Authors note: Okay yes I am evil, but submit a review and it might get me to write faster. ;)

Chapter 7

Eric along with Bill had been hovering above Dr. Ludwig for the last half hour while she tended to Sookie. Since Pam had made the call the ambulance had been here and left with her friend Tara. The paramedics asked if they could do anything for Sookie, but Eric was fearful that she was beyond their help. Luckily Bill had maintained his level head while Eric paced the porch and Bill told Pam reluctantly that she needed to call Sookie's boss, Sam and explain what happened. Sam of course wasn't too happy to get the call. When he wanted to talk to Eric, Eric waved away the phone from Pam and said...

"Tell the shifter I will speak with him tomorrow, he is needed at the hospital!"

Pam put the phone back up to her ear and she asked Sam...

"Did you hear that?"

Eric tuned Pam out as his eyes bore down to Sookie and he asked Ludwig...

"Have you found out what's causing it yet?"

Ludwig looked up at Eric and she nodded her head. This had to be the 10th time he had asked her that question, but just like the first 9 times, she kept her calm...

"Yes, I just injected the antiserum, now all we can do is let her rest and wait."

She closed up her bag and stood up and looked back from Eric to Bill and Dr. Ludwig replied...

"Just keep her hydrated and make sure she gets some rest."

Eric looked down at Sookie worriedly and he asked the Doctor, "How will we know if your cure worked?"

The Doctor had descended the stairs and she turned back to Eric and Bill and replied simply...

"She'll wake up."

They watched both speechless for a minute and then Bill knelt down besides her and he proclaimed sadly...

"Sookie! I'm so sorry."

He closed his eyes and touched the top of her hand, and Bill promised her...

"I promise to make it up to you."

"You will do no such thing." Eric proclaimed stepping in now and Bill looked up at him. And he declared...

"You made your choice Compton and we see how well that has turned out for you." Eric was still angry with Bill and feeling protective, and he gently lifted Sookie up in his arms as her head hung over his shoulder he declared to both Bill and Pam who were stuck waiting outside since they hadn't yet gotten an invitation to enter her domain...

"Go get your car for her. I will wait inside until you return."

Pam nodded and was off before Bill had even turned his head. But Bill figured Eric meant him as well when he saw the glare Eric cast him and Eric turned on his heel and brought Sookie back inside.

He was going to bring her to his home, she needed the safety of an unclassified location, Bill didn't even know where Eric lived, so Eric knew it was about as private as one could hope for, and she needed a chance to recover properly with as much protection as he could offer.

Eric sat down with Sookie on the couch they had fooled around on yesterday, feeling much different today. He felt like it had been such a close call for Sookie, and Eric didn't like that at all. He looked down at her sleeping face, pale and peaked just like a vampires skin. It was not a good thing, he thought since Sookie always maintained quite the golden hue. Realizing how vulnerable she had been, and if Lorena hadn't been as psychotic, she might have killed Sookie right away. Eric wished he could have been there, if he had none of it would have ever happened. But now as it was, he was sitting on the outside looking in. Eric was sure if Sookie was conscious she would have told him to get the hell out. He knew she didn't love him, infact she wished him dead, as she told him yesterday, but Eric couldn't help it. When it came to Sookie Stackhouse he was like a helpless moth attracted to a flame. He couldn't stay away no matter how hard he tried or wanted to, even if it brought him down beyond repair. It disturbed him greatly that he didn't even care about what the Queens verdict would be. It disturbed him greatly that the only thing Eric wanted to do was stay by her side all night to make sure she recovered.

Eric held her more securely in his arms and pulled down that hideous blanket of hers from the side of the couch to cover her with. Closing his eyes he began to stroke Sookie's hair and after a few moments of silence had passed, Eric spoke quietly his voice brushing against her cheek and into her ear...

"Lover, You have to wake up... I know you will try to be stubborn and not listen to me, but there are too many people who need you now...I need you now."

He closed his eyes and held her more securely, for her just as much as himself. Like a child clung to his security blanket, Eric clung to Sookie, wishing harder than he had ever wished for anything in his life that she would pull through.

He saw the headlights of Bills car flash in the driveway and Eric knew these next few hours were very important. He had to take Bill to see the Queen and resolve this issue or she could potentially be in even more danger. Eric was hoping things would be quick. He didn't want to leave Sookie again.

He kissed her forehead gently and then lifted her limp body up into his arms. Eric walked out into the cool night air and he asked Pam as Bill went to open the door for Sookie...

"Is the car heated?"

"Yes." Pam answered and Eric nodded and replied..."Good, I will get some of her things to bring along."

Eric looked back at Bill and asked him to wait on the porch while he gathered Sookie's belongings. Eric put a clean pair of underwear and a sundress and nightgown into a bag.

He passed by the mess in the kitchen, realizing that should not be there. He did not want to make things worse than they were. They already had a hell of a time keeping the paramedics out of this room and Eric used his vampire speed to scoop up the remains of Lorena and toss her in a paper bag along with her discarded scalp. If he was in more primitive times he might even nail her scalp to the door of her old residence, but as it were, these were modern times and the human police tended to not like that sort of behavior. So he quickly washed the floor and threw the blood soaked rag in the bag as well. Eric threw what he could of the broken chair in Sookie's trash vowing to get her a new chair to replace the old one, and then he walked out and handed Pam the two bags...

"This one is hers, and the other one should be buried."

Pam nodded and popped the trunk to Bills car.

"Tayke care ov hur please." Eric replied his accent thicker in this moment as he met Pam's gaze with a look of importance and then he glanced back in at Sookie concerned and Bill asked him confused...

"Wait, were not going with her?"

Eric folded his arms and shook his head. Pam got in the car and started the engine and Eric looked back at Bill his hard façade returning, as if he was an afterthought replying...

"No, we have an appointment with the Queen, she wants to know why you went missing." Eric looked back at Bill pointedly and Bill swallowed apprehensively.

Bills car pulled away and he looked on nervously all of the sudden. Eric of course was his usual caddy self and he looked back at Eric and replied...

"Fine, where are we meeting?"

"Follow me!" Eric replied arrogantly and he flew off expecting Bill to catch up. Eric just wanted to get this over with, and Bill realized some things would never change.

About 20 minutes later they were at Fangtasia. Eric notified the Queen on her private line from his office and he sat down in his chair and looked back at Bill, and Bill asked him...

"So now what?"

Eric looked back at Bill handing him a True Blood and he replied...

"Now we wait, and you let me do the talking."

Bill glared at Eric, and after a moment of silence and a swig from his bottle he asked Eric bitterly…

"So have you claimed her for your own yet?"

Eric's eyes darted back to Bill's just as annoyed by him and he replied…

"No, we both know how strong willed Miss. Stackhouse can be."

"But she thinks your doing all of this to help me right?"

Eric flipped his eyes over to Bill, very aware of the accusatory tone in his voice. Bill insinuating that he was using his position as an advantage to make Bill look bad, however Eric was quite positive he didn't need to demean Bill to make himself look bad in Sookie's eyes, he could do that little task all by himself, and quite well too.

"You know as well as I that Sookie is not easily disillusioned Bill."

Bill looked back at Eric not liking one bit how well Eric knew Sookie but before he had a chance to rebuttal, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in!"

Eric announced and the Queen made her way into the room followed by her loyal servant Andre.

"Your majesty." Eric stood and bowed his head as did Bill and she took a seat on the couch.

"So the elusive Mr. Compton finally makes his appearance!"

The Queen raised her brows and Bill nodded and began to reply…

"Yes…I…"

"Bill has informed me of his task at hand your majesty, while he tended to his makers wishes, keeping Miss. Stackhouse out of harms way, he had me watch her."

The Queens eyes widened and she looked back at Bill in question and asked him with controlled voice…

"Is this true Mr. Compton, did you tell Mr. Northman about your special task?"

Bill looked back at Eric trying to read him but as usual Eric's expression was blank and he finally replied looking back at the Queen…

"Yes, your majesty, it is true."

The Queen turned her attention to Eric and she asked him raising her gaze to meet his, her eyes making to skewer him if he strayed from her…

"It may have been a wise move, however it doesn't explain why Mr. Northman killed a vampire tonight at the Stackhouse residence does it?"

"That's a punishable offense last time I checked." She added glancing back at a smirking Andre and then she looked back at Eric with judgmental eyes.

Eric met the Queens gaze hiding the small flicker of disgust in his eyes as he came to the realization that she had been spying on him. It made his stomach hurl over that her trust for him had fell to an all time low, but on the surface he kept his cool, and replied calmly…

"Yes your majesty, indeed it does…"

"Oh really?" She asked acting as if she were already bored and wanting to dismiss the subject at hand…

"Would you care to enlighten us then?"

Eric looked back at Bill, he still Blamed Bill for the Lorena situation, if Bill had been stronger or even smarter or more convincing to his maker maybe Sookie would still be okay right now. But he held his ground and lifted his chin replying with the utmost confidence in his actions…

"Of course. It would be my pleasure." Eric answered with a polite yet tight smile bowing his head slightly and then he explained…

"Bill's maker Lorena had learned of Bill's allegiance to Miss Stackhouse, and when she found out about it, she became jealous and made an attempt on her life as a result."

Eric paused a moment for effect and then he continued speaking as if it were the most natural solution in the world…

"When I got there, she had Miss Stackhouse tied up, poisoned and drained from the chandelier in her dining room, after learning of Miss Stackhouses importance to you, we felt it necessary to extinguish this looming threat."

The Queen nodded her head and looked down as if in thought for a moment and then she raised her gaze to Eric actually looking quite impressed. Of course that was until Andre had decided to open his trap and he asked Eric…

"That all lines up, but what doesn't make sense to me is why Bill waited outside with your associate? Wouldn't you want him to go in and assist you with the threat? He had been dating Miss Stackhouse previously, would he not have an invitation as well?"

Eric's gaze fell on Andre with contempt and hatred. He was so fucking close and now this ass hole had to go and upset the balance of things. He didn't want them to know about his earlier involvement in the Bill secret thing or it would all come crumbling down around him, this would all be for nothing and Sookie would be at a greater risk than she was now. Eric looked back at Bill and gave him an 'I'm sorry, but you've gotta take one for the team too' look and he turned to Andre and finally replied…

"Bill and Miss. Stackhouse had an argument and Miss Stackhouse rescinded Bill's invitation from her home…(Eric looked over to Bill and he asked him…) I believe it was about your relationship with Lorena was it not?"

They all looked to Bill, who had that deer caught in the headlights look hating Eric right now he nodded his head and finally agreed…

"Yes, I wanted to keep Lorena away from her and she did not understand."

The Queen looked back at Eric thoughtfully and then she replied finishing the chain of events…

"So you stepped in for Mr. Compton and protected her?"

Eric nodded and replied…

"Yes your majesty."

She looked impressed once more, and as Eric wondered what the Queen was thinking, Andre offered…

"Well perhaps this needs higher clearance so Miss Stackhouse can not stray again, what if I were to conduct a blood bond with her?"

In mention of another blood bond, Eric glared at Andre his blood boiling in anger and he imagined what it would feel like to decapitate him and watch his head roll across the floor. He imagined Bill was picturing the same type of scenario and Eric shook his head and directed his answer to the Queen trying to take the high road and get them out of this mess in one piece…

"I have already shared a blood bond with Miss Stackhouse, twice, it is very strong now and that's how I knew she was in trouble."

Bills gaze darted towards Eric and Eric imagined the decapitation fantasy was probably being directed at him.

The Queen looked back from Andre to Eric and she finally concluded,"Mr. Northman is right, he should remain Miss. Stackhouse's protector till I need her services."

She looked back at Bill and replied sharply…"Bill, I have a new assignment for you."

Eric wondered what that assignment was but before he could ask, the Queen was asking him if he could step out of his own office.

If he hadn't just gotten what he wanted in there, Eric would have been furious. But as it was, he didn't have much room for complaint. However, he was sure Sookie would have a stake for him with his name on it when she found out the truth.

A few minutes later Bill came out and they said their goodbyes and took the formalities as the Queen and her henchman Andre left.

Eric was in no mood to hang around Fangtasia tonight, even with staff asking him for approvals and advice, he was in one of his moods, and really had no other desire but to get back to Sookie, and Bill asked him once they were outside the club…

"I would like to talk to her."

Eric looked back at Bill and he replied…

"Your not going to do a thing till she's recovered fully."

Bill looked down at the ground realizing he couldn't get much farther than that. And Eric did save his ass tonight after all. He had really screwed things up and he finally replied…

"At first dark then."

"We'll see." Eric replied always needing to have the last word. He cast Bill one final look of disapproval before he flew off expecting Bill to follow him home so he could take his car back.

Eric not in the mood to be polite didn't invite Bill in. Instead he rushed up the stairs to see how Sookie was doing. According to Pam there had been no movement and Eric's crushed gaze fixed upon her sleeping form. He relieved Pam and asked her before she left if she could please pick up some human food for Sookie when she woke up. He was still trying to remain optimistic that she would wake up.

After Eric heard the front door close he looked back at Sookie wanting to do nothing else but curl up next to her on the bed, so that's what he did. Removing his shoes, Eric climbed into the bed next to her. He knew he should keep his distance, for her and for him, but he just wanted to stay here until dawn.

Laying his head on the pillow as his arms slid under her limp limbs he pulled her close to him and then Eric closed his eyes and prayed for a miracle.

--------------------------------

Daylight broke through the window in the corner piercing through her eyes like laser beams of light. Sookie felt like she had been in a coma for a year. Her body was sore and eyes puffy and sore from being shut so long, her legs were cramped and her head was pounding. Not to mention when she opened her eyes after finally focusing in on the room she was in she didn't know where in the hell she was.

She struggled to center in on anything, her eyes finally making out an ornately decorated mantle covering a fireplace on the other side of the room. She rubbed her eyes and forced herself to sit up and look around.

It felt familiar to her somehow but she didn't know why. Looking at the picture hung above the fireplace, framed parchment paper of a map and picture of a Viking ship, Sookie finally realized where she was. At Eric's. She looked around and as she swung her sore legs over the side of the bed she saw a glass of water along with two ibuproferin and a note.

Sookie took the water gratefully. She felt like she had cotton balls in her mouth from sleeping so long and she wondered just how long she was out, taking the ibuproferin as well, she swallowed. Her hand brushed over the letter and Sookie wasn't sure if she was ready to read it yet. She figured she would try to find the restroom, hoping to god Eric had a working bathroom here and she pushed her wobbly legs out of bed.

She wondered where Eric had gone, thinking it odd at first that he hadn't been lying next to her, he seemed quite fond of doing that, but then she remembered their last words to each other. 'Well at least he listened.' Sookie thought half disappointed. In truth she would have felt much more comfortable with Eric lying there on that bed instead of that note.

She found the bathroom it was adjoining the bedroom she had occupied. Turning the lights on now, Sookie was impressed with his design skills. Or maybe he had someone else design the house for him. It was more modern, a lot of sleek gadgets, but otherwise it looked like something right out of a Pier one catalog. He had nice taste, she thought, wondering if when she ever got around to making any renovations on her grans house if he'd offer his advice.

Sookie was relieved as well that he had brought a fresh change of clothes for her and the bathroom came fully stocked with soaps and toothpaste and even a brush. It looked like Eric had forgotten her makeup, but Sookie didn't mind. Deciding now was just a good a time as any to take a long hot shower she turned it on and let the steam fill up the room.

The prospect of a hot shower was much more tempting than reading that note, Sookie thought rationally. After about 30 minutes of standing under the powerful spray, Sookie realized her skin was starting to turn pruny and she reluctantly turned the nozzle off. She thought she had to get one of those showerheads like Eric's with the built in water massage, it was orgasmic.

But as soon as she stepped out she remembered the letter again and Sookie threw a towel on around her. She had to be brave. If just to get through today. She had flashes of her last moments of consciousness remembering that Vampire, Bills maker and how she had attacked Tara. Sookie was worried sick about her friend too. Wondering if Tara was in that letter.

'Be brave.' Sookie muttered to herself, taking a deep breath she made her way barefoot across the dark tiki wood floors to her nightstand and she unfolded the note. Sitting on the bed, she took one more inhale and read…

Dearest Sookie,

My wish is that you are reading this note and feeling well and back to your old self again. Last night after the attack, I thought it best to move you here to my house. I am resting in my room on the lower level. Your friend Tara is okay, she is in the hospital and your boss Sam is looking after her. You are welcome to anything; Pam stocked the fridge, so please have something to eat.

My only request is that you do not leave until I am up. I know we did not leave things on the best of terms, but this location is safe and undisclosed for your protection….And I must talk to you. Please stay, we have much to discuss.

Yours truly,

E

Sookie felt nervous all of the sudden. She didn't know what was going on either. She was somewhere between sad and depressed, nervous, longing, and in total and utter agony. Sookie figured if she had to pick one, that last one probably described her current mood best.

She couldn't even fathom to wonder what Eric wanted to talk to her about. About them? Their relationship? About his business with the Queen? It all made her stomach do flip flops and not the good kind. She realized she probably did need to eat something, but Sookie wasn't sure she could stomach it at the moment. Instead she set the letter down and got back up to finish getting dressed. She figured she didn't have much choice on the staying here part. She didn't know where she was, taking a peek out the window Sookie shook her head thinking…No nothing looked familiar. She could have been trapped in Timbuktu for all she knew. Although the foliage looked like the familiar trees and undergrowth that Northern Louisiana was famous for, so she suspected she wasn't far from home.

She went downstairs, realizing how light and airy it felt, the windows were open and she could smell the lilacs wafting in from outside, wondering if Eric had done that just for her. She saw a bookshelf against the wall filled with old books and other things. Sookie saw an old telescope and she wondered how old it really was, feeling all of the sudden like she was in a museum. But it gave her comfort for some reason, to know she was surrounded by Eric's personal things. She had never heard him talk about his house except for that one time he brought up the wrap around porch being similar to hers.

She walked out towards the front into the sitting room and realized he was right. It was just like hers. Sookie looked at a digital clock resting on his very old bookcase thinking it odd that he had so many modern things mixed among the very old. She had passed a very sleek looking computer and scanner/printer/fax machine, the works on her way down here. But Sookie realized that was Eric, he was very complicated, and full of surprises.

It was just after 4 pm and she wondered how long she had slept. And then as if on cue, her stomach began to growl. Sookie decided to take Eric up on his offer and go scavenge through his fridge.

She opened the stainless steel door shocked when she saw it was fully stocked with food he had seen her eat, the fixings for a turkey sandwich, fruit trays and vegetable, fine cheeses and juices, 3 different kinds.

Sookie didn't know where to begin.

About a half hour and one full tummy later, Sookie decided to borrow one of Eric's book and sit out on his front porch to read it. This house was in a remote location, all she needed was some sun and she was good.

She had chosen Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, and getting into the story. Sookie felt like she could relate to the orphaned aspect of Jane's story, but her heart went out to the young girl in her violent upbringing. And suddenly she thought her problems didn't seem that bad. Her gran loved her and watched over Sookie and her brother and Sookie couldn't have asked for a better guardian. The past didn't matter, the abuse, but the love that her gran gave her was priceless. She shed a tear for young Jane when her aunt punished her by locking her away and that's when she was interrupted...

"Sookie?"

Sookie looked up surprised to see him, it was true she hadn't even realized the sun had set, the porch light was on to illuminate the pages, but now she realized she was totally unprepared for this.

"Bill?"

Sookie asked surprised she put the book away and Bill smiled and came up the stairs.

"Your awake? How are you feeling? I was so worried about you?"

Sookie scooted back on the love seat farther and sat up straight, feeling tense all of the sudden she wasn't sure how she should feel to see Bill, he had done so many terrible things, he wasn't the man she once thought she knew, but perhaps he was involved in saving her life too, she didn't know just how much slack she should give him feeling uneasy all of the sudden...

"Yes...I'm feeling much better thank you...(she cleared her throat uncomfortably and she asked him...) What are you doing here?"

"I came to see how you were and I wondered if I could have a minute to talk to you?"

Bill looked back at her through sincere eyes, as sincere as a vampire could look, Sookie thought. Although his puppy dog eyes were very convincing at the moment. And what was it about vampires wanting to talk to her? Eric mentioned something similar in his note. Although Eric's note made her far more nervous than seeing Bill standing here for some reason and Sookie asked him, chin out…

"What did you want to talk to me about?"

Bill sat down in the wicker love seat next to Sookie, and he saw her grip the arm of her side. Bill hated that stiff reaction. It hurt him, but he needed to do what he came here to do, he owed Sookie that much, and Bill explained…

"I wanted to apologize for misleading you and for abandoning you."

"Oh is that what that was?"

Sookie asked him sharply her gaze narrowing. She knew already that she wasn't going to like this. Wishing she had just called a taxi or something to take her home earlier.

Bill put his hand down in-between them in a gesture of sincerity and he replied…

"Yes Sookie, I betrayed you and hurt you…I want you to know though…(his gaze lifted to meet hers) That I did love you, that part was real…"

"You have a funny way of showing it." Sookie cut back and Bill shook his head….

"I know, whatever I say cant make things right, but I want you to know that I went with Lorena to protect you, had she come and found you and me living together she would have killed you on the spot."

"So you bought me some time?" Sookie replied adding with heavy sarcasm laying the honey on thick…"How thoughtful of you Bill."

Sookie stood up feeling like she was being suffocated all of the sudden going over to lean on the railing, and Bill plead with her…

"I know it doesn't look good, but I promise you that I never wanted to hurt you Sookie…"

She looked back at him point blank and Sookie replied…

"Bill, whether you wanted to or not, you did hurt me, and I don't know if I can ever forgive you…"

Bill stood up it was obvious he was in agony over it and, begged Sookie…

"I know your wounds are deep now, but maybe in time we can be friends again?"

Sookie was too tired to argue with him anymore, she didn't want to keep going in circles so she finally decided on just giving him a half assed....

"Maybe, we'll see..."

As she turned to look back at Bill once more, Sookie saw for the first time Eric, who had been standing leaning against the doorjamb. She felt her stomach clench again, realizing she hadn't even begun to scrape the tip of the iceberg yet. As her glance met his, she tried to get a read on him. Noticing absently that her skin had begun to tingle.

Bill looked back and also saw Eric.

"Eric!" Bill wasn't expecting him to just be standing there, ordering him off his property maybe or coming at him with a stake but not just standing there eavesdropping. His contempt for the other vampire grew.

"Hello Bill." Eric replied simply hands shoved in his pockets as he walked out onto the porch. And he leaned against one of porch columns casually in his muscle tee he replied nonchalantly…

"I see you decided to invite yourself over."

Bill turned around to face Eric and he replied in his own defense…

"I expected that you would already be up when I arrived."

Eric cast Bill a small little knowing smile filled with spite, and he nodded replying with a hint of sharp sarcasm…

"Yes, silly me, I should have known."

"Yes, you should have." Bill insisted adding,"I asked you last night, this is the least you can do."

Eric stood a little straighter, what started out as a chance to re-connect again with Sookie had turned into a sparring match with Bill…

"The least I can do?" Eric replied sharply. Oh that Bill had some nerve, he thought.

"If this is what you wanted to talk to me about, count me out." Sookie retorted her glaring gaze meeting Eric's growing frustrated all over again. It seemed grown men could live for over 100 years and still never mature. And she turned on her heel and back into the house.

"Sookie wait!"

Eric called after her and she stopped and turned back around. And Eric bowed his head reluctantly, offering…

"If you are finished with Bill, perhaps I can drive you to the hospital to see your friend, Tara?"

He looked back at her reluctantly and she thought for a moment she saw repentance And Sookie was skirted off her balance again. He actually looked sorry.

Sookie's gaze went from Eric, who looked remarkably male and powerful standing in the doorway in his black muscle tee and green cargo pants and then to Bill, who wore his custom button down plaid with dark brown pants. And she felt a little regretful herself. As far as she knew Eric and possibly Bill had saved her life, the least she could do was stick around to listen to his side. Finally nodding Sookie replied…

"Yes, that's fine, I believe we're done right Bill?" She looked back at Bill her eyebrows raised in question and Bill looked back to Eric and he finally nodded his head.

"Yes, we're done."

"Goodbye then, take care of yourself Sookie." He added raising his hand in gesture of a wave as Sookie nodded her head and replied cordially enough…

"Goodbye Bill."

Eric watched Bill descend his stairs and then he looked back at Sookie a static tension in the air. He wasn't quite sure how to approach her, but Eric figured after she saw her friend Tara and knew she was okay they could have their little talk.

He looked at his bare feet hands back in his pockets feeling awkward, he finally offered risking a glance back at her…

"I'm glad you are well."

Sookie creased her brows and watched Eric with question. Something was different about him. He had never felt so far away from her and she didn't like it. Answering his question she finally nodded and replied…

"Yes, I am too, I don't remember much after the attack, but I appreciate you and Bill coming when you did and helping me."

Now it was Eric's turn to crease his brows, she shouldn't have to thank him. He thought, she was bonded to him, it was his duty. If he hadn't gotten the ball rolling she might have never been in danger in the first place. But all he could say was…

"It was the least we could do."

Sookie nodded and a heavy silence hung in the air. They stood about 15 feet away from each other, and before the moment got too long, Eric finally asked her…

"Did you get something to eat? Everything you need?"

Sookie wanted to scream at him, 'Yes I got everything I needed you arrogant bastard, now lets just get onto the you break my heart part!' But she kept her thoughts to herself and just nodded…

"Yes I did, thank you for bringing my clothes here."

"Of course." Eric replied, for the first time not really sure what to say. He figured he could take Sookie to the hospital and asked her…

"Are you ready to go?"

Sookie nodded and she grabbed her jacket. Eric went to grab his car keys and a pair of flip-flops and then they were off.

It was so quiet in the car, Sookie was fighting this inane desire to rest her head on his shoulder and play with the golden hairs on his arm, but Eric was all business. She supposed she should be thankful that he hadn't cornered her like Bill, and she was appreciative that he thought of her concern for Tara first.

Sookie didn't know what to think about Eric, he was such an enigma to her. She should be pissed at him for lying to her about the Queen, but in truth she just really missed him. Being in his house, sleeping in one of his beds, being rescued by him and around him but have him not really there just made her long for him even more. She supposed she really was just one of those simple girls. But then she thought again about that note. Dreading that discussion, she tried to focus on something else. Flipping the radio on, Sookie found something Cajun and she asked Eric politely…

"Do you mind?"

Eric focused on her hand and he shook his head…

"No…listen to whatever you want."

Sookie looked back at him wishing he would just get on with it already. She couldn't take much more of this torture, but it was clear Eric was hell bent on doing things his way. At least that part felt familiar to her.

----------------------------------------------

30 minutes later she was sitting by Tara's bedside. Both Sam and Jason were there as well. Sookie wasn't surprised that Eric kind of hung back, but she was relieved to find out Tara was going to be okay and out of there tomorrow. It was pretty damn ironic that she lost so much blood and came close to dying but didn't have one fang mark on her body.

"Oh Tara I'm so happy your okay!" Sookie hugged her friend again…

"Rightbackatcha girl!" Tara smiled and she replied…"I'm a tough bitch anyway, so what's one more battle scar?' Sookie couldn't help but smile, although she had tears in her eyes. She hadn't thought much about mortality but in this last month it really hit close to home how fortunate she was to be alive and how fortunate Tara was.

"Tough is right. (Jason mused) I can't believe you didn't stake that bitch yourself!" Jason laughed and Sam smirked. None of them remembered the tall Viking standing in the corner looking out the window and Tara replied….

"No, she was psycho alright, but she needed one of her own kind to do the job!" Tara glanced over to Eric her gaze resting on his for a moment and then the others followed looking back at Eric. Jason and Sam stood a little straighter apprehensive, being reminded again that there was a vampire in the room, after one of their kind tried to kill Tara and Sookie.

Sookie could feel the tension coming off them in waves, she even blocked out their thoughts, not thinking Eric deserved to be on the other end of their judgmental glances, Sookie figured the least she could do for him was get him out of there, and Sookie finally replied…

"Well, speaking of doing their job, I better get going Ill need to get some rest so I can work tomorrow…"

"Oh Sook, you can take the day off, I don't expect you to come in tomorrow."

"No, I've missed enough." Sookie argued and Sam sighed.

"Fine Sook, but Tuesday is our slow night, don't worry if you can't make it in."

Sam looked back at Eric and then he hugged Sookie…

"Be safe okay?" Sookie nodded and replied,"I will."

She smiled back at Jason and hugged him and then hugged Tara gently….

"Take care of yourself!" She smiled and Tara called back….

"Goodnight Sook…Oh and thank you Eric!"

Eric looked back at her surprised and then he nodded.

"Goodnight."

And then he and Sookie were off.

--------------------------

Sookie tried to get Eric to tell her where they were going, she was nervous enough as it was, but of course his lips were sealed.

He didn't speak until after he had pulled his car up to the edge of this marsh, the fog was creeping over the edge of the water and Sookie could see the stalks of the reeds poking up over the fog. She turned to Eric that pit in her stomach returning, trying to break the ice she asked him…

"Your not going to kill me and throw my body in the swamp are you?"

For the first time all night Sookie thought she saw a smile pass over Eric's face, a genuine smile and it did a world of good to her blood pressure. She looked back at Eric and he replied musingly…

"If I wanted to kill you, my dearest, I would have done it a long time ago." And that was the truth. Sookie had been nothing but a thorn in his side since they met, he knew telepaths were hard to come by and everything, but the amount of pain and grief she caused him, by far outweighed her usefulness. But he could never inflict pain on her. Eric knew it; he knew he loved her now. There was no denying it. Which is why he was about to tell her what he was about to tell her.

"Well that's a relief to hear." Sookie replied with ample sarcasm and she asked Eric nervous again wanting to cut to the chase….

"So your not going to tell me you tried to protect me by going back to an ex girlfriend or maker or whatever you call them too are you?"

Eric smiled again, glancing out at the foggy swamp ahead of him he thought of it as a metaphor for his life at the moment. He couldn't see anything right now but what was right in front of him. It scared the shit out of him, he had never been this blind before, but he knew what he had to do.

Taking Sookie's hand he placed his large cool hand over hers and turned to Sookie finally proclaiming…

"I assure you, no ex girlfriend could compare to you…" Eric remembered again how she said she wanted to see him dead, swallowing he pulled from his inner most reserves of strength to do this and Eric finally got to the point….

"I wanted to talk to you about the Queen."

Sookie looked back at him baffled but also feeling vulnerable, not sure what Eric was getting at, or if she could trust him after what happened before and Eric explained…

"Last night after you were attacked Bill and I spoke with the Queen, she thinks you are a very important asset to the vampire community."

Sookie dropped her hand from Eric's grasp, her face getting red and Eric could already tell she didn't like where he was going with this but he didn't give her the chance to respond, continuing…

"The Queen has given me the duty of protecting and keeping watch over you until further notice, I have agreed to the assignment."

Sookie's heart fell in her chest and her eyes began to tear up, she couldn't believe what Eric was saying. Was he openly admitting that he only saw her as an asset for his Queen? He had agreed to the very thing that scared her most? But then she wondered, wait a minute. She knew Eric, and Eric kept his cards carefully hidden at all times. This wasn't like Eric at all just to blab out the whole scheme and she asked him baffled….

"Why are you telling me this Eric?"

Sookie reached up to wipe a tear from her eye, but Eric caught it for her with his finger as he brushed it against her cheek soothingly, Eric replied as her gaze locked with his…

"Because it is your life and you deserve to know."

She folded her hands in her lap, feeling cold all of the sudden and after a long moments pause Sookie asked him…

"Why did you agree to do it Eric?"

He put his free hand on the steering wheel and looked out again at the marshy waters, thinking about why he really did it, he couldn't say it yet, but he could explain his motives and he looked back at her and finally replied…

"Had I not intervened, the Queen would have taken matters into her own hands and you would not be sitting here in front of me right now, you would be under her custody in Baton Rouge. (He proclaimed, getting to the bottom line) I did it to protect you Sookie!"

Sookie didn't know what to say, she was still stunned by everything. She didn't know if she should trust Eric, she felt like he was telling the truth, but she was a woman scorned and she didn't know how wise it was to go with this.

The fog was rising and Eric proclaimed starting up his car again and turning on the heater…

"Come on, we better get out of here before I accidentally drive us into the swamp."

Sookie looked back at him and then remained quiet for a couple minutes as Eric turned onto the main road, wanting to know exactly what this meant she asked Eric…

"So does this mean I have to stay at your place? I'm your prisoner now?"

Eric glanced back at her trying to hide the hurt under his eyes and he shook his head replying truthfully…

"No, I meant what I said Sookie, I will protect you no matter what, but you don't have to see me if you do not wish."

Sookie looked back at him with creased brows, no, she didn't mean that, she thought sadly not wanting to hurt Eric. She wanted to start over again; if only they could do everything over again, she wanted a second chance.

"I didn't mean that, I just didn't know how far this asset thing went, how valuable am I exactly?"

She looked back at Eric through the sides of her eyes and Eric replied truthfully…"To the Queen, very valuable."

To him she was priceless, he thought sadly. He pulled up off the main highway driving a couple blocks and then into Sookie's driveway, taking a moment for it to sink I for Sookie…

"Wait a minute? I get to go home?" Sookie looked back at Eric astonished, so happy to see something familiar and Eric nodded turning off the engine….

"Of course."

Sookie was so happy she ran up the stairs and Eric got out standing up against his open door to make sure she got inside.

"Goodnight Sookie!"

Sookie's smile faded when she heard Eric's words from behind her. He wasn't coming inside with her? He was going to leave her alone after all of that protection business was just talk?

She looked back at him disturbed for a moment and then she reached up to grab the spare key from the doorframe unlocking the door, as her hand took the handle she looked back at Eric again and replied over her shoulder….

"Goodnight!"

But as her door clicked open and she saw a clean, spotless even, house empty and dark she flipped on the light and then a thought popped into her head.

Eric was trying to prove something to her, he was trying to prove that he didn't want to use her like Bill did; he was respecting her and giving her her space, which is what she wanted all along. The only thing is now that she realized she had it, she didn't want it anymore, she wanted him.

She wanted him!

"Eric Wait!"

Sookie croaked her voice filled with panic hoping she could still catch him and turned back around into the dark night.