A/N: There is a former rectory now a hotel in the Cotswold's called Lords Of The Manor house but I couldn't really find really great exterior or interior photos of it, so I used for a model, Castle Combe Manor House in Castle Combe, where parts of Stardust was filmed. It is the same coloring as the Manor house in Upper Slaughter and the lands around are very similar….its beautiful, look it up, then you will see where they are staying.
Charlaine Harris created world, I just like to play in it.
We drove over hills and through woods so black, that I could barely see the outlines of the trees surrounding us. But I could swear, that I did see movement through the forest, fast and low to the ground on both sides of the car.
Eric felt me tense next to him and he followed my gaze outside the window. He of course would be able to see perfectly what was moving through the woods along side us.
When he visibly relaxed, I did as well. He explained that what I saw was Maybelle's guards, numerous Weres and Shifters. In exchange for being able to roam her 200 acres freely, they provided for her safety. They were mostly used as day guards but with our arrival he figured Maybelle wanted to take extra precautions.
"Are they trustworthy? Vamps and the two natured aren't exactly known for playing well with each other."
I admit, I was starting to feel a little nervous about this. In the daylight I would be pretty vulnerable to threats. I couldn't see myself hiding in Eric's arms all day long until he awoke, not that I would have minded, but it wasn't really how I wanted to spend my first time in another country.
"Maybelle runs her nest with, sweetness, charm, respect and delicately distributed terror. The two natured like her for the same reasons I think they like you. She does not dislike them just because she is a vampire. And in kind they respect her and give her their allegiance. It is not this way with any other nest in the UK, its much like back home. They have their packs and they show no allegiance to any vampire. But Maybelle does understand the importance of alliances with as many different species as possible. I wouldn't be surprised if we end up seeing a demon or two running around as well."
I smiled up at him. Letting myself relax against his side, I turned back towards the oncoming road. We went over a hill and suddenly the house emerged from the shadows and the night.
House doesn't seem like the correct word to use here. Mansion? No, that was more fitting Eric's home, this was bigger. Estate or manor, those seemed to be much more fitting to what lay ahead of me.
Eric informed me that it had been built in the 14th century, it did look ancient. The manor was made of honey colored stones, with innumerable peaks and towers sticking up from multiple points. The front was covered in thick growing ivy that almost covered the giant bay windows that were on both floors.
The two cars stopped in front of the manor and for the first time I noticed a small group of about five women waiting outside. They were all vamps, I could tell from the voids. As soon as the car came to a halt these vamps came to towards the car and started pulling suitcases from the trunks and opening doors to allow for the passengers to emerge. I could see they were all wearing what appeared to be sexy maid uniforms. I began to wonder if Maybelle was a female version of Russell Edgington, filling her home with pretty female vamps.
Eric got out first and held his hand out for me. I took it and quickly got out and pushed myself against his side. I was always nervous about meeting new vamps. I never knew if one was going to get a whiff of my Fae blood and decide they wanted a snack.
My Viking leaned down to whisper into my ear.
"Lover relax, you have nothing to fear. I will let no harm come to you."
"I know Eric, but you can't be with me all the time."
"Do not remind me," He growled slightly, sending a new wave of shudders up my body and reminding me of his earlier threat of punishment.
I licked my lips and just as I was about to make a sexy retort, I saw Pam coming our way. Her arms were crossed over her chest and she shimmied her hips at Maybelle watching behind her. Bubba was sauntering next to her, an easy smile on his face as he took in the magnificent surroundings.
"Master, Maybelle wished for me to inform you that she would like to introduce you to her 2nd before you and Sookie retire for the evening."
One of Eric's eyebrows shot up and I could see the surprise on his face.
"Her 2nd? I thought Maybelle enjoyed running her nest alone? Interesting."
Pam smiled and flashed some dangerous fang. "Yes, apparently he is quite something."
"He?" If Eric's eyebrow could have gone up any farther it would have.
I was confused again. Maybelle obviously had a thing for the ladies, but when I had first met her she had been with a male companion. Sensing my sudden confusion Eric explained.
"Maybelle prefers the company of ladies, but likes to drink the blood of men. She says the blood of a man is stronger and more robust than that of a woman. Personally, I think she likes the idea of weakening a man. But she does prefer her play things to be female and I have never known her to really trust a man. She resented the way women were treated in her day and has taken very little to no help from a man since I have known her. Even from myself, the only reason she didn't handle that man back in Shreveport was because it was my area. Trust me, if he had been found out here, I doubt he would have walked away."
"So all the vamps are women except for her second?" Great just what I needed a bunch of insatiable female vamps circling Eric like a pack of rabid dogs in heat.
Pam smirked at me, she didn't need to be a telepath to know where my brain was going.
Eric caressed my arm lovingly and kissed the top of my head.
"Yes my cherished one. More than likely the only men will be Myself, Bubba and our esteemed hosts 2nd. But do not fret my love, I am sure Maybelle has given strict orders on the attentions that can and cannot be paid to her guests. I am sure Pam and Bubba are more than capable of keeping them distracted."
Pam flashed me some fang, "It would be my pleasure to help in anyway I can Master."
I turned to Bubba who had been listening quietly to our conversation, but he was slyly watching a few of the lovely vamps that were carrying everything into the house, including my 'surprise' trunk from Eric. Apparently another one of Bubba's thirsts had survived his muddled change. I was oddly happy with that development.
"So what do you think Bubba?"
His sweet baby blues swept to meet my eyes.
"This place sure is something Miss. Sookie. I quite like it."
Eric laughed, "I am sure you do Bubba. By the way, there are a number of shifters and such on the grounds, so do not go snatching the first pussycat that runs by you. It might be something else."
The easy smile didn't leave Bubba's face, he didn't seem too worried about this, since it seems his other thirst would be heartily attended too.
Maybelle walked up just then, holding her hat in her hand and swinging her arms joyfully, a sweet smile spread on her lips. She looked every bit the sweet southern girl, it was somewhat unsettling after what Eric had told me.
"My Guests, welcome to my home, please follow me." She gestured to us and walked through the giant front door into a large foyer.
Eric took my hand and sent waves of calm through the bond, he was correctly anticipating my nerves. Pam and Bubba followed closely behind us.
She led us through a door that was immediately off the entryway. It was a large, long room. The walls were covered with tapestries and two huge gold and crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, bathing the room in a warm light. In the center of the room was a long table surrounded by chairs. No one was seated at the table. Then I noticed the fireplace at the far end of the room. About 10 beautiful female vampires were relaxing around the fire, some seated in chairs, a few standing and a few laying comfortable on a rug in front of the blazing hearth.
Yes, she was definitely some sort of female Russell Edgington. I noticed Pam was practically salivating, Bubba seemed not quite sure what too do. Eric just seemed bored. Bless him.
Maybelle watched us all with delight, she linked her arms with Pam again and laid a barely there kiss on her cheek. Pam flashed her some fang and licked her lips, following Maybelle as she led as all towards the other end of the room.
Then I saw him. A massive man stood in a corner of the far end of the room. He was about Eric's height, but broader, if that was even possible. He had long curly russet colored hair that hung loosely and somewhat wildly around his shoulders. He had a beard the reached just to his chest. He wore a white tank top, a red and green plaid kilt and boots that looked suspiciously like Doc Martens. He looked to have been turned when he was in 40 or so, I couldn't tell. His human life had obviously been rough, he had a scar that ran from the center of his forehead, across his right eye and ending in the center of his cheek.
But the most daunting and noticeable thing about this man, was the giant battle axe that seemed quite at home resting on his massive shoulder.
I could sense Eric's building tension at the presence of this very male vampire. I caressed the palm of his hand with my thumb and sent surges of lust to him across the bond. He jerked his head towards me, I assumed to double check that the lust was pointed towards him. He smiled gently when he saw my eyes looking earnestly at him.
Maybelle withdrew her arm from Pam's and moved towards the man in the corner. He lowered the axe but kept it in his hand and he held his hand out for Maybelle. His face had softened considerably after he took us all in one by one, pausing a bit longer on Eric than anyone else, before settling his gaze on Maybelle. It was an interesting look, not one of lust, but of concern and care. She turned a cheek to him and he kissed it softly, strange. She did not spare a look for the female vamps draped in front of the fireplace, they had suddenly began preening and purring at Maybelle's entrance, sending Pam evil little glares, which just bounced right off of her.
Maybelle gently pulled the giant man towards us. He eyed us all warily but her smile seemed to set him at ease.
"Eric Northman this is my second in command Hamish MacGregor. I think you will find you will have much in common."
She said the last with a small teasing note
Hamish visibly relaxed after the introduction. He nodded deeply to Eric.
"Northman, yes I have heard of you. Your reputation has proceeded you. I will show you my armory sometime. It has been a long time since there was anyone else here that could properly appreciate it besides myself."
He spoke with a thick Scottish accent. If not for my little obsession for another modern day Mcgregor, whose entire film career I was familiar with, I probably wouldn't have understood a word.
Eric nodded in return, "Thank you MacGregor, I would enjoy that. It pleases me that Maybelle has taken a 2nd and even more so because it is obviously somewhat that can protect her and her nest."
Hamish looked towards Maybelle and snorted, "Yes this is true."
He didn't say anything else, I would be sure to ask Maybelle what this exchange meant later.
Eric then laid his hand on the small of my back and I stepped forward slightly. I sighed inwardly. Here comes my official presentation as his property.
"Hamish, this is my bonded, Sookie Stackhouse."
I curtsied, grateful I had practiced a bit before our arrival. Eric seemed pleased with this because I felt strong surges of lust coming through the bond.
Hamish stepped forward and to my surprise took my hand and kissed it. I sensed Eric stiffen at my side and I knew he had to hold himself back from attacking this vamp. But I flooded him with calm. I could very much sense no desire for me from this man, he had such a paternal feeling about him I found him incredibly comforting. It was a little unsettling how at ease I was finding myself to be when I was among vamps.
"I am pleased to meet you. It is such a rare occasion to see such a bonnie lass in these pasts."
Maybelle's huffed behind him and seemed to stamp a foot. Like daddy's little princess not getting enough attention, maybe she was a bit more Scarlett than I thought.
Eric smirked towards and Hamish shook his head at her.
"Such a bonnie HUMAN lass, my dear." He stepped back towards her, Maybelle continued with the introductions. Hamish and Pam seemed to look each other over, as if gauging the others strength and prowess, I almost doubled over with laughter.
Bubba absentmindedly greeted the Scotsman because he was slowly being pulled by three female vamps towards the fireplace.
Maybelle informed us of a ball that would be held in our honor the following night. It would be attended by, her whole nest, the Weres and Shifters that gave her loyalty and one of the other nearby nests. I was incredibly excited about this prospect, the last ball I had been too was on my fateful trip to Rhodes, but now I would attend one, as Eric's bonded and I was set on having a blast.
Maybelle led us back out to the foyer, leaving Hamish to brood menacingly in a corner and Bubba surrounded by lovely bloodsuckers. She directed one of lady vamps to escort Pam to her room.
Before Pam was whisked away Maybelle leaned into her ear and whispered something. I couldn't pick it up due to my lack of vampire hearing but Eric did and from the smirk on his face I am sure it was similar to what he had in mind for me.
As she was leading us to our room Eric began to inquire about Hamish.
She informed us of how he had been traveling through this area about 15 years ago. She was not sure how old he was, he had never told her. She assumed atleast 300 years old. He had been heading home to Scotland when a terrible storm hit late one night. He asked to stay at her home until the storm had subsided. Before he could leave the next night another male vampire showed up, he was an ancient, and very evil. He intended to take her home, and would spare her life if she succumbed to him. Apparently Hamish did not like woman being taken advantage of, vampire or no. He killed the vampire and had told Maybelle that he would be staying to be her protector. He thought she was foolish to have no real strong male vamps around her. Eric had given her the evil eye at that, to let her know that he agreed fully.
"Are you lovers?" I was shocked at my bluntness. I blushed and apologized profusely.
Maybelle threw back her head and laughed merrily, "Oh my dahlin, please don't apologize, I find you refreshing and endearing. But yes I must admit, even though I do prefer the soft touch of a woman, I succumb to my Highland desires every once and awhile."
I gave her a secret smile and said "Oh I understand completely."
I glanced up at Eric, he was obviously enjoying our exchanged. His smirk played across his face and his eyes danced with delight.
Maybelle stopped at a large arched doorway and said her goodbyes for the night. She informed me that I was free to roam the house and grounds during the day. But she warned that I should always keep the manor in view if I walked the grounds. I nodded my assent and she left us in a cloud of jasmine.
Eric whisked me into the room and I took in the massive four poster bed draped with red velvet. The top of the bed was covered in black silk blankets and what looked to be about 10 red silk pillows.
There was a dark walnut armoire against one wall, with a red velvet chaise lounge next to it, over it was draped a pink silk robe and a much larger blue one. Against the other wall was a giant fireplace with a huge blazing fire already burning within it.
In the middle of the room was my 'present' trunk from Eric. It stood upright, as if it was waiting for us. He strode over to it and leaned on it casually.
"I think you will find this of use tomorrow night for the ball."
He flicked the latches and opened it. I gasped when I saw what was inside. An iron rod was at the top of one side and on it hung a single hanger. On it was a beautiful dark sapphire ball gown, of course it was the exact color of Eric's eyes when he was seething with desire.
He pulled out the hanger and held the dress up for me to examine it fully. It was breathtaking and I knew for some reason that Eric had had a special hand in getting it made.
It was strapless, with a lovely sweetheart neckline. The bust was scattered with tiny crystals the swooped and swirled down and around the dress, it reminded me of a shooting star across the night sky. Then I realized that was what Eric was aiming for, the light through the darkness, like myself.
I touched it gently but lovingly, "Its beautiful Eric, I love it."
My voice was barely above a whisper.
He waggled his eyebrows at me, "Just wait until you see the jewels."
My eyes widened and I was two seconds from chastising him when he put the dress away and flew at me with his vampire speed. He held me to him and grinded up against me, making me fully aware of just how fully aware little Eric was.
Moderately smaller Eric, I should say.
"Before you get all worked up, would you like to take a shower dear one? We have been in a plane for a long time and I am sure we both eagerly await a hot shower."
Unable to help myself, "You bet your sweet ass I am eagerly awaiting it."
He laughed then excused himself to go into the connecting bathroom, I heard him start the shower and I quickly stripped down to only the white lace panties. I walked over to the doorway of the bathroom and was pleased to see Eric was disrobing. His back was to me so he didn't know I was watching, which felt almost naughty. I shuddered when he pulled the white dress shirt off, revealing the rippling muscles on his back. Faint traces of battle wounds he sustained during his human life, lingered on his back. He let his pants and boxers drop to the floor.
Unconsciously I walked towards him, with his back still to me. I grazed my fingers lightly over a few of the scars that ran across his shoulder blades. He must have felt my approach because he didn't not seem surprised at my touch but he turned slowly, taking my hand in his as he looked down over my body.
He kneeled and with torturing slowness he began to peel off my panties. His eyes locked with mine the entire time. His desire was nearly bursting the bond at the seams and I returned it in kind.
He wrapped his giant arms around my waist and held me close for a moment, laying his head against my stomach.
Then he spoke softly, "Do not think I forgot that you need to be punished my love."
I stiffened suddenly. I wasn't sure what Eric's idea of punishment was but I was a little scared to find out.
Before I could utter the protest that I could feeling building he swept me in his arms, causing me to squeak in surprise. Wrapping my legs around his waist he made his way towards the shower and I was a little confused, where was his punishment?
I figured it out the instant we were in the shower. He had placed us directly under the powerful stream that came from directly overhead, and the water was freezing.
I screamed and attempted to scrambled out of Eric's arms but he held me firm.
Then without warning he plunged his shaft completely into my opening. I was not prepared and cried out, half from the tiny pain of his surprise attack and half from the delirious pleasure his impalement caused within me.
My skin was crying out due to the cold water, each drop almost felt like tiny needles tapping at me. But his mouth and his gracious plenty were causing a fire to build within me. The two sensations were butting heads, daring one to beat out the other.
Eric growled into my ear and slammed me against the wall, driving into me harder and harder. He clasped my butt in both hands, almost painfully.
Then he slowed and leaned back to look at me. My body was shivering both from the cold of the water and the mad pleasure Eric was causing.
His pace was a teasingly slow, pulling out nearly all the way then pushing himself back into me fully. It would have been insanely pleasurable if not for the maddening slowness.
I began clawing franticly at his chest, causing a single slice to appear across one of his pecks, the blood began to mingle with the water drizzling down on us. I was panicked that the water would wash away all his deliciousness so I dove my head down and began licking and sucking on his chest.
My Viking began groaning, he had frozen for a moment, but as soon as I began to draw deeply on the wound, his pace picked up again. He gripped me to him tightly. His fingers raking through my hair wildly.
I stopped drinking and licked his chest one last time before looking up in his face. He was primal and on the edge of losing it. I could see his eyes register the blood on my lips and he slammed down against them, licking and sucking each one.
He slid one hand between us and I felt him pinch my nub with enough pressure to be almost painful. I gasped against his lips and my eyes flew open to see his opened within an inch of mine. Our lips still locked together, our bodies still joined at the hilt. We were almost one, we were molded so close.
My legs locked tighter against him as I felt my climax building to massive proportions, the cold water had heightened the sensitivity of my skin.
He held me in this position, locked together in three places, our eyes, our lips and our mutual burning loins.
I felt a deep growl growing in his chest and right as I was careening over the edge towards ecstasy and bliss, I ripped my lips from his and screamed out.
"I love you Eric, I love you forever."
He roared, causing the glass shower doors to rattle around us. Then he lowered his head and took my breast in his mouth, biting down and drawing deeply. As soon as his teeth sunk in we both lost the battle of wits with ourselves. We let ourselves be carried away on the wave of ecstasy and didn't rouse myself from my blissful stupor until I could ignore my body shivering no longer.
After his climax Eric had laid his forehead against my shoulder and hadn't moved yet. I slowly began to drag my hands over his back and he seemed to come back to reality slowly. He raised his head and looked at me with stormy eyes. He shook himself and registered my shaking body.
Carrying me out of the shower without separating our bodies, he grabbed a large fluffy white towel and wrapped it around my upper body. Then he took another towel and began drying my hair, the whole time I was still tangled around him like an unruly ivy plant.
When my shivering had finally subsided he carried me into the bedroom, the fire had warmed it quite a bit. He carried me to the bed and lowered me gently into it, pulling the blankets up around us as he pulled me close.
I laid my head against his chest and began tracing small circles over his abdomen, I was entranced by its perfection. He kissed the top of my head.
"My lover, I hope you have learned your lesson. Now I would like you to sleep, you need plenty of rest for tomorrow. Make sure you eat when you wake up and remember what Maybelle told you about wandering. I would prefer you not leave the house at all, but I know that is not going to happen."
"You got that right Mister. Eric, you don't have to worry, there are plenty of guards that will be protecting me."
He pulled my chin up so I would look into his face. "That is a silly statement. Of course I am going to worry. Every second you are not with me I will worry and there is nothing you can do to stop it."
"Whatever Viking, go ahead and just have your way."
He roared with laughter, "Lover, I think I have already had my way tonight."
I blushed furiously but didn't say anything.
He laughed again at my sudden shyness.
"Sweet dreams, My Sookie, I hope I am in your dreams this time."
"I hope so too Eric." I yawned and felt my eyelids starting to get heavy.
He kissed my forehead and stroked my hair.
"I love you, my angel, My Sookie."
"I love you too Eric, my devil."
A/N: I decided Eric needed a brutal tough buddy vamp, what better than a highlander? So what did ya'll think? Review Review
I am very much looking forward to writing the next chapter, hope to have it posted my this weekend.