Chapter 14 – Compromise

A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece.

Ludwig Erhard(1897 - 1977)

Sookie woke very late and feeling sore everywhere, but deliciously sore. Eric had made love to her all night long and after a couple of rounds of their lovemaking, she passed out from exhaustion. She ran to the bathroom feeling very happy. After she had emptied her bladder, she took a shower. As she was getting ready, she found another note from Eric.

My Lover,

Pack a small bag, I'm taking you to spend the night at my house tonight after having a few love bites.

Eric

Love bites? She remembered that's what she called his vampire bites. She giggled. She was wondering what to wear for him, but decided to wear his red shirt all day. Jason had called to wish her merry Christmas, but he was otherwise engaged and was not coming over. Tara told her there was no way in hell she was going to stop by and ruin her best Christmas ever. She didn't think she'd have any other visitors. She was thinking of going to the store to buy blood for him, but decided against it so that he could have his love bites.

She still wore a little bit of makeup, but she noticed something strange when she looked in the mirror. Her lips look fuller than usual, her skin was glowing and her hair had a special glow, like golden highlights. Her breasts were very sensitive, she had noticed, but she thought it was due to Eric's ministrations. She knew the changes were due to their blood exchange. She made nothing of it and continued getting ready.

She stared at the window, waiting for the orange ball to hide so that her lover could join her. Her mind wandered and then she started feeling happy, safe, warm and thirst. Strong arms enveloped her and soft lips welcomed her, she turned around and greeted him with a very passionate kiss.

"Good night, my lover," he said, greeting her. He lifted her in the air, making her laugh. He set her down, took her small hand, and walked them to sit on her couch. He took a small necklace from his pocket and locked it around her neck.

"It's beautiful," she said. It was a platinum necklace with a lovers' knot. The loops had small diamonds encrusted. He pressed a soft kiss on her lips.

"Would you like to know the significance of this gift, it is not just a piece of jewelry," he explained. She gave him a small nod. She knew it was a lovers' knot, so she didn't understand what he was saying.

"In old times, lovers used to exchange gifts to profess their feelings towards each other. There are many types of lovers' knots, but this particular one, the oval, signifies eternity. It is a gift that signifies everlasting love to a beloved," he pointed to her heart, "to my beloved," he said. Sookie felt tears on her eyes again.

If someone had told her that Eric was this sweet man, she would've laughed. She wrapped her arms around him and willed her tears away as well as the big lump that was stuck in her throat. She kissed his neck.

"Would you wear it always with you?" He asked. She nodded and kissed him with all the passion she held for him. Eric Northman had just told her he loved her in a way she could have not imagined. She was very touched and then she felt bad, because she didn't get him a present.

"I don't have a present for you," she said mortified, glancing down.

"No?" He queried. She shook her head. "Well, then I will just have to take what I can find," his fangs elongated and Sookie made a run for it. He chased her around the house, making her feel like she could outrun him. He tackled her to the sofa and tickled her, making her burst into a fit of giggles.

Outside Sookie's house, Bill approached with a bouquet of flowers. He heard Sookie's laughter and he wondered if she was watching a movie. At least she was in a good mood, so maybe he could talk to her this night. He knocked on the door.

"Wait someone is here," she said and took a few deep breaths, as they walked together to the door. Eric put his arm around her shoulder as she opened the door, forgetting the cold from the outside.

Bill almost choked when he saw Sookie wearing only one of Eric's shirts and Eric standing next to her only in black slacks. He was speechless to say the least. Sookie smelled strongly of Eric, in fact, she reeked of Eric, not just his scent, but his blood as well. Bill was so upset, but he reigned in his anger.

"Sookie, Sheriff," Bill greeted.

"Evening Compton," Eric answered.

"Good night Bill," Sookie replied.

"I came to speak with you and to wish you a merry Christmas, but you are busy. I'll come later," he suggested. Eric rolled his eyes.

"Well, actually, Eric and I were getting ready to leave, so I'll see you around," she said and closed the door in his face. Bill stood there motionless. His fangs descended automatically. He would not take this insult lightly. He started walking backwards, but he waited at a distance far enough from her house that they couldn't tell he was there. He wanted to learn where Eric and Sookie were going.

"Are you ready lover, did you pack?" Eric asked. She nodded. He looked pensive.

"Is there something wrong?" She asked.

"Well, yes, I'm thinking of taking my present home and keeping it for an eternity," he said, his face undeniably serious, causing Sookie to gulp.

"We could stop by the store and buy something for you," she suggested innocently, starting to walk backwards, except everything was closed on Christmas. He shook his head. No, what was in front of him was far better than anything he could find at any store. His beautiful bonded.

"You had all day and you said last night that you were mine," he said, matching her steps and walking towards her with a predatory look.

"I-I did," she rambled, "I mean…I am," she stammered, but continued walking backwards. "Eric, you are scaring me," she added, as her body reached a wall. Eric pressed a hand to the wall and with his other hand started unbuttoning his shirt while he smelled her.

"Yes, I can smell your fear…and your rich scent…and mine…and what is that sweet aroma, Sookie? Are you wet?" He asked, staring intently at her. She gulped and whimpered. She started nodding while her cheeks blushed that beautiful pink color he liked on her.

"What are you doing?" She asked as he unfastened the last button.

"I'm unwrapping my Christmas present," he said in a very deep, sexy voice. He pulled her towards him with his strong arm and gave her the mother of all kisses, making her knees weak. The shirt fell to the floor, leaving her almost naked and at his mercy. He lifted her and pushed her against the wall, she wrapped her legs around him and her panties were gone. He bit her bra savagely, disposing of it quickly. He licked her neck, while he rubbed his erection against her wet curls.

"I like my present very much," he said huskily in that deep tone Sookie liked because it meant he was consumed with passion for her. She didn't even notice when his pants were undone, all she felt was him inside her. "You are still so tight, Sookie," he praised.

"Eric, please give me one of your love bites," she pleaded and who was he to deny her.

Bill couldn't stand anymore of this. He threw the bouquet of roses and returned home. He had heard enough and he had had enough. It was time he did something to gain Sookie back. He knew darn well in a fair fight he would lose to Eric. He was going to use other means to separate them and then gain Sookie's trust again. He knew then that he needed a Witch to curse Eric Northman.

An hour later, Eric and Sookie were both dressed and ready to leave, except when Sookie stepped outside, she didn't see a car. Eric gave her a very evil smirk. He took her small bag. He wrapped Sookie with a fleece blanket he had found, making her look like a burrito; he picked her up and kissed her lips softly.

"We are flying," he explained. Of course, Eric could fly. Sookie peeked down and saw how slowly the ground started disappearing beneath them. She panicked and he chuckled. "I wouldn't let any harm come to you, Sookie. Just enjoy the ride," As he picked up speed, she hid her face in his chest to avoid the cold air, but too quickly they were already there.

Sookie saw the houses approaching and knew his house must be spectacular and expensive. It was a house in a gated community. Eric pointed out the golf course, the lake and that there were walking trails. She wondered why he was telling her all of this.

Finally, they reached his home. It had detailed windows and entries and decorative finial pinnacles. It had wonderful rooflines and a stone facade to lend a storybook elegance to the beautiful French-estate-inspired mansion.

"It looks very expensive," she mused, causing him to chucke. He unlocked the door and let her in. She saw he had a rack for his shoes at the entrance and she took hers off, as she saw him doing the same. A natural-stone foyer lead to the living room on the right, complete with cathedral ceiling, wet bar and extended-hearth fireplace.

The carpet was fluffy white. The kitchen was big. It had a small island with dark green granite counter tops, white/gold vanity tops and stainless steel appliances. Man, if it wasn't her dream kitchen, she was mesmerized. He continued showing her the house. The dramatic staircase had a burgundy carpet, which led to the three bedrooms upstairs. There were two bedrooms downstairs, one room he used as his office; the other one was empty, but he explained he was going to turn it into his library. The garage was filled with boxes that made her curious.

"Did you just move here?" She asked. He nodded and explained he hadn't finished unpacking yet. Upstairs, the master room was just downright beautiful. The bed was enormous and had a bedspread in rich gold and ivory colors. The walls were a light brown and ivory and his furniture had an old Victorian style in a gold color.

It was exquisitely decorated and it had a romantic taste to it, which she liked it very much. She blushed as she pictured them making love in his bed. He only smiled, as he sensed what had caused her light blush. His room had an enormous walkin closet, a fireplace, and just humongous bathroom that matched the décor of his room. "Your house is very beautiful, but where do you sleep?" She asked.

"I sleep here," he said and patted the bed for her to sit. It had big windows, so she didn't understand the possibility. "My windows have automatic shutters that come down when the sun rises and go up when the sun sets," he explained. She stood in front of him confused.

"Why did you bring me here?" She asked him.

"I wanted to show you my house, am I offending you, Sookie?" He asked. She shook her head.

"No, of course not, I just feel that you brought me here for another reason and you don't want to tell me, because I might run away from you," she said and then she wondered how she knew this. He took both of her hands in his.

"Well, I was hoping that you could come and stay with me on your nights off. I am trying to add everything to this house that you might need. I was also going to ask you if I could expand your room a bit for me to stay at yours, if that is something you want," he said, unsure and uneasy. She gulped at the idea.

"What are you really asking, Eric?" She queried, her gaze lost in his.

"I want us to live together. It doesn't matter where, as long as we are together," he said, knowing Sookie wasn't ready for this yet. She sat on the bed, pondering on what he had said. She was about to say no, but then that's what she had done with Bill so she sighed.

"Can you, you know, add the things to my bedroom windows so we can sleep together?" She asked her face beet red. She was waiting for an answer, but instead what she got was a very pleased Viking who was about to show her long hours of passion in his house.

He started undressing her, slowly, showering her body with small kisses on her exposed flesh. She watched as her Viking lover kissed her lovingly and undressed her. When she was naked, she laid on the bed, waiting impatiently for him. He started removing his clothes for her, watching her searing gaze burn his body. He joined her in his bed. He kissed her lazily on her lips and then he started administering open mouth kisses along her neck and shoulder. His cool hands roamed her body experimentally. She closed her eyes as she felt him all over her.

"Look at me lover," he commanded. Her eyes fluttered open and his dark gaze lingered on hers. "Do you know how many nights I have dreamed of this? You in my bed," he said. She moaned when his hand cupped her breast, but did not touch her nipple. She arched her back towards him and he licked her breasts, evading her aching nipples.

"Eric," she whispered in a passionate, yet husky tone. He continued kissing her body, pinning her arms with one hand, and pressing soft kisses on her arms, while his other hand continued to roam her curvy, angelic figure. She parted her legs further for him, but he didn't enter her yet. He kissed her neck and licked her throbbing vein in a way that should be illegal.

"More," she said. She wanted more of him. He rested his body fully atop hers. She wanted to touch him too, but the way he had her pinned was sending electricity down her whole body, as if it was becoming alive and his touch made her shiver right and left. She started trashing her head, as she began to caress him with her legs.

"Patience, lover," he said and she pouted. He kissed her pouty lips and finally released her hands. She tried to roll them over, but he was having none of that. He started kissing her with a wild need and she reciprocated, before finally entering her. She screamed when she felt him inside of her.

"So perfect, so wet, so mine," he praised. As he thrusted into her, he wanted to do something else. He laid on his back and asked her to turn around, so she lay with her back against his chest. He arranged her so that she was comfortable and then he entered her again, causing them both to groan. She felt that Eric was so deep inside her, touching parts of her that she didn't think it was possible. He was fucking her senseless and she thought she was going to pass out any second now. Then he started cupping her breasts with one hand and massaging her clit with the other. She heard him growl and she started moving faster with him.

"ERIC!" She screamed, as her walls clenched around him, but he kept thrusting into her. She knew what he wanted and she turned her head to the side giving him access to what he needed. He made a roaring sound and he bit her. She came again, harder this time. She was panting and drenched in sweat. Yes, best Christmas ever. No doubt about it.

She was lying atop him in "their" bedroom.

"Are you working on New Year's?" she asked.

"Yes, lover, I could tell Pam to run the place, but I already took two nights off to be with you. I don't like it when she gets cranky," he mused and she laughed.

"It's okay. I'm working too, but you can always come after work and give me a massage. I'm always worn out that night," she offered. He raised an eyebrow at her, "It was just a suggestion, I do have the two nights off after that night," she added, as he rolled them over.

"I'd love to start the year with you, lover," he said and claimed her lips yet again.

"I'm thirsty," she pouted.

"Me too," she slapped his shoulder.

"You're insatiable. You already gave me too many love bites," she scolded and then it was his turn to pout. She started laughing and told him there was no way she was buying that. He gave her one of his shirts and he wore nothing, as they walked downstairs to grab something for her to eat. He sat her on the counter top and she drank the water rather quickly and ate an apple while eyeing him from head to toe. Definitely hungry!

"I had not noticed before lover, but this is the perfect height," he said.

"The perfect height for what?" She asked, as he pulled her forward to show her. "Oh…oh my god, Eric," she said since he entered her without preparing her. He was sure, she was going to carry his scent for weeks, but nothing stopped him from taking her again on the counter top. Yes, he was insatiable when it came to her. He couldn't stop from wanting her over and over, not just her blood, but her body too.

After he had taken her on the counter top, they cleaned themselves in the bathroom. He couldn't stop himself from kissing her while he washed her. He felt like a hormonal teenager. A couple of times, he had opened the bond fully, making their encounters more intense. She hadn't mentioned that she felt anything, so for now he thought she was distracted enough. He was the happiest he had ever been and he was looking forward to so many nights together. He thought she was going to put up a fight about the living together, but she actually sat to think about it first, which was a big change for her and he liked that.

They were sated for now, resting on "their" bed. Her head was on the crook of his neck and he was rubbing circles on her back, her eyes were closed, but she was not asleep. Her lovely features had increased with their blood exchange from the night before and she looked radiant. He liked this, spending time with her, laughing, making love, giving her love bites. He never thought he would fall in love, he hadn't when he had been human. All he knew his entire existence was how to be a warrior (human or vampire), now he was her lover and she was his.

He cared for her deeply, and he felt despair when he had thought he had almost lost her. He would've killed Compton had he not been able to save her. He wondered when it would be a good time to tell her what they had done, what they were to each other now, because in his world, she was his wife. He loved his little stubborn wife very much and no one was going to take her from him.

"Love you too," she said sleepy. A big smile spread on his face.

A\N: This is kind of the end...the next chapter is just a wrap up and the beggining of what the sequel is going to be about... Reviews :)