Disclaimer: I only own my own creations, but make them play in the True Blood world.

A/N: Don't hate me! I know its been awhile…I can't be the ONLY one that gets overscheduled at the holidays, right? Anyway, I am sorry for the delay and hope that you all have wonderful Holidays! I also want to thank you all for your continued support of this story. For all of you who continue to read, follow and review, I can't thank you enough. A special thanks to fellow writer Asrailefay, who has been so supportive. I hope you enjoy… (you did ask Santa for lemons for Christmas, right?)

Warning: Mature content – sexual content and some language

Chapter 14

New Orleans – Day 5

Sookie POV

I wake up to the smell of coffee, and hear Ella moving around in her kitchen. My alarm wasn't set to go off for another 20 minutes, but I am already bursting with excitement for the day to come! Eric had taken the liberty of booking Ella and I a spa package for two. And although I am fully capable of getting myself ready for tonight's Gala, I must admit the thought was kind. Ella and I have never really taken the opportunity to pamper ourselves before…at least not like this.

I head into the kitchen just in time to see Ella remove a waffle from her waffle maker. It smells divine, and I just now realize how hungry I am.

"Good morning, Mama. How did you sleep?" Ella asks. She carries a plate of golden waffles to the table, as I take a seat. "I didn't hear you come in last night."

Pouring a cup of coffee from the pot on the table, and some juice as well, I smile as I respond, "I slept wonderfully, hun. How about you?"

"Me too. Slept like the dead." Ella's face immediately begins to redden as she realizes what she said. "Oh gosh, I probably shouldn't use expressions like that…I'm sorry."

I continue buttering my waffle as I look at her with nothing but a smile. "It's ok El, I wasn't offended, and if Eric had been here, I doubt he would have been either."

I start to pour maple syrup over my impending breakfast, as I notice Ella staring open mouthed at me.

"What is it?" I inquire.

"Nothing, really. You…you just look happy," Ella responds, "I didn't realize how long its been since I've seen you smile so much."

Her statement takes me a bit off guard, but as I think about it, I find that she is right. I am happy and excited. I tell Ella as much. "I am, and I'm really excited about our Spa Day. We'll need to leave in about 15 minutes to make our way to Canal Street."

Ella smiles in return. "I can't believe we're going to the Ritz Carlton…it's so fancy." She places extra emphasis on the last word.

I respond in my best Eric Northman imitation, "You ladies deserve nothing but the very best."

Ella and I both dissolve into giggles as we finish our breakfast together. We do the dishes quickly and dress for the day. We drive to the Spa, and make it to our appointment with time to spare.

Our spa "hostess" takes us to a private room and presents us both with a flute of champagne, as she goes over our itinerary for the day. Ella and I stare across at one another as she describes the body scrub, full body massage, facial, manicure and pedicure we about to receive. Eric has also arranged for me to have my hair and makeup done…all I'll need to do is get dressed! I know my younger self would probably found some excuse to be angry at Eric for planning all this…but I have to admit, I'm REALLY looking forward to this (and I can hear Ella is too!)

We start with the full body salt and oil exfoliation scrubs. I can feel my skin coming to life as the dead cells are stripped away. The result is an all over glow I didn't know my skin was capable of. The scrub is combined with an aroma-therapy body massage. The masseuse combines just enough pressure to release tension, without making it painful. I don't think I've ever felt so relaxed in my life.

The room is filled with the most wonderful aroma, and soft classical music is playing softly in the background. We're both lying face down, and it gives me the opportunity to reflect on the past few days with Eric, without whom, none of this would even be possible.

Ella was right at breakfast. The past few days have really improved my disposition. Being with Eric makes me happy…I can't deny it. Just like I can't deny that Eric is being sincere when he says he cares about me. I may have questioned it in the past, but there's absolutely no doubt in my mind this time around.

I was a fool to ever question that a thousand-year-old vampire, man, whatever…that anyone with a thousand years of life experience would have any question about what they truly wanted. I laugh quietly to myself, as I think of how incredibly naïve I was back then. He says he knew the moment he spotted me at Fangtasia the first time. I don't know if that's true, but what I do know, is that he's here now…after 16 years. And he STILL wants ME.

If it was just about sex…well that ship sailed, as they say. And if it was just about blood…well, there's plenty of other people out there just dying to be bitten. Besides, not once in the past four days has he even mentioned my blood.

Although I don't know exactly what was happening at the Butterfly house last night, I'm pretty sure I was giving off some seriously strong fairy vibes. Eric never flinched. He wasn't tempted. Had it been Bill, I'm pretty sure I'd have been fighting him off, if I wasn't already drained dry, that is. That has to mean something, right?

I'm pulled from my thoughts as Ella and I are taken to a new room for our Ultimate Radiance and Renewal facials. I continue to think about things between Eric and I when the facialist finishes up and leads me to the next room, for our manicures and pedicures.

Once I'm comfortably seated in the whirlpool chair, soaking my feet, Ella reaches over and takes my hand in hers. "You know that daddy would be happy for you, right?"

I stammer a moment, as I wasn't expecting her question. "Where did that come from?" I ask.

Ella responds silently, that I was broadcasting again. Oh dear. Once again, I didn't realize I had dropped my shields. "El, I'm so sorry. I guess all these months spent at the farmhouse alone, has made me careless. After all, there's no one to hear most of the time, and no one else to hear me." I add mentally.

"It's OK Mom, I get it. But it doesn't change the fact that what I said was true. Daddy's gone. I know you loved him."

"I always will," I cut in abruptly.

"Of course, you will. But if you can find happiness (again) with Eric, then don't you owe it to yourself to try?" Ella asks expectantly. "Daddy wouldn't want you to be sad and lonely."

"Losing your daddy is one of the hardest things I've had to live through, and I've lived through a lot, God knows." I wince a bit, knowing Gran would disapprove of me using the Lord's name. Sorry Gran, but it's true. "The funny thing is, it also showed me that I need to live in the moment more, because you just never know what tomorrow is gonna bring." I continue telepathically, "You and me. We may live to be hundreds of years old, or, we might not. We don't know. There were things your daddy and I never got around to…and I have been thinking about that a lot these past few months. I don't want to have those kinds of regrets anymore."

I chuckle as I add aloud, "One of my all-time favorite movies is Gone with the Wind. I've watched it a couple of dozen times, at least, as you know. One of Scarlett's most famous lines is 'I'll think about that tomorrow. Tomorrow is another day.' I lived my life by that mantra for years. Problem is, I ran out of tomorrows with your dad. I don't want to make the same mistake twice."

Ella squeezes my hand in encouragement, and jokingly replies, "Good! I hate to think you are getting all dolled up for nothing!"

We are served a light lunch while we wait for our toenail polish to dry. I have another flute of champagne, and feel the bubbles all the way down to my newly glossed toes. I am starting to feel some of my earlier excitement return, as I consider the Gala tonight. I know I should be concerned about being around so many vampires again, but all I can think about is Eric. I know with him by my side, I have nothing to fear. Besides, when I concentrate, I am able to mask my scent very effectively.

Soon, I am being escorted to the Salon, for the final phase of Spa Day. Eric insisted I allow the Salon to do my hair and makeup for tonight. Who am I to turn down such a generous offer. Ella is right beside me, helping me choose the right shades to compliment my dress. She also encourages me to wear my hair down in loose curls. I agree as I subconsciously think about keeping my neck covered in the presence of other vampires. Why invite trouble, after all?

Once I have been completely made over, we make our way back to Ella's apartment. I have an hour before Eric is scheduled to pick me up, and all I have left to do, is to slip into my dress and shoes. Once inside the apartment, I go to the room I'm staying in, and begin packing a small over night bag. Eric mentioned that the Gala may go until sunrise, and he invited me to stay with him in the Palace this evening, just in case. I pack my essentials, and a change of clothes. Moving to the closet, I pull out the garment bag that contains my dress.

I unzip the bag and hang the dress up. It doesn't look too bad; no obvious wrinkles can be seen. I grab my shoes and undergarments (which are barely anything) as I've chosen to go without a bra tonight. The low dip of the back of my dress, makes even a strapless bra an impossibility. Once I've put on everything but my dress, and added some perfume, I pull the dress on. It is a sleeveless chiffon full-length gown, in lavender. The deep v front is beaded in gold, and makes my tan pop. As good as the dress looked when I bought it, the overall effect with my skin, hair and makeup, is really something else. I barely recognize myself…but in the best way. I've managed to be surprised by how good it looks together.

I walk out to the living room, and my daughter starts beaming at me. "Wow! Mom, you look incredible. You look just like a princess or a movie star!" I blush at her remark, and thank her. I would hug her, but am afraid to do anything that will wreck the dress or my hair and makeup. I want Eric to get the full effect of what he spent his money on.

I don't have to wait long, as the now familiar buzzer goes off. Ella runs to the panel to let Eric in. I take a deep breath, as we wait for the anticipated knock on the door. Good Lord, I feel like a bride on her wedding day, and suddenly my nerves start to kick in. Not a minute has passed, when I hear the strike of Eric's knuckles. Ella pulls the door wide open, before I even have the chance to release the breath I am holding.

Then time slows down. The room, the world, everything fades away, and all I can see is him. Eric. He's standing on the other side of the threshold in a perfectly fitting black tuxedo. That long held breath is finally released in a whoosh, as my eyes travel from his head to his toes. He's absolutely gorgeous. The black tuxedo clings to his frame in the most delicious way. The patch of white shirt, brings out his blond hair and light complexion. The perfectly tied bow tie, which on some looks juvenile, looks like it was made for him. He looks like he just stepped off a billboard for some upscale men's cologne. I think I audibly gulp.

All of this pales in comparison to his eyes. From the moment the door opened, I was drawn to them. I watch as they open wider at the sight of me, and the normally oceanic blue irises become overtaken by black, as they fully dilate. His expression changing immediately from one of eagerness, to one of pure unadulterated desire.

Eric POV

Nothing could have prepared me for the vision I beheld when Ella swung her door open. Sookie looks radiant. Any prior concern I had about her ability to dress for the occasion, vanishes without another thought. Her gown is exquisite…a lovely shade of lavender with stunning gold beadwork. The color accentuates her tan and her mesmerizing eyes, the beading her beautiful breasts. Her hair is down (an interesting choice) with golden ringlets cascading down her chest, back and shoulders. The overall effect is breath-taking.

"You look," I pause for effect, "absolutely stunning." I'm surprised I am able to speak the words without my fangs running out. As Pam would say, "She looks good enough to eat…double entendre intended." She would be right. I doubt there will be a vampire there tonight that won't want to devour her, looking and smelling the way that she does. I must have shown some concern on my face, as Sookie questions if there is something wrong.

I promised Sookie I would try to be more honest with her about things that may impact her safety. With that in mind, I respond, "No. There's nothing wrong per se. I didn't fully consider how attracted other vampires may be to you tonight…it worries me. At my age, most will think twice before making any advance towards you. But many will not know of me. After all, I have not been a part of the Louisiana court in some time." In a lighter tone I continue, "I expect we'll just have to stay close together…all night…to be safe." I can't control the shit-eating grin that follows.

"I guess we will," Sookie adds with a twinkle in her eye.

I look over to see Ella grinning at both of us, as she utters, "Oh, hang on! I want to take your picture."

She heads into the kitchen to retrieve her phone while Sookie makes her way to my side, reaching to take my hand in hers. I can't help myself, I bend down so I can pull her scent in through my nose. Her essence is intoxicating, a heady mixture of jasmine, sea salt and Sookie's own unique fairyness. I drop a quick kiss to the top of her bare shoulder as I notice how wonderfully smooth her skin feels beneath my lips. I'd say my money was well spent, indeed.

Ella rejoins us, and instructs us to pose for the camera. After several pictures, she seems pleased with the outcome, and tells us we had better head out.

As we turn to make our way out the door, Ella calls after to thank me again for the amazing spa day. I tell her she's welcome, as I close the door behind me.

In no time at all, Sookie and I are literally walking down a red carpet at the Palace. There are limos lining the street, and paparazzi huddled together at the gates in a sea of flashing lights. It reminds me of the Hollywood events I used to attend with Olivia. None of those could begin to compare to this. Feeling Sookie's nervousness and excitement has ratcheted up my own. It doesn't hurt that we haven't let go of each other's hands since the apartment…I find the contact reassuring. I smile a genuine smile, as I lead my lover to the Gala entrance.

Sookie takes it all in as we enter the Palace's Ballroom. Once again, I am able to see Sophie Ann's influence in the décor. Rarely is this level of obscene opulence seen today. I hear Sookie's breath hitch as she looks around the room. In the middle, suspended high above the floor is an elegant crystal chandelier…nearly six-foot across at its diameter. Several smaller hanging fixtures adorn the ceiling, casting a nice warmth to the room. The walls, which were rumored to be inspired by the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles, France, have French paneling with gilded trim surrounding mirrors adorned with cherubs wielding lit sconces. The floor is an ornate patterned parquet of golden wood.

A small musical ensemble is playing dance music, the current one being a waltz. I know the dance lost popularity long before Sookie's birth, but I risk the chance that she may know the required dance steps.

"Would you care to dance?" I ask as I bring her hand to my mouth for a brief kiss.

"I'd be delighted." She answers.

I can feel the sincerity of her words, and love the southern belle side of her that seems to be coming out. I lead us to the dancefloor where we join in with the other twirling couples. With one hand at the small of her back, and my other hand loosely holding one of hers, I press Sookie to me as we take our first steps together. I'm pleasantly surprised to learn that Sookie not only knows the dance, but that she's an exceptional dancer. I know I should be using this opportunity to case the room, and discover any potential threats, but as we glide across the floor, I find myself being swept away in the moment.

I take a quick peak at Sookie's face and see nothing but pure joy. She is loving this, as much as I am loving seeing her in this rare and unguarded moment. I smile more broadly than before, as we continue to dance effortlessly with one another. If others are watching, I have no idea…my focus entirely on the woman in my arms. All too soon the song comes to an end. We continue to dance for several more songs until we eventually make our way towards the refreshments.

Once Sookie has made up a plate of food and grabbed a flute of champagne, I grab a glass of blood, and we find a place to sit. A few former associates stop to say hello, and I make a point to introduce Sookie. I want her to have some exposure in the vampire world before we attempt to sell our blood additives. I may be here by the King's insistence, but that doesn't mean I can't turn this night into a networking opportunity.

We continue to mingle and after our third round of drinks is nearly finished, I notice the King standing across the room. He's looking directly at Sookie and myself. In the next moment, I watch as he raises his hand in our direction, and motions us to join him. I expected this, and told Sookie as much on our drive over tonight. We agreed that she would try to mask her scent as much as possible, and that she would follow my lead, no matter what.

"The King has summoned us," I tell Sookie.

"Uh. O-ok." Sookie barely chokes out.

I extend my hand to her once again, and she grabs it with a little more pressure than necessary this time.

"Just relax, Sookie. Its going to be fine," I try to reassure her. "We talked about this."

"Yeah, well. Meeting vampire monarchs hasn't gone too well for me in the past…as you know. Sorry if it has me a little jumpy." She replies miserably.

"I know. But that was in the past. Things are different now. Besides, I've got you…I'll be right here by your side." I push as much courage and strength as I can through the bond as we make out way over. It seems to be working, as I feel her loosen her death grip on my hand just a bit.

"Your Majesty," I assert as I bow my head in deference.

"Eric, my friend. So glad you could join us this evening. And who might I ask is your lovely companion?" the King inquires.

"May I present Mrs. Sookie Boudreaux of Bon Temps." I provide.

"A pleasure to meet you, your majesty." Sookie offers with a small curtsy.

"Well aren't you a sweet one? Mrs. Boudreaux, was it? There's no need for such formality," the king supplies. "I have to say, the two of you on the dancefloor were a vision…quite enchanting."

I am getting a disturbing idea of where the conversation is heading. My worst fear realized as the King makes his next statement.

"Mrs. Boudreaux, if you don't mind me asking, what does your husband think of you keeping the company of a vampire?" the question is asked in a somewhat provocative tone.

I was afraid of this. Sookie, as expected, has drawn a little too much attention to herself…even with her masking her scent. I think of the best way to handle things if the King decides to push the issue. If I have to, I'll claim Sookie. There is a tie (albeit a very small one between us) and I'd rather ask for forgiveness than permission right now.

Sookie blanches a bit at his question, likely because the pain of loss if still fresh. "My husband passed away last year, so it isn't a problem." Sookie says quietly.

"Oh, my sweet thing, I am so sorry to hear that." The King is clearly trying to sound sympathetic, but I am not buying it...and neither is Sookie.

Before Sookie has the chance to reply, the King turns to me and inquires, "Tell me, Eric. You seem to hold her in high regard…but she is neither marked nor bears your scent. Are you quite attached to her?"

I feel, rather than see, Sookie tense up next to me. I squeeze her hand in response, sending calm though the tenuous bond. "Yes, I am your majesty. She is MINE."

Sookie's head snaps to the side to look at me with an eyebrow raised, as I mirror her expression in return. I can tell the words strike the same familiar chord with her, as they did for me. She turns her gaze back at the King and adds, "Yes. I am HIS." I feel her close the gap between us as she presses against my side.

We both have to fight to keep the corners of our mouths from lifting, as the Kings responds rather unhappily, "What a pity, for me."

Glancing Sookie's way, I can feel her amusement at the exchange. I can only hope that the King has been mollified. The best thing we can do is to remove Sookie from the situation. Besides, it's well past midnight and I've been looking forward to getting her alone all night.

"Yes, well…as you mentioned, Sookie does love to dance. Would you mind if we take our leave and head back out to the dancefloor?" We both wait patiently for his response.

"Yes, of course. Don't let me keep you," the King replies dryly, feigning indifference.

Relieved, I turn and take Sookie's hand back in mine, leading us back to the dancefloor. Sookie seems more than willing to follow my lead.

Once we are safely back on the dancefloor, I take Sookie into my arms. The song is a more modern love song, with a slow beat, and I relish the chance to rub up against her. She wraps her arms around my shoulders as I do the same around her waist. The height difference causes her uplifted arms to press her breasts together, and I can feel them rub my chest through the thin layer of my shirt. Looking down between us, I am gifted with the sight of the beautiful swell of her bosom. I ache at the thought of burying my face there.

Sookie seems to be reading my thoughts, though I know she cannot, as she begins blushing slightly. I had arranged to have her stay with me here in the Palace tonight, and had her things taken to my room when we arrived.

The song has ended, and I can tell Sookie is not interested in remaining for the next song. Perhaps, we can use the crowded dancefloor to mask our escape.

"Are you ready to retire for the night," I ask while making no attempt to hide my desire to leave.

"I thought you'd never ask," she replies with a lopsided grin.

We turn to make our hasty exit, and run right into the King's child. I hadn't noticed him before.

Hunter takes a step back while apologizing, "Please excuse me, are you alright?" I notice he addresses only Sookie, and his eyes never leave her face. Not good.

Desperate to get his attention, I say, "There's no need to apologize. We weren't paying attention, please excuse us. We were just on the way out."

Sookie adds, "No harm done, after all." This seems to make him smile.

Trying to keep things light, I address him again, "How rude of me… you two have not yet been introduced. This is the King's child, Hunter Savoy." I turn towards Sookie to introduce her, when I am cut off abruptly.

"And this is Sookie Stackhouse," Hunter interjects. How in the hell does he know that?

"Hunter? Is it really you? Oh my god." Sookie's tone has become wrought with emotion, and I smell before I see the tears on her face. Before I can ask her what's wrong, I watch as she springs towards Hunter and envelopes him in a hug. What the fuck?

I'm surprised when the young progeny not only accepts but returns the hug saying, "Yes, its me."

Sookie pulls back from the hug and begins wiping the tears from her face. She catches me looking back and forth between the pair, and lays a calming hand on my arm.

"Eric, this is Hadley's son." Turning back towards Hunter, "I haven't seen him since his was a little boy."

"I has been a while." He replies. "I was actually making my way over to see Eric, I had no idea you were the one with him."

"Small world, huh?" says Sookie.

"That it is." Hunter answers, then silently, I'd love to catch up with you, but not here and not now…perhaps tomorrow? You're staying in the palace, aren't you?

Yes, I am. I'd really like to talk with you some more too. "It was good to see you, but Eric and I were just leaving." Sookie speaks as she takes me by the arm and starts leading me away towards the exit.

I'm not sure what just happened exactly, but I am going to find out.

Our bond has sprung to life, with a myriad of emotions. The encounters with the King having affected us both. Fear. Confusion. Relief. We feel them all, but above all else…LUST.

I lead Sookie to the room I am staying in, and as we enter I turn to her and state, "Well, my lover, I must admit…you are still full of surprises."

To prove my point, Sookie kicks the door closed. Then she walks straight to me and grabs the lapels on my jacket, pulling me down to her for a crushing kiss. After all thoughts have left my brain, except the feel and taste of her mouth on mine, she breaks the kiss and takes a single step back. Her hand goes up into the air between us in a stop motion.

"Eric. I know there are several things that we need to talk about from tonight. The King. My cousin. Our business," she stops and takes a deep breath before continuing. "But you look so good, and I feel good, and being so close on the dancefloor…can we just put a pin in it all until tomorrow?"

I see a wicked gleam in her eye as she drops her hand and pleads, "Can you just take me to bed? Cause I don't think I can wait another minute…I want you."

I take one step to close the distance between us, gently grabbing her face on both sides, as I dip my head down to take her mouth. The kiss is urgent, and filled with an intensity I cannot hold back. I have been waiting for years, and I want this every bit as much as she does.

Sookie responds in kind, running her hands up my chest. I soon feel her hands sliding my jacket off my shoulders, and hear the fabric hit the floor. She makes short work of my tie and then starts on the buttons of my shirt. I help untuck it from my waistband, and she shoves the shirt to the floor as well.

Standing bare from the waist up, I feel her press herself up against me as she had while we danced earlier. I need to feel her skin against me. As we continue to savor one another's mouths, I reach to the clasp at her neck and undo the top of her dress…leaving her bare for me.

I kneel so that I can better access her breasts, and work the zipper on her dress down as I suck one of her nipples into my mouth. Her dress pools at her feet instantly, leaving her in nothing but a lacy thong and four-inch heels. I bite gently on the hardened peak, eliciting a gasp as I start flicking my tongue back and forth against her tender skin. I trail hot kisses from one nipple to the other, already hard from my attentions. I slide my hands up the back of Sookie's bare thighs, taking a hold of her ass as I slowly kiss my way down her stomach to her silky mound.

Eyes closed. I kiss her softly and then bring my fingers to the waistband, hooking my index fingers on the elastic and tugging the panties down her legs as she steps free of them. I test her slit with my tongue, tasting the wetness that is already there for me. I run my tongue up to the apex, and use my fingers now to spread her open for me.

Her hands have made their way into my hair, and she is massaging my scalp, as she pulls me in closer. My tongue continues to lick and probe until I feel her clit harden under my ministrations. I can feel Sookie's legs begin to tremble slightly, and push her legs apart just a bit more so that I can run one of my hands up her inner thigh. I drop my head for just a moment to kiss the space between her thighs, and nearly chuckle as I feel her disappointment at the loss.

I lick and nibble the area where I can hear the blood rushing through her femoral artery…wanting to taste her, but knowing to wait will make it that much sweeter. I can feel her trepidation, as she assumes the bite is coming.

Before she can fully react, I return to suckle on her clit once again, as I slide a finger inside her. Gods, she is so warm and wet…her channel squeezing my finger the moment it enters her. I curve my finger inside her, hitting the spot I remember drives her crazy. As I pump my finger and suck her nerve center, I hear Sookie moan my name in between ragged breaths. Her hands leave my hair and grasp my shoulders for support…I know that she is close.

I replace my tongue with my thumb, and use my unoccupied hand to unbutton and unzip my pants. They fall to my knees allowing my swollen cock to be free from constraint. I continue to kiss Sookie's stomach and hip, while voicing my encouragement. Her channel is tight, and her juices are starting to run down my finger.

"Cum for me Sookie." I say soothingly.

I lower my head one final time, taking her clit in between my lips, and flick it repeatedly with my tongue, increasing the speed of my inserted finger.

"Oh god. Er-ic. Yes. Yessss…anghhh." Sookie yells breathlessly as her orgasm hits her.

I feel her pulse around me, and grab hold of her hip to steady her as she rides out the aftershocks. When her breathing starts to slow a bit, I stand up removing my shoes and pants in the blink of an eye, before taking Sookie bridal style to the bed.

I lay her down on the bed beneath me, while I put most of my weight on my left side. I cradle her neck in my hand as I enter her mouth with my tongue, once again. I know she can taste herself on me, and the thought makes my already stiff cock even harder. As if reading my thoughts, Sookie takes me in her hand and begins slowly stroking me from base to tip. I feel her spread the drops of pre-cum over my head, and then her gentle tug as she pulls me towards her slightly.

"I wanna feel you inside me," she moans.

Not having to be asked twice (or at all, really) I move my body over hers as she wraps her legs around my hips, opening herself to me. I line my cock up to her opening and slowly push inside her.

I can't describe how good it feels…it's like coming home. It just feels right, somehow.

"Fuck you feel SO good, my lover."

And she does. I take a moment to let her adjust to me, but my hips start moving of their own volition. I start a slow rhythm at first…Sookie meeting me thrust for thrust. As further encouragement, I notice her assertively grab my ass, pulling me into her. With our height difference, her face is at chest level as I push into her, so I let my fangs drop as I am unable to kiss her right now.

Minutes pass as I thrust over and over, and her hold grows tighter still. The air is filled with the sounds of our joining, Sookie's breathing, and the string of words that come unbidden in my native tongue.

I can feel Sookie growing slick and tight around me, and know that when I cum I will take her with me. I'm so close, I can feel the tightness growing in my gut, my ass flexed and legs rigid…just a few more pumps…

Like the wave of an ocean, we are taken for a ride, one that neither of us can control. I feel her dig her nails into me as I hear her pull in another ragged breath, and I feel her squeeze down on me, milking me. My cock responds, erupting inside her, filling her with its seed. We may both have said the other's name, I'm unsure. My brain has lost its ability to process any rational thought.

As we both come down from the orgasmic high, I roll off to her side and pull her into my chest.

"That was…just…wow." Sookie whispers as she looks shyly up in to my eyes. "Was that ok for you?"

"Sookie. How can you even ask that?" I question. "It was wonderful. YOU are wonderful. There is NO ONE I would rather be with than you." Pulling her just a bit tighter against me, "You are perfect for me."

"Thank you, Eric. I know it's silly, but it has been a while, and I just worried…" she didn't finish because I began kissing her with every ounce of love I could muster. The kiss deepened, and I felt her accept my words and the feelings behind them.

Then, in yet another surprise, Sookie rolled me on my back and straddled me. Thank the gods for vampire stamina (and refractory period), as I watch her rise up on her knees while taking me in her hand, guiding me back inside her.

Yes, I think to myself as she rides us both to completion…she IS perfect for me.