Chapter 13 – Joys of Marriage 2
A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.
Mignon McLaughlin
Sookie was at work. The sun would set soon and she was happy her shift was about to end because tonight was the night.
Sam stared at her as she kept bouncing from table to table happily. Finally, she was back to her perky self and all of it had to do with Eric. Sure, he didn't like that Sookie was happy with a vampire, but what he liked was that she was happy. Very happy actually and that was the only reason he accepted Sookie's request.
Sookie waved goodbye and practically ran out the door. She made it to her home in record time and got ready. She drove in her 'crappy' car, as Eric called it. The only reason she had been able to pull this off was thanks to Pam and Bobby. She was going to surprise Eric tonight.
Eric rose to find a note from his lover. He liked that she did that when she was at their home. They had been talking to Pam on what other things he needed to learn and Sookie reminded him to read the binder with the instructions about being a priest, since he didn't remember anything. That's what he was currently doing since he was expected at Fangtasia in a few hours, so he had time.
Finally, it was time for him to leave and he found that Sookie was giddy, happy, nervous, excited and another handful of emotions. She had told him they were not going to see each other tonight, but as he got closer to Fangtasia, he knew she was there. He got happy when he saw her crappy car parked on the new 'owner's' parking lot, next to his. Of course, she had thrown a tantrum about that, but he had learned ways to persuade her. It hadn't been easy, but it had been worth it.
"Master," Pam greeted him. He knew she was up to no good. She only used the 'Master' title when there was something serious going on. After she got the greeting out the way, he noticed she wasn't wearing her Fangtasia attire. She was wearing a long, yellow dress. He raised an eyebrow. "Come with me," she pleaded and dragged him through the employee entrance into his office where there was a suit waiting for him. He felt Sookie was getting more nervous.
"Pam, explain," he ordered.
"I cannot. Just wear the damn suit," she said. He complied, because he knew Sookie was behind this. Once he was ready, she put up his hair in a pony tail. He hadn't done that before. "Sookie likes it," Pam explained. His suit was a navy blue with a light blue shirt that matched his eyes.
"Alright, Master, here is the thing. Sookie asked me to hand you this and tell you that she is waiting outside for you along with her friends. Good Luck," Pam gave him a letter and a wooden box. He knew what was inside the box so he opened the letter first.
Dear Eric,
I'll never forget the first night I met you, an arrogant and very determined vampire that was going to have me at all costs. In my life, I had never felt anything towards anyone as I felt that night when our gazes met. I thought I was going to pass out from the strong emotions I felt from you and I'm not talking about when you tried to glamour me. When your gaze met mine, I felt a spark ignite in me and until recently I didn't know what it was.
You kept staring at me as if I was an unreachable star, when in fact that's how I felt about you. I thought you just wanted one night with me and I wanted more than that. However, I had never been sure exactly what I wanted and it has cost me many mistakes over my short life.
The last couple of nights have served to help me find the things I do want. I want you.
I like how your voice turns my insides alive, sending my heart into frenzy. I like the touch of your cold skin, it makes mine burn for yours. I like how my heart sings for you when we are together, but what I like the most is how you make me burn with only a glance from your smoldering stare.
I find I'm cold without you. You make me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. You make me very happy and I find myself smiling like a loon whenever I think of you. I want to share my life with you. I want to be the sun that shines your dark nights and I want you to be my moonlight. I want to be your summer to your endless winter nights. I want to be the owner of your undead heart. You are the flame that keeps my soul alive, without you I'm dead.
In my world, I cannot claim you as my husband, but I want everyone to know what you are to me. So, please marry me again tonight in front of our family and friends.
Yours if you want me,
Sookie Stackhouse
Sookie was outside pacing until Pam couldn't take it anymore and told her to sit down. Sookie drank a shot of tequila as she waited. Was this how Eric had felt that night of Christmas Eve?
The door of Eric's office opened. He walked straight towards her and he claimed her lips in a toe-curling, yet passionate kiss, not caring that anyone else was there. He loved that woman and he was going to marry her, every night if he had to. He would've kept going on kissing her if Jason hadn't cleared his throat.
It was after he stopped kissing her that he noticed what she was wearing. It was a white floor-length gown with one shoulder strap and asymmetrical back straps. The front had beading asymmetrical striping in rich colors and a keyhole that showed enough of her cleavage. Her hair was down in loose curls. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
"Is that a yes?" Sookie asked, sheepishly.
"That is a most-definite yes, Lover," he said. He took her hand and walked to the dais where his throne chair usually was, but it had been replaced with a table. He wore a robe with a gold Egyptian ankh on the left side. He noticed that only a few of his underlings were present. Only the ones Pam and he trusted.
"Friends," Eric started. "In this beautiful evening of winter, I want you to be witnesses of the joining between Sookie Stackhouse and myself. I thank you for being here to witness this joining of love," he said with a serious tone.
"Jason, as Sookie's elder brother, is there something you would like to say before we begin," Eric asked since Jason had reprimanded him before for not asking him.
"I just want you to know that we Stackhouse's marry for life. If you take my sister as your wife, you must promise to protect her and love her. I won't have you abandon her…ever," Jason said, dead serious.
"To that I vow," Eric said. "Pam, as my progeny, is there something you would like to say," Eric asked. It was only fair.
"I want Sookie to promise she will never leave you and that she will stand by your side as your wife and bonded. That she will do what she can to make you thrive," Pam said.
"I promise," Sookie said. Eric stared at the small gathered crowd waiting for someone to say something, but none of them seemed to want to add anything else.
"Before the symbol of Immortal Life and the Key of Everlastingness, I, Eric Northman here take you, Sookie Stackhouse, as my wife and bonded," Eric produced the knife and made small incision on Sookie's wrist. Then, just as quickly, he made the same incision on his wrist. All vampires present had their fangs out and Jason jumped at the sound, but Sam patted him on his shoulder, reassuring him it was fine.
Sookie took his wrist and drank from him, her gaze fixed on his. He was already drinking from her. They both tried to rein in their lust and not jump each other while exchanging blood. When he felt his wound sealing, he sealed hers. Sookie was shaking after the exchange, but she managed to concentrate on the task at hand and took the smaller box from the table and opened it. Inside were two wedding bands.
"This is my gift of everlasting love to you. I, Sookie Stackhouse, take you, Eric Northman, as my husband and bonded," Sookie said and put the ban on his ring finger.
Eric took the smaller ring. "I accept your gift, my bonded. I will wear it with honor and pride and I ask that you wear this one as well as a symbol of our precious union," he placed the ring on Sookie's ring finger. Sookie blushed as he kept staring at her, wanting to devour her. Then she started feeling so much desire, pride, happiness; all these feelings that weren't hers. She was sure they were Eric's, but she wasn't sure how she was feeling this.
He leaned in and claimed her lips as he had done earlier. "This union is sacred and none can break it," Eric announced after their fiery kiss. Their friends erupted in cheers.
"Congratulations, Master and Mistress," Pam said and bowed reverently to both. Sookie's eyes watered, but she kept her tears at bay. One by one, the vampires joined Pam in congratulating the couple, Bubba was the last one.
"Miss Sookie, Mister Eric, I'm mighty happy for you," Bubba said, clearly excited. Jason came next and gave Sookie a tight hug and Eric a tight handshake.
"Eric, this is my boss, Sam," Sookie explained. Though Eric had seen the shifter, he didn't have any idea what his relationship to Sookie was. Sam abstained from hugging Sookie, but still congratulated both.
Tara was crying and ran to hug Sookie. She couldn't believe she had gotten married, but Tara saw how clearly happy Sookie was and that was all that mattered. "Eric, this is my best friend Tara," Eric gave her a small nod.
Pam turned the music on and they danced mostly all night. Eric excused himself saying it was time for him and his wife to retreat, but everyone was welcomed to stay and enjoy themselves. He drove home like a bat out of hell. Sookie was still trying to undo her seatbelt when she felt Eric pulling her out of her seat. He carried her bridal style to their bedroom and sat her on his lap.
"I love you, my wife," Eric said and caressed Sookie's neck softly. She smiled brightly at him showing him all her white teeth.
"And I love you, my husband." Eric rested his forehead against hers, knowing this to be the truth; even if she had never voiced those words, he would know. She was very beautiful and not just her body, but her. The way her eyes shone, the way she smiled at him. He could see past her eyes and see the depths of her soul and in that soul all he saw was pure love for him.
"I can feel you. I can feel what you are feeling," she said, a bit surprised.
"It is our bond, it has been renewed. I lost your trust along the way and I have recovered it," he said.
"I like feeling this way. Do you like it?" She asked. He nodded. She took his hand and kissed his finger that wore the wedding band. The platinum rings were adorned with a beautifully etched paisley pattern. Sookie took hers and showed Eric the inside. Hers was engraved with his name. He took his off and saw it had Sookie's name on the inside.
"They are beautiful, Lover. I'm sorry I did not think of this myself, but I'm glad you did. I'm very happy that you chose to share our union with our friends," he said. She bit her bottom lip and started kissing him lazily. She started peppering his face with butterfly kisses. He found the zipper of her dress and started undoing it very slowly as they kissed. She wasn't wearing a bra since the dress had no back to speak of.
"I like the contrast of our skin. You are always so warm," he said almost in a whisper, as she enjoyed the small kisses he was planting along her neck, making his way down to her breasts that were now bare. He removed the dress from her and found she was wearing a small white triangle that barely covered her sex. She straddled him and he took his time touching her beautiful skin.
He was mesmerized by her beauty. He caressed her skin with tenderness until he reached her pink nipples. He was used to taking her eagerly, but tonight he was going to enjoy her as much as he could. He pressed sweet kisses to her other breast as his hand touched the peak softly. Her hands were entwined in his hair. He heard her heart beating faster as his soft caresses continued roaming her angelic body. This was heaven. Her eyes were hooded with lust and her face was blushed with desire. Her alluring scent grew stronger and her body grew even warmer below his touch.
"I have never told you, but you glow," she said and waited for him to look at her.
"Really?" He asked.
"Well, I can see the glow of all vampires, but yours is different after you feed from me. It is more intense now. When I feed from you, I can also see it in me," she added.
"I can see yours; it is like a golden bright glow. I was scared when you were injured, because your glow was gone. Right now, you are glowing like my own personal star," he said. She kissed him again. He caressed her back softly and he traced her warm arms with the back of his hands staring intently at her as if he couldn't believe this was really happening. He pressed soft kisses along her naked skin. He knew she was desperate for him, but he took his sweet time. He wanted to show her he loved her and was not with her for the pleasures she gave him. Tonight, he was going to spend all night pleasuring her and telling her sweet things.
He laid her on the bed slowly and removed the small triangle. He kissed her sex, softly enjoying her squirming and soft moans. He loved her sweet sex and the way she felt.
"I want you to kneel on the bed, Sookie," he ordered. She got wetter when he talked to her in that demanding tone and obeyed without question. He removed her clothes very slowly, giving her an eyeful of his body. She had told him many times he had a very beautiful body and he could see how her gaze darkened whenever she saw him naked. She growled at him, as he crawled up behind her. She thought he was going to take her from behind, but instead she felt his lips against her core. He knew how much she liked this.
"So hot, so wet," he praised. She moaned as his cool finger entered her, stroking her softly. "I like your pink sex. I like your soft lips and I like tasting you," he said.
"I love it when you do this to me," she replied. She felt his smile against her skin. He spent plenty of time kissing her sex, torturing her by not letting her come. She was drenched and she wanted more. He kneeled behind her and kissed her back softly. He cupped one of her breasts softly as he kept on kissing her back, but he did not enter her.
"Eric," she pleaded. He smirked at her and she saw him. "I want you. Take me, claim me, make me yours, mark me with your scent" she begged. He felt how desperate she was. He took her in his arms and laid her on her back. He placed himself at her entrance and entered her slowly while their gazes were locked.
That night he took her slowly in every position they had tried. They kissed and their hands roamed each other's body. It was the best night of their lives. Their bodies were tangled as they kept on loving each other, their names falling from their lips as if it was a prayer, neither wanting to let go. Finally, Eric couldn't take it anymore and he bit her, he came for the third time inside of her. She was exhausted.
"I love you, Sookie," Eric said, as she lay atop him. He was rubbing her back.
"I love you too, Eric," she said.
"Are you working tomorrow?" He asked. He wanted to wake next to her.
"Yes, the night shift. I left my car at Fangtasia," she said.
"I'll ask Bobby to drive you home and I'll drive it to your home after I close Fangtasia," she smiled knowing they would get to see each other tomorrow night.
"Okay," she replied and that was the last thing she said before she fell asleep. He took her small hand and kissed her fingers softly. He wondered how long it would take for him to know. He wanted to ask Pam, but he didn't want to embarrass himself. He wanted to ask Sookie too, but he wasn't sure how she would take it. All he could do was wait to find out. For now he was happy just being with her, soon enough he would find out. He pressed a soft kiss to her belly and arranged her in his arms. They were both happy and resting.
Sookie was working at Merlotte's and it was already dark outside when she felt exactly the moment Eric had woken up. She smiled unconsciously. The patrons didn't miss her new ring. She was showing it off to everyone that asked. She was very happy to claim Eric Northman was her husband. It was just before midnight when her phone kept ringing and Sam brought it out to her. She started feeling anxiety and fear from Eric. 'Not again,' she thought.
"Eric, are you okay?" She asked.
"Lover, I had an accident," he said carefully.
"Oh my god! Are you okay? What happened?" She asked, worried.
"I'm fine, Lover, but the car…" she didn't let him finish.
"Don't worry. We could just buy another one. Are you sure you're okay? Do you want me to go?" She asked. Sookie was on cloud nine because she had totally forgotten she hadn't taken her car this night.
"No, Lover. The police have taken my statement. I'll fly over to your place of work. I'll see you in a bit," he said and hung up.
"Is everything alright, Sook?" Sam asked. She shook her head and she was shaking.
"Eric had an accident. He says he is fine, but I just…" she took a deep breath. Sam smiled.
"Sookie, he is a vampire. He will be fine," Sam assured her. She nodded, but she still worried about him. Eric landed gracefully five minutes later without a scratch on him, but Sookie had to check him and touch him to make sure he was fine. Once she was convinced he was not hurt, she heated a blood for him.
"What happened?" She asked.
"The brakes stopped functioning, Lover. I'm glad that they died on me and not you. Are you sure you are alright about this?" He asked again. He had seen how much she loved her crappy car.
"Yes, as long as you are fine," she said. He kissed her hands.
"Okay. When your shift is over, I will take you so you can pick a new car, Lover," he said. Sookie frowned.
"Why would I pick out a new car?"She asked, confused.
"Lover, I was driving your car," he said with a very amused expression. Then it dawned on her. He had done this on purpose just to buy her another car.
"Erich Northman, you are in so much trouble," she warned and stomped off to check the rest of her patrons. Everyone stared at the laughing vampire. Now she had no doubts. Recently she had found broken things at her home. He replaced them happily, saying, he still couldn't control his strength. Bullshit. He was doing it on purpose.
A\N: Did you like Sookie's high-handed move? I know all of you want to know how to break Eric's curse. I promise you will learn that in Chapter 15 which will be the last chapter in this story. No worries, there will be another sequel. I love reading your reviews so let me know what your thoughts are...xoxo