A/N: Thanks for bearing with me guys! Real life has been kicking me in the teeth lately and I'm behind on all my stories. I'm working through it the best I can though and I promise I'll never leave you hanging too long! Thanks for reading and any feedback is appreciated because you guys are the best!
Two days after my date with Eric, I found myself contemplating my current situation as I sat in a booth rolling silverware at Merlotte's. The lunch rush had cleared out and now all of us servers were stocking and cleaning before the dinner shift started drifting in. As I sat there meticulously tucking the corners of the napkin and lining up the silverware just right, it occurred to me how monotonous my life was. This was not the first time the thought had drifted through my mind; in fact my most recent near death experience had shown me that besides almost being killed every other week, my life was pretty boring.
I found that each time I drove to the local Wal-Mart or talked to the same drunks at work, I was becoming more and more restless. The things that used to bring me some sense of familiarity in routine were now becoming boring and agitating. I don't really know when I stopped thinking I could get out of this nothing town and make something of myself, but I assume it was around the awkward teenage years. As if being a teenage girl isn't hard enough, try being a telepathic teenage girl.
I guess I just figured the world wasn't ready to accept someone who looked normal on the outside but deep down was struggling not to go crazy from hearing everyone's thoughts. I had accepted that I would never get married, never go to college or have children, but deep down I always yearned for so much more than Bon Temps could offer. It wasn't until the night of the great reveal that I realized that there were others out there trying to hide their true identities and fit in with society.
Of course from my telepathy I knew that people had secrets; oh boy did people have secrets! Some of the things I've heard from others over the years would shock, scare, and terrify the people around them if they had this little 'gift' of mine. Even knowing those things though was not enough to make me feel like I could ever be accepted as the person I really am. To me; a married man who secretly cross-dresses when his wife is out of town on business is still not as scary as a young, pretty girl who can hear your innermost thoughts.
So to solve that feeling of solitude, I had done what I felt I had to. I kept my head down and tried not to draw attention to myself, I graduated high school and didn't even consider college an option, and I took a less than stellar job as a barmaid at the local watering hole. Sure things could have been worse for me, but let's just say I'm not going to experience all life has to offer while I'm reading trashy romance novels on Friday nights while in my pajamas.
"….Did you hear what I said?" Arlene's voice cut through my silent contemplation.
"Oh I'm sorry; I must have been spaced out. What did you say?" I answered.
"I said do you want to go to the tractor pull tonight? My new fella Whit has a real handsome friend that's gonna be there." She said wiggling her eyebrows. "I bet you'd like him; he's about your height, not too skinny but not real fat either, a real country boy with tight jeans and flannel shirts and he has a real nice trailer on two acres of land right outside town. I could set you two up now that old Mr. Corpse is out of the picture."
"Has he ever been married?" I ask feigning interest.
"Uh, well just twice but the last one had some mental issues so it wasn't his fault they split up."
"How about kids?"
"Three little boys. Their mamas ain't nothing to write home about either. They could use a nice, pretty stepmom like you Sookie." She said smiling.
"So in other words; you want to set me up with a short, chubby, twice divorced single Dad who's a redneck and most likely overweight and who lives in a trailer out in the boondocks. Is that about right?"
"Well when you put it that way Sookie! Damn at least he breathes!"
"Sorry Arlene but I find other qualities in a man more appealing than the amazing feat of breathing. Thanks for the invite though." I replied drolly.
Apparently she didn't see the humor because she stormed off with her red hair flying high behind her. I may not be a prize catch, but I would rather be single then be unhappily married with a house full of kids in a shanty in the middle of nowhere. This was why I realized that it was time to make a change; a big change. I finished my cleaning duties and made my way back to Sam's office. The door was closed so I imagined he was probably hunched over his desk with his hands in his hair, doing paperwork. I knocked before entering and found my imagination was very accurate.
"Hey Sook, what's up?" He asked looking up from his stack of papers.
"I need to talk to you, is now a good time?"
"Sure I can take a little break. It drives me crazy looking at all these numbers anyways."
I sat in the chair across from his desk and twiddled my fingers while searching for the right way to start.
"I can tell you're nervous about something so just spit it out. You know how much I care about you; you can tell me anything." He said.
"Thanks Sam. The thing is, I've been offered another job and I really want to take it but I don't want to leave you behind."
"Well I hate to hear that Sookie but I'm sure it must be a good opportunity for you if you're really interested in it. Do you mind if I ask what job?"
"That's the thing; actually Eric offered me a job at one of his businesses…..in New Orleans."
"Wow, New Orleans huh?" He sat back in his chair and I could see the hurt on his face. "What kind of job is it?"
"Well he hasn't given me the exact description but he wants me to help out with the casino he just inherited. I guess I would be helping to book entertainment for the clubs and overseeing the restaurants; pretty much whatever else he wanted me to do."
"Yeah, I heard he was the new King of Louisiana; news travels fast in the Supe community. Not to sound rude, but do you know anything about managing in a casino?"
"No, not really. I mean I guess I have good people skills and I can definitely find my way around a restaurant and bar but honestly I don't know if I'm qualified for the job. I told him that when he offered it to me, but he insists that I would do great. I'm not so sure I believe him though."
"I didn't mean to sound so discouraging Sook, I'm sure you would be good at any job. I just didn't know you had any interest in something like that."
"Truthfully I didn't either. I never let myself believe that I deserved something better than what Bon Temps had to offer. No offense or anything."
"None taken." He laughed. "I know what you mean. You know I grew up in the city and that's why I find the slow tempo of this town soothing, but if I had lived here all my life I would have already gone postal."
"That's how I'm starting to feel. Now with the vamps out and maybe some of the other Supes will come out one day soon; I feel like I'm not the only person who's different anymore. I feel like I can get out and live a little. This town, the people, the same scenery day in and day out; it's driving me crazy. I want something more out of life."
"Something more than being a barmaid at a little shack like this."
"No, that's not what I meant Sam. I love working for you and this has been the only job I've ever kept for longer than a week."
"I know cher, I'm just teasing you. You know I'll really miss you when you're gone. Who else is going to save me from hearing Arlene's constant relationship drama?"
"Sorry. I mean nothing is certain yet, I could still turn it down especially if you really need me here."
"No Sook, this will be good for you. You deserve to get out and experience life and you can't do that here. As much as we'll miss you, it's a good opportunity for you and I think you should take it. If you ever change your mind though, you'll always have a place here."
Tears welled in my eyes as I realized I was essentially telling my best friend goodbye. As much as I wanted to start over somewhere new, there are a few people I would miss and Sam was at the top of that list.
"Thanks Sam, I really appreciate that." I said.
He walked around to my side of the desk as I stood and hugged the only man who had ever liked me just the way I was. As of lately, I was starting to think there might be another man like that but for the past five years Sam had been nothing but a good friend and a good boss to me. He was the best friend/brother I had always hoped for since my own brother was not exactly reliable.
"When is your last day gonna be?" He asked as we parted.
"I'm not sure yet but I'll work as long as I can before I leave."
I went back out front and worked the dinner rush before leaving at 7. On the way home that evening, I couldn't help but smile as I thought about giving Eric the news that I would come to New Orleans with him. I wasn't sure yet what I would do about the farm house or renting a place in New Orleans, but I was pretty sure that Eric would have some useful advice.
As soon as I got inside, I ran upstairs and jumped in the shower to freshen up. After showering I straightened my hair, put on some makeup and a pretty purple sweater dress with black leggings and black stilettos. I gave myself an appreciative glance in the mirror before heading out the door on my way to Shreveport. I was picturing a bright future as I sped down the highway towards my destiny.
EPOV
When my eyes popped open that night, I immediately felt slightly different. It's easy to notice changes in yourself when you're a vampire. Humans constantly have some kind of ache or ailment it seems but unless a vampire has been injured, we stay exactly the same.
That's why the feeling in my chest threw me off for a minute until I realized that my sweet Sookie was feeling happy and hopeful. Though we hadn't formed a full bond, at my age it was still fairly easy for me to read her feelings after our last blood exchange. Granted it had been under dire circumstances that I had given her my blood in Jackson, but I still enjoyed the feeling of my blood inside her.
It made me ache to be with her in every sense of the word and from the small amounts of her blood inside me; I swear I could feel every molecule begging to be reunited with her. I caught myself smiling as I walked into Fangtasia that night, wondering what my little Faery was so excited about. Obviously I was hoping she was thinking about me, but with Sookie you never knew. She could be thinking of making a donation to the ASPCA in her shifter boss' name for all I knew.
It had taken all my control not to call her or go to her after our date two nights ago. I longed to see her every night and kiss her the way I had on her front porch, but I did have a reputation to uphold so I refrained from chasing after her like a lovesick fool. Fortunately with my newly appointed position as King, there was plenty of work to distract me….for a little while.
I wiped the smile from my face and plastered my dangerous, sexy face back on before walking out into the main part of the club and taking a seat on my throne. One of the new bartenders; a fairly attractive, young blonde immediately made her way to me and brought me a warmed AB negative while seriously eye fucking me. I waved her off without much notice before pulling out my phone to check emails. It's funny that not so long ago I would have scoffed at the True Blood and taken the blonde to my office for dinner instead.
For the foreseeable future those activities would be off limits. There was only one blonde I was currently hoping to feed from and enjoy mind-blowing sexcapades with and that would be the one and only Sookie Stackhouse. Even if my baser instincts clawed at me to satisfy my urges, I would not risk losing all the progress I had made with Sookie. Soon enough I told myself; she would be mine and I was certain that the taste of any other after her would be tainted.
"Well don't you look dapper this evening?" Pam said gliding up next to me.
"I always look dapper. Expensive gray suits are just fancy wrapping for an already impressive package."
"Wow I'm not sure how you made it through the door tonight with that huge ego Eric."
"My ego is only one part of me that's…..huge." I smirked.
"Hmm…you are almost giddy tonight. I wonder what it could be? Perhaps you have made more headway with the busty telepath?"
"I don't know what you're talking about; I'm always this enjoyable."
"Sure you are. Anyways, what's on the agenda for tonight? Anything important?" She asked.
"I have two minor disputes to see to later and you need to have Maxwell meet us at closing time to discuss his new promotion."
"Ah yes, our new Area 5 sheriff; the nerd."
"You know as well as I do that the nerd thing is just an act. I've seen him take down 3 Weres and a vampire at once without breaking a sweat."
"Vampires don't sweat Eric."
"Precisely. Now, have you made inquiries into the other matter I asked you about?"
"Oh yes. It seems the dearly departed Mr. Compton has been presumed finally dead from the house fire. Since his Maker is also gone, as King you are entitled to all his possessions."
"Those possessions would include the project he was working on for the Queen; the one we have yet to locate."
"Yes it would seem as soon as you find it, all rights will belong to you. Where do you think it is?"
"I'm not sure but I think Sookie probably knows. To think that idiot Compton went through all that trouble of being tortured to protect his little project to only have it become mine so easily. It's quite funny really."
"Well I don't know if I would call it easy, but it sure was fun." She grinned flashing some fang. "Either way, it won't matter if you can't find the damn thing."
"Oh rest assured I will find it. If Sookie doesn't know where it is, I'll hire a witch to locate it."
"Speaking of Sookie, look who's walking in the door." Pam said.
I was off my seat and at the entrance within a second as Pam's words had barely left her lips. If I hadn't been in an intense game of candy crush on my phone, I would have noticed her arrival sooner. I slowed as I approached her and she let out a little gasp when she looked to her side to find me there.
"Eric hi! Oh gosh you startled me!" She squeaked out.
"Good evening Sookie." I purred as I took her hand and kissed it. "You know you do not wait in line like the fangbangers when you come here."
"Sorry, I just feel weird walking past everyone like I own the place."
"You are my special guest and you are too good to wait in line with the likes of the vermin. Please have a seat." I said leading her to my reserved booth.
She sat down in the middle of the bench seat and looked surprised when I slid in beside her instead of sitting in front of her. It wasn't often that she came to the club without being summoned and I wasn't about to put any more distance between us than absolutely necessary. I noticed the slight blush on her cheeks and the quickening of her heart beat as I left no room between us and placed my left arm around her shoulder.
"So what brings you here tonight Sookie?" I asked her.
"Can't a girl just come and have some fun at a local club?"
"Of course they can. Is that why you're here? Looking for a little fun?" I asked her in my best panty dropping voice.
"Yeah, I heard this place has some real hotties; have you seen any?" She teased.
"As a matter of fact, my child over there is quite beautiful." I said playing along.
"She certainly is, but I'm into guys. Guys with really big….fangs."
A low growl escaped me as I answered the sexy little Faery.
"Oh yes, I can show you the biggest fangs you've ever seen. I've been told mine are quite impressive."
"Oh really?" She asked breathlessly. The sweet aroma of her arousal drifted to my nose and instantly my fangs shot down.
"See for yourself." I said as I displayed them for her.
"Oh yeah, pretty impressive alright."
"Would you like to touch it? Or should I say them?" I smiled.
"Oh I don't know about that. My Daddy always warned me never to trust a vampire with big fangs. He said they only have one thing on their mind."
"Hmm, a wise man your father." I tried to tamp down my growing hunger for her before I did something rash, like ripping off her clothes and taking her right here on the table.
Luckily she was doing the same as she giggled and laughed off our little sexual innuendo.
"Actually I thought it might be fun to come and hang out with you guys tonight and I also wanted to talk to you about the job offer."
"Have you made a decision already?" I asked trying not to get my hopes up.
"I have. If the job is still available, I want to take it. I'll move to New Orleans with you….er, I mean you know to New Orleans at the same time as you for the job."
"I'm very happy to hear that and of course the job is still yours. I think you will do an excellent job and I'm excited to see how well the two of us work together."
"Me too." She answered shyly. "Just promise me one thing."
"Of course."
"If I really suck at the job, just tell me. Don't be scared to hurt my feelings because the last thing I want to do is make a fool of myself or make you look bad for hiring me."
"Sookie there is no way you will 'suck' at the job. I have no doubts you will be excellent or I wouldn't have asked you and as for you making me look bad; well that couldn't be further from the truth."
"Thanks Eric." She said smiling.
"Well this calls for a celebration. Shall we dance?" I asked her.
"Sure!"
I pulled her gently from the booth and led us to the dance floor. There must have been over one hundred people on the floor, but my only focus was on Sookie. The way her body moved as she slithered and gyrated against me was mesmerizing. In all my years on this planet and all the beautiful women I've seen; Sookie was the most captivating creature I had ever laid eyes on. Completely ignoring the duties I had tonight, I danced with her for almost an hour before she finally asked for a reprieve.
As we sat back down in the booth, I waved a hand at Ginger who promptly brought Sookie a gin and tonic.
"I'm sorry, you must have so much to do tonight and here I am taking up all your time." She said after tossing back her drink.
"Don't apologize, I would much rather be here with you than doing anything else I had planned for tonight."
"Well thanks, but I'm sure your subjects need you." She snickered.
"That they do unfortunately. I do have some business to take care of, but I….I'm sure you're probably tired from work."
"No I'm fine. You go do what you need to do and I'll hang out for a while. I'm not leaving yet."
"Good. I shouldn't be too long. Get whatever you want from the bar; my treat."
"Wow dancing and free booze, I think I like it here." She laughed.
As hard as it was, I tore myself away from her beautiful smile and walked back to the storeroom. Closing the door behind me, I typed in the code on the hidden security panel and the trap door in the floor slid open. I walked downstairs to my cozy little dungeon and opened the door to the waiting area. When I bought the building I had a reinforced basement added and an emergency exit that comes out in the woods surrounding the building. When other vamps in the area come to discuss private matters with me they often use the emergency exit as an entrance and then wait in the little lounge right outside the main part of the 'basement.'
Tonight I had Arla, my Area 2 Sheriff waiting for me with two other vampires in tow. Beside them was Thomas; my new Area investigator. I felt the presence of my child in the room behind me as I signaled for them all to enter. I took my seat on the opposite end of the room with Pam behind me and the visitors across the room. They all bowed deeply before returning to a standing posture against the wall.
"Arla, you may present your case first." I said in a no bullshit voice.
"Thank you your Majesty. I have brought with me tonight the vampires Adrian and Carmichael." She said pointing each one out. Adrian was an attractive young vampire with long, brown hair and a small waist and Carmichael was the exact opposite in his cheap Kmart duds and less than stellar appearance. Apparently his Maker wasn't going for looks when he was made. "As I mentioned in my formal complaint, Carmichael was filmed feeding from an underage girl in an alley behind a local bar in my area. Adrian witnessed the act and stopped him before chasing down the humans who were filming the incident."
"Does the girl live?" I asked.
"Yes Majesty." Adrian answered.
"And as for the humans and the recording?"
"It took me two hours, but I tracked down all three of them and glamoured the information out of them. I also found the phone that was used to record the incident and took it with me to ensure no one would see it."
"Did they have a chance to send the video before you destroyed it?"
"No sir. I had a friend of mine who works in IT look at the phone and he determined that it hadn't been sent or posted anywhere."
"Good. What do you have to say in your defense?" I said turning my attention to the style challenged vampire.
"I didn't know she was underage. The little bitch was drinking in the bar; I guess she had a fake ID."
"So just because she was drinking in a bar, you didn't think to double check how old she was through glamour? If she wasn't even eighteen, I'm sure she had to look quite young."
"Hey it's not my fault that she pretended to be older than she was! I bet you don't check the ID of all your meals."
Before he could blink, I had him pinned against the wall with my hand wrapped around his neck.
"Who the fuck do you think you're talking to?" I growled at him.
"I meant no disrespect your Majesty." He gasped out.
"I'm due much more respect than what you've given me, you little shit! I am the King of this state and as long as you live in Louisiana, you will show me the respect I deserve. Is that understood?"
"Yes Majesty."
I dropped him to the floor and calmly smoothed my suit jacket back down before walking back to my chair.
"Have you decided on a punishment Sheriff?" I asked Arla.
"Well given the nature of the offense; that it violates an edict from the Authority, I thought it best to leave that up to you."
"Very well." I sat back and pondered my options for a moment before making a decision. I walked over to the cabinet on my right side and pulled a pair of pliers out before going to stand in front of Adrian.
"Your actions were quick and smart and for this you will be rewarded." I smiled at her. Handing her the pliers, I continued. "My ruling is as follows. Carmichael for your idiotic actions which could have resulted in a major shit storm for all vampires, you will be fined $5000 which will be paid directly to Miss Adrian here. You will also lose your fangs until you can prove that you are intelligent enough to feed correctly."
"What?" He shrieked.
"Just be glad I'm in such a good mood tonight you fool or you would be meeting the sharp end of a stake right now for your actions. Your fangs will grow back in a few months and if you have proven that you will no longer endanger our kind with your stupidity, then you will be allowed to keep them. However if you have done anything else that I find displeasing, I will rip them out again and cap your gums with silver."
Seemingly accepting his punishment, he nodded his head and braced himself as I guided Adrian to stand in front of him.
"Adrian I would like for you to do the honors please." I said to the girl.
"Yes King Eric." She said demurely but I saw the glint in her eyes telling me how much she would actually enjoy this.
"Whenever you're ready." I smiled back at her.
SPOV
Eric had been gone from the table for a few minutes when I decided I couldn't sit still any longer. I didn't see Pam anywhere, so I figured she must be off with Eric attending to whatever business they had going on. Looking around, I realized the bar was really crowded tonight and people seemed to be having a great time. Besides the constant barrage of lust fueled thoughts from the patrons, this actually wouldn't be a bad place to work. The music was good, the atmosphere was fun, and of course the scenery was freaking gorgeous! Maybe if Merlotte's would have been a fun place like this I wouldn't be so anxious to get away right now.
I walked over to the bar where Ginger and Belinda were getting swamped with orders. The bar itself was crowded with people trying to get a drink and to make it worse, the waitresses kept turning in more orders for drinks for their tables. I walked behind the bar and grabbed a spare apron with the Fangtasia logo splattered across it.
"Tell me what you need me to do and I'll help." I said to Belinda.
"Oh no Sookie, the Master would kill me if I had you back here serving customers. Thanks anyways."
"Nonsense. I want to help and I know my way around a bar. Now what can I do?" I said not backing down. Surely Eric would appreciate it if I was helping out and not be mad, Belinda was just being paranoid.
"Uh…well okay, just start from the left and start making the drinks on those tickets. Once you have them ready for a table, just put the ticket and the drinks on a tray and set it down there." She said pointing to the side table beside the bar.
I quickly started filling orders and watched as the waitresses came by and picked them up and dropped more empty trays off with their new tickets. It was dizzying to make drinks so quickly with the music thumping so loudly and the bar packed full of people in front of me but strangely I found it kind of fun. I've never been one to be lazy, so I enjoyed the fast pace. It was like an exercise for my mind that didn't involve people's thoughts.
I cleared all the waitresses' tickets and when they gradually stopped bringing new ones, I decided to help out with the customers waiting at the bar. Not seeing any particular way to do things, I just started helping customers on the far right hand side while Belinda floated around the middle and Ginger down on the left side. Having worked in a bar for five years, I knew how to make almost all the drinks that were being shouted at me but a few house specialties I had to look up.
"Here you go, four Alabama slammers." I said pushing the little shot glasses to the guys in front of me. The three of them grabbed a glass each and pushed the fourth back at me.
"That one is yours sweetheart." The muscular blonde said to me.
"Oh that's ok, I don't think I should be drinking and serving. I might mess up the orders." I laughed.
"Oh come on, the girls here do it all the time. You've earned it." He smiled and playfully lifted the shot towards my mouth.
"Well, what the hell!" I said before throwing it back with them. They cheered and gulped down their own drinks before slipping me a $10 bill.
That was fun I thought. Nobody has ever done that in Merlotte's before. Over the next hour, I chatted with customers, poured tons of drinks, and ended up doing several more shots with rowdy bar patrons before it had slowed down enough for me to take off my apron and step back. I turned around to leave the bar giggling all the way when I ran smack into a brick wall; Eric.
"Sookie what are you doing? Did you have to come back here and make your own drink? Those lazy little…"
"No no Eric! It was slammed so I came over here and saved the day! Or the night actually! Turns out I'm a pretty fucking awesome bartender!" I said laughing and rubbing that beautiful marble chest in front of me. Oh boy I could almost see his little pert nipples with the way his shirt was unbuttoned. Maybe if I lean in just a little I could put one in my mouth without anyone noticing.
"You were serving the humans?" He asked sounding semi disgusted.
"Uh duh I'm human too silly! It was fun! Hey did you know there's a shot called a blowjob?" I said provocatively.
"Sookie have you been drinking?" He asked.
"Just a teensy little bit but don't worry it was all drinks that the customers bought for me, I wasn't like ripping you off or anything. Oh and there's a shot called a slick pussy!" I whispered conspiratorially. "It's really good, I wonder if that's what real pu.."
"No it doesn't." He interrupted. "How about we go sit in my office?" He took my hand and started leading me towards the back.
My place right behind him as we made our way through the crowd gave me a perfect view of that grade A prime ass of his and I couldn't help but give it a good squeeze. Once we were in the office and he closed the door, I flung myself at him and wrapped my arms and legs around him like a barnacle. I attacked his mouth with mine and found that apparently bartending made me extremely horny. I was fighting his tongue for dominance and grinding myself into him as I cut my tongue on his fang. I felt a small shudder go through him as he sucked the blood off my tongue.
Much to my dismay, he detached from our kiss and set me down.
"Sookie listen, I think you've had too much to drink and…"
"No Eric I feel wonderful! For the first time in my life I feel alive and exhilarated! I keep thinking about Jackson and how great it felt in that bed with you. I keep wondering what it would have felt like if Bubba hadn't come in when he had and I want you so bad Eric." I yanked at his belt and began undoing it as I pulled him towards the desk with me. My body was on fire for his and I thought I would explode if he didn't fuck me right then.
I hopped up on his desk and after almost falling off; I got myself situated and layed back on it.
"Please Eric I want to feel you inside me. I can't wait anymore."
His fangs were fully down and the look in his eyes was that of a predator; a really hot predator! I pulled him down towards me and kissed him with everything I had in me. His hands ran up under the hem of my dress and along my sides as I spurred him on with my enthusiasm. When he growled at me I thought I would come right then, until he sat up and pulled away from me.
"Sookie this isn't right, I can't do this."
"What's wrong? Don't you want me too?" I asked feeling rejected. For some reason, tears instantly sprang to my eyes.
"Of course I do. You're all I want." He said picking me up off the desk and placing me on his lap on the couch.
"Then why don't you want to have sex with me?"
"Oh I want you every way I can possibly have you but here, like this, it's not right. You're drunk and you're definitely too good for a quickie in the back of a bar. When you do yield to me, I want it to be perfect for you. I want you to be absolutely sure you want it, and I want to give you hours and hours of pleasure. You deserve much more than this Sookie and I won't let my raging lust for you ruin something that could be so special."
"Oh Eric, you're so sweet. There's so much more to you than I used to think there was. How could I have been so stupid?"
"You are not stupid my angel. You are beautiful, kind, loving, gentle, and brave." He said punctuating each word with a soft kiss on my face. "It's not your fault that you didn't know the real me until recently. It's because I keep this side of me locked up; I only let it out for you and Pam. You are very important to me Sookie Stackhouse and you've made me very happy tonight."
"Because I was rubbing my fun zone on you?"
"Um no, I mean that was nice too but I'm talking about you coming here to spend time with me and telling me that you're coming to New Orleans with me. I didn't know how I could bare to leave you behind and now I don't have to find out."
"I'm pretty happy about that too. Can we cuddle?" I asked sleepily.
"Of course we can." He laid down on his side on the couch and pulled me right up against his chest, spooning me. I could feel my whole body relax as he put his arm around me and intertwined our fingers. This was happiness. This was right.
"Eric?" I mumbled.
"Yes lover?"
"Don't ever leave me." I wasn't sure if the words even came out before the darkness pulled me under.
"Aldrig min kärlek. Våra öden är förseglade." (Never my love. Our fates are sealed.)