Sorry for my late posting, family illness and I wasn't really feeling into writing. Giving it a try now, even though Eric is screaming in my head (wants to let some of his 'dark' out, so maybe starting a Pre-Rev story soon...Thanks for all those who alerted or fav'd, you guys rock! Thanks bunches and bunches...

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'What the F is going on here? Why can't things be easy for one night...just ONE NIGHT! Why is Claude here? And why did he talk all filthy like to me? All I wanted to do was enjoy Eric, while I still can...who knows what might happen?

Just as I was going to rip him a new one, or find out what in tarnations he wanted, he 'popped' away. That only added to my ire. Eric was kind enough to release me from his vice grip after the fairy had left, so I started pacing (not too far from Eric)...pacing and thinking.

''What has gotten into Claude? Why in God's name would he come here, unannounced? Why is he even here? What the heck have I gotten myself into? When am I going to make the call? Where's Pam? She can surely take care of Eric if anything happens to me'

I know I was exuding confidence, but my mind was reeling. Thoughts were flooding into my head before I could even start processing them..

'I wish I could ask Pam for some adivce or better yet, make sure she's not around tomorrow evening. I don't want to bring her down too. She can give Eric his gift...hopefully I survive and get to see his reaction to it...'

I was ripped from my thoughts by the loudest growling/rumbling sounds that I have ever heard from his, or any other supernatural beings, chest and they didn't even begin to prepare me for the voice. The grumblings were a mere introduction, or even a distraction compared to the sound of his voice. He didn't rise his head and howl, he merely stood still and let his voice do the rest, "Enough!" That's all that needed to be said.

I didn't even have a moments notice before he flitted in front of me. He proceeded by swinging me around his body, cradling me into his chest and flew off into the dark. As we were flying into the night sky, I couldn't help but look at my vampire. His mane was flowing in the air, his eyes were focused on what he was trying to see, holding me tightly against his chest , which only made my body scream for another 'hard' part of him . 'He doesn't even know what he does to me, does he? Beautiful doesn't do him justice. Could he love me...Love me forever?' He may have looked all big, bad and scary, but what I was feeling from him was his anxiety and confusion. I understood those emotions, I was acting erratic and none of my behavior was normal- crap on a cracker!

'What's going on with him? I didn't even get to see Pam...I need to see her...'

He flew us to a meadow where he felt that we would be safe, he scoped it out- twice, making sure there were no unwanted ears listening. The grass crunched underneath our feet as we descended onto a clearing. Eric placed his large hand on the small of my back and led us to a path that would give us (more) privacy. I didn't make a peep, I just wanted Eric to explain what happened and what he was feeling. I tried to focus on the bond between us, but I wasn't getting anything more than the low buzzing I normally have. I wanted to ask Eric why I couldn't feel him, but figured that wouldn't be the smartest thing to do. Not yet, anyway. Was he blocking me from his emotions? If so, I would love to know how to do that too...would be quite handy.

When it seemed like we came to an agreeable place, Eric took off his jacket, placed it on the ground and patted it, to let me know it was time to sit and talk. He was sitting Indian style, with his head in his hands. He looked like he was deep in thought. I didn't want to disturb, so I sat down beside him, not saying a word, I figure I'll just let him start talking and see where it goes.

He looked over at me with those big blues, no anger or lust present. But what I did notice, was that his eyes weren't as vibrant as they usually are...he looked tired or exhausted, even. After a few moments of silence (which can feel like an hour), he took a long, unnecessary breath and said,

"Sookie, I heard your thoughts. And I must say that I am amazed that you don't curse, even in your head." He winked.

My heart sank. "What? How is that even possible? What did you hear?"

"Lover, is it really important what I heard? The fact that I can hear your thoughts is fascinating, wouldn't you agree?"

"If you say it is," I sighed.

"My dear, I believe you are tied up in worrying with what I heard," he grinned at me, "which we will discuss further, in detail. But now, let us rejoice at the telepathic way we can speak to each other. It will be a magnificent weapon in our arsenal."

"Eric, I love you and there is so much that is going on...like I need to remind you," I half-hardheartedly laughed.

"Dear one, I have just told you that I heard your thoughts," he looked at me thru his thick lashes, only slightly seeing the blue slits, took my hand in his and continued, "and yet, you still have not acted out. I must say that you are being very agreeable, which only furthers my concerns."

I kept his hand in mine, swirling my thumb around his palm while I spoke, "Honey, if I was able to read your thoughts, all the time, would we...well, since I'm being blunt, would I still be alive?" I didn't care about the answer, I just wanted him to understand that there is no difference to invasion of privacy.

"In the beginning, no. No, Sookie, you would have been dead already." His face was stoic, but the bond spoke to me emotionally, when he couldn't.

I wasn't in the mood to deal with all this right now. All I wanted to do was enjoy my fantastic, sexy fiance in the only way I see fit. "Eric, can we please go to your house now? I'm cold, hungry and I didn't even get to see Pam. I really, really need to speak to her, Eric." I whined. I really did need to see her though, I know she can do what I needed to be done in less than an evening, and I really needed it by tomorrow.

As he was assisting me from the ground, he swiftly scooped, patted and smoothed out any wrinkles and what not left behind from our meadow chat. I was enjoying the sounds of the crickets, toads, etc and started to let my mind wander; 'Could forever be like this with Eric? Would he grow tired of me and simply replace me?

I felt something. I felt like there was something simmering, or getting ready to overflow, but just as quickly as I felt it, it disappeared. I didn't think much of it, because I had to stealthily maneuver tree branches, didn't want to poke my eye out or anything like that. Eric was still leading the way, but held my hand with an iron fist grip, so my mind wandered some more; 'What could have Claude wanted? Why did he just show up? I hope all is swell with them, but he should know better than to come to a vamp's bar at night. Stupid fairy. Would Eric turn me if anything happened? No, because he would respect my wishes, but what if I didn't know anymore? What if tomorrow evening turns out horrible and it's the last time I ever see him...hold him...kiss him. No. No, I won't allow it to happen. At least this is easy to fix.'

"Eric," I said in a sheepish voice.

"Yes, lover."

"If anything were to ever happen to me, would you want to turn me?"

"Sookie, my love, you already know the answer." Indeed, I did. But I was looking for something more than that. Something romantical, but then again, I am dealing with an ancient Viking vampire. So I pry a little harder.

"Yeah, but would you want to? Like, would you turn me because you would feel bad about not protecting me...or would you want to turn me because you love me and you don't ever want to roam the rest of eternity without me?" I'm so glad that I couldn't hear myself talk because I'm sure that I had to sound like a little girl.

"My princess, I would want to turn you because I am selfish and would want you to be with me," he cracked a devilish grin, "and only me, for the rest of my existence. Is that the same as love? Eternity is more than marriage, Sookie. Marriage ends with 'til death do us part,' and I am already dead, so the question at the crux to all you look for is simple, Sookie- Would you want to spend forever with me...as a vampire? I would never break my promise to you and turn you against your will, if you want this, all you have to do is simply tell me your wishes. I am not rushing you into this, Sookie. I would just like to remind you that you are in fact the one who breached the subject, but it's not likely you'll have to come to a rash decision anytime soon, right?"

I should have known! He was being so coy. So cool, calm and collected. I am actually impressed with his restraint on his feelings. I couldn't tell he heard my thoughts just by looking at him. Shoot! I thought I had a poker face, Eric's is the champion of all champions. His face does not betray a single shred of emotion. So, he basically heard all the things that he shouldn't have...now, what to do?

"Well, baby, how much of it did ya hear? What do you want me to explain? And how much longer til we get to your house because I don't want to talk or even think anymore, get the hint?" I batted my lashes and sent all the love, lust, and desire I had for him. Here's to hoping that a vampire is still just a vampire and the sex lust would soon take into effect.

I didn't have to wait too long...