Chapter 36 – Pam…Can You Help Me?

"Maybe later lover, we have to get ready to meet Victor." In all my excitement from the date with Eric, and helping to plan the benefit in honor of Quinn, I forgot the possible danger I was in. The meeting with Victor would shed light on his plan, whether he was a good or bad guy was still up for discussion.

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"What time do we have to meet him?"

"In an hour."

"Well, I better take a shower." I pulled myself away from his embrace and stepped towards the door, but then thought of something. "What do I need to wear?"

"You do not need to get overly dressed. Wear something business appropriate."

"Okey-dokey." I went to open the door, my hand rested on the knob, but something else occurred to me, "Should you mark me as yours? Will Victor need to see bite marks for confirmation again?"

He took a step towards me; I dropped my hand from the doorknob. In a husky voice he responded, "It could not hurt."

I inclined my neck to the side exposing my soft fleshy skin. He circled his arms around my waist, and I drew mine around his neck. He kissed my lips and trailed sweet kisses down the side of my neck. Grazing his fangs over my soft skin I shivered in anticipation. He kissed the spot before he bit down. We both moaned in pleasure and I felt his arousal as he pushed it into my core. I suppressed another moan as my knees threatened to give way. If he wasn't holding me upright I would have fallen. My legs turned to mush as he rocked himself into me and drew me closer with his hands that now drifted down to my ass. With a grunt, he withdrew his fangs and licked my small puncture wounds. He moved his lips to mine and kissed me passionately.

After a few seconds he withdrew, and breathed in my ear, "As much as I would like to continue this, we must get ready." He drew his arms back, but secured me when I wobbled. He laughed wickedly, for he knew the effect he had on me. In my mortification, I swatted him before I sauntered out of the room. I could still hear him chuckling as I slammed the door.

I causally glanced over at Frannie, who was still pouring over photographs with Tom. Casey had taken over my job and was still making bidding sheets for the auction. I felt guilty, for I had taken on that responsibility and he was doing it for me.

"Casey you don't have to do that, I'll finish it up later. I have a meeting with Victor, and then I'll be back."

"I don't mind Miss Stackhouse."

"Please…call me Sookie."

"Sookie, I want to do it really. I respected Quinn and I'd like to help. I'll do what I can, and then you can finish the rest, how's that?"

How could I deny someone who wanted to help? I thought of Jason and how he contacted Alcide. "Fine, but don't finish it all, because I want to help too."

He flashed a smile at me, "I'll leave you a few."

Satisfied, I walked into my bedroom to get showered and dressed. I took a really quick shower, not bothering to wash my hair since I already did it today. Wrapped in a towel, I sifted through the closet. I realized that there were clothes in here that weren't mine. I shook my head in frustration, like I wouldn't notice. Pam, I'm sure, placed several outfits in the closet and had taken the tags off. One of the outfits was a skirt suit that would be perfect for the evening. Swallowing my pride, I slipped it off the rack. The shell was a deep blue that matched the color of my eyes. Digging through my drawer for hose I managed to slip them on without creating any runs. I glided the fitted skirt over my hips. It was rather cute, it hugged my body, accentuating my curves, then had a little ruffled pleat. A tiny satin bow centered on the back of the skirt gave it just the right amount of femininity. The matching jacket was also fitted to hug my waist. I dug around in the bottom of the closet for a perfect pair of shoes. Wouldn't you know, satin black pumps were strategically placed right in front? Figuring that I might as well complete the outfit, I slipped on the shoes. Knowing that I needed to show off my bite marks, I swept my hair up in a twist and securely pinned it. I dabbed a little foundation on my cheeks and quickly put on a little mascara. Taking one last glance in the mirror, I was ready to go.

I strolled out of my room to see Pam looking through the donation requests. Eric was standing by the window, Tom and Frannie were still on the floor, and Casey was working on the bidding forms on the computer. When I entered the room they all looked up. Eric's eyes raked up and down my body in approval. Pam even licked her lips. I walked with a sway in my hips over towards Eric. His fangs extended slightly as he took in my performance.

"Are you ready to go?" I suggestively asked.

He smirked at me, "I am always ready to come with you." He took my arm and Pam made a production of rolling her eyes.

She had to get her two cents in though, "Sookie you look good enough to eat."

I smiled at her, "Thanks Pam."

Eric glided me to the door to the suite.

Once inside the elevator I asked, "Where are we meeting Victor?"

"He owns a hotel a block away. We are to have dinner with him." I simply nodded. I could feel Eric's anxiety, and I knew that he wanted to ask me something. Instead of inquiring like a good Southern girl, I decided to let him fret about it until he framed the right words to ask his question.

We exited the building and I wasn't surprised when he led me onto the street to walk. It was a beautiful night for a stroll. I would have liked to go at a more leisurely pace, but time was short. We were nearing the corner and Eric spun me suddenly to face him.

"Sookie…I do not know what Victor desires. Whatever he requests will be a test of my loyalties. You must let me handle the situation and not intervene, even if you do not agree with what I say."

Feeling his concern, I sincerely answered, "I will trust you to lead the conversation and will not object to anything you say. You know that it will kill me to keep silent, but I'll do it for you and only you."

He looked at me with a new sense of reverence and kissed me. It was a kiss of mutual understanding. I let my feelings of trust wash over him and he in turn, bathed me with gratitude and affection. He broke our embrace, and once again linked our arms and led me down the sidewalk.

My nerves didn't become apparent until we entered the automatic revolving doors of The Renaissance. I felt Eric rubbing circles with his thumb on my arm. He led us down a hallway and into the restaurant area. The hostess greeted Eric and acknowledged me with a nod. She led us into a private dining room. We had arrived before Victor, which was good; I didn't want to keep the new King waiting. A waitress took our drink orders then strolled away closing the doors behind her.

The longer we waited the more my anxiety threatened to choke me. It was probably only a few minutes, but it felt like hours. I just wanted to get this damn meeting over, collect the Sword of Truth and go back to the hotel. Eric tried to send me calm feelings through the bond, but it wasn't helping.

The doors were finally opened and Victor stepped in. Eric and I stood up, he bowed and I did my head bob.

"Eric, Miss Stackhouse, I am so glad that you were able to join me this evening." He sat down, and both Eric and I sat.

Eric laid the pleasantries on thick, "The pleasure is all ours." I felt like adding, charmed I'm sure, but I didn't. I felt like we had stepped out of a turn of the century movie with Eric playing the rich charming prince, while Victor played the evil villain. I, of course, was the damsel in distress. I almost chuckled at my analogy, but remained composed.

The waitress returned with our drinks and even a True Blood for Victor. She asked if I was ready to order and in my distressed state I had completely forgotten to look at the menu. In fact, I never even realized she gave me one. In my haste, I opened it up and picked the first thing I saw, since the menu was in French, I pointed to Pâté de Foie Gras. I had no idea what I just ordered. The waitress asked if I'd like an appetizer, so I figured that I'd get one just in case I didn't like my meal. At least I could choose between two menu items. I pointed to, Escargots Au Beurre D'ail. The waitress left our table quickly. It had never occurred to me to ask Eric with my mind what I ordered.

Victor chuckled under his breath, "My Miss Stackhouse, you are adventurous. You never cease to surprise me."

I had no idea what he was referring to so I graciously smiled back and questioned Eric through my thoughts, what exactly did I order?

He answered me, for an appetizer you ordered snails sautéed in garlic, butter, and champagne, and for the main course, you ordered goose liver with salad and bread.

I could feel his amusement through the bond at my obvious incompetence. I shot back through my thoughts, is it too late to change my order?

No, but you would have to tell Victor of your error.

He was enjoying my discomfort way too much. I snuck a glance at his face and he gave nothing away. I decided to chalk it up and try something new, who knows, maybe a Southern girl like myself would actually like snails and goose livers. I internally shuddered; somehow, I highly doubted it.

The conversation stayed on a lighter note. Victor asked Eric about some assignment that he asked him to take care of in the New Orleans area.

I couldn't help the grimace that was clearly evident on my face when the waitress placed the snails in front of me. I couldn't believe they were actually still in the shells. What a morbid and disgusting way to serve a meal!

I looked at both vampires and both had looks of amusement on their faces. Dammit, if I had gotten myself into this, I was going to finish it. I took the little fork and picked up the first snail. A huge dish of melted butter was in the center of my plate. I doused the snail in butter; everything tastes better with butter, right? At least I hoped. I closed my eyes, and I willed my hands to not shake as I put the unappetizing piece of food in my mouth. It was surprisingly tender and not at all as repulsive as I originally thought it to be. I got more courageous on my second one, popping it in my mouth quicker than the first. Before I knew it, I had eaten every snail and even soaked the bread in the butter and garlic flavored sauce.

I looked up at Eric who was staring at me incredulously. He projected to me; I cannot believe that you actually liked it. The snails, looked like something I stepping in out on the sidewalk.

I thought right back, looks can be deceiving.

I felt his amusement again, now you just have to fake your way through the Foie Gras.

I just ignored him, if I could conquer snails, I could master goose liver.

The conversation took a rapid change in direction when Victor said, "I will have the Sword of Truth delivered to your hotel tonight."

"Your generosity has been duly noted your majesty. Is there something you wish in return my King?" Boy, could Eric lay it on thick. Eric could charm a snake with that sweet, but suggestive voice.

"Why yes actually, I have a few events that I need to acquire the use of you slave's services. The first is not for a few weeks. I would be willing to fly her out and take care of all of her expenses while she is in my care. And of course, I will pay the expected rate for a slave."

"That is most agreeable your majesty and I will of course accompany her during these visits."

"That is not necessary Eric; I know that you have much to do with your newly appointed position. I could not burden you with such a lowly task."

"I do not consider it a lowly task to escort my bonded and slave on business. I view it as more of an investment. I have to make sure that she lives up to your expectations."

I knew that Eric said what he had to say to get Victor to listen, but I loathed being called an 'investment' and being thought of as a 'slave' to be bargained for. My blood was boiling, but I remained silent.

Then I heard Eric in my mind, Sookie I do not think of you that way, and I would never let you walk into the lion's den alone. Either Pam or I will accompany you.

Victor continued, "She has already exceeded my expectations. I understand as her owner you wish to be present, but she will be safe in my care, and I swear never to lay a hand on her. I am not like the former King."

Eric chose his words carefully, "I would never imply that you are. It is not you your majesty that concerns me, you yourself battle with those who are not loyal. It is only for them that I take precaution. I do not like the idea of my property out of my care. If my schedule will not allow, I will send someone in my place." Eric was magnanimous (word of the day) as ever, though I did not appreciate one bit being called Eric's property. He would pay dearly for that later.

I hadn't realized I projected my thoughts to him until I heard, I greatly anticipate the punishment you have prepared for me.

If I could have swatted him, I would have. Instead, I projected an image to him of me slapping him.

I was actually surprised that it worked when he projected back; I hope you swat my ass. I would rather enjoy that. I felt his amusement, clearly enjoying the mental images he was conjuring up.

Victor addressed Eric, "I will take into consideration your desire to keep her safe. What you speak of my underlings is true. Though I hope that those around me are loyal, I cannot be one hundred percent sure. I admire your desire to keep what is yours…undefiled."

"I appreciate your tolerance of this matter. I also believe your majesty, that Sookie's services far supersede the traditional wages of a slave. She is a highly valuable asset and should be compensated accordingly."

"We can negotiate the terms another time. Perhaps you are right; she has proven her usefulness to our community."

As I sat back and pondered this conversation trying to make heads or tails of my situation the waitress entered the room, took away my plate, and set down my goose livers. It didn't look like how I imagined a liver to look. It kind of reminded me of steak. I flaked off a piece, my God, my fork went through it like butter it was so tender. I placed the tiny piece into my mouth and the consistency was all wrong. It wasn't chewy like steak; no it melted and glided down my throat. The taste wasn't so bad, but it reminded me of the consistency of chocolate mousse, full of flavor, thick, but melting in your mouth. I found that I simply kept eating it. I couldn't wrap my head around the texture to even determine if I actually liked it or not. Before I knew it, the delicacy was completely gone from my plate.

"Most impressive Miss Stackhouse. Did you enjoy your meal? You have the most interesting sense of taste. Very cultured and worldly."

I had no idea what Victor meant by cultured and worldly, but I had a feeling that was not me. I was certainly not cultured, for I had only traveled out of Bon Temps a few times and all had been since I became acquainted with vampires. I had no idea what it meant to be worldly, but I could bet money that I wasn't.

I tried to sound as gracious as Eric, "I did enjoy my meal, it was delicious. You flatter me your majesty. I am neither cultured nor worldly; I just like to try new things."

Changing the subject he said, "Your desire is evident, for few, according to my knowledge, have ever entered into a slave relationship with their master under their own free will. I witnessed your public display that night and I plainly saw you were under no duress to do so."

"No I was not; it was of my own free will. Eric is a most gracious master." Silently I added to my 'master', you will pay later for that comment.

Oh Sookie, I cannot wait, he thought back.

"Hmm…" Victor paused. "I must know Northman, what is your secret for such loyalty?"

"I have prided myself on my fairness with those in my retinue. With Sookie though, I am fair and expect obedience, I try to not make demands of her, forcing her to obey me. I merely make requests, and never anything unreasonable. We have built a trust and mutual respect for one another. I give her freedom as long as she submits."

"Interesting way you have balanced your relationship. Most vampires would not have the patience for what you described, though most are not as old as you."

Eric analyzed, "Yes, I suspect my age has to do with the amount of patience I have."

The evening was winding down and I was feeling confident that I survived relatively unscathed. Until Victor asked, "Do you have any idea who plans to replace the tiger working for Special Events? I have an event that I need planned."

Eric hesitated for a second and I felt his uneasiness through the bond before he answered, "Sookie was promoted as the acting partner. All the activities of Special Events for the tiger's jurisdiction will be filtered through me and my staff."

"Really? I was unaware of this new development." He held too much interest in his expression for my taste. Something was definitely off.

Eric answered, "It was a new development that was only decided on yesterday. She has not officially started."

"Did the tiger leave his share of the company to Miss Stackhouse?"

"No his interest was left to his sister. The position of partner was passed to Sookie. She does not own any portion of the company."

Victor's eye twinkled a little too much. "Well that is a relief. For I am sure that you are aware, if Miss Stackhouse ever owned a business or acquired money for payment of a business she would be required to pay a percentage of her incoming profits to my Kingdom."

"I had not realized that she fell under that law."

"Normally as an asset she would not, but she has bound herself to you as your slave and therefore must pay her dues to not only you, but me. Fortunately for us, she does not own property that creates revenue."

"Fortunately for us," Eric retorted.

The rest of the evening was filling with small talk. I tuned most of it out. I wondered exactly how much these 'dues' were that I'd be required to pay. Maybe keeping the strip club and the flower shop were out of the question. These were things that I needed to speak to Eric about. Speaking of Eric, he brought me out of my ravine by tugging on my arm. Apparently we had been dismissed. Victor was standing and Eric was pulling me to my feet. I stood and head bobbed to Victor while Eric bowed.

We walked out of the restaurant and onto the street. Gaining some distance from Victor's hotel I finally asked the question that had been bothering me, "Eric, what did Victor mean about me paying dues and owning property?"

He sighed, "He meant that if you owned any property, you would have to pay him 30% of your profits like the rest of us. I had no idea that your status bound you to that law."

"So the strip club, the flower shop, and anything else I own…"

"Will be taxed by his Kingdom."

I was livid, not necessarily at Eric, but at Victor and Pam. How could Pam do this to me? She got me into this situation.

"I don't understand, why is it just property, don't all vampires have to pay dues to the King?"

"All vampires do, but humans do not. I must speak to Mr. Cataliades regarding this matter. I do not think that I have ever known a human slave to own property or a business. Because the nature of master/slave relationship, anything a slaved owned would become the masters. You have to understand; when vampires created human slaves for themselves it was their duty to take care of every need of their slave. The slave did not have to own property or work to live. I would do the same for you, but I know that you would not let me. You are unique in this situation as well."

Through clenched teeth I asked, "So I might end up paying Victor and you a percentage of my profits?"

He took my hands in his, "Sookie, I would never make you pay me dues. If you are forced to pay Victor I will work something out. Do not worry; I will take care of everything."

Eric's words melted away my anxiety and frustration. He promised to take care of the problem and take care of me.

We began walking again, "What was all that talk about a slave's wage? How much are my services worth?"

He sighed again, "Well, the services of a telepath are different than that of a slave's. The contract that I will have drawn up will specify the difference. A slave's wage is 30 pieces of silver."

I equated, "Like the bible. Jesus was sold for a slave's wage of 30 silver pieces."

"Yes. But a slave's job is different than a telepath's job. A slave could do anything from manual labor to sexual favors. You my darling, will not be hired as a slave. I want to leave no doubt that those things will not be tolerated. That is why it was imperative that Pam or I go with you, not that I would have ever sent you alone anyway."

I shivered, "So you think Victor wants me to sleep with him?" I was almost afraid of the answer.

"No I do not; he is more honorable than the previous King and respects my authority over you. My concern was not for his actions, but those around who would take advantage of a slave. If you are paid and contracted out as a telepath than that would eliminate the idea of that potential problem."

I felt like I lived back in medieval times. Here I was talking with my owner about my position of poverty within his Kingdom. I wanted to laugh at the irony. We are living in the twenty-first century and I'm worried about another master usurping Eric's claim. Last time I checked slavery was abolished, apparently the vampires didn't get that memo.

I felt like I had no way out and no air to breathe. I felt suffocated. "Eric, I really don't like any of this. Pam thought she was doing me a favor, but this is a disaster."

He stopped walking again and put his arms around me. Whispering in my ear he said, "Sookie, though it may seem more complicated, it does serve as a protection for you. No one will ever question my authority and try to bind you to them. You are mine as long as you want to be. I offer you protection, no one will harm you."

"I know you won't let anything happen to me, I just…have a hard time with all this. It's so…medieval."

"It may seem backwards or medieval as you say, but most of us are from that time. Our laws have not been updated to accommodate these times." He pulled back a little and brushed his lips against mine. His touch and embrace was soothing to my nerves. He reached for my arm once again as we continued walking.

"I understand that, but the system seems so…flawed."

"It is a system of organization that has worked for us for thousands of years. I never questioned it until you came into my life." We rounded the block and our hotel came into view. He lifted my hand to his lips and kissed it.

"Now min kära, would you like to do something tonight?"

"What did you call me?"

He smiled sweetly, "Min kära?"

"Yes, what does it mean?"

He seemed to ponder his answer, "It is a term of endearment." He expanded no more on his answer. I promised myself that the next time I got Pam alone I'd ask her. "You did not answer my question," he said.

"Which one?"

"The one about going somewhere…with me."

I placed my hand gently on his chest. "I'd love to baby really, but I promised that I'd finish all of the bidding forms for the funeral tomorrow. I really want to do my part to help with the arrangements."

"You called me baby?"

I returned his sweet innocent smile, "Baby? You know, like a term of endearment. You have yours, I got mine."

He changed the subject on me by asking, "Did you know that the supe funeral is a black tie affair?"

Fuming again because I seemed to always be the last to know on all the important stuff I exclaimed, "No…Alcide failed to mention that! I don't have anything to wear."

Grinning he declared, "There is a clothing shop that keeps vampire hours two blocks away. Let us go and find you something to wear."

He started pulling me across the street, but I stopped him. "What about Frannie, she needs something to wear too?" He pulled out his phone, flipped it open, and dialed a number. I assumed that he was calling Pam. He mumbling something under his breath and snapped the phone shut.

"Pam and Frannie will meet us there." This time when he tugged my arm, I followed. I knew that he'd never let me pay for my own dress so the entire time I was walking I was plotting. How could I get Eric Northman back for all the shit he pulled tonight? My wheels started spinning and I think I had a plan, and it would involve a coconspirator, Pam.

We entered the way overpriced high end clothing store. I never thought that I'd be dress shopping with Eric of all people. I looked at the first long black evening gown I saw. I picked up the tag to casually glance at the price, flipping it over and over only to discover that one wasn't listed. I had never been in a shop where they didn't bother pricing the items. Did you bargain at the register?

I whispered to Eric, "Why aren't there any prices on any of these dresses?"

He firmly answered, "Do not worry about prices, and just pick one you like."

"You are not paying for me."

"Sookie, do not be difficult."

Difficult? He thought I was being difficult, well I'll show him difficult. I remained silent, biding my time. I was still flipping through the racks when Pam and Frannie walked in. We greeted each other.

"Frannie, did you know the supe gathering was a black tie occasion?"

"Not until Pam just informed me, but I guess with all the high priced items for auction it makes sense."

We all continued to search through the racks of clothes. Eric held up a dress that he thought would look good on me. It was more modest than what I thought he'd pick for me. It certainly was curvy, and tight around the bodice, only extending to the knee. A sales lady took the dress from me to place it in the dressing room. I had never been in a store where you weren't allowed to hang on to the clothes while you shopped. I guess it left your hands free. I found a few other things, turned and caught Pam's eye and winked. I strolled over to the dressing room to try on my clothes. Eric had disappeared to the back of the store looking in the men's section.

Once in the dressing room, I stripped down to my bra and panties. I opened the door just enough so I could extend part of my bare leg and head out of the door.

I called to Pam to get her attention, "Pam, could you please help me. I'm having trouble getting my dress on." Like clockwork Eric and Pam appeared right outside the door.

Eric spoke, "I will help you Sookie."

"No…I would like the dress to be a surprise, Pam can help me." I smiled sweetly at Eric, he was not returning my gaze, but had a glossy look on his face as he stared at my bare leg.

"Sure Sookie, I will be glad to help." She grinned and winked at me once she stepped forward out of Eric's line of sight. I drew my leg inside the dressing room and opened it more to let her in. I let the door sway open enough exposing my profile to Eric. She stepped inside and shut the door behind her.

I chose my words carefully, "The dress is really tight around my bust and since it is strapless, I need to hold my chest up and zip at the same time. See my problem."

"Oh Sookie…I see your problem," she seductively purred.

I exaggerated unzipping the dress and crunching the material in my grasp letting the noise saturate the room. I let the dress fall to the floor and glided it over my hips letting the fabric sway.

"How do you suggest we proceed Pam?"

"Sookie, raise your arms in the air to elevate your bust. Then I will hold your breasts with one hand and glide the zipper up with the other."

I moaned, "Oh Pam that sounds like a good plan."

I lifted my arms in the air, knowing that Eric could see over the dressing door. She began zipping up the fabric…slowly.

"No Sookie that is not working. Your breasts are too large for one of my hands, I need both. Here let me wrap myself around you like this. Lean into me, just like that. Oh Sookie," she purred. I heard Eric growl under his breath. She continued, "Here let me…oh, oh your breasts are so firm. Let me zip you up with my teeth." I threw my head back in quiet laughter. I almost couldn't contain myself, but it was worth playing with Eric. I heard him growl and before I had time to register what happened, the door was open and I was face to face with a very horny vampire.

"Pam, out!" he commanded.

She stepped out of the dressing room quickly. Eric jammed the door shut behind him and squeezed in the tiny room with me. Suddenly I felt so exposed standing in front of him with the dress hanging at my waist and only a bra to cover my top. Before one word was spoken he took a step towards me stalking me like his prey. He placed both hands on the wall behind me locking me in his embrace. Crushing his lips to mine, he brought his hand to my head to hold me to him. I relaxed in his embrace and kissed him back. My hand roamed through his hair and over his chest. He groaned in my mouth and he pressed his erection into my core making me whimper. My legs spread apart on their own accord. He slipped his hands down my body, letting the dress fall to the floor that rested on my hips. His hands roamed over my ass thrusting me further into him. He slipped his hand in my panties and pushed them off my hips. I wiggled them down my body, while rubbing myself and creating friction against his stiffness.

I slid my hands down his body and fumbled with his zipper. His dress pants slipped down to the floor, freeing his erection from bondage. It had not surprised me one bit that Eric had gone commando. I jumped up into his arms wrapping my legs around his waist. I could feel his manhood between us and I need more, I needed him now.

"Please Eric."

That's all the encouragement he needed as he thrust into me. I moaned his name, and he pushed me up against the wall for leverage. He moved in and out of me at a frenzied pace. I kissed him with all my love and passion; it had been way too long. He took one of my breasts into his mouth and rolled his tongue around my nipple. Not leaving the other neglected, he palmed it with his hand.

I could feel my climax building. Eric pumped me hard, pulling all the way out and slamming into me. My insides were on fire and the pressure kept building.

"So close…harder Eric." He made a few animalistic noises and I'm sure I made a few of my own. He grazed his fangs along the fleshy skin of my breast, rocking shivers of pleasure through my body.

"Bite me Eric, please." That's all the encouragement he needed before he sunk his fangs into the fleshy skin of my breast. As he drank we both reached our climax. My body withered and shook against him. He licked my puncture wounds and held me tight.

Chuckled into my shoulder, he whispered, "Maybe I can help hold your breasts while I zip you up with my teeth."

Pam called through the door, "Did you get that dress on ok Sookie?" I heard her and Frannie laugh at us.

Realization of what we did and where, hit me. My cheeks turned crimson when reason came back to me. Oh my God, I just had sex with Eric in a dressing room. Panic started to rise and I could barely breathe.

"Sookie everything is alright." I slid my legs down his body and pushed him forward. I felt his frustration and hurt, but I couldn't think of it right now. I wanted to get dressed and get out of this confined room. Suddenly everything seemed claustrophobic. I needed space.

"Eric can you please wait outside while I dress?"

He reached for me, but I turned. I bent down and grabbed my skirt.

"Sookie…"

"No Eric."

He grabbed me and pulled me to him, "We did nothing wrong."

I hissed, "How can you say that? We just did it in a dressing room!"

"Did you enjoy it?"

"Yes, but…"

"But nothing, if you enjoyed it there was nothing wrong with what we did. I will not let you run from me."

He held my arms tight; I knew I'd have bruises. Softly I said, "I wasn't running, I just need to think."

"Away from me?" When I didn't answer he said, "That is running. I will let you get dressed, but we are not through." He smirked at me, leaning in to give me a kiss. He released me, pulled up his pants, and opened the door.

I was alone and breathless. I took a minute to collect my thoughts, and then meticulously got dressed. I felt Eric sending me waves of calm, which helped a little. I was so mortified by my actions that I couldn't even think of how amazing it really was. What made it all worse was that Frannie, Pam, and possibly everyone on staff witnessed my tumble with a Viking in the dressing room. This wasn't how I imagined it. This wasn't how I planned to 'yield' to him.

I didn't even bother trying on the other dresses, I wasn't in the mood. I don't even know how long I sat by myself in the dressing room. I wished the earth would swallow me up whole so I wouldn't have to face anyone. What would my Gran say? I shamed her with my actions. I accused myself of being every self loathing thing I could think of.

I knew that I needed to calm down. Most of my embarrassment came knowing Pam witnessed my lack of self control; I had just given her teasing rights till the end of time. I just needed a few more minutes…

I closed my eyes and took deep breaths. Clearing my mind, I pushed everything aside and focused on absolutely nothing. After a few minutes I was ready to open the door.

I had expected to see three people staring and mocking me, but what I saw was one passive Viking. He took a cautious step towards me.

I asked, "Where did Frannie and Pam go?"

They completed their shopping and left."

"Oh…"

"Sookie…"

"I can't talk about it here, not right now."

"Fine…but we will talk." I stepped out leaving the dresses in the dressing room. He continued, "The dresses?"

"Oh…I didn't really try any of them on…"

"Fine then, I will buy them all."

"Eric!"

"Sookie, I really like the one, and I am sure the others are just as…appealing. They will not last long in my presence anyways."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean…" He stepped closer to me and breathed in my ear, "I plan on ripping them off your beautiful fucking body." He stepped around me and grabbed the dresses, while I watched stunned with my mouth hanging open. He sashayed over to the register to pay for my items. For the first time I noticed the woman behind the counter was a vampire. Great, another person with fantastic hearing who bore witness to my dressing room sexcapade.

I just got to Eric's side when he finished paying.

"I will have your purchases delivered to your hotel Mr. Northman," said the woman behind the counter.

He gripped my arm and led me out the door into the night air. After we exited the store, I shrugged him off. I knew that it was only because he let me, for I could never have gotten out of his grasp on my own accord. I speedily walked on ahead of him.

"Sookie…wait," I heard him call, but I kept moving. I just needed air and time to think. So many emotions coursed through my body, I wasn't sure which were mine and which were his. I knew the guilt was definitely mine. I had spent yesterday afternoon sobbing over Quinn and the first chance I got, I unzipped Eric's pants. I felt ashamed of myself. How could I be so fickle?

I kept up my pace, but it was too good to be true that Eric would let me walk and leave me alone. As I rounded the corner back to the hotel, he was standing in front of me, blocking my way.

Reaching for me, he said, "Sookie, you promised not to run. We need to talk."

I averted my eyes from his, "So talk." I knew it was rude, but I just couldn't bring myself to have this discussion right now.

"You have more going on than embarrassment. Why do you feel guilt?"

I remembered my pledge to be as honest as I could with him. I had to tell him and take whatever consequence came with my honesty.

I sighed, thinking this wasn't going to end well. I blurted out, "Quinn asked me to marry him?"

A/N: I promise to have the next chapter up by Tuesday! This chapter would have been up yesterday, but Fanfiction was having issues.

I know, I know, what a way to end, but it's necessary for Sookie to tell Eric so she can get past Quinn.

Thank you charverv for editing this chapter. Have a good time on your vacation.

Thank you for all your reviews. I can't say it enough, it keeps me motivated and happy. Please keep them up, I read ever one.

Just because I'm evil and I can, here's a teaser for the next chapter. I'm sure you're going to love it.

"No, I thought we could be alone… in your room tonight."

Rotating his hips, pressing himself firmly against me he breathed, "Cuddling?"

He rotated one way then the other causing a moan to escape my lips, "No not cuddling… fucking."