[DISCLAIMER: I do not own the plot, characters or title to True Blood or the Southern Vampire Mysteries. They belong to Charlaine Harris, Alan Ball & HBO.]

A/N: As always, thank you everyone for all of the love and support. You guys inspire me to keep writing, I never would've thought anyone would like my very first FanFic! Also, a huge thanks to The Viking Trubie for having me in her Favorite Stories, I'm honored! Thank you for letting me know tleel :) I'm very sorry for any grammar or spelling mistakes, my back is killing me from sitting at the computer all day, but I wanted to get this chapter out for you guys! Also, I'm going to try and get another chapter out sometime this week before I go back to work. The updates are going to be few and far in between, as I work in a school and I' going to be very busy making sure my classroom is ready for the kids first week! So, sorry in advance!

Brittney xo

Chapter 10

Eric wrapped his arm around my shoulders and led me up the marble stairs. At the top of the adjoining stairs, there was a long hallway straight ahead, and two shorter hallways to the left and to the right. I wondered what was down each of those hallways. What could a vampire possibly keep in all of these rooms?

"I'll show you around tonight, I promise," he said as he led me down the hallway straight ahead. Every two feet or so, was a rectangle cutout where an over-sized armored knight stood, holding a monstrous sword, or some sort of medieval death equipment. I knew there were no humans inside of them, but I had the eerie feeling that they were watching my every move. I scanned my eyes around the rest of the hallway. The lighting was minimal and the walls were a dull, grey color. At the end of the hallway, there was a pair of frosted glass double doors, outlined in a dark cherry wood. Eric unwrapped his arm from my shoulder to hold the door open for me. The door slipped open a crack before Eric could grab the handle. Ludvig stepped out and closed it behind him. He looked up startled and then realized it was just Eric. "Your sleeping quarters are all prepped, Sir," he said with a smile and bow.

"Thank you Ludvig, you are dismissed for the night." Eric said in his deep, throaty voice. Ludvig gave me a nod and a small smile and walked passed us and down the hallway. Eric grabbed the handle and pushed the door open.

"Jesus Christ, Shepherd of Judea," I breathed, walking into the room.

Smack dab in the middle of the room there was a monstrous, dark cherry wood, four-poster bed. It had to have been a California King. The bed posts were the size of an elephant's leg, with sheer, black fabric draping to the top of each post. Black silk sheets covered the mattress, as well as the pillow cases. There were matching dark cherry nightstands on either side of the bed. The walls were a deep red, scattered with old, black Victorian style wall lamps. It was manly and seductive. This room practically screamed sex.

I turned around to find Eric sitting in a chair fit for a King. He was studying me carefully. "Are you finished?," he said, standing from his throne. "You need rest, you've had a long, stressful night."

"Uh, yeah, sure. Sleep sounds good right about now," I said.

"Well then, shall we?"

"Aren't you going to show me to my room?," I said confused.

"Why? It seems that you have already shown yourself around."

I stared at him wide-eyed. "We're sleepin' in here? In this room? Together?"

"If you were human, I'm sure the blood that would've been rushing to your cheeks right now would look lovely," he said with a smirk. "Do you not want to sleep in here with me? There bed is large. I won't touch you, if that's what you're worried about."

"No, yeah it's cool. I'm all right with th... hold one just one second! I thought you said vampires don't sleep in beds!," I exclaimed.

Eric made a low chuckle. "Sookie, this is the 21st century, do you really think we still sleep in coffins? Besides, I never said that."

"Dontchu go makin' fun of me Eric Northman! How was I supposed to know?," I said angrily.

"Alright, alright. I'm sorry," he said, holding his hands up in surrender. He walked over to the nightstand table, removed his watch and placed it down. He raised his arms above his head and grabbed the back of his shirt, pulling it over his head. The muscles in his back rippled with every movement. His back was broad and covered with thick muscle, matching his biceps. He brought his hands down to his jeans, unbuttoning, then unzipping them. He eyed me over his shoulder, and then let them drop to the floor. Good God, he doesn't wear underwear. What a perfect, round butt. He sat on the bed, pulling his jeans off and removing his socks. I stared at him shamelessly. "See something you like Miss Stackhouse?," he eyed me. "I'm gonna get in a shower. Please make yourself at home. I have extra shirts in the second to top drawer," he said pointing to a big dresser. He stood up and faced me purposefully. I'm pretty sure my eyes popped right out of my head and were sitting there on his expensive wooden floor. "Holy Wienerschnitzel," I whispered. It was long, and thick, and it curved to the left slightly. Eric roared with laughter. "I like that, I think I'm going to use that from now on," he said, walking to a door, which I assumed led to a master bathroom.

I stood, glued in place. Holy shit, I'd never seen a man's penis before. But, I didn't need to be a professional wiener inspector to know a good looking one from a bad looking one. His body looked like it was hand-sculpted by a Greek God, chiseled perfectly in all the right places. I especially loved the 'V' his hips made, before connecting to his perfect penis. I heard Eric laugh while he turned the shower on, snapping me out of it. Shit, I forgot he could see the images in my head now that we had a makers bond. I peered at the bathroom door and walked over to the dresser, opening the second to top drawer. I grabbed the first shirt my hand touched. It was a long black tank. I quickly pulled off my dirty Merlotte's uniform, wishing I would've grabbed some of my clothes while I was at Gran's. I pulled Eric's tank over my head. I unhooked my bra and pulled it out through the arm hole. I left my panties on and vamped over to the enormous bed before Eric could see me. I pulled back the sheets and snuggled in. The silky fabric felt amazing as it glided across my soft skin. Eric was right, I did need rest, especially after this long, traumatizing day. My eyelids fluttered. I heard Eric shut the water to the shower off. I vaguely remember him walking out of the bathroom, towel wrapped around his waist. And then I was dead for the day.

...

The sound of the steel shutters opening for the night woke me from my sleep. I hadn't slept that good in years. I was so comfortable, I barely wanted to move. Very reluctantly, I tried to stretch my arms up but they wouldn't budge. Eric had his arm clamped over my body, holding me protectively. I didn't want to wake him so I just decided to lay there and think about the night ahead of me. There was so much I wanted to do still. I wanted to see my brother, Jason. He might not like it, but he deserved to know what happened to his own sister. I still had a load of questions for Gran, and I wanted to see my boss, Sam. I needed to know whether or not I had a job. I'd have to let him know that I could only work night shifts, due to my little dilemma. I tried to slip my arms out of Eric's clutch gently, only to find those gorgeous, hooded blue eyes staring right into mine. "Good evening Little One, did you sleep well?," he said while stretching out his whole body.

"I haven't slept that good in a very, very long time. What kind of bed is this? I might need to invest in one," I said.

"It is a Hästens. Swedish luxury bed, roughly $67,000. But it's all natural, made of cotton and horsehair."

"Oh, then that makes total sense. I was gonna say, you bought a bed for $67k? But since it's all natural, I mean... Are you out of your every loving mind?! Sixty Seven THOUSAND dollars for a bed. A BED."

"There are two things you should invest in. One of them is a bed, and the other is shoes. They are the two things you use the most in life."

"Okay, and one of those Tempur-Pedic mattresses wouldn't do? And do I even want to know how much your shoes are worth? Probably not, don't tell me," I said, throwing the sheets off me.

"I'll buy you this mattress if you'd like."

"Absolutely not Mr. Northman, thank you anyway." I stood up and walked to the bathroom.

Eric eyed me up and down as I walked. "Suit yourself," he said.

I opened the door to a bathroom that looked as equally grand as his bedroom did. I noticed there was no toilet, but then again, why would they need one? I walked to the sink and turned the faucet on. I looked at myself in the mirror. Jesus, Mary and Joseph I was paler than a ghost. I splashed some cold water over my face to liven me up a little. I was really going to have to invest in some self tanner now that I was a part of the undead community. Pale was not a good look on me. I turned the faucet off and noticed Eric's toothbrush sitting on the counter. I'm sure he wouldn't mind if I just used it quickly. I squirted some toothpaste on it and brushed my teeth in a hurry. I rinsed it quickly and placed it back exactly how I found it.

Eric was putting on his classic black v-neck when I walked back into the room. "I asked Lugvig to get you some clothes during daylight hours. Everything should fit. Your clothes are hanging in the closet over there," Eric said, nodding to a door across the room.

"Thank you, but that wasn't necessary. I could've just grabbed my clothes from my Gran's today."

"Too late. So anything on the agenda for tonight, Sookie?"

"Well, I was wonderin' if maybe I could go see my brother, and maybe head over to Merlotte's and see if Sam will still let me keep my job? And if it's not too late, maybe stop over by Gran's? I still have so many things I need to ask her."

"Anything you want Lilla Du," he said. "Go get dressed. I'll meet you downstairs."

I walked over the closet door and opened it. And just as I expected, it was filled with expensive clothes, shoes, purses and everything else under the sun. I sighed loudly, hoping he could hear me. I was not a charity case, and I did not like being treated as such. Although, the clothes were nice. I found a short, white sun dress with a deep cut v-line, adorned with coral and teal floral designs. I slipped it on and found a pair of white sling back wedges that would match perfectly. I twirled in front of the full length mirror, admiring the dress. I had to admit, it was gorgeous, and it fit me perfectly.

I found Eric downstairs in the kitchen. He was sitting at the Last Supper table, waiting for me. He was sipping on a tall glass of blood. "It's weird...," I said, "Not havin' coffee and usin' the bathroom and such in the morning when I wake up."

"You will become accustomed, don't worry. Which leads us to your first lesson as a vampire. Come, sit with me," he gestured at a chair near him.

I sat down, "And what might that be?," I asked as Ludvig strolled in, a man tagging along side of him. The man had to be in his late twenties. He was dark-skinned and bald, with a small patch of hair under his bottom lip.

"Feeding," Eric said, dropping his fangs. "I already know what you are going to say. Yes, he is willing. Yes, you will be able to stop. That's why I'm here and no, it will not hurt him."

"Hey, my name is Devon, but you can call me D. I will be your meal for this evening." He smiled at us, flashing a wonderful set of white teeth.

"Well then, I guess we should get started," I said, letting my fangs fall. I looked over at the man. I could actually see the vein in his neck pulsing with blood. And man, was I hungry.

D came around the table and sat between us. "Okay Sookie, you see the thick vein running down his neck? That's the carotid artery. We're gonna start off with that vein for now, there are many others to feed from, but this is the easiest. All you have to do is pierce your fangs through this vein here," he said, pushing D's neck to the side and tapping the pulsing line, and blood will start to flow. Honestly, you will just know what to do. It's vampire instinct. Once you start to feel his heart beat slowing, and the blood flow starting to become weaker and weaker, let him go."

Eric held D's head to the side, exposing his neck. My fangs were throbbing watching his pulse. I leaned in, hesitated and retracted my fangs. "Don't be scared, you won't hurt me," D said, trying to comfort me. "Go on." His words won me over. Just like Eric said, my instincts kicked in. I put my mouth to D's neck, let my fangs click down and bit into his neck. Warm, gooey liquid poured into my mouth. I moaned and sucked harder. Oh god it was so good, this made TruBlood taste like wet dog food. I flicked my tongue over the two little puncture wounds and lapped up all of his delicious blood. It was so salty and tangy. I could feel the flow becoming weaker and I knew I would have to pull away soon, but I really did not want to. "That's enough, Sookie," I heard Eric whisper to me, sending me some of his strength through the bond. I tore my mouth away from D, unwillingly. A trickle of blood ran down his neck. I licked it back up to the fang marks I placed on his neck, making sure I got every last drop. "Wow," I murmured. "Thank you D, you may go," Eric said. D stood up, smiled at me and walked away.

"You did excellent for a baby vamp," he praised me. "And you look beautiful in that dress by the way." I looked away, smiling. "Thank you Sheriff Northman."

"So where to first?," Eric said.

"Well, I was thinkin' maybe we could shoot on down to Merlotte's? It's nine o'clock on a Friday night and I'm sure Jason will be there. I'm hoping I could kill two birds with one stone."

"Lead the way...," he held his arm out.

...

I walked into Merlotte's scared outta my wits. Maybe I shouldn't tell my brother here. What if he gets angry and starts screamin' at me in front of all these people? I told Eric to wait in the car, I shouldn't be that long anyway. Besides, I'm sure he would know if I was in trouble. Sam spotted me from behind the bar. He crooked a finger at me, beckoning me to come. He moved from behind the bar and I followed him down the hallway to his office.

"Hey Sook, you missed your day shift today. Is everything alright?," he said, closing the door.

"Yeah, about that Sam. Listen, I don't really know how to break this to you..."

"You can tell me anythin' Cher."

"I'm a vampire Sam. The Rattray's beat me more than half to death in the parking lot after work yesterday. The only way I could be saved, is if I was turned. I don't remember much. Bill tried savin' me but his blood wouldn't work on me so he brought me to his Sheriff. They called some kind of weird doctor and then I woke up hole, covered in dirt. I'm sorry, I'm just blabbin' on and on. Nervous habit. But I came here because I was wondering if I could maybe work night shifts from now on. Since, you know, the sun and all," I smiled at him but he definitely was not smiling back.

"Goddamnit Sook! You let them fangers bite you? Na, I'm sorry Sookie, but I can't have no vampire workin' in my bar. What if you got angry and shredded one of my customers? I can't have that. It's not good for business."

"You know what Sam Merlotte? Fuck you!," I spat. "And fuck your bar! The pay was shit anyway, and so were the tips." I turned around and slammed the door on my way out as hard as I could manage. The door shattered and splintered everywhere. "Woops, forgot how strong I am now. Hey, i think you're gonna need a new door," I winked at him. Sam watched me through the door, mouth gaping. "See ya 'round Sam."

I scanned the bar for Jason quickly, but I didn't see him. Id' just have to wait and tell him another day. I walked back out to the car. Eric was on the hood, beaming at me. "What?," I said.

"That was... sexy," he said, licking his lips. "I like it when you're mad."

"Oh, do you now?," I said, standing in between his legs, trailing my finger up his chest. My fangs clicked down autonomously, his following suit.

I stood face to face with him, our noses almost touching. I couldn't hold it in anymore. My mouth crashed against his hungrily, our fangs clanking together. He grabbed the back of my neck to hold me in place. I moaned into his mouth, which gave him an entrance for his tongue. I bit his bottom lip, pulling it gently towards me. I licked up the small amount of blood that dripped out of the knick. Eric ran his hands down my body, stopping at my butt and grabbing two handfuls. He lifted me up with ease to sit on his lap. Someone cleared their throat behind us. I froze in place. Eric stuck his head out from behind me and huffed. "What the fuck do you want Bill?"

"Please, do not stop on my accord. I was just passing through." Bill looked at me icily. "Just enjoying a TruBlood at my neighborhood bar and grill."

"So why are you still standing here? Go," Eric said.

"You are making a mistake Sookie. You do not know what Eric is capable of! He's not good for you!" Bill was clearly still hurt and not over me.

"No Bill, I do not know what Eric is capable of, but I do know what you're capable of. You lost me Bill, go find another asset for your Queen, Sophie Anne."

"Those were not my intentions, I don't know where you even got that idea from!," Bill said, whipping his head around to stare at Eric.

"Do not. I am not in the mood for your shit tonight. Go before you piss me off even more William," Eric said through gritted teeth.

"Fine. But you will learn Sookie, you will see Eric for his true self! And you'll come crawling back to me, you'll see," Bill said, walking away into the shadows.

"Yeah, okay, doubt it Bill! Have a great night!," I said waving at him.

"What an imbecile. I would love nothing more than to show him the true death," Eric said angrily.

"He's not worth it. C'mon, let's go see Gran. I want to catch her before she starts getting ready for bed," I said, opening the car door.

...

We turned off the dirt road and onto a beautifully paved, cobblestone driveway. What the? Gran couldn't afford a new driveway. And then it hit me. Last night, I yelled at Eric for complaining about the driveway. I told him if he didn't like it, then he should do something about it. And clearly, he did just that.

"Eric, you didn't have to, but I know why you did. I didn't literally mean to do something about it. It's called sarcasm, have you heard of it?"

"I speak it fluently, have you not noticed?," he said.

"Thank you. That was very nice of you, I'm sure you made Gran a very happy woman," I said leaning over and kissing him.

As we pulled up to the house, I could see the light from the T.V. illuminating the living room. All of the windows were open, including the front door. Gran must've been cleaning today. She liked to use a bleach mixture when she cleaned, but it made it hard to breathe in the house. She must've been airing the house out now. We parked and walked up to the porch. I knocked on the metal of the screen door, "Hey Gran! It's me, Sook!" No answer. "Gran?" Eric sniffed the air and before I knew it, he was crashing through the screen door, running into the living room. I ran after him, the air smelled strongly of bleach and... blood? Panic washed over me. I stopped at the entrance of the living room. Eric was kneeling down by Gran's chair when he looked up at me. "Sookie, call the police."