Chapter 9

I

Payton waited in her kitchen for sunset and for Eric to join her. It felt very weird to her. But, this entire situation was weird, she thought. One minute, she had been laying low and avoiding Eric Northman and now she was hiding him and keeping him safe. The last rays of the sun cast a amber glow through the windows. She gazed into that dying glow and her mind whirled around the subject of that vampire. She wondered what it would be like to live one's life completely in the shadows. Would living forever be worth that price? She knew that there were many who believed that vampires didn't have a right to exist, especially after what that crazy one had done on national television. But, right or wrong, they were indeed here. She knew that they could be predators and terrible creatures, but hadn't she also seen flickers of other things from them. There wasn't any denying the close bond between Eric Northman and Pam. Payton rubbed her hand along her still sore neck and gave a wry smile to herself. Pam would have killed her for harming Eric and she might not admit it, but only love could cause such devotion. The door to the basement creaked open and Eric stood at the entrance to her kitchen. Payton had to admit that he cleaned up very nicely.

"You're up," she said. "I got you some Tru Blood today."

Payton took a bottle out of the fridge and popped it into the microwave. She waved to her kitchen table and Eric walked over and took a seat. He stared up at her and his eyes followed her every move as she took the bottle out and shook it to evenly mix it. She took out a glass and sat both in front of him. She then took a seat opposite him. She couldn't deny that she was curious about the stuff. Eric poured it into a glass and it certainly looked like the real thing to her. It ought to be, she thought, as much as that stuff costs. No wonder vampires wanted to find a human pet to provide for their needs. Keeping oneself stocked with synthetic blood would put a serious dent in one's budget. Eric took a tentative sip.

"Does it really taste like blood?" asked Payton. "Do you remember what real blood tastes like?"

"I remember what blood tastes like," replied Eric. "This isn't even close."

"Oh," said Payton. "It's the most expensive brand, if that makes you feel any better."

Eric gave her a tiny smile, "It's the thought that counts."

Payton reached for the bottle and examined it. As Eric watched, she dipped her finger into the neck of the bottle and then sucked the blood off her finger.

"Well, what's the verdict?" asked Eric, curiously.

"I feel sorry for you," replied Payton with a smile. "That is totally disgusting."

"Just how sorry do you feel for me?" asked Eric.

"I can see where this is going," replied Payton. "And, I'm telling you right now, I am a very cold-hearted person. So, any sob story about having to drink that disgusting stuff is not going to make me volunteer to spice up your dining choices."

"Well, at least, you aren't getting my hopes up," said Eric.

Payton flashed a smile and got up and rinsed out the bottle in the sink. As Eric returned to his drink, she brought out two large bags of clothes from behind her counter.

"I went shopping for you today," she said. "I even got you your own robe. Although, I have to admit that you did cut quite a dashing figure in my pink frilly robe."

"Did I?" asked Eric.

"Pink is your color," said Payton with a smirk. "Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Now, I had to estimate the sizes, but I have all the receipts in case I need to return something."

Payton opened one of the bags and drew out an expensive and soft cashmere men's robe and said, "I know that you are probably used to more expensive fare, but I didn't scrimp too much on you. After all, you aren't totally slumming here."

"I don't know how I can repay your kindness," said Eric.

"I do," said Payton. "I'm keeping all the receipts and when this is all over, you can repay me."

"You are assuming that I'm going to make it through whatever is going on," replied Eric.

Payton paused and she felt a shiver of fear at the thought of something happening to him. Was she crazy? But, she had never wished him serious harm. Although, she admitted that the idea of punching him the nose did occur to her after that little dungeon trick. She looked up to find Eric watching her intently.

"You say that you aren't my friend, but you are letting me stay here and you seem concerned about me," he said. "I don't understand."

"Just because we've had our differences, doesn't mean that I would wish for something bad to happen to you," replied Payton. "Maybe, we just got off on the wrong foot with each other."

Payton looked into his blue eyes that were a lighter shade than hers and then dropped her eyes. She smoothed out her dress and added without looking at him, "I don't know how to tell you this, but you aren't exactly a nice person, sometimes. I know that you are a vampire and all, but I think that even for a vampire you are difficult. You seem to take what you want and not be very polite about it."

"I get the feeling that you were something that I wanted," said Eric.

Payton raised her eyes back to his and he noticed how lovely they were. "Yes," she replied.

"I think that I could be forgiven for asking for something so special," said Eric.

Payton dropped her eyes, again, "You didn't exactly ask. It seemed more like some kind of business deal to me."

"I don't remember doing that," said Eric. "And, I am having a hard time believing that I acted that way. You're sure that it was me?"

"Positive," replied Payton with a tiny smile. "What did you call it? Oh, yes, I remember it now. A mutually beneficial arrangement. Romantic, huh?"

"And you're telling me that my business logic didn't sway you?" said Eric.

"I might have a head for business, but I expect a little more than a business arrangement in my personal relationships," replied Payton.

"I'll try to keep that in mind," said Eric.

Eric finished his Tru Blood and Payton took the glass to the kitchen sink.

"You seem all alone," he said.

"Yes," replied Payton. "My family is gone."

"I don't see any evidence of a boyfriend either," said Eric.

Payton nervously paused at the kitchen sink, "That's getting a little personal."

"I'm sorry," said Eric. "I was just curious."

Payton continued to clean out the sink, mainly to give herself something to do. When she turned around, she found Eric right behind her. She jumped in surprise.

"Don't do that," she said.

"Sorry, vampire skill," replied Eric. "I can't help it. But, I'll try to tone it back and not scare you."

He took her hand that she had used in the spell and again examined it, "Why weren't you burned by the flame last night?"

"It was a magic spell, remember?" replied Payton with a smile.

"How does one become a witch?" asked Eric.

"My mother taught me," replied Payton. "I guess you could say that magic is in my blood."

Eric let go of her hand and Payton said, "I think that I will pay that Wiccan leader a visit. I might gain an insight as to what she did to you."

"I don't want you to go near her," sternly replied Eric.

Now, there was a flash of his old personality, thought Payton. She was sure that the old Eric was still lurking in there. "You still can't tell me what to do," said Payton. "And this might help you."

Eric seemed to struggle with himself a moment and said, "I don't want you to put yourself in danger for me."

"Aren't I already doing that?" asked Payton.

A look of realization came over Eric, "You are absolutely right. I shouldn't be here since I'm putting you at risk. I should go."

Eric turned to go, but Payton took hold of his wrist. Suddenly, she saw another vision. It was her living room and the light from several candles cast flickering shadows across the room. A fire was blazing in her fireplace and, on the rug before it, she saw Eric and herself, naked and entwined together. Bathed in the orange glow of the flames, she saw the shadows dance over Eric's muscles as he thrust into her. She saw herself clutch at him and arch into his movements. In a flash, her perceptions changed and she felt herself on the rug as Eric made love to her. She pulled him in deeper and moaned with the sensation that caused. His soft lips kissed her neck and into her ear, he said, "You're the only one I want."

Suddenly, Payton came back to herself and realized that she had clenched Eric's wrist tightly in her hand. She let go and tried to brush off the traces of that vision that still filled her eyes and senses.

"I...I'm sorry," she mumbled.

Eric touched her chin gently and raised her eyes to his, "Are you alright? You were in some kind of trance or something."

"You must think that I'm crazy," said Payton.

Eric gave her a quick smile, "Crazy isn't a word that I would use to describe you."

"Maybe, you just don't know me well enough," said Payton.

"I admit that I don't know you as well as I would like to," replied Eric.

He smiled at her and Payton desperately tried to forget the vision. It didn't help that he was standing too close to her. Fudge, she thought. Even though his comment seemed almost innocent and his delivery was not even naughty, it caused a fluttering of butterflies in her stomach and a feeling of warmth rushed downward. She bit her lips and stepped out of his reach.

"If I didn't know better, I would think that you were flirting with me," she said.

Eric smiled and said, "If you're not sure, then that must mean that I'm not. Since, memory wipe or not, I'm pretty sure that I would remember how to do that."

Payton had no trouble agreeing with that comment, she just chose not to voice her opinion.

II

Marnie sat in her living room. She hadn't been able to save anything from her shop. She had visited it today and it was completely destroyed. Now, she would be haggling with her insurance company. At least, she was covered by insurance. The police report was filed and no mention of that vampire who had walked into her business like he owned the place was made. Her hand crept up and touched the bites on her neck. She had heard rumors that being bitten by a vampire was supposed to be like an almost sexual experience. But, her experience had been far from that. It had been scary and it had hurt. She could still remember the growls he had made and she could still feel the force he had used to suck out her blood. Awful creature of the night, she thought. She wished that she could remember casting the spell over him that made him disappear. It would have required a powerful spell to do that. She did remember a presence in the room and she remembered it falling upon her and filling her. And then, she remembered no more until Tara and Lafayette roused her outside in the street. A powerful spirit had come and protected them all with it's magic. Marnie was sure that this spirit had saved them. She could communicate with the dead but, whoever this spirit was, it had not spoken to her. Nor, could she sense that it was still lingering around her. Marnie decided to try to summon this spirit again.

"Oh, spirit, you are welcome here. I'm not your enemy, I'm your friend. A friend who is in awe of your powerful magic and I'm deeply grateful that you chose me as your conduit. I ask nothing from you. I only offer myself," said Marnie to the air around her.

Marnie picked up a goblet and placed it in front of her. "Oh, spirit, I ask you to invade me and fill me up. I will be your instrument on this plane for you to utilize as you see fit. I trust in you completely," said Marnie.

She then picked up a dagger and made a cut near her wrist. She held the wrist over the goblet and let the blood drain into it. "I offer a sacrifice as only befitting your magic. I've tasted your power and I know that it doesn't come cheap and I'm willing to pay the price," she said.

Marnie made another cut into her wrist. "All my life, I've wanted so desperately for my gift to mean something and I've wanted to find a reason why I was born with one foot in another world. Make me your servant. I beg you. Please, come," urged Marnie.

Marnie stared around the room and closed her eyes to listen better. But, nothing spoke to her or acknowledged her offer. She gave a frustrated sigh and would have begged. But, she realized that she had already done that. She couldn't see the spirit of a Spanish woman in an old peasant type of outfit who watched her intently. She was perched on the edge of Marnie's couch. It had been a long time waiting for the means to exact her revenge. Now, she had found it. She wasn't going anywhere. And she was just getting started.

III

Pam stood before Bill's desk in his newly decorated study. He had totally renovated his home in Bon Temps and was using it as his seat of power. Bill had summoned her tonight and he hadn't offered her a seat, either. He sat there in his expensive and tailored suit and studied her.

"Eric has not returned?" he asked.

"No," replied Pam. "Something happened to him. If he hasn't been killed by those witches, then they have done something else to him. When are you going to bring in their leader? Why is she still walking the streets when my maker is injured or dead?"

"These are delicate times," replied Bill. "The AVL has issued a mandate that bans the taking of human lives."

"There are ways to get around that," said Pam. "There are ways to make our enemies disappear that don't leave a trail of evidence back to us."

"Hmm, let's see," replied Bill. "The witch who cast a spell that harmed a vampire turns up missing and presumed dead. I wonder who could be responsible."

Pam crossed her arms over her chest and said, "Unlike you, I'm loyal, fiercely so, to my maker and if that witch harmed him or caused his true death, then I will personally make sure that she pays for it."

"If she is responsible, I assure you that she will be help accountable," replied Bill. "But, you are forbidden to have any contact with her at all. Is that clear?"

"Fine," hissed Pam.

"Now, I know that Eric has his diversions. Are you absolutely sure that there isn't some woman that could be entertaining him?" asked Bill. "I heard that he was chasing another witch. Could it be her?"

"How do you know that?" asked Pam.

"Bon Temps is a small town," replied Bill. "Gossip travels like wildfire around here."

"I've already checked there," said Pam.

"You're dismissed, but if you find out anything, I want to know it immediately," said Bill.

Pam stared and then turned around and left. Bill watched her retreating figure and thought that she was just as rude as her maker. He didn't exactly trust her, but none of his spies had seen Eric Northman at Fangtasia after the fire at the coven's headquarters. Bill got up and straightened his suit. He had another more pleasant issue to deal with. He went upstairs and paused before one of the guest rooms. He lightly knocked and took out a key and unlocked the door. Coming inside, he found Hadley standing in front of the bed. She had appeared to have been recently crying, but it didn't mar her pretty looks. He closed the door behind him.

"Good evening, Hadley," he said.

"Why am I being held her against my will?" she demanded.

"I'm sorry that it appears that way," replied Bill. "I'm only trying to comply with Sophie-Anne's wishes and look out for you."

"I don't understand," said Hadley.

Bill approached closer and tucked a strand of her hair behind an ear, "I'm just concerned about what happens to you. I know that you haven't seen your son in a long time. I could help you with that matter. As king, I have a bevy of lawyers at my disposal."

"Why would you help me?" asked Hadley.

Bill gave her a smile, "Improvement of vampire-human relations. Can't get any more personal than this. I would like for you to stay with me, at least, until you get back on your feet."

"I...I don't know what to say," replied Hadley. "Do you really think that you could help me with my son?"

"Leave it in my capable hands," said Bill. "Now, surely there isn't any reason for you to rush off and leave?"

"No, Your Majesty," replied Hadley.

"It's just Bill," he said with another smile. "Now, I had dinner catered out for you from the most expensive restaurant in Monroe. Please, tell me that you are famished."

"I am," said Hadley.

"Excellent," replied Bill.

He held out his arm in a gentlemanly fashion and Hadley tentatively took it and he led her downstairs.

IV

Since Payton had been up during the daytime, she found that she couldn't stay up all night with Eric. Eric stood in her doorway as she faced him wearing her pink robe.

"I want you to stay indoors," said Payton. "You're supposed to be hiding out here. It defeats that purpose if you are seen running around loose in the neighborhood."

"Got it," replied Eric.

Payton yawned and tried to cover it with her hand. "I'm sorry, but I'm pooped."

"I understand," said Eric.

Payton started to undo the sash of her robe and looked over to see Eric still standing in her doorway and watching her. Okay, she thought, he might be a lot sweeter, but he was still a guy.

"That means that it's time for you to leave my bedroom," said Payton.

"Oh, sweet dreams," replied Eric.

He stepped outside and gently closed the door, but stopped just short of closing it all the way. Payton threw off her robe and crawled into bed. She knew that she was supposed to watch him, but surely he couldn't get into any trouble in her house. He was being very well-behaved, wasn't he? His wicked ways seemed to be a thing of the past. At least for now, she thought. He would be his old self sooner or later. So, she had better enjoy this more pleasant variety before it was gone.

Eric sat reading in the living room. When his excellent, vampire-enhanced hearing detected that Payton had fallen asleep by her slower breathing rate and pulse, he checked the time on the wall clock. There was still plenty of nighttime left. As silently as a vampire could be, he crept out of the house. Outside, he made a quick inspection to ensure that there weren't any threats lurking. Finding nothing out of order, he took to the sky. He felt a little guilty about leaving Payton alone, but he had something to do.

An hour or so later, he arrived back and silently slipped back inside. He removed his shoes and jacket and moved to Payton's door to check in on her. He pushed it open and gazed on her. He could see in the dark and she had thrown off her comforter. She was wearing shorts and a camisole with little spaghetti straps. That sight caused him to move closer. He resisted the urge to trail a finger across her bare leg. Suddenly of their own accord, his fangs dropped with a snick. That noise disturbed Payton and she restlessly moved and opened her eyes. When she detected his presence, she gave a little shriek of alarm and her hand flew to the bedside light. In an instant the room was flooded with light and Payton sat up and stared at him.

"You gave me a terrible fright," she said. "What are you doing in here?"

"I...I had a nightmare," replied Eric.

"I didn't know that vampires could dream," said Payton. "But, that still doesn't explain why your fangs are out."

"Sorry, it was just a natural response," replied Eric as he retracted them. "Can I stay in here?"

Payton stared at him and asked, "You will still know when the sun comes up and get to your room down in the basement in time?"

"Yes," replied Eric.

Payton hesitated and then said, "You have already scared me, so you had better be on your best behavior or I will throw you out. I don't care if you are a thousand year old vampire or not."

Eric gave a little smile and approached the bed. As he reached for the comforter, Payton held it down. "Ah, you have to stay on the top," she said. As Eric moved onto the bed, she passed him a pillow.

"And no more fangs," she added.

"I promise to behave," said Eric.

Payton turned out the light and settled down into bed. She felt his fingers tentatively touch her hand with just the barest tips of his fingers. She relaxed her grip on her comforter and his hand moved smoothly into hers. He gently held her hand and his thumb made slow light circles on the top of it. Payton realized that she should pull her hand away from his. But, she didn't. A part of her mind told her that she had just invited a predator into her bed. But, another part of her mind said that a monster couldn't caress her hand like that. That part of her mind also told the other part to shut up and mind it's own business. Payton sleepily closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

The last thing she remembered was Eric softly saying, "Goodnight, Payton."

A/N: Lots of things going on in this chapter. Eric and Payton are really cute at playing house together. At least, I think so. Now, that last vision was a little more detailed, but I think that it still tasteful and not graphic. I don't think that should change the rating on this story.

Eric told a little fib, but I don't think Payton minded.