Disclaimer: I don't own the Southern Vampires. Sole copyright belongs to Charlaine Harris. I'm poor, please don't sue. Most of the characters are Charlaine Harris's... but some are mine! All the mistakes are my own.

Chapter Twelve:

When Eric and I arrived in Red Ditch we found it quite easy to locate the small box-like home. I had landed us to the roof of the house across the street from where Remy lived. I was trying for his roof, but I had only been there once. It was well past dark and I was sure no normal human would spot us there. The street was quiet and it seemed all the humans were comfortably inside their homes. We stared at the little house, Remy's pickup was in the driveway and the soft light from inside illuminated the curtains that covered the front window.

"Eric," I said softly, "I have to tell you something. It is my most guarded secret. You have to promise me you will not tell anyone...not even Pam."

Eric squeezed my hand to reassure me, "What is it my Lover?" I could see the curiosity glitter in his eyes.

"Remy Savoy is my cousin Hadley's ex-husband. When I went to New Orleans to take care of her estate, I found out she was married." I paused looking into Eric's eyes. He nodded and I continued, "A while later, from Amelia's father, I learned she had a child. His name is Hunter. Normally this would be something wonderful." I said weakly with a forced smile. "I have so few blood kin, but Hunter...is more like me than he is Hadley. He..." I trailed off. I couldn't even say the words aloud.

Eric's eyes went wide for a moment as he realized what I was telling him. Many emotions crossed his face before settling on anger. "You thought I would use the child? Turn him over to my kind?" He released his grip on my hand, letting fall back to my side.

"No. I would have told you...I wanted to. It just never seemed like the right time. I had to be careful. You know what the vampires or even the fairies would do if they found out he had my gift." I looked at him and reached out to take hold of his hand while I begged him with my eyes to understand.

Eric's looked at me intently and his anger subsided. He leaned over and pulling me in close to him. I slid easily into his embrace. It was like we were two pieces of a puzzle fitting perfectly together. I laid my head on his chest as he ran his fingers through my long hair. Neither of us wanted to fight, especially since it had been so long since we had seen each other.

We stayed like that until we heard voices coming from Remy's house. I turned and reached out with my mind. Remy and Hunter were watching a movie together. I was relieved. It was so normal, so uneventful. I envied them. It had been a long time since I did anything normal. My life was all pain and danger, and with this new enemy, I knew that there was more to come. It hurt me to think that Hunter could end up like me someday and I asked, "Eric, would you do something for me?"

"Of course, Lover. What is it?" Eric asked as I looked up at him.

"If something happens to me, I need you to take care of him...Hunter." I said in a low even tone.

"I won't let anything happen to you." Eric replied sternly.

"Eric, please just promise me. I need to know someone will look out for Hunter. I can't have him ending up like me, some pawn passed around by the Supernatural community like some shiny new toy. Being a telepath is hard enough without all this."

Eric looked at me skeptically for a moment, "What's going on Sookie? What happened to you in the Otherlands?"

"Oh, lots of stuff." I said lamely and decided to change the subject, now was not the time for that conversation, if ever. "Amelia said someone was here asking about me. If they know about Remy and Hunter they could know about Hunter's gift. He is not old enough to understand that he should keep it secret and I have not been around to help him." The guilt seeped into my voice, "I need to ward the house before we leave. I will have to call Remy and warn him tomorrow morning."

Eric looked at me surprised. "You can use magic now?"

"Um...yeah, among other things. We can talk about it after we get out of here. Wait here. Okay? This should only take me a minute." I popped myself down to the side of Remy's house. Tania had taught me how to put up some wards since I always seem to have people trying to get into my home. I put up a ward that repelled people with bad intentions. My wards were stronger than Amelia's now, with all my Fae magic. It only took me a few minutes before I was through and then I flashed back up to Eric.

"Ready to go?" I asked him and I think for the first time I startled him. I tried my best to hold back a giggle.

"Yes, I think you and I have much to discuss my dear." Eric didn't find it as amusing as I did.

"I don't think we should go back to my place." I through out there, "We won't be able to speak freely with Amelia and Redin looking over our shoulders." 'Plus, I can't wait to get you alone and all to myself' I thought.

"I have a home in Ruston. We could go there. We would be...totally alone." Eric raised an eyebrow and I absently wondered how he managed to covey so many things with just one eyebrow.

"It sounds good." I said shaking my head and smiling to myself. "Should we go to my house or Fangtasia? I can't take us to your house since I have never been there, so which is closer?"

"Fangtasia. I need to check things out at the bar. Then I will fly us to my home." Eric held out his hand and I took it. We were in his office in a blink.

When we arrived, we must have startled Pam, since she hopped up from Eric's chair behind his desk. Her fangs flashed and her hands were in claws as she hissed at us before she realized who we were.

"Jumpy Pam?" I chuckled.

Pam relaxed and smiled at me, "You are just full of surprises telepath." Pam sniffed the air. "Sookie you smell even better than I remember. Yum."

My face instantly lost it's smile and I had a flash of worry. 'I hope she doesn't want to drain me.' I thought. I had worried so much that Eric would not be able to be around me, that I forgot about Pam.

"Pam." Was all Eric said but his tone conveyed much more.

"I am just teasing you Sookie. You do smell better, but you have nothing to worry about. I will not harm you unless Eric let's me." She said smirking.

"Sookie and I will be taking our leave. If anything important comes up you can reach me on my cell. Do not interrupt us unless it is absolutely necessary." Eric growled as he looked through some paperwork on his desk.

"You two have fun. Oh what is it that you Humans say? Oh yes... 'Do not do anything I would not do.'" Pam laughed as she walked out of the room.

Eric led me out of the office and went out the back door. He swept me up in his arms bridal style and took off into the air so fast we were flying before it even registered.

"Eric!" I gasped. "In a hurry?"

He grinned at me. "Hold on." Eric's laugh was a bit sinister and then he flew faster. I wrapped my arms around his neck, closed my eyes, and laid my head on his shoulder. I was just trying to enjoy the cool air and the feeling of Eric's arms around me. I never felt as safe as I did when I was with Eric. I knew we had a lot to talk about, because there was no where else I would rather be.

While I was in Aradia, I spent a lot of time thinking about Eric, about what we are to each other and how I felt about him. I needed to find out if he felt the same way. I know that when we talked before the Fairy War I had told him I didn't want to know how he felt about me, but that wasn't true. I was afraid. Afraid he wouldn't feel the same way and would break my heart. He had been so sweet tonight, almost like my Eric. The Eric who stayed with me without his memory. I had been through so much, I just wanted my little piece of happiness, and now I was going to lay it all out there. I would tell him everything and let the chips fall where they may. I wasn't sure if I would be around much longer. I had lived through some pretty horrible things and I wasn't sure if my luck was going to hold. If I was going to die in this upcoming fight, well, I guess I would take the chance before it was too late.

Before I knew it, Eric was landing in the yard of an extremely beautiful, two story, rectangular southern plantation home. The exterior was a stuccoed red brick with white trim. It had tall french windows with black wooden shutters and a two story columned porch that ran around the entire house. I was stunned. I would have never pictured Eric in a home like this. Not even the plantation in Gone with the Wind was this amazing.

"Eric, it's beautiful!" I was thoroughly impressed.

"It's just one of my homes. You are the only one who knows of it. Not even Pam knows about this one."

"One of your homes?" I had no idea Eric had more than one.

"Yes. I have several estates. I do not like to rest in the same place all the time. It makes you an easier target if someone finds out where you rest." He stated matter-of-factly. "Come, let us get inside."

We walked to the huge arched front door, it had to be twelve-feet tall and was painted white. Next to the door on the wall was a black square key pad with a small screen.

"You need an access code and a fingerprint to enter." Eric said as he entered a number on the key pad and placed his thumb on the screen. "Place your thumb on the screen. I need to scan in your print so you have access to the house."

I placed my thumb on the screen as Eric instructed and he scanned in my print. Then he typed in a number and I heard a click of the door unlocking.

"The code is 07011979." He whispered. "You will be able to come and go as you please."

"Eric..." I paused for a second I was so touched he would trust me with his life like that. "Thank you." I couldn't help but smile at him, the pass code was my birthday. I had no idea he even knew it.

"Come now Lover." Eric walked in and I followed. We entered into an enormous foyer. The ceiling had to be twenty-four feet high and was covered in ornate tin tiles that were painted gold and had intricate designs pounded out on them. In the center of the ceiling there was a gorgeous crystal chandelier that looked as if it was taken from a palace. The room's dark red walls were trimmed with beige colored decorative crown and baseboard molding. The floors were a deep cherry wood that was so highly polished they gleamed. In the middle of the room was a magnificent staircase that led to the second floor with a long swinging curve that seemed to sweep into the room and take center stage. I was in awe. I stood in the center of the room just spinning myself in a circle to take it all in.

"Wow." Was all I could say.

"You haven't seen the rest of the house, but there is time enough for that later." Eric said with a glimmer in his eyes. He swept me up in his arms and rushed up the stairs and down a long hallway. The hallway was lined with doors and I wondered how many rooms the place had. We stopped at the end of the hall at a large cherry wood door. If I thought I was going to see the rest of the house tonight, I was wrong. Eric took me straight to the master bedroom.

As soon as we were inside Eric set me on my feet. The bedroom was just as impressive as the foyer. The walls were covered in ornate intricately carved wood paneling that matched the color of the hardwood floors. A magnificent four poster bed with exquisite red and gold linens, that looked like they were fit for a king, was the main focus of the room. Two reading chairs sat in the far corner of the room next to an extremely large ornamented white fireplace.

"Eric, is this your bedroom?" I could just imagine my gorgeous Viking lying on this bed. I couldn't help but lick my lips.

"No Lover, my room is this way." Eric took my hand and led me to a panel on the wall near the fireplace. "Stand here." He commanded and placed me in front of one of the panels. I looked over my shoulder at him questioningly but followed his instructions.

Eric walked over to the fireplace. On its mantle was a vase. He turned the vase in a pattern of motion and the panel in front of me slid silently to the right to reveal stairs that led downward.

"Oh my God Eric. Is this your hidey hole?" I was in awe at the extent he went to when it came to safety.

"Yes, and it is quite a bit larger than the one at your house. Let me show you." We descended the long spiral staircase and the hidden door shut automatically. I jumped a little, but Eric smiled reassuringly.

"Did you build this Eric?" I had read many mysteries that had stories of castles with hidden passageways and I couldn't help but get a feeling of butterflies of excitement in the pit of my stomach as Eric led me down. The staircase went down a lot farther than I thought it would, putting us underground.

"No, this plantation was a stop on the underground railroad. It contains many hidden passageways that go in and out of the home, some even run out to other buildings on the property. You will see how I have converted the cellar to accommodate me during the day."

When we got to the bottom of the stairs we stood in a small entry way. A thick metal door that looked like an entrance to a vault stood in front of us. This door had a key pad next to it much like the front door, only slightly different. I looked at the device a little confused. Eric noticed my expression and said, "Retinal scanner. It scans your eye. Watch." Eric leaned forward towards the device, I saw it emit a flash of light and then the door swung open.

"Is all this necessary?" It was a little too much just to sleep somewhere safe.

"I have not stayed alive this long without precautions, and not all my homes have security to this extent. This is more like my fortress. No one can access me here and there are enough supplies to last quite a while if it need be. This place can accommodate a number of people, so if I need to house some of my retinue I have the ability to do so. The house has been renovated to house vampires. All of the windows are tempered with the same glass as that hotel in Rhodes. " Eric was proud of his home.

When we entered his hidey hole, I couldn't believe how large it was. The area had been entirely converted from an old cellar to a modern living space resembling a studio loft. It was as big as the whole first floor of my home. I was surprised to see that his personal space was nothing like the rest of the home. It was decorated more like I pictured his place would look. It had black slated tile floors and the walls were a pale blue color that reminded me of a clear sky on a bright day. When I walked in, right to my left, was a glass desk with a laptop sitting on top of it. On the wall behind the desk there stood a bookcase crammed with books. To my right was pool table with royal blue felt instead of the usual green. The loft had a small state-of-the-art kitchen in the back left corner of the room complete with a modern square dining table that sat four. It had high back, black leather dining chairs and sat on an area rug that had geometric shapes in blue, black, and white. Next to the kitchen, to the left, was a big screen wall mounted television surrounded by a black leather couch and loveseat. A cabinet sat under the television filled with DVDs. Between the living room and the kitchen was the door to the bedroom, I assumed, and Eric led me in.

His bedroom boasted a huge king sized sleigh bed with a simple blue comforter and big plush pillows. It was the first thing that caught my eye and I stepped forward to touch the soft looking bedding. I ran my fingers across it and it was the softest cotton I think I ever felt. When I turned around Eric was behind me watching me with a devious look on his face. He stalked forward and I backed up until the back of my legs hit the bed. I felt the fluttering in my stomach at the promise of things to come and the throbbing heat started building in my center. He looked like he was going to eat me alive and I couldn't wait.

Eric pulled off his tee-shirt slowly and let it drop to the floor. He kicked off his shoes and unbuttoned his jeans, turning to give me a good view of his glorious butt as he dropped them to the floor. I swallowed hard and bit my lip. He wasn't wearing any underwear, and I had a flash of him in my house, the first time when I walked in on him. My libido was doing back flips. It had been a long time since I had made love and Eric made love like he was the inventor of the art.

He stopped right in front of me and leaned in close to my ear inhaling my scent. He relieved me of my cloak first, tossing it aside. His fangs had run out, voice became a husky whisper, "I have been waiting for this Sookie. Waiting for the next time I get to smell your sweet scent." His cool lips kissed the spot right below my ear, sucking it just a bit. It sent shivers down my spine. He deftly reached behind me and removed my sheathed swords, setting them near the bed.

"Longing to touch your soft, beautiful breasts." Eric unbuttoned my leather halter and pushed it off my shoulders exposing my breasts. He ran his fingers lightly from my cheek, down my neck, to my already hard nipples. He pitched and caressed my right breast and nipple, as his mouth kissed its way down to lick and nip at my left one. His long blond hair tickled my skin and I could feel his fangs scraping against my flesh. I could barely contain my desire for him.

"Needing to taste your sweet essence." Eric let out a low and guttural growl as his kisses flickered down my belly. His fingers followed suit, sliding down my sides until he reached my pants. Eric laid me onto the bed, quickly pulling off my boots then my leather pants. I gazed at his hard body as he knelt in front of me and gently spread my knees. He slipped two fingers into my already wet center and started to move them slowly and rhythmically inside of me. I couldn't help the moan that escaped my lips, or my hips from moving on their own. When his mouth latched on to my hard nub it nearly sent me over. I didn't think anything could feel that good.

"Eric..." I said looking right into his sparkling blue eyes. I barely recognized my own voice it was so filled with hunger, I was so ready, "now...ahhhh...please." I wanted to feel him inside me.

"Yes..." He hissed and positioned himself on top of me. He slid inside me slowly allowing me to stretch to accommodate his more then gracious plenty. When he was finally fully sheathed, he slowly pulled back out, before starting again. He repeated the motion as he leaned in to kiss me. "So beautiful, even more beautiful than I remember." I could taste of myself on his lips. It made me even more eager for him. Eric kissed me over and over almost reverently. His hands seemed to be everywhere teasing and caressing my body bringing me closer and closer to falling over the edge. My fingers dug into his arms as I urged him on.

"Sookie...my Sookie." Eric moaned picking up speed and it only spurred me on.

"Oh yes...please...Eric...I love you." I didn't monitor my words and Eric stopped moving completely for a moment. He stared into my eyes with a mixed expression of surprise and happiness, then a look of complete wonder. Eric began to move in and out of me slowly again and he ran his fingers down my arms, resting his hands on my face. He leaned in and kissed me with more passion than I have ever felt before and said, "I love you too...my Sookie."

He began to move faster as the tension was building. I could feel him throb and swell inside me as he came closer to his own blissful release. Eric leaned in to bite my shoulder and without thinking I did the same. We both bit down and I could taste his sweet blood in my mouth. Both Eric and I threw our heads back as our bodies were overcome with pleasure. Our bond opened up like a flood gate and all our love, lust, and happiness flowed between us. I could feel my soul reach for his and when they intertwined, we reach the end together speaking each others name. He collapsed on top of me and I gently stroked his back. We were both exhausted. Our bond seemed to be weak when I had returned but now it was stronger than ever. I could feel him as well as he could feel me and right now we were both content and sated.

A few minutes later, Eric turned and pulled me to his side. I laid my head on his chest with my arm and leg slung over him as he stroked my hair. I drew little circles on his chest with my fingers until I felt his fingertips trace my now slightly pointed ears and that brought reality crashing back down.

"My love, your ears?" Eric said with wonder.

"Yes, I have gone through a lot of changes." I said a little stiffly.

"Yes your a bit taller and your skin is like silk, even softer. You look like a Goddess." I couldn't help but blush at his words.

I knew I had to tell him all about the prophecy, my time in Aradia, all the things I had become. I was worried about his reaction but considering we had just confessed our love for each other, I guessed it was as good a time as any.

I began my story with waking in the crossroads and ended with the dragon and the prophecy of my coming battle. Eric looked troubled by the time I ended my tale.

I could feel his mixed emotion coming through the bond and I was beginning to feel anxious. He must have felt it because he said "Dear One, I love you. I will always love you. If you are to fight, I will fight at your side. There is no need to worry we will handle whatever is coming, and if we can't we will run. I will not lose you again. No one will ever take you from me. You are mine, my love, my life." I could feel his conviction and I smiled. It used to bother me that he referred to me as his, but now I could feel his love and I knew he was also mine.

"I think I should call Pam and have her set up a meeting with your friends. They will be anxious to see you and we need to get started on planning for this battle. We should try to find out who this Dragon is posing as these days. If we can find him, maybe this war will be unnecessary."

Eric turned over in the bed and reached for his pants on the floor and extracted his phone from the pocket. Dropping the pants back to the floor, he turned back to my direction and pulled me in close while dialing Pam. I just cuddled against him.

"Pam," Eric said a moment later, "call the group together we need to let them know Sookie is back and that there is more that needs to be discussed. Set it up for tomorrow night at Sookie's home." Eric paused for a second and listened to something Pam was saying. "When did he call." I lifted my head and looked at his face. He looked me dead in the eyes and said, "Fine set it for tomorrow night. We will meet with him first. Set the meeting with the others at a later time." Eric hung up.

"What is it?" I asked uneasily.

"It's Felipe. He will be here tomorrow night. He is insistent on talking to you. He has been having Victor inquire about you and I have been avoiding the issue. I told them you were on holiday after your run in with the Fairies. I believe he has reached the end of his patience." I could feel his concern through the bond.

"You're worried about them noticing my changes." I said grimly.

"Are you reading my mind Sookie?" He asked with a half smile.

"No, I still can't read vampires. I was just worried about the same thing." I said.

"We are wed, you are my wife, and I will protect you. Let me do the worrying. Just know, I will take care of you no matter what happens." He said gently. I knew he was trying to sooth me. I could feel it in our bond, but I had just worked my butt off for the last four months to get ready for this. I was a formidable opponent now and did not need to be treated like something as breakable as glass.

"Eric, I told you about my gifts. Don't you think I can take care of myself?" I asked trying not to sound angry, but he could feel it.

Eric frowned "Sookie, I did not mean to insult you. I am sure you are quite the fighter now, I just..." his voice trailing off for a moment as if he was considering what to say, "I don't think I could go on if something happened to you now, now that you are finally mine. I think I would meet the sun." He said sullenly.

I couldn't stand the look on his face it was filled with pain. "Baby, promise me that if something happens to me you will never do that. Please, I could never stand the thought of a world without you in it." I reached my hands out and cupped his face. I closed my eyes and pulled my soul partially from my body so I could heal the pain he was feeling. The light of my soul was gleaming gold and it moved from my body to my hands and into Eric making him glow with my aura. I wrapped my soul around his caressing it carefully, filling the fishers that life had left there. I lavished it with all the love I felt for him before pulling my soul back into myself.

Eric's eyes were closed and he let out a deep sigh as if a great weight had been lifted from him. His own glow returned to its normal silver but he seemed to glow a little brighter. He looked at me bewildered. "Sookie, what did you do to me? That was... I have never experienced such a thing...I feel better than I have in a thousand years."

"I healed your soul. I could feel your pain and I wanted to take it away." I said sleepily. I was beyond tired now. Healing a soul took a lot out of me and Eric had a thousand years of fishers running through his.

"You are tired my Goddess. I can feel it. Come, let us rest, it is almost dawn." Eric gathered me into him, and I drifted off to sleep.