A whole new world.

RATED – M

Disclaimer – Yada yada yada, still own ZILCH.

Chapter 21

Sookie

I woke up at around midday, very much naked and snuggled up to my vampire who was [what I presumed] dead for the day. It was odd, seeing him like this, especially for the first time. He was still, eyes closed and not breathing – just like a corpse, which I suppose was fitting in some ways but really creepy in others; he wasn't like the Eric Northman I knew when he was like this, that was for sure.

I moved slightly away from his 'dead' body so I could stretch out; enjoying the glorious feeling of it and sighing blissfully. I was somewhat shocked to begin with; I had expected my body to ache and be sore from the several rounds of love making Eric and I had shared the previous night – It would be an understatement if I said we simply couldn't get enough of each other's bodies. We had explored each other rather a lot I think it was safe to say – kissing, touching, licking and sucking - were only a few things that had taken place; each one ending in earth shattering orgasm after earth shattering orgasm – it had been truly incredible.

I began to take 'stock take of my body' moving each joint carefully – it was weird, but I felt the healthiest I had ever felt since I could remember. I gathered it must have been Eric's blood. I shuddered in pleasure at the thought. Drinking Eric's blood was completely different to drinking Bills – Not that I could remember much about the Bill scenario. Originally, the thought of drinking vampire blood freaked me well and truly out but last night had been anything but weird for me; in fact it had been perfect and more pleasurable than gross or disgusting – it had been exchange one of three for Eric and I.

I glanced over at Eric, who was only partially covered by the cover on the bed; leaving his naked torso exposed. I gently ran my fingertips over his skin, wondering thoughtfully whether he could feel it at all. I shrugged, climbing out of bed and heading to the bathroom, deciding I needed a quick shower before I did anything else – although I wasn't exactly sure what 'anything else' entailed just yet.

The shower had been amazing but kind of fancy; with lots of different settings that kind of baffled me; I was used to a quick, pop in, turn it on, do the business and then jump out; none of this 'turbo' and 'gentle' settings. I found a towel on a shelf and began drying myself quickly before wrapping it around me, letting my wet hair rest on my back.

My thoughts went back to last night and how sweet and kind of innocent Eric had been in telling me he loved me; I knew it wasn't a thing he did all the time, if ever so the fact he had said it to me, told me he was being sincere – Eric Northman loved me without a shadow of a doubt and I returned the feeling in bucket loads.

As I entered the bedroom once more, looking around errantly for some clothes to put on, I could help feel guilty about last night also because I hadn't told Eric about Bill and the kiss we had regrettably shared; something which I knew he needed to know. It had meant nothing – absolutely nothing, in fact the thought of it made me gag. It hadn't been me wanting that kiss; it was Bill and his freakish control over me and my emotions which the stupid blood tie was to blame.

I headed to Erics dresser, pulling out one of his t-shirts and a pair of shorts, slipping them on without even a thought to underwear; who was going to see me anyway apart from Eric when he rose? I sighed, running a hand through my still wet hair. I needed to tell Eric about it soon; before he ran into Bill. God knows, Bill would enjoy telling him all the details – it was better to come from me.

I left the bedroom and headed down the stairs; wondering if Eric would mind if I explored the house a little more. Surely not? What had he expected? For me to stay in the bedroom all day while he rested? I stopped at the bottom of the stairs, gasping at the scene before me – laid out in the foyer were numerous bags and a rail, full of clothing. I walked over to it, my feet pressing firmly against the marble floor. The first thing I did was head to the rail of clothing as I could see a piece of paper stuck to it with my name in bold writing.

Sookie,

Eric instructed me to get you some clothes, I hope these will suffice – I got a little carried away but I think you will love everything you have got. I guessed your size but I think you will find they all fit. If there is anything you don't like then I'll have it returned.

Pam.

I placed the note back on the railing, shaking my head in disbelief. I scanned quickly through the many garments on the railing, nearly fainting as I caught sight of the price tag on a particularly stunning dress. It was a white strapless dress that went just above the knee, with a gorgeous silver belt - Two thousand, three hundred dollars.

'No way' I gulped; I had never spent that much money on anything before in my life, let alone a damn dress – Once again the gifts were too much. I placed the dress carefully on the rail, before leaving the foyer, not being able to handle seeing anymore over priced garments.

I glanced at the nearby clock and shot up from the couch in surprise; id been asleep for nearly two hours. I looked around, remembering I was in Erics living and the television was turned on. I hadn't meant to fall asleep at all, let alone nearly two hours; the sun would be setting soon and my Eric would rise.

I stood wearily, remembering the dream that had shook me from my sleep. In the dream, I had walked into Eric's office at Fangtasia and he was feeding from some red haired girl who was stunningly beautiful but dressed trashy. I hadn't liked it; I was jealous. For some reason, a part of me saw it as cheating. Okay, he needed to feed but I didn't really want him to do that from anyone else but me. Was that bad? I didn't know but I would have to bring it up with him when I could – surely something like that needed to be clarified before the bond was made for good. I shook my head before adjusting the top I was wearing and heading to the kitchen.

The kitchen was phenomenal to say the least, with marble counter tops a huge stainless steel cooker, fridge and pretty much every other appliance you could think off. It baffled me why Eric even had a kitchen to be honest – let alone one this gorgeous – I mean, it wasn't like he would eat?

I yawned, approaching the island in the middle of the kitchen, noticing another note resting on the worktop.

Sookie,

The kitchen is fully stocked with food and beverages; have whatever you wish.

Pam.

I shrugged, heading over to the coffee machine. It took me fifteen minutes to make one cup of coffee – the thing was beyond puzzling that i'd had almost given up on it before I pressed a button and it began to pour me a cup of coffee. I guessed that the coffee machine alone cost more than my whole kitchen did put together. I scoffed; what a waste of money.

I sipped the boiling drink gently before exploring the rest of the kitchen cupboards and fridge; shocked at the extent of food that was in the place – had this all been done for me? I couldn't eat this much stuff in a year. My tummy grumbled loudly, causing me to giggle a little 'Alright, I understand you need feeding. But what shall we have?' I spoke to myself, musing on the contents of the refrigerator before settling on making some pancakes – I had a soft spot for pancakes.

I had been making pancakes for around ten minutes when I jumped in surprise as a pair of arms snaked around my waste and lips feel onto my neck, kissing my gently. 'It has to be illegal to look that irresistible' came the voice in my ear.

I relaxed, realising it was Eric then gasping in shock as I saw the time on the clock. The sun hadn't completely set yet. I turned around in his arms, wrapping my arms around his neck; leaving the pancakes for the moment. 'Eric, how are you up, the sun hasn't completely set'

'I can do this sometimes' He told me 'I think it could be something to do with your blood but I'm not completely sure' He shrugged as if he wasn't overly bothered.

I relaxed in his arms, enjoying the feeling of them wrapped around me; I had missed him today. 'What have you done today? Did you sleep well?' He asked and I nodded, taking in his appearance – he was wearing black jeans and that was all.

'Yeah, I woke up around midday and took a shower, then I fell asleep by accident in the living room and then I decided I was in need of some food; so here I am, making pancakes.' I smiled 'However, how you expect me to eat my way through the amount of food you have in this kitchen I have no idea.'

Eric chuckled 'that would be my fault, I am unsure of what living people eat these days.' He said before pulling away slightly, glancing down at my apparel before raising an eyebrow 'You look incredibly sexy in my clothing but did the clothes Pam bought not meet your expectations?'

'They were too much Eric' I sighed 'One of those dresses was worth over two thousand dollars. I can't accept that'

Eric shook his head 'I told Pam not to go overboard'

'Don't worry, the thought was there – Thank you' I kissed him quickly before returning to my pancakes, deciding that food needed to be my priority right now. Eric began kissing my neck once more from behind me, doing an incredible job of distracting me from my pancake making. 'Eric Northman; I need to eat.'

'So do i' He chuckled against my skin, causing me to hit him playfully before turning and pointing to the island in the middle of the kitchen. 'Go stand over there until I am done, you are too much of a distraction. '

He kissed me once more 'as you wish; ill just admire you from afar' He moved away and instantly, I regretted the instruction, missing his presence near me.

I sat at the island in the kitchen eating my finally finished pancakes while Eric sat opposite me, sipping a Tru Blood he had just retrieved from the fridge, eyeing me with the same interest he always did when I ate. 'Stop staring' I told him as I swallowed, shooting him an evil glare which failed feebly. He chuckled 'First I am told I have to stay away from you and now I cannot stare at you.' He said 'Whatever next'

I rolled my eyes before pointing my fork at him, my face deadly serious 'Ill jab you in the eye'

'I think you just turned me on a little' He joked causing me to crack my smile and laugh.

'You are impossible' I took a sip of my drink. 'I need to think about getting out of here soon you know, I have work'

'No you don't' Eric shook his head and I look at him puzzled, waiting for further explanation. 'I called Sam before I came down here; he is fine with it'

I dropped my fork 'You called Sam'

'Correct' He sipped his Tru Blood.

'And what right did you have to do that?' I glared.

'We need to complete the second bond tonight and I don't want to do it while you smell of that shifter' He replied casually 'Besides, I'm far too selfish to give you up right now'

'But that, Eric Northman, gives you NO right to decide what I am doing tonight. Maybe I wanted to go to work?' I snapped, pushing my plate away, done with my food.

'And did you?'

I paused, sighing 'Well no' I replied.

'There we go, you're welcome.' He shrugged.

'That's not the point Eric' I exclaimed, standing up now.

'So what is the point?' He asked.

'You should have asked me'

We were quiet for a minute before he stood, walking over to me cupping my face. 'I'm sorry, I should of asked.'

I nodded 'Apology accepted'

He didn't speak for a minute. I noticed he seemed nervous. 'Is there any chance you would like to not go in tomorrow night either? Because I kind of asked for that too' He looked at me with a childish grin on his face and winked.

I slapped his chest firmly, although not exactly hard. 'Eric, you're so irritating' I huffed.

'But you love me' He told me, grabbing me gently by my waist and lifting me onto the island effortlessly, wrapping my legs around his own waist. 'Yes, I can be irritating' He agreed 'Do you know how hard it is not to take you on this counter right now?'

'I hope it's really tempting and it irritates you' I smirked evilly.

'Sookie' He growled.

'Yes lover' I murmured sexily – using his name for me.

'You're playing with fire'

I pulled him closer with my legs so he was inches away from me. I winked mischievously, gripping the hem of the top I was wearing and whipping it over my head to reveal I was braless underneath.

I giggled as his fangs clicked into position. I spoke softly, pulling him closer towards me 'In that case, burn baby burn'

I laid naked on the island in the kitchen, with Eric beside me and a comforter – that Eric had gotten – laying over us after making love for the second time that night; never even leaving the kitchen. Eric had my hand in his, rubbing my knuckles with the pad of his thumb. 'Eric?'

'Yes?'

'Are we exclusive?' I asked timidly. He looked over at me, studying my face before answering.

'What do you mean?' He wondered.

'I mean, are we exclusive to each other?' I continued.

'If you mean can you go near another man, the answer is no. You are mine' He said possessively.

'So does that mean you can't go near anyone else?' I asked.

'If that is what you would like?'

I nodded 'I had a dream today; I caught you feeding from some fangbanger at your club. I didn't like it. I want you to be mine to; I want to be the only one you have sex with and feed from. Is that okay?'

He seemed to debate it for a few moments before agreeing 'That seems reasonable and fair. But I have to tell you, I genuinely have no interest in feeding from or having sex with anyone else apart from you anyway'

'Really?'

'Yes'

'Good' I smiled triumphantly. 'OH MY GOD' I all but screamed as Pam entered the room and I rushed to cover myself up, completely horrified and embarrassed.

'Sookie, Eric' Pam nodded.

'Pam, did you really have to come in here? You knew I would be with you shortly' Eric snarled, unbothered that I had now stripped him of the comforter, although unintentionally on my part.

'You knew she was here?' I was gobsmacked, jumping from the island, wrapping the comforter tightly around me, blushing what I guessed was a deep shade of red.

'I could sense she was in the building; however I didn't think she would enter the kitchen knowing we were in here.' Eric told me, also jumping from the island and retrieving his jeans and throwing them on.

I huffed as Pam spoke 'I couldn't resist. But really, the kitchen? Sookie, you naughty girl' She winked at me.

I blushed even more, wishing that the earth would split in two and a huge hole would appear, ready to gobble me up and take me away from this embarrassing moment.

'What do you want anyway Pam?' Eric asked, obviously angry that she had embarrassed me so much.

'I have some important news Eric. But you aren't going to like it.' Pam looked grim.

'What is it?' Eric asked, looking alert.

'Well, as you asked I retrieved Sookies scrap metal from the ditch...'

'Oi' I interrupted but Pam continued.

'And pulled a favour in and had testing done on it at your request Eric. Well, something came up' She said before handing Eric a piece of paper which he read as she spoke once more 'We found the point of impact, where the two cars collided and well, it seems the car that impacted with Sookie, left a bit more than a dent. They left some paint'

'I trust you did some investigating?' Eric asked, looking eager, almost blood thirsty.

'Oh yes and I found a match' Pam said.

'Who?' I asked now, just as eager as Eric seemed to be.

Pam looked grave 'The car that hit Sookie is an exact match to the car that Bill fucking Compton drives'

Sorry for the late update guys. I hope you will all still review and make my day a little bright – god knows I need it.

Much love,

Sarah