AN-Ok I corrected some things and changed a bit with the help of my beta, Jade who is WONDERFUL by the way. Definitely check out her writing, this girl has talent galore! So on with the show and get ready for some action coming in 10. Sookie and Eric will need to be strong if they are going to defeat their crafty new enemy. Thanks again to my hubby and to Georgina. As always Charlaine Harris owns these characters I'm just taking them out for some exercise and fun.

SPOV

Eric deposited me on the edge of his bed. It was done in jewel tones with similar furniture to the apartment at Fangtasia. "This is beautiful, and to be honest, exactly how I pictured it." I looked around, wanting to explore. He must have read my mind.

"Lover, it is late and tomorrow you may explore all you wish, but now I must place some calls and you need to rest. Your belongings should be here soon." I look at him confused. In all the excitement I realized I had no clue what he was talking about.

"Honey, umm, what are you talking about? I don't have anything with me. I just realized you said the staff was moving my belongings. What am I going to do for clothes? I guess I could borrow one of your t-shirts to sleep in and wash out…" Not waiting I rambled on until he put his finger up to my lips.

"I have clothing and items you might need here. I took the liberty to purchase you a few items and have had them in the other suite for some time. I know you do not like to be a kept woman, but my love, please don't argue and just accept my gifts. I bought them out of love for you, to make you happy, and it gives me great pleasure to care for you." His hands took mine as he waited for me to answer.

"Eric, you shouldn't have bought me anything, but I guess things have changed. We are in a relationship now and I know I want to do things to make you happy so I'll relent (word of the day) and let you do things that make me happy." I barely got the words out before he picked me up and twirled us around in circles.

"Min älskar, you have pleased me beyond measure. At last I can care for you in the way you deserve. Your heart's desires will be fulfilled." He laughed and finally stopped spinning us. I tried to stand but felt dizzy so I held on to him. Smiling he wrapped me in a tight hug.

"I will treat you as a queen." I glanced up at him as he bent kissing my forehead. "Honey, I love it that you want to buy me things, but don't get carried away okay? " I bit my bottom lip nervously.

"Lover, I will try very hard not to overwhelm you. I promise, but I will not see you go without. I will care for you in all ways and will not argue this point." He put his finger under my chin, holding my gaze. "I have always tried to see to your needs and now I am entitled to make you happy. Soon enough I will make you mine and you will want for nothing." I looked at him and sighed. I knew there was no arguing, so I just shook my head.

"Just don't go crazy that's all I'm asking." Reaching up I kissed him. "Please try and keep it within reason." I laughed and took a step back looking around. "Do you have something I could wear till my clothes get here? I would really like to have a hot bath before going to bed." I saw the blue fire spark as he ravished me with his gaze. He growled and his hand ran through his hair as he let go of me.

"Perhaps this is a mistake. I may have over-estimated my ability to show any self restraint with you. Maybe you should remain in the guest room." I looked at him in disappointment, but I had given him my word to not tempt him; I had to stand by it. My voice quivered; biting down on my lip I tried to stop my tears.

"Eric whatever you want me to do, I'll go back to the other room." I turned heading towards the door when I heard a snarl and he grabbed me from behind. I gave a startled cry in surprise. "No lover, you will not be going anywhere. I can not be separated from you any longer." He pulled me back against him wrapping his arms around my waist and burying his face in my neck. "I will control myself - I have no other choice." He kissed my neck and then dropped his arms stepping back.

"I will find something for you to wear if you want to go and start your bath. Lover, I beg of you to shut the door." He kissed my cheek and pushed me towards the bathroom. "I'm going to make my calls, but rest assured I can hear you if needed." He disappeared, shutting the bedroom door, and I heard another door close realizing it must be his office. Taking a deep breath I walked into the bathroom.

Of course it was beautiful and looked like something out of Southern Living. It was decorated in the jewel tones similar to the bedroom with marble and dark wood cabinets. Along one wall was a huge shower that could easily fit four or five people. Further down the wall was a door which revealed a separate toilet area with sink. However the most wonderful part of the room was the enormous tub that sat in the middle.

It was easily the biggest tub I had ever seen, and when I noticed it was also a hot tub I squealed in delight; completely forgetting about Eric. Unfortunately he hadn't forgotten about me, and before I could turn around I was face to face with a very angry vampire. He looked ready to attack. I stumbled back, a little afraid, and he responded with a deep angry growl.

"Lover, what is wrong?" He was moving around the bathroom in lightning speed coming to an abrupt stop in front of me, concern and puzzlement etched on his face. "Sookie, I heard your scream but find no cause. What has happened?" He started to step towards me, but I was still a bit startled and my instinct to run was at full force. I shook my head mumbling and turning away.

"Eric, nothing's wrong. I'm not sure what you heard, but I'm fine. You can get back to your calls." I forgot about the stupid bond and before I could take another step, he was in front of me holding my shoulders. His eyes narrowed and I looked into their cold depths. I couldn't help but shiver.

"Lover, why are you lying to me? " His hands tightened slightly. "I'm not leaving without an answer." Sighing, I studied my shoes, and felt myself blushing. I really wanted to be anywhere but here. I didn't want to admit that he had frightened me. I knew it would hurt him and that was the last thing I wanted to do. So I took a play from my avoidance handbook and lied again.

"Okay - it was stupid. I thought I saw a mouse and now I'm embarrassed so I'm sorry I bothered you; I was just being silly." I looked up at him with my fake smile plastered on my face. "See I'm fine, now go back to your work so I can get my bath started." I tried to take a step back.

"Not so fast." This was not the tender voice of earlier, this was his I am in command, obey me voice. It sent shivers down my spine. Eric must have felt my reaction because his voice softened as did the look in his eyes.

"I am not exactly sure what is occurring, but if you insist that you are 'fine', I will go back to my calls as it will soon be daybreak." He looked at me suspiciously then started to leave. Changing his mind, he took me in his arms, kissing my lips softly and whispering, told me that he loved me. I closed my eyes and when I opened them he was gone.

Walking over to the edge of the tub, I sat down with a thud shaking my head in self disgust. I couldn't believe I had lied to him twice just because I couldn't face hurting him, even a little. I felt guilty as sin, but I tried talking myself into believing it was for his own good.

Pushing the entire incident to the back of my mind, I quickly fixed myself a hot bubble bath. I pulled my hair in a messy pile on top of my head and managed to tie it in place. Then I stepped out of my clothes and sunk into the hot sudsy water. It was sheer heaven and I started wondering how much it would cost to install a bigger tub in my bathroom. Laying back I rested my neck on the edge, letting the hot water soothe away all the tension from the day. Before I realized it I was drifting to sleep.

I didn't know what was happening. I was running through the woods, my heart pounding - I could feel something chasing me. My only thought was I had to get to Eric, and I tried to call to him but nothing came out of my mouth but a strangled moan. I lost my footing and fell, crashing against the hard ground with a startled shriek. Whatever had been giving chase found me, crashing into me with enough force to send us rolling. Debris from the forest floor dug into my skin leaving scratches and bruises in its wake. My eyes focused on the creature hovering over me; it was the scariest version of a vampire I had ever seen. He was an unrecognizable monster, but I knew it wasn't my Eric. This creature had nothing in common with the man I loved. I screamed Eric's name before I felt like I was drowning as I gasped for air.

Two arms reached to save me and I came out of the water sputtering. I kept my eyes tightly shut and just clung to my Viking. I didn't even have to look to know he held me. I began sobbing and shivering at the same time still clutching him frantically. He stood and without letting me go, wrapped a thick bath sheet around me.

"Min älskar, I am here, nothing will harm you." He carried me into the bedroom, when we reached the bed he settled back against the headboard, cradling me in his lap. Holding me tightly against his chest, he spoke to me softly trying to calm me. I opened my eyes and looked up into his face. I was suddenly overwhelmed with shame and guilt, causing me to sob even harder. I buried my face in his neck.

"I'm sorry Eric, I'm so sorry; I don't deserve you to love me. I won't ever get this right; I'll just keep letting you down. I thought I could do this, I really did. I tried, but I won't keep disappointing you. I love you too much to do that." The thought of not having Eric in my life caused me to lose control as despair washed over me.

I was clinging to him in desperation, and he just continued to hold me and whisper soothing words of love. His hand rubbed my back offering me comfort. "My love, please calm down. I am not going anywhere and neither are you. We are bonded; you are mine and I am yours." He kept rubbing my back and rocked me gently in his arms. Hearing his words I felt a spark of hope and I tried to calm myself. I started taking deep breaths, attempting to settle down and quit crying.

"That is excellent lover, continue breathing slowly. I am right here and will not leave your side I promise, I love you." I felt him slide his face next to my neck, softly kissing it, trailing kisses up my jaw. He licked my tears, replacing them with his kisses. I sighed heavily as he kissed my eye lids, and finally his lips were hovering near mine. I forgot everything in that moment except my love for him.

"Eric, I love you, I love you so much." I made this claim as if it were the most important thing in my life; and it was. I kissed him in desperation and fear. I loved him so much, and yet I was afraid I was not going to be able to fully open myself up to him. I didn't know if I would ever deserve him; my guilt from the earlier lies started tearing me apart.

"Sookie, look at me." His voice commanded obedience, but as I met his eyes I saw nothing but love and tenderness. "My love, you must tell me what this is all about. I will not have you torture yourself in this manner. Now tell me what happened." Again his voice was commanding me and I knew I owed him the truth. Still meeting his incredible sapphire eyes I took another deep breath.

"I lied to you earlier tonight." I glanced down nervously then back into his eyes. He stared at me in surprise. I could feel his concern and anxiety. "I'm sorry Eric, I'm so sorry honey. I didn't want to hurt your feelings and I thought that it was better that way, and then I guess I fell asleep. My guilt got the best of me because I had a nightmare before I slipped under the water in the bathtub." I just shook my head. "I'm sorry. I don't ever want to hurt you, but it seems like that's what I'm doing now."

I buried my head in my hands feeling ashamed, and I started crying again softly. His arms wrapped around me and I felt his breath on my neck. "Lover, look at me." His hands pulled gently on mine removing them. Then he took a corner of the towel I was wrapped in and wiped my face, softly drying it. "That is better. Now exactly what did you lie to me about? And lover know that whatever it is, no matter how bad you believe it may be, I love you enough to forgive you anything." He looked at me with such tenderness; I vowed right then to never put us through something like this again.

"I lied to you about screaming in the bathroom earlier. I just kind of gave a happy little yell when I saw your bathtub, but then when you ran in ready to attack, well it kinda scared me. I guess I've never really been used to seeing you like that. My old habit of running just kicked in. When I realized you felt my anxiety, I didn't want you to know I was a little scared. I didn't want to hurt your feelings so I lied. I hate confrontation you know that, and I guess the running thing kicked in before I could stop it." I shook my head and tried to hide my face in his shoulder but Eric stopped me.

He stroked my jaw with his finger tips. "My love, you are braver than any one I know. You can overcome this, I have faith in you." He continued stroking my back with his hand.

"Honey, I'm trying to face things, I really am. It's just my feelings for you are so overwhelming and nothing like I've ever experienced. I just don't want to do anything to mess things up between us. I don't think I could stand it if I didn't have you in my life. I don't know what I'd do." I felt overcome with despair.

"You have no reason to worry dear one. I know these emotions are new for you and they are for me also. Remember that as much as you love me I return that love to you. I have lived a thousand years and have never known the love I feel for you. It is a miracle to have it returned to me so completely. I will not surrender something so rare. You are mine and know that I am yours. We may fight and we may disappoint one another, but we will talk through those times and find strength in our love. I know this as certain as I have been on this earth for a millennium." He rested his forehead on mine and closed his eyes.

I heard every word he said, and I believed it in my heart and soul; he felt it too. "Thank you Eric, for your trust in our love and for showing me that I could trust and grow with it. I love you." He smoothed my hair and ran his fingertips along my shoulder and collarbone. Bending his head again to my neck he buried his face.

"Lover you smell delicious, and your skin feels like silk." He kissed my neck and stroked it with his tongue. "You are going to test my resolve without even trying."

Growling and swiftly standing, he stood me on my feet, holding me at arms length, and deeply sighed. "Your clothes are in the closet to the right. I have also had them place some of other clothing in the right side of the dresser. You need to change and finally get some rest. I will return to your side very soon." His eyes were dark with the desire and love I felt rolling off him. He hugged me, burying his face once again in my neck, and with a kiss was gone.

I realized I was cold and went to find something to wear to bed. Opening my dresser drawers, I was shocked at the collection of lingerie, bras, and panties. I opened up the other drawers to find night gowns, t-shirts, shorts and socks. I grabbed a pair of ankle socks and found a pair of panties very similar to the ones I had at home. Next I tried to find a night gown. I wanted something that was warm and cozy, but nothing fit that description in the collection within my drawers. Without thinking I started looking in what I assumed were Eric's drawers. Finding one of his Fangtasia t-shirts, I slipped it over my head and finished dressing. I headed to the bathroom to get ready for bed. Finding new toiletry items, I made quick work of my teeth and hair then I left the towel I had been wearingon the edge of the tub. I realized I was exhausted and headed to bed.

Pulling back the comforter and sheet I slipped between them. I reached over and turned the lamp to the lowest setting. I didn't want Eric coming back into a dark room, even though I knew I was being silly since he could see perfectly in the dark. I was trying to be considerate and attempting to take care of him even if it was only in a small way. I smiled then moved to the center of the huge bed. Lying back, I pulled the blankets around me and sniffed the pillows. Recognizing Eric's musky, earthy scent, I sighed in contentment. I was happier than I had been in my entire life. I nuzzled his pillow whispering my Viking's name as I fell asleep.

EPOV

I flew out of my bedroom as quickly as possible. My bonded was tempting me greatly, and I needed to put some space between us. I finished my calls, setting my plan in motion to apprehend the fairies; my anger was sparked by the mere thought of these creatures. My rage was building and without further thought I opened the balcony door of my office and took to the air.

I needed to calm and regain control of myself before I returned to my beloved. The word surprised me as it crept into my thoughts, but I knew it was true. She really was my beloved. In all my escapades and womanizing, I had never known a woman like Sookie. I had enjoyed the bodies of thousands and even enjoyed the company of a few, but never had I felt the emotions I did with her. Even when I was human I had not felt the love I did for this complicated, maddening, glorious, creature. I smiled as I thought about her spirit and bravery; my bonded was unique and beyond comparison.

I laughed as I thought about making her my wife. According to vampire law we were bonded, and soon we would be pledged, however this would have to wait until all had been settled with the warring fae. When she was safe, we would be married according to my customs and according to hers. I laughed out loud as joy filled my entire being, and I turned back towards my home, suddenly anxious to be with my love.

I flew home thinking about our life together. Searching the bond, I felt peace, contentment, and the tiny hum that meant she was asleep. Memories of her sleeping in my arms swept over me and I grew impatient to renew this memory. I landed in my office and without pausing flew to my bedroom.

I quietly opened the door and set the bedroom's security system. Turning I scanned the bed for her and I smiled as I found her buried under the comforter and clutching my pillow. She looked so small and frail; so breakable. An overwhelming need to protect her surged through me; leaning over I caressed her cheek.

Dawn was urging me into my daytime rest. I changed into a pair of silk sleeping pants and turned off the bedside lamp. Pulling back the bedding I slid next to her, gathering her in my arms. She shifted to face me, and I tucked her warm body firmly into mine. I looked down at her sleeping form and smiled as I realized she was wearing one of my t-shirts. Joy once again filled my very soul as I tightened my arms around her; vowing to love and protect her with everything I was. I kissed her and sighed her name as dawn took me.

I awoke the next evening surprised to find my bonded still asleep. Her body was curled against mine with her face pressed into my neck. My bonded's intoxicating scent assaulted me, and I was instantly aroused; my fangs ran out fully extended. I kissed her pouting lips and she moved even closer against my body. My self control almost shattering, I kissed her again and then gently slid from her embrace.

I went into the bathroom and started the shower. I needed some time and space to regain my composure and control. I attempted to stop the desire that was racing through my veins by forcing myself to think about the strategy to find and destroy the fae who were making attacks on my bonded.

The night before I had notified two of the best trackers I knew and they were already investigating Sookie's home and land for clues. I also hired one of the most prestigious vampire investigators in the US. He would be calling me later this evening with an update as would the trackers. I would also have Pam and a few trusted others working on the case. I fully planned for the entire situation to be resolved within two weeks; if not heads would roll.

I grew eager at the thought of killing the creatures that would harm Sookie. I reflected on the many ways they would be tortured before their lives would end. My fangs ran down, impatient for the battle. I wanted to send a clear message to everyone the price that would be paid by anyone who dared to harm my dearest and most valued treasure.

I growled and stepped out of the shower lost in my planning and strategizing. I was startled as I heard a sound coming from my bed. I smiled as I dried, realizing I had momentarily forgotten the presence of my love. No woman had ever been allowed to share these rooms with me. She would be the first and the last to ever do so. I smiled at the thought of my beloved and wrapped a towel around my waist. I needed to wake her so we could start our evening as I was eager to conquer our enemies so we could start our long lives together. With that thought I stepped into the bedroom, calling her name softly.