Chapter 10

Sookie and Eric had danced and mingled for several hours until it finally happened. The king strode purposefully up to Sookie and reached for her hand.
"Shall we?" She cast a glance to Eric and he nodded his approval.

"It will be my pleasure." He glided her to the dance floor and pulled her closer than she would have liked. He wasn't nearly as tall as Eric and her heels gave her at least three inches of extra height so it was easy for her to be face to face with him.

"You are a beautiful woman." She made eye contact with Eric over the King's shoulder. He was absolutely glowering at them.

"Thank you, sir." Philip chuckled slightly at her manners and shifted them so she couldn't see Eric. She knew this was a calculated move on his part.

"I trust you have had no more…trouble since we have last met."

"No sir. I would like to thank you for your concern and protection." She would rather have not brought up the subject but she was no fool. They both knew where this conversation was going.

"You will be safer here. You will move here and allow me to offer you my full protection." Shit!

Calm down, Sookie. You must keep your wits about you. Eric was trying to soothe her through the bond.

"Oh that's so gracious of you. However, I would be lost and miserable without my family. I couldn't imagine being away from the only home I've ever known."

"You would adjust." It's not working. She sang to Eric in controlled panic thoughts.

"I can't imagine that would be so." He pulled back and looked into her eyes. She felt the pressure of his effort to glamour her around her eyes. Sensing this was futile, he grinned.

"My, my, my. The rumors are true."

"Rumors?" Uh oh.

Just see where this is going. Relax. Play the game, lover.

"It seems what I hear is true. Only my newly acquired Sheriff can make you yield."

"Yes." She lowered her eyes and tried to seem meek.

"You're bond with him is great. It would hurt you to leave him."

"Yes. Very much."

"But I could force you if I chose." He smirked at her.
"You could, but what good would I be then? I'd be broken and resistant."

Well played, dear one. Excellent.

The King seemed to be pondering that thought and looked past her to Eric. He was standing at his full height and his gaze never faltered.

"Well, you are his. I suppose I should let him keep you. After all, I owe you my life." He dipped his head slightly and she forced herself to bow to him.

"A debt you have just repaid." They shared a look and the King decided then that Sookie Stackhouse was a true asset indeed.

I could just vomit.

"You may return to your bonded. Thank you for the dance, Ms. Stackhouse. I look forward to our new alliance." She met his eyes and tried not to visibly swallow the lump in her throat. She was an asset. She was part of his kingdom because she was Eric's and because of her unique gift.

Before she could turn around, she felt Eric's hand on her back. The King nodded at his presence and then dismissed them with a wave of his hand. Eric pulled her by the hand from the dance floor and straight out of the club. He didn't speak until they were safely in the elevator.

"Brilliant," was all he uttered before pressing her up against the wall with his entire body and kissing her.

"Wait…wait." She panted and pushed against him. The elevator door opened and she pulled him by the hand down the hall. She waited while he fished the card key from his pocket and opened the door before pushing him forward. He was amused at her show of force. He turned to face her and moved to kiss her again.
"No!" He stopped abruptly and took in the angered and worried expression on her face. He felt a wave of emotion pass through the bond and he furrowed his brow.

"What's wrong?"

"What's wrong?! Are you stupid?" That got his attention. She saw his expression change to one of stone and she took a deep breath and continued. "That was way too easy. Nothing with you vampires is ever that easy. What the hell?!"

Eric took a step forward and brought her palm to his lips. She reached forward and pinched his upper arm.
"Stop! I'm serious! Is he gonna send some kind of ninja vampire team to kidnap me in the night or something?" She jerked her hand away and balled it into a fist. "Stop kissing me! I'm serious."

His shoulders slumped slightly and he guided her to the bed.
"Sit."

"I'm not a dog." He shook his head and chuckled.

"Sookie, my exquisite lover, please sit so I may explain." She sat heavily on the edge of the bed and sighed. "Thank you." He smoothed as he cupped the side of her face in his hand. He knelt before her and ran his arms down her sides. A large smile split his features and she couldn't help but return it.
"Why am I the only one who thinks the other shoe is about to fall?" She whispered.

"Don't you see? You did it. You were perfect."
"So that's it? I act broken hearted and he says 'okay.' You're delusional, Eric."

"Philip is shrewd. I told you that. He has witnessed the extent of your…well, lack of submissiveness to our kind. Yet, you led him to believe that I could make you yield at my pleasure. He knows that forcing human underlings does not curry their favor and will only make them more difficult to deal with when our persuasion is not a factor. He's allowing you to stay with me because he knows that's the most effective way to keep you in line."

"Like I'm a freaking pet. I hate all ya'll, you know that?" She pouted but he could feel the humor in her voice.

"Poor Sookie." He laughed as he started to climb on the bed. She leaned back on the thick comforter and laughed as his hands slid up her leg.

"So we're okay? I mean, he's not gonna force me in to coming here?"

"No lover. Your brilliant performance has solidified…in his eyes…my control and your allegiance."

"I think you liked tonight. I think you liked little obedient Sookie." She whispered as she softly kissed his neck.

"Mmm, I could get used to a little obedience from you."

"You'd hate it." She giggled. He stilled and lifted his head to look down at her. She felt his love and admiration through the bond. He regarded her for a moment and then smiled.

"You're probably right. But it would be nice to have a comparison." They both laughed as he kissed the crook of her neck.