Thank you all! I'm humbled by your wonderful reviews and by all the new alerts and favorites I've received since I last posted. I am beyond thrilled that you seem to enjoy this story!
The wonderful KLloyd has agreed to help me with Swedish translations! That means you get your lemons with a sprinkling of svenska… tack så mycket KLloyd :)
To my wonderful content editor, My Secret O, who doesn't mind to share a brain with me and is also the fastest, brightest and greatest, Thank you! I do love you so :)
Charlaine Harris is the sole owner of the SVM; I'm just letting out some creative steam. Any references to the Gracious Plenty obviously do not belong to me…
Unexpected – Chapter 10
The alarm on my cell phone went off; waking me up from the most restful night sleep I've had in ages. I opened my eyes to the perfect darkness of Eric's bedroom using the phone's display light to make my way to the bathroom.
All of the doors in Eric's apartment had been specially altered to block even the tiniest amount of light from getting in. I was not sure how the windows were treated to block sunlight so effectively. Although the bed was on the other side of the room and away from the door, I made sure the bathroom door was completely shut before I opened the heavy white curtains covering the windows in Eric's bathroom.
The bathroom was absolutely stunning. The floor was covered in light grey stone tiles and the walls were a warm shade of cream. There was a large claw foot bath in the corner, its exterior painted in matte black, accentuated by the glossy black finish of the ornate feet. Through massive glass doors a large shower stall was visible, tiled in glossy grey stone. The toilet stood next to a dark, nearly black, wooden vanity on top of which stood a bowl shaped sink with a long necked, curved faucet. A small, elegant shelving unit, in the same dark wood as the vanity, housed a stack of huge, fluffy, white towels and a plush grey tufted chair stood next to the bath.
I brushed my teeth and took a long, hot shower, letting the water, cascading from the enormous rain shower head, caress me while I played back everything that happened last night in my head. Eric, or someone who worked for him, had bought the entire white musk line from the body shop, and I luxuriated in the soft, delicate scent.
I reluctantly turned the water off and wrapped one of the soft, fluffy towels around me, using another, smaller towel to wrap around my head. After applying some moisturizer to my face and neck I finally pulled myself out of the paradise that was Eric's bathroom, tightly pulling the curtains on the windows shut before I returned to the bedroom.
I turned on the light next to the dresser and glanced in the direction of the bed, finding Eric's still body, neatly tucked under the covers in the exact same position as when I left for the shower. Even though I knew, from what Niall told me, that vampires were dead during the day I had never seen a sleeping vampire before. I moved closer to the bed, looking at Eric's serene expression and was surprised that it didn't feel weird or unnatural, he wasn't moving but his energy seemed to linger around him and he looked like he might wake up at any given moment.
I was too tired last night to try on the clothes Eric had bought for me, or even take a good look at them, so I decided to get dressed in the other room, the one Eric said belonged to Pam, so I could appreciate them in the light. I picked up the two bags Eric left on the dresser and my boots, which he neatly arranged on the floor next to it, and headed for Pam's room. I dropped the boots on the floor next to the vanity and moved to pull the heavy curtains open. Light streamed in to the room as I sat on the plush bench to examine the contents of the bags.
The first item I pulled out was a gorgeous, whisper pink, collarless blazer, then a black, tailored, one button jacket and a black cashmere sleeveless shell, gathered at the waist. Next there was a stone colored, soft jersey dress with cropped sleeves. It had a V-neck that was wrapped around at the waist, and ruching on the sides. At the bottom of the bag there was the most amazing pair of ink black, super skinny pants that I couldn't wait to try on. In the other bag there were two shoe boxes and a smaller bag filled with pink and black tissue paper. I loved the Black patent platform pumps from Pour la Victoire I found in one of the shoe boxes and I adored the light rose Peep-toe ankle boot from L.A.M.B in the other.
In the small bag I found a beautiful blush satin and black lace bra with matching panties. There was also a polka dot cashmere scarf that coordinated beautifully with the ankle boots and the blazer. I tried everything on, surprised and delighted that it all fit me beautifully. Eric had impeccable taste and was apparently very familiar with women's clothing and measurements. I had no idea under what circumstances he had acquired this knowledge, but I suppose you pick up all kinds of skills when you live as long as he has. I wasn't going to complain about him buying me amazing gifts. I accepted them gladly because I understood the sentiment behind them. That did not mean I couldn't buy him something as well, to repay his kindness. I decided to wear the dress as a tunic over the pants as it was quite short and added the black jacket, the pink shoes and the pink polka dot scarf to finish the outfit. I felt beautiful and smiled at my reflection in the large mirror.
I pulled the curtains shut and headed for the kitchen. I couldn't find tea or coffee, or even a kettle for that matter but I couldn't fault Eric for that. I did need some kind of energy boost though if I was going to attempt popping to the other side of the Atlantic. I opened the fridge and was delighted to discover a small tray of confections, apparently left over from last night. I smiled at the insane amount of food Eric ordered for me and quickly devoured a perfectly prepared Éclair vanille.
I placed my phone in the small purse I brought with me yesterday and took a deep breath, shutting my eyes and picturing myself standing in my Gran's living room. I felt a rush of power coursing through me and then I heard her voice calling from the kitchen. "Just taking the cookies out of the oven! Come give me a hug" I entered the kitchen just as she was laying the baking tray on the cooling rack and was instantly enveloped in her warm hug. She smelled of baked goods as always and I inhaled deeply holding on to her for a minute before letting go. We saw each other quite frequently with me coming to see her once a month and her popping over every few weeks but I still missed her very much. I loved my maternal grandparents but Gran was my friend and confidant. I could always tell her anything, knowing she would know just what to say.
"Sookie, it is wonderful to see you! I hope you are hungry!" I nodded, the divine smell of her cooking making my stomach growl and we both laughed at the sound. Because of the time difference it was only 6:oo in the morning here in Louisiana, so this was technically breakfast but my Gran always made sort of a brunch meal as a compromise between her time and mine. She woke up at 5:00 every morning so this wasn't too early for her.
"Is Grandpa joining us?" I asked, taking a seat at the kitchen table where we always ate when it was just us.
"No Honey, we were actually in Fairy all week. I came back yesterday so I could see you today but Fintan couldn't come with me since he had to deal with some urgent matters. He asked me to tell you how much he regrets missing you today, and that he will come see you in Paris soon."
"Ok, I would like that very much." It is very convenient to have Fae relatives when living so far away from home since they can come and visit without the hassle of long, Trans Atlantic flights.
My paternal grandparents are both half Fae. My grandmother, Adele Stackhouse, was born in 1840 in a small town called Bon Temps in northern Louisiana as a result of an affair her mother Eleanor had with a Fairy named Pyndar. Adele had no knowledge of her heritage until she met my grandfather.
My grandfather, Fintan Brigant, who was born, along with his twin brother Dermot, around 1340 in what would now be considered France, is the son of Niall Brigant, high prince of the fairies, and Marie-Helene who was apparently a very beautiful human woman that Niall fell in love with. My grandfather met my grandmother running in the woods behind her house and the rest is history I guess, they fell in love, married, and had two children, my father and my aunt Linda.
Gran started taking out plates and bowls from the fridge and oven filling the table with colorful and enticing dishes. Her cooking was a mixture of the southern food she grew up on and the French cuisine she immediately fell in love with when she and Fintan moved to France, shortly after they had gotten married. They lived there for almost a century before my father was born and they decided to return to the states splitting their time between Gran's ancestral home in Bon temps and Fairy. Aunt Linda was just as human as my father and lived in New Orleans, with her husband and her daughter Hadley. Hadley was Jason's age and we looked very much alike, only she was blond.
I knew better than to try and help Gran with the food, she preferred doing everything on her own, so I stayed seated while she finished setting the table and sat down in the chair across from me motioning for me to start eating.
"You look absolutely radiant Sookie, I can see that we have a lot to discuss" I shouldn't have been so surprised since Gran was very perceptive and could always tell when something was up with me, but she caught me off guard, as I was busy stuffing my face with her delicious food. She chuckled at my stunned expression.
"Now Child, there is no need for that, I am delighted to see you this happy. Won't you tell me what is it that put that glow on your face?" I swallowed the piece of pancake I was chewing on, wiping my mouth with my napkin.
"Is it that obvious?"
"Only to those who know you and love you, I think" She smiled at me and I grinned back at her, unable to contain my happiness.
"I met someone Gran, his name is Eric and he is smart, and funny. Oh, and incredibly handsome! He took me on the most wonderful date the day before yesterday…" I trailed off, not knowing how to proceed. I knew Gran would not judge me but I still felt awkward telling her I stayed over at Eric's the night before.
"Well, look at you! All starry eyed and glowing. He must be very special for you to fall in love with him so quickly." I opened my mouth to deny what she just said and closed it right back, realizing I couldn't. I had never been in love before, not really, and I had started thinking I just didn't have it in me. I was elated and terrified, not knowing how Eric felt about me. I knew he felt something, but I wasn't sure if he thought of us having a relationship beyond his two weeks in Paris.
"He is amazing Gran! I had never imagined meeting someone like him, but he is only in Paris for a short time, I don't know what to do," I said, shuffling the food on my plate.
"I wouldn't worry about that too much, Honey; these things have a way of working themselves out when two people really want to be together. What about your telepathy? How are you handling his thoughts?" I quickly took a bite from the delicious homemade Croissant to allow myself a few seconds to think about my answer and how to phrase it. I really didn't know how she would react to Eric being a vampire. She was very open- minded, but fairies were extremely cautious when it came to vampires, despite the centuries' long truce. I finished chewing and took a sip from my tea, taking a deep breath before answering her question.
"I cannot hear his thoughts Gran, and before you ask, it isn't because he is one of the Fae. Eric is a vampire." I steeled myself, hoping for the best but expecting the worse. Her face registered surprise and then something else I didn't quite understand, realization? Hope? It was gone so fast I couldn't be sure.
"I had always known you were unique Sookie and that your life would be unusual. If the fates chose him as the one worthy of your love then far be it from me to try and interfere."
"Are you disappointed with me?" I asked in a tiny voice, hesitantly looking up to see the soft expression on her face.
"You could never disappoint me Sookie, I only wish for you to be happy, and if Eric is the one for you then I am happy you found each other." I was so grateful for her acceptance I jumped off my chair to hug her.
"Thank you Gran! I am so glad you are not upset about this." I hugged her again before returning to my seat.
"You have nothing to thank me for Sookie, although I am not complaining about the extra hugs…" She smiled; her face lighting up and her eyes twinkling with joy.
"Now I understand that glow of yours though, I heard vampires are quite spectacular in bed, I guess the rumors are true then?" I wanted the ground to swallow me whole I was so embarrassed. Talking about sex with my Gran was not something I wanted to do. Ever. I decided to change the subject, simply smiling in response to her last sentence.
"Before I forget, Amelia needs your help. She desperately needs an ingredient for her final project and practically begged me to ask if you might be able to get one for her in Fairy? She made me promise to tell you in advance how much she appreciates any help you could offer" Gran was unimpressed with my tactics, scoffing at my blatant attempt at evasion.
""Very well dear, I do not wish to make you uncomfortable, what is it that she needs?"
"A dragon's scale…Is that something you can help her with?"
"Hmmm…It would require some negotiating, as they don't part with their scales easily…but they are quite partial to sweets, so I think it's safe to say I will be able to get one for her. Does she need a specific kind? Or color?"
"She didn't specify, but I will ask her and let you know. She said there's no rush so…"
"I am leaving for Fairy as soon as you leave so maybe you should call and ask her after you finish eating? That way I can bring it with me when we come to visit you in two weeks." My whole family, including my maternal grandparents, was coming to spend the holidays in my grandparents' villa at the Cote d'Azur. The French Riviera is actually very quiet and pleasant in winter, when it is not crowded with tourists and jet setters. Fairies don't actually celebrate Christmas but they do have a winter celebration around the winter solstice so we usually had a family celebration that included a little of everyone's traditions.
"Mm hmm…" I nodded, my mouth full of Gran's amazingly fluffy French toast.
"I visited Jason and Kate last week. Little Jamie called me Nana! I simply melted on the spot." Jason and Kate's little boy was just over one year old and had all of us wrapped around his very cute little finger. "Oh, that's so cute! I haven't seen him since his birthday party. I know they're joining us in the Villa after Christmas but I still want to send his presents over to Kate's parents' so he can have them on Christmas day. I know it's not about the gifts but I simply can't help myself when it comes to him…" Jason and Kate lived in Boston, not far from my parents. They were both lawyers and had actually met in court, when Kate was still a public defender. Kate was smart and had a wicked sense of humor. I could not understand hers or Jason's choice of profession but apparently the feeling was mutual. I adored little Jamie and tried to see him as often as possible, which wasn't as often as I would have wished.
"Do you still wish to help me decorate the house?"
"Of course I do! You know how much I love decorating the villa with you. Did you get the white decorations we were talking about last year?" We almost always spent the holidays in France and Gran and I always did the decorating ourselves, with the help of a little magic of course.
"Of course! When can I expect you then?"
"I have train tickets for the 18th." My smile faltered when I remembered Eric was also leaving on the 18th but I quickly pushed that depressing thought to the back of my mind for now.
After I helped Gran clean up the table and put away the staggering amounts of food remaining, I quickly rinsed the plates, setting them to dry by the sink and followed Gran into the living room.
I took out my phone and dialed Amelia. She answered after quite a few rings and I could tell by the background noise that she was in the market. "Hello?"
"Hi Ames! Do you have a minute?"
"Sure, but aren't you supposed to be at your Gran's?"
"I am, that's why I'm calling. She says she would love to help you with the dragon's scale she just needs to know what kind and color you need."
"Oh, put me on speaker phone so I can thank her!" I did and after Amelia thanked Gran profusely for her help they had a very interesting discussion on the different qualities of dragon scales. White dragons were apparently very rare, but thankfully Amelia needed a blue scale, which my Gran assured her was rather easy to come by.
"I will simply bake a very big tray of cookies and ask the friendly blue dragon that lives not far from Niall's palace for a scale. I'm sure he won't mind."
Amelia and I both laughed at the strange image of a dragon, who loves cookies, living on Niall's grounds. Even though I had heard many stories about Fairy I had never actually visited, since the portal will only allow full blooded fairies or those displaying fully developed Fae powers to pass through. I've been to the portal before, and it was magnificent but I couldn't wait to gain my full powers, if only for the chance to finally see Fairy.
"Thank you Adele! That would be great!"
"I am happy I can help Amelia. Sookie, I will be right back." Gran said and started heading in the direction of the spare bedroom. I turned the speaker off and held it to my ear again.
"Sookie? Are you still there?"
"I'm here Ames, just took you off the speaker phone."
"Don't think I haven't noticed you were not here this morning. I am making chicken with morels, would you like to come by for dinner?"
"I kind of already promised Eric I'd spend the evening with him but if you don't mind me bringing him with me I'd love to."
"Mind? I am dying to meet Tall, Blond and Sexy! How about 20:30? You bring the wine…and the blood." She added after a few seconds pause.
"See you then."
"Bye!"
"Bye!"
Just as I finished the conversation Gran came back, holding two gift boxes. One was large and flat, beautifully wrapped with a large red ribbon and the other was flat as well, though smaller, and wrapped just as beautifully.
"I was planning to give these to you for Christmas but I feel you can use them sooner." Sometimes Gran simply knows things. She's not really psychic but her intuition is very strong and I have never known her to be wrong. She handed me the boxes and I tentatively took them from her, admiring the beautiful red ribbons.
"Well, open them Dear," She said, her eyes bright with anticipation. I opened the large box, moving the tissue paper aside to reveal beautiful Prussian blue velvet. It was a vintage wiggle dress featuring a sweetheart strapless neckline and soft pleats around the thighs with a cascading bustle in the back.
"Oh, it's so beautiful! Thank you, Gran! I love it!"
"I am so glad Sookie, It was one of my favorites and I think it will look beautiful on you. Would you please try it on before opening the other box?" I nodded happily and went to the spare bedroom to change. The dress fit me so perfectly it was hard to believe it wasn't made for me. I guess I was more similar to Gran than I realized. Gran does not look so young, although she doesn't appear old either. It is hard to determine how old she is just from looking at her. Her hair is still dark and shiny; her face shows only very faint signs of ageing and her figure is feminine and graceful.
"Sookie! It's perfect!" Gran exclaimed as I returned to the living room. I picked up the smaller box looking to Gran for her approval to open it. She nodded enthusiastically and I lifted the top of the box, gasping at its content. On the black velvet lining the box, nestled a beautiful vintage gold necklace with a scalloped chain motif, culminating in an Art Nouveau flourish accented with a small diamond. I usually tended to wear small and delicate jewelry so I was apprehensive at first at the weight and feel of the chain. Gran must have sensed my doubts since she reached for the chain, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
"May I?" she asked and I nodded, handing her the necklace. She quickly clasped it around my neck and led me to the hall, where a large floor length mirror adorned the wall.
The necklace looked so…regal and elegant with the dress, and I looked like a princess. The dress hugged my curves, showcasing my hourglass figure yet maintaining a very elegant, lady-like feel.
"Oh, Gran…I have no idea where I might wear something this beautiful to, but thank you! I feel like a princess!"
"You are a princess Sookie, a very beautiful, smart and talented princess." I hugged her tightly, and kissed her cheek softly.
"I love you Gran."
"I love you too Sookie, now go get changed before you make me cry." I changed back into the clothes Eric had gotten for me and carefully returned the dress and the necklace to their boxes. When I returned to the living room Gran gave me a large bag for the boxes into which she proceeded to load an obscene amount of baked goods. I loved her baking so I wasn't about to complain.
We sat down and watched our favorite show on HGTV together and by the time it ended it was time for me to go. I hugged Gran, thanking her again for the amazing gifts and she hugged me back waving my thanks away. Spending time with Gran always makes me happy and today was no different but at the same time I felt a little anxious, like something was missing. I realized I was missing Eric and couldn't believe I felt that way already. Was that normal? Surely it wasn't.
I waved goodbye one last time with my free hand and closed my eyes, focusing my mind and my energy and picturing myself standing in my apartment. I couldn't pop straight to Eric's since I could only do long distance popping to one of my 'homes'. My magic rushed through me, and a second later I was standing in my living room in Paris. I put the bag on the table, quickly pulling a few things from the closet and drawers and stuffing them in my favorite black tote. I focused again and popped myself into Eric's living room. I decided against popping straight into his bedroom since I wasn't sure how he would react to a Fairy popping in if he just woke up and I wasn't keen on finding out.
I walked into the bedroom, leaving my bag, purse and coat on the large chair near the door and proceeded towards the bed. Eric's eyes opened just as I reached the bed and he inhaled deeply. "In the shower, now" he said, his voice sounding urgent as he took off my clothes so quickly I felt dizzy and carried me into the bathroom. He set me on the plush chair next to the bath while he adjusted the water temperature and I noticed he was shaking.
"Eric! What's wrong?" I asked as he lifted me again and pushed me gently into the shower stall, immediately lathering my body with soap. Only then did he answer my question.
"The Fairy scent on you was so strong I did not know how long I could control myself and I did not want to hurt you," He said, smiling.
"I'm sorry, I should have thought of that…" I looked down at the floor, embarrassed.
"You have nothing to be sorry for älskade, I am sorry if I scared you." I raised my head back up to look at him, delighted by his soft tone and words.
"You didn't scare me, I was worried about you, I am surprised that you were able to control yourself, I can't imagine how strong the scent was, with me spending hours at my Gran's house and then using all that magic to return here. It must have been overwhelming."
"It was, and I too am surprised that I managed to resist my instincts. It seems that my regard for you is stronger than my vampire nature." He traced my lips with his fingers almost reverently before pouring some divine smelling shampoo in his hand and turning me around so that I was facing away from him. He slowly and methodically shampooed my hair, massaging my scalp with his talented fingers. He washed my hair thoroughly before liberally applying conditioner, allowing it to work for a few minutes while he massaged my whole body with a musk scented sugar scrub making it tingle. He rinsed the conditioner out of my hair, not an easy feat considering how long and full my hair is and then lathered my whole body again with the musk shower gel. I lifted my hands to his shoulders, and he allowed me to push him into a sitting position on the wide stone bench. I poured shampoo into my hand and slowly massaged his hair and scalp. He closed his eyes, clearly enjoying my touch and I wondered when was the last time he allowed someone to take care of him. I carefully washed the shampoo out of his beautiful golden hair leaving the conditioner in his hair, the same as he did for me, while I lathered my hands with soap, running my hands all over his perfect, hard and sculpted body. His cock twitched as I ran my soapy hand up and down his length but I was persistent on finishing what I started so I motioned for him to stand up and proceeded to wash him until his was not only the world's best looking ass but also the cleanest. I then washed his legs and feet, getting him to sit again so I could wash the conditioner out of his hair. When I finished he got up to turn the water off, and got out of the shower at vampire speed returning in a flash with two fresh fluffy and huge towels and one smaller one, for my head. I wondered briefly who was doing all the laundry that he must generate but quickly forgot all about it as Eric picked me up in his arms and carried me to the bedroom.
He gently laid me on the huge bed, rolling me to the side and pulling my towel away from my body, dropping it on the floor. His towel was long gone by the time I removed the towel from my head dropping it on top of the other one. I lay back down, propping myself on my elbows. The bathroom door was open allowing a small amount of light to filter into the dark bedroom. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of Eric, standing at the foot of the bed, tiny droplets of water making their way down his chest towards what one of my favorite fictional characters referred to as a gracious plenty. He moved, slowly, gracefully, to lie next to me and I turned on my side to face him.
"I missed you today," I said, my voice barely louder than a whisper. He seemed delighted with my words, a joyous smile lighting up his face before he cupped my face gently in his hands and kissed me, so soft and tender that I felt tears spring into my eyes. I moved closer, pouring my overwhelming emotions into the kiss. He moaned when I gently sucked his lower lip into my mouth and his right hand moved down to rest at the small of my back while the other tangled in my hair. I kissed him over and over, barely stopping to breathe. Never in my life had I wanted anyone or anything as much. I had never loved before, not like this, and I was so full of emotion I feared I might explode. I couldn't tell him, I was not brave enough for that, but I could show him how I felt. I rested my hand against his chest pushing gently and he allowed me to roll him onto his back. I moved to close the small gap between our bodies, unable to stay away even for a second. I pulled myself up so I could reach his face, placing delicate kisses on his right temple, eyebrow and eyelid and then his left eyelid, eyebrow and temple, down the bridge of his nose and further down on his chin. I moved to nibble on his earlobe licking my way down his neck. His skin smelled and tasted so good I couldn't help but bite him a little making him groan in response. When I slid my mouth further down to suck on his nipple he gripped the covers digging his fingers into the bed. I pulled myself back up until I could feel the tip of Eric's cock touching my wet folds and then I pushed down, slowly lowering myself over his long, hard length. I placed my hands on his chest pushing my body up into a sitting position and fully enveloping him inside me. I let out a low moan marveling at how perfectly we fit together, as if we were made for each other.
"Så fulländad," Eric whispered, bringing his hands up to my ass and I rolled my hips against him. I couldn't hold still any longer so I rolled my hips again, rocking against his body. Eric lifted me up and I moaned loudly, forcefully pushing myself back down. He did it again, and again driving me so wild with pleasure I could no longer hold myself up. Eric sat up, supporting me in his arms as he folded his legs underneath him, rising to rest on his knees. My legs wrapped around him and my hands tangled in his hair when he drew me in for a deep, passionate kiss. He pulled away resting his forehead against mine as he looked down to where our bodies were joined. He moved me up and down his cock and I felt my muscles pulsing around him. My moans became louder and louder and I felt the heat of my magic rising inside me, spreading from my heart to fill my body until it spilled out, lighting the room, its colors blending and swirling on the ceiling and walls. I felt a pull inside me, an urge to be closer to Eric, and I bent down and ran my tongue along his neck biting him hard and drawing his blood into my mouth. He roared my name before sinking his fangs into my neck and I screamed his name as I exploded around him. We held onto each other tightly, gently riding out our mutual pleasure. Eric's eyes never left mine as he lowered us to lie on the bed and I felt like I was staring into his soul.
"Tack, min älskade," He said quietly, "Every time I think I have reached an impossible new height of pleasure; you surprise me by surpassing it." My magic was still swirling around us and Eric looked at the ceiling laughing. "Amazing, absolutely amazing!" The open, unguarded expression on his face was beyond beautiful and I felt my heart swell at the sight. I pressed my lips into his neck, kissing the already healed spot where I had bitten him and silently mouthed the words that I couldn't bring myself to say.
Here are the translations from Swedish, courtesy of KLloyd:
Älskade - beloved
Så fulländad - so perfect
Tack, min älskade - thank you, (my) beloved
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