"So what do you think of her?" Eric looked at himself in one of Pam's mirrors. He smiled approvingly at the haircut. He had missed Pam's fussy need to keep him well groomed.

"I'm assuming you're referring to Ms. Hemlock?" Pam cocked an eyebrow and paired it with a grin. Eric usually only referred to woman he wanted or had by their last names. "Good choice."

"Uh huh." Eric's grin widened as he dragged his gaze to the laptop open on his desk.

"I have a few appointments tonight so try to see that I'm not disturbed, will you?" She nodded as he stood and kissed her forehead. "Thank you." She smiled warmly at Eric. He has regretted releasing her but he knew it was the right thing. He was far too reckless with himself - he didn't want her to feel when he met the truth death - something he crave, welcomed and begged for a year ago. He remembered the night Sookie had brought his memories back - something felt different in him. For the first time since he was mortal - he had felt warmth within his own body. That warmth was short lived and left the night she shut Bill's front door behind her. He had cursed himself then, as he did now, for allowing himself to be so vulnerable to her. Part of him cursed Godric - how foolish he'd been to think he'd ever be capable of love. The thought of Godric render Eric defeated. Godric wasn't a fool - he was right. Eric could love. With each loss he had endured over the past few years - it was the one lesson that he kept learning. A knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts and signaled the beginning of his night. He was thankful for some normality.

Outside Pam leaned behind the bar, watching as Tara dried a few glasses off.

"You're worried." Pam glanced at Tara.

"How could I not be? He's been gone a year and then returns as if everything after meeting Sookie has never existed." Tara shrugged.

"Maybe he's over it." Pam stood silent but kept her glare on Tara. "Isn't it? You hate Sookie for how much Eric changed after their met, right? Maybe he needed to be alone to get her out of his system." Ember walked over to the bar and leaned on it.

"Everything alright?" Pam and Tara both shifted their gaze to the newest vampire.

"Yup. How's your first night?" Ember nodded.

"Pretty relaxed." The sound of the office door opening nearby grabbed her attention. Eric was walking another older Vampire out. He was smiling. Ember began to feel that pull in her stomach as she kept her eyes on him. The world seemed to move slower all of a sudden. She licked her lips - when had they gotten so dry? Suddenly she found herself curious about his kisses. She wondered if he was as aggressive intimately as he demeanor hinted at.

"Uh, hello?" Tara snapped her fingers at Ember which rendered the reaction she wanted. She snapped her gaze back to Tara and Pam, smiling sheepishly.

"Sorry. I should, uh..get back to work." As she turned to scurry off, she couldn't help but steal another glance at Eric. When she saw him looking at her, she could've sworn her heart leapt into her throat. Pam and Tara exchanged looks as Tara laughed.

"Oh boy, here we go. Eric's back one night and he already has some chick tripping over herself." Pam grinned.

"Guess things are getting back to normal." She exchanged a glance with her maker as he slipped back into his office.

"So you'll be gone for a week?" Alcide nodded as he continued packing.

"Yeah, no more than two." Silence blanketed them as she watched him finishing packing. Every so often, Alcide would have to travel to another state to hand contracts for his bigger clients. Normally Sookie would just take on extra shifts and tend to whatever had to be done around the house but she contemplated it. "I'm sorry it's such short notice. Norma apparently screwed up and I should've gotten this a week ago." Sookie nodded with a smile.

"It's fine. It's work." He smiled thankfully at her. Debbie would've been all over him, assuming the worst. Sookie was a breath of fresh air in comparison to dating a wolf. "Just wish you didn't have to leave so late. It's 3am." He huffed and sighed.

"I know baby and I wish I didn't either but I should've left this morning." She nodded again. "I promise I'll make it up to you when I get back into town." She smiled warmly as he leaned down to her and kissed her softly. The kiss began to remind him of what he would be missing in his absence and he quickly switched his hands to her hips, pulling her body against his. She giggled and hit his chest playfully.

"If you're trying to make up for lost time, you're not doing good." He growled playfully at her as he planted a firm kiss on her lips and returned to stuffing the last of his clothes into the bag.

"If you need anything…" she nodded.

"I know. I got your number. You be safe." He flashed her another smile before the walked out the house. Sookie stood a few feet from the house and watched as Alcide tossed his bag in and climbed into his truck. She waved as he drove off. Sookie remained there for a minute after his car had disappeared from her sight. She looked around, studying the trees. She still had that heavy feeling. In the distance, a howl captured her attention. She stood still, listening and waiting for something. When nothing came, she decided it'd be smarter to just get inside and get to bed. She had worked all night and came home to find out that wasn't gonna be sleeping anytime soon. She enjoyed the cool breeze that caressed her bare shoulders. She turned and started back toward the house, still looking to her sides. Ugh, what was that feeling? She quickly ran into the house, locking the door behind her. She glanced out through the small window. What was she expecting to see? She shook her head as she turned off the light and made her way upstairs. She was thankful that she had the next few days off. Maybe she'd finally drive into Shreveport and get her hair done like she'd been promising herself for over a month. Hmm, what would she have done? Cut? Dye? She peeled off her tank top and tossed it onto the rocking chair. The breeze that blew in caused her to shiver, despite the small fire. She unbuttoned her shorts and slid out of them, tossing them as well. Tonight was a night she'd just enjoy sleeping in her bra and panties with her big bed all to herself. A rare treat, indeed. She made her way toward the window and opened the curtains slightly. As she opened it, she glanced down outside and her heart instantly skipped a beat. Her breath was caught in her throat as she stared. Her eyes quickly burned and begged for her to blink but she was too afraid too. She was too afraid he'd be gone as quick as he appeared, if she did. Shit. She blinked. He was still there. Her heart began to dance to a rhythm it had forgotten. "Eric…?"

I love all of you. the feedback has been wonderful and encouraging. Of course, i'd love to know your thoughts!