AS IT SHOULD BE Chapter 14, a true blood fanfic

Note: The lyrics in this fanfiction are 'Closer' by Kings of Leon. And a small excerpt from William Blake's poem 'Auguries of Innocence'.

Chapter 14: Moving On

Sookie watched the sun come up through her kitchen window. She was lost in thought watching the colours of morning begin to change, sipping a cup of coffee. She was so preoccupied that at first she didn't realize what had changed.

'I wonder where she is...would she leave without telling me? – who could blame her after how I treated her!? But then why wouldn't she or Bill take any of their stuff? Should I report it to the Sheriff? Oh Jessica!'

Sookie felt the thoughts invade her mind. She could feel his desperate worry and heartache, and it pierced her own heart.

Oh crap! I forgot all about Hoyt...what can I possibly tell him? Poor guy. His worry for her safety and fear she had left him poked Sookie's own pain with a sharp stick forcing it into the forefront of her mind. Do I really have to deal with this this morning?

She had been trying very hard to clean up the mess of her emotions, and having Hoyt's feelings reflect how little she had been able to do but repress them was not pleasant – especially not at six o'clock in the morning!

Sookie pulled her housecoat closer and got up from the table to answer the door. From the window she watched Hoyt cross the lawn. He looked terrible. His eyes were red-rimmed and the lines in his face were deeper than Sookie could remember ever seeing. He had always been so simple and easy to please, polite and patient with his mother, even if she didn't deserve it sometimes.

Sookie waited patiently for Hoyt to knock before answering the door, she took in a deep breath and opened it with a smile.

"Hoyt! What brings you around at this hour of the morning? Is there something I can do for you?" Sookie had learned that people were easier to manage if they said things in their own time. If she showed them she knew too much it usually just backfired on her. He looked at her with pain and hesitation clear on his face.

"I'm so sorry to bother you this early Sookie. I just thought maybe you could answer some questions for me?"

Sookie raised her eyebrows waiting for him to spit it out. She was feeling very apprehensive, and still had no clear idea what she was going to tell him. She really didn't want to lie, but didn't want to have the sheriff's department involved. She berated herself for not thinking of any of this sooner.

He shoved his hands into his pockets and looked at the floor.

"Sookie do you know where Bill is?" His eyes flicked up to her face quickly, "Or Jessica?"

Sookie let her face fall. "I think you should come in and sit down." She held open the door and gestured him inside. He moved inside hesitantly.

"Jessica and I had got into a fight, and she hasn't returned any of my calls for a couple of days. So I thought I would go over to see if she- but the door was wide open. I waited but no one came home. I-I thought maybe you might know somethin'. Did she and Bill go somewhere?"

"Sit down. Can I get you anythin' to drink?"

"No, thank you Sookie."

Sookie took a seat at the kitchen table and gestured to the seat across from her.

"You'd better sit down."

He sat across from her, squaring his shoulders and unconsciously holding his breath. Sookie felt so sorry for him.

"Hoyt, I'm so sorry to have to tell you this...but Bill and Jessica died." His shoulders fell and the breath came out of him in a rush.

He looked up at her with tears filling his eyes. "How?"

Sookie took another deep breath, now for the hard part.

"You know that vampire that messed Sam up so bad?" She watched him nod his head. "Well, he attacked Bill in the house...Bill and Jessica both died."

"What happened?"

"I'm not sure. I was only told what happened by another vampire who was there and escaped."

Hoyt was slumped in the chair, tears falling onto the table top.

"I'm so sorry Hoyt, I know how much she meant to you. We have lost too many people we love around here lately." Sookie felt her own eyes fill and spill over.

Hoyt nodded absently and got up from the table. Sookie lowered her shields slightly, to see if he believed her.

'Oh Jessica! My Jessica! How can you be gone? That bastard who killed you, I will find him and kill him! I'm so sorry!' Sookie quickly put her shields back into place. His grief, guilt and anger were almost overwhelming.

"Thank you for telling me Sookie."

He walked to the door like a zombie. She didn't move from the table. She looked at the table and let the tears come. Hoyt turned at the door and looked back at her.

"I'm so sorry. I know you loved Bill...I'm sorry." And he walked out the door.

At work that afternoon, she watched as Sam was driven up by Terry Bellefleur. She watched him get out of the truck using a pair of crutches and enter his trailer. She knew Sam would settle himself in and then come over to the bar to check on things. She wanted to dash over and make sure he was all right but her memory of her visit to the hospital stopped her. She hadn't understood Sam's reaction to her when she'd gone to see him. He'd been completely out of character. So she waited for him to come to her. A half an hour later she felt the familiar feel of his mind enter the back of the bar. He stopped off briefly at his office before coming out front.

They weren't busy but there were a few people seated here and there. Sam took up his usual spot behind the bar, pulling a stool around first and taking a seat.

Sookie walked over to him with a tentative smile.

"Hey Sam, welcome back. How're you feelin'? You look real good."

Sam smiled at her and it was the old Sam she saw in his eyes. "Hey Sook, thanks. I'm glad to be back."

She looked around at the tables, making sure no one wanted anything or was listening, a few people were glancing their way and shouting greetings at Sam; who held up his hand in acknowledgement.

"Sam, I'm so sorry for what happened I-" he shook his head.

"No Sookie. I'm sorry. I was out of line at the hospital. I was in pain, and drugged, my pride was hurt and I blamed you a bit and I'm sorry. I know it wasn't your fault, and I'm glad it seems he didn't find you." His eyes were repentant and she felt the familiar pull of attraction from him.

For a moment her smile was big and full of relief and happiness. Then she remembered that Mott had found her and she flinched at remembering what he had done to her when he had.

Sam reached across the bar and put his warm hand over hers.

"Sookie what is it?"

"He did find me." She said quietly and looked up into his face. It had gone blank, but something wild was in his eyes.

"He came for me at my house while I was alone. I was hurt pretty bad, but Eric saved me. He killed Mott." Sookie was looking down at the floor. She could tell he knew she wasn't telling him everything. She could feel his fury, and his desire to protect her.

"Sam. I'm okay. I'm just so glad you're back!" One side of his mouth quirked up.

"I'm glad to hear that Sookie. I'm glad to be here too."

They were interrupted by someone calling for more chicken fingers and onion rings. Sookie turned to get it, but Sam grabbed her hands tighter in his.

"Sookie, I want the whole story...later." He gave her a significant look. She wasn't too happy about it, but he deserved it. He had gotten hurt trying to protect her. She nodded.

"Later."

The rest of her shift passed easily, she and Sam laughing and joking. To Sookie's great relief their relationship seemed to be back to normal. As her shift was winding down, the beginnings of the evening crowd were beginning to trickle in and she was kept quite busy. While Sookie's back was turned and she was busy with customers, Jason came in. When she turned around she spotted him at the bar with his arm around an unfamiliar girl. Who's he with now? He was leaning over the bar and talking to Sam, she watched the girl slip out from under his arm and head towards the back.

Jason turned around and was leaning up against the bar, looking at ease. When he spotted her his face lit up in a smile that was both happy and tinged with a little guilt.

"Sookie!"

As she made her way up to him he pushed himself off the bar and pulled her into a big hug.

She was glad things had become so much easier between them since Dallas, it was nice to be closer to the only family she had left. She hugged him back.

"So Sook, I'm sorry I haven't seen you in a bit. I've been real busy working with the crew and then I met Crystal, and I've been spending most of my time with her. I can't wait for you to meet her! She is somethin' else Sook." His face was so excited Sookie couldn't help but smile with him.

It's been a good thing he's been so caught up, being around me the last couple of days would have been dangerous and probably have gotten him killed.

Crystal came back out from the back, and she was dressed in a Merlotte's servers uniform. Sookie raised an eyebrow at Jason.

"Um, yeah. Did I mention that she is a new waitress here? While Sam was off hurt and they were down two waitresses she came in and helped out. Speaking of which, why were you off after coming back from Dallas? Were you and Bill trying to get some alone time?" He nudged her, with a playful smile on his face. The smile slowly died as he took in her unsmiling face.

"Sook?"

But Crystal walked up. Sookie could tell she was different immediately. Her mind was definitely not human, she seemed to be some sort of shifter, kind of like Sam, but not. Yet not like Alcide's mind either. Crystal was eyeing her wearily up and down, taking Sookie's measure. She must already know about Jason's history with women. Sookie smiled brightly and held out her hand,

"Hi, Crystal is it? I'm Jason's sister Sookie."

Crystal's shoulders lost a bit of their tension. She smiled cautiously back, showing beautiful white teeth. She herself was beautiful and dark. Her hair was black and fell past her waist. Her eyes were a deep brown under black arched brows. She was a little smaller than Sookie herself, but she looked muscular and fit in her shorts and t-shirt. She carried herself with the assurance of someone who could take care of themselves, and was used to doing so.

She reached out and took Sookie's hand, smiling back.

"Hi I'm Crystal Norris, Jason's girlfriend." As she held Sookie's hand her head tilted to one side. Sookie could tell she had picked up on the fact that Sookie wasn't totally normal either. She could feel the thoughts racing through Crystal's mind,and tried to politely take her hand back to stop the contact.

"Well I better get going, my shift is done and I am tired and hungry. It was so nice to meet you." She nodded in Jason's direction, "Jason. We'll talk later."

Sookie walked by the bar, and waved Tara over to her. "Hey Tara, I'm out for the night."

"Alright girl, take care of yourself."

Sookie smiled. "Will do." She waved to Sam who was deep in conversation with a couple of patrons. He waved back.

She left work that evening feeling like life was finally starting to return to some semblance of normal.

As she turned into the lane to her house, Sookie watched the sun setting behind the trees. It sent beautiful streaks of red and pink across the sky. I've watched both sun rise and sunset today. She parked in her usual spot. In the dying light she saw someone sitting on her back porch – it was Hoyt Fortenberry again. He was wearing the same thing as this morning. Sookie got slowly out of her car and walked up to the edge of her porch.

"Hoyt? Is that you?"

He stood up from her porch swing. "Hey Sookie, I'm sorry to bother you again, but I was wondering if you would come with me to put this in the graveyard." He held his hands up to show he was holding what appeared to be a shaped block of wood. Tears sprang to her eyes and she held them back with effort. Feeling like something was stuck in her throat, "Of course I will."

Hoyt stepped off the porch and they began walking towards the graveyard. "I was thinking we would put it beside Bill's stone. I couldn't think of any other place to put it where it wouldn't immediately be moved. I was going to put it in my family plot but if my mother-" He stopped, barely restraining his emotions.

She put her hand on his arm. "I think that is very sweet of you, she was a lucky girl to love you."

Sookie led him to Bill's tombstone. And helped him clear a small place next to the big stone.

Hoyt gently placed the marker on the ground. It was getting very difficult to see under the trees, but she could just make out – Jessica, the love of my life.

Sookie felt the tears spill over and run down her cheeks.

"She never told me her last name. She said that part of her life was no longer important. That I was her family now." She looked over to see the tears streaming down his face as well. He couldn't seem to stop talking.

"I went back to the house to try and find any remains, but I couldn't find a single thing." He looked at her, his eyes wild with grief, "so I brought this." It was a small necklace; a little gold cross. He dug a small hole and gently placed the necklace inside and covered it over.

Sookie was so moved at first she couldn't think of anything to say. But as Hoyt stepped back, she took his hand in hers.

"Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust. Sleep now Jessica, and be at peace. We loved you very much, and will miss you for the rest of our lives. May the Father accept and comfort you in the kingdom of Heaven." Hoyt squeezed her hand gently.

All he managed was a choked "Good bye."

Hoyt walked her back to her house in silence. As they neared her door, Sookie looked up at him. "Would you like to come in for something to drink?"

"No, thank you. I just wanna be alone right now." He looked down into her eyes. "She was the first girl I ever truly loved."

"I'm so sorry."

"And I'm sorry about Bill."

"Thank you Hoyt, they will both be missed." He nodded. He started walking towards his truck which she just noticed. He stopped and turned in the act of opening his door, "Just one more thing. Someone sent you something, I signed for it since you weren't home and I left it on the back porch. Take care of yourself." He got in and drove away.

Sookie was glad he hadn't accepted her offer, she really didn't want him inside asking any more questions. It was too painful. And seeing his grief highlighted how she wasn't feeling it. At least not the same way. I loved Bill, didn't I? His betrayal ripped me apart. I did feel like I wanted to die, but I just don't feel that anymore. I don't feel like Hoyt. What is wrong with me? I was gunna marry the guy!? A tiny voice answered, face it, a part of you wanted him dead after betraying you! He flayed Lafayette! He tried to kill you! He chose Lorena over you! To distract herself from these thoughts she walked up onto the back porch to see what had been sent to her.

It was a new door, with a red bow on it. She waked closer, and under the bow she could see a note. She pulled it out of the envelope. The handwriting was a beautiful flowing script.

Sookie,

For the one that was destroyed.

Godric

Sookie was moved. How thoughtful! Maybe I'll call Terry over tomorrow to put it in.

The sun had fully set and it was now dark. Sookie walked into the house feeling emotionally exhausted. She grabbed some left-overs and ate them on the way upstairs. In her room she slipped out of her work clothes and jumped in the shower, letting the stresses of the days flow down the drain. When she felt clean and new she stepped out, wrapping herself in a towel. She rummaged through her closet. She wasn't planning on going out anywhere but she was feeling good tonight and wanted to dress in something comfortable but still sexy. You never know who will show up...she thought smiling to herself. She turned on the radio and dropped the towel onto the back of the chair. She continued rummaging. She pulled out a pair of red tiny boy cut underwear and put them on. She started singing along with the radio.

Stranded in this spooky town

Stoplights are swaying and the phone lines are down

Snow is crackling cold

She took my heart I think she took my soul

With the moon I run,

Far from the carnage of the fiery sun

Driven by the strangle of vein

Showing no mercy I'll do it again

Open up your eyes

You keep on crying baby, I'll bleed you dry

Skies they blink at me,

I see a storm bubbling up from the sea

And it's coming closer

Why is every song I listen to reminding me of the vampires in my life lately? She sighed deeply. She pulled out a beautiful red paisley shirt that was off the shoulder, it had an elastic bottom so it showed some stomach as well. It had been a gift and she didn't often wear it because you couldn't wear a bra with it, but she shrugged and pulled it on. With it she pulled out a pair of jean shorts. She had freshly shaved her legs, and she liked showing them off to great advantage whenever she could.

You who shimmy shook my bones

Leaving me stranded all in love on my own

Do you think of me?

Where am I now?Baby where do I sleep?

Feels so good but I'm old

2,000 years of chasing's taking its toll

And it's coming closer

2,000 years...reminds me of Godric. I wonder if he will stop by tonight... She smiled at her reflection in her mirror. She put on her makeup; just a little as she didn't plan on going anywhere. Her hair was still wet so she pulled it up into a messy bun.

With all her prep done she picked up her latest book from the bedside table and headed downstairs to make herself some coffee. When she got to the kitchen she realized they were out of milk and a few other staples as well.

Well it has been awhile since I went grocery shopping. I guess I will have to go out tonight. Shrugging resignedly to herself Sookie grabbed her keys and her purse and headed out the door. She locked it behind her.

On the road Sookie was compiling a mental list of everything she should get. I sure hope I have enough in the bank...maybe it should just be a small shop, enough to hold us over till I get my paycheck this week.

Sookie was almost to the register when she passed a stand of True Blood. Should I? She was about to pass it by, but sighed and picked up a case. She had had one too may vampires just drop by and her Gran had always taught her to be hospitable. Plus, if she couldn't offer them an alternative, she may well become the beverage. The idea was not wholly without it's appeal, and as Sookie paid for everything she could feel her cheeks were warm.

The teller was a young man who was appreciating the view of her wearing no bra, which only deepened her blush. Well jeez...

Once safely back in her car, Sookie took a breath, laughing at herself a bit. She drove back home, and unpacked all her groceries. She brought out the new bag of coffee and set it to brewing. Then she got out the bag of chocolate chip cookies she had just bought and sat down in the armchair in the living room with her book; she was reading a book of poems by William Blake. It had been her grandmothers, and Sookie, though not usually a fan of poetry, she was enjoying some of the words remembering her grandmother reading them to her when she was little. She could smell the coffee, and got up to get herself a cup. It was only 9pm, when she looked up at the clock. She was passing by the front door when someone knocked. Sookie nearly jumped out of her skin. And she almost got coffee all over her. Thank God I still have vampire blood-enhanced reflexes! Sookie thought vehemently. Out loud she cursed.

"Damn!" And she stepped around the puddle of coffee and opened the door. She nearly dropped the mug again when she saw who it was. Eric was standing at her door and he looked damn good. He was wearing his usual jeans, sandals and black undershirt. Sookie had to stop her jaw from dropping and swallowed the excess saliva. She was like Pavlov's dog and someone had rung the dinner bell. Her eyes narrowed when she looked up into his face. He had a smile on his face that made her nervous. Like he knew something important that she didn't. His eyes raked her from head to foot and the smile widened.

"Well, well Sookie. Don't you look," he licked his lips, "exquisite this evening." Sookie felt his voice stroke some very low parts of her anatomy, and she tried to suppress a shiver.

"Are you dressed up for me, or are you going out somewhere?"

"What are you talking about?"

His eyebrows rose and his face looked innocently astonished. "Did you not get the message that I was coming over tonight?"

Sookie looked over at the phone and sure enough it was blinking with a message. Was that blinking when I came home tonight? But Sookie couldn't remember.

"No, I didn't get your message. What do you want Eric?"

"Aww, Sookie. Don't be that way. I came here to give you something. And where are your manners aren't you going to invite me in for a drink?" His eyes were full of amusement and his fangs had come down a bit. Sookie was feeling distinctly weak in the knees. But his reprimand was like a splash of cold water.

"Tell me what you are here to give me, then I may decide to invite you in." She blocked the doorway with her body. She knew he could enter anyway as she had not rescinded his invitation but she hoped he had better manners than that. He shook his head at her in mock disapproval. Then he turned his smile on her and Sookie had to remember to breath. He was like lust personified. Stupid sexy viking!

"Somewhere on my person, is the check I owe you. Would you like to search me for it? Or would you rather invite me in and I will give it to you over polite conversation?"

He is enjoying himself far, far too much. But Sookie stepped back opening the door wider.

"Won't you come in, Eric?" Eric walked in, and suddenly the room seemed smaller to Sookie. It must be his giant ego. She giggled and closed the door. She took a step towards the kitchen and slipped in the coffee. She would have fallen, but Eric had caught her up in his arms, holding her much closer than necessary.

"You should watch your step Sookie. You could break your neck if you're not careful and I would be so sad." He was mocking her again, but as she looked up into his eyes there was something serious lurking in them. Maybe he really would miss me...she scoffed at herself mentally. Yeah right. Cause' that's likely. She squirmed to get out of his arms but from the noise he made and the way he held her tighter against him that may not have been her best plan. She could feel him hard and pressing against her.

"Oh do that again." He whispered in her ear.

"Eric, let go of me." And wished that it had sounded more firm and resolute.

He let go of her chuckling.

He walked ahead of her into the kitchen. He leaned against the table. And looked back at her expectantly.

"Eric would you like a True Blood?"

"No thank you, I'm not hungry enough to drink that stuff tonight." He made a little face. Sookie raised her eyebrows and walked over to refill her coffee mug. She felt his eyes on her. She looked back over her shoulder and caught him, his eyes were on her ass. Somehow that made her happy and annoyed at the same time. She walked over to the fridge and put a little milk in the coffee. Turning back to Eric she asked, "Okay well I was sitting in the living room." As she walked passed him, he joined her, walking by her side. She sat back down on her chair. Eric took a seat on the couch in front of her. He picked up her book from the coffee table and scanned the page she had been reading.

"Every night and every morn, some to misery are born. Every morn and every night, some are born to sweet delight. Some are born to sweet delight, some are born to endless night. I must say I like that." He looked up and smiled at her. "I wouldn't have guessed you for a poetry fan, Sookie."

"My Gran used to read William Blake to me as a girl." Eric put the book back down on the coffee table.

"So...how are Godric and Pam? You will have to thank Godric for me. He got me a new back door." Sookie was feeling antsy under his gaze. She wished he would say something to give her something to go on.

"They are both well. I will tell him you appreciate his gift. And how are you Sookie?"

"I'm fine, why do you ask?"

Eric looked at her closely. "I felt you today. You were in pain." He was quiet and watching her.

Sookie was embarrassed, how could he feel me from so far away? And during the day?

"I had Hoyt Fortenberry stop by my house twice today. He had been dating Jessica. I had to tell him that she was gone. And then when I got home from work he asked me to join him when he put a marker for her in the graveyard. It was very sad, he loved her very much. She didn't deserve what happened to her."

"No she didn't." Sookie was surprised he agreed with her. "She was so young. I regret that everything happened so quickly and she was unable to be saved." Sookie narrowed her eyes unsure if he was sincere or not. After a minute though she thought he did seem sincere. Sookie drank from her mug and sighed in satisfaction.

"Sookie-" He looked at her like he was going to say something but had reconsidered. He dug into his back pocket and pulled out an envelope. He handed it silently across the space between them.

She reached out and for a moment their fingers met on the little piece of paper, then he let go. Sookie felt like there was a jolt of electricity that had passed between them. Her whole body thrilled to the touch. She put her mug down, very carefully followed by the check. She stood and walked around the little coffee table. His eyes followed her the whole time. She had a moment of having no idea what she was planning to do and wondering if he could somehow glamour her now that she had had so much of his blood. What am I doing? What am I doing?

She reached down slowly and touched his face. His hand came up to hold hers there. His other hand reached out, grasping her hand and pulling her closer, till she was sitting on his lap. His eyes and face had become serious.

"Kiss me." It was neither a demand or a question, but something of both. She tilted her head and met his lips. She kissed him over and over again. Losing herself in the wonderful sensations. The hand on his cheek snaked back and gripped his neck, keeping him in place. He groaned into her kisses. And the sound of it excited her so much. She licked his bottom lip and nipped it with her teeth. When his mouth opened, her tongue ran itself over his fangs, and met his tongue. She felt in control and out of control at the same time. Sitting on his lap gave her a good indication that he liked what she was doing. And she was wet knowing he wanted her so much. Her heart had sped up and she knew what she wanted to do. She wanted him to take her upstairs so she could forget her grief. She kissed along his jaw and whispered into his ear, "Take me upstairs."

Eric felt helpless to her will as he picked her up and climbed the stairs. He could only make it up at human speed because he was so involved in kissing her. Her scent and taste alone were intoxicating him. She was like a drug he had become addicted to. He would do anything she asked him to. He was somewhat disgusted with himself for falling under the sway of a human, but he also felt better and more alive than he had in centuries. She was something he couldn't quite figure out, and the puzzle she presented just by existing had him all wrapped up. She is trouble. I know it. But I can't seem to help myself! He laid her gently on the bed. He began kissing along her jaw and down her neck. He enjoyed the large amount of skin this shirt exposed and he proceeded to kiss every inch of it he could reach. The sound of her sighs and little noises of pleasure were bringing out his primal side. He could feel the beginnings of a growl deep in his chest. He inched the shirt own lower so he could access her beautiful breasts. He grasped them both in his hands, kneading their perfection. He leaned down taking her right nipple in his mouth. She moaned loudly. He transferred his attention to the left one. As if trying to decide which he preferred. He used every trick he knew to have her begging for him to enter her. His fingers danced along the top of her shorts, tickling and teasing. She growled deep in her throat, and he kissed her again taking her breath away. She was really enjoying herself when he pulled himself backwards off her. She looked up at him in confusion.

"Undress for me." His voice was low and commanding.

She raised herself to her knees on the bed, and slowly pulled the top up and over her head. She watched him, watch her. His eyes seeming to set her whole body aflame with a desire so intense she feared she might actually combust if he didn't touch her again soon. But she was enjoying watching his reaction to her. She felt like a goddess. She opened the button of her small shorts and eased them over her hips. They were so tight that her underwear came with them. But the look of raw hunger and desire on Eric's face was affecting her in ways she didn't know she could feel. She wanted him more than anything else she had ever wanted before. But she was feeling powerful too. She threw her shorts to the floor and winked at him.

"Now you. Take off the clothes."

He pulled the black shirt up over his head and she was mesmerized watching the play of muscles over his perfect chest. She had the most intense desire to take one of his nipples in her mouth. As the shirt went over his face she made her move quickly dipping her head and tracing it around the hard little nub. He had frozen under her touch. Then his hands were behind her head holding her to him. She flicked her nail over the other nipple while she gently bit the one in her mouth. He hissed.

"Oh, woman, you're killing me." And then he tackled her into the bed, she was giggling with the feeling of her sudden change in gravity and he couldn't help but laugh along with her. His naked body was flush with hers. How'd he get his pants off so fast? Was her last coherent thought. He was kissing her again, and his fingers were between them moving in a rhythm that brought moan after moan from her lips.

"Now Eric. I want you now."

He entered her in one thrust. No matter what she had said, she hadn't been ready for it. His size was bigger than she was used to and the sensation of him entering her sent her body which was already on edge over it and she came, hard. Her muscles clamped onto him, and she moaned his name.

"Yes, Eric. Yes! Oh God!" He continued thrusting into her his pace, slow and steady.

"Open your eyes." She noticed his accent had gotten thicker. For a moment she couldn't. But when the muscles would obey her, she looked up and lost herself in blue. She was terrified by what she saw there. There was a tenderness there and something more intense. She hesitated to call it love, but at this moment that was exactly how it felt. His arm was cradling her, and he was looking into her face with an expression she had only seen in her fantasies. He entered her hard, and was excited to watch her expression change. Her legs wound up and around him. Her arms pulled him down to her and she kissed him again. She wove her hands into his hair and pulled it. He began driving into her faster and faster. She knew he was about to cum inside her. That drove her wild and she felt the tension beginning to build again. She made a hungry noise which Eric echoed.

She looked up into his face, "Now." She turned her neck, offering him what he had been dreaming about for days. He bit into her and growled. As his teeth sunk in she screamed and drifted away on a golden cloud. She felt him shudder in her arms as he had his own release.

"Sookie, Sookie, Sookie." She felt his breath against her ear as he said her name over and over again. She couldn't have talked if she had wanted to, she was too pleasantly exhausted. She felt safe with his weight on her, shielding her from the world. She never wanted to move. He licked the bite mark on her neck lazily, like a cat and she smiled into the darkness. With a groan he rolled himself off of her, and as he slipped out of her they groaned in unison. Sookie snuggled back against his chest. His arm draped across her and gently began stroking her stomach.

"Älaskare, you are perfect."

Sookie didn't understand the term but it was obviously an endearment.

"That was pretty perfect."

He kissed the back of her shoulder. "No, you, you are perfect. In one thousand years I have never met another like you. Are you sure you are entirely human?"

Sookie stiffened in his arms. All the safe, warm feelings Sookie had been floating on vanished and she felt the cruel sense of reality bring her back to herself. She tried to sit up, but Eric's arm prevented her. His leg also draped herself across her to more securely hold her. She struggled in his arms and felt him rise against her again.

"Sookie, I'm sorry I've said something wrong. I didn't mean to offend you. It's just...well you must know how different you are."

Sookie stopped struggling, but was still trying to think of a way to escape. He sounds sincere, but this is Eric. He never says anything he doesn't mean. And he always has an agenda. Though he only said the truth, I'm not entirely human. But what am I!? I have no fucking idea!

But she couldn't stay mad at him. She was still feeling the aftershocks of being so well bedded. Damn female hormone reactions to great sex! It wasn't really Eric she was mad at, it was more that he had poked a sore spot at an unexpected moment. She wasn't sure what she was. The maenad had told her she wasn't human, and there was still the unexplained power she had showed.

"I'm not sure what I am." She would have liked that to come out a little less shaky. Eric stroked her arm and folded her back into his body.

They were both silent for a long time. Sookie slowly relaxed again. Slowly Sookie began to speak.

"Well the first and most obvious difference is my mind-reading. But recently something else happened. When I was taken by the maenad, Maryanne, there were two separate times when I used a different power; some sort of light came out of my hands. But I couldn't control it. I don't know what it was. And Maryanne couldn't coerce my mind any more than a vampire can. But what this all adds up to – I've got no clue."

"Well whatever you are, Sookie, you are exceptional." Well...how interesting. And the mystery deepens. Eric was more intrigued by her than ever. I wonder if Godric has ever come across anything like her...

"Thank you, Eric." She felt safe in his arms. And she shuddered when she felt his lips on her shoulder again. His fingers tickled a slow trail along her thigh and she gasped and struggled away from him laughing.

"Ah! Stop, stop. I'm ticklish!"

Her struggling was obviously exciting him.

"Again? Already?" But it was very obvious he was ready, very ready.

He held her trapped to his body and his fingers found her clit rubbing it, and sending waves of pleasure coursing though her body. She began panting.

"Oh, Eric...oh..oh please..."

Her hand reached back and grasped him and began pumping him. He moaned and his hips jerked towards her hand. She increased her pace.

Suddenly she was on her knees and he was entering her from behind. He held her hips and pounded into her. One hand reached around and his finger continued manipulating her clit, sending her once again over the edge into bliss. He rode her hard and fast. He leaned over and bit into her shoulder. Her blood in his mouth almost sent him over the edge again. He gathered her hair into his and and pulled her up so she was standing on her knees, the change of angle made him gasp. She made a noise and he bit into her again and came. He pumped into her a couple more times. He held her against him, feeling her perfect breasts heave under his arm. He fondled them taking full advantage of her defencelessness and enjoying himself thoroughly. His hand touched every inch of her he could reach, memorizing her topography. He closed his eyes while he licked his newest love bites hugging her to him.

"Du är min nu. Jag kommer inte le du gå." Tonight is the beginning of something..." She turned in his arms and put her own around him. I wonder what he is saying when he's not speaking English.

"Kyss mig." She didn't need a translation for that one. She turned her face up to his. And he kissed her lightly and sweetly. She smiled up at him and laughed a little.

"Wow."

He chuckled and his blue eyes stared down into hers. Again she saw a goodness in them. She kissed him again.

"I'm gunna collapse now, okay?"

He laid her back down on the bed, settling himself down beside her. He pulled the blankets up around them. They laid in bed, quietly touching. Her eyes were beginning to close but she was trying to fight it. Looking down at her, his eyes were drawn to her mouth, and to the gentle curve of her cheek. Looking at her he could remember love, what it had been like to want a girl with all the simplicity of his heart and soul. To make love in the light of a fire with a whisper and a caress. He had felt the sharp edge of lust cutting deep lately, to be satisfied only with her opening to him, the feel of her beneath him, all satiny skin and heavenly mouth, and intoxicating blood. What is she doing to me? Or has it already been done?

His thoughts were rudely interrupted by the phone ringing. And ringing and ringing. Sookie heaved a sigh, picked up a book from the bedside table and chucked it at it. She missed, by a very wide margin.

He muffled his laughter in a pillow, but she smacked him in the shoulder indignant.

"Shut up. I'd 've gotten it if you hadn't trapped me here in bed."

The phone began to ring again.

"Oh Lord save me!" She heaved herself out of his arms and out of bed. He was still snorting with occasional laughter. But was distracted by the sight of Sookie naked answering the phone. He watched as her face fell, and became horrified.

"What! Of course, of course. I'll be right there."

"Sookie what's happened?"

"That was Bud Dearborn, the sheriff, he's calling from my brother's house, apparently it's on fire."

Author's Note: Älaskare - Swedish for Lover

Du är min nu. Jag kommer inte le du gå - You're mine now. I will not let you go.

Thank you everyone for sticking with me this long and for all the wonderful reviews, they are Very much appreciated! Keep them coming! I'm sorry I killed off Jessica to all of you who love her – I just had no idea how I could fit a dependent vampire into my scenario. And for everyone who is clamouring for a Sookie/Eric/Godric sandwich, hang in there! I'm just trying to figure out the most natural way to go about it.

Please don't forget to send comments, reviews and suggestions!

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