I Sing For My Beloved

Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Southern Vampire Mysteries that privilege belongs to the genius Charlaine Harris, I am merely borrowing them.

Rating: M

Howdy peoples, hope everyone is good. I know it's been a while, so I'll see you at the end so I don't make you wait any longer :)


Eric POV

"Sheriff Northman of Area Five, for King De Castro."

"Evening Sheriff." The King's secretary replied promptly answering the phone. "Please state your reason for calling."

"If our King is available I wish to discuss an important matter with him."

"Hold the line please."

Conversing with our King had not been something I had foreseen doing or particularly wanted to do this evening, however to avoid any punishment upon my own behalf I played the good, loyal Sheriff by seeking his audience. Conveniently doing so on the edge of Compton's property where he could both sense and hear my presence, but would be powerless to attempt anything for not even he were that stupid to attack me in earshot of our King.

"Sheriff Northman?"

"Yes."

"Our King is with company at the present and does not wish to be bothered unless it is a dire emergency. Is it such?"

"I deem it urgent due to it involving Bill Compton's attack this evening upon Sookie Stackhouse and then attempted attack on myself during my intervention. In saying that I am more than happy to deal with him myself, this is just a courtesy call as set out in the new guidelines."

My explanation met with the muffled sound of a hand over the receiver, followed by the sound of the phone being handed over. Apparently our King had found the time to converse with me and regardless of the fact I rang him, that made me cautiously curious.

"Good evening Sheriff Northman."

"Good evening your Majesty. My apologies for disturbing you and your company. I just assumed you would be interested in hearing the latest events."

"Normally it would be a dangerous thing to assume with me and not something people should do too often. You are in luck this time. As for my company, they are quite adept at occupying themselves."

Proof of that came in echoed, albeit muffled moans which made my lips curl into a smirk. Surprisingly I had found that the love of sex and in all it's forms were something the King and I had a mutual appreciation for.

"While they do and I enjoy the show, you must explain how it has come to the point Bill Compton has deemed it fit to attack both yourself and Miss Stackhouse. It is my belief that they were once upon a time romantically involved, correct?"

Fucking wonderful, exactly what I wanted to be discussing.

"Yes your Majesty they were."

"I realise that is a touchy subject, yet it puzzles me to why he would attack her. Is it out of jealousy? The whole 'If I can not have her, then no one can' routine?"

He chuckled in amusement. A sentiment I did not share in the slightest.

"I do not claim to know what goes through his mind your Majesty. All I can definitively say is that after the termination of his relationship with Sookie, his behaviour has become most erratic and from what I have witnessed tonight, including testimony from Sookie herself, I have reason to believe he is reaching the point of no return."

"Hmm, I see. How truly fascinating."

Fascinating?

"Was Miss Stackhouse harmed this evening?"

"It is my strong belief that if I had not intervened when I did severe physical and emotional abuse would have occurred. Couple that with him also attacking myself, I find his behaviour unsettling in the least. Something I guarantee I do not feel on a regular occurrence. Sookie and my Child Pamela will attest to the attacks and their own concerns if you so wish it."

He went quiet for a moment, presumably thinking through everything we were discussing.

"That will not be necessary for I agree that his behaviour is unsettling. As you are aware I will not stand for rogues under my regime, especially those that pose threats to a number of my assets. As my Sheriff I will allow you to settle on the appropriate punishment. I must insist however you do not send him to his true death, at least not until I become familiar with his database and have discovered his full agenda, should he have one either from the late Sophie-Anne or his own."

Make that two things the King and I had in common. That thought had been lingering in the back of my mind ever since I discovered Compton's true motive of returning to Louisiana.

"If that is your wish, then by my word as Sheriff he will not meet the true death by my hand until you deem it fit."

Pledges as such I despised having to do for I knew if he were to attack Sookie again and she were harmed his death would be excruciatingly drawn out, consequences be damned. On the other hand I had created a loophole of such, by saying 'my hand', that did not mean his death could not be dealt by another in my absence.

"I will hold you to that Sheriff. I expect a detailed report by sunrise tomorrow. Now if there is nothing else, I would much like to return to my evening's entertainment."

"Yes, that is all. Thank you for your time your Majesty."

"Very well. Send my regards to our Telepath. I look forward to getting to know and working with her very soon."

And with that he hung up on me.

His request had been expected, yet what did not bode with me was his use of 'our Telepath' nor the excitement in his voice at the prospect of getting closer to her in both a personal and professional capacity.

With a more pressing matter at hand I began to put my well thought up plan in place by accessing the recording option on my 'business' cell while casually strolling across Bill's property to his home, where I found him stock still and stony faced at the top of his porch steps.

'What, no hello Bill? Not even an invite inside? Here I thought you were a Southern Gentlemen." I said in my best Southern drawl.

Something he did not seem to appreciate for his eyes became the only part of him that moved by narrowing into a glare.

So, this was how things were going to be then. Him just standing there glaring me to my true death while I do all the talking?

"What happened to you Bill?" I asked cocking my head slightly "I remember the good old days when you were actually fun. Do you remember those times?"

His glare deepened "Get on with it Eric. I am not in the mood to take a trip down fucking memory lane with you."

"Oh my, he swears. Definitely not very gentlemanly like. Too bad though because I very much want to walk down fucking memory lane with you. Where to start?"

My index finger tapped my chin as I pretended to think hard about that.

"Hmm, maybe we could start with London when I ran into you and Lorena the night before I turned Pam. I still remember the carnage we wrecked in celebration. Enjoyable was it not?"

The body count we left in our wake was awe inspiring and left an entire town utterly petrified and believing along the lines that the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse had descended upon them.

"Perhaps we could talk about all the lavish soiree's Sophie-Anne used to throw. That woman truly knew how to party and bring a city to it's knees."

Say what you like about her and despite my feelings of ill will from being the driving force behind the misery Bill had inflicted on my Lover, the late Queen indeed knew how to throw a bloody good party. Heavy empathise on bloody, while still remaining elegant.

Still I received silence from him

"I take your silence to say you do not recollect those times as fondly as myself? What a pity," I mock sighed. "There must be something in our past you remember as fondly as I do? Hmm, let's see. I know. How about the time I got appointed over you as Sheriff, which includes your beloved hometown, causing you to tantrum like a petulant child who then ran to become the Queen's little bitch."

All sarcasm and attempted niceties vanished and were replaced with disgust as my own eyes narrowed right back at him.

"I never tantrumed, nor was I anyone's 'little bitch'." He retorted angrily "I only did as our Queen at the time commanded."

I almost smiled at how defensive he got over that. Even after all these years, clearly losing to me still left a bitter taste in his mouth. Good to know.

"Cut the bullshit Bill. Sookie is not here for you to placate. It is just you and I, so do not waste my time or insult my intelligence by acting otherwise."

My patience with him was running extremely thin with each passing second.

"What do you want from me Eric? Answers? You want me to plead for my life? I will answer your questions, but I will never do the latter. I will not give you that satisfaction. Although if I heard correctly you were just forbidden from doing that."

"Never say never Bill, I can be quite persuasive." I smirked slightly. "However you are correct. What you did not hear was the King granting me permission to inflict any and all other punishments I deem fit. You see he does not like rogues in his regime and upon hearing about your behaviour has since placed you in that category.

"Now who's a 'little bitch'." He retorted with a smirk of his own.

"No Bill. There is a difference between me toeing the line with our King and you being Sophie-Anne's puppet and before you try and protest, that is exactly what you were. Instead of cowering to her every demand you should have done the smart thing and come to me about Sookie and together we could have made the entire situation profitable for all involved."

"That is how you see Sookie isn't it? As something to own and make a profit off of. You do not love her at all."

Despite knowing full well my words were being recorded I spoke the truth.

"In the beginning, yes that is exactly how I saw her. After all telepaths are indeed a rarity and I do enjoy collecting such treasures. The fact she is as beautiful as she is, is a delightful bonus. Things have changed though."

"Not you Eric." He shook his head "You have no clue how to love her or anyone for that matter. You have no idea what it takes to love someone like her. What she desires and needs. What it truly takes to be with her and the sacrifices that need to be made to insure that."

With each word he spoke, his stone like exterior faltered as the emotion began to thicken within his voice.

How intriguing.

"Do you mean things such as replacing her driveway, for no more reason than it needing to be done? Replacing a coat ruined beyond repair? Or better still sacrifices such as financially and professionally to destroy those who sought to harm her. Long Shadow ring any bells?"

They did not chime, they thunderingly resonated causing his stony exterior to now splinter entirely and out of the corner of my eye I saw his right hand slide behind his back.

I do believe in these types of situations some humans would shout 'Bingo!' Which on a side note happens to be one of the most frustrating games invented.

"So you are able to recollect something." I grinned pointing toward his face "Wonderful. Now you can answer some questions that I have wanted to ask ever since we learned of Long Shadow's deceit. Firstly were you going to happily stand idly by while he attacked her so that you could step in afterwards and again force her to take your blood, or were you going to leave it to the point turning her was the only option to save her life?"

They say a picture is worth a thousand words; to me silence says a multitude more and enjoyably I received that from him. I do love it when I am right about things.

"I'm actually impressed. What an ingenious plan and one I am almost ashamed to not have thought of it myself."

"I don't know what you are talking about. I had no knowledge of Long Shadow's betrayal, therefore I did not plan on anything!"

His feeble attempt at being defensive made me chuckle.

"I believe you had no prior knowledge of Long Shadow's dealings, but do not lie that the situation did not suite your desires. Being her Master you would not only posses her, you would also posses her gift and in doing so have it at your disposal. That begs my next question: did you always plan on double crossing Sophie-Anne or did you start formulating your plan after you became infatuated with Sookie?"

My money lay on the latter. Confirmation quickly arose hearing him sigh and seeing his eyes cast downwards.

"I do not blame you. She does have limited years on this Earth."

His eyes rose to meet mine, a surprised look on his face hearing me being almost sympathetic.

"I would have kept her safe." He wistfully said "She would not have survived being Sophie-Anne's pet."

"And you honestly think she would have survived with you as her Master?"

He truly is delusional.

"Even if Sophie-Anne had not killed you for your betrayal and claimed Sookie for her own, Sookie would have killed you or worse willingly met the sun. She would never have forgiven you, nor will she once she discovers what you had planned for her. Luckily I will be there to comfort her."

To antagonise him further, I amplified the smugness in my voice and like the puppet he was, he fell for it.

"You will not tell her." He demanded, stepping forward as if it would intimidate me.

"I am your Sheriff, therefore you are in no position to tell me what to do particularly after having burned any last bridge you may have had with me this evening." I replied mimicking his stance.

"I do not relish in the new heartbreak this will bring her, however she deserve to know. She will despise you and no amount of grovelling will change that and quietly that is the harshest punishment I could install on you. So there it is and now, I am done with you."

I lied, but I could see him nearing explosion level. He just needed one more nudge.

Turning from him I proceeded to stride away. Predictably I got all of three strides before he bellowed for me to halt.

"You will not tell her.!"

"No? Who's going to stop me?" Pausing, my fangs dropped "You?"

"Yes."

A valuable lesson my father taught me had been to never let your enemy see your true plan; if they do then strike true and don't miss. Wise words Compton could have benefited from hearing, for his foot had barely landed on the bottom step before I spun around and grabbed his raised right hand. Twisting it inwards I sped us back up the steps until we thumped against his front door.

Between my strength and the momentum his choice of weapon easily slid into his chest.

"A stake! You saw fit to end me with a fucking stake?" I growled in his face "You insult me. A man of my calibre deserves a sword or axe. Hell, even a dagger. But a stake?"

I shook my head in disgust, paying no heed to the pained noises omitting from him or his desperate attempt to push me away.

"It would be so easy to end your miserable existence right now. All it would take would be," pushing the stake deeper, I angled and twisted it until it scraped along his heart "and you would be gone for good and I would relish in it for the rest of my nights."

"The K-king," he gurgled and I smelled the blood trickling from his mouth before I saw it.

"Yes, our King wishes me not to kill you, only because of your little computer programme. No offence, but I doubt it would take a genius to know how to use and complete it."

"Soo-Sookie,"

"Yes, she too wishes for me not to kill you." I sighed "After everything you did and were willing to do, her pure heart will simply not allow your death to haunt her conscience. So, what to do with you?"

I twisted the stake again, joyously listening to his pain filled gasps before continuing.

"I had thought of chaining you up, torturing you every night for the next few centuries then when I got bored handing you over to Pam."

An even more petrified look washed over him making me grin wickedly.

"Yet she would probably end up killing you thus ending your punishment. That would be far too lenient, so this is what is going to happen and I strongly advise you heed my words.."

My grin vanished and my voice and demeanour turned low and dark as I transitioned into 'Sheriff' mode.

"From this night you are hereby forbidden from coming anywhere near Sookie. You will cease all communications with her, including setting foot on her property. To ensure this you are also banished from my Area."

Death may have been preferable given the utter shock that flooded his eyes at my declaration.

"You can't-my h-ome."

"Actually thanks to our King giving his Sheriff's more power to weed out the weak and rogues I can and just did. Now you have two choices; either be out of my Area in the next forty-eight hours or I end your now."

With his life literally in my hands and sensing my willingness to end him regardless of punishment, he quickly nodded.

"Say it!" I growled thumping him against the door.

"Yes Sheriff." he gasped again, trying to fight through the pain "I-I will leave."

"See, I told you I could be persuasive."

Smirking, yet in good gesture I stepped back a couple of steps to silently observe his earlier bravado become a distant memory as he stood there, trying to muster the strength to remove the stake.

"There is one more thing. The money Sophie-Anne paid you, you will hand over as compensation to Sookie. Is that understood?"

Smartly he nodded his head while his hand started to tighten around the stake.

"Perfect. Now get out of my fucking sight you piece of shit."

With a deep growl and using my anger to fuel my strength I grabbed the front of his shirt then sent him sailing through his closed door towards the stairway. The cracking sound of his body violently crashing through it quite melodic as I watched the structure cave on top of him. If the Gods were on my side the impact would have shoved the stake the extra inch needed to cause his true death.

"I could not be that lucky."

Taking a moment to admire my handiwork, I pulled my personal cell out my other pocket to text Pam after turning to start back down the porch steps, picking my business cell from where I had apparently dropped it as I did.

I am done. Where are you both?

Shopping. Miss Bunny has been fed.

Miss Bunny?

What?

Nevermind. Is he dead?

No. Will explain later. How much longer will you be?

We are shopping.

I should have known I would get that response and depending on what she was shopping for, could mean anywhere from another hour until minutes before sunrise.

Before sunrise would be advisable. I wish to see my Lover before then.

3

Fuck you.

Not sure your Lover would like that. Pity you're not here, she is quite delectable .

Keep your damn hands to yourself woman.

So I can use my mouth and tongue? Good to know :)

No!

Pam?

Pam!

If the extent of Pam's loyalty to myself had not already been established I may have genuinely been worried. It would not be the first time she had 'stolen' someone I had my sights on.

At least Sookie's sexuality could not be questioned. What could be would be her reaction to what had just transpired. I have no doubt of her heartbreak, only would it be entirely due to Bill's plan for her, or her thinking I did not trust her or some such and that being the reason behind banishing him from my Area.

I could count on one hand the amount of people I fully trusted with her and Pam being at the top of that list. It was him and the unfathomable hold he still seemed to have over her, that held my distrust.

I banished him for her.

For us.

How do I make her see that? Make her see that I do love her and that there isn't anything I would not do to protect her and what we have.

Merlotte.

Why the shifter's name suddenly sprung to mind I do not know, but it stopped me in my tracks. The more I thought about it though, the more it became clear how helpful he could actually be.

Time to pay Bon Temp's resident shifter a visit.

Launching into the air, I let me mind wander as I cruised through the still night. My mind that preoccupied I barely registered my personal cell ringing. Looking down at my hand I looked at the caller ID before answering.

"Sigfrid."

"Eric, my old friend. How be your evening?"

"It could be better. Given you are calling my friend, am I to believe you are about to make that happen?"

A misconception about myself is that I do not have friends. I may not have plentiful, however I do have them with Sigfrid being one of the oldest. Quite literally seeing I am only his elder by less than a century.

"I do have your packages yes. Are you at the club?"

"No. I am in a town called Bon Temps."

"Bon Temps? What possesses you to be in that pitiful town?"

"A woman." I laughed listening to the way his thick Swedish accent deepened with his disgust.

"Miss Stackhouse?"

"Yes."

"How wonderfully convenient for us both, for I am on the outskirts."

"Someone around here can afford you?" I asked in almost disbelief.

"You know me, I do not care where the money comes from. If my clients have it, then I have the products they want. Where shall I meet you? I believe I passed a bar or similar earlier."

"That is Merlotte's. I am headed there myself. Meet me in the back parking lot."

"If you wish."

Mutually we hung up and continuing my journey a smile played on my lips picturing how exquisite the contents of my package would with a doubt be.

Ten minutes later I landed at Merlotte's and had to chuckle a few minutes later when an extremely rare, if ever seen in Bon Temps, bright orange Lamborghini joined me.

"New toy?" I grinned watching Sigfrid unfold his lean figure from the beauty.

"Payment from an owing client." He grinned back, adjusting his designer charcoal grey three piece suit and aubergine silk tie.

Sigfrid strongly believed that if you had money, you should flaunt it and his favourite way showed in his always impeccable attire complete with equally impeccable shoulder length brown hair.

"Very nice."

"She is beautiful." He patted the hood fondly "The client tried to renege on a deal until I threatened to expose the string of mistresses and how much of his wife's money he had splurged on them to her. Being the weakling he is, he even cried when parting with the keys."

I laughed for I did enjoy hearing his tales. He and I shared such tales often and having similar traits to myself it was no wonder we had been friends for many centuries.

"I have checked the quality of your purchase. I believe you will be immensely satisfied with the results." He explained pulling out two black, velvet boxes from his jacket and holding them out for me to take.

Trusting him and his expertise I took them from him, then opened the smaller of the two boxes. What lay nestled in a bed of satin exceeded my expectations making me grin with approval.

"Miss Stackhouse must be exceptional for you to tolerate this...place."

"Some of us like to call it home, but yes she is exceptional."

The sound of another's voice joining our conversation made us both look up then over towards the back door.

"Van eller fiende?" Sigfrid asked, his stance stiffening somewhat

"Varken. Sam Merlotte. Sookie's boss."

"Sookie's boss? Du tillåter henne att arbeta här?"

"Inte av mitt val."

"Intressant." He smiled. "And my cue to depart. We shall talk soon my friend."

With exchanged nods and one towards Sam, Sigfrid returned to his car before non too subtly departing from the parking lot.

"I'm not sure what's more odd; a Lamborghini leaving my parking lot or it's owner genuinely calling you his friend."

"Cute." My tone and facial expression implied a silent warning.

"Well you're in a mood." He paused then shook his head as if telling himself he was about to regret the next thing to leave his mouth. "Dare I ask why, or even what you and your friend were just doing?"

My eyebrow arched at his subtle accusation. "Are you trying to imply we were doing something untoward?"

"You said it, not me."

I wonder if he shifted back into a feline whether he would share their nine lives. Biting my tongue I opted to explain myself.

"I acquired a gift from him. Your parking lot held convenience for us both. Nothing more, nothing less. As for my mood, it stems from someone foolish enough to try and accost my Lover and worse in my presence."

His smirk immediately dropped.

"Is she okay? Why isn't she with you like she's suppose to be?"

"She is safe." I replied finding his last question curious. "I sent her and Pam out for a few hours so I could attend to business. Business that has since brought me to see you."

Momentarily, he stood looking at me before sighing out loud. "I don't like the sound of any of that, but I got a good idea who you're talking about. We can talk in my office."

My curiosity deepened with his quick conclusion and I nodded for him to lead the way before following him. Silently we walked through the back hallway, neither of us paying attention to the looks we received from the staff walking past us. Entering his office, he nodded for me to sit on the small, well used lounge while he shut the door then sat down himself.

No sooner had I, then an always intoxicating scent hit me.

"She has been here. Recently. Explain."

"Well, she does work here."

My eyes narrowed for he knew exactly what I meant.

"Relax." He rolled his eyes at me "Nothing happened, at least not between us."

"What did happen?"

"Honestly? I'm not entirely sure." His brow creased slightly. "Yesterday during her shift she asked if she could lay down because she had headache. Fast forward fifteen minutes to where she's screamin' at the top of her lungs and thrashing about in her sleep like she's being attacked."

"She had a nightmare?"

"Yeah, a pretty violent one that included you."

"Me? I was attacking her?" I asked frowning myself.

He shook his head.

"I literally had to shake her to wake her up, then the first thing out her mouth was 'Where is Eric?'. She didn't calm down until she realised you weren't here. So, my guess is you were being attacked and she was trying to save you."

Hearing his confession of manhandling her would normally have the consequence of severe pain, except hearing about her nightmare and the fact it involved me, troubled my mind more.

"That is why she came to see me."

"Ah huh." He nodded "I don't know what happened between you both and I really don't want to know the details, but for the first time in a long time she came in today looking genuinely happy. I don't know how or why, but you make her happy Eric."

"She makes me happy."

Those words, plus the small smile they brought I had meant to keep to myself, only my body betrayed me. Which, oddly worked in my favour because it seemed to cement something in his mind.

"You really do love her."

"Yes."

Again my body betrayed me and in front of him of all people.

"Good, then don't screw it up otherwise I promise I will find a way to take you out."

"Will you now?"

"Look I know I'm not as strong as you, at least not in this form." He gestured across his body "You and I can both agree though that when it comes to her there are no limits."

Regardless of the low probability of him besting me in any form, I had to acknowledge his loyalty when it came to Sookie and the bravery that came from his love for her which meant his words were not spoken idly.

I gave a single nod before speaking.

"For his repeated transgressions I have formally commanded Bill to cease all communication attempts with Sookie. He is not to approach her, nor speak to her. While I can enforce that within my area, including her home and when she is with me, there are certain places my authority does not cover, particularly during the day."

I gave him a pointed look, which he quickly picked up on.

"I have already offered to ban him, only Sookie insists she can deal with him herself."

"I am well aware of her insistence."

The frustration in my voice matched his. Her independence and fearlessness were endearing, yet it also frustrated me to no end when she refused to accept help in situations that had the potential to turn dire.

"What exactly is it you want me to do Eric?"

"What you have always done, watch over her and ensure she is kept safe. I highly doubt Bill will heed my commands so if you witness or become aware of him approaching her in any way I want you to report to me so I can document it."

Asking for his assistance left a sour taste in my mouth and from the surprised look on his face he had not expected me to ask that of him.

"It is you or her imbecile of a brother. I am trying to keep her safe."

"Pfft," he huffed with a shake of his head 'Things are still volatile between them so I wouldn't even go there. I gotta say though, for a sec I thought you were going to ask me to take Bill out."

"Well," I shrugged "if an unfortunate accident should occur..."

My smirk insinuated the rest of my sentence, then deepened watching him trying to fight back his own smirk.

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

"Yes, let us hope that."

The sarcasm in my voice caused his lips to twitch even more; to mask it he stood in order to end our conversation.

"If something happens you have my word that I will contact you. If there's nothin' else I need to get back to the bar."

'Actually there is something else." I said standing up myself and walking a couple steps to him.

"What?"

"You are aware that Sookie and I have much to discuss and sort through, therefore I would like to request that you grant her time off. In return I will replace her with a member of my own staff as well as paying their wages, including covering any tips they might make."

That last part was almost laughable because I knew what his staff earn in tips within a month, equates, if lucky, to what my own are able to earn nightly.

For the second time in as many minutes he looked completely surprised at my request.

"I'm sorry, but you're a little late Eric."

"Excuse me?" I frowned "Are you rejecting my extremely reasonable request and counter offer?"

"No." He shook his head "I'm saying is that you're a little late because I already gave Sookie time off. She didn't tell you?"

Obviously not.

"When?"

"Today."

"Why?"

"For the same reasons you asked. I told you she came in today actually happy, so after she asked me for tomorrow night off I told her to take a week off."

It was my turn to be completely surprised, which greatly amused him.

"A week?"

"Yep." He nodded with a grin. "Just a suggestion, you both might wanna work on that whole communication thing. It helps."

"Apparently." I muttered, turning my attention to the door for I did not want to see his reaction to what I had to say next.

"Thank you."

"Excuse me? Did you just thank me?"

"Yes." I replied refusing to look at him.

"Huh. Could you maybe repeat it so I can record it, or better still can I get it in writing?"

"Don't push it shifter."

Denying him any more chance to relish in his amusement I ended the conversation by opening the door with the intention of walking through it, only no sooner had I, an intriguing conversation stopped me.

"What?"

"It would seem that red-haired waitress of yours is having a disagreement with another customer about whether or not vampires are useful members of society. Perhaps I should go referee?"

Not able to help myself I dropped my fangs while turning back to him with my most devilish grin.

"No! That's all I damn need. Just...just go to Sookie." He insisted waving for me to go on my way.

If it were any other time I would have thoroughly enjoyed interjecting into the debate, mostly to intimidate the irritatingly clueless red-head, however given the peaceful terms Sam and I were parting on I decided to be generous by quietly exiting through the back door, highly amused hearing 'Arlene! My office now!' as the door closed behind me.

How that woman has not become a vampires plaything I will never know. Personally, she would bore me rather quickly, yet I would enjoy watching Pam have her way with her.

"Speaking of." I said out loud hearing 'Sweet Child Of Mine" from my cell.

"We have returned. Where are you?"

"Before sunrise? How impressive."

"Ha-fucking-ha. Just hurry up."

"I am on my way."

Slipping my phone into my pocket and clutching my packages tightly, I launched into the air. The prospect of holding my Lover again spurred me on and within minutes her house with my Corvette sitting in her driveway came into view.

Gracefully I landed next to my Corvette to subtly begin reassuring myself of it's well being.

Perfectly intact.

Stepping away I ascended up the porch steps, my hand going to the doorknob to open it when another intriguing conversation halted me mid action.

Typically Pam kept her emotions to herself, not one to share even at times with me. Perhaps I am partially to blame, given I am not the most forthcoming either and having in depth conversations regarding those emotions most definitely was not a strong suit of mine. In all our years together I had never felt guilty about that; until now while I stood listening to my Child voice her concerns over my Lover's actions earlier. Actions that indeed had concerning consequences.

In the moment of declaring that she was mine, then baring her neck for me to stamp my claim on her (for the lack of a better comparison) I will admit I lost my mind for it truly felt like a dream come true. A dream that could have turned into a nightmare had Bill not chosen to attack when he did.

Instant panic set in her after listening to Pam's explanation, making it abundantly clear she had no idea what ramifications her offer held. Regret followed, not out of selfishness for herself, but for what I would, without restrictions, do to avenge her if she were to be attacked or taken from me after I left my 'true mark' on her.

My eyes closed feeling the colliding emotions from both my women. Mostly, I hated hearing Pam's voice crackle with sadness while she practically begged my Lover not to do anything rash for fear of my actions causing my true death; a silent fear that it seemed only she could unearth.

I had never heard or worse felt Pam like this.

So open.

So raw.

So human.

Then came a somewhat unexpected declaration that rocked Pam to her core.

"And Pam, another thing. I'm not Eric and you and I aren't blood, but no matter what happens he's not the only family you have. Not any more."

A warmth never felt before swept over Pam and the silence that followed made me curious. Quietly I turned the knob and pushed the door open, just in time to see Pam affectionately pounce, on top of her 'prey'.

"This looks promising. Room for one more?"

"Eric!"

My name come out in a surprised squeak and leaning against the door frame, I grinned taking in the sight in front of me.

And what an enticing sight it was.

"There's always room for you." Pam grinned mischievously over her shoulder at me.

"Not with us both on here too, there isn't."

Followed the giggled, yet insistent reply from beneath her as the voices owner began trying to nudge Pam off of her. With a mock sigh Pam obliged, pulling Sookie up with her as she did.

"I take it you both had another satisfying girls night?"

"Ah, huh. But it's even better now you're here so come in already."

Not one to be needed telling twice, particularly with the adorable smile that came with it I walked inside, subtly hiding the smaller of the two packages in my pocket while dropping the larger into Pam's shopping bags as I passed.

Once in front of my Lover I bent to kiss her forehead. My lips barely touched her skin before I tasted and smelt a lingering scent.

"Lover, why do you taste and smell of Pam?"

"Ah, well we kinda had a little fun." She giggled, then looked over at Pam who lasted all of three seconds before she too elicited a giggle.

Again, with the fucking giggling?

Seeing my confusion Pam took the lead and proceeded, with input from Sookie, in retelling their adventures and how they chose to exploit the situation. By the end they were laughing that hard both had tears in their eyes, particularly after recalling how one of the boys clumsily fell over himself to get away.

"It was the funniest thing I have ever seen." Sookie giggled wiping away tears.

"I ask you to go eat and you end up having a lesbian affair," I feigned disbelief, when in reality the resulting pictures were both amusing and arousing.

"Well," Pam grinned wiping away an escaping tear drop "I did tell you she is divine."

"Aw Pam, thanks. You're pretty divine too hunnie."

"Not as much as you are Sugar." Pam winked with a sexy grin.

Clearly an inside joke, it sent them into another, yet smaller giggle fest.

"Perhaps I need to remind you that I am here."

With a mischievous grin of my own, I gently grabbed Sookie's hand and without warning pulled her to her feet and into my arms, my lips instantly pressing against hers for a firm, yet loving kiss. A kiss she just as quickly reciprocated, her arms wrapping around me to pull me closer.

No others kiss had ever tasted so sweet, nor had the power to make me forget everything else around me including Pam a mere two feet from us. Something she soon reminded us off by groaning in disgust.

"Ugh. You two are nauseating."

"Door." I mumbled against Sookie's lips, not willing to part from them long enough to say more.

"Subtle as always Eric."

Neither Sookie or I needed to look at Pam to know that she was standing hands on hips and rolling her eyes, but I almost growled in disappointment when it eventually made Sookie laugh ending our kiss.

"Sorry Pam, but you know what his kisses are like." She grinned turning slightly in my arms to look at Pam better.

"Yes, they are quite distracting." Pam agreed with a grin of her own. "I suppose I should leave you two to go at it. You both desperately need it."

"Pam!"

De Ja Vu anyone?

Like earlier Pam ignored the protest and walked over to gather her bags by the door, her head cocking ever so slightly after obviously discovering my addition.

I take it this is not mine?

I take what is in your bag I paid for?

I will put it in your safe.

Do you have my car keys?

Yes.

Keep them. I will get myself home later.

Slowly Pam turned around to face me, a slight shocked look on her own with what I just said.

"You deserve a treat."

The affection portrayed in my smile, quickly told her that I had overheard her pouring her heart out moments ago. She stood in shock momentarily, before her lacquered lips curled and without a goodbye she sped from our site, leaving me still smiling while Sookie looked on confused.

"Wait for it," I offered nodding for her to listen.

Within seconds the seductive purr of the Corvette's engine sounded, followed by a blast of pop music along with tyres crunching along the driveway in reverse.

"Aw you let her drive your car. Ya big softie." Sookie grinned after realising what had happened.

"What did you call me?"

"A big softieeeeee."

The last syllable stretched out due to a loud, interrupting yawn that escaped her.

"Oh, excuse me," she apologised sleepily.

With everything that had occurred tonight, her tiredness was not surprising in the least. It also told me that trying to explain anything about Compton's punishments would not be a wise idea.

"Come my Lover, it is time I get you in bed."

She may have been tired, but she smirked at my words.

"Time to get me in bed huh?"

"Yes. You are tired. What other reason could I possibly have to get you in bed?"

I asked trying to look and sound as innocent as possible.

A facade she saw right through with a giggle.

"I can't imagine why else you'd want me in bed, Eric."

With a waggle of my eyebrows I swiftly scooped her up in my arms and took off towards the stairs, kicking the front door shut as we passed it.

"Put me down!" She giggled again, kicking her legs in playful protest.

"Why, so you can run after Pam to continue your affair?"

"Maaaaybe."

"In that case...never!"

Growling softly, I tickled under her knees which made her squeal and jump slightly before wrapping her arms around my neck.

Realising there was no escaping, but not to be outdone she got her revenge by leaning up to nibble and suck on my neck.

"Careful."

She knew exactly what it did to me when she did that, hence the only response I got came in feeling her grin against my skin before her teasing recommenced, only harder this time.

She should have heeded my warning.

Charging up the rest of the stairs I burst through her open door then once near her bed threw her gently onto it. Her silken blonde hair flying around her as she bounced a couple of times. I barely let her return to the mattress before I did a pounce of my own, ending up bracing myself above her.

"You are going to pay for that."

"Pay for what?" She smiled innocently.

"This!"

Lowering my head I 'attacked' her neck with my lips and normal teeth, the feel of them combined with the stubble on my chin her instantly wriggling and giggling.

"Stop! That tickles."

"Hmm, so you are ticklish? Good to know."

Mimicking her, I grinned against her soft skin then resumed my 'attack', my right hand sliding up her leg to dip beneath her shirt to tickle her ribs. That seemed to be the spot because within seconds we were both squirming against each other with her feeble attempts to escape my clutches, her bed coverings becoming crinkled and untucked while her melodic laughter filled the room.

Even though I thoroughly enjoyed the symphony of her moans as I pleasured her into blissful ecstasy, her laughter was what I loved to hear. Not wanting it to end I relentlessly continued until she finally begged for mercy.

"Okay! Stop! I'm sorry! Stop or I'm gonna pee myself!"

While ecstatic in my victory, my face and nose almost involuntarily screwed up hearing her plea for me to stop before I caused her bodily function to do so instead.

"Charming."

With my face still screwed up in disgust I pulled up to look into her flushed, yet always beautiful face.

"Sorry, it happens to us humans though." She giggled, slightly breathlessly.

"See, that is one of many advantages of being a vampire. No more need for such disgusting activities." I explained, softly brushing back some stray strands of her hair from her face.

"That alone would make it worth being turned."

"Tease." I smirked, bending the few inches to kiss her deeply.

Pulling back I held her body and rolled until I was on my back with her instantly tucking into my side, our arms wrapping around one another with natural ease. Unfortunately before either one of could start enjoying the familiar comfort she pushed against me with an 'Ugh' sound.

"What is wrong?"

She didn't reply until she stood and only after looking at me for a brief moment did she sigh.

"I really do have to pee now."

Again my face screwed up with her eloquent answer and I waved her off to go do what she needed too. With an amused huff she walked off, stopping momentarily by her chest of drawers to retrieve what I presumed to be pyjamas.

"Why do you bother with them? You are exceptionally tantalising without them." I grinned sexily.

"Exactly." She grinned back, before shutting the drawer and continuing on to the bathroom.

Alone, my eyes shut and memories began flooding back to me. Never in my thousand plus years could I recall a time where I had been happiest or more at peace then when I had been here with her after being cursed.

My 'hearts desire'.

Something I wished I had been willing to discover earlier, yet at the same time I truly believe we both had to go through all the trials and tribulations we did in order to get where we were today and while we still had a multitude of issues to sort through, my 'home' would always now reside with her.

Fuck, I really do sound pussy-whipped.

Abruptly I stood, my eyes scanning the room to find something else to focus my attention on. Immediately they fell on an empty glass on her bedside table, which I grabbed and sped downstairs to the kitchen with.

Quaint. Minimalistic. Needing repairs.

If I had to describe her kitchen then it would be that. I frowned slightly for clearly she had opted to not ask for help with the repairs, even though she had money owing to her. The cheque for which sat in a sealed envelope in my office desk drawer, and an object I had on more than one occasion contemplated using as an excuse to visit her. Between the amount owing and with Bill's reparation she would have more than enough to fix in here, including the rest of her home too.

Putting the dirty glass in the sink I searched until I found where the clean ones were housed, then using Pam's equation from earlier filled it up before turning to return upstairs.

Seeing she still had not returned I set the glass back on her bedside table before again scanning the room. Her crumpled bedding catching my eye; a task I most definitely was not associated with however had perfected over time spurred by Pam's confidence in my failure when she dared me to master 'the most fucking simplest task'. The look on her face when I did worth the hours of frustration and dozen ripped sheet sets.

Give me furs any day.

"What are you doing?"

"I am fixing up your bed. Someone messed it up."

"Someone, huh?"

"Yes. Someone."

Finishing fluffing her pillow I placed it back on the bed then looked over at her.

A Goddess.

Even clad in a slightly oversized, short sleeve, purple shirt that stopped mid length on her slender tanned legs, she still held more grace and beauty then any woman before her.

Not to forget sex appeal.

An always, incredible amount of sex appeal that increased the more I looked at her. Honestly after abstaining for the last several weeks, she could be wearing a garbage bag and I would still want to fuck, bite and rub myself all over her.

"There is also fresh water, so into bed you go."

She hesitated for a moment and I swore I glimpsed a slight smirk, before she obliged by walking over to where I stood waiting with the covers pulled back in my hands. After she slid onto the bed I waited until she had got comfortable then draping the covers over her tucked her in.

"Good night my Lover."

Bending I kissed her softly on the forehead, then with a stroke on her soft cheek I turned to leave.

Well that was my intent, until one of her arms shot out of the blankets and her hand grabbed my own to pull me back. My body offered no resistance and all too happily I fell on top of her, our lips instantly connecting for a deep passionate kiss.

Her intoxicating taste and scent flooded me making me moan while feeling her arms wrap around me to hold me against her.

Damn it woman!

"Goodnight."

Summoning all my self will I broke our kiss and gently unwrapped her arms from me to do my best at tucking them back inside the covers to allow me the chance to back away.

I got as far as the foot of her bed before confusion filtered from her.

"Eric, is something wrong? Have I done something?"

"No, of course not."

"Then why won't you look at me and are doing my trick by practically bolting out the door?"

"I am not bolting." I sighed turning to face her. "I am simply trying to behave myself."

Even more confused she cocked her head slightly.

"Being here in your room with you in that bed, looking the way you do..." I let my words trail off, but added my signature sexy grin to emphasise the extent of my desires for her.

"Oh." Her response quiet, yet her blush spoke volumes.

"Tonight has been tumultuous for you therefore you are not at the strength needed for what I desire for us to do multiple times and in as many positions until dawn takes me."

The added explanation purely for the reason of making her blush more, something I enjoyed making her do.

"You must sleep now, but rest assured the wait will be worth it."

With a smirk and a wink I turned to continue out the room. Only once again she verbally stopped me.

She really is trying to kill me, I thought turning back to her again.

"Do you really have to go?"

"No, but you are tired and need rest"

"I do and you respecting that means more than you know. I was just wondering, you know if you don't have to go..." she paused mid sentence, an odd look coming over her almost like she was afraid to ask whatever it is she wanted to.

"My Lover what is it you desire from me?"

"Ah, I was thinking, hoping that if you didn't have to go that you could maybe lay here with me? Just until I fall asleep. Please?"

I now understood her fear. A fear unfounded for I was immediately reminded of the pleasure just holding her last night had filled me with. A sentiment I verbalised.

"It would be my pleasure."

Relieved I did not reject her, she smiled and preparing 'my side' of her bed began fluffing one of the spare pillows which made me chuckle as I discarded my jacket and boots. Sliding beneath the covers my arm raised almost instinctively allowing her to curl up against my side.

"Better?"

"Much, thank you." She replied draping her arm across my stomach once resting her head against me.

"You're welcome. Now sleep."

I received no protest with my soft command and with a gesture reminiscent of my childhood I gently started stroking her temple and hair. The move lulling her into slumber within minutes, leaving her steady breath and rhythmic heartbeat the only sounds in the room.

During our absence from one another, this is what I had craved above all else. The comfort. The familiarity. The serenity and unmeasurable joy having her so perfectly nestled against me brought.

"I love you."

Despite having practically said it earlier, I froze mostly due to feeling her suddenly move more against me; perhaps a subconscious acknowledgement for I knew she was fast asleep. Still, with a irrational fear comparable to hers moments ago, I dared not move until she had completely resettled.

My irrational fear born from the fact I had only ever said those words to three other people throughout my life time, however, surprisingly on the other hand finally saying it out loud seemed to lift an unknown burden off of me.

Remarkable.

She is remarkable.

And she is mine and I am hers.


Hi everyone. Firstly I want to apologise for my absence. My life has been so up and down over the last few months. From illnesses, to getting a new job, family drama including losing my mum a few weeks ago. I just haven't been in a great head space and have not felt like myself. Things are slowly getting better so I hope I have not lost all you wonderful people. As for this chapter, I really hope you all like it.

I know Eric ending Bill in the most torturous way would have been enjoyable for all us not just him, but that pesky King of theirs had other commands. Then again there is always that loop hole to exploit ;)

I hope you also enjoyed the introduction of Sigfrid, because he will be popping up here and there and is one of several new characters I'll be introducing throughout this story. It might not be the most authentic, but here is their conversation in English:

(Friend or foe?)

(Neither. Sam Merlotte. Sookie's boss)

(You allow her to work here?)

(Not by my choice)

Also it has been sometime since I have read the books, so if things seemed mixed up (Eric and Bill's past) it's just my creativeness taking over so in theory it's enjoyable lol

Anyway it's time to work on the next chappie, so see you soon. Hugs n vamp kiss xoxox