Stolen
Chapter 7
A/N: Thank you so much for the reviews. That was excellent. And everyone seemed so anxious to see who Sookie chose that I got you chapter 7 in a week. So, please keep them coming! They are creative energy bars. I'm a little behind in responding to reviews, but still incredibly grateful.
Casting: If you are interested in who I would cast for the characters, please visit this page: http: / jessbelle03 (dot) blogspot (dot) com. Honestly, seeing my pictures of Tynan, Ace and Arsames makes it worthwhile.
And of course I must thank Southernlady23, the best beta ever, whom I couldn't live without.
Disclaimer: The Southern Vampire Series, True Blood and all characters from it are owned by Charlaine Harris and HBO, the original characters and plot are mine. No copyright infringement is intended.
SPOV
At first, I wanted to give the gosh darn Council members a piece of my mind. Putting me on the spot to choose a mate, someone to bond with – whatever that means – in a matter of seconds, was just plain ridiculous. Then, the Pythoness shushing me pretty quickly and explaining it would not only keep me safe, but prevent war, didn't help matters either.
But all that was neither here or there, as I quickly came to realize I had absolutely no choice in the matter. I put on my big girl pants and took in a deep breath. How hard could it be to pick a boyfriend, probably swap blood guessing from the blood rite title, and be free from the Queen and end this Council inquisition?
Something nagged at me, though. The whole blood rite announcement seemed like a big deal to all of the supes around me, but its real meaning eluded me. Protector and life source? Boyfriend to prevent war? What was that all about? I wanted to ask, but it didn't seem anyone wanted to play '20 Questions' at the moment. The supe bachelorette image popped in my head again.
I exhaled the breath I was holding onto and prepared to do what I needed to do. I had to choose a man now - one present at this shindig - who would be my protector, and I probably needed to exchange blood with him. I would be connected to him from here on out, and yes, it would be a him. Never in a million years would I choose one of the few females here, especially not Sophie Anne.
I looked around the room and studied the many males I knew I could count on to keep me safe. I looked at Tynan – beautiful and snooty Tynan. His ability to keep me safe was clear, and I knew there was a little spark between us, but I was also hurt over his and Niall's lack of interest in me until my hands glowed. Without that little detail, I knew I wasn't worth much to them.
My eyes sought out Sam, my sweet boss. He was my friend and I loved him dearly, but the thought of taking his blood, which because of Bill felt extremely sexual now, just made me queasy.
Ace was there and smiled at me. The blood thing didn't bother me so much when it came to him, but he didn't know me that well and vice versa. He was a pretty slick character, almost too charming.
I looked for Eric, who could and had protected me many times. Thanks to his starring role in my fantasies, I knew the blood rite wouldn't bother me a bit, but he was cold and calculating and another vampire. Their world thus far had brought me nothing but heartache.
That accidentally had me thinking of my broken heart and there was Bill, who could finally meet my gaze. I had been right, looking at him did hurt. He was my first love and it had all been a big fat lie. I knew I would never trust him again.
I looked back to the other side of the room and glanced at Niall and then Tynan. From Ace's conversation, I learned he had been chosen for me, in a way, and though part of that made sense to me, it also pissed me off something serious.
My packed luggage, stuffed with emotions and stress, was a little worse for wear. If I were prone to self pity, I would probably be wallowing in it now, but having heard what a mind sounds like when feeling sorry for itself countless times, I just wasn't capable of it. I had to buck up and face this, though I couldn't believe how much had changed in a measly three days. This whole week was a series of catastrophes where my free will and independence had been siphoned away.
I had thought about this while studying a particularly beautiful blue fleck in one of the stones at my feet. It wasn't a magical stone; it didn't have the magical answer to tonight's million dollar question.
I dispelled my doubts, and when looked up to meet the Pythoness' gray gaze, I instinctually knew the answer.
"Eric. I choose Eric Northman."
I looked to Eric, who seemed anxious, and completely shocked. That's weird. He was dying to get blood in me a week ago. Did I misjudge that somehow – doesn't he want me anymore?
Niall was on his feet now in front of his chair, looking like he was about to holler, and the Queen was cackling. Why is she cackling? I didn't choose her. Eric didn't say anything or respond and I started to get worried.
The mayhem that was erupting was quieted immediately when the Pythoness raised one hand. "The Northman. This is a sufficient choice."
"I assure you, Seer, the Viking is not an acceptable choice. Sookie is a Fae princess and will not be bound to a vampire," Niall sneered, as Arasmes eyed him carefully. I hadn't seen this side of Niall before. He looked about ready to shoot lasers out of his eyeballs.
"I am a member of the Council and my word should count above those gathered here. Please excuse my great granddaughter; she is unaware of the severity of the choice she makes. Northman's reputation to seduce is quite known, but that a protector does not make. You said the Council would be gathered to speak to my great grandchild, and nothing else, Pythoness. I have already chosen a mate for her and he is standing right here."
"Brigant, I can assure you we will take care of your little princess," the Queen replied. Oh, that doesn't sound good.
"Quiet," the Pythoness demanded. "The girl has made her decision. No demands must be made of Northman by his monarch, or others, that impact him or the telepath unless sanctioned by the Council. As I proclaimed this night, the Council has issued protection over the child, and by default her rited."
Oh, thank Jesus.
"You cannot limit my domain over one of my subjects. Northman is in my retinue, one of my sheriffs. He will do my bidding." The Queen was looking a bit like a mental hospital patient again. Her hair had started going this way and that, and the mascara on her right eye was running. I thought she might pounce on me, or maybe even the Pythoness, which seemed like a very bad idea.
"Sophie Anne," Arsames commanded. His voice and stance really did remind me of a king. It was quite a sight. "You will not speak unless I give you leave. You will make no requests or demands on the Viking or his rited unless granted permission by me. And I warn you, interference with them will result in the loss of your crown…at the very least."
His dark gaze was fixed on the Queen and she was at least lucid enough to look afraid.
"Brigant," the Pythoness started, "the Council understands your objections, but this child must have the right to choose her own rited. Even you cannot decide this for her."
She leveled that strange, unseeing gaze back on me. "Telepath, do you wish to amend your choice?"
I shook my head, 'no'.
"Northman, approach," called the Pythoness. Eric still looked stunned, but he moved to stand in front of the Pythoness. Now I could only see his back and tall frame. "A 1,000 year warrior is a perfect choice for this task and we have learned you have already exchanged blood with the princess, though that is a trivial matter compared to a blood rite." Slight murmurings erupted through the crowd and were quickly silenced when the Pythoness spoke again. "You have been called before us, vampire, to partake in a sacred event, but only if you so desire it. Your decision must not be influenced by your Queen or any other, and rest assured you will be protected – no matter what you decide to answer."
She paused as Eric inclined his head to her, and then she continued. "Eric Northman, do you accept the blood rite with Sookie Stackhouse?" she asked.
Silence. Complete silence.
I couldn't see his face, and I looked around the room. Niall and Tynan were both beyond angry. Niall was glaring at me and Ty was glaring at Eric. I tried to find reassurance with Sam, but he wouldn't meet my gaze. Ace was angry too, and I hadn't seen him even close to angry before; he was always so relaxed and aloof.
Did I just publicly choose Eric to be my boyfriend and he's going to say no? Did I just ask the one male in the room that would refuse me? But why the hell would he do that? He's been dying to get his blood into me. Isn't that what the blood rite is? Maybe not, I thought, maybe I'll be stuck with the snooty fairy after all.
I couldn't help it. Public rejection was a hard pill to swallow and I started to cry. It was quiet, but the tears started to run.
EPOV
I stood before the Pythoness, and though I was looking at her, I was miles away and lost in thought. I was surprised and unprepared for Sookie's choice. I had spent hours trying to ensure her safety and never considered she would choose me as her bonded or that the Council would insist on the rare blood rite. The barbarian in me wanted to roar in victory, grab Sookie and claim her in front of the entire room, but the vampire in me, the cunning survivor, was deciphering this choice and how it would impact me and my existence.
I have never had a blood bonded. I rarely kept human pets. I do not even share my blood often, and I may be the last vampire walking the earth who would blood rite to a mortal, an injury prone mortal. She will threaten my very existence.
Beyond the risk, I cannot deny that I wanted her. I have wanted her from the first night I laid eyes on her. That desire had brought forth emotions I hadn't had in centuries. I could also acknowledge the political benefits. I would be under the direct protection of the Council, could charge for the use of Sookie's telepathy, and would wield much strength in the supernatural world.
However I would be, in essence, a married man - a very married man with a huge Achilles heel.
I felt anger, though I knew it was misplaced. I valued three things – control, my freedom, and my undead life. In one instant Sookie had impinged on all three.
I struggled internally between the need to possess, anger that my choice had been stolen from me, conniving thoughts about how this could benefit me, and an unwelcome relief for the girl's safety.
I broke from my musings at the sound of the Fae male's voice.
"This is outrageous. The vampire's hesitance is an insult to the Princess and the Fae. I will gladly be rited to her with no pause or objection."
I took in the male. He seemed a formidable adversary and would give Sookie ample protection. He was clearly a warrior, and the fae warriors were lethal. I knew he could keep her safe, but a thought had planted itself in the back of my mind and taken root. She was mine, finally mine.
Knowing full well the risks and the many other options in this room alone, I followed my instincts. "I accept."
"Very good. It will be done this night, with these witnesses. Northman, explain the process and the magic to Sookie. Syctis, please have your priestess prepare for the ritual," the Ancient Seer declared.
I turned and found a very anxious and confused Sookie. Tears stained her face, though they were no longer falling. They made me…uncomfortable.
The witch by her side moved forward to speak with Syctis. I came to Sookie and took in the smell of her, how tiny she felt before me, how fragile.
"Sookie," I whispered. She turned her face to look up at me, her deep brown eyes full of innocence. She did not understand what she had decreed for the both of us. This is why I agreed. This combination of purity, goodness, and strength must be preserved. She looked hopeful, which pained me. This ritual would not be simple and would be shocking to her, but there was no way to sugarcoat this.
I gently touched her wrists and moved up her arms to her shoulders, like calming a startled horse. "The witches will perform a ritual known as a blood rite. It will tie us together eternally. You will share some of the magic that makes me immortal and stay with me as long as I walk the earth. Do you understand, Sookie?"
She just stared at me. "Immortal?" she finally squeaked. "Oh my God, Eric. I thought I would just have to take your blood again. Oh my God!"
The witch's priestess was back by our side and began to explain and prepare us for the blood rite. "Vampire, Sookie," she began. "Sytctis and I will perform the blood rite in the center of this circle. It is ancient magic and entails the exchange of blood at four sites on your bodies with a ceremonial knife. It will bind your life forces together. The magic will solidify during an incantation and a final exchange while mating, which represents the fifth point of the binding."
Without further explanation, she turned and walked back to Syctis, though her words had begun a domino effect of anxiety, fear, and panic in Sookie. I could feel the emotions roaring inside her.
She began to panic. I could even feel her flight reflex kick in. Admittedly, part of me wanted to strip her down, bite her in the four sites, and then take her savagely in front of the fucking vermin – fairies, shifters, and especially Compton. This little girl had just usurped my quiet and peaceful existence and I beat back the darkness inside that wanted to dominate and make her pay for the havoc she had just unknowingly brought.
I suppressed the growl locked in my chest - her brown eyes seemed to be the antidote to my inner barbarian. She stilled that beast. I decided I would sort through my ambivalence tomorrow and try to get the telepath through the ritual - and I would enjoy it. She was now mine.
I tried to soothe her, my hands on her arms. She had a far off look in her eye and seemed lost, speechless. The five point exchange would be difficult for her, especially the last part, and I needed her calm. I unleashed every last coaxing, rakish memory and focused it on Sookie. It had been years since I needed to charm and coax a woman, but she needed it.
"Shh," I said, and tilted her chin to look up at me. "You can do this. I will take care of you. I will be your protector."
She was frightened and her eyes were huge and imploring. "She said knife, and blood, and… and..." her voice cracked in a sob, "and mating?"
"Sookie, it will be fine and over quickly. You can do this and you will be safe from all threats. Do you understand?"
She didn't acknowledge me, but the tears began to well up in her eyes, a sight that had unwelcomed effects on my insides.
"It will be fine. It's just you and me here. Just you and me. This room is empty and it's just you and me."
My words seemed to be working and she locked on me. I would have forfeited all of my wealth and possessions at that moment for the ability to glamour her and save her from the awareness of what was to come.
Syctis and her Priestess were on either side of us. I caressed the telepath's neck and jawline, never breaking eye contact. Can she allow me to glamour her? I moved closer to her and engulfed her with my size. I didn't let my caresses falter as I listened to the Priestess's instructions in my ear and then whispered back to Sookie.
"Follow my instructions, and forget everything else. You can hear only me." I let her scent fill me and it made me instantly hard. Mine. I wanted her to focus only on me, because it sounded like war erupting on the outer circle. The fairy was arguing petulantly with Niall. The shifter was snarling. And both the Queen and Bill were making a ruckus with their protesting and hissing. I knew no one would truly act out. Arsames alone could wipe out everyone in this room, and he knew full well my regard for this girl.
I stood up slightly and caught Sookie's doe-eyed gaze again.
I slowly ran my fingers back down her arms until I found her hands. I leaned forward and found her lips, which were soft and warm - lips I had wanted on mine for what felt like decades. They parted for me and I tasted her for the first time. Mine. I stoked her tongue, felt her mouth, her breath, and relished the taste of her.
I raised her arms with mine out to the side, and broke the kiss begrudgingly. "Sookie, you will feel a tiny sting on your hands. Just look at me; I will keep you safe. No harm will come to you."
I looked to Syctis and signaled with my eyes we were ready to begin. Their chanting began, in a language even I could not understand. I held up our palms, with the back of her hand resting on the inside of my forearms. She is so small. I felt the knife in my palm and then the twitch as Sookie felt the sting. I resumed kissing her, but her eyes were open and fixed on mine, and then my other hand and hers were cut as well. I moved and clasped our hands together. I could feel our blood mingling through the tiny wounds. I kissed her deeply. She tasted like sunlight.
The chanting started to wane and I broke from her lips, but kissed her jaw and neck. I whispered in her ear, "You taste magnificent." I could now smell her desire as it slowly built. Good, very good.
I looked up to Syctis, who's heavily accented voice declared to the room, "The five points of the blood rite represent the four elements – earth, water, wind, fire - and the fifth for the spirit."
She motioned for me to continue. I used an extended fang to bite my lip and blood pooled in my mouth. I leaned in and Sookie immediately responded to me. Her mouth opened and our tongues intertwined. I felt the rush at the thought of my blood in her mouth, in her veins. Her eyes flashed open as she tasted me, but she continued with our kiss. She didn't flinch as I pricked her tongue with my fang and tasted her – tasted her blood for the first time. It mingled with my own and made our kiss heighten. Mine. My blood.
Our hands were still clasped and our kiss continued, deepened. I could feel the magic they were working around us. We had three of the five blood points completed. Their chanting continued and the growls and protests of our witnesses seemed to have died down. Sookie sank into our kiss – That's my girl – and responded perfectly. She even caressed my fangs and pricked herself on one again. My blood.
I let the kiss lazily die down. She had swallowed the blood in her mouth, and I hadn't let a drop go to waste. I heard Syctis on my left again, instructing me about the next phase, and the priestess on my right continuing with the incantation.
I kissed her top lip and then her bottom lip and dragged my mouth to her ear. I caressed the outer shell and whispered, "Kneel with me."
Before I could lower us, I could feel the ground around us shift and raise. I nuzzled Sookie to keep her calm. "Shh."
When I glanced down and began to lower us to our knees, I saw that the ground had raised and morphed into a platform. Crafty witches. The center of our circle now resembled a circular altar. The surface below us was smooth and all hard stone. I moved us slowly and did not break eye contact or the clasp of our hands until we were kneeling and facing each other.
"The fourth point of exchange, fire, combines your hearts," Syctis proclaimed. Both witches stirred by our sides and I glanced to see what was next. They motioned for us to move apart slightly, and I did, though still holding her hands and trying to project calm.
At the same time Brigant exploded. I could see him peripherally as he rose – brimming with rage. His Fae guard was at his side in an instant. "Enough," he shouted, his voice echoing in the hall. Before he could advance on us, without a doubt to end me before the ritual was complete, Arsames was positioned in front of both fairies. In his ever-calm and collected voice he responded, "Prince, with all due respect, the same warning I have issued to Queen Sophie goes for you or anyone else who wishes to interfere. Please, sit, let us finish this ritual." It looked like the Fae were contemplating the next move, but in the end surrendered. No one – not even the Fae Prince – would challenge the Persian King. At 2,500 years old, he was the oldest and most powerful thing on this continent, this hemisphere.
Fuming, Niall replied icily to Arsames, "Fine, I will abide, but I will not witness this travesty."
To which my friend calmly replied, with a hint of amusement, "No one moves from this chamber. Everyone will be a witness to this union so there will be no question to its validity. Though I cannot control you, Prince, to leave would surely relinquish any right you have to your great granddaughter."
My steadying hold on Sookie broke as she listened to this exchange. The knife the witch priestess was holding didn't help either. Panic filled her eyes, her face, and she began to cry again. Fuck.
SPOV
I was on an emotional yo-yo. Up and down I went. Rejection first, thinking Eric would say no, then shock and appall when I heard what the blood rite really was. I had wanted to flee for a moment, but then remembered the fabulous events of the last three days. This is what I needed to do and I had not forgotten my alternatives - kidnapping, arranged marriage, forced feedings, maybe rape, and let's not forget my safety and war prevention. Safety and war prevention. Safety and war prevention.
Just when I thought I might actually come undone – even I have my limits – Eric was there, in front of me, soothing and consoling my frazzled nerves. He was like the Eric of my dreams, the Eric on that rooftop, the Eric in that Fellowship church. This was why I had chosen him.
I let myself get lost in him, in my Eric distraction. I let him kiss me – but, hey, I had just selected my new boyfriend, right? I reveled in it, and I didn't even feel the sting in my palms until they were clasped in his large hands, palms slightly coarse. I distracted myself from the chanting the crazy witches were screaming at us by filling my senses with the sight of him, the smell of him. Yes, better than my dreams.
I was so lost in his blue eyes and taking in all of the features I had never really allowed myself to covet, that I didn't even mind it when he kissed me, and I tasted blood. I sucked on his bloody lip and caressed his fang while he punctured my tongue and sucked on it. I have to admit, I forgot there was anyone else there - until the knife.
Eric broke our kiss and moved back a bit. We were now kneeling and were up higher than everyone else. What the heck? But it was the knife that broke my temporary reverie. My Eric spell was gone.
I started to panic as Syctis, or Scary Witch with a capital S, came closer. I wanted to run, but held on tightly to Eric instead. She went on about something about fire and hearts, and the whole time I didn't take my eyes off the knife. What the F! What does that knife have to do with my heart?
I looked back to Eric and he was trying to calm me. I focused on his eyes, his mouth, and listened to him instead of the crazy witches or growling supes surrounding us.
"Sookie, this is just the fourth exchange. They will place a small cut on our chests and we will press the wounds together. My blood in you will stop the bleeding quickly." He was being uncharacteristically sweet, kind, and soothing. I'd question that later, but for now wrapped myself into this side of Eric.
I watched as he took off his shirt. He was beautiful.
I gulped and tried to hold off the tears that streamed down my face. Haven't I run out of those by now?
The other witch held my sweater and Syctis cut down the middle. The sound of the fabric tearing, ripping under the blade, was overwhelming loud. She stopped near the end and the top fell open to either side. I didn't break eye contact with Eric, hoping he could get me through this. His eyes fell to my chest. Figures. I hoped everyone else in the room couldn't see my bra. I started to panic again. I don't think I can do this. I really can't. But then I got my wits about me and remembered I really didn't have a choice.
Safety and war prevention. Safety and war prevention.
I watched as Syctis took the knife and slowly cut a shallow cut along the top of my breasts. It hurt like the dickens, whatever that expression means. She did the same thing to Eric. I tried my best to keep a lid on my panic, which was starting to fizz over. I was like a shaken soda can, ready to burst.
Eric released our clasped hands and I cringed at the lost contact. Will reflect on that later. He gently pressed our torsos together, our cuts lining up perfectly. There were drops of blood streaking slowly down my stomach and his. Our blood mingled and pooled between our pressed together bodies. I really liked the kissing part better.
He seemed to read my mind and threaded his hands in my hair, drawing me back into a kiss. He really knew what he was doing. I let myself get lost in the feeling.
But then he was done again, the Scary Witch was speaking to us again and I looked up at Eric.
"Sookie, it is time for the final part of the ritual," he whispered to me. He kissed me again, his lips on my bottom lip.
The chanting had started again and I could hear more shouting and growling around us, but I tried to ignore that. I knew I was about three seconds from a mini breakdown.
I managed to find my voice. I was uncharacteristically quiet tonight. "What do I have to do?"
Eric looked pained. Uh oh. And it dawned on me that this is where the mating thing came in. I had thought for a fleeting second it was just a term they used loosely for us 'becoming one' or bonding through the blood, but the look on Eric's face confirmed I wasn't that lucky. They meant the Animal Planet kind of mating.
I was mortified. I couldn't even look at Eric anymore and started to cry. I had lost my virginity two months ago, and there was no way in hell I was going to take my second lover with more than 30 people, things, whatever, watching over us. I knew I couldn't protest, so I just cried. My earlier silent tears had morphed into little girl sobs and I couldn't stop.
Eric held me, stroked my hair, and rubbed my neck and arms. I could feel him, but couldn't focus. Mating.
I didn't even know how we were going to do this. We were kneeling and on a big table-like thing made of stone. Maybe we could go somewhere else and come back and tell the Pythoness? The idea of sleeping with anyone else at all made me freak out, but doing something so personal with people around us made my head start to shut down.
After my most embarrassing sobs had subsided, I managed to squeak out, "Just get it over with."
"Sookie, I cannot rush this. I will hurt you."
I wanted to protest and I still couldn't stop the tears that were streaming down my face. Mortified. I was mortified.
I was torn between wanting to scream in anger and storm out of this friggin' room, or just lie down and curl into a ball.
But Eric was there again, my dream Eric, whispering in my ear. "I have wanted you from the first night I saw you. You are so beautiful. I will worship this body every night."
I could still hear the chanting on either side of us, but the snarling from our audience had died down. I closed my eyes and tried to focus on Eric's voice, his words.
I didn't speak, but looked at him. Another tear fell down my cheek and there was no way I could hide my embarrassment or my nervousness.
Eric's arms were around me and held me close. "Shhh. It's just you and me here. Just us."
His breath was cool on my ear and neck and his hands were in my hair, down my back. They were soothing and exciting simultaneously. So much better than my dreams.
"Focus on me."
I did. I focused on him. Eric's mouth was back on mine and I felt instantly better. It was hard to think of anything else when Eric Northman was kissing you. Then his hands were on me, slow torturous hands which ran down my neck, to my breasts, and slid down towards my stomach. Everywhere he touched me turned to fire.
I closed my eyes and sank into him.
He lowered us down slowly until I was in his lap. His mouth was on mine again and I couldn't think straight. Everything around us began to slowly fall away. Our chests were still bloody, and there was blood on our hands and arms, but all I could think about was his mouth on mine and hard body pressed into me. He was so big, so many muscles and hard planes to trace and feel.
I let my hands wander and the world fell away.
"Sookie, feel me. Let go."
Eric's hands dropped lower and he pulled my skirt up. The tension it created eased and I slid closer to him, down further in his lap. His fingers traced up my thigh and along the edge of my panties while I was still lost in his kisses. I felt him everywhere at once. I clutched his shoulders and ran my fingers through his hair, keeping the pace with his maddening kisses.
The Eric spell seemed to be working again. I was quickly forgetting where I was.
His hands were on my legs and then moved down to cup my bottom. I groaned when I felt his hands on my bare skin; my panties were now gone. How did he do that? He traced one hand back up my leg again, down my thigh, and I gasped for breath when his fingers found my center. I had to break the kiss and looked down at the one, big strong hand that disappeared under my skirt.
My head fell back as his finger did magic things to me. Eric's cool breath was on my neck, followed by kisses, and then at my ear. "You are mine, Sookie," he breathed as his fingers entered me.
I just dreamed about this and now it's happening. Oh my goodness. Unbelievably, just like in my dream, I came apart instantly with the feel of his one finger. The pulse of excitement and electricity started at the top of my head and travelled down my arms and spine. His wicked hand did not relent, and he pushed another finger inside of me. His other hand was on my breast fondling me through my bra. His mouth was back on my neck, his fangs gently scraping against my skin. Oh my heavens!
I couldn't focus on what he was doing, where his hands were, or anything else. I was lost in the storm that was building inside me. I was coming undone with the feel of Eric's body under my hands, the sight of him around me, and the feel of his lips on me – finally. Finally? Have I always wanted this?
I wanted his mouth again and felt my reservations drown in the hurricane he had created inside me. I grabbed his hair roughly and licked up his neck and over the delectable cleft in his chin. His light stubble tickled my tongue. I brought that mouth back to mine and kissed him for all I was worth. His hand was still on me, in me, and I couldn't stop the little gasps and moans that escaped.
"Eric," I whispered when he broke the kiss. Don't stop kissing me, damn it!
He growled in my ear…maybe at hearing me say his name, or maybe because I had inched closer to him and pressed myself into him. I needed pressure to relieve the ache that he had started.
Like a mind reader, he kissed me again. I was near the brink again…those hands! His sinful fingers stopped abruptly. I could feel him adjusting and moving beneath me. Yes! Sweet Shepherd, yes!
He had cleverly pushed his pants down and I stole a glance. I gasped. Oh my goodness gracious! Willing my mouth to close, I gulped - audibly. He was enormous – lust inducing and intimidating.
My lusty fervor had apparently induced amnesia. I forgot that we were on an altar in the middle of a circle filled with supes. I just wanted him inside me, and amnesia Sookie apparently didn't mind doing the do-what-ditty in front of her grandfather and boss. In retrospect, I think I was drugged, under the influence of lust. Lust with a capital L.
"Sookie, look at me," Eric breathed.
I wanted to protest that he had stopped the kisses again. I could live off Eric kisses.
I opened my eyes to find his blue eyes directly in front of mine. They were blazing. The chanting had started again, but I was only focused on Eric.
"My Sookie," he murmured, running his hands up my back and then through my hair. I hummed in response.
"The ritual is almost complete, though I am far from through with you," he said. His words made my breath catch.
"I am going to drink from you, from here," he said as a finger traced my neck. "And I want you to bite me at the same time until you can taste my blood."
I nodded my foggy head, incapable of speech, as he placed small kisses up my neck to my mouth until our tongues were dancing again.
The smell of him, the taste of him was almost too much for my senses. I took advantage with my hands, feeling his shoulders, neck and chest.
Without breaking our kiss he lowered me, slowly, into his lap. I felt him, hard, and then he slowly pushed himself into me. I gasped at the welcome intrusion as he filled me to the point of delicious pain.
The chanting around us was louder and the feeling inside me so overwhelming that I had to gasp for air. Eric's lips were back on my heck, his hands on my bottom, as he lifted me up and brought me back down on him. I could feel him between my ribs.
"Oh my God," I moaned, to which Eric growled. The sound made me tremble again.
He continued the maddeningly slow pace and I relished the feel of every inch of him. His lips were back on my neck, kissing and scraping my sensitive skin with his fangs.
He brought me back down on him hard, and moved me so I rocked into him. We felt like one and my entire body started another climb up that roller coaster peak.
He was licking the throbbing vein in my neck and I wanted to feel him in me, there. I wanted to be consumed. I pulled him closer to me, my hips rocking, my fingers threaded through his hair and whispered, "Please."
I was on my back instantly, the cold hard stone beneath my bottom; the cold hard mass of male above me, Eric. He was magnificent, and the sight of him above me nearly stole my breath away. Our eyes were locked, his muscles straining and flexing as he held his weight off me, and then he was thrusting into me at a murderous pace. He hooked my legs over his arms and I got lost in the overwhelming power that was unleashed in my middle.
Another growl escaped him and I felt his fangs in my neck. I plunged down the other side of the roller coaster fast. I was lost in the sensation, nearly incoherent, but I felt his strong hand on the back of my head guiding me to his neck. I bit him hard and drank in his blood for the second time that night. It plunged me down that roller coaster again and I tried to match the pace of his hips to help douse the fire that had ignited in me. Mine. He is mine.
Still drinking from me, Eric moved into me with delicious strength. I felt him thrust, pressing into me, stretching me like never before. He growled then, close to a roar it felt like, and I felt him thrust and release into me – his entire body tensing. I could feel him inside, filling me up. It was cold, but further lit the fire inside of me.
He licked at the wounds on my neck and lowered himself closer to me. The room was spinning and I felt gooey and rubbery all over. He was propped up on one elbow and one hand, making an enclosure for me and managing his weight on top of me.
He nuzzled my neck and up to my ear, "Sookie, are you okay?"
I struggled to find my voice. "Yes, um, I'm fine." I then realized he was still inside me. I felt my face redden, but didn't move. The redness deepened as I realized I wanted more. I was a mess of emotions – horny, embarrassed, scared, and relieved. But in between my emotions others were weaved in – lust and satisfaction – smug satisfaction.
I moved to look Eric in the face and for a fleeting moment the look on his face matched my stowaway emotions. I could feel what he was feeling.
His feelings were intertwined with mine. It felt like those lanyards you made at church camp with the colorful plastic threads – triangle stitch, box stitch, spiral stitch. But instead of a keychain, we made an interesting vampire/human emotion image. We were intertwined with each other - mine were light and confused threads, while his were dark and menacing.
"Soon, lover," he whispered in my ear, picking up on my desire for more. His sly grin was back in place, but his eyes were still…I don't know…caring? Sweet?
He licked at my neck again and my chest, cleaning up any remaining blood. What vampire would let that go to waste? And then he held me gently and kissed me thoroughly. We were still joined, and I gasped as he thrust into me again, sending a charge throughout my body. But he stopped. I was more shocked that I didn't want him to stop than I was realizing how we were positioned.
He lifted off of me slowly, bringing my skirt down at the same time. He didn't seem at all embarrassed about his own state though – his pants were open and half down his hips. My Eric-induced amnesia was clearing up and I glanced around the room. Niall and Tynan were glaring at us, Sam had turned into a Collie, Bill was practically hyperventilating with rage, and the Queen looked nearly insane. Ace looked somber and Catalides had turned away from the spectacle on the altar.
Eric had me sitting on the side of the altar in an instant and offered his shirt for me to wear to cover my exposed bra. It came down to my knees, but a little added modesty after my humiliation was okay by me.
Syctis and the other witch led us back to the lineup of Council members, and Eric held my hand the entire way. Where I felt confused and embarrassed, Eric was brimming with protectiveness and something akin to preparation, like he was preparing to go into battle.
"The ritual is complete," Syctis told the Pythoness.
"Very well. All witnesses here can attest to the blood rite. She is now yours, Northman. And you will report to the Council on the status of your rited." She paused and looked out to the spectators. "All matters concerning the Northman and his rited come through the Council, including from the Fae. You are dismissed."
She looked back to us, amused, and added to Eric, "Good luck, Viking. Keep you both safe." She smiled then, her papery skin seeming to crumple with it.
Eric's rolling emotions turned to irritation then. He held me closer to his side, protectively. I had no flippin' idea what to do, so I just stood there, waiting, and the feeling of the big bad Viking all around me. Could I go home now?
Maybe sensing my confusion, Eric turned me into him, flush with his body, and he whispered quietly, "Now we can go home."
A/N: Would you like the Viking's POV on the blood rite? If I get enough reviews I'll add a few of his 'observations' in the next chapter!
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