Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot and original characters. Also, rated M for language and other such adult themes.


2. Expectations

Eric was lounging on the couch in the living room, reading a book, when Estelle wandered in and plopped down on the floor facing him. Her hair was wet and tangled from showering after their swim. She folded her legs up and began running her brush through the dark strands. "Eric, tell me about the woman," she implored softly.

"What woman?" Eric questioned, turning a page.

"The one with hair like fire."

Eric put an arm behind his head as he sighed, a slight smile on his lips. He closed his book. "Her name is Genevieve Mason, and she works at Bellefleur's Bar and Grill in Bon Temps." He chuckled. "I hate that fucking town and yet, I somehow always find myself back there."

He closed his eyes and listened to the sounds of Estelle's brush detangling her hair. Estelle remained silent. She knew that he would speak when he was ready. And he did. "I was running, on the hunt, and I suddenly heard the sweetest voice. In over a thousand years, I've never heard a sweeter voice," he intoned. "Then, when I saw her…"

His voice trailed off. Estelle set her brush aside and shifted to her knees, scooting closer to her brother. She may have only physically known him for five years, but in her memories, she had known him far longer. There may have been a large gap between the memories that he had accidentally imprinted on her a thousand years ago and the ones she made with him over the last five years, but there was one thing she knew for certain; Eric had never been in love.

She smiled and rested her arms and head on his stomach. "Go see her."

Eric looked at her. "It's nearly dawn," he informed her.

She gave him a little pinch in the side and rolled her eyes. "I meant later."

He tapped the tip of her nose with a soft chuckle. "I know what you meant," he said. "And I will. I gave her my word that she would see me again."

With the slightest of movements, he shifted. Estelle sat up, moving her hand to his arm. She showed him an image of his bed and then gently brushed her fingers over his face. He nodded, catching her hand as she stood, kissing her fingers. "You need to sleep, too," he said.

"Promise," the young woman replied.

"I've asked Pam to see that the kitchen is restocked," Eric mentioned. "She's taking care of it."

Estelle nodded and squeezed his hand in thanks. "Good night, Brother."

"Good night."

Estelle stooped and picked up her brush, continuing to run it through her hair as she strolled down the hall. She felt the slightest of breezes pass her and a tender smile came to her face. Her heart warmed at the thought of Eric finding love. He was the most important person in her life and she wanted nothing but the best for him. He deserved that, and more, in her opinion. He had welcomed her into his life, and his home, with open arms and had loved her unconditionally. She had never known what love was until he had shown her. How could she not want him to know love as well?

With an inhuman leap, she launched herself up through the rectangular hole in the ceiling that was the entrance to her private attic bedroom. When she had chosen the attic for her own, she had insisted that Eric remove the panel that was the hidden door. She preferred jumping to climbing up the silly ladder. Eric had, of course, appeased her.

She padded over to the floor to ceiling window across from her and knelt, looking out at the expanse of woods behind their house. She pulled all of her hair to one side and sectioned it out, deftly twisting the strands into a complicated plait. She inhaled deeply and closed her eyes, picturing the fire-haired woman she had seen in Eric's mind. A fluttering in her gut told her this woman was going to change her family forever.


As Genevieve entered through the employee door of Bellefleur's the following evening, she began pulling her thick auburn hair into a messy bun. She walked into Arlene Bellefleur's office with a smile and a friendly "Hello," to Arlene and dropped her purse into the lockable drawer that the older redhead had slid open for her.

"Well, Genevieve Mason, you are positively glowing," Arlene said, smiling, as they made their way out to the main floor. "Did somethin' happen last night after I went home?"

Genevieve's cheeks warmed, turning a light shade of pink. "Maybe."

Sensing gossip, Lafayette strolled out of the kitchen behind them. "Did our little gingersnap meet a man and take him home for a little taste?"

"Lafayette!" Genevieve squealed, turning and smacking him soundly on the arm.

The cook's deep laughter filled the hallway and rumbled out to the bar area as the three came to the main floor. Jessica joined them at the bar as Genevieve tied on her apron, grabbed a glass and put some ice into a shaker. "What's got you in such a good mood, Lafayette?" Jessica inquired.

Lafayette grinned, but it was Arlene that answered. "We think Genevieve met someone last night, but she's not saying a word."

"Yeah, Little Miss be actin' all coy over there in her little booty shorts," Lafayette added.

Jessica giggled and focused her attention on the petite bartender. "Gen, if you met someone last night, that's great!" she said. "It's nothing to be ashamed of."

Genevieve put the lid on her shaker and shook it with vigor as she looked over at her boss and fellow co-workers. She knew she was being silly, not admitting to having met someone she found attractive, but at the same time, she felt it wasn't exactly their business. She was also uncertain how they would react to her attraction to a vampire.

Now that's just stupid, she scolded herself. Arlene and Lafayette are both in a relationship with a vampire and Jessica is a vampire. They wouldn't judge you for thinking a vampire is hot.

"Come on, Sugar, what man's got you all tingly?"

The tiny bartender poured her drink into the glass she had gotten out and arched her brow with a smirk. Feeling a bit sarcastic, she decided to say something that was a bit out of character from the Genevieve they were used to. "Who said it's a man?" she questioned. "How do you know it's not a woman?"

Lafayette and Jessica laughed while Arlene gasped, putting her hand to her heart. "Genevieve!" she squealed as the bartender began giggling.

"Oh, come on, Arlene, you gots to know she jokin'," Lafayette said.

"So, you did meet someone last night," Jessica quickly caught on.

Lowering her glass, and swallowing the gulp of her drink in her mouth, Genevieve sighed. "Yes, I met someone last night."

Her three friends leaned in. "Well, don't just leave it there, Sweetness," Lafayette cooed. "Tell us about this someone."

Genevieve bit her lip as she looked at them thoughtfully. She had laid in bed for hours thinking of the mysterious blonde vampire before sleep had finally taken her. It couldn't hurt to tell them about Eric, she thought, drumming her fingers on the bar a few times. Maybe they'll know him and can give me a little insight.

Decided, she said, "All right. His name is Eric Northman an…"

Lafayette held up a finger and pursed his voluptuous lips. "I'm out bitches," he said.

Genevieve watched as he spun dramatically and pranced his way back to the kitchen. "What was that all about?" she questioned.

Jessica and Arlene looked at each other knowingly. "Eric Northman isn't exactly a friend around here," Arlene stated.

"Oh." Genevieve said, slightly disappointed. "So, y'all know him, then?"

"We've had our share of encounters," Arlene agreed.

Jessica leaned on the bar and sipped on her New Blood. "Were you thinkin' of maybe goin' on a date with him?"

Genevieve shrugged. "I don't know. I mean; I only met him last night for all of two minutes," she explained. "See, I was sayin' good-bye to Big John and I was about to get in my car when Eric just shows up."

She went on to relate the details of her chance encounter with Eric as she finished her drink and fixed herself a soda. "So, ya see, it wasn't really a big deal, but…"

"But it was enough to get Eric's attention," Jessica interrupted, nodding toward the door.

"What?" Genevieve turned and immediately saw the blonde vampire. He was moving at a human pace and he was heading for the opposite end of the bar from where she stood. Pulling in a deep breath, Genevieve smoothed her apron and headed over to him. "Hi."

"Hello," Eric replied, his voice soft.

"Can I get you a New Blood?" Genevieve offered. "We've got A+, O-, and B-."

"No, thank you," the vampire said with the hint of amusement. "I can't stay. I only came to ask if you might allow me to come by when you get off work?"

A look of surprise raised her brow. "Oh… Um… Yeah. I'm off at one."

"I'll see you, then," Eric said with a little wink. He then glanced toward the corner of the bar and gave a quick nod. "Jessica. Mrs. Bellefleur."

The cheery vampire smiled politely. "Eric," she replied, returning his nod.

Arlene nodded stiffly. She was no fan of Eric's, but she also knew that he had saved the lives of her friends on more than one occasion. He was also directly responsible for saving the life of her vampire boyfriend, Keith. It was these reasons that she remained civil.

Eric cast one last look at Genevieve, giving her a sexy grin, and then strode out the door. Genevieve threw her head back and groaned as she spun around and walked back to where Jessica and Arlene stood. Jessica giggled. "Someone's gettin' laid tonight," she joked.

Genevieve gasped. "Jessica Fortenberry, just what kind of woman do you take me for?!"

"The kind smart enough to let a man like Eric Northman screw your brains out if he's giving you the opportunity," she retorted in a whisper.

A group of customers had just walked in and Arlene went over to seat them. Genevieve clicked her tongue and tapped her nails on the bar. "You know, I keep thinking I've seen Eric somewhere before. Apart from last night, I mean," she said. "He just looks really familiar. I've been racking my brain all day trying to figure it out and I can't for the life of me."

Jessica snorted and raised her brows in disbelief. "Gen, Eric's the co-owner and CEO of New Blood, and the owner of Fangtasia."

Genevieve closed her eyes and flushed in embarrassment. "Oh my, God. No wonder he looked at me funny when I offered him a New Blood. God, I'm such an idiot! How did I not recognize him?! He's all over the ads!"

"He gives off quite a different presence in person," Jessica soothed, coming around the bar and giving her a gentle squeeze. "He can't help it. He just oozes sex."

Genevieve laughed and looked up at the young vampire. "Girl, you ain't kidding!"

"All right, all right, that's enough chit chat out of you two," Arlene said as she walked by. She placed the order ticket up on the carousel for the kitchen. "Come on now, back to work!"

Later that night, Genevieve was taking out a box of empty bottles for recycling when Lafayette called out to her. She set the box down and walked over to where the made-up cook was puffing on a cigarillo. Lafayette patted the spot next to him and offered her the cigarillo. "No, thanks," she declined politely as she sat.

"Eric Northman, huh?" He leaned back against the tree behind him, his eyes half closed and a sort of sad quirk to his lips.

"I don't know, Lafayette." And she really didn't. There was a definite attraction between herself and Eric, but they had just met. She told the cook as much.

Lafayette blew out some smoke as he appraised her. "Aight, look, you know I'm the last mother fucker to judge a bitch for being attracted to a vampire."

Her brow arched up as she smirked knowingly. "But?"

"But Eric Fuckin' Northman isn't like any vampire you know. He the devil incarnate."

When she didn't say anything, Lafayette snuffed out his cigarillo and got to his feet. "Just be careful is all I'm sayin'."

Genevieve nodded and gave him a smile when he cuffed her chin with a gentle finger. She watched as he walked back toward Bellefleur's and picked up the box of empty bottles with a call of, "I gots these." She thanked him and asked if he'd tell Arlene she was taking a break.

"Sure thang, Sweetness."

Genevieve picked up a stick and began doodling in the dirt. Can Eric really be as bad as Lafayette says, she wondered? She knew he was dangerous, that much was obvious. Even a vampire as sweet and kind-hearted as Jessica was dangerous. But evil? He didn't seem so evil to her. A bit forward, maybe, but aren't most men? Of course, she had encountered him only twice and the last was briefer than the first.

Never having been one to make decisions based on the opinions of others, Genevieve made up her mind to discover the truth for herself. She would start tonight while she and Eric were hanging out, or whatever it was they were going to do. No sex, she told herself sternly. No matter how much you want it.


At a quarter to one, Eric rose from his throne and sought Pam. He found her in the basement counting the money she had just received from a customer. He glanced at the scene before him and smirked at the soft whimper of pain. "I'm leaving for the night," he informed Pam, focusing his gaze on his progeny, business partner, and new Sheriff of Area Five. "I'm taking tomorrow off to spend with Estelle. I've been a neglectful brother."

Pam nodded. "Your little Sparrow should be chirping happily after the case of blood oranges I procured for her, among everything else," she stated. She then looked at the vampire kneeling on the floor. "Time's up."

He removed his fangs from the thin thigh he'd been sucking on and licked his lips. Pam jerked her thumb and he left the basement. "Close up shop for the night," Eric instructed, heading up the stairs himself. "And don't forget to feed your whore."

"Of course," Pam agreed, smiling wickedly at the blonde woman chained to two of the six metal poles attached to a large wheel that hung from the ceiling. "Can't lose my top earner."

Sarah Newlin whimpered. That was the last sound Eric heard before he sped away from his beloved Fangtasia. After everything that the vile woman had done to his kind nearly six years ago, he felt completely justified in keeping her locked away. Pam's use of her as a blood bag for any vampire willing to pay one hundred thousand dollars for one minute of feeding almost warmed his dead heart. It brought back memories of the Madame Pam had been before he had turned her. It also earned them more money in one night than the bar itself.

As far as the human world was concerned, Sarah Newlin was dead and there wasn't a vampire anywhere that would dispute that notion. If any even contemplated it, Eric would see to it that they met the true death. This brought a smile to the vampire's face. He was still smiling when Genevieve exited Bellefleur's to find him leaning against her car a few minutes later.

"You look like the cat that ate the canary," she commented as she walked over to him.

He reached out and took her oversized purse from her, setting it on the hood of her car. "Maybe I am," he practically purred.

Genevieve's cheeks warmed at the seductive smirk he gave her. She peered up at him through her dark lashes, smiling shyly. Damn, he's sexy as hell, she thought.

Eric's highly sensitive ears heard the slight hitch in her breathing and the quickening of her heart beat. He pushed away from the car, standing to his full height as he stepped closer to her. He raised her chin with a finger and brushed his fingers along her cheek. "You're blushing," he noted. "Am I making you uncomfortable?"

She shook her head. The corner of Eric's mouth twitched up as he slid his hand around to the back of her neck. His eyes went to her full lips, slightly parted as he bent. "Eric, wait," Genevieve said, putting a tiny hand on his chest.

He paused and stepped back, releasing her. He did not apologize for his hasty action, nor did it seem she wanted his regret. Not that he was sorry. He wasn't in the least, but he also wasn't going to do anything that would risk his chance of knowing her.

Genevieve silently cursed herself. She had wanted him to kiss her, badly, but she knew herself and knew that if she had allowed the kiss, her no sex rule would have flown out the window. She needed to move. "Take a walk with me?" she suggested.

Eric inclined his head regally and waited while she locked her purse inside her car. Once she pocketed her keys, she took a deep breath and looked up at him with a smile. "Ready."

Sweeping his arm, Eric motioned for her to lead the way. He watched her for a few paces and then joined her, catching up easily. "You're new to Bon Temps, yes?" he inquired.

"I moved here six months ago," she confirmed. "How'd you know?"

"Your accent; it's not native to Louisiana," he commented. "If you'll permit me, I'd say you moved here from somewhere in central California. The Bay Area, perhaps?"

Genevieve grinned and gave him a brief round of applause. "San Jose, to be exact. Good ear."

Eric laughed at that. "One of the many perks of being a vampire."

"I have to confess, all of this… vampires, I mean… is new to me," Genevieve told him.

This surprised Eric, and he wasn't surprised by much of anything at his age. "Really?"

"Well, I knew about them, of course, they'd been all over the news since coming out of the coffin, but I'd never met one until I moved here."

"How many vampires have you met?" he wondered aloud. "Jessica, obviously, but are there many others?"

"Mmm," Genevieve confirmed with a nod. "Jessica, James, Keith, and Willa."

The last name gave him a pang of sadness. Willa, his progeny, created just before his internment in "Vamp Camp," had been hired at Bellefleur's shortly after the Hep-V pandemic. He had forgotten… buried… that bit of knowledge. He had buried it because she hated him and asked him to release her from their bond. He had done as she'd requested and then he had stripped her from thought.

"Keith and Jessica were some of the first people I met when I walked into Bellefleur's looking for work," Genevieve was now saying. "I'd heard so many things about how evil vampires are that I didn't know what to expect when I met them, but they were so kind and welcoming to this city slicker that I liked them right away."

"We're not all as bad as some people would have you believe," Eric offered.

"No, I agree."

"And have you learned anything about vampires from your vampire friends?"

She stopped walking and turned to face him. "Eric, I may not know much about vampires, but I do know when I'm being pumped for information." She held up a finger. "Don't even think of denying it… and… hold on a second."

Genevieve reached up and took the black scrunchie from her hair. The auburn strands that had been piled on her head in a messy bun fell loosely past her shoulders. She put the scrunchie around her wrist and slid it up to her elbow before running her fingers along her scalp to relieve the tightness.

"Aahh, that's better," she sighed. She then leveled her whiskey colored eyes at him. "All right, back to you. I have a question for you, and I'd like an honest answer."

"You have my word."

"What exactly is it that you want from me?"

"To get to know you," he answered.

"Why?" she pressed.

"Because you fascinate me."

Genevieve scoffed. "I fascinate you? Eric, you met me last night."

Eric cocked his head. "Do you not think you're fascinating?"

"What I think is that you're a man who's used to getting what he wants, when he wants, and don't think I haven't noticed that little smirk on your face. Now, I'm gonna ask you one more time… What do you want from me?"

Eric had to commend her for calling him out. He was quickly learning that Genevieve Mason was not one to be manipulated. Not that he was truly trying to do such a thing. He only wished to find out if she might be receptive to the idea of being his. If her reaction to him almost kissing her was any indication, then he was hopeful.

He took one of her hands in his and gently ran his thumb over her knuckles. "I would love nothing more than to claim you, body and soul, right here and now," he said, his eyes dark with desire.

Genevieve opened her mouth, but Eric continued before she could say anything. "Before you object; I know it's not fear that's making your heart race." He let go of her hand and stepped back. "However, it's clear that despite your undeniable attraction to me, you aren't ready for what I can offer you. So, what do I want from you? A chance."

Her brow arched. "A chance?"

He nodded. "To get to know you. To be your friend," he said. "And then maybe one day, when you're ready, more."

Running her hand through her hair, Genevieve chuckled softly and clicked her tongue, thinking. "All right, Northman, you want to get to know me, then you should know this… I can't be friends with a guy I'm attracted to, I don't date, and I don't sleep with a man I barely know."

Eric tucked her hair behind her ear and raised her chin further. "Then I guess it's a good thing I'm a very patient man."

Genevieve blinked, surprised by his statement. She hadn't been in many relationships, or had many guys show an interest in her. Of the handful that had, most of them had balked at her when she had told them she wouldn't sleep with them after only a few dates. Because of Eric's initial advance and his incessant flirting, she had been almost certain he would do the same.

His proclamation that he was patient solidified two things for her. One, Eric Northman was the sexiest man she had ever met, human or vampire. Two, if he kept this up, she would be sleeping with him very soon. Oh boy, she thought.

"So," Eric began, pulling her from her thoughts, "you can't be friends with someone you're attracted to and you don't date. How then, do you propose we get to know each other?"

"More nights like this?" Genevieve suggested. "Movies? I'd say dinners out, but you don't eat and I know human food grosses vampires out, so…"

"Those sound awfully date-like for someone who doesn't date," Eric teased.

"Eric, do I have to explain the difference between dating and going on a date?" Genevieve giggled.

"Please," the vampire said seriously. "I want to understand. I need to understand."

Genevieve nodded. "Because you want to claim me, body and soul," she repeated his words. "Right?"

"Yes, but it's more than that. I want to understand because I want to know you. So, please, explain to me the difference between dating and going on a date and how you can't be friends with a man you are attracted to."

She admired and appreciated his honesty. Did she really know if he was being honest? No, of course she didn't, but he didn't seem to be a liar, either. She really didn't have any reason not to believe him. "All right, but do you mind if we keep walking? It's easier to talk to you if I don't know you're staring at me."

"Does my looking at you bother you?"

"No, but it does make it difficult for me to speak," she answered honestly.

"Why?"

"Because you're incredibly sexy and very… intense."

"And this makes speech difficult for you?"

"It makes me not want to talk."

She was looking up at him through her long lashes. It was a look he had seen from dozens, if not hundreds, of women throughout his lifetime. Genevieve wanted him, that was clear. What wasn't clear, was why she was resisting him. No other woman he'd been with had ever resisted him. It was a new experience for him and he wasn't all together sure he liked it. Then again, the fact that she wasn't giving into him gave him a challenge, and that he did like.

"As tempting as what you're insinuating would be, you've been clear about not wanting to have sex with someone you don't know, so…" He held out his hand. "Shall we?"

Genevieve took his hand and warmed as his fingers laced with hers. As they began walking, she cleared her throat and went into explaining that being friends with a man she was attracted to was too difficult for her because she had learned from experience that sex would always get in the way. She much prefered things to be less complicated.

That was something Eric could certainly understand, and he said as much. "And the dating?"

"Okay, so dating is when you go out with multiple people, not all at once, but individually," she told him. "And going on a date is when you go out with one specific person on different occasions, like to the movies, dinner, things like that."

"So, you'd rather go on several dates with one person as opposed to going on one date with various individuals?" Eric questioned. "Like a boyfriend?"

"Yes."

Eric was silent for a moment, rubbing his thumb across the back of her hand as they walked. "Would you like me to be your boyfriend?" he asked.

"I think it's a little too soon for me to answer that. I won't deny that I'm attracted to you. I don't think there's a woman with an attraction to men that wouldn't be attracted to you."

With the gentlest of tugs, Eric stopped their forward progress and stepped close to her. He kept hold of her hand while lifting her chin with his other. "I'm not interested in other women. I'm interested in you."

"Then give this a little more time."

Eric brushed his thumb over her bottom lip as he nodded in agreement. "I think we should go back," Genevieve told him. "My feet are starting to hurt and you probably have to go soon anyway, right?"

"Not as soon as you think," he told her. "Come, I'll carry you."

"Oh, no, you don't have to…" Eric had her in his arms before she finished her sentence, "do that."

"Your feet hurt. It is nothing for me to carry you back to your car."

It was obvious that he wasn't going to put her down, so she settled herself against him and rested her head in the crook of his neck. "All right, then, but Eric?"

"Yes?"

She lifted her head and he looked at her. She smiled. "Don't rush."

Eric returned her smile with one of his own. "As you wish."


Author's Note- Hey all! I hope you enjoyed this second chapter of Crimson Tides! I love feedback and constructive criticism, so please, leave a review if you wish to express your thoughts! I look forward to hearing from you! - Much love, Sarah