Disclaimer: If I could have enough money to own the Sookie Stackhouse novels, I would get Pam to do my hair.
Author's Notes: Once again, thank you so much for the reviews! I really appreciate them and they're like effing crack! Lol.
As I have promised, THE Talk shall be in this chapter.
A lot of you have commented on how distasteful you all find Felipe and it's funny because it certainly isn't my prerogative to make him a hardcore villain…at least not yet. I just think he outplayed Eric and counted on several things that would happen that would save Sookie regardless of Eric's incapacitation. Of course, he's very vampires first and doesn't give a shit about Sookie's wellbeing…It's really amusing to me because I don't hate Felipe. The only villain I've ever created with purpose to make people hate immediately is probably Mr. Sinister in my A Mutated Existence and Underground Resistance X.
And a note on the title, "Give It A Name" is a song by Jerry Cantrell, he's the guitarist from Alice and Chains and the song is on his second solo album, Degradation Trip Volumes 1 & 2. It's my favourite album. If I were an album, I'd be that album. Intensely emotional stuff and it definitely takes you on a journey. You have to be in the right mood to listen to the whole thing. I think Jerry Cantrell is crazy talented, I call him a talent trifecta, the man can play guitar, sing and write songs, all with amazing ability. One of the most hilarious things I've seen was Jerry doing "Brother" with Tom Morello. Jerry sings while playing lead guitar, does a guitar solo and even sings a capella while Tom just does rhythm. It's awesome. I love Alice in Chains too and I am just totally psyched for September 29th when their new album drops. Anyway, "Give It A Name" is about letting go of your fears. I love this line "Separating self from dream, harsh reality/And though it hurts, embrace the truth and from fear be set free". It's a really interesting song and it sort of has that feeling of Jerry's Oklahoma roots from his dad's side. And I can't find it on youtube…I prolly shouldn't tell you all this, but looking for me got me distracted with Jerry and Slash doing "Wish You Were Here"…it's like two of my guitar gods together…soo lol.
2009/07/29: I've added a bit more to this chapter to flush it out a big more...when I writing it and editing it on the 6th, I always felt it was missing some oomph. I wanted to get this chapter out before my vacation...but I had also written this story at a time when I think I wasn't as immersed in the feeling of the fic. So I've added more embellishment and played up Sookie and Eric's emotions more, gave a few more side notes, that sort of thing. I always felt that this chapter lacked a bit of emotion. About 1000 words were added. I feel MUCH better about this chapter now and I think it's more up to par.
CHAPTER THREE: GIVE IT A NAME
"As you requested, my queen," said Mr. Cataliades. He placed the bundle on her desk with reverence.
"Thank you, Mr. Cataliades. You may go now."
She sensed it, in her heart she knew. Her time was up. Her long life, over one thousand years old had come to an end. She had stood against the tide of time, invincible to its crashing waves. She could stand no more.
Her time had come, but it didn't mean she couldn't win this last victory. Oh she would die, but her power would outlive her. That was all that mattered.
She glanced around her office, so many memories here. Good ones, bad. The place of death, of pleasure. Maybe this was her last glance.
She pulled out the documents, their official colours giving courage to her heart, her weak body strength, once more. She removed the quill from her official ink well. Some things, vampires knew, were better done the antiquated way. In her flowing script, learned some hundred or so years after she was turned, she wrote elegantly. The pen had never been more mighty than the sword than in this moment. The thought surged her forward.
Her only regret, she so wanted to see his face when he saw this…
Only one last passage and then she would be done and her time would be up. How fitting, she thought, as she pierced the tip of the quill through the skin on her arm, filling the shaft with her own blood.
Completed, she sighed. She was moments away. It was the end.
She folded the document and grabbed a red candle sitting upon an ornate gold holder. Red wax pooled and brimmed at the top, hot and thin. She placed an ornate gold tassel with complicated knots and elaborate beading from the top of her desk and placed it carefully on the centre of the flapped edge of the document. With a delicate hand, she poured the wax on top of the edges with care. Placing the candle down, she waited for the wax to cool sufficiently. She then took a large stamp, carved from pitch obsidian and pressed it over the cooling wax.
When she removed the stamp, she could almost cry, the red brimmed along her eyes. The last time she would ever see the seal of Louisiana, the fleur de lis and the amaranth.
She called to Sigebert to let in the guest waiting in the hall. Her last child still alive. Her heart broke a little. All this time together, the four of them and he would soon walk this world alone. She was certain it would not be for long though. All of Sigebert's purpose was to be by her side, a thought that crushed her a little.
The man who walked in was black and elderly with tattoos framing his eyes and along his cheeks.
"Your majesty," he greeted with a bow, as Sigebert left the room.
"You may rise, Louis," she said regally. They were last notes of her position.
"I have a task for you and you alone," she said with as more strength and power than her health allowed. She pulled out a dagger from her desk. It was long, finely wrought and gleamed in the light of the candle. The hilt was curved, a beautiful carved dragon's head of dark metal with deadly eyes of contrasting rubies and a neck wrapped in supple leather. It was Nordic in origin, both beautiful and deadly.
"I was given this dagger a long, long time ago." Memories could almost be seen dancing behind her eyes, another time, another place. She continued, "See to it that its original owner is the only one who can open this document."
"Of course."
"Return it to me by this time tomorrow."
"Yes, my queen."
And with that, Louis took the documents and the dagger, slipping both into a hidden compartment in his jacket. He could sense the tides a-changin'.
"You don't think you can slow down a little. You're going a little fast. It's not like we're in a hurry," Sookie said from the passenger seat.
To her left Eric was tapping his thumbs, humming to the main riff and vaguely singing to "Always on the Run" by Lenny Kravitz and Slash on the radio, "My mama said that your life is a gift…"
"Eric, remember my mortality…" Sookie said, gritting her teeth as she white knuckled the armrest on the door and her seat. She couldn't believe attitude the bastard sometimes.
"Who said this was fast? I'll have you know I drove under a semi at about a hundred miles per hour on the way to Monroe," Eric said with a smirk.
"Thanks for the expediency," Sookie muttered sarcastically. She could just smack him right now. It was amazing the roller coaster of emotions he brought out in her. And within minutes too!
Eric was back to humming the riff to "Always on the Run" as played by Slash and Lenny was singing, "And my mama said, leave those bad boys alone. And my mama said, be home before the dawn."
Sookie gave him the stink eye and Eric sighed, he released his lead foot. A little bit anyway.
Sookie relaxed slightly, "Thanks."
"But I'm always on the run…But I'm always on the run."
There was a slight pause between them as Eric barrelled down the highway from Monroe to Shreveport. Flurries of snow tumbled to the ground at a relaxed pace. The roads were dark and slick from the snow that fell and melted as soon as it hit the ground. Slightly cloudy skies blocked out some of the darkness, but the country was still very black this night. Even the sliver of moon was covered.
"My mama said, that it's good to be fruitful. But my mama said, don't take more than a mouthful."
"I still think of it often. Your mortality," Eric continued, glancing at her briefly as his fingers continued to tap on the steering wheel although it was almost nervous in energy this time.
"…it's good to be natural. And my mama said that it's good to be factual. But I'm always on the run…"
Sookie nodded in acknowledgment of his statement, "I should put you on Motormouth." She snickered.
"Motormouth?" Eric inquired.
"It's one of those hidden camera reality TV shows where a friend or relative or whatever turns in the person they know who sings freakishly and drives at the same time. The person who's in on it instigates the driver to sing really badly so that the motormouth can will the title of motormouth in the episode. They go up against two other contestants," Sookie explained.
"I do not sing freakishly," Eric complained as Slash launched into a guitar solo. Sookie thought she could see a pout on his lips. It amused her.
Sookie laughed, "Fine, you don't, but it'd still be something to see a vampire motormouth," she said.
"You know, I remember seeing Guns N' Roses do this song with Lenny in Paris on TV. Jason was a huge Guns fan. It was pay per view only. I remember Gran asking him why he had to see it and lecturing him on wasting the money but he did it anyway," Sookie said.
"I was there," Eric said with a smile, "I taped the entire concert, since it started when there was still daylight. I didn't get to see Lenny, but I did see Aerosmith onstage with the band. They did a Yardbirds cover."
Sookie laughed, "What other concerts have you been to?"
Eric shrugged, "Too many. I saw Beethoven in Vienna."
"My mama said, baby don't you ride that crazy horse…"
"You know I still have that tape. Well, I converted it to DVD. I got Bill to do that."
"Why am I not surprised?" Sookie teased.
"We could watch it if you wanted," Eric suggested.
"I'd like that." It was times like these, with their conversations in passing, that she could believe that she was with a normal man, talking about normal things. She could believe that she was like anyone else in the great wide world, that she wasn't different, that her life wasn't different.
"And my mama said, go get all that you're after. And my mama said that love's all that matters."
Eric reached across the length of the car to where Sookie was clutching her seat. He took his cool hand to his and ran his thumb over the skin on the top, feeling the healing and faded scab on it from the NLI. She looked like she needed it at the moment.
"Stop putting dents in the leather," he teased, deflecting.
"Stop driving like a bat out of hell," she said smiling, squeezing back.
"And I'm always on the run…"
"Reupholstering it is…" he returned.
"Would you like to grab a bite to eat?" he asked, leering down at her.
"Sure."
"We'll also pick up a few groceries for you and a change of clothes," Eric suggested.
She smirked, "I'm surprised you don't want me going around in your clothes."
"Oh, this is for your benefit."
Sookie marvelled in it, how she could feel so at ease with Eric, so relaxed, content even. Well, maybe when he wasn't driving like a maniac, but even that couldn't belay the feeling. Buffy wanted to go to prom with her honey, she wanted to have dinner and go shopping for groceries and clothes with hers.
"Thanks for that," she returned wryly, "Now keep your eyes on the road!"
Eric merely chuckled, "I have spatial awareness, you know?"
"What?"
"Spatial awareness. It's my vampire gift. I can sense everything in my surroundings without having to see it. Sort of like an infrared sensor," Eric explained matter-of-factly.
"That's convenient," Sookie replied dryly.
Eric purposely misinterpreted her, "Yes, it's gotten me out of many…jams. It's a handy advantage." Sookie rolled her eyes.
"It's not something I advertise. Only Pam knows of its existence," Eric elaborated.
"Oh…" Sookie replied quietly, his implication was duly noted and sweet, "I'll keep it secret."
"Thank you."
Sookie bit her lip. A sense of guilt rushed to the forefront of her mind. It caused Eric's gaze to snap from the windshield to her face intently, his thumb running across the back of her hand. Her body tensed. He could read her like a book. He knew her so well, she thought.
"I can read vampire minds sometimes," she blurted in a hurry. She felt like she had to tell him, if only because he had trusted her with his secret.
Eric's eyes widened, "What?"
Sookie looked away from him and Eric dropped her hand, only to bring it to her face, bringing her eyes to his.
Sookie sighed, she couldn't look him in the eye, she feared the negatives she could find there, the negatives that could crush her, "It's not something I can control. I just get flashes now and again. It seems to happen when I have vampire blood."
Eric's face was impassive, emotionless, it didn't rescind her fears, "Interesting." Then, a smirk, "Have you ever heard me?"
"Yes," Sookie whispered, wincing slightly. She dreaded explaining and all the horrible consequences that could happen to her that flushed into her mind. She hated it. She hated the feeling and she hated that she felt it in the first place. Things weren't supposed to be like that. She didn't want it to be.
"Do tell," Eric urged.
"The night you staked Longshadow. You were cold and pragmatic, like a snake. You were thinking that you could get me to do whatever you wanted just by threatening someone I cared about. Only you wanted to keep things nice, since you were mainstreaming… And when you had to leave after…after we slept together, I think. You didn't want to leave."
He stroked her cheek, then leaned in to kiss it, before whispering into her ear, "I wanted to crawl back into bed with you."
Sookie closed her eyes, leaning into his touch, "Yes."
She felt the loss of it as his attention refocused on driving. Still, his hand reconnected to hers.
"Any other vampires?" he inquired.
"Just at the Sophie Anne's trial at Rhodes. I heard Henrik. You were guarding me."
"Fascinating…" Eric said. He seemed deep in thought as he drove. Sookie tensed, expecting the worst.
Eric stroked her hand reassuringly. "What?" he asked.
"I just told you my biggest secret! It could get me killed!" Sookie exclaimed.
Eric brought her hand to his mouth and kissed the back of it, "I won't allow that," he said fiercely. His eyes were intense and blazed like hot coals. She believed it. Eric was a man of his word, if nothing else. He made good on his promises. She was sure Dermot's head was the result of Eric's word.
"I will not tell anyone else this. Besides, you keep my secret, I'll keep yours." A little smile was playing on his lips, like it was a little game. Sookie frowned.
"Just like that?"
"Just like that," Eric promised.
"Now where would you like to go for dinner?" he asked.
"You're not mad?" Sookie asked, baffled.
Eric winked, "We all have our secrets. Now answer the question."
"Something that's not down home comfort food? I've had it for the past week and a half," Sookie complained, "I kinda feel like a steak." The charity from the town was beginning to become her bane.
Eric smiled, "Steak it is."
Sookie couldn't believe it had been so easy to tell him, his reaction surprised her, but she supposed she should have expected it as well. Eric was cunning and devious, but usually not rash. She had feared the worst instead of looking at all perspectives and possibilities. Plus, she wondered if she always expected the worst from him, because then it would be so easy to run away. It would give her an excuse and an out. Eric both scared and excited her. Everything about him created a battle of extremes in her mind. She wished she could end it. It was the thing that drove her mad.
A silence stretched before them and Sookie found herself staring at the trees outside, almost attempting to recognize them from her trip earlier with Dermot. The words he'd said nagged at her brain. Something she'd have to ask him about and soon. The pair of them had accumulated quite the list between themselves.
"I can practically see the gears turning on your face, lover. What is it?"
"When Dermot took me, he said I was exactly like her…Do you know who he was talking about?"
Eric was silent as he pondered her words and then, "Perhaps…did he say anything else?"
"Yes…" Sookie said slowly, "He called you 'The Great Bloodslayer.'"
Eric smirked. It was cold. This day had truly been interesting.
"Aisling, fairy queen of the vampires," he said at last. He'd said it Ash-ling.
"You can't be serious," Sookie said, disbelief marked on her features.
"She fell in love with the king. The feeling was mutual," Eric said simply.
"It sounds like a fairy tale," Sookie whispered, her gaze fixed on their entwined hands. The meaning for the two of them was not lost.
"I suppose it was." His voice was faint, reminiscent.
The drive into the restaurant in Shreveport didn't take very long. After all, Eric didn't slow down very much. Still, Sookie was able to enjoy the feeling of being in the car with Eric and the passing scenery down the highway, a few old farmhouses, some livestock milling about, and the arching trees, all shadowed under the night. As the rushed past the quaint scenes, even with all the unsettled strife between the two of them, her heart felt happy and content.
Eric pulled up into a strip mall in an older, hip and upscale part of town, near the city centre. He stopped the car at a building in the corner of the street. It was about two stories high and made of deep red brick. Its shutters and window frames were all painted a hunter green. A sign over an ornately carved wooden door read, Umber. It was made out of twisted sheets of metal and wire.
"Nice place," Sookie commented.
"It is," Eric confirmed, "You're going to have to give me an accurate review of the food."
"Oh?"
"I own all the buildings on this block. I only manage and run Fangtasia, but Pam and I are investors in the restaurant as well," Eric explained.
"Ahh…Well, I think the number of stars depends on your behaviour," Sookie teased playfully. "So I'm not screwed coming in here looking like a slob in slippers?"
"You do not look like a slob. Besides, isn't it popular for women to wear those slipper like sheepskin boots nowadays?" Eric asked. Sookie could wear a potato sack and still look stunning, as far as he was concerned. As for women's fashion, well, he never really understood that much in the first place.
"Oh, you mean Uggs?"
Eric confirmed with a nod.
"Yeah."
Eric swiftly exited the car and helped Sookie exit as well. The car was locked with a beep as Eric used the remote on the key. His hand found hers as they approached the doors.
"They won't be too distraught by your appearance then?"
"I do own the building and Auguste, who owns the restaurant, is a vampire. I come here for some of my business dealings," Eric elaborated.
"I can't believe a vampire would own a restaurant."
"Auguste was a chef in his day. His sense of smell is his coup de gace in terms of cooking. He doesn't cook in the kitchen now, but he approves the menus and his nose does know winning dishes and it's saved many patrons from food poisoning or other food related calamities"
Sookie smiled, "Of course."
In a gentlemanly manner, Eric opened the doors for her as they entered the restaurant.
Upon seeing Eric's face, the hostess seemed to snap to a state of hyper attention. Certainly, she wasn't slacking before, but her performance anxiety had sharpened dramatically. The woman was wearing a sleeveless knee length cocktail dress with her brown hair tied neatly into a chignon. She signalled the maitre d, who was walking from a table, with her eyes. Sookie was certain that the entire kitchen and wait staff would now know that the Northman was in the building and his every whim had better be met, or else.
"Good evening, Mr. Northman," she greeted formally, "Two for tonight?"
"Yes," Eric verified, "Some place quiet, please."
"Of course," she answered smoothly, as she brought up two menus and quietly signalled another hostess to watch the station.
It was no surprise to Sookie when she stepped into the dining area that the restaurant was decorated in earthy shades of red, orange and yellow paint and draperies. Rich dark wood framed the walls of the building. It was also present on the hard wood floors. The place settings, vases and dishes provided contrast by being deep shades of blue, green and purple glass. The seats whether they be booths or chairs were all upholstered with black leather. The booths had tables of thick dark wood and the tables in the centre had starched white tablecloths. The fabric of the napkins was of high quality purple broadcloth. A small lantern created by a small thick candle encased in a small vase of glass lay on each table. The lounge area had circular tables of mottled grey granite which matched the table top on the bar itself.
Warm golden light was emitted by a massive chandelier made of blue glass. The crystals that dangled from it were an interesting spectacle of sharpness, reflection and light off their many faceted surfaces. No one crystal was the same. The chandelier had a traditional shape, but the crystals had polished surfaces, but rough edges. Smaller versions of the chandelier were hung around the restaurant along with lamps clinging from long chains. Purple and green glass balls dangled from the chains. The lamps were covered in white frosted glass domed like a Tiffany lamp. The glass dome was but rough and uneven.
The hostess led them to a table across the room in an area at the far wall of the restaurant that was raised with steps leading up. Next to the railing was a row of booths on the main floor. The raised section was currently seated by few. Their table was in the centre of the area.
The hostess efficiently handed them their respective menus and rattled off the specials of the day before leaving them to their waiter. As they were settled into their circular table, Sookie took in the environment with interest.
Paintings hung on the walls unframed in various different art styles. The same could be said of the sculptures of varying sizes that lay here and there as added décor from a soap stone polar bear tucked on the wooden frame in between booths and a Degas like girl displayed on a shelf, to a large Henry Moore inspired bronze in the front of the restaurant by the hostess station.
The overall effect of the dining room was a mix of an old upscale hotel's dining room with a modern touch, but without the coldness. It was comforting and cozy as well as especially intimate with its slightly dim lighting.
"The decorator is amazing," Sookie remarked.
"Auguste has a flair for décor as well. Pam helped," Eric said.
"Is the art…" Sookie started.
"Real? Yes, some works are those that Auguste, Pam, I and others have collected over the centuries. Auguste called in a few favours from us and we obliged. Some of it is actually quite priceless," Eric explained as if he were talking about a set of china he had bought on sale at a department store.
"Why would you display it in a restaurant? Aren't you afraid they'll be damaged or taken?" Sookie asked faintly.
"Auguste believes that all good art should be displayed and stealing from vampires is never rewarded," he said with a slightly chilling smile. It made Sookie remember Long Shadow. No, the consequences of thievery from vampires were immense.
"Besides," Eric continued, "Auguste has many vampires working here. It would be unwise to take or damage the art. Not to mention, most do not believe or even know of the great art history they sit upon within this room. If you're still worried, however, the security we installed is top notch and not just for the art. Umber is where most of us supes conduct business."
Sookie smiled, "An archaeologist, an art historian and an anthropologist would have a field day in your house, huh?"
"They would not be invited," Eric returned with a smile of his own, as he reached across the table for her hand. He winked as if to say, 'You would be.'
"How long have you lived here? In Shreveport." Sookie inquired.
"Since the 30s…I came down from New England. Sophie had requested I come to visit, for old time's sake, to New Orleans, where she laid out her proposition. The former sheriff of Area 3, at the time, had instigated a rather bloody coup attempt against Sophie Anne. His name was Martin Sinclair. It had been a case of keeping your allies close, but your enemies closer, similar to Kennedy choosing Johnson as his running mate. Their opposition had been brewing for something like fifty years. In the subsequent war, Sinclair was killed along with the sheriff of Area 5 who defended Sophie Anne, Max Andropov. Sophie was in the process of consolidating her power when she called me down and offered me Area 5. She knew me well. I could not refuse. Area 3 went to Cleo's maker, Kate van Leuwen. She retired her position to Cleo."
"Why Area 5?" Sookie queried.
"Unlike the south of Louisiana it's sparsely populated. There's a lot of land, mostly rural and forests with just enough urbanity," Eric explained.
"You have power but less of a hassle and solitude," Sookie gleaned.
"Yes, not to mention, it's the best area, defensively speaking. The myriad of swamps and forests, the terrain, it makes it very difficult to attack. My people know the land well. We can trap and hide. Playing the game of guerrilla war would favour us."
"I never considered that…but you're right," Sookie realized, "So why did the takeover happen the way it did?"
Eric sighed, it was a regret of his, "Our power was weak. The hurricane impacting the economic situation and the safety of vampires in Louisiana did not help matters. We were disorganized and separated, Cleo, Arla and I. We did not agree on much and without the unanimity of our decisions and actions in Sophie Anne's stead, any one of us would have been seditious or treasonous. I wanted to mobilize to defend our borders. They did not perceive a serious threat. They thought we had time and did not want to be hasty."
"Your hands were tied." Eric nodded.
"I also think Sophie was ready to go. She couldn't go with a whimper though," Eric mused.
Sookie smiled, "She was too proud and dignified to go down to something as trivial as Sino-AIDS."
Eric chuckled and agreed.
It was then that the waiter took their drink order and filled her glass with water. Sookie decided on a white wine. She figured she would need the liquid courage for later. The thought filled her with anxiety.
Eric took note of her disposition. Rubbing her hand, he smiled, "You need not worry, lover."
"I'll worry anyway," Sookie retorted. Eric snickered and she huffed.
"You stay in the same home all this time?" Sookie asked.
"For the most part, I have several houses in the area."
"But only one batcave?" Sookie teased.
Eric smirked, his eyes twinkling, "You could say that." He looked forward to sharing his home with her...in many ways.
"I come out to see what has my staff in such a state and who should I find but you?" boomed a slightly accented voice.
The owner was a slim, but muscled man about 5'10" with long dark hair and blue eyes. His features were polished and elegant, decidedly French. He was well dressed in a black Italian suit with a slight shine, a white shirt, royal purple vest and a red silk tie. He set down Sookie's wine with a flourish.
"Eric," he greeted with a smile and a slight nod. Then, he turned to Sookie, "Mademoiselle."
"Auguste," Eric returned, smirking.
Eric turned his head to Sookie, and introduced, "My bonded, Sookie Stackhouse. This is the chef I have told you about, Auguste Gilford."
Auguste offered his hand to Sookie and she placed it in his, allowing him to debonairly place a kiss on it, "I am charmed," he said, "You are lovely."
"Thank you," Sookie replied.
"Eric, you have all the luck," Auguste mourned.
"Indeed," Eric responded, placing a kiss on Sookie's cheek.
"You smell of war, my friend. I am jealous," Auguste pouted.
"Perhaps next time," Eric said with a smile. He was beginning to think he would need to keep a board to tally the owners of to whom he owned battle. It could be useful soon, he mused.
"Perhaps, indeed. I have a package for you. I will let Pamela know I delivered it to you personally. I'll present it to you later," Auguste revealed.
"Thank you," Eric replied.
"I hope you enjoy my restaurant, Miss Stackhouse," Auguste said.
"The décor is amazing," Sookie complimented.
"Thank you," he said excitedly and then whispered conspiratorially, "That Degas in the corner there is Eric's," before leaving them with a bow.
"He's charming," Sookie remarked as she began to open and peruse the menu.
"Yes," Eric agreed as he did the same.
The selections all sounded delicious, but as the waiter came around, Sookie ordered the prime rib with mushrooms, grilled shrimp, garlic mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables along with a spinach salad to start. She was happy that her appetite was returning. Eric ordered a specialty blended blood.
Sookie sipped her wine as the waiter brought Eric a silver pitcher of blood with a frosted crystal chalice. The pitcher was set upon what looked like a glass candy dish with an artistically warped and shaped lip, where a candle sat inside to keep the blood warm. Sookie smirked. It was rather clever.
Sookie was enjoying her salad when Eric read a text message off his phone with amusement, "Pam has gone to see Underworld: Evolution."
Sookie laughed, "You must think it's the strangest retelling of vampires and werewolves."
Eric shrugged, "It's not so bad. They're always amusing at worst, entertaining at best."
"Think Pam has the hots for Kate Beckinsale?"
"It's the leather outfit and her use of automatic pistols. Perhaps the English accent as well. Pam is sexually broad, as you know and enjoys sidearms. Other than that- I believe her name is Selene- She is much too…cold to be a vampire of any real interest. The concept and premise of the movie was intriguing though."
"Pam probably wants to steal Selene away from Michael," Sookie said wryly.
Eric chuckled, "You're probably right. I would enjoy seeing that."
"I'm surprised you even watch vampire movies."
"It's kind of like your Gone with the Wind. Something familiar but a whole other world," Eric explained.
"Ahh," she said and put down her fork, done with her salad.
Eric reached over and placed his hand over hers. Sookie couldn't help but smile at how he engulfed hers.
He caught her eye, "I meant it, you know? You are absolutely magnificent and I can't imagine anyone else who would risk their life for me the way you do."
"What about Pam?" she said with a smile and teasing glint in her eyes.
Eric returned it and then ran his fingers over her cheek, his face serious, awed, "You astound me," he whispered.
Sookie swallowed, she could feel her eyes water, looking into his and the way he was looking at her. Her chest was contracting. She placed her hand over his on her face, bringing his hand closer to her cheek, wanting his touch.
"What do you fear?" he asked softly.
Sookie's eyes flickered from his, focusing on the tablecloth, she whispered, "That what I feel for you isn't returned." She felt exposed admitting that to him.
Eric stroked her arm soothingly, smiling slightly, "Don't be afraid, for you have nothing to fear."
The admission gave her strength and caused her feelings for him to rush through her veins and surround her entire being. Looking into his eyes in return, she whispered, "I wouldn't do it for anyone else," placing a chaste kiss into his palm.
"You mean too much to me," she said, "It hurts."
Eric placed his forehead over hers, "Too much to be without, too much to be with."
Sookie closed her eyes and felt a tear stream down her cheek, "Yes."
Eric gently wiped her tear away with his thumb and leaned back slightly, so he could see her face.
"I meant it, one year ago, I meant it two weeks ago and I mean it now. Come live with me. I offer you my wealth and possessions, everything I have," he said staring at her intently.
Sookie laughed and smiled through her tears, using her hand to swipe them away, "You're such a jerk, using the situation…God, you almost died!"
Eric smiled, "I'll admit to it. Did you expect differently?"
Sookie smiled in return, "No." It was nice to have something to rely on, she thought wryly.
Eric reached for her hand and placed it over his once beating heart, "I desire you with my heart." Something he had known for months and struggled to. "What of you?"
Sookie closed her eyes, feeling the tears tickling her eyelashes. So help her God, "I do."
"Say yes," and Sookie could hear the mental 'please' in his head. She could also feel every wall, every divide, every barrier within her crumbling to the one thing in her heart she knew was right, perfect, best.
She sighed, afraid and exhilarated, "Okay," she said looking into his eyes, "okay." And she watched as the most beautiful smile stretched across his face and glimmer in his eyes, full of joy, youth and innocence. One thousand years of what must be hardship and heartbreak was gone. She wanted to see that smile forever.
She felt her world slide into place and leave behind the fear that had clenched itself upon her for so long.
"There are stipulations I want to make," she amended, but Eric's smile did not falter.
"Of course," he replied, "Do tell." Then, gestured for her to continue, as if humouring her. Sookie stuck her tongue out at him, causing him to raise an eyebrow. Sookie just rolled her eyes.
"I'll stay with you until my house is fixed, like a trial period. If I decide to a permanent situation…"
"You will," Eric said self assuredly. Sookie punched him in the arm.
"I want to be able to keep my house and go back sometimes. Can you deal with that?" she asked meekly.
Eric sighed in an exaggerated manner, he was practically buzzing with excitement, like a boy who had just seen the first snow, "You drive a hard bargain, but I think I'll live…If you don't take my other kidney or something else of that dramatic nature."
Sookie shot him an unamused expression.
Eric smiled at her, still clutching her hand in his, "You have made me very happy."
"Don't make me forget it," she shot back with a smirk.
Eric decided to show exactly how much she wasn't going to regret it with his trump card, an earth shattering kiss. One thousand years of experience or not, the boy could kiss and Sookie couldn't help but grab his chest and shoulders and pull him closer as Eric weaved his hand through her hair and stroked her back. Sookie sighed in pleasure. Eric took the opportunity to taste her hot, sweet mouth and tease her tongue. Not to be outdone, Sookie sucked his pouty bottom lip. Hearing his moan rumble through his chest made her smile. The things he did to her, the things she did to him. They were quite the match.
They were broken up by the waiter clearing his throat with Sookie's meal on his hand. His expression was decidedly amused. Sookie felt the blood rush to her cheeks, but Eric just smirked, looking like he just he just won the Stanley Cup or something. Sookie could swear he was almost preening. But behind it, she could see the pure, unadulterated joy in his eyes and a boyish laugh just dying to escape from his throat. Only his rank as the badass sheriff of Area 5 kept him from it, Sookie was sure.
Her entire meal was delicious. It was like an orgasm in her mouth. Eric had made a comment about her cheating on him with not only a chocolate cake, but a steak too, so she kicked him in the shins as hard as her slippers would allow.
She was about halfway through her dinner and sipping her wine when Eric looked at her sardonically and grinned, swirling his chalice of blood in his hand, "Not so difficult, now was it?"
"You're never gonna let me hear the end of this are you?" Sookie said, rolling her eyes.
Eric took her hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss, "Never."
Sookie smiled at him shyly through her eyelashes. That definitely did things to him.
Sookie took a few bites of her steak and potatoes, heaven, definitely heaven, chewing thoughtfully. "Tell me about the bond."
Eric's eyebrow quirked.
"This is unusual," he commented slyly.
"Do you really have to say it?" Sookie asked, exasperated.
Eric ran his finger down Sookie's arm, "I'll grant you clemency this once. You look great in my hoodie, by the way."
"Thanks," Sookie said sarcastically.
"The bond is like a mirror, built from the mutual exchange of blood. It can only reflect what is already there. It is honest. You can see yourself and your bonded through it. Nothing is created that isn't already present," Eric started.
"Mmm…That's why you were so frustrated with me," Sookie said, thoughtfully. She felt guilty, she admitted, but that couldn't be helped now and it looked like things had worked out.
"Yes, lover, you were driving me up the wall quite literally," Eric reached for her free hand, holding it in one and using his free hand to draw patterns on the back of her hand and tops of her fingers, "Our bond is unique. The strength of a bond is dependent upon the strength of the feelings between the participants. Not only that, the nature of the bond is also dependent on those feelings. A bond forged out of resentment can tear a pair apart and drive them insane, especially if it is between a human and a vampire. Humans usually suffer most from those bondings."
"What Andre would have done to me," Sookie ascertained. Eric nodded in agreement and kissed her temple.
"I could not let that happen to you. It was unacceptable to me," Eric said, fiercely.
"Creating a bond with the implicit purpose to control a human, the heavy exchange of blood…it creates a Renfield. Blood bonds can be formed between vampires as well, whether the couple are vampires entering into it or if one party is a human and later becomes a vampire. They are permanent, not easily removed. When bonds are removed, also depending on the emotions of the participants, it's not pretty," Eric shuddered visibly at the thought.
"Seeing someone with a severed bond is not something I would wish upon you. They are desolate creatures, forlorn and trapped within despair, without will or purpose. That's when a bond is mutual. Most often what happens when a bond is forcibly removed, the vampires will either wither and die or kill each other. Only one bond has been removed with any success in all my history. Still, a bond is never truly removed. A vampire or human will always be bonded, but maybe not linked between."
"So you're stuck with me?" Sookie asked. It was a lot to take in. She couldn't believe Eric would do it, knowing full well the consequences, that she might die and he might wither. She didn't want to think about that. She ran into burning and exploding buildings for him and she supposed Eric bonded with her. Reckless and impulsive was evenly split into the two of them.
"And you with me," Eric returned.
"Burning buildings and blood bonds, we sure make a pair," she whispered.
Eric chuckled, "Indeed."
"Did you engineer the knife too?"
"Not at the time…but it became useful later…now, in the present," Eric replied honestly.
Sookie searched the bond, finding his statement verified. After all, he had explained its mechanics to her.
"How did you find the knife?" Sookie asked curiously.
Eric smirked, "Money and a witch from New Orleans."
"You can buy anything these days," Sookie deadpanned.
Eric shrugged, "Some things for certain, other things not so much. The Internet is certainly a hit or miss."
"That's because you can't go and easily beat the shit out of that fucker at eBay who gyped you," Sookie teased.
Eric sighed dramatically, "No, it's rather unfortunate."
Sookie laughed.
Then she sighed, "What about the marriage?"
Eric smiled, "That wasn't so difficult, now was it?"
"I figure we might as well get this over with."
"You remember the marriage of Mississippi and Indiana? Russell and Bart?" Eric asked.
Sookie nodded. She remembered Eric officiating, her surprise that he was some sort of priest. It was almost like Joey on Friends. She half wondered if he got ordained online or if it was something else.
"It is very much like your traditional human marriage, the ones of thousands of years past, based upon economics, survival, status and alliance. There is a ceremony. The parties entered into a contract, one that provided for the economics of each other their kingdoms, their continued survival, the increase in status with the joint wealth and power of their kingdoms and an alliance through their formal commitments to each other. It is no different from human monarchs who wed hundreds and thousands of years ago," Eric explained.
"But Russell and Bart seem to really care for each other," Sookie protested.
"Yes, it's unusual for emotions to be attached to vampire marriages. Romantic passionate love wasn't something that was given thought to until about the 1500s. The marriages are usually more like the one between Sophie Anne and Peter Threadgill. The truth is that the marriage is what you make it. You could say we have an alliance now. Our marriage lays out the guidelines and boundaries regarding other supernaturals towards you. It can be an alliance or it can be more," Eric clarified.
"It's something we define?" Eric nodded. "I like that," Sookie said.
"I thought you might," Eric smirked.
"Did you love her? Your wife, Aude," Sookie asked, as she finished her shrimp. She watched his face intently. She was innately curious about this, but she couldn't be jealous of a woman who had been dead for over a thousand years.
Eric appeared thoughtful, "I had a great affection for her, but love? No. It was a marriage of duty and obligation. We came to care for each other, but we never loved each other. Passionate romantic love wasn't something I had as a human."
Sookie wanted to ask a follow up question, but her tongue held. Instead, she continued finishing her food and joking with Eric as he also sipped his blood. It was then she remembered that he was one of her favourite people to be around. His company was easy and fun. Even before they had what they did between each other, she found a companionship in him. The conversation always flowed and he could make her laugh with ease. They had an easy friendship, but Sookie wondered if they had ever really been just friends though. It had always felt like there was or could be something more between them.
"So what are we?" Sookie pondered, "Calling you my boyfriend is too weird and you're not my husband in a way I recognize, personally."
"You are mine and I am yours," Eric said simply. Eric had a certain way with words and being elloquent.
"That works," Sookie said, her lip quirked into a smirk. It really fit.
For the first time in a long while, Eric felt calm, a great sense of peace. At long last.
It was decadent.
Sookie moaned, Eric did his best to look jealous. Sookie snickered.
Auguste had insisted upon dessert when she'd polished off her plate. He'd also given Eric a thickly stuffed envelope, the kind closed with a special tab secured with thread. Sookie imagined it was like one of those files that the president always had in movies labelled 'For Your Eyes ONLY.' The pair had then exchanged pleasantries with the area business.
Eric had suggested that they go shopping for some clothes for Sookie first before getting groceries, since the supermarket closed later. Conveniently, there were several clothing boutiques on the street that catered to vampire hours, in addition to normal ones, on account of the buildings being owned by Eric.
All of the buildings on Eric's block were brick or limestone, built at the turn of the century and well preserved. The upper levels held office space and the lower levels were commercial.
Sookie wasn't too keen on venturing into the boutiques. Many of them boasted designer labels, but Eric just chuckled and shook his head as he shuffled her along until he reached a store towards the end of the block of buildings called Lucky Luna's.
The store front showed two pairs of sleek black mannequins in clothes that while trendy was more casual, definitely something she would actually wear. Inside, the store was fairly large; it resembled a chic 60s or 70s home with its geometric flower patterned tile on one wall, wood floors, geometric furniture, and tables that were rounded squares with a hollow centre for piles of clothes. They were on the walls too, housing racks of clothes. Its colour scheme mostly contrasted between the dark wood and leafy green bamboo in pots, as well as green walls, along with black marble countertops and white tile. The seats were all white or black.
Eric managed to pick up more than just a few necessities for spending the night with him, by convincing her she ought to have a few things at his house so she didn't need to be hassled to bring things over from her house all the time. Sookie grumbled, but decided to oblige him as he wanted to gift her as a house warming present. He may have threatened her with the words 'car replacement.' She picked up a long, soft, loose fitting white sweater that fit off the shoulder with slightly belled sleeves, three pairs of jeans of various fits and colours, a pair of black slacks, some cute tops, two tee shirts and a hoodie with a patterned fabric. She figured she couldn't wear Eric's all the time. Sookie also found a pair of flat heeled leather boots for the cold weather and pair of sneakers.
About halfway through the visit, Eric found a black string bikini with red ties, featuring a sketched white graphic consisting of a pair of large circles for eyes, a straight line indicating a crooked smile and fangs in an all over pattern. "You don't want to be in the hot tub naked do you? It's outside," he'd said. Sookie groaned. She had to admit it was adorable.
The more risqué part of the trip involved the lingerie area and their 'difference in tastes.' Sookie knew the sneak would find a way to smuggle what he wanted out of the store and get her in his purchases eventually.
Eric thoughtfully picked up a long black pea coat with a cinched waist and flared past the hips just past her knees. It was made of warm wool and even had a hood and a fashionable high collar, along with muted gold buttons. She smiled when she saw that the lining was cranberry silk with intricate gold and silver embroidery. Just before they left, Sookie grabbed some more winter wear, the sleeves of Eric's hoodie and the pockets only kept her so warm. She took a pair of wool mittens, a scarf and a tuque with ear flaps.
Upon making the purchases, Sookie returned Eric's hoodie reluctantly for her new pea coat. It just was too awkward to walk around with a pair of grey sleeves that stuck out. She was a bit sad to part with it though. She told Eric she'd steal it when he wasn't looking, causing him to look very smug. The girl at the cashier had looked curious as to why Sookie didn't have a proper jacket until Sookie eplained, or rather fibbed, that she had been in Florida for the last few years and in her haste to see her boyfriend had neglected to pack warmly or check the weather in Shreveport. Eric looked particularly gleeful.
It had been a successful trip and not without some making out in the change rooms either.
Eric drove them a few blocks to a Safeway that stayed opened later where they decided to divide and conquer so to speak, since Eric mentioned he had some errands to run as well. Eric had handed her a few bills from his wallet. Sookie teased him, since it was clear he had more than enough blood from the cases in the trunk. "What more could a vampire need?" Eric had insisted that as many of her bags be stowed behind the seats for his errand. Auguste's package was stowed in the locked glove compartment along with a shiny black handgun that Sookie had raised her eyebrow at. Eric had just smiled and told her that there were a lot more weapons in his car.
Inside the Safeway, Sookie quickly picked up a few things for food, a few basics, milk, coffee, cream, sugar, juice, eggs, butter, breakfast and some snacks. Upon a bit of inner debate, Sookie decided to pick up some flour, yeast and vanilla. You never know and if she was going to be staying at Eric's awhile, it would be worth it to have something she could use to bake something, should the mood strike her. She then continued to the hygiene aisle to pick up her preferred brands of shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, razor, shaving cream, lip balm and moisturizer.
When Sookie completed her purchases and met Eric at the front of the store, she was met with shock. Propped against his legs was a large package of dog food. Sookie quirked an eyebrow. Eric sighed and said, "Don't ask."
Eric then hefted the large package out the sliding doors with Sookie at his side and after loading their things into the trunk, they were off again. Little traffic impeded them due to the late hour. It was nearing 1am. Sookie thought she might be getting sleepy, or even asleep already, but instead she felt energized. She wondered if it was an effect of Eric's emotional state, bleeding into hers from the bond. Eric drove them past the lit up streets of the downtown area into the more residential areas of Shreveport. He pulled into the underground parking of a large luxury condo complex that had a multitude of chic shops and boutiques across from it.
"This is so not where I see you living," Sookie deadpanned.
"Well, I don't live here, lover," Eric said with a smile. Sookie shot him a confused look.
"We're switching cars," he explained.
Eric opened his window and coded into the keypad the entry to the private section of the parking garage and the metal garage door opened. Then, he took the ramp down to the second level. The entrance to this area was blocked by an even thicker metal garage door. Eric removed a nondescript black remote from the glove compartment and pressed it, then entered the code to the garage door onto another keypad.
"This feels like a spy movie," Sookie commented.
"I suppose it actually is," Eric deadpanned, "You haven't gotten to the good part."
Eric drove into the garage, revealing an area stocked full of expensive sports cars, convertibles, SUVs and sedans, "The remote locks the door behind us, the elevators and other entrances into this level and cuts the cameras too."
"That's handy," Sookie said dryly.
"I'll get you your own for Christmas," Eric teased, "One of the advantages of building and owning this place."
Driving to the end of the parking space, Eric cut the engine, stepped out of the Corvette and pressed the secret remote once again. The concrete wall spread open to reveal a reinforced steal door which lowered to reveal a shiny charcoal Lexus ES sedan.
"We're switching cars," Eric repeated at Sookie's dumbfounded expression.
Sookie shook herself out of her shock, "Right."
Eric reached into his pocket and removed a separate set of keys, opening the car, before pulling it up beside his Corvette to transfer their purchases. Completing his task, Sookie settled into the passenger seat as Eric parked his Corvette into the hidden chamber, locked it and then sealed the sports car in place of the ES with a press of his remote.
"I'm surprised you didn't kiss her goodbye," Sookie jibed as Eric entered the car.
Eric merely sighed, "Like I told Amelia before, the Corvette isn't my baby."
"Surrrree…"
"You'll see when you get to my house," he said as he started the engine of the ES and pressed another button on his remote, causing the garage door to open.
"Do you always switch cars?" Sookie asked.
"No, usually I go straight home or change the licence plate. The situation within the new regime has me taking certain…precautions."
Once they had cleared the exit of the parking garage and were outside once more, Eric pressed the remote again. Then, they were speeding off to Eric's home for no matter what car he drove, the speed was always the same, breakneck. Oh and the motermouthing was the same too. Only this time it was "Remember" by Aerosmith.
It was then Sookie realized that they were headed further and further away from the centre of Shreveport. The bright lights of the city faded into the intermittent lights of the highway leading into the city and then the pitch black of the highway. Unlike the hours before, the sky had cleared and away from the city, Sookie could pick up the stars in the sky through the moonroof like at home in Bon Temps. The sky was very black, it was almost unusual, Sookie thought.
When she was speeding with Eric, she felt free. The thought brought a smile to her face. Well, as long as he wasn't going too fast.
A few miles after the last lights had lit the highway and disappeared from view, rural farmhouses and land began to appear. Eric turned off the highway and onto a paved country road that would need to see a few repairs soon. He drove deep into the heart of the rural land, cutting through the remnants of the long grazing grass weighed down by snow, sweeping at the white fences that lined the road. Soon, the grass gave way to forest and the paved road disappeared. First a few deciduous trees, indiscernible in the dark, then thick groupings of them as they became a full fledged forest. Sookie imagined they were maples, elms, poplars and of course, magnolias. The pines were deeper into the forest.
Eric abruptly turned in between a thick grouping of conifers with a hidden space just wide enough for a car to get through. He drove for about 100 metres before Sookie was surprised with the headlights revealing a smoothly paved road of asphalt and then cobblestones as they continued along the path. After awhile, Eric reached a gated area. A long stone fence with black wrought iron bars on top of the stone, stretched on either side as far as the eye could see. A wide arch stood above the gate with an elaborately carved keystone in the middle. The gate itself was wrought iron and black to match the fence. Upon the centre of the gate was a pair of lion reliefs in muted gold.
Pulling up to the gate, a keypad was revealed, Eric typed a number into it and then placed his entire hand on a screen where his palm was scanned. Then, he extracted a remote from one of the hidden recesses of the ES and pressed down on it, causing the gate to retract, revealing a cobbled path in between a fairly dense forest.
Eric followed the path for a couple hundred metres, then took a turn, exposing a clearing of a well maintained lawn, even now that it was covered with snow and the large natural stone structure that was Eric's house. His home was large, but not audaciously so. It was clear that it had been built at the turn of the last century, or at least created to give that effect. Sookie could sense a slight antebellum influence in the large white columns that framed the main entrance to the home and supported the roof, but that was about it. A balcony with black rails sat in between the columns on what looked like the third floor. Otherwise, the place had a European or New England feel to it. It reminded her vaguely of a castle.
While the house itself wasn't obnoxious or flashy, the centrepiece of the front yard clearly was. It was a massive marble statue of an eight legged horse just about to take off on a bounding leap. The animal was blazed in clear motion and seemed influenced by Rodin.
As they drove closer to the house, Sookie could see a fairly large cottage or cabin beside the cobblestone drive about 50 metres or so from the house. A light was still on in the windows and when they drove by, Sookie could see an old man in a worn couch reading a book in pyjamas with a cup of tea by his side and a quilt over his legs. Upon hearing the car, he looked up and waved. Eric returned it.
"Who's that?" Sookie asked.
"Carl, my groundskeeper," Eric said.
"You have a groundskeeper?"
"Yes, to take care of the horses and maintain the property. Carl and his wife, Ellie, enjoy gardening too. They go wild in the Springtime."
"I'm sure they do…You have horses?"
Eric gestured past the side of the house and Sookie just could make out what looked like a wooden barn off in the distance to the left of the house and a few horses with their thick winter coats wandering lazily about.
"Yes, we let them wander the property, they're quite hardy. Don't be afraid if they come up to the house. They're probably looking for treats."
"You spoil them, don't you?"
Eric sighed, "Naturally."
"How long has Carl and Ellie been with you?" Sookie asked.
"Decades, Carl's family lived near here and he was born soon after I moved into the area. I've known of him since he was a toddler and we met formally when he was a teenager. He and Ellie had attempted to sneak onto the property in between their teenage hormones," he explained with a smirk. Sookie chuckled.
Approaching the house, Sookie could notice its details. A black door with a gold door knocker in a lion's head stood in between the columns with a staircase that led up to it. The large windows were framed white. Windows with shutters were framed white with black shutters. The garage was built into the house flawlessly with perfectly matching stone and a black door. Eric opened his car window and placed his palm on a keypad on the garage, causing it to open.
"Your house is beautiful," Sookie complimented.
"Thank you, lover."
As Eric rolled into the garage, Sookie noticed that it was large enough to store maybe eight or more cars. It had an entrance, but then was like a miniature parking garage. Sookie noted the neatly stored mechanic and wood working tools as well as two motorcycles and an ATV. There was also a black BMW SUV parked in the garage. However, what really caught her eye was a shiny black Trans Am with a silvery phoenix painted on the hood.
"That's my baby," Eric said, "I've had her since she came out in 1972. Pam got T-tops put in on her death day for me. I had been thinking about it for awhile. She conspired with Carl and Ellie."
Sookie just snickered, "I promise to stay ten feet away from it at all times."
Eric just shook his head. He got out of the car and helped Sookie out as well. As they approached the door to the house, Sookie could hear a thumping and scratching sound from the door. Eric rubbed his temples and sighed. Sookie took in his behaviour with curiosity and amusement.
Upon opening the door with his keys, a gigantic dog darted out, leapt to his hind legs and began to lick Eric's face and neck, resting his paws on Eric's chest. Eric's expression was decidedly deadpan as he attempted to shuffle past the dog to disarm the alarms in his house. Sookie noted a keypad for his palm as well, just inside the room. She couldn't help but laugh at the situation which brought the dog's attention to her. He dislodged himself from Eric and ran up to her in the garage, sniffing her hands and pockets for treats. Finding none, he gave her big old dog kisses on her cheek and hands anyway. Sookie went on her knees and pet his grey and silvery shaggy fur and scratch his ears as Eric dealt with the alarms.
"His name is Xander," Eric said, watching her with amusement from inside.
"What kind of dog is he? He's huge!" Sookie exclaimed.
"He's an Irish Wolfhound, another gift from Pam. For last Christmas," he said with an air of regret, "More of a joke than a gift, I suppose. She said it was so I could remember a time when I actually conquered something, like Ireland over one thousand years ago. I told her that was ridiculous since I'm Swedish and we never went to Ireland, the Norwegians did and that the Irish eventually kicked the Vikings out of Ireland and were never able to conquer their spirit. She made the comment that they were my relatives and when Xander grew up, I could sic him on Alcide on the full moon."
Sookie giggled, "She gave you Xander as a puppy after Jackson?"
"Yes, he has an exceeding level of attachment to me," Eric mourned. Sookie just chuckled and played with Xander a bit.
Sookie took in his collar, a beautiful hand crafted leather one with an elaborate handworked pattern on it, while Eric uncapped a jar of treats from a cabinet in what looked like Sookie to be the laundry room. Xander then plodded over to Eric and gobbled up his treat with glee. Then, he retired to his large animal bed and began to chew on a big mottled stuffed wolf. Sookie snickered. She went over to pet him while Eric unloaded their purchases and his sword.
"Did you make the collar?" Sookie asked as Eric brought in the groceries.
"Yes," Eric sighed, Sookie let out another snicker.
The dog food got Xander's undivided attention when Eric lugged it in. It was the last of their items to be brought in. Sookie couldn't help but fall for the dog, he was incredibly friendly and silly. Eric set down Xander's food, causing the dog to hover around it excitedly as Eric entered Sookie's information and palm print into his security system in the laundry room and explained that the entire house was pretty much locked down and secure at all times with the best of modern security measures.
Eric took her first to the kitchen. Xander followed excitedly due to his food being brought in, his tail drumming back and forth rapidly. As Eric fed Xander and refilled his water bowl, Sookie took in the house. The floors were all dark hardwood, except for the kitchen with its tile and the living and sitting rooms with the carpet. Each room was painted a different colour and was inviting as well. Unlike what the exterior architecture would dictate, the floor plan was fairly open. Eric's décor was a mix of a few favourite classics mixed with some more modern things like the large leather sofa beside a simple wooden coffee table with an old ceramic lamp whose design oozed Chinese Ming Dynasty. It was a converted vase. Nothing was too cluttered and everything was comfortable and cozy. There was art on the walls and tables from all history and cultures and Sookie was sure she'd enjoy taking a look at each in detail.
The kitchen was painted a warm golden yellow with dark granite table tops and dark wooden cabinets that matched the hardwood floors of the house. Sookie was surprised that he had appliances besides the microwave, but he did and they were all top of the line. She helped Eric store the food while Xander clomped away at his dinner. There was a breakfast nook with a nice wooden table to the side as well.
"Is he named after Xander from Buffy?" Sookie asked.
"Yes," Eric answered, "I wanted to name him something Swedish, but Pam called him Xander and it stuck. He only answers to Xander, although he understands commands in Swedish as well."
Xander barked, his head darting from his bowl in mid chew, as he heard his name.
"Yes, that's your name," Eric mocked, sighing.
Sookie giggled at the thought of Pam watching Buffy. She was almost certain that if Buffy were real, Pam would seduce her away from killing vampires and over to her sexual persuasion.
Xander gobbled up the rest of his meal and then licked Eric's hands. He rolled onto his belly and whined at him. Eric said something under his breath before he obliged in scratching Xander's belly for him. When he was happy, he sat up and Eric patted the beast's big head before he ran off with a jangle of his collar.
Currently, they were leaning up against the kitchen counter as Eric told her some information regarding the house.
"While I waited for you at Safeway, I took the opportunity to text Amelia and Sam one of the private and secure phone numbers to this house. Should you hear this tone," he then picked up his cell phone and dialled a number, causing a distinct tone to ring on the house phone, "you will know it is Amelia or Sam calling you."
"Impressive," Sookie said.
Eric just shrugged, "You can call her in the morning to bring you Niall's concoction as well as anything you may need. Just meet her for lunch or something of the sort. Take the Lexus or the BMW."
"You want your home to remain secret," Sookie observed.
"Yes," Eric said with a nod.
Sookie had just been shared with one of Eric's greatest secrets, his innermost sanctum and she wasn't going to betray his trust in her, "I'll keep its location secret."
"Thank you," Eric said as he took off his jacket, setting it on the counter, "Welcome to the batcave. Now would you like the tour?"
Sookie's gaze turned to the floor, with its Persian rug, biting her lip and shook her heard. She then wrapped her arms around Eric and snuggled against his chest. Eric gathered her tightly.
She gazed up at him from his chest, "I just want to feel you tonight," she whispered.
Eric cupped her face in his hands and looked into her eyes, understanding her need for he felt it too. Too much had happened today. Too much could have been lost.
Eric leaned down and Sookie stood on her tip toes to kiss him. First sweetly and then more passionate. Sookie could feel Eric's smile on his lips and kissed the corner of his mouth where the tiny indents formed when he smiled. Eric caught her lips before she could retreat and licked her lower lip, causing her to moan. It was just the thing for Eric's tongue to seek entrance to her hot, sweet mouth. Sookie repositioned her arms around his shoulders and neck. She felt a need to be as close to him as she could. She felt drunk on Eric's passion as he played with her tongue and sucked on her lower lip. She felt his hand running down her hair as his thumb stroked her cheek as his other hand drew patterns on her hip and back.
Having enough of their height difference, Eric's hands streamed down her back before cupping her ass, giving it a firm squeeze before bringing her legs around his waist and setting her down on the kitchen counter. Sookie smiled. He did all this without breaking his kiss. She pushed his hoodie off him, he didn't need it. When Eric stepped between her legs, Sookie wrapped them around his waist and butt. Eric's hands were exploring the hemline of her sweater and shirt, before going underneath to feel her soft, creamy skin. Sookie did some exploring of her own as he began to lick, nibble and kiss her neck. His defined pectorals and abs twitched slightly under her hands and the thin fabric of his wifebeater. She brushed her thumb against his nipples. She ran her nails along his shoulders and back, which Eric really liked if his moan and hardness was any indication. He also really liked it when she squeezed his butt, grinding his hips into her core.
With his hands in her shirt, Sookie noticed that it was bunching around her waist. Eric began to tease the exogenous area around her ear and combined with his hands rubbing and massaging her breasts through her bra and the grinding of his hips into her core, Sookie felt undone. She was more than sure Eric could smell her arousal and feel how wet she was. Not to be outdone, she palmed Eric's bulging arousal, sliciting a moan of pleasure deep from his chest.
Her nipples were hard and the sound and smell of her pleasure was driving Eric crazy. She was clutching his hair and shoulders desperately and returning his grinding with fervour. He'd also had enough of her clothes. He quickly divested her of her sweater and t-shirt, pulling them off her body. He also made quick work of her bra and tossed it behind him somewhere. Much better. She gasped as the cool air hit her body. Her nipples peaked instantly, Eric smiled. Her smooth back, breasts and stomach was unhindered to his touch. He could feel the slight raised edges of her still healing wounds, but pushed it to the back of his mind.
He let Sookie lick and kiss the cleft in his chin as he made a proposal, "How would you like a tour of my bedroom?"
"That sounds excellent," Sookie said, licking her lip. The next thing she felt there was the sharp brush of Eric's fangs and his arms securing her waist. Sookie tightened her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist, pressing her soft breasts against his chest. Eric moaned as he lifted her off the counter and they were off.
Sookie was very vaguely aware of the stairs Eric took her up and the halls. It was hard to concentrate with the things he was doing with his mouth. She suspected Eric might be using his vampire speed. No matter, all she cared about was the room he opened with the massive sleigh bed made of dark wood with cranberry red sheets of Egyptian cotton. She didn't notice the matching wooden furniture or the soothing greyish green walls. Eric quickly turned on the lights and kicked the door shut, then lay her down in the sheets. His covers had still been thrown open from two days ago.
Eric stood back and took her in but Sookie grabbed the straps of his wifebeater and pulled him down to her. She ran her hands down his pectorals and abs before pulling the wifebeater off his body.
"Now we match," she said with a grin as she traced his golden happy trail right above the waist of his bulging jeans.
"Minx," he accused as he unbuttoned her jeans and pulled them down her legs.
Sookie laughed as she sat up, taking in his perfect masculine body, the long lean muscle, trim waist, the dusting of golden hairs at his chest. It was no wonder women had fallen to his feet for over a thousand years. Smoothing her hands over his abdomen, Sookie then took care of his pants, making sure to give his painful bulge a squeeze, something that caused him to hiss. Finally releasing his erection as she pulled down his jeans and boxer briefs, Sookie stroked his gracious plenty. He was definitely the largest lover she had ever been with…and the most skilful, the best.
Eric gently pushed her down to her back and then smoothed his hands over her breasts and stomach, staring sexily into her eyes as he kissed her breast and slipped her panties off her legs.
Dangling her panties from one finger, he teased, "My, my you are so very wet, lover," before tossing them behind his head.
Sookie's gaze dropped as she said, "You look very hard yourself."
Eric laughed and placed a chaste kiss on her mouth, laying down on top of her and drinking in her body. He wanted to have her every night, all night.
Sookie felt incredibly self conscious under his gaze, especially with her still healing scars from the NLI, but Eric brushed the hair from her face and kissed her forehead, "You are always beautiful to me," he whispered earnestly and Sookie couldn't help but smile and feel beautiful. She could feel the purity of his emotions flowing from the bond and she could almost cry.
Eric kissed her under her eye, "No tears now," he said, staring at her intensely.
Sookie nodded and smiled up at him, licking the finger that traced her lip lazily.
Eric then kissed his way down her neck and chest to lavish attention to her breasts, kissing, licking, suckling, kneading at them and teasing her nipples as she gasped. His other hand stroked the sensitive areas of her sides and stomach, areas he remembered well to cause her pleasure from his recently restored memories.
His fingers then lingered lower until they tangled on the wet golden curls of her mound. She moaned loudly as he bit down her breast over her nipple, entering a long thick finger into her slit and stroking her with deadly accuracy.
"You are so wet," Eric told her and then brought his finger to his mouth to suck off her juices, "You taste even better."
She could taste herself on his tongue when he kissed her. Then he began to kiss and fondle her breasts again as he teased her folds with his finger and her clit with his thumb, all the while staring up at her from her breasts, watching the pleasure on her face with intensity. It was incredibly erotic and turned her on even more. His rhythm was just the pace to drive her mad. Eric was a boob guy, she thought and she definitely didn't mind. Especially not when her legs propped up on either side of her were shaking with pleasure.
Eric brought her even closer to the edge when he bit down on her breast with his fangs and tasted her blood, Sookie screamed at the sensation of pain and pleasure.
He let the bright red trail of blood trickle down her breast as he said, "Look at me, lover. I want to see the pleasure in your eyes."
When he was sure she was watching, he erotically licked the remaining blood off her breast and kissed his way to her mound. Staring into her eyes with an incredible lust, Sookie thought she could come right there until he began to lick her slit and tease her clit with his fingers. That was when Sookie felt herself come, throwing her head back and letting out a scream. She felt another orgasm shake her body as Eric bit into her femoral artery.
He kissed her cheek and stroked her back as she rode the shocks, then took her leg and wrapped it around his hip as he eased himself into her, burrowing in deep, staring into her eyes the entire time. She could feel the groan deep in his chest as his hard thick length was absorbed into her hot wet heat. Sookie moaned when she felt his entirety bury deep into her womb down to the hilt. It was the best part, feeling him close. He was so hard. She pulled her arms snugly across his back and kissed his chest and neck.
Eric placed a kiss on her lips and began to slowly rock against her. Sookie groaned at the friction she felt as Eric kept a hand on her thigh around his waist to direct the angle. She remembered his words the night she was so afraid of it all, 'This is best. This is right.' He had been so correct. She was sure of that now. This was something she wanted to hold onto forever, to feel all the time and to do more often than not, that feeling of absolute wholeness in his arms. She never wanted to forget this or be without it again.
Sookie could feel her emotions opening up to him and his arching into her. It was incredibly beautiful. It was like feeling his soul touch hers and mingle. She felt awash with the purity of emotions they felt for each other. The sincerity, filling up her heart with joy, happiness and light nearly bowled her over. It was so intense. She knew he could feel it too from the look in his eyes as he gazed down at her. She could see everything she felt reflected in his eyes. Yes, this was right.
She felt the steady pressure build in her again and raked her nails down his back and shoulders. She slid her hand down to squeeze her favourite part of his, causing Eric to growl in pleasure, understanding her implicitly. He picked up the pace to impale her with thundering thrusts, hitting her g-spot with deadly precision as his tongue imitated his gestures below in her mouth and his fingers pinched her nipples.
Sookie could hear nothing but the primal sounds of their love making, the groaning, the gasping, her soft screams, the slapping of their bodies and their mutual pleasure, it all brought her teetering closer to the ledge once more.
Eric loved the feel of her, she was so hot and tight and wet. Her soft mewls of pleasure, her nails raking against the skin of his back, the way she encouraged him harder, faster as she squeezed his ass, it was driving him closer to being undone. He loved seeing the lust and pleasure colour her eyes making them so vibrant and alive and feeling her soft, warm body against his, especially the fullness of her breasts rubbing against his chest.
At last he felt her walls clench tightly all around him, causing his seed to be milked right out of him as he reached is completion as well. He took the moment to bite her neck and lap the blood from there as he felt the pleasure of his orgasm and hers through their bond. He let out a growl and heard her scream. It was truly intense and mind blowing.
When he finished licking her clean, he took in the hazy look of pleasure on her face, her smile. He kissed her forehead. Reluctantly, he pulled out of her and rolled off her, settling her on his chest, rubbing her back as she snuggled into his neck. He felt the same peace with her as he had during their time in the restaurant earlier.
Sookie cuddled into him, feeling completely boneless and sated against him. She felt adored, cherished and the overwhelming need to tell him what she knew with complete clarity in her heart. The thing her grandfather had been right about all along. Hell, Pam and Amelia too. She suddenly felt a jolt of energy.
She kissed the dimple in Eric's chin and then raised herself up onto her arms on his chest. She let a hand toy with the hair around his face.
She bit her lip, "Eric," she said, "I need to tell you something."
Eric regarded her with curiosity, but let her speak.
"I love you," she whispered.
"I love you more than I ever thought was possible in loving someone," she confessed.
She watched a wide grin spread across his features and unadulterated joy spread across their bond. He kissed her cheek, her lips, her eyelids, her throat, before kissing, the spot behind her ear and whispering, "I appreciate you too."
Sookie froze.
Upon hearing his raucous laughter as his head thumped on his pillow, she knew that those words, that exchange, would be with them for all the rest of their years together as something special just between the two of them. It was a moment they would always have and a line that would be repeated like a joke but meant so much more to the two of them.
Eric then smiled earnestly at the horrified expression on her face and kissed her nose, he repeated the ancient words she had heard not two weeks ago and then, "I love you too." So that's what they had meant.
Then he kissed her thoroughly and decided to celebrate with her by entering her once more, with her on top this time and rocking them slowly to completion.
Eventually they took the party to the bathroom as Eric carried her into his shower. She had promised to wash him after all. Like all vampires, his bathroom was amazing. The marble countertops were dark granite with dark wood cabinets and a floor of large white tile, matching the stark white sink. A massive tub took up one wall of the bathroom. It looked absolutely luxurious. The walls were painted a pale blue and a pale spring green tile lined the shower. It was here Eric and Sookie were currently as they took the time to get dirty and clean at the same time.
As the water rained down on them from the special nozzles, Sookie had taken the time to repay Eric for earlier, sucking him off. She had quite enjoyed the look on his face as he threw his head back and came in her mouth. Right now Eric was seated on the tiled ledge within his shower and she was impaled on top of him again, straddling his thighs and he was bringing her off with his skilful fingers rubbing her clit as she thrust onto him.
Eric burned the memory of her wet body, her heaving slick breasts and the delicious pleasure on her face into his mind. He loved this shower all the more right now. Having enough of her slow torture, he wrapped her legs around his waist, stood up and rammed her against the tiled wall of the glass encased shower, making sure to protect her head. He pounded into her repeatedly with force and Sookie screamed in pleasure as they reached yet another orgasm together.
Eric then set her down carefully, and Sookie wrapped her arms around his back and buried her face into his chest as he washed her back and hair. Sookie returned the favour and when they were all clean, they towelled off and Eric carried her back into his bed.
Sookie was exhausted from her long day and for the first time in a long while, completely and truly happy. The man sitting beside her had a lot to do with it.
Eric explained the safety features of his room, it was only a few hours until dawn, but he could sense Sookie's exhaustion and he couldn't help but smirk because he had played a large part in it. The entire upper level and especially his room were locked down during the day. One could exit the room easily, but re-entry was difficult. She was informed of all the codes and safety procedures as she strained to stay awake. Eric wrote down all the codes for her, but told her to leave them in his room.
She was most pleased by the fact that his room was light tight and secure, so she could stay with Eric. It was clear that he spent most of his days sleeping in the room and going to his secret bolt holes on the property only when the situation called for it explicitly. The windows were a heavy black. The world outside could be seen, but no light would pass through. They were also thick and bulletproof. Eric also informed her that the entire room could be changed into a panic room by inputting the appropriate codes into a laptop he had on a small work station in the corner of his room. He could also monitor all the security footage on the property from that one laptop. He also had a fridge stocked with blood with a microwave on top as well as a few provisions for her he had stocked during the whole fairy crisis just in case. Sookie was touched. Apparently Eric's property had been powerfully warded as well by a powerful coven that had passed through some 50 years earlier as well.
Just as Eric was about to lock the door to his bedroom, there was a scratching at the door. Eric groaned and opened it, allowing in Xander who bounded into the room excitedly. He leaped up onto a couch Eric had in the room with much familiarity and settled in to sleep with the stuffed wolf in his mouth. Sookie took in the entire scene with amusement.
Eric sighed, "Don't be alarmed if he's not here in the morning, he knows how to use the secret passage in my closet to get out of the room. I'll show it to you tomorrow. You're very tired. I can tell."
"I blame you," Sookie said with a yawn.
"You can blame me for exhausting you completely anytime," Eric said, leering down at her buck naked.
He then settled under the sheets with Sookie, spooning her close to him, wrapping an arm over her shoulders. And for the second time in a long while, Sookie fell asleep holding the hand of the vampire she loved.
Yes, my favourite Lenny album is Mama Said. I saw him live in November, easily one of the best shows I've seen. It's tied between Children of Bodom and Lenny. Yes, my tastes do run the gamut lol. I thought the song just really suited the situations. Sookie and her Gran's values which sort of linger over everything she does, her running. The song is like all these things your mother told you to do, but you're going against them being a hell raiser and that riff is crazy awesome. And then when you hit that bass in it with Lenny's rhythm guitar, you kill. As you can tell from my avatar, I'm a huge Slash fan. The Guns N' Roses concert happened in 1992 and it was an international pay per view TV event. Steven Tyler and Joe Perry from Aerosmith also did a song with GN'R as well as Lenny. Axl had gotten Aero, Lenny as well as Jeff Beck, one of Slash's heroes to be there as sort of an appeasement for the discontent in the band at the time. Slash wasn't overly impressed with the situation though and Jeff Beck blew out his ears, so he couldn't play live with the band. You can find footage of Slash, Duff and the band playing "Locomotive" with Jeff Beck on youtube though and it fucking kicks ass.
Yes, the dog is named after Xander from Buffy. No, he's not named after Alex lol. That bit of Viking/Irish history is true. I'll have you know the Lexus ES looks really cool and that's the only reason for it's inclusion into my fic... ;) Carl is named after Carl Frederickson in Up.
One of my favourite shades of paint was called 'burnt umber.' I'm very fond of intense dark jewel tones in the cold colours and more earthy warm colours…so like yellow-oranges, golden yellows…I also love balancing hot and cold colours, using opposite colours. Umber was just a word that burst into my mind.
On Aisling…it's not only a name but an Irish poetic form which typically has a woman character who's commiserating the state of Ireland due to the British ruling it. It can metaphorically involve a woman being raped as Ireland was viewed as feminine and witchy, while Britain was seen as the masculine invader. That will sort of play into the fic. The Nobel Prize winning author, Seamus Heaney wrote a poem in North called "Aisling" which was an interesting reversal of the traditional form. He made the goddess Diana/Artemis the Aisling character, but she is strong and able to deflect the advances of this guy that disrespected her. He basically got torn to shreds by his dogs after being turned into a stag…like in Greek mythology. And Artemis was always strong and independent. It also factors into the fact that Ireland was a place that could not be conquered really by anyone. They could conquer the land, but not the spirit of the people. I really loved reading that poetry collection lol and when I had to think up a name for this queen…it had to be Irish from what Claude and Claudine said *hint* lol.
This was sort of a hard chapter to get out because I'm just not overly driven to write shopping trips and the like for pretty much every chapter…you know, basic life stuff. I didn't get into my chapter until I inserted all the actual talk…then it just flowed. I can really sense that when I was editing…something about the beginning just feels slightly off. I don't know if I'm fully satisfied with this chapter, but at the same time, I want to get it out. I'm better with emotional angst, drama and especially action…It just feels like I'm not getting plot in. Then of course, I realize, yes, you are revealing stuff…like secret packages, how Eric came to Louisiana, Eric's spatial awareness to Sookie and Sookie reading vampires… Also, there's a LOT of subtle clues into Eric's past and hints of what's to come in this chapter. Little insignificant things that will become important later, or if not, just add to the fic as a whole.
Sookie's love confession and the 'I appreciate you, too' has been in my mind since before I wrote the prologue lol. I also kinda wanted to write the TALK without them saying 'I love you.' It was actually kind of hard not to have them say it to each other honestly until that point, or think it actually. I seriously considered ending this at page 17/18, but decided to press onwards towards the porn lol. I extended it by 12 pages in about 2 days or less.
Sookie will find out about what happened the night she was taken later, next chapter. It's going to be called Slither, after the song by Velvet Revolver. It's a song about rebirth…Anyways, I was in a mad rush at the end to finish this fic, since I'm on vacation from the 7th to the 18th. The porn was put in like as late as I could push it to have editing time, but it was pretty easy to write…so. But yes, I won't be able to write for awhile…
Of course, I also gotta pimp my site at bloodbonds(dot)wordpress(dot)com, I've put up the recap for episode 3. Since I'm on vacation, my recaps will be affected also, but I'll try to get the recap for episode 4 out by the Wednesday after I come home and do episode 5 on time.
I always LOVE hearing your feedback. And I hope you enjoyed the first sex scene I've ever wrote.
~simba_317
