Charlaine Harris owns them all.

Thanks everyone for all your wonderful and kind reviews and alerts. Hope you enjoy!

To my friend and beta, Sassyvampmama, thanks for all your hard work on this story. Just a big shout out to her mad skills and she even beta's for Tracee40 who currently is writing a great story, Remembered Love. We are two lucky ladies to have Sassyvampmama in our corner.

Chapter 14

Sookie had her lawyer draw up a formal offer for the property the next day, and even had a clause put into it stating Eric would be acting as her consigliore. She had that term put in because she actually loved the movie the Godfather and definitely knew Eric would appreciate her new term for him. Sookie had also called Eric up and asked him which builders he recommended she use for her project. Sookie wanted to talk to as many builders as she could before she found the right one for the job. Sookie had suggested calling Alcide about it to Eric and immediately thought she heard a growl emanating from deep within his chest. She just ignored it.

Eric told Sookie he knew Alcide's company was pretty busy doing contracted work for a chain of restaurants. She didn't want to bother him if he was busy, nor did she want to have a working relationship interfere with their friendship, because she knew that he would feel like he should help her out. She had kept in touch with Alcide over the past three years, a phone call or Christmas card here and there, and once when he came to New Orleans for business he had met up with her and Dec for dinner.

She was surprised how fast her week flew by and before she knew it, it was time for her date with Eric. She had no idea where he was taking her. He had told her to dress casually, so she decided on a sun dress that was the most beautiful cerulean color blue with an almost tie dye pattern. It had a halter top that made her girls stand proud, open back and it flowed down to her knees. It was made of soft cotton and she slid on a pair of cute espadrilles that complimented the color of the dress. It was a very hot and humid night, and Sookie decided to put her hair up in a messy bun with small pieces framing her face. She didn't put on much make-up; she hardly ever did, and only applied a small amount of a lightly perfumed lotion. She knew that Eric would appreciate that with his enhanced sense of smell over dousing herself with spray on perfume.

As per usual Eric arrived right on time.

He loved the new door Sookie installed because it allowed him to take all of her in when she walked towards the front door. He was captivated by her. As he watched her hips sway in that dress, he was hard pressed to remain a gentleman. If it was up to him, he would forgo his plans and take her right there against the hallway wall. But it was not up to him. He knew he needed to do this the right way, and fucking her crazy up against the wall before their first official date wouldn't send the right message. He needed to gain her trust again and he didn't want to do anything that would hinder the process.

He was dressed in his usual casual attire tonight. He had thrown on a pair of dark wash jeans with a powder blue t-shirt and had a pair of flip-flops on his feet. He already had everything in the trunk of his car that would be needed for their date this evening.

"Hi Eric, please come in." Sookie taking in Eric's attire and she was slightly surprised at how casual he looked. He always wore jeans and a t-shirt, but seeing him in a pair of flip-flops made her chuckle a bit. She didn't know why she thought it was funny to see Eric in them, but maybe it was the size of his feet... He was a Viking after all, and then there's that old saying about the size of a man's feet is proportionate to the size of his... Yeah well, she already knew that saying was true, or at least in his case it was. Sookie felt herself begin to blush and giggled softly to herself, thinking, 'if only he knew how badly I want to jump him right now,' to herself.

"Sookie, you look stunning." It was then that Eric noticed Sookie snickering. "What do you find so amusing?" Eric gave Sookie questioning look.

"I'm sorry Eric; it's just that I don't think I have ever seen you in a pair of flip-flops before. You just don't strike me as a flip-flop type of guy."

"There are a lot of things you don't know about me," he said to her as he winked. "I have been told, and I have done some research on my own, and found out that dating is the best way to get to know someone. So, I have decided that our dates will revolve around each other's interests. I want to get to know everything about you and I want you to get know all about me again as well."

Sookie was dumbfounded and without thinking, she immediately blurted out. "Who are you, and what have you done with Eric Northman?" She was having a hard time grasping this Eric.

"Sookie, I have not changed. I have always been who I am, however having gone through the pain of these last three years without you has made me see things differently. Now, enough of that, let's get this date started." Eric motioned to leave and Sookie grabbed her purse and a small little cardigan.

Eric opened the door to his corvette and helped Sookie in. He went around his side, got in and asked if Sookie would like the top up or down. She chose to leave it up because she wasn't sure where they were headed, and she couldn't be sure what kind of condition her hair would be in when they arrived if they put it down.

They were driving for a good five minutes, making small talk when Sookie asked, "Eric, where are we going?"

"I have planned something a little different tonight. Instead of the usual dinner and a movie, which I have been told is the standard first date, I have opted for my own version of the typical first date. We are going to have our dinner and a Radio Broadcast under the stars." Eric flicked his eyes over to Sookie in the passenger seat to see her reaction.

"Radio broadcast under the stars? I don't think I have ever done that or even heard of it?" Sookie was actually intrigued.

"Well, since I have been around for a long time, I was fascinated with the invention of the radio. I always enjoyed music, but when they broadcasted entertainment shows I found myself tuning into them every night. As you know, before vampires revealed themselves, we didn't venture out as much. I had a couple of radios in my home and I always enjoyed listening to the different shows. I have downloaded one my favorites on my I-pod. It was a classic, and I am sure you heard of it. It is Orson Welles doing "The War of the Worlds."

"Oh, I've seen the movie with Tom Cruise, but I've never heard of the radio program." Sookie thought that the movie was kind of lame, but didn't want to mention that now. She didn't want to hurt Eric's feelings in case this was just as bad.

"Sookie, this is not at all like the movie. What is wonderful about listening to the stories on the radio is that it was very similar to reading books. And I know how much you love to read, which is another reason why I chose this activity. One can use their imagination while listening to stories, and see things the way they want to. You can envision your own characters and it makes you feel like you're actually living the adventure. As a matter of fact, this particular broadcast had many residents in the state of New Jersey in a state of pure panic. Somehow, most of the residents of that state tuned in during the middle of the broadcast and many of them thought the events in the story were actually happening." Eric was pleased that Sookie had never done anything like this. It was such a simple activity and yet it was new to her.

"Well I'm excited. Where are we going for this broadcast?"

"You will see."

Eric took Sookie to another piece of property he had bought back when he was buying land after Sookie's torture. It was half way between Shreveport and Bon Temps. It was 16 acres of lush acreage and it had trees surrounding the perimeter. It even had a small stream running through the woods.

Eric pulled onto the long dirt road that ran to a clearing on the property.

"Eric, this is beautiful spot, but don't you think we could get in trouble for being here? We don't even know who this land belongs too." Sookie didn't want to be trespassing on anyone's land.

"Sookie I have been coming to this area for years. I come to think sometimes and I have never seen a sole. I think we are safe." Eric smiled to himself.

Eric turned the ignition off and got out of the car and came around and helped Sookie out. He went to the trunk of his car and pulled out a couple of blankets, some large throw pillows and a picnic basket.

"Is there any particular spot you would like me to put the blanket?"

"Anywhere is fine with me." Sookie couldn't believe all the trouble Eric had gone through for tonight and was happy that he hadn't taken her to some fancy restaurant. She much preferred simpler activities.

Eric placed the blanket down not too far from the car. He threw the pillows down and reached for her hand to help Sookie sit on her knees. Eric joined her on the blanket. It was a beautiful night and all the stars were out. She couldn't help wonder just how many times Eric had actually viewed the stars above them.

"They are amazing, aren't they?" Eric was looking towards the sky admiring the stars that Sookie had been looking at.

"Yes, they are. I love to look at them and imagine all the history that these stars have witnessed." Sookie looked over to Eric.

"As old as I am and as much as I have seen, my existence certainly pales in comparison to these stars. It certainly can humble someone." Eric truly meant his words. "When I was alive, my people used these same stars to navigate by."

"What was it like to be a Viking?" Sookie wanted to hear so much about Eric and was hoping he would share some of his history with her.

"Why don't I get your food ready, and while you are eating I will tell you some stories of my people." Eric grabbed the basket and brought all the food out. Sookie eyes grew wide looking at all that Eric had brought.

"You know I couldn't possibly eat all this, but I promise you I'll try and make a dent." Eric had one of the chef's from a popular restaurant in Shreveport pack up this dinner for Sookie. He had also had some wine, tea and True blood put into a small cooler. Sookie enjoyed the delicious food while Eric told her stories of his Viking days. When Sookie had eaten all that she could, and Eric had finished his last Viking story of the evening, he suggested that they listen to the radio broadcast.

Eric packed up the blankets and basket and walked back to his vette. He laid the blanket on the hood and placed the pillows up by the windshield. Sookie stood and watched Eric; she was admiring him and basking in this wonderful night he had created for the two of them. Eric had already hooked his iPod up and settled Sookie on his hood and joined lying next to her. They could peer at the stars and listen to the broadcast.

"This sure is different from the last time you had me on the hood of your car." Sookie joked as she thought back to the night of the orgy when Eric had her on his car and was asking her to yield to him.

"Well, my wants aren't any different from that night, but that was certainly not my intention." Oh, how Eric wished he could have her right here, under the stars, but he would not ruin their night by making any advances.

They settled in and concentrated on the voices that were coming from Eric's car speakers.

Sookie loved the broadcast version of The War of the Words and she and Eric talked about it the whole ride home. When Eric brought her back to her house, he walked her to the door and gently and sweetly kissed her goodbye. He told her he hoped she enjoyed the evening as much as he did and asked her if she would consent to another date with him. They agreed to meet Monday night and Eric told her that they would be doing something that he knew she'd like. He told her that she should wear a comfortable dress, and a low pair of heels. Sookie laughed, knowing that he had expected her to agree to the second date and had already planned the evening. She bid him good night and went inside. She thought that she would never have a more perfect first date than she did that night and was already eagerly looking forward to Monday night.

Another weekend went by and Sookie relaxed during it. Eric had called her Saturday evening just to check in and to let her know how much fun he had on their first date and to say that he was looking forward to seeing her again on Monday. She was so fascinated by the stories Eric told her about the radio broadcasts and of his Viking travels that she spent a few hours on the internet researching each topic. She couldn't stop thinking about Eric and how open he was with her now. It was as if he was a completely new Eric.

She had managed to line up five contractors to meet her throughout the week to discuss her new business plans. She had already had an architect draw up her designs so she would have the actual blueprints to discuss with the contractors.

By early Monday night Sookie was going crazy wondering what Eric had in store for them, and Sookie was standing in front of her closet debating what she should wear. She finally decided on a vintage Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress that she found in a dress shop in New Orleans. She and Amelia loved to find these off beat shops in the city that more often than not carried some wonderful classic fashion pieces. Sookie knew she looked good in the dress; it showed off all her curves and played them up to perfection. She paired it up with a pair of two inch heels and left her hair down in wavy curls.

When Eric arrived he was wearing a pair of black casual dress slacks with a button up fitted black and grey stripped dress shirt that he had left un-tucked and black dress shoes. His hair was pulled back and whatever cologne he was wearing made him smell delicious. His ass looked yummy too in his dress slacks and it took all of Sookie's will power not to jump him on the spot.

"Sookie you look beautiful, as always. Are you ready for our date?"

Eric loved Sookie's dress and he so wanted to pull the ties on the side of her waste and open the entire dress up, revealing her beautiful body to him. It was getting more difficult each time he saw Sookie not to take her, consume her and make her his. Just the smell alone of her was enough to make him dizzy with desire. He wanted her so bad, but did not want to rush her. He was very excited about this date because he knew he would be getting his chance to hold her body close to his.

"Yes, you have me on my toes wondering what you have in store for us this evening. Are you going to tell me, or must I continue to wait?"

"Tonight we are attending a dance class. I know how much you love to dance and I will never forget a certain performance with your friend Tara in Mississippi. I thought you would enjoy learning some more classic types of dances." Eric let down the bond to feel Sookie's reaction and he could tell right away that Sookie was feeling joyful at the news. That delighted him.

Sookie's eyes grew wide and she was shocked.

"Did you just say we are taking a dance class?"

"Yes, we are taking a dance class. I have found a studio in the city that seems to have a very qualified instructor, and tonight they are offering a group lesson. I thought you might feel more comfortable if we were in a group atmosphere rather than if it were a private lesson. I hope that is ok?" Eric wanted nothing more to have a private lesson, but opted for the group for Sookie's sake. What Eric found most appealing is the instructor was in his sixties and had been teaching for over thirty years. His background was in all styles of dance and he had a wonderful reputation.

"Eric, I am more than ok with that. I can't believe you are going to take a dance lesson with me. Do you happen to know what kinds of dances we will be learning tonight?"

"I'm not sure. The studio offers a whole range of dances, but said that each group session's lesson is up to the instructor. I guess we will find out when we get there."

Eric and Sookie arrived at the studio right on time. It was a very old building and it was located on second floor, and Sookie and Eric had to walk up the stairs to get to it. When they entered the door they saw that there were already two other couples waiting. One couple looked to be in their early twenties and the girl had an engagement ring on her finger. The other couple appeared to be in their early seventies and the cutest part was that they were actually holding hands. Sookie thought the older couple was adorable and she was wondering if they had been married for a long time. She didn't see a ring on the women's finger, but she did let her shield down and found out they were both recently widowed and we're just starting to date.

The other couple was here to learn some dances for their upcoming wedding. Neither woman seemed too phased by Eric's presence, and that suited Sookie just fine. She put her shield back up and was gazing at all the pictures of what was probably the instructor hanging on the walls. They all heard a door open across the other side of the studio and in walked a man that was definitely not the man in the pictures on the wall. This man coming towards them appeared to be about six foot tall, dark hair and dark eyes and long dark hair pulled back in a pony tail. He could have been Antonio Banderas' twin from the movie Desperado. Sookie noticed both the other women's eyes lit up as the man walked towards everyone.

"Good evening, I want to inform you that Mr. Brawn will not be able to teach you tonight. He had a family emergency and I will be taking his place. My name is Ricoh and I am a professional dancer and friend of Mr. Brawn. I apologize if you are disappointed that Mr. Brawn will not be teaching, but I can assure you that I am more than qualified." Ricoh was looking at everyone but his eyes settled on Sookie when he said he was more than qualified, making his implication clear.

Sookie blushed and gave him her 'embarrassed Sookie' smile while Eric looked like he wanted to burn holes into Ricoh. Eric was not happy at all and Sookie could sense it, so she reached out and grabbed Eric's hand and gave it a good squeeze.

"Now I was told that one of the couples here is getting married soon and wanted to learn some dances for the big day." Ricoh looked over until he saw the young girl shaking her head yes.

'Great, I think we will start out with the waltz, then we can move to the foxtrot, and if we have time I think the tango would be fun dance to end the evening with."

Eric knew all these dances and he felt he could probably give this Ricoh a run for his money. He had to remind himself he was here for Sookie and would not allow this Casanova-wanna-be to bother him. Eric did not like the thought of Sookie finding anyone else but himself attractive, but even more so, anyone in his presence. He could tell Sookie and the other women were quite taken with this Ricoh, and all he wanted was for Sookie to keep her eyes and soon hands on him.

Ricoh began teaching everyone how to move for the waltz and he used the girl who was getting married as his instructional partner. Everyone seemed to pick up the dance quickly so Ricoh moved onto the fox trot.

Eric was familiar with this dance which allowed the dancers to combine fast and slow movements. The older couple was a little familiar with it as well, and Sookie had watched enough Dancing with the Stars that she also got it down pretty fast. Eric was the ideal partner and she felt like she was on cloud nine the entire time she was dancing with him.

The last dance that Ricoh wanted to show them was the tango. He told them with all the love that was surrounding him, he thought that the tango would be an excellent choice, however he needed a volunteer and he asked Sookie to be his helper.

"Sookie, you have such natural talent and your body really flows when you dance. I would be honored if you would help me demonstrate this beautiful and sensual dance." Ricoh reached out his hand to take hold of Sookie.

Sookie was so flattered and excited to be learning the tango that she immediately took his hand. Eric's inner beast was practically roaring in protest at the sight of another man taking hold of her hand. Ricoh cued the music on and walked Sookie to the center of the studio. Everyone's eyes were on the two of them. The music began and Ricoh grabbed a hold of Sookie and led Sookie across the floor, back and forth he led her, their bodies held tightly together. Eric fangs dropped, he was practically seeing red and when Ricoh bent Sookie down into a dip with his body leaning over hers with his hands holding her tight to him, and Eric erupted.

That was all Eric could take. In a blink of an eye Eric was roughly removing Ricoh's hands from Sookie's body and wrapped her in his own arms. Sookie was shocked, one moment Ricoh was holding her and the next Eric was. The music was still playing and Eric continued the dance. Sookie was so caught up in the music and dance and lust that was radiating off Eric and herself that all she wanted was for Eric to dominate her. She loved how powerful he was and how this dance allowed him to control her movements. Before she knew it, the song ended and she was between Eric's legs looking up into his eyes. She heard clapping, and then the sound of fast moving air was all around her.

Eric quickly scooped her up from under his legs and into his arms. They were both so turned on by their dancing, that it was all he could do not to rip her dress off her right there on the floor and fuck her into oblivion. He knew Sookie would not be happy if took her right then, so he did the next best thing. He used his vampire speed and got them out of there and found a very dimly lit alley a few blocks down from the studio.

He had Sookie up against the wall, devouring her mouth and laying kisses all over her face and neck within seconds. She was moaning and clawing at him, kissing him with a need that easily equaled his own. They were on fire for each other. All the dancing and touching had worked both of them up with desire that neither had known was about to explode. They couldn't ignore it now though, and they needed each other.

Eric's lips worked down to the cleavage of Sookie's dress and his hands pushed the fabric off her shoulders to expose her lace bra. He ripped the bra straight down the middle and ran his lips and fangs across her breasts. One of his amazingly dexterous hands was pulling and tugging on Sookie's right nipple while his mouth suckled and grazed the other nipple. Eric's free hand raised the hem of Sookie's dress and almost violently ripped her underwear right off her soaking wet lips. Sookie was writhing and spread her legs further for Eric to enter her with his hand. He cupped her womanhood and ran one finger up and down her dripping slit while his thumb and forefinger drew circles around her nub.

Sookie's voice grew louder and her hand reached out for Eric's pants and unsnapped his trouser button and slid his zipper down. She then used both of her hands to pull his pants down as far as she could, while pleading the whole time for Eric to take her. Eric removed his hand from Sookie's pussy, which was drenched with her excitement, lifted her legs and raised her up for her to wrap her legs around his waist, and in one quick thrust Eric had buried himself deep inside Sookie. As she screamed out his name, Eric echoed her with her name spilling from his lips.

Eric, buried deep inside her, stopped for a second to savor the feeling of being inside his Sookie and thanked his gods. His mind was thinking that never in his 1000 years of existence did he feel so alive, so complete, and that this was exactly where he belonged. He was meant to be with this woman. She was his own personal valkyrie and he loved her. He roared his declaration of love to Sookie and she screamed back the exact sentiment to him. Both sides of their bond were open and both of them knew that they had never felt such happiness or truth in those words. Eric pulled out of her and then pushed himself back in again, Sookie demanding for him to go harder and faster. Before either knew it was going to happen, Sookie began to contract around Eric's length and Eric's stomach tightened, each shouting each other's name as they reached their simultaneous orgasm.

Eric shot stream after stream of his seed into Sookie. He felt like he had been a dormant volcano all these years without her, but now he had finally erupted. Sookie's orgasm went on and on and just when it was coming to a completion she screamed for Eric to bite her. Eric leaned down and licked her neck and sank his fangs into her, drawing the most intoxicating blood he has ever had into his mouth. Sookie immediately began to orgasm for a second time, and she was so caught up in the moment and the need to consume Eric that she bit into his neck, drawing on him as well. Eric, still buried inside her clenching walls, exploded again. Both were still drinking from each other, and feeling their orgasms so intensely that it felt like electrical currents were spreading back in forth to each other. When Eric withdrew his fangs and licked Sookie's neck, she removed her mouth from his neck, and both were breathless from the intensity of their mating.

Each pair of eyes looked directly at the other with an all consuming emotion, and Sookie could only utter what was repeating over and over in her mind. "I love you Eric."

Wonder how these two are going to react after they really think about what just happened? Hope you stick with it and find out tomorrow. Thanks!