Count my blessings.

Disclaimer; I do not own these characters, Charlaine Harris has that honour. I just like to explore the endless possibilities...

Chapter 10

Eric POV

oOoOoOoOo

"Why did you not tell me? I could have helped you." I had seen some of these new powers she spoke of, but the way she was talking implied there was an awful lot more I had not seen.

"It wasn't safe for me to stay in Bon Temps."

"Not safe from me?" I stilled, waiting for the blow, waiting for her to rip my unbeating heart from my chest, waiting for any and all hope to be drowned in her fear of me.

"No, not from you." She got up and came around the table and sat on the sofa next to me. She gently placed her hand on top of mine and continued. "I left to keep you safe."

What the hell did that mean?

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She began to explain but her first question caught me off guard; she asked what I knew of the Fae. The lame joke about taste was just like the old Sookie, trying to deflect with humour. She had pulled her hand away but in the process of talking it had come back to rest on top of mine. There was a moment where we were both looking from each other to the connection of our hands, and I moved to keep them in place when I feared she would remove hers again. I wanted the contact, it was strangely soothing.

I couldn't believe I missed that she was ill; I don't remember feeling much from her through the bond before she left. At the time I had attributed it to my focus being drawn by Madden's antics. I was relieved she had fought with her Fae family to tell me, I just wished she had actually done it; it might have saved years of heartache for all involved. I had to encourage her to keep going, there was still so much I needed to know.

She mentioned a visit from a vampire named Mary. I was instantly angered at the thought that another Vampire would approach her without my permission but then I recalled the name and the aggravation Madden had caused after her disappearance. I was shocked at Sookie's admission of guilt and then listened in rapture as she recounted the final death of Maddens child, Mary. The cogs in my brain were working overtime, trying to think where this power could have come from. As far as I was aware it was not Fae; in all my existence I had never heard of a Fairy being able to burn like the sun. I wondered if this could be from the witchcraft, but then remembered Sookie had not shown any signs of studying the craft before she left – could her latent power be so strong that it would manifest without training?

I assumed she had learned self-control as she now lived and worked with supes but I had to ask if this power could be used offensively. She seemed resigned to answering my question.

With her explanation I started to understand her earlier statement; she feared she would hurt me if she stayed. I understood her logic; her trying to tell me she was carrying my child would have been a very emotional discussion. The risk of her killing me by accident seemed to terrify her. It was all starting to make more sense, although I still had one burning question.

"Then why did you not contact me?" If I was honest with myself it hurt to think she still hadn't contacted me even when she had gained better control.

The chime that sounded from the clock made her visibly relax, as if it was the bell to signify the end of the round. She asked about time to get back to my B&B but I knew I would never make it before dawn; I had every intention of going to ground somewhere local so I could be back at sunset to restart the much-needed conversation. I still wanted to know about the boys. She confirmed my suspicions about the previous owner, and showed me how to get into the secret door as well as showing me the security system that I would be able to set from inside so that, once I was in, no one else would be able to enter. I couldn't resist kissing her cheek as I bent to whisper in her ear; I wanted her to know I would expect her explanation at sunset. As I locked the secret door and made my way down the stairs I heard her leave, whispering a gentle 'goodnight.' It made me smile. I got to the bottom of the stairs and was at another door, I opened it and the lights came on automatically. It was the sterile glare of a fluorescent tube which bathed everything in an unnaturally grey light. The room was sparse but well-appointed. The bed was only a double so I would be dangling my feet off the end, but that is something I am used to. There was a desk in the corner with a mini-fridge underneath it and a microwave on top, and the fridge was stocked with True Bloods. The vanity she had mentioned was in the far corner. I would imagine it was last updated in the 1970's; it was a very unpleasant shade of avocado green. As a bolt-hole it was adequate; as guest lodgings, not so much.

I sat on the edge of the bed to text Pam.

I am safe for the day; I will text u at sunset. E

As I sat there waiting for the sun to draw the life from me, I pondered our conversation. She had been through a lot; Sookie had left fearing she would hurt others. I hoped she had found comfort and support before giving birth; the thought of her being alone to bring the twins into this world made me feel unbearably saddened. I hoped beyond anything she had found someone to help. This Sara that she had mentioned seemed to be a good friend; I wondered if she was around when they were babies.

My phone vibrated.

R u sure it's safe? There was a note from Dick...

Pam knew not to put too much information in a text, just in case, so I decided to call (I was glad Pam had thought to splash out on the new HTC Destiny, they were the most secure phones on the market). Her phone rang once.

"Eric?"

"What did the note say?" I wanted to find out as much as possible before the Sun took her to her rest. I could feel the first effects and knew she would not be able to resist for long.

"He wants to meet you, but he wants to meet you at Exchange; Sookie's other club."

This might be a problem; I could really do without Tricky Dicky knowing of my connection with Sookie and the boys.

"When?"

"Tonight, an hour after sunset."

SHIT! After all these years I was still going to have to wait to get the explanations I needed. The King had better have a good excuse for calling me; I would not appreciate being dragged away from Sookie for Richard to show off. I was seething as I thought through all the wonderfully bad things I could do to Dicky if he were to try and push me. He knows better, but some people never seem to learn.

"I will meet you at the B&B and we will go together."

"What about Sookie?"

"In all honesty Pam I still don't know all the facts, so I will most probably come back here after we deal with the King."

"Okay Eric, I will be ready fo..." I knew Pam had been taken to her rest. I only hoped she was lying down talking to me because if she fell and landed on her face she would not be in a good mood this evening. I had to try and strategise for our meeting with Dicky . I would have to try and explain to Sookie and hope she understood. It grated to think I would have to delay my conversation with Sookie just to appease a jumped-up wannabe; we had always had a delicate relationship. With his gain in power he thought he had the upper hand but I knew too many of Dicky's secrets. I may need to gently remind him that he is not MY king, and although while I am in his kingdom I will afford him a modicum of respect, I will not be submissive toward him.

I started to feel my eyelids getting heavy as the sun rose higher and I could not fight the draw of rest any longer. I lay down on top of the covers and slipped into my death for the day. I hoped to see Sookie as soon as I rose.

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I rose, aware of noises from the floor above. I assumed it would be Sookie but I would have to wait for the sun to completely set to find out. I sent a text to Pam telling her to be ready with the hire car and I would fly to meet her.

I used my time to rehearse how to tell Sookie I was required to attend the King. I had argument and counter-argument ready and poised.

I made my way up the stairs and unlocked the door, and the scent hit me. I knew Sookie was in here somewhere; I couldn't see her but I could hear her. I stepped around the couches and stood by the doorway to the kitchen. The sight before me made me smile, Sookie was on her knees with her head in the oven, scrubbing, and humming (out of tune). I watched as her rump wiggled with every forceful extension of her arm. She was dressed in denim shorts and a vest top. I couldn't see what her hair was like as it was inside the oven, but I assumed it was up.

"Ah-hem." I eventually coughed to notify her of my presence; maybe I should have waited for her to come out of the oven, as the bang that resulted from her hitting her head sounded painful.

I couldn't help but laugh at the expression on her face as she sat back on her heels rubbing her head, complaining.

"Ouch, Eric, you made me jump!"

I held out my hand to help her up from the floor. She pulled herself up and stood in front of me looking the epitome of a domestic goddess. Her hair was pulled up high on top of her head in a messy bun with wisps framing her face; there was a smudge mark across her forehead obviously left from wiping her brow. There was sheen across her skin that made it glow. I was mesmerised by the movement of her chest as she tried to control her breathing. Standing so close to her gave me an advantage. Looking down at her I had a clear view of her magnificent breasts, I longed to touch them, to kiss them, to bite them. I shook my head trying to clear it, wondering when I turned into such a sentimental sap. Maybe I was just hungry, maybe I was just horny, maybe I just missed her?

It took her placing her hand on my arm for me to realise she was trying to gain my attention. I had been lost in my inner musings.

"Eric... would you like a blood?" She seemed concerned.

"Yes, I think I need one."

She raised her eyes to look at me and shrugged and turned to put a bottle into the microwave.

"I lost track of time. I wanted to make sure I was here at sunset so I came a little early and thought I would clean to pass the time. You wouldn't believe the kind of mess teenage boys leave behind." She was rambling but I was too busy trying to get my head straight enough to tell her I had to go.

"Sookie, I know I said I wanted answers and I wanted you here at sunset, but I have to leave." She spun to face me and scowled.

"Are you joking me?"

"No, Pam texted to inform me I have been asked to meet with the King."

"Oh, do you know what he wants?"

"No, I do not have a clue what he may want from me but I cannot refuse a King."

"No, no of course not." The microwave had dinged and she handed me the bottle once she had shaken it.

"I would much rather be here, but alas I have to go. He has requested we meet at Exchange."

"That's one of my clubs. It's a mixed club but I have a great security team and strong wards on that property too; you should be safe from anything sneaky he might try." She seemed to know Dicky well.

"Is there anything I should know about his choice of location?" Sookie had obviously had contact with the King, but I was still unsure in what context.

"No but it might work in our favour. I need to visit the club and I could do it tonight and then I would be around to help if things get a little difficult." I was not sure how I felt about Sookie offering to help, but decided I needed to think about that later. I knew some of it was male pride, but then I wasn't one to underestimate the fairer sex; just look at Pam, she was an army in herself. I needed to learn more about Sookie's abilities, and fast.

"I have to go and meet with Pam. What time do you think you will get to the club?"

"Well, as you can see I need to clean up and change. Even if I do own it I can't turn up looking like Mrs Mop! Maybe a couple of hours."

"What do you intend to do with Shay and Darin?" I was not sure if the King knew about her sons but if he suspected a connection between me and Sookie then it wouldn't be a huge leap to assume I was their father as the resemblance was uncanny.

"They will be staying with a friend for a couple of days while we sort through a few things."

"Does the King know about them?"

"He knows I have children, but he has only ever met them once when they were babies. He has an invite to their 18th birthday party." I raised my eyebrow in question and she continued. "I am a prominent member of the community and their birthday party is the bash to be seen at this year. It would have been rude not to invite the King. The local Packmasters are also invited, as well as a few elders from certain clans in the area." She talked as if this was the most normal thing in the world. I still had trouble accepting her willingness to interact with, and knowledge of, the supe community.

"Okay, I must leave or Pam will be wearing her heels down pacing back and forth. I will see you later in the club... yes?"

"Yes."

TBC

A/N

A really big thank you to all of you for your reviews and alert, It means a lot to know people are liking this fic.

A big thank you, and an even bigger hug for All About Eric (Mini) for beta'ing this little ditty, I have tinkered since so any mistakes are truly mine.

I am trying to concentrate of this fic, I feel if I can get this one going I can then move onto completing Ties that bind. (That's the plan!)

Hope you enjoyed

Luv Bb