Hey everyone. Sorry for the delay! I have a good excuse… I live in Virginia, and within the last few weeks we had an earthquake, a new semester started for me, AND a hurricane hit us… It was an exciting week! College is starting up and getting busy already (another reason for the delay). I hope I will be able to update frequently this semester. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the chapter (there is a tiny bit of citrus hehe). I'll try to update soon! (Hopefully no more natural disasters happen…)
Chapter Ten: New Orleans
Eric sat at his desk in Fangtasia, staring blankly at his computer screen. Instead of reading his emails from the other Area Sheriff's of Louisiana, he was instead thinking about his telepathic bonded, as usual.
Eric had never allowed anyone to get under his skin. He had never allowed himself to love (unless it was for his Maker, or Child). In his thousand years, he had never experienced the emotion for a human, and it confused and excited him to feel it now. He wasn't sure when he started loving Sookie, or even how he figured out that the feeling was indeed love. Was it when he first saw her? Was it in Dallas when she comforted Godric before death? He didn't know. All he knew was that she always left him feeling… fuzzy inside, even after their first meeting.
Eric smiled when he thought about the first time that he saw her. It had been another boring night at Fangtasia until she entered with Bill Compton, and wore a tantalizing white dress with red flowers on it. She stood out in the crowd not only because of her dress, but also because of her smell. Even then Eric knew she wasn't completely human, but he did not expect her to be a fairy. Most believe that fairies were wiped from existence thanks to vampires. How wrong they all were.
Eric sat back in his chair, giving up trying to focus on his work. Instead, he thought about the night before when he brought Sookie to his home to stay. She had fallen asleep in the car before he even got on the highway to go to Shreveport. He held her hand silently through the whole drive. When they finally reached his home, he gently picked her up and took her to her new bedroom. She had yet to see his room, and while he was tempted to take her there so she could sleep with him, he knew she would be disoriented and possibly frightened when she awoke not knowing where she was.
He laid her gently on her bed and slowly took off her shoes and socks. He debated with himself whether or not he should put her pajamas on her. She would most likely feel anger when she awoke with different clothes on, but he knew she would sleep better with her pajamas on. Deciding to change her clothes, Eric quietly went down to retrieve her bags from his car, and when he reached her room, he gently set the suitcases down and dug through one to find some sleepwear. He shook his head as he pulled out a purple tank top, and matches pants for her. He had never understood sleepwear. He preferred to sleep naked, and he didn't understand why one would dirty clothes when all they were doing was sleeping.
Slowly and carefully so he wouldn't wake her, Eric changed Sookie out of her clothes and put on her pajamas. To save her modesty, he left her bra and underwear on. He only wanted to deal with so much of her anger the next day.
Once she was changed, he gently moved the covers down and put them over her. She sighed quietly and curled her arms around her pillow, a small smile gracing her mouth. Eric wondered what she was dreaming of, and hoped the dream was of him. Unable to control himself, he leaned down and brushed his lips softly across her forehead, whispering, "Good night, sweet Sookie."
The door to Eric's office opened, jarring him from his thoughts.
"Pam, I really think we overdid it…" Sookie said in a huff. While she enjoyed having some much needed girl time/shopping, she was annoyed with how much Pam made her purchase. When she left for the evening with Pam, she thought she was just going to buy a gown for the ball. Instead, Pam was somehow able to convince her to also buy three new pairs of shoes, a purse, five sweaters, lingerie, and a new pair of jeans. All of which, she was "not allowed" to pay for.
"Nonsense, that was nothing. Eric normally has a much larger dent in his bank account when I go shopping. If it weren't for your whining, we would have much more bags to carry."
Eric shook his head at his two women, and smiled, "Have fun?"
Sookie looked at him for the first time since she walked in and smiled, "It was nice. I feel guilty, but I did get some beautiful things."
"That's all that matters," he told her. "Care to model what you purchased for me?" He smirked when he saw the blush rise on her cheeks and neck.
"Um… maybe later," she told him softly. Her blush deepened when she imagined modeling her new lingerie for him. Too fast, Sook.
"Very well… Pam, go enthrall the vermin. I have some things to discuss with Sookie." Pam merely raised an eyebrow at him, before glancing at Sookie once more and leaving the room. Sookie set her bags on the brown leather couch in Eric's office next to Pam's, and sat down next to the bags. She let out a weary sigh and leaned her head back, finally having peace and silence. Pam wore her out with shopping, as well as the human thoughts that somehow found a way through her walls. Sookie had nearly forgotten how miserable a large public setting could be for her.
"Did Pam behave herself?" Eric asked her. Sookie lifted her head up to look at him. He was leaning against the edge of his desk, arms crossed in front of him. Sookie thought he looked like a model from GQ.
"Yes, she was great. Pretty patient with me, too. I was pretty picky about what I was purchasing once I found out you were paying," Sookie admits.
"Really? I never knew that you were one to have difficulty accepting a gift," Eric teased.
Sookie blushed again, "I guess I'm just not used to gifts; especially expensive ones. Besides, I don't want to be a kept woman."
"They are just gifts, Min älskling. Don't over think it."
Sookie nodded slightly, "I know. That's how I ended up with all of these bags," she laughed softly. He smiled at her, pleased that she seemed to be happy. Too often in the past had he seen her hurt or in danger. He was glad that she finally seemed to be on a path she was happy with.
They stared at each for a few moments, and a comfortable silence fell. Sookie was the first to break when she asked, "Where were you this evening?"
"I've been here, working," Eric said. He thought Pam would have told her.
"Oh, okay. I was just wondering because I was in the shower when the sun set, and by the time I was getting ready, you were gone…" Sookie explained, hoping she didn't sound ridiculous to him.
Eric smiled kindly and walked over to stand in front of her. Sookie had to crane her neck to keep eye contact with him. She could easily get lost in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Min älskling, but I had important business to attend to. Actually, I was meeting with someone who found information on your brother."
"Jason? Is he okay? Where is he? Did you find him?" Sookie asked in a rushed tone. Her heart started racing with thoughts of her brother injured, or worse, dead.
"Sookie! Sookie, it's okay," Eric reassured her, kneeling in front of her, taking her face in his hands. He hushed her and kissed her cheek, hoping to calm her down. He sent tranquility to her through their bond, hoping it would help her. When he heard her heart rate slow, he removed his hands from her face to hold her hands. "Your brothers sent was found through woods in Bon Temps that lead to a small community known as Hot Shot. Have you heard of it?"
"Yes," Sookie answered, feeling much more calm and rational, "The people there are very trashy, I hear, and odd. What would Jason be doing there?"
"That I do not know. Hot Shot is also a were-panther community, so I am unwelcomed there. But there are some in the werewolf pack of Shreveport who owe me a favor. I will ask one of them to look for Jason there. They will most likely be more welcomed than I would, even though there is some rivalry between weres."
Sookie nodded, "Okay. Do you… think he's alive?" She had to force herself to say the words. She couldn't stand the thought of Jason being gone. While they had their differences, he was still her brother, and all she had left.
"I don't know," he told her softly. He hoped he was. Not that he was Jason Stackhouse's biggest fan. If he weren't Sookie's brother, he would be dead by now for using V. But Eric knew that Jason was important to Sookie, therefore he would do everything he could to bring him back to her.
"Thank you, Eric, for everything. I would be going crazy right now if it weren't for you," Sookie told him. She was being honest; she knew that without Eric there she would not only feel alone and lost, but she would still be at Merlotte's listening in on people. It would drive her to insanity.
Eric just smiled at her, keeping his thought, 'I would do anything for you', to himself. They stared at each other for a few moments, and Eric watched as Sookie's eyes shifted to his mouth, then back up to his eyes, silently pleading. He heard her heart beat quicken again, but felt lust and longing through the bond, not panic. Eric leaned forward slightly, not taking his eyes away from hers. He was watching carefully, making sure she would not back away from him, that she would not run again. He watched in fascination and arrogance as she closed her eyes slowly and tilted her neck slightly towards his face, his mouth. He nearly smirked, but instead he closed his eyes and claimed her mouth with his own, showing his care, lust, and longing in the single kiss.
He tugged on her bottom lip lightly with his teeth, willing his fangs to not extend and accidentally cut her. He felt her moan against his mouth, and a surge of confidence ran through him. Grasping the back of her neck firmly, but gently, he deepened the kiss, laying her gently down on the couch.
The bags creaked under them, and Sookie moved her back slightly to find a comfortable position on top of them, not breaking their kiss. Eric growled in frustration, and pulled Sookie forcefully to his chest, sweeping the bags off the couch in one fluid, graceful motion. He laid her gently back down and continued to assault her mouth, and began moving his mouth down her jaw line and neck.
Sookie gasped and panted underneath him, and grasped his hair as he kissed her neck and chest, running his hands along her hips and waist. Her entire body felt like it was buzzing and tingling. She couldn't help but moan again when Eric put his mouth back to hers. She groaned when she heard his cell phone go off in his pocket. She never wanted the kiss to end.
Eric growled and slowly pulled himself away from Sookie, staring down at her with unadulterated lust. Sookie blushed under his gaze, and began to feel slightly thankful that the annoying device went off. She knew that they would not have stop at kissing, and she didn't want her first time with Eric to be on an old leather couch, in his office, at a bar.
"I'm busy," Eric hissed into the phone, not taking his eyes off Sookie, noting her blush. He groaned when he smelled her sweet blood rush to the surface of her skin. His fangs nearly clicked out.
"The vermin are getting restless. They want to see their 'Viking'," Pam told him dryly. "So, why don't you leave Little Bo-Peep in your office, and come out here."
"Kom ihåg vem du pratar med," Remember who you are talking to, Eric growled. He was annoyed with his child for interrupting this precious moment with Sookie because of humans.
"Master," Pam said, sweetly, but still laced with a biting tone, "Will you please leave Ms. Stackhouse in your office, so you can come out here and enthrall the vermin. They are getting restless and wish to see you."
"No, Pam," Eric told her, rising off Sookie. Once he was standing by the couch, he spotted something red laying on the floor, and smiled devilishly. "Sookie and I are leaving to go pack for our trip. You should as well."
"I already have."
"Good. Then you shall be at my house in two hours. Have Chow close," Eric told her, hanging up before even hearing her response. He looked back over at a still-slightly-panting Sookie, and smiled. He enjoyed seeing her hot and bothered because of him. "Sorry about that, Pam seems to be in a mood at the moment."
"It's alright," Sookie said breathlessly, looking up at him. She sat up to a sitting position on the couch and looked down at all of the bags. "I should get everything together to take back…" she murmured softly, breaking eye contact with him. On her knees on the floor, she began to gather her shopping bags. Out of her peripheral vision, she saw Eric bend down next to her to help. After placing Pam's bags back on the couch, Sookie gathered her own bags in her arms and looked at Eric, "Well, ready to go?"
"Yes," Eric said, with a sneaky smirk. Sookie turned around, not wanting to look at him for a moment. She felt like she still needed to collect herself after what just happened. Her hand had just made it to the knob of the office door when Eric called out her name. She turned around and flushed with embarrassment when she saw what he was holding. Her new, fire engine red, see through, nightie that Pam told her would be "beneficial" if she purchased.
Eric held up the flimsy article of clothing with a devilish smirk, his eyes openly raking over Sookie's body, imagining her in it. I'm glad she's buying more red clothing. "Did you get this for me?"
Sookie stalked forward, not looking Eric in the eyes, and snatched the garment out of his hands, shoving them in her bag. Without a word, she turned back around, back straight with pride, and walked out the door, leaving a laughing Eric behind her.
Eric and Sookie had barely spoken since what happened in his office. It wasn't that either was embarrassed, or angry. Eric was, in fact, thrilled at the progress they were making. Sookie was happy that they were on better terms, but felt confused on where to go from there. She didn't know if she should go faster or slower with him.
They packed their belongings within forty-five minutes, and Sookie was able to avoid Eric longer by making herself a late (or, perhaps early) dinner. Soon afterward, Pam walked in with four suitcases. After her walked in a shorter, thinner woman, with thick black hair and large brown eyes named Thalia. To Sookie, she looked menacing, and Sookie wanted nothing more than to keep her distance from her. The person who walked in after Thalia was an Asian vampire named Chow. He had a pleasant face, but Sookie could tell that Chow was just as menacing as Thalia; he was just not as open with it as she seemed to be.
They all piled in to Eric's Cadillac Escalade, and were on their way to New Orleans by 3 A.M. Sookie sat in the front with Eric, while Pam, Thalia, and Chow sat together in the back. No one spoke a single word, and Sookie eventually fell asleep.
"Sookie," a voice breathed softly against her ear. Their voice sent shivers down her spine.
"Sookie, we're here," the voice told her again, and a hand began to lightly shake her.
Her eyes opened slowly and met Eric's blue ones. Their faces were inches apart, and Sookie felt the urge to kiss him again. As if reading her thoughts, Eric lightly brushed his lips across hers. Sookie closed her eyes at the sensation, and waited for more. It never came.
Her eyes opened, looking up at Eric in confusion. He merely smiled, "As much as I would like to ravish you right here and now, Min älskling, we do not have time."
Sookie nodded and blushed, feeling embarrassed over her raging hormones. Eric gently pulled her chin to him. He kissed her softly once more before he whispered, "Do not ever be embarrassed around me, Cupcake."
The silly nickname made her smile and her blush disappeared.
Within seconds, Eric was gone from the driver's seat, and was opening the door for her on the passenger's side, holding out his hand to help her out of the car. She gratefully took his hand, not trusting her knees at that point, and stepped out of the car. Her eyes immediately went to the large mansion in front of her. It looked cold and unwelcoming to her, but still magnificent. The architecture was breathtaking.
Sookie felt useless as she watched Pam, Chow, and Thalia take their luggage out of the Escalade and walk past her, ignoring her question asking if she could help them. Eric smirked at her, obviously thinking she was silly for even offering, and held out his hand to her. She took his hand gratefully, needing the strength and confidence she knew he would give her. The pair slowly followed the other vampires into the mansion, and Sookie could not help but cringe as the heavy doors shut behind her when they entered the home.
She briefly wondered if that would be the last time she would go through those doors.
The thought made her feel more nervous, and Sookie berated herself for thinking negatively. Eric, feeling her emotions, squeezed her hand in reassurance, making her look up in time to see him wink at her. She gave him a weak smile and looked forward again. Pam, Chow, and Thalia were speaking to other vampires in the foyer about the bags and their rooms while Sookie and Eric continued on toward a large set of doors at the end of the hall.
"Pam," Eric whispered so low that Sookie would not of heard him if she hadn't been walking next to him. When she looked up at him again, he still had not taken his eyes off the door they were walking towards. Sookie felt a gust of wind behind her, and gasped as she turned around to see what was coming at them from behind. Her heart beat furiously as she looked at Pam's face. Sookie envied Pam for how calm she looked. She had one eyebrow raised and a smirk, so like Eric's own smirk, graced her full lips, making her look cool and collected.
Sookie turned back to the door that was only a few feet away at that point, and took a deep breath, attempting to calm herself. I have to be strong. I have to be strong for not just me, but Eric as well, she told herself.
The doors opened for them and Sookie fought the urge to shield her eyes from the nearly blinding sunlight.
Sunlight?
"Sheriff Northman! So glad you could make it…" Sookie looked toward the woman who sat on a chaise lounge in the sunlit room in front of a large pool. Her hair was fiery red and fell slightly pass her shoulders in tight curls. Her make up was smoky, and done to perfection. She wore a glittering green suit and pearls. Sookie thought she was gorgeous, but sensed evil and greed around her. It was as if it radiated from her being.
Eric bowed deeply by her side, and Sookie wondered if she should do the same. Not wanting to be outright disrespectful, but also not wanting to submit, Sookie merely nodded her head in the Queen's direction.
"So this is the fairy?" The Queen asked, looking down her nose to Sookie, as if she was shocked and disappointed in Sookie. Sookie internally scoffed. I can fry your face off, bitch. Sookie's back straightened, shocked by her thought, and she scolded herself for thinking so violently, wondering where those thoughts came from. Gran raised me better than that, she told herself.
"Your majesty, if I may introduce Miss. Sookie Stackhouse of Bon Temps, the renowned telepathic fairy-human and my blood-bonded." Eric said, a hint of pride in his tone. Sookie glanced up at him, and saw his gaze flicker to her briefly, before turning back to his Queen.
"Yes, yes, I know. She is your bonded. You don't have to keep rubbing it in," the Queen wined. Sookie wondered how this vampire even became a Queen. She looked like royalty, but did not act like it.
"Your rooms have been prepared. My child Andre and bodyguard Issak will take you to them. If there is anything you wish to have, please let someone on my staff know."
"Thank, your majesty," Eric said in a bored tone. Sookie could tell he wanted nothing more than to leave, and soon.
"Sookie, I hope you enjoy your time here. Who knows, you might enjoy it so much you'll never want to leave…"
Sookie heard a faint growl from Eric's chest, and could have sworn she heard his fangs click out. She kept her eyes locked with the Queen's, defiance burning brightly in them, "Thank you for your hospitality, but I am happy in my hometown, with my bonded." She had a feeling she would pull the 'I'm Eric's bonded' card frequently during her stay with the Queen. Eric squeezed her hand, but Sookie wasn't sure if it was in approval, or warning.
The Queen's smirk fell and she sat up straighter on her lounge, "Yes, well, if you do decide to stay, don't be shy in telling me so." Sophie-Anne stared Sookie down, and Sookie had never felt so exposed under one's gaze before.
"But before you retire for the evening, I have a question for Sookie…"
Sookie braced herself for the question that would no doubt make her feel scared and uncomfortable, and cause the armor she was wearing internally to shatter.
"Have you seen your dear cousin, Hadley?"
The question nearly threw Sookie off, surprised that the Queen still cared about Hadley. Sookie had last seen Hadley at the Shreveport aquarium with her telepathic son, Hunter. Fearing for their lives, Hadley ran off, never telling Sookie where she was going.
"I haven't seen her in over a year, your majesty." A lie, but Sookie was not about to tell this woman her family secrets.
Sadness crept up on the Queen's features, but her face became a stone mask once again. Sookie wondered if she imagined the sadness in her eyes, for the emotions had changed so quickly.
"Very well. Good night Sookie, Eric."
Eric and Sookie both nodded to the Queen and walked out of the room, Pam following quietly behind them. Once the doors closed behind them, a young dark featured vampire approached them, staring hungrily at Sookie.
"Sheriff Northman, please follow me."
Sookie and Eric glanced at each other. He squeezed her hand once more, and Sookie inhaled and exhaled deeply, hoping the worst was over.
Andre led the trio upstairs to a lavishly decorated hall. Sookie admired some of the decorations, and scoffed at the others. The Queen, she decided, had strange taste. Sookie wasn't sure if the house was beautiful or gaudy.
"This will be your room, Sheriff. As requested, your child's room will be the adjoining room next door. If there is anything else you need, please let someone on staff know."
He left after that, but not before giving Sookie another lustful look. She swore she saw his fangs run down when he looked at her. She thought he was stupid to do that in front of Eric. He'll get his, she thought triumphantly, thinking of a stake going through his chest. Sookie shook her head slightly, clearing the thoughts, and began wondering again why she was filled with violent thoughts that night.
Sookie heard Eric speak in Swedish to Pam quickly, before pulling Sookie in to their room, slamming their door shut. Before her brain could catch up with her body Eric leaned down and captured her lips in his own. Sookie moaned and ran her hands through his hair, pulling him closer. Her body, trapped between his and the door, ached for his hands, for release, for love, and safety.
Eric pulled back slowly from Sookie and looked down at her lovingly. He wanted her, badly. But he refused to let their first time together be in his rival's home. They deserved more than that after all they had been through.
She looked at him sadly and whispered, "Why did you stop?"
He chuckled and scooped her up in his arms, taking her to the large king sized bed and laying her gently on it, removing her shoes for her and setting them down by the bed. "When we have sex for the first time, it will not be in my office at Fangtasia on that old leather couch, or her in my Queens home. We deserve much better than both."
Sookie smiled at his thoughtfulness, and sat up, cupping his face in her small hands. She kissed him tenderly and whispered, "Thank you."
Eric smiled down at her and kissed her forehead, before turning away to dig through their suitcases, looking for her nightclothes. Once he pulled them out for her, he laid them on the bed, and told her softly, "I must speak with Pam. Get ready for bed, and I will be back soon."
Sookie nodded, not even bothering to argue. She was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to sleep. He quietly left the room, and Sookie changed in to her blue nightgown. She walked into the bathroom to brush her teeth and see to her "human needs", as Eric liked to say, speeding up her nightly rituals so she could go to bed faster.
Sookie felt cold from the tile of the bathroom floor, and happily curled under the covers of the large bed, turning off the light and rolling over to sleep. She began to feel guilty for not giving Eric a proper good night, but as soon as the thought passed, her eyes were quickly falling and sleep overcame her.
Eric stepped back in to the room 30 minutes after she fell asleep. He smiled softly, looking at her curled up under a mountain of covers. Her cheeks were flushed, and her hair mused, and Eric thought she had never looked so beautiful. He slowly took of his clothes, not taking his eyes off her form, and slowly crawled in to bed next to her. He gently brushed her hair away from her forehead, and kissed her lightly. She moved ever so slightly in her sleep, moving closer to his side.
Eric smiled and settled in to the bed, wrapping his arm around Sookie, pulling her softly to lay her head on his chest. He let out a sigh of relief. He had wanted to lay with her like he was the entire day. He needed to feel her close to him.
"I will always protect you, Sookie Stackhouse," he whispered to her. He stroked her hair lovingly and watched her sleep, until he felt the dawn pull him to his own slumber.
Hey guys—
So I know I update slowly (and I am REALLY sorry about that) but sometimes I get confused on what I have posted, and what I haven't. If things start sounding redundant, random, etc. please let me know so I can fix my mistakes and not do it again. Thank you for reading!