This is the Beginning

A fic by Angel's blue eyed girl

Rating M

Disclaimer I own nothing please do not sue me…

A/N: Okay, all you asked for it so I wrote a sequel to this fic. Hope it lives up to the hype put on it…geez, nervous much? Already 30+ reviews…thank you!

Anyhow, you asked, musie delivered—even if it's a tad late-sorry bout that, but since my accident I can't just write for days like I used to. I want to say to all of you who R&R'd the first part of this that your reviews feed the musie inside me. It inspires me, brightens my day and makes me grin like an idgit! Lol! But all in all, it feeds my creativity with your suggestions and your inspiration, so thank you. Sincerely, YOU are the blood that pumps the heart of my musie and all of you are amazing! I just wanted to tell each and every person who actually takes that time to R&R that it really means a lot to me. Thank you very, very much.

Hugs,

Jen

Okay, so now that I've shown myself as a big mush…on with the show.

Part 2:

The Date:

Fangtasia:

It was nearing nine and his first 'official' date with Sookie was within the hour. Eric sat behind his desk frustrated to be tallying the revenue Fangtasia brought in last month rather than indulging his favorite pastime...his seduction of Sookie Stackhouse. Doing the books was a tedious chore, but it was one he no longer trusted to anyone, but himself. He signed the last check to various vendors that supplied Fangtasia with its beer, booze, mixers, etc… and leaned back in his chair, hands behind his head. He sighed in satisfaction, now that he was done with work stuff, he could focus his thoughts on more pleasurable things, like getting Sookie into his bed.

She was a challenge that was for sure. One Eric reveled in. It had been so long since any creature had captivated his attention like Sookie. Her being part fae played a factor, but it was more than that. The truth was, he was bored to tears of the oh-too-willing fang-bangers who all-too-eagerly sought him out. He missed the thrill of the chase. Sookie provided that. She'd turned him down flat out more times than he could count, yet her refusal to jump into bed with him didn't cool his interest—it fueled it instead. The more she resisted, the more Eric wanted her. He smiled. And he was getting oh-so-close to having her too. All he had to do was woo her. He glanced at the clock on his wall and let out a sigh. It was time to start the wooing. He rolled his eyes. He was so out of his element. The last time he'd dated was…he wasn't sure he'd actually ever had a 'date'. When he'd been human he'd simply requested a maid to lift her skirts and she had. As a vampire—he'd simply glamoured them or they'd fallen for his natural good looks and skills in bed. He'd never-ever had to actually work to get them in his bed and now that he thought about it the whole ordeal seemed silly. She wanted him. He wanted her. Why not go to her place, and spend the night getting to know each other in the biblical sense?

What the hell am I doing going on a date?

He was too old for this, but it was Sookie; who, despite Russell and himself draining her, had saved him from frying in the sun. She'd fed him her blood. She was worth far more than a mere compromise. She deserved more respect than his usual 'fuck and feed' effort. And now that Bill was gone, sent to South America after his failed attack on the Queen, he had her all to himself. He could seduce her at his leisure. Sophie Anne was far too busy fighting to maintain her power to present an obstacle. Eric chuckled wickedly as he remembered her underhanded dealings with Compton being brought to light. The Authority had not been pleased. They'd even raised issue on whether she should maintain her crown. So Eric had no doubt the Queen wouldn't pose a threat were he just to 'take' Sookie as his own. But Sookie herself would cause a fuss and therein lay Eric's dilemma. She'd fight for her freedom and despite wanting her on her knees; he had no intention of breaking her spirit. It was that fire inside her that had attracted him to begin with—he didn't want it extinguished. But he did want it to burn for him and it would, of that he was sure…

The door to his office opened suddenly. Eric turned, saw Pam and raised a brow, ignoring her smirk. "I'm assuming this is an emergency?"

Pam's eyes roamed his figure, taking note of the impeccable black Armani suit, sans tie. She placed her hands on her hips and smirked, "Well, don't you look…" she paused, licking her lips exaggeratedly, "scrumptious. I take it you're seeing Sookie and want to make a good impression."

Eric's brow rose to his hairline at her tone. "Is that what you came in here to tell me, or do you have another purpose besides looking to get punished for your insolence?" he asked, reminding her of her place with a devilish smirk of his own.

Her smile faded a bit, but didn't altogether disappear. "Well, when you put it that way…" she paused as if deciding whether to push him further.

"Pam…" he warned.

"Fine," she sighed, obviously put out. "You do know you're becoming a bore, Eric," she griped. He growled and she backed off. "No need to snarl, master. It's your human, she's on line one," she said before turning on the heel of her ridiculously expensive Manolos' and strutting away.

Eric rolled his eyes at her attitude. He recognized jealousy when he saw it. Pam may not have any interest in him sexually anymore, since hers and his own tastes ran along the same line nowadays, but she was still very stingy of his attention and wasn't happy with his fascination with Sookie. He would have to talk with her, buy her something fabulous and expensive to soothe her ruffled feathers. But that was for later…

Eric sat in his chair, picked up the phone and leaned back, a ridiculously happy smile on his face "Sookie, hello lover, did you like your gifts?" he purred.

On the other end of the line Sookie shook her head. "Really, Eric, did you really need to send over a hairstylist, a manicurist and a make-up artist?" She huffed out a breath. "I'm not sure if I should feel pampered or insulted! Do you really think I need all this just to go out on a date?"

He chuckled. "You could wear nothing at all lover and I'd be happy."

"Yeah, I bet you would," she replied, but there was no bite to her words. "Thank you, but really all this and the dress and shoes…it's too much. I can't—"

He sighed. "Sookie, I have plenty of money and it pleased me to buy those things for you. Hasn't anyone told you it's rude to return a gift?"

Sookie sighed. "Fine and…thank you," she said softly. "The dress is beautiful—"

"I can imagine it looks stunning on you," Eric interrupted.

"But nothing else, Eric," Sookie insisted. "I mean it."

He laughed. "And what are you going to do to me if I refuse to obey, sweet Sookie?"

He was so outrageous, Sookie couldn't help but laugh. "I'll think of somethin' I swear so please just stop with all the presents, okay?"

"Are you almost ready?" he asked, not commenting on her request.

Deciding to let the argument go, Sookie smiled. "Yeah," she answered. "I'm primped and pampered and just about ready to go."

Eric shifted in his seat as his cock took that moment to rear its head as he visualized Sookie in nothing but bra, panties and garters as she spoke with him. "I'm on my way," he said huskily.

Her breath hitched. "Okay, I'll…see ya soon then," she whispered and hung up.

Eric stared at the phone. Why had he agreed to this whole damned dating thing again? He shook his head. Who was he kidding? He'd been sporting a perpetual erection ever since he'd shown up at her house and caught her dreaming about him. She'd screamed his name when she'd climaxed—he'd nearly come right then and there with her and it had been torture ever since. When he closed his eyes he could feel her. He knew she dreamed about him every night and he wanted to take advantage, but he didn't. He'd waited for her to come to him and now she was…it was beyond exciting.

He groaned. He was throbbing-aching for release and he hadn't even set eyes on her. "Fuck!" he snapped and readjusted his pants.

He was about to leave when it dawned on him maybe he should feed first. He didn't want to show up starved and horny. He needed to take care of his 'not-so-little' problem before going over there. Decision made, he headed out to the main bar to pick one of the masses that were his for the choosing. But as he scanned the under-dressed, over-sexed fang-bangers milling about, he found his interest waning. While many of the women were beautiful, the idea of settling for any of them made him lose his appetite. He didn't want average. He wanted spectacular. Sookie was just that. The mere memory of her taste made his mouth water. Eric had never denied himself something that he desired, but now wasn't the time to be picky. The fact that he wanted to wait for Sookie spurred him to take another. He crooked his finger at a petite blond with a curvy little body.

Inside his office he pulled her onto his lap, yanked her panties off and used his fingers to quickly bring her right to the edge of bliss. "Don't talk," he growled when she began to whimper his name.

In seconds he drove her to orgasm before taking her. He thrust inside her, fucking her hard, mindlessly seeking some kind of relief for his hunger. She came again, her inner walls fluttering around his cock brought him to release. It wasn't perfect. It was satisfactory. As he spilled himself inside her, he bit her, sending her into her third orgasm. Her blood was sweet-flavored with her many climaxes, but it wasn't exquisite like Sookies'. It was disappointing and as soon as he was through, he tossed her off him.

"Get dressed," he ordered, standing and reaching for his pants. He'd never felt like this after feeding he felt cheap and he didn't like it. Not one bit.

"What the hell are you doing to me, Sookie?" he growled under his breath as he zippered his pants.

Still frustrated, Eric took a qucik shower after his disappointing encounter with the fangbanger. What was it about Sookie that made him want her above all others? It was disturbing to say the least. Avoiding the rest of the eager masses that flocked to the club hopinf for the merest smile from him, he called Pam to his office and reminded her he wouldn't be returning for the evening. Ignoring her smirk and droll remarks about his infatuation with Sookie, he rolled his eyes at his outspoken child, turned on his heel and headed out the back exit. In moments he was in his corvette, speeding towards Bon Temps. He wasn't starved anymore, but his thoughts were still hungry and focused solely on the woman who had so thoroughly captured his attention.

Sookie… tonight he was going to have her.

Bon Temps:

Sookie slipped into the black dress, luxuriating in the feel of whisper soft silk sliding over her curves. It hugged her body in all the right spots and the heart-shaped neckline showed off her cleavage to the utmost perfection. She couldn't help but notice the Dolce & Gabbana label before slipping on the equally fabulous Jimmy Choo peep toed five inch heels that arrived with the dress. She should be mad as hell considering this outfit had to have cost more than she'd make at Merlotte's in a month, but as she gazed at herself in the mirror, she couldn't deny she'd never looked better. Eric definitely had good taste. The outfit was fantastic and the small army of people he'd sent to do take care of her had really outdone themselves. The hairstylist had left her hair down to fall about her face and shoulders in shimmering blonde waves, her nails now sported a classy French manicure and her make-up was tasteful, not too dark, highlighting her natural beauty instead of camouflaging it. She probably shouldn't have accepted all this—she liked to take care of herself, but Sookie felt beautiful—truly beautiful and it showed on her face and in her smile. She'd never had a man make such a big deal over a date before and it made her feel kind-a like a princess and just a little bit squishy inside too.

"Snap out of it girl. Gran always said, 'beware of the devil bearing gifts' and if ever that statement was meant to be listened to—now's the time," she muttered to herself as she put on the little diamond tear-drop earrings her Gran had given her a few years back. They looked beautiful with the all black of her ensemble. Her doorbell rang and Sookie felt her stomach flutter. She took a deep breath. "Okay, here goes nothin'—let's see what the devil has up his sleeve…" she said, giving herself one last glance ion the mirror before she grabbed her little black clutch purse and hurried downstairs.

She opened the door, expecting Eric, but found Bill instead. She gave a little gasp of surprise. "Bill what are you doing here? I thought—" She bit her words off. She didn't want it to sound like she was disappointed he wasn't long gone. That would just be mean.

Bill recoiled slightly, before stiffening his spine and squaring his shoulders. He had a couple of hours before his flight to South America—he was determined to reclaim Sookie before he left. He inclined his head in greeting. "You thought I was gone already." Sookie nodded even though he really hadn't said it as a question. He sighed. "So…can I assume you've heard of my punishment, then?"

Again Sookie nodded. "I'm sorry for that, Bill, but I don't know why you went and attacked the Queen anyhow, what purpose was that gonna' solve?"

"I wanted you to see that I was serious when I begged you for your forgiveness, Sookie. I made a grievous error in judgment, but when I took the assignment for the Queen I had no idea I would fall in love with you…" His eyes begged her to believe him. "And I did…fall in love with you," he swore.

Sookie swallowed hard. She really wasn't prepared to have this conversation, but now was as good a time as any she figured. "I've never really doubted your love for me, Bill," she admitted.

"Sookie…" he said in his deep voice and started forward as if to embrace her.

She held up a hand to ward him off. "But you also lied to me and deceived me…"

His face fell. "But I love you…"

That wasn't exactly comforting anymore. "And what if you hadn't loved me?" she asked. "Would ya have just handed me over like a piece of baggage for the Queen to use and abuse and then toss away like yesterdays' trash?"

As she'd expected he had absolutely no answer for that. "Exactly," she said. "Just the thought that you would do that to me—to any person makes me sick. How can you expect me to forgive you like nothin' happened?"

He waved a hand at her appearance. "I see you've already forgotten me and our bond."

Sookie put her hands on her hips and glared him down. "How dare you even say that, Bill Compton. After what you've done to me…? How can you even sit there and act any kinds of high and mighty? I deal with grief instead of letting it cripple me—you should know that…." She raised her chin. "After all you were here when I had to deal with Gran's death, right? Which…" she influenced the word, "by the way, wouldn't have happened if you hadn't forced yourself into my life, Bill Compton—so don't you dare sit there and pass judgment on me—you have no room to talk and as a matter of fact-I'm done talking to you altogether!" she spat.

Bill reared back as if she'd physically slapped him. "And I suppose you think Eric is any better?" He made a snorting sound of disgust. "Do you have even the slightest clue what he's capable of, Sookie? I do not think you do," he announced, answering for her, (which-now that she thought about it-had always bugged her) He went on without waiting for her to respond. "You could not possibly understand what Eric has done to get where he is in the vampire hierarchy. It is, quite simply, beyond your comprehension."

"At least Eric has always told me the truth. He hasn't lied to me. Even when it would've been in his best interest to lie-he didn't. Can you say the same?"

"But he tricked you—"

"Not the same as lyin' and you know it. You're the only one here that's a liar, Bill. Now I really want you to go."

Bill wasn't ready to give up yet. "What about Russell? I do believe he handed you over quite well then, did he not?"

Sookie rolled her eyes. "I was never in any danger and you know it. Eric wasn't really givin' me to Russell and ya know, that's pretty low of you to be blamin' everything on Eric, considerin' you were part of that whole plan yourself!"

Bill took a step back, but his eyes narrowed as he took in her dress, heels and make-up. "Are you seeing him now? Is that why you defend him like this?"

"That's none of your business!"

Bill gave her a once over again. "Well, I can see it did not take you long to accept him into your bed after I was gone, Sookie." His blue eyes narrowed, "or…were you already sleeping with him before I left?" he asked gruffly, clenching his fists by his sides.

Sookie gasped and stepped back, reeling as if he'd physically hit her. "I'm gonna' pretend you're only sayin' that because your feelings are hurt right now and not because you really mean that." Her voice was soft, but it was laced with the steely determination she'd become famous for. "I can tell you right now, if I had to believe this is really the kind of person you are…" Her eyes watered, but she raised her chin and blinked back any tears-she refused to spill one more tear for him. "Then I'd have to believe that everything about you was nothin' but a lie, and not just how and why we met." Sookie's dark eyes were full of pain. "And that's not somethin' I want to believe, Bill Compton, so why don't you just leave before this get's any more hurtful…"

Dejected, Bill stared at her for several long moments before his shoulders slumped. "I am truly sorry, Sookie. I give you my word, I never meant to hurt you and I do love you, whether you choose to believe that or not, it is the truth."

His words were gruff, heartfelt and Sookie almost forgave him, but his deception was too fresh. He'd lied so many times and she'd forgiven him. He was out of chances. Sookie shut off her aching heart. Bill had deceived her from the get-go and she could no longer be sure if her feeling for him were real. Eric's blood had made her want him—what had several doses of Bill's blood made her feel? Her eyes were flat, emotionless as she gripped the door frame. "You know what, Bill—you may be tellin' the truth, but here's my truth…You've lied to me-almost killed me more than once and I forgave you. Most everything you've ever said to me was nothin' but a lie, but you keep sayin' you love me. I don't think you know the meanin' of the word and I don't think I really care anymore, so do us both a favor and go away." And with that she turned on her heel and slammed the door in his face.

Bill's eyes lowered as the door shut with an air of finality. He was sick, lost in his thoughts as shuffled down her porch steps. His gut twisted. He'd finally pushed Sookie too far. She was through with him. Tears welled in his eyes as he made his way across her yard towards his house when a soft clapping reached his ears and he stopped and turned in the direction of the applause.

"That was beautiful. Really, I couldn't have scripted that conversation to make you look more like an ass if I'd have hand fed you your lines myself." Eric was leaning against the hood of his corvette, a smirk gracing his handsome face. He folded his arms across his chest. "Really, Bill? Asking her if I was fucking her before you broke up…" He chuckled, shaking his head. "Tacky. And here I thought you knew her so well." He pushed off the car, "Obviously you do not. Better for me," he said with a grin.

Bill growled and rushed Eric, fangs dropped. Now that Bill didn't have Sookie as a bargaining chip, Eric treated him like the underling he was. He met Bill's charge with one of his own, knocking the much younger vampire literally off his feet. Bill flew through the air, landing several feet away with a thud. Eric was hovering above him before Bill could even open his eyes. The Viking reached down grabbed Bill by the throat, lifting him off the ground to dangle several feet in the air. He let his own fangs drop as he shook the younger vampire like a rag-doll. "Listen to me and listen well, I put up with your bullshit because I wanted Sookie, but she's no longer yours. If you ever even hiccup at me the wrong way, I'll make you wish you'd never entered my area. Are we clear you little prick?" Eric snarled, squeezing the dark haired vampire's throat hard enough to crush his windpipe.

"Perfectly," Bill choked out, gargling blood from his mangled larynx.

Eric's smile was feral—predatory and Bill cowered as it dawned on him no one was going to save him if Eric decided to give him the 'final-death'. Eric smirked as he watched the fear enter Compton's blue eyes. "You're scared. Good. You should be," he replied dropping Bill unceremoniously to the ground. Eric straightened his jacket and looked down at the dark haired vampire. "Now get the fuck out of my area. Sookie is no longer yours. If I see you here again I will end you once and for all…are we clear?"

With as much dignity as he could muster, Bill got to his feet. He nodded once and headed across the cemetery and back home… he'd lost and his slumped shoulders and pathetic gate said as much.

Eric grinned and with a renewed spring to his step, he hopped up Sookie's porch and rang the bell.

Sookie was leaning against the door, fighting back the emotions Bill's visit had caused. She was too mad to cry, but her heart ached so bad she felt sick with it. She was finally getting it together when the doorbell rang again. Furious, she yanked it open. "Bill, I thought I—" Her words died in her throat as her eyes took in Eric standing there looking like he just stepped off an Armani runway.

He leaned an arm against the top of her doorway and leaned in close. His cologne assaulted her senses, and she inhaled, enjoying the seductive scent. He cupped her jaw, "Were you expecting someone else?" he asked with a smile that should be illegal.

Sookie could only shake her head. Sweet Jesus…no man should be able to look that good—especially Eric. It simply wasn't fair that someone who looked so yummy should be so wicked.'

"Well, can I come in?" he asked, unable to contain the smile that snaked across his face at her stunned expression. He could smell her arousal-he didn't even need the blood bond to feel it.

Sookie stepped back, holding open the door. "I already invited you-you don't need an invite again, right?"

He smirked and stepped over the threshold. "I was merely being polite, Sookie."

"Hmm," she snorted. "Well that's a first."

He chuckled at her snarky comment. He did love her fire. His eyes swept over her, pleased she was wearing the outfit he sent. "You look beautiful," he said.

She flushed. "I'm not even going to ask you how much that whole thing cost you," she said, but it was obvious his compliment flustered her just the same.

Eric shrugged, but his eyes couldn't get enough of her. "Money well spent," he purred.

That snapped her back to her usual suspiciousness where Eric was concerned and Sookie rolled her eyes. "Don't be expecting a payback," she said.

"Don't I even get a hello kiss?" he asked, ignoring her comment as a slow, sexy smile spread across his handsome face. He stepped closer, invading Sookie's space. "After all, this is a date…right?"

She gulped. He was too close, too big, and way too handsome, but boy-oh-boy did she want to kiss him. "Um...okay." Even with the heels she had to go up on her tip-toes to brush a kiss on his lips. "Hello," she said a bit breathlessly.

"Mmmm…" He licked his lips exaggeratedly, taking his time to savor her taste. "Nice," he said, snaking a hand around her waist and yanking her forward until barely an inch separated them. His fingers stroked the tiny hairs at the nape of her neck and Sookie shivered as goose-bumps rose along her flesh. "But that was not an adequate hello," he drawled, gazing straight down into her upturned face. His blue eyes sparkled with mischief and raw sex. Sookie couldn't seem to catch her breath. His hand slipped around her hip to rest on the small of her back and he tugged her that extra inch so that they were groin to groin. He smirked at her shallow little gasp. "Now this is a hello kiss, Sookie…" he murmured, lowering his head and taking her mouth fiercely. Sookie's knees buckled. This kiss wasn't a mere brush of the lips. It was a deep, hot, sultry, wet kiss that—good lord had her body zinging to life! Every nerve ending in her body tingled and quivered as his tongue slowly stroked hers, urging her to open her mouth to him, and she did. Sookie moaned low in her throat and wrapped her arms around his neck, returning his ardor with equal fervor.

After several moments of lusty French kissing, Eric raised his head an inch and gazed down into her flushed face. Her breathing was ragged, gasping for breath as their eyes locked and held. Eric was panting too, not nearly as out of breath-since technically he didn't need oxygen, yet still…he found himself breathing just the same. Sookie had that effect on him. He ran a knuckle down her cheek, petting her softly. He could take her now. They both knew it, yet... "We better go now or I'm going to bypass dinner, take you upstairs and fuck us both silly," he said in a voice rough with barely restrained lust.

That almost sounded like a plan, but Sookie was very interested in seeing what Eric was like when he wasn't trying to manipulate or bully her. In that instant it dawned on her how much she really wanted this date with him. On still wobbly knees Sookie made it across her living room to grab her wrap and her clutch purse. "Okay," she said just a bit breathless now, "I'm ready."

Eric bit back a groan. "Oh Sookie…I know you are, but we're still going to dinner," he teased, taking her hand and leading her out to his corvette.

**TB**xxTB**xx**TB**xxTB**xx**TB**xx**TB**xx**TB**xx**TB**xx**TB**xx**TB**xx**TB**xx**

New Orleans:

"We're going to the Commander Palace?" Sookie asked as Eric turned on Washington Street and headed towards the river.

He smiled. "It is the best restaurant in New Orleans…"

"They say in the whole United States," Sookie enthused. She'd heard about the famous restaurant, but had never eaten there.

"Well, you can tell me later if you agree."

"But you can eat here too, right?"

He smiled. "Yes, Sookie. This is one restaurant that caters to more than human tastes. They've created a successful menu for vampires as well."

"Really?" she asked feeling like the country bumpkin, but who cared. Eric accepted her for who she was. "Like what do they have that you can eat?"

He handed the corvette's keys to the valet. But before the other attendant could open Sookie's door, Eric was there opening the door and helping Sookie out of the car. He tucked her arm in his as they walked to the front door of the restaurant. "Well...the blood bisque is rich, flavorful and pretty much melts in your mouth. It's served hot, so it's almost as good as getting it from the tap. They serve a steak here that's so rare it practically moos when they bring it to the table." He winked. "And for desert…the blood sorbet is cool, delicious and out of this world."

"So I take it you eat here often?" Sookie asked as Eric opened the door for her and guided her into the restaurant.

It was beautiful. Definitely upper class.

Eric didn't have it in him to lie. "No," he said, smiling as the Maître-D' approached them. "I'm part owner of the place."

Sookie didn't have a chance to reply to that. They were assaulted by a very eager "Maître-D' "Mr. Northman…" he cooed, "I can't tell you how honored we are to have you here, sir." The man was practically groveling and Sookie gave Eric a look that said-seriously?

Eric merely smirked. "Mr. Argonaut…" he said, shaking the man's hand, discreetly passing a hundred dollar tip. "Thank you for meeting my reservation at such short notice."

"Oh for you—anything." He clapped his hands and two waiters appeared. "We've arranged the River Patio for you, sir." He smiled at Sookie. "If you'll come this way, monsieur Northman, mademoiselle…"

Mr. Argonaut escorted them personally to their table and Sookie had the distinct feeling he did not usually do this, but it was interesting to see Eric in this setting. She slid into the cozy booth on the patio. She noticed she and Eric were the only guests there, yet the patio was it with hundreds of candles—the flames danced off the Mississippi. It was gorgeous.

"Eric…" she breathed. "This is amazin'. I can't believe you did all this for me…"As soon as the words left her mouth, her brows drew down and she gave him a suspicious look. "Or is this a plan…? What are you lookin' ta gain by showin' me the town like this?"

Eric thanked Mr. Argonaut and sent him on his way before answering. He sighed and took Sookie's hand.
"Why do you think everything I do is for some kind of gain, Sookie?"

She snorted with laughter. "Because everything you've done before has had some ulterior motive, Eric!"

He shrugged. "Touché," he said with a sly smile, "but not this time. Tonight is simply a date." He reached across the table and took her hand. His thumb rubbed circles in her palm, causing goose-bumps to rise along her flesh. Her pulse began to throb faster and faster and her breathing became ragged. Sookie clenched her thighs together, the wet throbbing heat that centered there was making her crazy. Eric's eyes darkened and he made a show of inhaling her arousal. "If you wanted this to be more…" he paused and pressed a kiss to her knuckles, "intimate. You should have said so. Remember you were the one who insisted on this masquerade. Not I. So here we are, pretending we don't want to climb up on this table, rip our clothes off and screw each others' brains out…" Sookies heart rate had accelerated to the point of palpitating over-drive as he spoke. Eric grinned. She was as hot for him as he was for her. He could feel it. "This was your choice, Sookie. Not mine."

Sookie was shaking and her jaw was hanging by the end of his speech. She was 'catching flies' as Gran used to say and finally with a shudder she closed her mouth with a snap. She yanked her hand away from him and leaped to her feet, nearly knocking over the table in her haste. She flushed, but Eric settled the table easily. She grabbed her purse. "I-um-gotta go to the restroom," she muttered and practically fled from the table.

He watched her flee. She was running from the inevitable and he nearly rubbed his hands together in pleasure. He'd always believed she was attracted to him, but now he was sure. Sookie wanted him—badly, but she was still hung up on Compton's warning not to trust him. He had to get her to forget any-and everything about one Bill-fucking-Compton. Hmmm...He noticed a waitres eyeing him hungrilly from across the room. He flashed her a seductive grin.

'Let's see if Sookie's jealous..

When Sookie came out of the bathroom, Eric was lounging back in the booth with one of the restaurant's waitress'; a leggy blonde with fake boobs standing along side their table, obviously flirting. Was his shirt opened a button more? Sookie scowled. The girl was pouring it on thick, laughing way too hard, hand on her hip, jiggling all her assests with her big blonde hair and extra-large-and expensive double-D's shoved forward. "I like totally think vampires in general are hot" she gushed, twirling a strand of her dyed hair around a blood red tipped finger. Her eyes ate Eric up and she licked her lips, obviously trying to get his interest. "And you're like—oh my God—wicked hot!" She was almost salivating and Sookie wanted to smack her. "If you want, after you dump the chick you're with, we could like hook up later. My names' Lacey, just call and I'll come..." she said, giggling at her little double entendre.

Sookie had listened to enough. The girl obviously had no class and Sookie thought of a few choice words she wanted to call the girl, but her Gran had taught her better manners. But still...she was pissed and in her usual straight forward manner she let it be known.

Eric could almost see the steam coming out of Sookie's ears. His blue eyes danced with mirth as Sookie tapped the girl on the shoulder and let her have it. 'Lacey turned and her blue eyes widened at being confronted by a little dynamo by the name of Sookie Stackhouse.

Brown eyes flashing, she wagged a finger at the taller woman. "You know, it's just isn't polite to hit on a woman's date when she goes to the restroom," Sookie said, far too sweetly and giving the girl a cheesy-overly-friendly smile. "Didn't your mama ever teach you that?" she asked, batting her lashes and playing the southern belle to the umpteenth degree. "I would have thought she'd have at least taught you some manners, but since you ain't showin' any tonight-maybe she didn't. But I'll give you a quick lesson on proper etiquette just so you know…never make a move on a southern woman's man…we tend to take offense to that and really…have some respect for yourself—begging a man to take you…" Sookie made a face, "it's just…tacky. A southern woman never let's a man know how much she wants him."

'Lacey' took one last longing-lingering look at Eric before making her decision to abandon ship. "I'll…um…send your waitress over," she said and fled.

"Really?" Eric said with a laugh as soon as the girl was gone. "So, a southern woman never lets a man know how much they want him…eh?" His smile was leering. "Well what's your excuse?" he purred, leaning across the table. "I can smell your desire from here, Sookie," he whispered into her ear.

Sookie leaned back, shivering. "I never said a southern woman can't desire a man," she corrected breathilly. yes, she wanted him, but would she give in. Sookie wasn't sure. "I just said we're choosy who shares our bed…" She smirked at Eric. "I haven't decided yet into which category you're in…but I do know, you intrigue Mr. Northman…" she paused and Eric smiled as she studied him. Her heart was pounding, "and that is something I need to explore further." He nodded. "Now can we please order—I'm starved," Sookie said breaking the sexual tension.

The waitress came to the table a moment later. Sookie couldn't help but notice the way the woman checked Eric out and her thoughts-Lord, Sookie did NOT want to know what the woman would do with a body like his.

Sookie counted to ten lest she tell the woman what she thought of her X-rated visuals. 'Sweet Jesus, shephard of Judea-does every woman who sees him want to jump his bones?'

"Can we order now?" she spoke up suddenly, causing both Eric and the waitress' eyes to snap her way, but at least she was now blocking the rest of the woman's thoughts. Lacey had been an open book, but this one was sneaky. It was by far worse.

Eric ordered a Bloody Mary-heavy on the blood and an Ultimately-rare-fillet mignon marinated with blackening spices and served in a cajun-O-negative sauce. Sookie's face scrunched up in distaste as he ordered, but she didn't comment. She handed the waiteress her menu as she tried to block out the woman's nasty thoughts about the blond viking across from her. "Janet!" Sookie almost shouted, garnering the woman's undivided attention for the first time. "Can I have a strawberry/banana daiquiri along with the 'Tabasco and Garlic Seared Shrimp." Sookie studied the menu. "That comes with roasted mushrooms and cracked corn-jalapeño grits, right?"

Janet smiled and finally seemed to become alive and friendly to Sookie. "Yeah, and it's to die for. That's one of our most popular. It also comes with champagne poached crab meat. Asparagus, served with a side of tarragon butter and Creole tomato paint. Seriously, it's out of this world...really."

Happy that the woman was no longer undressing Eric with her eyes, Sooke gave her a warm smile. "Sounds great."

Janet complimented her choice, gave Eric one last little look, but not as overtly sexual this time. She flashed Sookie a smile instead and left to bring them their drink orders.

Eric leaned in, enjoying Sookie's obvious jealousy. "I thought you were a gin and tonic kind-a girl?"

Sookie shrugged. "And I thought you brought me here to be with me."

Eric's brow shot up. "I can't control what a woman wants, Sookie..." He gave her a smile that could only be called lewd, "if that was the case I'd have had you in my bed months ago," he said with another leer.

Sookie rolled her eyes, but her stomach fluttered. He wanted her and only her. 'Janet' set their drinks down and Sookie grabbed the glass and took a long-long swallow. "I'm a-whatever sounds good with the dish kind-a girl and this..." she motioned at the daiquiri, "this sounded better…"

Eric nodded, distracted by the sparkle in her eyes. Sookie had never been so relaxed and at ease in his presence and it was exciting him to no end. He raised his drink. "To whatever feels better then..."

Sookie's eyes narrowed, but she hesitantly raised her glass. "To whatever feels better..." totally unsure if she'd just saluted her downfall...

Later:

Sookie pushed the plate of chocolate mousse away. "I can't eat anymore. I swear I'll burst out of this dress if I do,' she said, laughing.

Eric licked his lips. "Not complaining."

Sookie rolled her eyes. "Figures."

He smirked. "You expected that. If I wouldn't have made a comment you'd have been upset and you know it." he grabbed her hand and placed a kiss upon it. "You want me, Sookie—admit it."

Her eyes widened. "I…" she sputtered to a stop. "Oh lordy—you're about as confusin' as a jigsaw puzzle with a couple of pieces missin' Eric Northman," she said, yanking her hand away, "and I'm not sure I'm prepared to deal with you and your thousand years of experience!"

Eric stood, dropped several hundred dollar bills on the table and grabbed Sookie's hand. "You will be," he said softly. His mouth was right by her ear, sending shivers up and down her spine as he whispered, "Soon you'll be very prepared to take all of me, Sookie…"

Her face flamed at the double entendre there. "Oh lord," she muttered again and tried to put a little more distance between herself and the far too tempting Viking intent on seducing her.

**TB**xx**TB**xx**TB**xx**TB**xx**TB**xx**TB**xx**TB**xx**TB**xx**TB**xx**TB**xx**TB**

**Okay guys, I know I've been very slow in posting this, but I've had to work on a Buffy/Angel fic. My B/A readers needed something new from me so I gave it to them. PLUS I needed to find my love for B/A again. Truly, they are the first TRUE forbidden love. I'll never stop shipping them.

Okay, so on to Sookie/Eric. I LOVE them together, so here is the next installment of 'This is Only the Beginning' the next part will be PWP and then I have the ending already done…

I'm so honored and thrilled by the response this has gotten. Thank-you! Seriously, thank-you to all of you who R&R'd, it made my day. I'm sorry I can't respond personally, but since my accident I find it hard to type for long periods of time, so after a chappie—I'm usually hurting. BUT I do want to tell you all how much the reviews and pm's mean to me. They inspire me and totally brighten my day, so again, thanks and I hope you all have a wonderful day and enjoy this chappie…

Hugs and kisses,

Jen

**added A/N: to howsyoudoin...did you notice I added the shower? lol! I swear I never even thought of that...thanks again sweetie. :)