These characters belong to Charlaine Harris. I'm just playing in her backyard.

Chapter 12

The cool feel of silk sliding over my bare skin was the first thing I became aware of. I kept my eyes closed and my breathing even as I used my other senses to explore my surroundings. The light, fresh scent of flowers permeated the air. I could pick out roses, lilies and maybe jasmine. I could hear the light sound of running water in the distance. I opened my mind, and found one void next to me and more voids and several snarly minds of shifters a little distance away. I rolled onto my side to snuggle up to my Viking protector.

"Sookie, are you finally ready to expand your horizons?"

"Pam!" I screamed as I jumped back pulling the sheet over my body. Pam was lying on her side on top of the sheets wearing a see-through white bra and panties.

"Relax Sookie," she said with a smirk on her face. "Eric did not want you to wake alone. He will be back within the hour. I just thought I would remind you of your offer of a 'lesbian affair' as you put it," she leered at me. I smiled, remembering saying those very words to her at Fangtasia just a couple weeks ago. Well, this could be fun. I gave her what I hoped was a sexy smile (I'm not used to flirting with women).

I leaned back in toward Pam until my face was inches from her. "Pam," I whispered, then I paused, closing my eyes and lightly licking my lips. I opened my eyes to see she was leaning toward me with a triumphant, slightly fangy smile on her face. I closed the distance between our faces until my lips were less than an inch from hers. "Nice try," I whispered.

Pam threw her head back and laughed. It reminded me so much of Eric. She swung her legs over the edge of the bed and got up. "You can't blame me for trying. I still remember the sweet taste of your blood and I would love to taste you without the maenad's poison. And you have a delicious body. I would love to introduce you to a wide variety of new things." She smiled at me as she started putting her clothes back on with vampire speed. She had a soft pink cashmere v-neck sweater and a pair of smoky gray slacks.

"Pam, you're the greatest." I laughed with her and got myself out of bed, keeping the sheet wrapped around me. "Where exactly are we?" I asked, looking around at the bedroom we were in.

"We are in the estate of the King of Alaska."

"Oh." I felt kind of bad about that, since this wasn't his fight. I vaguely remembered meeting him last night and his kind words. He had promised to give us whatever help we needed. He was much more human than most vampires I had met, especially a King.

I kept the sheet around me and headed toward the open bathroom door. The monstrosity they called a bathroom took my breath away. The shower could probably fit ten people and the bathtub at least five.

"Pam, can I ask you a question?" I called out to her.

"Of course, Sookie." She stepped into the bathroom behind me, looking over my shoulder. "Is there something that you need?"

"What's the deal with vampires and their bathrooms? I like showers and hot baths, but seriously, isn't this going a little overboard?"

Pam burst out laughing. "I don't know Sookie. But I do know it's always better to have room for more people."

"Oh." I wasn't sure I wanted to think about that too closely. I did however remember a particular shower, or rather 'The Shower', with Eric, and I could see that being a big draw to putting in a larger shower. However, room for two was enough. I shook my head trying to get the images and memories of "The Shower" out of my head. I didn't want to have to take a cold one.

"Do you need any help with your shower? I would be happy to make sure you get nice and clean," she leered at me with her fangs down as she watched me in the mirror from over my shoulder.

"That is so sweet of you Pam, but I think I'll be able to manage. Maybe next time." She smiled in amusement and closed the door behind her as she left. It was kind of fun teasing her. I was still feeling awfully weak, but I could definitely manage the shower by myself.

Now that I was alone, I allowed the sheet to fall and really looked at myself for the first time. I sucked in a deep breath and a sob left my mouth. I clapped my hand over my mouth to keep Pam from hearing. But with her damn vampire hearing, she was back in the bathroom in an instant. This time the playful mood was gone. I just stared in the mirror at my reflection. I knew that the healing potion worked a little less each time, but I hadn't looked myself over after that last time or realized that I still had big welts and bright red marks all over my body. Very lightly, with my trembling fingertips, I traced one of the largest red shiny scars on my forearm. I had lost at least ten pounds and had huge dark circles under my eyes. As I looked at my body in the mirror, the full weight of what had happened to me landed heavily on my shoulders. I fell to my knees and Pam gently knelt down in front of me and wrapped her cool arms around me. She made soothing sounds as I sobbed.

We didn't say anything for a long time. Regardless of our previous discussion of the need for assistance, Pam did actually help me in the shower, but there was nothing sexual about it. Pam was actually very soothing and motherly in her care of me. The tears continued to stream down my face as she silently shampooed my hair. As I tried to wash away the memories, the heavenly scent of the essential oils in the fancy French soap calmed me. I realized it would probably be like this for a while, reliving this experience. But I am strong and as I had found out the night before, I had the most amazing friends to help me through this. I knew I was a lucky woman.

When my shower was done, Pam brought me a pair of jeans and a sweater like hers in sky blue. My clothing would cover most of my new scars. I dressed and then sat on the edge of the bed as she combed out my wet hair.

"Pam?" I started tentatively, breaking our long silence.

"Yes?"

"Would you just hold me for a while?" I blushed bright red, completely embarrassed, but I needed the physical comfort.

"Of course." I was so glad that she didn't make anything more of it or try to joke about it.

She laid down on the bed and I lay next to her pulling the blankets over us, and then Pam pulled me close and held me. We just lay there for a while. "Thank you Pam. You have been a great friend to me." I closed my eyes and drifted off a bit, not really asleep but somewhere in-between. When I felt an almost overwhelming wave of contentment and relief, I opened my eyes and looked over Pam to see Eric standing at her side of the bed. He walked around to sit down next to me.

"Eric. I'm glad you're back," I whispered. I rolled over to hold his hand. He cupped the side of my face in his free hand and leaned down to give me a light kiss. I sighed and Pam and I started getting out of the bed.

"You know, I kind of like seeing my two ladies cuddling in bed together. It gives me ideas." Eric waggled his eyebrows at us and I laughed. With Eric there I felt so much lighter.

"Well Eric, as I've already told Pam, it's not going to happen."

He sighed theatrically. "Maybe you will change your mind someday. Just let me know."

"Is there anything else that you need?" Pam asked Eric.

"No. You may go downstairs and have dinner if you want. The king has donors waiting. We will be down in a while." Pam nodded and opened the door to leave. I tried not to think about 'dinner'. I still can't get used to the idea of live donors.

"Pam, thank you," I said as she was about to close the door behind her. She nodded at me with a bit of smile and closed the door. Eric and I sat down on the bed next to each other.

"Sookie, how are you feeling now?" Eric asked. He was looking my body over, though luckily most of my skin was covered. I was feeling very self-conscious.

"I'm fine. I'm a bit sore and I still have a lot of marks, but I could be a lot worse." I was having trouble looking him in the face. I wasn't sure why.

"I called Niall and he brought a vial of potion for you. He warned that you will probably still have scars, but they will become faint after time." I didn't miss the raw anger in Eric's voice at Niall's name.

"Niall was here?" I asked. He nodded.

"He was unable to stay more than a couple minutes, but we will arrange a time for you to meet with him. It will be best to stay away for him while the Fae are fighting amongst themselves. You will continue to be a target, so we will be keeping a close eye on you. Vampires will be a better guard for you when Fairies are the ones after you. We will drain anyone that comes close."

"And Amun?" I asked looking down at my hands.

"He is secured in a room in the basement surrounded by iron. We will be meeting later to talk about what will be done with him. You deserve to be involved in that discussion."

"Thank you." I nodded, still looking at my hands.

"You don't have to see him again if you don't want to." Eric's voice was soothing. He stroked my hair, knowing it was calming to me.

"I'm not sure. I'll have to think about that," I said in a whisper. That would take a lot of work on my part. As much as I had resolved to stop avoiding things, I wasn't sure that was something I needed to face again.

"You can decide later, dear one. If you want to see him, I will stay by your side. But don't feel like you have to. I would understand."

"Okay. I'll think about it."

"I'll protect you, lover. I'll keep you safe."

"I know. You always keep me safe." I looked up into Eric's deep blue eyes and I lost myself. I put my hand behind Eric's head and pulled him down for a kiss. We started tentatively but as the kiss deepened, the urgency of our passion became overwhelming. I needed him like I needed air. Maybe more. I fumbled at the buttons of his shirt as he put his hands up the back of my sweater. After I pulled off his shirt and threw it to the side, he pulled my sweater over my head and unclasped the hooks on my bra. As I pulled the bra off, he pulled back and got the first real look at my body.

I felt Eric's pain and despair through the bond. He got on his knees and, light as a butterfly's wing, traced the marks with his cool fingertips. He pulled me into a tight embrace and held me for a moment, then pulled a vial of a peach-colored potion from his pocket. He looked into my eyes and silently handed it to me. I gave him one more quick kiss and then poured the liquid down my throat. This one tasted of citrus. It was instantly refreshing and I could feel the healing start. It was also more healing to my spirit then the silver potion. I felt like a weight had been lifted from me. Eric and I watched as the marks on my body disappeared into faint lines. I was relieved that it worked. I don't consider myself vain, but I didn't want my entire body to be covered in horrible scars. I already had enough.

Without saying a word, I took Eric's face in my hands and kissed him for all I was worth. I needed him and I needed him now. He pushed me back onto the bed and positioned himself over me. Our kisses were desperate and we tore at each other's clothing trying to remove what was left. When we were finally divested of our clothes, Eric started kissing, licking and teasing as he moved slowly down my body. He latched onto one of my breasts, flicking my hard nipple with his tongue, while he pinched my other nipple with his fingers. I moaned and arched my back into him. When I felt his fangs touch, but not bite, the sensitive skin, I cried out in ecstasy. Eric looked up at me and smirked at me before moving his mouth to my other breast.

He made his way down, kissing a path down to my mound. By the time he got all the way down, my entire body was on fire. I weaved my fingers through his long hair, out of my mind in anticipation. He flicked my clit with his thumb and stuck two fingers between my folds, thrusting them in and out of my hot center. I threw my head back and cried out.

"Look at me lover." My head snapped up and I looked into Eric's deep blue eyes. When he was sure I was watching, he lowered his head and sucked my clit into his mouth, flicking it with his tongue, as he continued the rhythm of his magical fingers. I moaned loudly and bucked into him. He put a hand on my hip to keep me in place. It was taking all my self-control to keep my eyes on his. I could feel I was close.

"Eric, bite me," I cried. He looked at my hesitantly. "Now!" I screamed. He nuzzled my thigh for a second and then bit. The feel of his fangs piercing my skin and him feeding on my blood sent me soaring over the edge. Through the bond I could feel Eric's pleasure at drinking my blood as though it was my own. My orgasm exploded through me and I came, screaming his name. Before I knew it Eric's lips were crushing mine, our mouths desperate for each other. I could taste my juices and my blood on his lips and it only turned me on more. I reached down and stroked his hard length. Eric gasped and I stroked him again. I felt a drop of liquid on the tip of his member with my fingers and I brought them to my mouth and tasted him. He watched with a look of pure lust and I sucked my fingers.

"Sookie," he cried out as he thrust into me in one swift stroke. I pushed my hips up to meet him as he pounded into me. Eric growled and picked up the pace. We completely lost ourselves as we reacquainted ourselves with each other's body. The bond was fully opened and we felt each others pleasure as our own. It was the most intense thing I had ever experienced. The world around us disappeared. There was only us. I could feel every inch of him as he thrust in and out of me. Gracious plenty indeed. We were both so close and with a small movement of my hips he was able to push in just a little deeper and we came together, screaming each others names. I sobbed with the intensity of it as my muscles clenched around him, milking him for all he was worth. As the wave subsided, I held onto Eric as if my life depended on it and maybe it did.

Eric finally pulled out and I moaned with the loss of him. He chuckled and then tucked me into his side and held onto me as I sobbed. "Oh, Eric. I've missed you so much. I've been such a fool. I don't care what I have to do. I just want to be with you. I'm sorry I pushed you away." My walls were down and my inhibitions gone.

"Lover, I'm sorry too. After I remembered our time together…well I hadn't been that happy in hundreds of years. I ache to be with you. But before I remembered, I wasn't fair to you and I know I hurt you. I am sorry for that. And then I remembered, but it was right at the start of the new regime and I was under constant watch, so I couldn't be with you and treat you like I should. I am sorry for that as well."

"Eric, why did you leave me? You never called, you never came by. I thought you didn't want me." I cried as I finally asked the question I had been afraid to voice.

Eric held me even closer as he could feel my heart aching. "Oh Sookie, dear one, I haven't been as attentive as I know I should have been. Pam won't leave me alone about it. 'Dear Abby this, Dear Abby that." She has been driving my crazy." He kissed my head softly and took a deep breath, smelling my hair. "I did not want to let the new king know about our relationship. He knows of our bond, but I don't want him to know that there is more to us than a simple bond for the purpose of control. I don't want to put you in more danger, but it is agony being away from you. Our blood bond is so strong and it is difficult to be away from you for any length of time, much less the months that we have been apart. I am distracted and angry all the time and Pam says that I am being bad for business," he said with a deep chuckle. I loved the feeling of him laughing as he held me to his chest.

"I told you that you may come to hate me, and I was afraid that you already did. I know that you didn't want this bond and I didn't want to force my presence on you too. I wanted you to decide what you wanted before forcing my company on you."

"Let's just put it all behind us then," I said, nuzzling my head into Eric's chest. We cuddled in a comfortable silence, but after a while I spoke again quietly, "I was so happy with you when you stayed with me, and I thought I couldn't have that when you got your memory back, but I still want you, even with all the politics and power and stuff that come with you being sheriff," I said. I gazed up into his eyes, startled by the intensity of his look. I lightly pressed my lips to his, reveling in the tenderness of the moment. It was like being back with my Eric. I thought that myEric was separate from Eric the Sherriff, but I finally accepted that I loved all parts of Eric. The Eric that was entrenched in vampire politics was just part of the Eric I love, and I could accept that. I loved all of him. "I know the politics may not be easy for me to deal with all the time, but I'm willing to do it for you. Just don't expect me to call you master."

"Are you sure about that?" he asked.

"Yes." I could feel his amusement through the bond.

"I would be a good master to you," he leered.

I kissed his lips softly with a smile on my face. I could feel his hardness pressing into my thigh, and I adjusted myself to bring him closer. Eric moaned and he deepened our kiss.

I leaned over and whispered in his ear, "why don't you show me how good a master you can be, and pillage me you big Viking." There was nothing slow or tender about our joining. We were both desperate for each other. We lost ourselves in our shared emotions and shared passions. After we both reached our release again, we took a shower and relived one of my favorite memories. I realized that my memories didn't come anywhere close to doing him justice.

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