "What is the matter? Is something missing?" I could not fathom why she was crying. 'If Bobby missed something, he will be punished.'

Sookie just looked at me and shook her head, then without warning she moved the box from her lap placing it on the floor, and launched herself at me. Her arms circled my neck and she pulled me tightly against her. My arms went around her waist and I pulled her onto my lap so she was straddling me, keeping her tightly pressed against me. "Thank you! Thank you!" She pulled her head back and I loosened my grip so she could look into my eyes. I was lost for a moment; the depth of them made it almost easy. "How did you do this? You found all the items Jason took!"

"It was nothing," I said brushing off her questions. I was busy think of ways to ravish her. Her face was inches from mine and as I moved my hands slowly upward to cup her face and I leaned in to lay my lips against hers, never talking my eyes off hers. I could feel the heat of her core radiating against my stiffening cock. I was pleased I wore a track suit tonight and not my normal jeans and a tee-shirt. I deepened our kiss and Sookie reciprocated by kissing me back just as passionately. She was moving against me rhythmically as we continued to make out like a couple of teenagers. This may not be what I had imagined, but it was just as thrilling. I dropped my hands to place them on her bottom and I laid her on her back on the couch. I hovered over her never letting her lips slip from mine. I settled between her legs, pressing my arousal against her. When she gasped for air, I moved my lips over her skin, kissing my way down her neck, moving my hips, rubbing myself against her. The scent of her arousal filled my senses and it spurred me on. Sookie's soft moans filled my ears and I echoed her. I tugged at her shirt, slipping my hands underneath it to caress her breasts. Her nipples where hard and I rubbed rough circles over them through her bra, but it wasn't enough. I grasped her blouse and tore it from her perfect body so that I could get my hands on the soft skin of her now heaving breasts. She moaned and leaned up to kiss my neck. Her hands made their way under my shirt and she ran her fingertips up and down my back, I shivered and broke our kiss to unclasp her bra. She allowed this and once it was removed, she then unzipped my track suit jacket and slipped it off my shoulders. I was not wearing anything underneath it. I leaned back down capturing her lips again. The heat of her body was amazing and I felt like I was in a frenzy. I could not touch enough of her fast enough. I wanted to bury myself inside her, I wanted to consume her and have her consume me. Her voluptuous body writhed underneath me and I thought I might explode. I slipped my hand downward, trailing my fingers down her side, until they reached the top of her black shorts. I unbuttoned them swiftly and slipped my hand inside, cupping her sex, and rubbing her through her tiny scrap of underwear. I could feel the wetness there and could not suppress the rumble in my chest. I was purring like a fucking kitten and loving every minute of it. My normally cool skin felt like it was on fire. "So wet for me my Lover." I whispered.

"Oh, Eric," she moaned. "Please don't stop!" she breathed as she threw her head back and closed her eyes.

She was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen and in that moment, all I wanted was to see her looking at me with those amorous eyes. "Watch me, my Lover," I growled unable to contain my own lust. I removed the rest of her clothing and my own before she even noticed it was gone, causing her to gasp in surprise. She smiled at me then as I leaned back over her and traced her now exposed core with my fingertips. She was perfect. I slipped a finger inside of her and she arched her back.

"Oh my God!" she cried as I slid my finger in and out of her steadily, stretching her, preparing her to take me. With my need for her body and blood growing exponentially, I was not sure how long I would hold out, so I moved down her body trailing wet kisses as I made my way down. When I reached her center I pulled her legs up over my shoulders and pressed my lips to her. Her scent was almost intoxicating and when I ran my tongue around her clit she bucked her hips and I placed my hand on her stomach to keep her in place. I flicked her hard nub with my tongue as I slid two fingers inside her overheated channel.

"Please Eric, I can't take it. I need you now." Her voice was low and sexy as hell when it was laced with her desire. I turned my head to her thigh and replaced my tongue with my thumb, relentlessly bringing her closer to her orgasm. I licked the smooth skin of her thigh and bit. Her sweet blood rushed into my mouth and I greedily took a couple of deep pulls, pushing Sookie over the edge, her eyes closed and her body trembled as her orgasm washed over her. I moved up and positioned myself at her entrance.

Her eyes opened back up and her hands moved to my backside. "Are you ready for me Lover?" I asked, although I was not sure if I could stop if I wanted to. She nodded and leaned up to kiss me. When our lips met I pushed myself inside her slowly. I felt the barrier of her maidens head and stilled myself with a mighty effort. "This might hurt for a second my Lover," I warned and she responded by gripping my bottom and pulling me gently forward. I pushed through and she cried out, I could feel her tighten around me. After a moment, she seemed to relax a little and I began to move, rolling my hips against hers. She met me thrust for thrust as I felt myself building up to my own orgasm.

"More…please more," Sookie begged and I picked up the pace.

"You're so beautiful...no man will ever have you like this...only me. You're mine Sookie, only MINE! " I growled, as I felt her tighten around me. "Tell me!" I commanded moving at a pace no human could ever match.

"Yes! YES! Take me! I'm yours!" she shouted and her tight velvet walls fluttered around my straining cock, drawing out my own orgasm and I roared from the intensity of it. If I was human, I might have passed out. 'Magnificent.'

I collapsed on top of her for a moment before I quickly shifted us so I was under her and she was lying across my chest, and I enfolded her in my arms. The couch was not the ideal place to embrace, but I found I was too content to move. I did not want to let go of the moment or the empyrean goddess in my arms. For the first time, in a very long time I felt totally satisfied, and I basked in the afterglow of what was turning out to be a better night than I ever envisioned.

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A/N: Thank you all for reading. Your reviews have been wonderful please keep them coming.