"I am really tired of other people trying to dictate my life. It's exhausting to be scared all the time, not being able to be with who I want to be with," I snarled. Eric and Pam froze where they were standing...it was like I yelled "freeze" during a game of freeze tag. Seeing them that way, I busted out laughing. They looked at me oddly, I just shrugged and said, "Sorry guys. I didn't mean to yell, but the way ya'll reacted..." I drifted because they (vampires) do not like to be laughed at. Everyone knows that. So, to I simply said, "Sorry about my tantrum." That seemed to do the trick, and then we were back to discussing on how to deal with King Felipe.

"Lover, we have to talk." Eric's voice was smooth but with a hint of urgency. "What's up, hun?" I asked, twirling his golden locks around my fingers. Eric purred. He loved when I played with his hair and I enjoyed it as well, so it was win-win. But I guess this wasn't the time to twirl. Eric the vampire, not Eric my fiance/husband was standing in front of me, and I was a little weary. Then the vampire spoke, " As we are now aware, Felipe is coming soon and he's going to want to see us. Me and you. Does this frighten you, my love?" Thank goodness MY Eric was talking, and was sincerely asking me if I would be scared. "Eric, that's a loaded question. You know that vampire politics ...well, the whole entire "supe" political world, petrifies, paralyze and spooks the everlivin' crap out of me. But we are married in your world, and hopefully soon enough we will be married in my world too; so whatever you're going to go thru- I'm right here...all the way to the end." Then I quickly started giving him little kisses on his perfect lips, and then whispered softly into his ear, "I love you, Eric Northman." A deep rumble started to form. It sounded like he ate a stereo and turned the bass all the way up, honest to goodness it was that audible to my or anyone else's ears. Pam, who just finished heating up another blood, obviously heard the thunder rumble, nodded at Eric, congratulated us, told me good night and flitted herself out the door- it took her all of 3 seconds to do that. I envy vamp speed.

I turned to look at my gorgeous Viking, and his eyes were narrowed and slitted, but not in a scary way. It was more like how did YOU (mere mortal) make that sound come out of me. Well, that's my version til he says different. When I was approaching him, I did it slowly...making sure he knew what I was going to do. When I finally reached his face, and our eyes met- It was like I was drifting away in those big, beautiful, ocean blue eyes...and me and Eric are the only people that exist. That was, until he spoke. His voice was so soothing that it didn't shake me out of haze, on the contrary, it took me further out to sea. When he said it again, it wasn't in the same voice. It was stern. "Sookie, now that Felipe is coming here," he looked at me to make sure I was listening. Of course I was. Hello? It's only my life on the line too, but I still nodded at him to let him know that he has my full attention. He continued, "He will know, if he doesn't already, that our bond has been broke. How do you feel about that?" He stared at my face for an expression. I gave him a smile because I know that he is being considerate by not telling me what to do or being demanding, but asking me how I feel about things has got to be new to Eric...he was really trying and I loved him even more for it. "Honestly, Eric- I'm conflicted. I loved having that bond with you, but isn't it dangerous for us both?" I asked because Bill mentioned it and I wanted to try and get some more information about it, but I wouldn't pry. "What part is conflicting?" He asked cautiously. Don't pry, don't pry... "Well, for one- I was damn glad that it was broke before the night Victor met his demise. I absolutely did not want to feel whatever it was that you and Pam were feeling. But, I do miss knowing how you feel, truly feel, and that you can find me faster is always a good thing, right?" I ended it with that.

"Yes, my dearest Sookie, you are correct in your assessment and in being concerned, because I too feel the same way." I sat still, listening very carefully to every word. After a brief pause, he asks, "Would you be against forming our blood bond again? On your...our terms. You have a say either way. I would be very upset and angry if you choose not to, but I would never do anything against your will again." He was stoic. I didn't even have to think about it, I shrieked, "Yes." I then composed myself and said much more calmly, "Eric, I truly was sorry for breaking our bond without even consulting you, but it became intolerable feeling Alexi and your D-I-C-K of a (dead) maker, too."

Eric's eyes went into "statue" mode for a moment, and it looked like he was a million years away- actually a thousand years away, I chuckled to myself. When he was coming into the now or present, he was looking into my eyes; that's when I could see my Eric. The love of my life, the loving and caring man he can be. Even if it's just with me. His voice was soft and tender as he spoke, "My fairy princess, there are no words that can be said to express how truly sorry I am. Only MY actions can show you. I was consumed by everything else, I decided to stay away from you, not because I wanted to, but I thought maybe it would ease your worries. It never dawned on me that you were not only feeling my mood, but theirs as well. How incredulous of me. Lover, please say you forgive me and I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you." His voice wasn't sturdy, he sounded more defeated than anything else. I knew he meant the apology, but I wasn't even looking for one. I didn't want to say anything, I simply crawled onto him, laid on top of his cool, marble body and started stroking his hair. He cupped my face, gently swooshed the sides of my hair away from my face with his thumbs, cocked his face to the side and sighed, "Please, Sookie. Forgive me." His plead sent shivers down my spine. Why wouldn't it? It was something I don't think anyone else has ever heard: an apologetic Eric.

I brought my face even closer to his, his eyes widened not knowing what to expect. I leaned to the side of his face, my lips grazed the path that led to his ear, my lips and breath were on his earlobe when I panted, "Blood bond, please."