Alrighty, so I know I've been placing my notes at the bottom of the chapters lately. But I figured I should place this one at the top this time for reasons I'll explain in a second. I'm so sorry about the delay! I've been crazy busy and every time I sat down to write it was awful. I was not happy with how things turned out when I did write. I'm in a better place now to write so I picked it up again. Please forgive me! Hopefully this chapter will make up for any delays that occurred because of me!

To the matter at hand! So, we all know this story is rated "M". There have been a few suggestive scenes between Adriane and Jason in other chapters, but this chapter is an "M" rating. If you do not like reading lemony scenes, you can skip it. I have put a line break before and after the section, and have italicized the section that has the lemon. You have been warned.

I hope you enjoy the chapter! Thank you to mayfire21, Super S.J, speakman26, kattcrue, silverfoxkurama, mmelody6, angelvoice15, J.J, Becka3490, Kendal, and aishiteru naru! Thank you for your reviews and patience! I'm grateful that all of you continue to come back and read! Please favorite, follow, and review! Love you all! I'm back baby!

Each word that left his mouth was punctuated. Each word was sentence, as he stared at me with those spellbinding blue eyes, "You. Are. Mine."

I found myself still shaken by the last words Eric said before he left. It wasn't a statement, it wasn't playful, it wasn't loving, it wasn't funny, it wasn't anything a normal person said. It was a declaration. Even though no one else was here in the room with me, it was a delectation to the world. A declaration that made my skin crawl and feel nauseous.

Eric had left me in a spare bedroom. He said it would be mine for the "duration of my stay". What did that even mean? Was I stuck here indefinitely? Or until my usefulness ran its course? Would he kill me after that? I would hope he would just let me go…but somehow, I doubt that. He didn't seem like the type to let his "toys" go.

I forced out a frustrated breath as I raked my hand through my hair. Much like how my lips were itching earlier, my scalp itched. Once I pulled my hands away I saw there was crusted blood on my fingers again. My blood. Beyond the itching, there wasn't an ounce of me that was sore or in pain. There was so much of it covering my hoodie and my shorts. God, I lost so much. Yet here I still was, filled with vampire blood but human.

The more I thought about the crusty crimson substance that I was doused in, the more I itched. God, I needed a shower. But to do that, I needed a change of clothes. I used to love this hoodie, it was so soft, warm and comfy. I got it on a day trip to Put-In-Bay with my family. We had a great time driving around the Lake Erie island on our golf carts, checking out the caves and wineries. Climbing the Perry International Memorial monument. It was a great day trip with my family…there was no way I would save it now. There were holes all over the back and was stained. The stain extended down to my shorts. I just hope I could salvage my panties. I doubt I would find anything like them here. Eric might even prefer that. With that thought a shiver ran up my spine, and I shook the feeling away while making a face of disgust. It was decided, as soon as I found a fireplace I would burn this outfit. Or a trashcan…or anything I could use to destroy these clothes. I wish I could pretend all of this didn't happen.

I needed to focus on something else. Right, I needed to find clothes. I took in "my" poorly lit room, unlike the living room there were no windows. It probably didn't help that it was painted deep sea blue. I didn't feel welcome in here, if anything it made me feel like I was frozen and drowning. I felt goose bumps travel up my arms, I felt so small in this place. I just want to place myself in a corner and stay there until someone came to collect me.

I felt so unwelcomed…this room reminded me of a prison. Well it was…it was my prison. I doubt that any of the doors were locked. I imagine if I wanted to, I could walk out the front door. But how long would that last till I was collected again? Seconds, minutes? Eric did say he could find me at any time, in any place. I bet he had people here on site to make sure I didn't get far. I could imagine them picking me up and dragging me back inside and locking me-

God, Adriane! Stop thinking about it. You're alive! You should be grateful for that little bit. Or Eric could have even turned you, even though he said he didn't want a "baby" vampire. I will just have to make the best of this place. I took in the room again. Well, at least this prison was nicely furnished. That's right, Adriane, look at the bright side…

For the first time I acknowledged the room I was in. My room. Or at least my room for the time being. There was a California king bed that butted against the far wall of the room. On either side of the bed there were glass nightstands rimmed with some sort of paint black wood, the stand on the left of the bed had an electronic alarm clock. Which read it was almost 5:38AM. Wow it was early…I needed to shower and attempt to get to bed. I doubt I'd be able to but I should at least try.

On the opposite wall from the bed there was a singular black door, when I walked over and opened it lead to a walk-in closet that was larger than my bedroom at home. I dug around for a second, threw the various suits and collared shirts. All of it was clothing for a man. With a frustrated sigh, I continued to search the room for something…anything I could wear among the racks. As I slide down the racks like I was at a store shopping for clothing…clothing that was not in your size is more of what it felt like. Really who needs this much! I imaging that his own room had a whole other room stashed with clothes. In a last ditch effort, I found a large black dresser and chifforobe attached to the last rack of clothing.

So, dresser it is! When I opened the top drawer, I found nothing but briefs inside. I groaned, but shouldn't be surprised. This was Eric's place, I shouldn't be surprised by him owning briefs. He'd want to show off…I recoiled at the images that floated into my mind. I slammed the drawer shut and pulled the one below it. There were an assortment of black and white undershirts. The drawer under that contained socks. The drawer under that was sweatpants. The final drawer was graphic tees, something I didn't expect Eric to own.

I turned to the chifforobe. I opened the two doors to see that inside were cigar jackets, bath robes, and a shelf at the bottom full of spa towels. I slammed that closed. I groaned and looked up at the ceiling. Of course, he would want me to stay in these clothes. He liked me covered in it. Eugh! Well! Fuck him!

I strode back over to the dresser and pulled out a pair of briefs, a white tee, and a pair of sweatpants. I pulled out a spa towel from the chifforobe and left the room. Determined to find a shower. I strode through the floor I was on with purpose, making sure to make as much noise as possible. I figured a bathroom would be somewhere on the same floor, so I didn't try to storm the lower level.

The side of the house my room was on was a fruitless effort, there was only two rooms there. My prison had a rec room. I was surprised to find a rec room in Eric's house. I never thought about Eric doing something on his leisure time. Inside of the room I found a small library with a comfortable arm chair I think Sherlock Holmes would enjoy. I also found a pool table, and a flat screen TV with an Xbox 360 attached to it. I wouldn't have figured Eric for a pool guy or a gamer.

Across the other side of the house; I didn't have to scoured for anything, the bathroom door had been left open. So, I laid claim inside and locked the door. I know he could break down the door if he wanted to. But, the lock made me feel a little better about being alone in a house with him. If I was alone…

I shook that thought from my head. I pushed inside the bathroom. My God, the size of this place! It reminded me of walking into a high scale hotel bathroom. The walls were painted a warm gray, with one wall being covered in a gigantic mirror. The double sink was on this wall with black granite countertops. Across from the sink was a single toilet that looked like it might be a bidet. Why would a vampire own a bidet? Did they even need to use the toilet? A question for another time. I just saw the bathtub. I'd have to save it for another time, but it reminded me of a hot tube in its size. When I approached it, I found there were jets inside. Yes, definitely another time. I wasn't going to dirty this work of art with my super nasty self in this state. Instead I made my way over to the shower. Against the back wall, there was a glass enclosed waterfall shower. I had always wondered about those. I had only ever seen them in commercials and in movies. But then again, this whole house looked like it belonged in a movie.

I placed the commandeered clothes on the granite counter top by the sinks. When I caught my reflection for the second time that night. I looked like I was bathed and born again in blood. I guess I was…I shook head. Again, thoughts for another time. I stripped off my caked-on clothing and threw them to the ground.

I stepped into the shower, after a few minutes of fiddling with the controls I found my ideal temperature. I stayed under the stream until the water changed from red to clear. Then I began to wash myself with a bar of soap I found in a caddy. I was glad it was unscented, Eric admitted that he liked the way I smelled, I don't know what he would do if I smelled like him.

"You smell delectable"

I rubbed the bar against my skin, I was determined to scrub until my skin was raw. I started on my hands, I scrubbed under the nails and in my nail beds. I rubbed my hands and spread the soap to my wrists. I prepared for a sting, but it never came. There wasn't a bruise on my wrist. In fact there were no bruises anywhere on my body. Well if vampire blood can heal stab wounds I imagine they can heal bruises. I could almost hear Tara scrutinizing me, "what happened to your bruises?" I could almost hear her tone, she wouldn't be amazed that they'd be missing, she'd be skeptical and think something bad happened without a second thought. I brushed that thought from my head, I'd tackle Tara when I got back. I continued to scrub my abdomen and the rest of my body.

After my shower I changed into the "borrowed" clothing, but forgoing the pants. I was to warm for them right now. I'll put them on in the morning when I cool down. I reached for my own torn clothing. I fingered the holes in the back of the hoodie. There was 10 of them. God…who would want me dead? What would have happened if no one came? I'd be another unsolved murder mystery for the sheriff department. What would my family do?

What about my family? Mom would call soon to check in on me. It's been days since I last talked to her. What would I tell her? "Hey mom! I'm not gonna be coming back any time soon. I'm working with this vampire to help me find Beth!" Yeah that would end well. She would probably call the cops, not that they are super useful. Andy and the sheriff haven't been the more helpful on the Beth case. I doubt they are even really looking for her. I bet Andy is just pegging it all on Jason. I really don't know why he hates Jason so much. But my parents would raise hell. They might even come down…I'd have to call them first and let them know I was okay and would need more time. I would have to avoid mentioning Eric.

I was still holding the hoodie when I came back from my thoughts. I chucked the abrasive article of clothing in the trash with as much force that I could muster. Followed by the short and my panties. I found myself wanting to kick the can across the room but didn't. Instead I left the bathroom and made my way back to "my" room. I slammed the door shut for good measure, if I was going to stay here I was going to be as loud as I could while he slept. If vampires even sleep. I pulled back the navy comforter, which matched the walls by the way, and crawled under the covers.

I don't know what time it was when I finally awoke. All I knew was that I was hungry. I hoped there was food in this house and not just TruBlood. Something I could eat, even just a granola bar or something. I left the bedroom and headed down to the kitchen. The glass house wasn't very bright like I expected it to be. It must have been early afternoon and I felt better than I had in a long time. I finally had gotten enough sleep that I didn't feel tired. Over the last week, God it's been almost a week that I have been here, I barely got any sleep. Just a few hours here and there wasn't enough and I had become cranky.

I worked my way over to the kitchen. Inside, there were a few red bags sitting on the shelf. Gingerly I picked one up to find it was donor blood, AB+ to be exact. Of course Eric would have the most rare blood type in his fridge. But not only that, there was no TruBlood, only the real thing. I guess Eric didn't like the stuff. I mean I've read that it tastes more metallic than actual blood. It's only synthesized blood after all. I could understand why he would prefer the actual thing. I was grateful he didn't keep any other humans in his house, or at least that I saw. I placed the blood bag back into the fridge and close the door, I pulled out the bottom door, which I'm assume was the freezer. Only to be greeted with the whole thing being backed with frozen blood. I shut the drawer immediately. I worked my way through the kitchen, opening cabinets to find that the place was empty. Which meant there were no other humans in the house. I guess that was a good thing. I can only see Eric keeping humans here for one thing…well make that two.

I was just so hungry and there was nothing in the house I could eat. Who knows how long I might be locked up here. Eric didn't make it seem like I was a prisoner but it felt like I was. But he did save me. He didn't have to, he could have said "screw this needy bitch" and moved on to Sookie. He could've, but he didn't. He saved my life, and I guess I did owe him a little for that. I just wonder how far he would take the "you owe me" line.

Plus, what was with that statement he made. I analyzed it slightly last night, but seriously? "You. Are. Mine." There was such power behind it. It was some sort of desecration and it made me feel like property. I didn't want to be owned. Maybe it meant something else to the vampire world? Maybe I'm making it out to be worst than it is. I don't know. If I get out of here I'd have to ask Bill. Bill…why did I want to ask him first? Eric is somewhere in this house. I could easily ask him. But something deep down told me, while I would get a straight answer from him but Eric would leave something out. Something important. I felt like Bill would be more truthful, or if not truthful at least more up front about reasons for not wanting to tell me.

My stomach grumbled, I stared at it and patted it. I could order something, but I didn't know where I was. Besides I didn't have my phone or even know what was nearby. It's not like I had one of those internet smart phones, they're too expensive.

I would have to distract myself till Eric was awake and I could ask him to take me somewhere. I made my way over to the den, where the TV was. I plopped on the couch and reached for the remote that was sitting on the ottoman. I turned the device on. I expected Eric would at least have cable, or satellite of something. I was right, he did. He had some sort of executive platinum package too, oodles and oodles of channels. Most I never heard of. Eventually I found BBC America and settled myself in the most comfortable position to watch on this enormous screen. One of my favorite "Doctor Who" episodes was on, "Silence in the Library". God, I hope no one ever replaces David Tennant as the Doctor. I had a huge crush on the actor and his fabulous hair that was dying to be scrunched and ruffled. If I could only get my own hands on that hair.

About halfway through the episode I heard a door open and close. I jumped up from my seat. Someone was in the house. Did my killer find me? Did he come to finish the job? I needed to find Eric. If he saved my life once I bet he would save it again. I left the TV on and did my best to silently work my way to the kitchen. If I made it there I could make it up stairs and hide in the bedroom over by the bathroom which I was hoping was Eric's.

While I made my way over to the kitchen, I heard grumbling and a shaking of plastic bags. Oh God, he was planning on cutting me up and stuffing me into grocery bags! I hid behind the island as I heard heavy footsteps make their way into the kitchen. He knew where I was! Oh God! Oh God! My heart was pounding in my chest. I needed to make it upstairs and to Eric.

I'm not his fucking errand boy. He can get his own fucking groceries. Why does he need this shit anyways? He doesn't even fucking eat.

I heard a man growl as he threw the heavy bags on the island. I squeaked and jumped up. Scaring the man who also jumped.

"Holy shit!" He exclaimed as a hand jumped to his chest, "Who the hell are you?"

I just stared at him, my heart still pounding in my chest. Who was this? What did he want? Was he going to kill me? I looked to the island and saw an apple roll out of one of the bags. Why did he bring food?

This man was huge, he might even be taller than Eric. He was undoubtedly a larger built than Eric too. The man was fairly attractive, he had wavy jet black hair that wasn't styled in the slightest, that loosely fell around his face. He had a strong jaw that was accentuated with his salt and peppered bear, that worked well with his angular face. He was wearing a loose fitting unbuttoned red and white plaid shirt, with a gray tank underneath that hugged his chest and abdomen like a second skin, and a pair of denim jeans.

"You must be the reason why Eric made me get all this food," The man mumbled under his breath, "Another fangbanger."

"Hey! I am not a fangbanger! Don't you dare call me that!" I yelled before I could bite my tongue.

The man just gave me a pointed look and continued to put away the food he brought. I guess he wasn't going to kill me. I huffed an swiped the apple that fell out of the bag. God I was so hungry. I took a bite of the apple and it was like heaven. The apple had the right amount of crunch to the sweetness, God I loved Red Delicious.

"Who are you?' I questioned while taking another bite.

"Just someone who works for Eric Northman," He replied under his breath, putting some milk into the fridge.

Fine don't give me a straight answer, "Do you always get his groceries? What are you the butler?"

Where did that come from? That isn't a tone I would normally use.

The body builder gave me a look that told me I was starting to piss him off. I might have imagined it, maybe the light hit his eyes just right. But I saw a flicker of gold rim his eyes before it disappeared. Maybe he had eyes like my sister? The green in her eyes always seemed to stand out more when she was angry.

"Sorry, don't know where that came from," I apologized and took another bite of the apple.

"It's fine. You were probably just hungry."

"Yeah, but you did call me a fangbanger though," I joked.

"Aren't you though?" He asked more seriously.

"Hell no, more like 'just someone who works for Eric Northman'."

He huffed while he put away the cereal, "Eric doesn't keep humans around for anything but."

I wasn't a fangbanger, and I would never want to be one. It bothered me that he thought I was one. But I had a feeling I wouldn't change his mind. For all I knew I would never see him again. At least he wasn't here to kill me. I noticed most of the food he brought was dried, was fruits, or vegetables that didn't have a strong odor. Like the cereal, the apples, some bananas, a few green peppers, a cucumber. Things that could fill me up without making the house smell like food.

"Thank you for bringing the food," I said earnestly as I could without being fake. I truly was hungry, and glad he brought something over, even if it was just on Eric's orders. He thought I was just a fangbanger, I didn't want him to be thinking I was ungrateful.

"Your welcome," He grumbled and placed the last item into the cabinet.

What if I did see him again? He said he works for Eric, might as well get to know him a bit, "What's your name?"

"Alcide Herveaux," He replied while he turned to face me.

"I'm Adriane Martinowski," I held out my hand over the counter. I braced myself for the physical contact as he reached out and shook my hand. I watched his eyes fall to my neck. I knew there were no marks there, but I felt subconscious about the way he looked at it. I knew he was expecting to find something there.

Alcide released my hand and turned to exit the kitchen, "I'm gonna head out."

"Wait!" I exclaimed before I could stop myself. Alcide turned and faced me. I didn't know why I called out. Maybe because I felt lonely in this house. Or I was scared to be alone with Eric, "It was nice to meet you."

"Likewise," Alcide replied and left.

I finished the apple in the kitchen and threw the core into the trash. I turned to head back to the den, when I caught my reflection in the window. Oh God, no wonder he thought I was a fangbanger. I forgot to put the sweatpants back on before heading downstairs. I was wearing Eric's undershirt and briefs for an outfit! I ran a hand through my hair, and rubbed my face. That was so embarrassing. I would have to leave a better impression the next time I met him. Hopefully I meet him again, I don't want him remembering me as the girl who wore Eric's clothes and scared the shit out of him when he was putting away groceries.

The only company I had was gone and I was alone. It was rather lonely in the house. I looked at the time on the microwave, which read 5:03 PM. Alcide must have come here after he got out of work. It was nice enough that he brought over some food. Which meant I was going to be here for a while. Eric wasn't going to be up for a while so I might as well watch some TV.

I plopped myself on the couch. I missed the remainder of the Doctor Who episode. At least it was a two-parter, and the second episode began. I laid down on the couch and stared up at the screen. The couch was extremely comfy, rolled on my side to watch the TV, propping my head up with a pillow in such a way that my glasses weren't askew. Relaxing while watching the episode.

I was in bed, wrapped in a silk sheet wearing a silk negligée. I was warm, too warm. I tossed around in the bed trying to find a cool spot to lay. The silk sheet seemed to reflect some of heat from the day off, making the sheet feel almost cool against my slick skin. I found little rest as I thrashed against the sheet.

I was laying on my side as I felt a hand brush against the posterior of my thigh. The hand gripped my hip and pushed me so I was laying on my back. The heat of the skin was unwarranted as I groaned and reached to brush the offending burning hand away. The hand quickly gripped my own and shoved it against the pillowy mattress below me. I whined and began to sit up to look at the hand. Only to have another keep me from completely sitting up by pressing against my lower abdomen. Holding me in place.

I looked to the offending hand at my stomach, while between my slightly spread thighs as a round shape began to form under the sheet and causing my thighs to spread farther. The shape moved slightly to press against my right inner thigh, I felt lips brush against the sensitive skin. The lips pressed against my thigh in a rough kiss, then a sharp nip. Causing me to gasp a bit, the hand on my stomach pushed me back farther so I was leaning against my elbows. While the other hand released my hip and drifted back to my inner thighs. With a gentle flick, the fingers stroked the folds at my center, while another nip was administered to the same area on my thigh. I let out a breathy moan which caused another flick against me.

The round shape began to come closer to the apex of my thighs, kissing and nipping its way up. As the flicks became rough strokes against my folds. Hot breath was felt against the sensitive exposed damp skin. The lips pushed cooled air over the area; causing me to shudder and moan, wanting the offended breath away. While the fingers continued their teasing on my skin, causing the skin to become over sensitive as nerves were awakened and skin swelled. A finger was inserted into the sensitive folds causing my head to fall back between my shoulders and my breathing to hitch. A "come hither" motion was used inside as the air continued to push against the warming wet skin. The finger continued to rub and move inside against the slick skin. Becoming over sensitive, I felt the breath come closer as a flat smooth muscle like appendage suddenly moved in between the folds anteriorly, hitting my clit roughly. Another breathy moan escaped my lips as the appendage, I'm guessing a tongue, did its work against the clit and the finger continued to move inside.

A burn was beginning to feel in the pit of my stomach as the motions continued, my breath becoming more erratic. Another finger was interested and joined in the motion of the other, circling and changing motions it was hard to focus on the motion itself as other "lick" was placed on my clit. The tip of the tongue began circling and brushing against me, in motions that almost felt like letters. My breath was becoming heavier as the burn moved lower and became more intense.

Suddenly the fingers were removed, I whined at the sudden loss. Only to have a louder moan emerge. As a hard pull of a suctioned mouth against my clit, shortly followed by a rough long lick inserted inside of me. The mouth continued its waves as I felt myself shaking and burning all over. The fingers found themselves inside me again as another suction happened. I cried out against the rough treatment but loved every motion. Everything became a haze of gesticulations as I continued to build up. I burned everywhere as my muscled tightened from my eyelids to my toes. As the tightness in my stomach finally began to be too much to bear. The tongue shoved itself fully inside of me causing me to scream out, as the burn finally ended in an explosion. I felt my body spasm all over, never feeling so much all at once.

I shook as I fell back against the cold wet sheets, exhausted and finally cool. I looked down as I felt the shape move higher under the sheets. The hands emerged from under them and pushed against the bed to show broad shoulders and the round head that gave me so much just now. The sheets gracefully fell away to show the face of the intruder in my bed. All I saw was two enticing blue eyes and a pile of sloppy blonde hair that fell over them. The mouth of the intruder smirked and began to speak, "Adri…" My name fell from the thin but swollen lips in an all too familiar voice that came to call me delectably by my most hated nickname. The voice sounded almost too close for comfort. "Adri," it called, with a twinge of humor, again and the body came closer to me leaning against my body. A hardness pressed against my core, "Adri…"

HOLY SHIT! I jolted awake, WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT! I was huffing and shaking all over like the dream was real. I felt flushed and swollen all over. My hands came up to my face as I rubbed my eyes and pushed my hair out of my face. WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?! WHAT WAS I WATCHING BEFORE I FELL ASLEEP?! I looked at the TV and BBC America was still on, I remember watching Doctor Who before falling asleep. No way in hell did that show cause those images.

"Did you have a good dream?" A voice called from the kitchen.

I froze.

Oh hell no. Please no, this wasn't happening right now. My tensed muscles allowed me to have a sputtered turn to face the voice. And there he was in all his glory. My whole face flushed and burned as I stared at him. There he was, wearing only a pair of black jeans. He looked like he had just gotten out of the shower, his hair matted against his face and neck. Little water droplets fell from his hair and cascaded down his bare torso. The drop highlighting the outline of his abdominal muscles. Oh God, there was actually six. Then it dropped down to the V of his lower torso. I knew I was starring to long when a rumble of what sounded like a chuckle came from him. My eyes shot up to his face to see he was sipping on something from his coffee mug, I could only guess was blood. When he pulled the mug away I saw that smirk on his face. That fucking smirk. That smirk that made you want to melt. God I just wanted to disappear.

"See something you like?" He simpered with a cocked eyebrow.

"I need to use the restroom," I breathed and bolted for the stairs.

"I like what you are wearing," He called as I ran past him, only causing me to feel my neck to burn and I tripped up the stairs. Oh God, I didn't mean for him to take the outfit that way. But what other way did I plan on letting him take it?! It's his fucking clothes! GOD ADRIANE!

I slammed the bathroom door shut as I pressed myself against the wood. OH MY GOD! He knew! He knew what I dreamed about! How could I ever face him without going beet red?! I couldn't! Not after that dream! Why did he have to be there when I woke up?! I closed my eyes and ran my hands threw my hair. Only to have an onslaught of images cross before my eye. Oh God!

I rushed towards the sink and turned the cold water on as far as it could go. I cupped the icy water in my hands and splashed my face. Rubbing it into my closed eyes and cheeks. Fighting the ache that was still there, along with the images that seemed to burned into my eyelids. I cupped more water and rubbed it into my face again.

There was a knock on the bathroom door. He wouldn't. But he did, "Come on Adri. It's not that embarrassing. You weren't that loud."

My head shot to the door and wished I could light it on fire by just thinking. I reached for the hand towel that hung next to the sink and ran it under the cold water. I rung out most of the water and placed the cloth on the back of my neck.

"I always knew you wanted me."

I doused my face one last time before I marched over to the door. I reached for the handle and was about to grab and turn it. What was I doing? What was I going to say to him? Yell in his stupid face? He would only chuckle and continue to taunt me. The only thing I could do was ignore him and hope he would let it go. I doubt he would. But that sounded like a better option compared to the taunting. I grasped the handle, turned it, and pulled open the door with more force than I intended. It slammed against the door stopper and bounced back to it the back of my head when I stepped forward. He chortled at the display of my awkwardness. I was ready to move forward again. But he was blocking me. He was leaning fully against the door frame, there was only a narrow space I could use to escape. If I were to use it, I would have to push against him to get by. I'd have to do it there was no other option.

"You want to tell me about it?" He simpered again.

I ducked and squeezed thorugh the narrow opening he left me. My backside fully brushing against his right side. My front roughly scrapping against the door frame so less of me was touching him. I felt my body shudder as it rubbed against him. God! What was wrong with me?! I didn't want him! It was that dream! It had to be! I got worked up over the dream! It wasn't even about him until I heard him calling my name in real life. Yeah that was it!

"If you tell me about it, we could reenact it later since you enjoyed it so much," He chuckled and watched me go by without giving me any extra space. I groaned internally as I finally broke free from him and stomped away.

In fact, it could have been any blonde and blue eyed person I know. It wasn't about Eric, I felt heat rise to my face again. I flipped the damp cloth around so it cooled me once again. There was no need to get worked up over his name. It's just a name. There were plenty of people in the world that shared the name Eric. I felt the heat on my cheeks. I didn't have a dream about Eric, I flushed again. You know what, I bet it was Brad Pitt. Yeah, he was a hot blond haired blue eyed celebrity. Yeah, he had that long hair for Interview with a Vampire. Yep! That was just a dream about Brad Pitt. Not Er—the flush began to come back. Eri- I took a breath and calmed myself. The dream was not about him!

Feeling like I could control the blush a little better, I turned to face him and coldly addressed, "Do you have any female clothes around? If we're going to go to Fangtasia later, I don't want to be seen in your undershirt."

"And briefs," He teased with a cocked eyebrow.

I felt a slight flush rise to my nose. I breathed and calmed myself before I addressed him again, "There wasn't anything else I could find in that room. It was either sleep in your clothes or the bloody hoodie. And I wasn't going to do that."

"You could have slept nude," Eric gave me a coy smile.

I just stared back at him without rising to his attempt to rile me. I could still feel my heart hammering in my chest as those eyes gazed into mine. I felt that numbing tingle at the base of my skull that only came when he looked at me. I watched his eyes go from something close to warmth to an icy stare when he realized I wasn't going to yell or fight him. With that look I found any lingering heat inside of myself begin to warm again. Adriane! Get a hold of yourself! I internally shook myself.

Eric chided coldly, "Pam keeps a few items in a closet down this way."

Eric turned away, down the hallway toward a closet I didn't open when I first searched this floor. He opened it and inside were a few folded outfits. Eric reached inside and dropped a few articles into my arms. I made him angry. I suddenly felt guilty for treating him as coldly as I just did. He was only teasing me. I didn't need to address him like he was the worst person ever. He did save my life last night. It didn't give him the right to sexually harass me like he did. But, maybe he thought our dynamic had changed since he saved me?

"Thank you," I sheepishly whispered as I gave him a small smile.

Eric huffed out a breath, "Hurry up and change, we need to get going soon."

I shuffled off to "my" room to change. The clothing I was handed was actually some of Pam's normal clothing. The only problem was that Pam was so much taller and skinner than I was. The only thing that would fit me from what I was handed was a dress that had some give in the material. It was a dark blue, which was always one of the colors I went to, it always matches my skin tone perfectly. I cringed after checking the tag, to find that it was actually a small. I needed something like a medium or large because of my hips. It hung loosely off of my upper body, and hung off of one shoulder. While it had some give, it was stretched tightly across my hips and bum. I would have to be careful when sitting down and standing up, so I didn't tear the material or show anything the world didn't need to see.

I wasn't handed any shoes so I went back to the closet to look for some. I didn't see anything on the upper shelves, so I kneeled down to look on the lower ones. Finally I looked at the floor cut out, there were some shoes there. Pam's shoes were all size eleven, and I was a size nine. I wouldn't be able to wear her stilettos, not that I could wear those types of shoes anyways. (I would take two steps and stumble, then gain my balance and stumble again.) I might be able to make some flats work. I dig around and find one pair of flip flops, perfect! They wouldn't fit well, but at least I would be able to walk in them. I pick them up and wander down the stairs.

I found Eric in the den, he wasn't really watching what was on the TV. He was on his phone, it looked like he was texting. I could see that he upgraded his outfit for the evening, he was now wearing a black tank, which showed off his broad shoulders and pale skin. I debated between just getting his attention from over by the island like he had done two times before to me. Or just sitting down next him and getting his attention that way. I couldn't bring myself to sit next to him like that, in this dress. Or with that dream I had…even if it wasn't about him! A heat returned to the back of my neck.

Eric sat up right, and gazed over his shoulder towards me. He must have smelled me or something like that. I found myself sucking in a small breath as I watched his eyes trail themselves over me. Until he finally gave me a lopsided evil grin. He stood up and tugged his black tank down to even out the shirt. With him standing upright I could see his muscular arms. I brought a hand to scratch the back of my neck.

"This was the only thing that would fit," I confessed, and felt awkward as his gaze lingered on me.

"Mmmm," Eric rumbled as he walked around the couch.

I was transfixed as he approached me. His eyes not leaving my own. Whenever he looked at me, I always had the hardest time breaking it. There was something hypnotic in his gaze that had power over me more tonight. He stopped just short of me, his frame towered over me. All evening my breathing has been labored, but now that he was this close, its like he sucked all the air from the room. Eric watched me for a moment, he gave me that wicked smile. Then began to raise his left hand towards me. I felt like he was going to brush my hair away, but instead he slapped it down on my shoulder.

"Let's go, Adri," His voice rumbled through the silence and he turned and began to leave the room.

Jesus, what the hell was wrong with me?