A/N: Another one.
All mistakes are my own.
Three years ago….
Once the doctor rounded the corner, Sookie paused in her pacing. She took one look in his face, read his mind, and saw her brother had died in surgery. She could see the doctor was torn up because he did everything in his power to save Jason. That alone soothed her somewhat. The doctor thought the gun wounds were too much for his body to handle. Her eyes teared up, glittering like jewels when the man.
"Ms. Stackhouse," he started. Sookie only shook her head before walking over and grabbing the man's hand. She smiled sadly before nodding her head. The man looked at the beautiful woman in amazement as she spoke. She didn't need to hear the words aloud to know the truth.
"I understand. And I don't blame you one bit. You only did your job." Stuttering, the man nodded before pushing up his glasses.
"Um, yes. Yes, I did. Is there any other family?"
"No," she whispered before continuing. "No. It's just Jason and I. I'm his sister." The man looked truly sorry before patting her arm and stepping back.
"If you want to look at his body-"
"No." Turning to Tara, and Lafayette, the two stood tears in their eyes. Pam and Eric stood back watching the scene unfold.
"Do you want to see the body?" The two of them shook their head. They wanted to remember Jason as he was before. Full of life and mischief.
"Doctor. I want his body cremated immediately."
Everyone was in shock. The man said that he would speak with a nurse on where the body could be cremated. Once he left, Sookie raised her hand and one of the guards placed the room in silence. No one would be able to hear.
"Sookie, are you mad? Don't' you want to think about this some more?"
"No, Tara. My grandfather said he can rest eternally in the land of fairies. If we cremate him. Warlow will spread his ashes in our ancestral home, and he will live there for eternity." Lafayette nodded before squeezing Tara's arm.
"He's your brother, Sook. You do what's best." Smoothing her hair back she told the guards to collect the information. Raising her dress she walked past everyone out into the lobby. Once she got outside, she looked to the left, and right before running straight ahead. She saw open grass which led to the woods. She knew Bon Temps like the back of her hand and knew one of those roads would lead her back home. It was sunset, and she didn't care how she looked. She was leaving this hospital, and as soon as her brother was cremated, she was leaving this place. For good. She could hear the shouts of everyone calling to her from the entrance of the hospital, but she no longer cared.
Not anymore.
It was Friday.
And since she was off work she opted to have one of her self dates. The one in which she took herself out and about in New York. Since her cousin Maudette loved coming to visit her in New York she would tag along sometimes, but this week, Sookie needed to be alone. When she first arrived at the university she was all books and studying. However, by her third year, she began to cautiously explore. She would meet with some girls who were acquaintances, but they were never really close. To be honest, once she found out she wasn't all human, she found fewer things to bond over with human girls. But the supernatural community she thrived in. She knew of were-people, other mind readers, and many other species that still weren't public yet. They loved her, and she felt the same.
From the women who'd been around since the beginning of time, she learned to love pampering herself. To not only shop but to try spas. To get a pedicure and manicure. To dress up for no reason than for one's self. She remembered meeting this woman who was easily one-thousand years old, and she would always tell Sookie that she needed to put herself first. She was a seer and told Sookie that putting other's needs first was what burned her out, to begin with. They were friends well throughout her college years before she moved to another country. She still kept in contact with that woman, and she helped Sookie in ways the woman would never truly understand. That was how she found herself spending all day at a spa. She felt refreshed, and she could see why Pam enjoyed all the aspects of being a woman. She went back home afterward to change into a dress. It was summertime in New York, and she loved the warm nights. She added a touch of pink lipgloss to her freshly washed face, and a form-fitting pink dress with strappy heels. Her destination was a restaurant for one. Smiling at her reflection she quickly left her home, before hailing a taxi.
Eric was bored.
Granted, he enjoyed being the king of the entire east coast. He no longer had to answer to anyone. Once Eric was able to kill Sophie, Russell and his lover along with finding incriminating evidence on Bill which demoted him, the vampire league thought it best to appoint him in charge. And run it he did. On day one he made sure to have everyone killed who did not follow his lead. Not for the sake of killing, but to prevent an overthrow. Pam was thrilled, and the supernatural community seemed more than fine with him being in charge He was able to restore peace to the different species, and for that everyone was civil. He knew problems would rise one day, but it wouldn't be for a long time.
He was suspicious of not having eyes on Bill, but he knew his advisor would inform him if anything was amiss. Currently, he was still in New York at this dinner function. It was to settle a treaty between the were-serpents, and the vampire covens in the area. Since snakes were distrustful by nature, both parties thought it best to meet in a public setting. Additionally, it was good publicity for the world to see the supernatural leaders meeting and forming bonds together.
Eric was confident he and the leader of the Venom family had already come to a compromise that was agreeable for both sides. The man had already left and put his son in charge of making sure the documents were signed. Now that they'd been handled he wanted to talk about a possible event.
"Mr. Northman, My family and I would be honored if you attended the black-tie ball in the next two weeks. My assistant informed me that you would still be in town?"
"Yes, for the summer. I have property here."
"Excellent."
As the man continued to drone on about something Eric found even less appealing, his eyes caught sight of Sookie Stackhouse.
Wow.
The woman was dressed head to toe in a pink dress. It was form-fitting and left nothing to the imagination. It stopped above her knees and the pink heels only made her look sexier. Her hair was wild in waves and curls and she wore no jewelry.
You should be adorned in jewels, Sookie.
Since the hospital visit, Eric wanted Sookie in his life. Truth be told, he'd wanted her for the last three, almost four years. That night was something he wished he could take back. He did say those things, but it was taken out of context. He was curious as to why everyone was so crazy over Sookie Stackhouse. Granted she smelled delicious, but he didn't see the big deal. Until he actually saw her. He thought she was beautiful but more than anything she was kind. Smart too, and funny. She cared about people and wanted to help. And she looked at him as if he hung the stars. Initially, it was a bet. Bill failed, so Eric thought he could have his way with her and move on. But then they talked. And she asked about him. And didn't care about his wealth or status. And everything changed.
He knew something was different about her. The way she would ask questions and flit about him some days. He made sure she was over eighteen because some days her energy was that of a child. Then she confessed that she was a fae.
More importantly a fae princess.
Eric could believe it. All the light in her was something to behold. Even Pam began to ease up around her. She, like Eric, thought women like Sookie never existed. But Sookie proved them all wrong. Sookie made Pam laugh multiple times which shocked the people who knew them. It only warmed Eric's heart to see them getting along. Not that he'd admit it aloud. Eric thought he was finally being rewarded for all the bad in his life.
Until that night.
The Sookie he knew seemed to fade away. And how her eyes seemed to dim a bit. And that smug look from Bill was enough to make him want to kill the man again. The fact that her brother died the same night was enough to have her shut down completely. The day of the memorial for Jason her body was completely rigid and when she was asked to speak she only shook her head. Later that night he followed Sookie to his freshly dug grave where she said heartfelt words to her brother.
He couldn't change the past. But he could make her see that they belonged together. That nothing else mattered but the two of them. She not only made him see what love was, but she gave him life. Actual life. And he would spend the rest of his days taking away any hurt she felt. If she'd let him.
"Mr. Northman?" Snapping his attention to the young serpent, he offered what Pam called his political smile.
"I'm sorry Mr. Venom. I see another associate I must meet up with. She is with the supernatural hospital. How about this? I will agree to come to your event if you send the invitation to my home."
Eyes wide with delight, the man quickly agreed.
"No problem sir. I look forward to seeing you there."
After sitting her at a table near the back, the man asked who Sookie was waiting for. Picking up the menu she smiled easily.
"No one. I am out dining by myself. I think I deserved it."
Impressed at the beautiful confident woman, the man leaned closer.
"It's very rare to meet a woman such as yourself confident to dine on her own. And without a smart device. Listen, I get off in a few hours. If you want we could hang out. I know this great bar."
Smiling at the man, and flattered she placed her hand on top of his arm. She didn't want to hurt his feelings in any way.
"Thank you, but I'm not dating anyone right now. If I were you'd be the first." Sighing, the man tucked his raven hair behind his head before smiling wryly.
"I had to try. Well, have a good night miss. Your waiter will be around shortly." Thanking the man she sat back and crossed her legs. Since the tables were pretty tall, anyone from the bar could see her legs crossed and it drew more interesting looks. She got an alert from her phone and answered it without looking at who was calling.
"Hello?"
"So, I'm sitting here in my living room with tons of Chinese food. I guess as a doctor I don't know what to do when I'm not in the ER."
Laughing, Sookie shook her head before taking a sip of her water. She silently thanked the man pouring it along with her wine.
"Warlow, why are you calling me?"
"To ask you to come to eat dinner with me? And to see if you'd changed your mind about the opera tickets this Sunday. I told you I wouldn't let up."
Biting her lip, Sookie decided that maybe going with him wouldn't be such a bad idea.
"Fine. I will go with you. But just as friends Warlow. I mean it!"
"Yeah. I heard you the first thousand times. I'm hoping my prowess can change that answer. What are you doing?"
"Goodbye Warlow."
"Want to come by and eat. What do the young kids call it? Netflix and chill?"
"I'm hanging up now." Ending the call, Sookie put her phone on silent and slid it back into her purse. She didn't need any more distractions. Grabbing her wine she took a sip. Humming at the taste, she was ready to order when a shadow was over her. She heard others murmuring before she glanced up. And thought her heart would stop.
"E-Eric?" The man was standing in front of her wearing denim jeans which were torn at the knee, a leather jacket and a form-fitting gray henley under it. His hair was in wild disarray and the biker boots gave him the bad boy edge. He gripped the back of the chair across from her.
"Is this seat taken?" Glancing around the restaurant she noticed several people staring in her direction. Now understanding that Eric was the vampire king, and not wanting to make a scene she sighed before pointing to it.
"You can sit." Surprised, Eric quickly settled in across from her. Once he was situated he stared at her until she blushed.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Because you're beautiful."
"Please stop," she whispered before grabbing her drink. Thankfully the waiter came over before she could say anything else.
"Miss. Can I take your order?"
"Yes. I would like the steak. Well done. And the house salad."
"Very well. Dessert?"
"No. I'm going elsewhere." Jotting down the information the man turned to Eric.
"And you, sir?"
"Just your finest bottle of whiskey."
"Very good."
Once the man left, Eric leaned forward on the table.
"I mean it, Sookie. You look absolutely breathtaking. I've been contemplating fighting several men who can't seem to keep their eyes off of you."
Glancing down at her hands resting on the table she shook her head.
"You can't do that anymore. I'm not yours, Eric."
Yet, he added silently in his head. Deciding to stay in a neutral territory he spoke of his business dealings.
"I will be staying here for the summer. I have property here, plus Pam was begging to go shopping somewhere else. We left Lousiana a year ago, and have been living in Italy." Unable to help it, Sookie's eyes lit with wonder.
"Italy? That sounds wonderful! I'm sure the food and the people were wonderful. If you're the king here, why weren't you living somewhere on the east coast?"
"Thankfully technology gives more freedom than two hundred years ago. It also lets me choose where I live."
"It sounds wonderful. Italy is on my list of things to do," Sookie blurted out before wincing. Eric smiled at her.
"I have property there. I could take you. Anywhere you want to go. Just say when."
Blushing at the seriousness in his gaze she took another sip from her wine glass.
"Pam wanted to switch to shopping venues? It's in Italy! One would think Italy and Paris would be ideal for shopping."
Smirking, he sat back in his chair.
"You know how spoiled Pam can be." Sookie snorted before agreeing.
"What made you become a nurse?" Glancing up at him she spoke softly.
"I've always wanted to help people. This gave me the chance to do it.
"I'm sure being the king's granddaughter would allow the same thing." Smiling she shrugged.
"I'm sure it would. But it also comes with obligations. And protocol. The next thing the fae people will ask is when am I getting married. My grandfather is the worst." Eric chuckled at that.
"Ah, yes. Good ole Niall. How is that man?"
"Still nosy. But he loves me and only cares that I'm happy so I can't complain." Moments later Sookie's food came, along with Eric's bottle, and his glass. She thanked the man before cutting into her steak. She moaned at the taste before taking another bite. It was silent on his side of the table and she raised a brow.
"I can feel your judgment," she said playfully.
"No. You should be able to feel my desire. There is nothing sexier than a woman enjoying a meal." Flushing, she tried to change the subject, but he beat her to it.
"Tell me something. Why is a beautiful woman such as yourself out alone on a Friday night?"
Swallowing, she wiped her mouth.
"That's easy. Because I want to be."
Eyebrow raised, he waited for her to continue.
"I go out by myself. Once a week. No matter how tired I am, which I am right now, I go out. I take in the city life, I explore and then I go home. It makes me happy. It keeps me sane." If possible, Eric had more respect for Sookie. It wasn't easy leaving everything you knew behind and carving a new life for yourself. But she did it, and gracefully.
"I also do it because I promised my gram. I promised her I would live." She answered quietly. When she looked into Eric's eyes she saw nothing but warmth.
"I'm sure she'd be proud."
Once dinner was finished the two of them stepped into the warm air. It was a bit chilly than a couple of hours ago, and Eric took off his jacket and draped it across Sookie's tiny shoulders. Pulling it close to her body she glanced up and thanked him.
"No problem." Falling into step beside her he asked where she was heading next. Grinning she pointed across the street to the twenty-four-hour ice cream shop. Amused, he watched as Sookie's eyes lit up the closer the two got to the shop. When they entered she asked for the largest cone with bubble gum ice cream.
"You're worse than Pam."
Giggling and slightly drunk she reached for her wallet when he pulled out his own money.
"You don't have to do that." Ignoring her, he paid for the treat, smiling at her soft thanks. Stepping back outside she turned left with Eric following.
"You don't have to walk me home."
"I do, Sookie."
Taking a bite from her ice cream she hummed at the taste. When she finished it, she tossed the cone before pulling his jacket closer. They walked in comfortable silence for about twenty minutes until they reached her home. She turned to him fully before handing over his jacket.
"Thank you for walking me home. Goodnight."
When Sookie got on the second step he grabbed her hand and gently turned her in his direction.
"Sookie. I need another chance. Just one. I won't screw it up this time." Blinking back tears she glanced away.
"Eric. So much has changed."
"Not the important things. I screwed up. I should've never said those words. I should have never even pursued you to prove a point. It should have never been a dare. But Sookie, getting to know you made me want you more. I don't regret anything in my life. Anything except the way it ended between you and me."
"I just-"
"One chance. One. Please Sookie."
"Eric. I have a date. With Warlow. On Sunday."
She was surprised that nothing changed in his demeanor, nor his grip on her hand.
"Eric?" she said again.
"I know you have prior obligations that happened before I showed up. I respect it. But I didn't ask about that. I asked that you give me a chance." Eric quickly pulled her closer, until she was flush against his body. She gasped when he wrapped his arms around her waist.
"One chance Sookie. It's all I need to prove to you how serious I am."
Studying his face she saw nothing but honesty. And Sookie knew in her heart she wanted to give this man another chance. But she also knew she didn't want to be burned again.
"Eric." Leaning over, he kissed her cheek.
"Please," he whispered. She felt herself melting in his arms, and placed her hands on his hard chest.
"One chance," she whispered closing her eyes. She whimpered when she felt his hands cup her face before placing another kiss close to her mouth, but not quite on it.
"You won't regret it."
Blinking her eyes open, she cleared her throat before taking a step back.
"Hmm. Okay. Well, goodnight." Not waiting for a reply she turned and headed into her home, locking the door behind her. It wasn't until she was in her shower that she took a deep breath.
What in the world did she just agree to?
LOL. I love it! Let me know what you think.