It's been awhile, but here is the next chapter. Coming to you at 4 in the morning. Perfect time to write. Any authors reading this, you know what I'm talking about. Or maybe you don't and I'm just a sleep deprived maniac. Anywho, enjoy!
Chapter 4 - Blue Eyes Make For the Stormiest Seas
True to his words, Eric began sniffing me like a bloodhound, his cold nose plunging in between the crook of my head and shoulder, trailing over heated flesh and goosebumped skin.
The sensation was so oddly pleasurable that to my complete embarrassment, I moaned from beneath his palm, the noise coming out low and distorted.
But Eric very well understood the cause of the noise, and with an indulgent grin, began to place more emphasis on rubbing his cold nose against my skin, laid out like a platter before him.
I tried to say something, but the Viking was having none of it. His palm pressed diligently against my mouth until I could kiss it, while his lips, certainly playing no part in detecting various scents, suddenly decided to enter the search party.
He began planting kisses on my neck, beginning somewhere below my jaw and descending all the way down to my exposed collar.
This is ridiculous!
Seconds later, I was horrified to find my body disagreeing as it made a desperate jerk forward, eliciting a soft growl from Eric once our hips met, the electricity suddenly not just in the storm outside.
Not going to happen. Especially outside my house!
Rather than keeping my body taut, I relaxed, slumping back against the house and allowing Eric to step forward in response, his body now covering mine completely, leaving no inch untouched.
Lord have mercy, I forgot what this feels like.
With a shaky inhale, I fought back another moan, head spinning at the sensations.
Goodness knows his ego shoots up each time I make them.
Reluctantly, cause even I won't lie about the effect Eric's skilled lips were having on me, I lifted a hand, and with closed eyes, began reaching forward, like a child dives their fingers into a candy bag.
I reached until my fingers brushed against the magic responsible for my existence. Magic as old as existence, and then some. I felt my fingers heating up, like my own personal ray of sunshine. Within seconds, a current of energy caused my arm to vibrate.
Without thinking twice, I launched the gold energy out of my hand and into Eric's chest.
It plowed into him hard, causing him to emit a low groan as his body was thrown back across my porch. He was disposed somewhere on the wet lawn below. And since the storm was still in full swing, it wasn't long until Eric was completely soaked. Not to mention the muddy backside he probably attained from such a hard fall.
Sucking in oxygen, I cautiously studied the vampire on the ground, helpless to find my actions anything short of mesmerizing.
Sookie, you either just did the bravest thing in your life...or the stupidest.
Even as Eric began picking himself up, I couldn't determine which it was.
He was manhandling me. What woman would give the right to let a man manhandle her just because they suspect she's been with her ex? Which I haven't, thank you. Oh...right, should probably be relaying this to Eric.
"If you continue to ambush me, or accuse me of doin' indecent things that you and I both know I wouldn't do, you will end up wet and sore, on your ass. Is that understood?" I demanded.
Of course in Eric's nature, leaving things alone simply wasn't an option.
Within two seconds, I found him in front of me once more, a foot separating us. This time, however, he didn't touch.
"You used physical force against me."
I think he was trying to hide his surprise from me, but I could detect its presence in his slightly too wide, blue eyes.
"Yeah, well not everyone's going to melt at your uncalled for touching. Anyhow, I warned you, Eric. I am my own woman. You do not own me," I reminded.
He observed me for a long, cool moment before retracting his fangs.
"You did not fuck Compton?"
Exasperated, I flung two hands through my hair and let out a lengthy sigh.
"No, Eric, I did not. And since you're suddenly the Sookie police, would ya like to know what I was doin' all day?"
"If you wish to tell me, I will listen."
The answer stopped all callous remarks I was ready to release.
I hate it when he gets like this. It's so easy to mistake him for a man who actually has deep feelings. Who's human. Maybe this will be the right time to patch things up. He appears lucid enough.
But how the hell did I even start? With Bill, it was easy. I knew exactly what I was feeling and why I felt those things.
Eric, on the other hand...well, I couldn't remember whether it was mostly his blood that was responsible for such an intense attraction, or I legitimately loved him.
"I took advantage of you."
Smirking, Eric raised his eyebrows.
"If such an event occurred, I would recall it quite fondly."
"That's the problem," I continued, "you can't recall it. At least not completely. When you were missin' your memories, I took advantage of your state of mind. I was hurt, lonely, and willin' to have anything distract me from the painful deception Bill sprang on me. And when I discovered how tender and loving you could be...well, it wasn't long until we were makin' out at a time where I really should have pondered over my decisions more-."
"Stop."
Throughout my speech, Eric has grown progressively angrier, his smirk making way for a deep frown. By his expression alone, I knew the conversation wasn't going to end well.
"You loved me, Sookie," he insisted, eyes glued to my own. "Do not try to justify your feelings, as loneliness. Did you not find it strange I was walking down your road on the night my memories were stolen? Toward your home. It had nothing to do with your fae lineage. Even as a vampire with no sense of identity, I craved you. And if you attribute your attraction to me as the fallout from your and Compton's relationship, I will personally see to having him killed, this I promise you."
My mouth flew open.
"You can't do that!" I retorted, trying very, VERY hard not to lose my temper. "He's higher up than you."
Eric smiled at my indignant display, but no humor resided in his face.
"Like every monarch, there exists those who wish to see them overthrown. Normally, I do not meddle in such affairs. But, if you do not tred cautiously, I may quickly find myself rethinking this."
"Tred cautiously?" I retorted, feeling the energy stir like a hurricane, inside my arm. "You cannot control my actions! I don't know how many times I have to tell you that. I was born with freewill, and just because you treasure the way my blood tastes, does not mean I will live my life to suit anytime you get a hard on for a fairy fuck."
As soon as the last word left my mouth, my fingers twitched, instinctively readying themselves to let out another blast of light.
And I was thankful that this reaction was so quick, because Eric's speed was far faster than my own.
In seconds, the Viking soared across my porch again, this time, landing on his shoulder. Strands of grass and mud, stained the black, leather jacket he wore.
"I can do this all night," I called.
Slowly, Eric pushed himself up to rest on one arm.
I studied him through the thick curtain of rain, arm fully extended, awaiting any sudden movements.
It were his words, however, that elicited the next attack.
"You will regret this."
"Are you threatenin' me?" I asked, the hand not currently keeping myself protected, settling down on one hip. "Not one of your brighter moves."
"No," he grinded out, meeting my gaze, "I'm warning you. Most do not get even this."
The look he sent me, eyes matching the storm above him, lips set in a scowl, and teeth just barely poking through, caused my arm to fall limp.
"Now get inside," he growled, wiping away a green stain smeared across his cheek, "before I decide to fuck you against the front door."
With a few shaky steps, I back paddled, nearly tripping over my own feet, and quickly flung myself inside, slamming the screen door shut.
Damn it, don't let him intimidate you!
Girl, you're on your own. I'm not sure if you saw it, but he means every word he says.
Taking in a deep breath, I tried to calm myself down and think logically. Logic was always welcome in my head, even if I didn't always listen to it.
It's Eric. It's ERIC. He'd never hurt me. At least not physically...right?
I risked a glance over my shoulder, hoping to find my fears misplaced.
A gulp flew down my throat when I saw Eric's lingering form, resting on my porch as it had done the night before.
I didn't meet his eyes, and with one hand, I propelled the door shut, internally making sure to recheck the curtains.
Yeah, this might be serious.
RYRYRYRYRYRYR
"Are you alright?"
Twirling the cord, I slumped back against the wall.
"Course I am. You didn't have to call."
Truthfully, I was thankful he did. The type of run ins I seemed to be having with Eric would send anyone into a nervous frenzy.
"I felt your fear," Bill detected. "Unfortunately, I had guests to greet upon arriving. I'm sorry I could not reach you faster."
"Bill, we just made up. I can handle myself."
Which wasn't exactly the truth, but I felt that I could brandish a few lies considering all the ones Bill was able to get away with.
"From the way Eric has been behaving toward you, I cannot say even you are fully equipped to deal with his interest."
"Were you not listenin' to the part where I said I blasted him on his ass? I'm fine. Yeah, his words freaked me out, but I've got a source of protection. And the daylight on my side. I'm not the same damsel in distress in need of rescuin' like before."
If vampires could sigh, I knew Bill would have been doing a whole bunch of it right about now.
"Does this mean you are finished reasoning with him?" he redirected.
I momentarily cursed myself for ever having the idea to come back.
NO...no, Sookie, this had to be dealt with. Can you imagine leaving now, especially with Eric behaving the way he is? He might even follow you.
"I'm not done yet," I confirmed, sounding far more determined than I actually was. "He deserves the same consideration you do."
"He deserves to be caged in a cell made of silver."
Grinning, I felt the nerves of early this evening, wash away.
"A King has to be merciful to all of his subjects," I reminded diplomatically.
Even through the phone, I was almost sure Bill was rolling his eyes.
"Sookie...if he tries anything, you tell me. I have the resources to keep him away if he so much as lays a fang on you."
"I appreciate the offer, and I'll keep it in mind. Otherwise, thanks for callin' and have a good night."
"Good night, Sookie. Stay safe."
And then there was silence again, minus the pounding of the storm outside. The hand still holding the disconnected phone to my ear, slipped down beside me.
There's gotta be something I can do.
It took seconds before I remembered I had an alternative.
Quickly, my fingers dialed the number, nearly forgetting it after all these years. Then again, I hadn't called it that often while I was here anyway.
It took two rings before someone picked up.
"You've reached Fangtasia, where life begins at night, this is Cecilia."
Raising my brows at the cheery tone, I said, "Hi, Cecilia. Um...I was wonderin' if you could get Pam on the line? I've kinda got an important matter to discuss with her."
"I don't know...," she hesitated, voice still remarkably upbeat. "I ain't supposed to bother the Mistress for anythin'. Unless it's a bathroom break."
Mistress? Some things never change.
"Tell her it's Sookie Stackhouse."
"Well...alright. Hope this ain't a joke, though. Mistress hates it when I interrupt her for somethin' not worth her time."
"Believe me, I know."
For a few seconds, I wondered if Pam would just turn a cold shoulder to me. She hadn't exactly been my friend, and I can't say I always appreciated her mindset, especially since learning she was the one who gave Eric the idea of using me to bait Russell.
Then again, the psychotic vampire was dead now as a result.
Still, I couldn't help but feel like she'd been only too eager to throw me under the bus all because her maker had held an interest in me.
"What?" came an authoritative voice.
"Uh...hi, Pam," I perked up. "It's Sookie Stackhouse."
"You're kiddin'," she deadpanned. "What can I do for the fairy this evenin', considerin' Eric will be on my ass if I don't dedicate my time to you?"
It took a moment for me to respond, partly because my guilt stirred at the thought of Pam being forced into such a situation.
"Yeah...sorry about that. Eric isn't exactly in his right mind, is he?"
I was greeted with silence.
Well, no time like the present to get it all out.
"Pam...Eric's been standin' outside my house these past few nights, not exactly makin' sense with his words. And he's under the impression that I'm still his. Now, I know you would love to see me suffer, but I'm just askin' for this one favor. Please...get him to leave me alone. Or at least get him to see sense again, like you're always doin'. His actions are really startin' to make me nervous."
Pam didn't answer for a full minute, and I was left to listen to the rain beat against the house, wondering if perhaps I sounded more scared than I had intended.
"Eric always has had a peculiar interest in you, hasn't he?"
I didn't need to be telepathic to pick out the sardonic amusement in her tone.
"If that's your answer, then I'm sorry I wasted your time-."
"-don't be so dramatic, blondie. I didn't say no, did I?"
"I just want to talk to him without him losing his head," I said. "Last time I checked, you're pretty good at makin' sure he keeps his wits about him."
"Which mysteriously seem to disappear anytime he's around you," she pointed out.
"That is not my fault," I defended, a bit insulted at her accusation. "I can't help the blood I was born with."
Pam laughed at this. "It's not just your blood he adores. But you don't see that, do you? What a shame."
Another bout of silence passed by, and I finally understood Pam would do nothing to make it disappear.
"Can you help me?"
"Depends on what I get for my charity."
"I don't know...the attention of your maker again?"
"You make me sound more selfish than I actually am."
I clutched the phone tighter to my ear.
"What do you want?"
"We'll leave that discussion for another day. Just know, you owe me big."
"You don't mean anythin' sexual by that, do you?" I asked once I had a chance to properly examine what owing Pam big, could mean.
"Now that's an idea, isn't it?" she marveled.
My own lack of a response must have broken up her good mood.
"I'll keep him off your tail tonight. Eric always puts business over pleasure. But don't forget about this favor. I know I won't. I have a remarkable memory."
"Thank you, Pam," I expressed.
She hung up without a word.
Wearily, I lay the phone down on its hanger and made my way over to the front door.
Stopping in place, I gently pressed my ear to the door, unable to distinguish the swift beat of my heart from the splat of rain drops outside.
And just when I thought I'd pass out from the suspense, a faint buzzing pierced the air, followed by the rustling of clothes.
Almost painfully, I strained my ear closer to hear. I couldn't make out what Eric was saying, but I could detect his tone lowering gradually, sounding like a slumbering beast who was being awoken.
Yeah, I owe Pam big.
His voice abruptly died and I heard nothing else for the next few minutes.
Carefully, I grasped the knob, forcing my pulse to stop thumping so wildly. When this was finally possible, I pulled the door open, eyes searching every inch of the porch.
No Eric.
Just to be on the safe side, I called his name.
No Eric!
Fighting the urge to break out into a victory dance, I worked instead on figuring out my next actions. No Eric meant I had an opportunity to do anything I wanted.
My pondering, unfortunately, was interrupted by the shrill ring of the phone. Pushing the door shut, I quickly made my way down the hallway.
"Hello?" I chirped, unable to contain my cheeriness.
Now I know how Cecilia does it.
"Sook, dis you?"
"Lafayette!" I exclaimed. "How are ya? I stopped by your place, but you weren't there."
"How the hells is it that I'm the last mutha to find out you's back in town? From Big John, outta all the people."
"I've been kinda keepin' myself under wraps. I'm not stayin' long, and I didn't want to make a big fuss over my stay. Do you wanna come over?"
"You know I do. Mind if I bring a friend?"
"Is this goin' to be like that time you tried hookin' me up with one of your internet friends?," I questioned, one hand perched on my hip. "While the choice remains theirs, I like knowin' whether I'm lookin' into the eyes of a guy or girl."
Lafayette released a loud laugh.
"I's had no idea the bitch had a sex change either. Fooled even me, and I got's an eye for dat business. Nah, I was gone cause I had to pick up Tara from Atlanta. She back in town too."
"She is? Bring her over! I'll make a late dinner and we can catch up," I suggested, thrilled at how quickly my night was improving. And to think it all started out with nearly being suffocated by a blonde Viking who had a fetish for necks.
"Be there in ten. Bring out the booze, though. Tara ain't exactly up to talkin'."
"Did somethin' happen?"
"First time she back in Bon Temps since that shit wit' Marnie went down. Be just her luck to run in ta' Eric or some other crazy ass supe."
I gulped, feeling the edges of my lips slowly sloop down.
"She's safe here," I assured, "see ya soon."
Before Lafayette could reply, I hung up.
Oh, Pam, I hope you're keeping Eric busy.
RYRYRYRYRYR
"How've you been?"
Tara shrugged, bringing the bottle to her lips. She relaxed a bit, now that Lafayette had gone to the bathroom, complaining about how the salesclerk had ripped him off by giving him gold eye shadow, when really, it was bronze.
"Better," she admitted, smiling. "Atlanta welcomed me back. That's a good feelin', you know?"
Taking a sip from my tea, I nodded.
"Tried to patch things up with my girlfriend, but she didn't have none of it. Said she didn't know when I was suddenly gonna leave again, maybe get drained or some bullshit like that. Don't blame her though. Livin' here is baggage."
"It sucks you in," I agreed. "And no matter how desperate you are to keep your life from dippin' into the supernatural, in the end, it happens."
Tara raised her bottle at this, already buzzed.
She appeared healthy, almost glowing, her black hair, shiny and smooth, now reaching down to her ribs. It seemed easier for her to smile, but it didn't come without reservation. And the fact that she displayed that toward me, disheartened me.
Even though I deserved those not-quite-there smiles.
"Fuckin' hate this town," she continued, taking another swig. "Only reason I came back was cause my mom begged me to. Said she forget how old I am and what I look like."
"How's she doin'?"
"Surprisingly well, considerin' the shit she gets herself into. But enough 'bout me. You hardly said anythin' about your five years away."
"Not much to say," I realized. "You already know the impact of gettin' away from here. Helped me get me on my feet, and get those feet into a future free of attacks and betrayals. Also got a boyfriend...sorta."
"How the hell can you have a sorta boyfriend?" she asked, laughing.
"Well...Matt and I are together, but we should be further along than we actually are. We will be soon, hopefully."
"After what?"
When I didn't answer right away, Tara stilled.
"Sook...why you back here?"
"Just need to patch things up, like you said," I answered.
"With who?"
We met the other's eyes and in seconds, Tara was on her feet, swaying a bit at the motion.
"Are you fucking kidding me?" she exclaimed. "You're still talkin' to Bill and Eric? Even after all the shit they put you through? Thought the time away would make you smarter, not the opposite."
"Tara!" I retorted, bolting up as well. "It's not like that. I told Matt that I still had loose ends to tie up here in Bon Temps, before we took things to the next level. Loose ends that consist of me talkin' and nothin' else. I am not suddenly madly in love with Bill or Eric again. I am only here to patch things up, nothin' more."
Tara didn't look fully convinced, but she did sit back down.
"You sleepin' with them?"
"Oh, please. How stupid do you think I am?"
When Tara didn't respond, I shook my head angrily, reaching for the Jack Daniels. Uncapping the bottle, I poured some into my cup, then downed it.
"I'm not sleepin' with them," I confirmed. "I have a shot at an actual life. Normal life with a normal guy who's actually decent to me. You really think I'm stupid enough to give all that up just because Bill or Eric apologized?"
Sighing, Tara leaned back into the couch.
"No...guess not. Sorry, I'm just...anxious. I don't know."
"Anxious about what?"
Studying her bottle, Tara shook her head, a laugh spilling out.
"Nothin'. Just crazy shit."
"Like what?" I pestered, sensing the unease from her.
She met my concerned stare, uncertainly.
"Heard about Merlotte's bein' vandalized?"
"Yes. Happened the night I got here," I revealed.
"Well...there's somethin' not quite right about it. Lafayette went back to pick up some pot he'd left underneath a loose floor board in the kitchen. Got there and said the place reeked of shit. Like the kind on a farm. And he won't ever admit this to anyone else, but he got bad vibes from inside. Like somethin'...evil was responsible. Got the hell out before he found out what. Not just that, though. You seen the sky this mornin'? I feel ridiculous sayin' this, but I never seen it like that before. Looked...fucked up. I never thought I'd say the sky looks fucked up."
The good mood I'd been sporting was all but non-existent now.
"I feel it too," I told her.
"That's why I hate bein' here right now," she explained. "I just know that whatever the fuck it is, I'm gonna be dragged into it. Even if it's by complete accident. This town doesn't give me a fuckin' break."
"You can't think that way, Tara," I replied, meeting her gaze. "We are stronger than what this place did to us. Don't believe me? Look at us. We're still alive. And I can't believe that we won't survive another few days, no matter what this town throws at us. We've got each other. You can't ever forget that."
Tara's lips twitched, and just when I thought it would turn into an embracing each other and crying type of night, Lafayette sashayed back into the room.
"Aw, damn, the hell happened in here? I's gone for a minute and you two 'bout to cry? Shiiiit. Ya'll too emotional for me."
Sniffing, I stifled my laugh while Tara shot her cousin the bird.
"Now, ya'll gonna piss yourselves when I tell ya what Jane Bodehouse tried to ask me six months ago," he announced, throwing himself down beside Tara. "And that hookah was sober as fuck."
RYRYRYRYRYRYR
I don't know what time the three of us passed out at in the living room, and I can't even recall what time it was when I first heard the knocking begin against my door.
What I do know is that I couldn't ignore it, and that it was still pitch black outside when it occurred.
The taps weren't loud by any means, but they were insistent and repetitive, and this was enough, for some reason or other, to wake me up from a stiff, uncomfortable, awkward sprawl on my couch.
Lazily, I moved to my feet, hands fumbling around for the table. I was only half aware of the dangers posed to me by my suddenly deadly furniture.
Only when I had gotten halfway to the door, fingers fumbling for the walls on either side of me, did I wonder if perhaps it was Eric.
Eric doesn't knock. He stalks.
And this eased me, so I continued forward.
Just as I was ready to grab a hold of the door handle, the knocking ceased. As if they sensed my presence on the other side of the door.
Slowly, I began to ponder on the oddness of someone knocking on my door at such a late hour. Without much thought, I opened up my mind, listening for any mental activity from the person outside.
The storm was all but in remission, and yet this person's thoughts were incredibly difficult to pick out. I gathered they were a supe, but the few pulses I detected, weren't normal. Granted, I couldn't always pick up on supe's thoughts, so that in itself was normal, but the type of patterns I was detecting, assured me that whoever stood on the other side of the door, was more than just a supe.
A bit of sweat gathered at the crown of my forehead, and my heart beat started to pick up.
This is familiar. The wave patterns. Or...lack of. Why is this familiar?
Before I could soberly analyze this, my hand twisted the handle and pulled the door open.
Squinting into the dark, cloudy night, I scanned my porch.
I couldn't stop the shiver of fear from running down my spine, despite not seeing anyone.
"Hello?" I called, hand resting on the screen door. "Eric, if this is you, then this is just pathetic."
The mental signals were undetectable now, and the cool night was eerily still.
Inhaling, I pushed the screen door open, keeping my eyes trained ahead.
A careful step forward allowed me to become more aware of my surroundings, and with this, my brain struggled to span a larger radius for any activity.
Just as I was ready to take another step, my toes nudged something cold and squishy, causing it to slide forward.
Blinking, I looked down at the floorboards, attempting to figure out what I'd accidentally hit.
But, it was like staring into a dark abyss. I couldn't even pick out my own hand in front of my face.
"Sook?"
Almost jumping out of my skin, I twisted my head around.
"You nearly scared the shit outta me, Tara," I whispered, one hand resting on my chest.
My friend took a few steps forward, trying to make me out in the darkness.
"Sorry. Heard you get up, but you didn't come back. You okay?"
"Yeah," I said, "could you turn on the porch light? I brushed something with my foot and I can't see what it is."
Tara nodded, reaching out her hand.
I turned back to the night, eyes falling down.
When the light illuminated my foot, I had to shut both eyes, the brightness too painful to take in.
I soon adjusted and opened them back up to study what it is I had hit.
"Oh my God," I gasped, backing into the house.
"The hell-," Tara broke off, peering through the screen door so she could see. "Fuck!"
We both covered our mouths, half from disgust, and half from an attempt to stifle our scream. Neither of us could tear away our gazes.
My toes were smeared with scarlet blood and a few inches ahead of my foot, lay a raw, human heart.
I was actually involved in a dispute with another TB fan over whether Sookie and Eric were right for each other. She said to me that Sookie didn't deserve Eric because she took advantage of him while he had amnesia. Although I partially disagree with this, I thought it'd be interesting to mention this point of view, thus becoming one of Sookie's reasonings of not being with Eric. Let me know your thoughts in a review!