A/N: I would just like to thank everyone for the reviews, I appreciate them so much and they give me a tremendous amount of motivation to continue. Also, since school has started again and I'm getting back into the groove of things I would very much appreciate it if you remained patient with me. I'm trying to get them out as fast as I can when time permits. In addition, I want to give you a heads up on this chapter. There is a lot of sexual content and profanity and if anyone is offended or does not agree with where the plot is going then I am so very sorry. I will try to improve and make it better if need be. Other than that, enjoy, review, and please don't bash on me too much if you don't like it.

Chapter 6: Love and Sex and Magic . . . but Mostly Sex

In the back of her mind, Celeste Monroe hoped that a certain someone wouldn't be waiting for her at her house. She took her precious time after leaving Sookie's house before going back to her own. She went to Merlottes and talked to Sam, Tara, Terry, Lafayette, and a few other people she had grown to like and become familiar with. After that she went to Henry's and talked with a few of her friends there. Celeste was a little intoxicated and struggled to get her damned key in the hole so she could get inside. Her mind felt fuzzy and rested against the threshold as she continued to struggle. But once she had it in and turned it to the left, she burst into a joyous laughter that only she would understand. Celeste dropped her keys on the kitchen counter and threw her jacket on the couch. Her legs criss-crossed each other as she walked.

Celeste was prepared to collapse on the bed once she entered her bedroom, but only stood at the end where a pair of dangling legs hung over. Sobriety almost immediately compelled her.

"You know I could report you for breaking and entering." She stated. She watched Eric; he took in a deep breath and peaked up at her only to close his eyes again.

"What would be achieved from that?"

"It would get you out of my house." Her weight shifted to one side and she was momentarily off balance. Eric sat up and looked at her.

"Are you drunk?" He asked with a bewildered tone.

"Of course not." She spat. Celeste bit down on her bottom lip and looked at Eric wickedly before sauntering to the bathroom, locking the door behind her. Eric could hear her undressing and was tempted to press his ear against the door and imagine her undressing in front of him, but decided it would be best to hold his ground. Which he would later find impossible to do.

"How long have you been here?" Celeste yelled from the bathroom.

"Not long." He lied. "Pam was with me, but decided she had other business to attend to."

"Really? Pam was in my abode? How scandalous!" Eric could hear her smiling as she spoke.

"Yes, she was very fond of your furniture, she thought the bar . . ." However, Eric could not finish his sentence. Celeste stood in the doorway. She was completely exposed to him; her flat and toned stomach that he had only seen once before, her long and luscious legs that were difficult to divert his eyes from, her long cascading hair giving her a dark and foreboding demeanor. Eric's body tensed and his eyes wandered over every part of her. Her breasts, which were usually plump and attractive all the time, were held in a grey and silver bra that made them look fuller and firmer. And her ass, which he had grabbed countless times before, looked just as good, if not better. Eric could see the curves and bounds in her body and became immediately infatuated with her.

"What's wrong Eric? Am I overwhelming you?" Celeste said in a seductive and low tone that made Eric want to pounce on her. Eric knew very well what she was doing, but decided it would be best, and safest, for him if he played a long.

"Not at all. I am enjoying this view very much."

"Really? Why don't you come closer so you can see better?" She gave him a coy smile and curled her finger at him, gesturing for him to come to her. However, instead, he decided to pick her up and rest her on his waist before she could let out a breath. "Is this better?" She asked.

"No. Not yet." Eric grabbed the hem of his shirt and lifted it over his head. Both were technically topless at that point but neither minded. Celeste's hands slid up his toned and muscular arms to his broad shoulders. They moved down over his collar bone to his defined abs that seemed to be her favorite part about him. At the same time, Eric's hands slid down her back, faintly touching her skin, sending waves of shivers through her body. His head lowered to her neck where he almost bit her once before, and kissed the soft spot. But for some odd reason, Celeste tasted different to him. Eric continued to kiss her soft skin and slowly began to inhale her scent, but something threw him off. She didn't smell or taste like candies and Earth like she normally did. There was a hint of something else. She smelt of salt and . . . blood? Eric pushed her back from him, his grip on her shoulders the only thing keeping her from falling.

"Where were you today?" His tone was harsh and acrimonious. Celeste was caught off guard.

"What do you mean? You know where I went." She asked innocently. Eric took in her scent again, except taking a very deep breath, trying to figure out what the sudden change was. It smelt familiar to him, but he couldn't put his finger on what it was. He repeated the question again, his voice completely filled with anger.

"I went to Sookie's place. But she wasn't there so I waited for her with her brother."

"Jason Stackhouse?"

"Yeah." Eric pushed her to the side, not hard enough to hurt her, just enough to make her crash onto the bed.

"You were alone with Jason Stackhouse?" His voice remained neutral, but she could see the anger raging behind his eyes. Celeste had never seen him angry before; it didn't scare her or anything. It actually pissed her off. She knew exactly where this was going and was not going to allow him to yell at her for her minor infidelity, if it could be called that.

"What of it?" She said, now in the defensive.

"You fucked him didn't you?" Eric turned his back to her and took in a deep breath; trying to diminish his increasing anger.

"No I didn't. But so what if I did! You have four women in your bed at once and you don't see me blowing up on you. So don't you dare try to yell at me when you're just as horrible!" Celeste was on her knees looking at his bare back.

"You are the one raising your voice."

"Because I know what you are accusing me off." Celeste got up and walked around to Eric. She crossed her arms over her chest and looked up at him, which appeared to be very very high. Celeste lowered her voice and calmed herself as she spoke. "Eric, you have had women in your bed in the past and I have not said anything about it."

"You did at the bar you work at." He interjected. Celeste bit down on her tongue.

"That because I was mad at someone else and was letting it out on you. Aside from that I have not said anything. And I have most certainly not used it against you. This is supposed to be a game, no strings attached. If you call me out on the only time I have ever done anything with another man, what does that look like? You are becoming irrational and are debasing yourself. If this is how it is going to be until one of us gives in then I think we should stop now."

"We are not stopping this." Eric took a step closer, backing Celeste against the wall. "I have come too far to turn back. I crave you too much to turn back." Eric's lips collided with Celeste's. All of the pent up lust and yearning, all the women he had slept with imagining it was her, every thought of her and memory Eric contained inside himself burst out in that moment. It had been days since Eric last tasted her and savored every moment of it. His tongue darted in her mouth and mingled and fought against hers, battling for domination. Through a moan Celeste finally gave up resistance and let Eric have his momentary supremacy. Eric groaned into the kiss, pressing his body against hers and lifting her up by the waist. Celeste wrapped her legs around his waist, Eric pressing his body even closer to support her. The kiss deepened as Celeste intertwined her fingers in his hair, biting on his bottom lip. She could feel his arousal throbbing against her inner thigh and was very tempted to pull it out of his pants and stroke him, but kept her hands to herself. However, the same could not be said for Eric.

His hand slipped down the length of her waist, sending sensations throughout her entire body. His fingers traced her hip bone and eventually the outline of her panties. Before Celeste could completely comprehend what he was doing, Eric diligently and quickly slipped a finger inside her. Celeste's eyes closed as she moaned against his lips. The hand on his shoulder gripped him ferociously, leaving crescent shaped indentations in his skin. He slowly began to move his finger in and out of her, only to be returned with more moans. Her sounds became a drug to him and it became his mission to please her at that moment.

Celeste bit down on her bottom lip, trying to hold back the whines of ecstasy she was feeling. This minor detail did not leave Eric's attention. He slipped another finger inside her, getting a high pitched moan in response. He struggled to control himself. Her walls were tight around his fingers as they squeezed him and her core was unbelievably hot. He couldn't wait until he could get himself inside her. With every withdrawal and thrust inside her, her moans became more constant. As Eric picked up his speed, driving harder and faster into Celeste, her nails dug into his skin and her moans became louder. Eric latched his lips to hers again, needing to taste her and quiet her only a little. Her other hand cupped his cheek, bringing him closer to her, as a result Eric picked up speed, going faster than usual. Celeste nearly screamed at the sudden velocity and Eric deepened the kiss, taking in every piece of her. Before Celeste could stop herself, she bit down on Eric's lip, her eyes sealed shut from the ecstasy that became more and more difficult to endure. Celeste didn't know what it was, but she could feel something trickling its way down her throat, but ignored it. Eric did not protest whatsoever. He had been trying to figure out a way to get her to drink his blood, little did she know that she solved the problem for him.

As Celeste reached her climax, she pulled away from Eric. He relentlessly thrust his fingers deep inside her, relishing the sounds she made from the sweet lips that were irresistible to him now. Her hands pressed against his chest, trying to push him farther away as she came closer and closer to her release.

"Eric . . ." Celeste breathed out, she was surprised that she could even get a word out. Her mind was clouded and fuzzy, but everything felt so good she couldn't resist. And, within a matter of a few seconds after uttering his name, Celeste came to her climax violently. Her hands latched to his arms and her back arched, pushing Eric's fingers deeper inside of her. Wave after wave came at her like a bullet. Blowing her mind and filling the room with her screams that were certain the wake the neighbors if they weren't up already. Celeste slowly came down from her high, her body shaking and her grip still tight on Eric's arms. Her body felt like jelly, and if he wasn't holding her up, she would have surely fallen to the ground. Celeste's body slumped against Eric's, her arms wrapped around his neck and her heart pounding behind her chest. He held her around the waist and gently lifted her from the wall, walking over to the bed and laying down with her on top of him, still completely breathless.

Eric combed his fingers through her hair and waited for her to recover. He was surprised at how far it had gone. He had only meant to make-out with her that evening, but was more than happy with how it turned out. He grinned at himself for a job well done and relaxed in the bed.

"It could be like this every night." He said in a whisper. "I could please you to your hearts content and more. I can do whatever you want me to Celeste . . . will you yield to me now?" Eric waited for an answer, but when he did not get one he looked down at Celeste. Her eyes were shut and her breathing returned to normal. Eric laughed at himself; he had tired her out with only his fingers. He started to wonder how the real thing would affect her. He was happy to see this though. Not only that, he thought about how the consumption of his blood would affect their already intense relationship. He would always know how she felt and could easily find her. Right now, the cards were definitely played in his advantage. He looked forward to the nights where Celeste would be too tired to do anything because of him, not to mention listening to her say his name and moan for more. Yes, Eric looked forward to the long and intense nights that awaited him once Celeste surrendered herself to him.

***

Celeste rolled over in her bed, the sky was dark and murky, which was strange to her. She felt cold fingers gently glide down her side, sending familiar sensations through her body. Her hold on the blanket tightened around her and a cool breeze rushed down her back. She didn't know why she was naked. The blanked wrapped around her waist and up to her neck, leaving her back and side completely exposed. She felt the fingers glide back up her side and let out a relaxed breath.

"You insist on not acknowledging my presence." Said a familiar voice from behind her. Celeste brought her knees to her stomach and pressed the blanket closer to her. When he didn't get a response and moved closer to her, making Celeste feel a little uncomfortable. He grinned in response and replaced the fingers on her skin with his lips. He kissed lightly, starting from her hip bone, slowly making his way up to her neck. "Are you going to continue to ignore me?" He asked between a kiss. Celeste hummed in response determined not to give him an answer. "Fine then; I guess I'll have to force you."

Before Celeste could blink, he turned her around on her back and took his position on top of her. Celeste wasn't surprised that Eric would act so childishly, but nonetheless, she enjoyed what her disregard for him did sometimes. Eric leaned against her, resting against his elbows for support. Celeste could feel his arousal against her entrance and peaked down at it. Eric followed her gaze and smirked, he never got tired of the expression she had every time she saw it. Celeste looked back at him and took in a deep breath and, without hesitation, Eric penetrated her entrance. A moan escaped Celeste's lips immediately and Eric growled at the feel of her. He moved slow, wanting to savior the feel of her and lock away her sweet sounds in his memories. But, Eric being Eric, he quickly picked up the pace and pulled Celeste closer to him, lifting her onto his lap, going deeper inside her. Their bodies pressed and moved together in unison, their sounds of pure pleasure filling the room and each other's ears. Eric grazed his fangs over her neck where he had bitten her before and pierced the flesh relentlessly.

Celeste jumped awake, her eyes alert and wide. It took a few minutes for her to realize where she was, but knew once she saw Lafayette looking perniciously at her.

"What were you dreamin' about?" He asked with a smirk.

"Nothin'." She combed her fingers through her hair.

"Mmhmm. Didn't sound like nothing." Lafayette went to the bar and poured himself a drink. Celeste went to Merlottes to get a drink and at some point, must have fallen asleep at the bar. She adjusted herself in the stool, her but feeling sore suddenly. Lafayette leaned in closer to her with a scrutinizing expression.

"Don't you have to leave tonight?" He asked. "Going to Atlanta or Chicago or some shit place like that?"

"Nope." Celeste stretched her arms out and yawned. "That's tomorrow night. And it's LA."

"Why's the fuck you going anyway? What business you got there?"

"I wouldn't call it my business. Just helping someone out."

"I know you ain't caught up in that Eric Northman bullshit Cici."

"And what Eric Northman bullshit would that be Lafayette?" Lafayette set his drink down and Celeste could tell that he was about to give her a lecture.

"Whacha got goin' on with him Cici? I know that muthafucka and he ain't never up to no good."

"Nothin." Celeste said nonchalantly.

"Heffa, I may do some stupid shit, but I ain't stupid enough to mess with him. Are you fucking him?"

"Where'd you hear that from?" Celeste was suddenly on the defensive. What happened between the two of them stayed between them, that how it is for any kind of relationship.

"It don't matter. Just the fact that I heard it means something. Are you going down on Eric?"

"No. At least I wouldn't call it that." Celeste grinned.

"Damnit Cici! Eric is a crazy muthafucka and you don't need to be messin' with him."

"And this comes from the gay chief that secretly sells V."

"Bitch that ain't nothing compared to the shit you doing with Eric."

"And what shit is that? He has some business to take care of and I'm just helping him out." Celeste said innocently.

"Yeah, so what the fuck you getting out of it? His blood maybe."

"Lafayette do you think so little of me?" Lafayette leaned in closer and calmed down a little. He had only known her for a short time, but he liked her a lot. She kept it real with him, most of the time, and there was no bullshit with her. Which was hard to come by since the vampires came out the closet. He knew what Eric was capable of doing and that he was really scary when he was pissed off. It could be assumed that talking Celeste out of it was his way of protecting her.

"Look Cici. I know what this dude is capable of. He can be scary as shit if you piss him off and he only thinks about himself. You don't want to fuck with him; so whatever you're doing with him or not doing with him, you need to stop it now. Before you get into some deep shit you can get out of." Celeste though about his words for a moment. Lafayette was right; Eric could be scary and he was intimidating, but she was what he wanted and he wouldn't do anything to jeopardize or push her away.

"I know Lafayette. But Eric and I have a . . . mutual agreement. I can take care of myself, you know that. So don't worry about it too much, I'll be back and in one piece in no time. Anyway, I have to start packing so I will see you before I leave tomorrow night." Celeste leaned over the counter and gave him a small kiss on the cheek before leaving Merlottes with a concerned Lafayette behind her.

***

"Sam?" Celeste said as she was just about to open the door to her car. Sam Merlotte was taking out some trash and noticed her on his way back into the bar. It had been a while since he had a conversation with her; she was always being dragged away by Lafayette or Tara or someone else that was trying to get her attention. He walked up to her and put his hands in his back pockets.

"Hey Cici." He said with a genuine smile. For some reason Sam liked her. He wasn't sure exactly what it was about her that he liked so much, but whenever he saw her he couldn't help but smile. There was no bullshit with Cici or dark secrets. If he asked her an honest question she gave him an honest answer, which was refreshing to him.

"Hey." She leaned against her car. Celeste always seemed to glow to Sam; like nothing could ever get her down. She was always smiling and happy for no reason, which was a good thing since a lot of weird shit had been going on lately.

"I'm sorry I didn't catch you earlier, we were really busy tonight." He said.

"Yeah I noticed. But then again you're busy every night."

"Seems that way. So you're going to LA tomorrow night." Sam walked over and leaned against the car beside her. It was very dark out aside from the evanescent stars that faintly glistened in the murky sky. Celeste looked up at them and wished that she could just pick them out and put them in a jar to keep them to herself forever. She also remembered how much she missed them. In big cities with tall skyscrapers it was hard to see them. But in a small town where every night is crisp and the sky is clear, she could see them so clearly.

"Yeah. Me, Sookie and Bill." She said unenthusiastically.

"So how long you gonna be gone?"

"Until Eric decides we can come back."Celeste let out a deep breath and closed her eyes. She liked Sam's presence. He was real and honest, and he wore his heart on his sleeve. In the back of her mind, she believed that if she hadn't gotten mixed up with Eric, then she could have possibly been better off with Sam; someone that was an honest and genuine person that preferred to stay away from the drama, even if it found you.

"Eric . . ." Sam heaved out as if Celeste was talking about her ex. As if she was comparing him to Eric. This turned her off a little.

"Don't Sam. I've already heard enough from others." Celeste's expression fell a little, this did not leave Sam's eye. He wrapped his arm over her shoulder and tugged her into his chest so that her head rest on it.

"I wasn't. Besides, I hear Lafayette lecturing you about so much it's making me sick." He said with a small laugh. Celeste hummed and smiled at him. "But you know," Sam looked down at her and let out a deep breath that he didn't know he was holding the entire time. "Everyone's just looking out for you." Celeste stood up, with his arm still wrapped around her, and looked at him.

"I know that . . . but I don't know why."

"Because we care about you Cici. You look after the people you love."

"Are you saying you love me Sam Merlotte?" Celeste asked with a cunning smile. Sam's face heated for a moment and he looked down to hide his barely flushed face. Something he always did when he was uncomfortable. Celeste laughed at him and gave him a hug. She knew he didn't love her, not like he loved Sookie. He would always have a . . . brotherly love for her, and that, she was more than willing to accept. "Bye Sam. I'll see you before I leave."

"Bye Cici." Sam headed to the bar and turned back to catch a quick glance of her driving off before going back inside.