Just thought I'd say thank you.

Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Southern Vampire Mysteries that privilege belongs to the genius Charlaine Harris, I am merely borrowing them.

Rating: M

This story is completely Sookie/Eric fluff. It's set after FDTW but won't involve much of the storylines. It's just for fun. People I would just like to say one thing to you all; Sookie, Eric and I love you all so much.....you people are awesome and you rock behind recognition. Oops that's a little more then one thing but still. I have had a huge response to this story and the reviews have been wonderful. Thank you. Please keep the reviews and adds coming people!

Eric's POV:

Two nights ago, Fangtasia:

"I'll be in my office, come and get me when we open, I DO NOT want to be disturbed until then" I told Pam, not waiting for an answer as I walked past her as she came to greet me at the staff entrance of Fangtasia. I hurried to my office and locked the door behind me. I pulled the reason for my hurry out of my pants pocket, a little red velvet box and stared at it for a moment. I hadn't taken a close look at its contents since picking it up from it's creator, to say I was slightly anxious would be an understatement. It had better be what I had designed otherwise there would be hell to pay. I would have looked at it in front of it's creator if I wasn't so tense about anyone seeing my reaction. I wasn't ashamed of how I would feel when seeing it but I couldn't afford for someone to get wind of what I was planning. Call me paranoid but I had two reasons for this.

Firstly for the last few weeks I had been under surveillance and my every move, my every action scrutinized by King De Castro and his entourage. Since becoming King, De Castro had eliminated a mass amount of the Sheriff's under his control......as far as I knew I was the only original Sheriff left. This made me uneasy to say the least. I had hoped it was because I was a good Sheriff who could accumulate a huge amount of money for the King, but deep down I knew why I was still here. It had nothing to do with my Sheriff abilities and everything to do with my bond with Sookie. This angered me to no end. I knew he was up to something when he offered her his official protection after she singlehandedly rescued us from the hands of Siegbert (I was still somewhat embarrassed by that fact), there was no way he did it just because he was grateful (which is the reason he claimed), he was far to proud and cunning for that. No, he was planning something and I swear by my gods and goddesses that he'll lose his head before he uses or harms Sookie. She is my lover, my bonded, my everything and no one will disrespect or harm her, I don't care what level on the vampire hierarchy they are, they harm her, they will meet my sword. There's nothing I wouldn't do to protect her, even if that meant staying away I would. In fact that's precisely what I had been doing for the past few weeks.

I didn't dare contact her whilst the King was here, he was way to interested in our bond for my liking (unfortunately Sookie and I had let it slip we were bonded after she had rescued us from Siegbert) and even though it was torture staying away from her, I knew it was the only way to keep her safe. Even though King De Castro and his entourage had left a little over two weeks ago I had only contacted her once and that was to inform her that they had left. Once they had left I had promised myself that I would stay away from her until I felt it was safe enough to contact her. The only problem with that idea was that there would never be a safe time. There was no such thing as a safe time, not in our world. Which meant I had two options. 1: stay away from her forever or 2: throw caution to the wind and be with her. Option 1 should never have crossed my mind. I need her. I needed to be with her, I needed to hold her, touch her, love her. It wasn't even about the sex (which I can happily say I remember every second of and constantly dream of recreating) it wasn't even about our bond. It was simply because I was utterly and irrevocably in love with her. That thought in mind brings me to my second point of paranoia.

Did she love me and did she want me? Would she want me after I had basically abandoned her all these weeks? There were so many times I had wanted to go to her and explain why I couldn't be with her but I knew the second I did she would be watched like a hawk and or come to harm. She had already risked her life for me too many times, there was no way in hell I was going to purposely put her in harms way. Even if I had gone to her what would I have said? "Hi Sookie, sorry to have abandoned you for weeks, I remember everything and now that we're bonded we're stuck with each other, oh and by the way I love you?" Oh yeah smooth, real smooth Eric! Then again was what I wanted to say to her any better? I wondered as I brought my attentions back to the object in my hand. I opened it and couldn't help the smile that spread across my face at what I saw. It was exactly what I had designed. I removed it from the box and held it up, my smile widening at the way it shone in the lights of my office. It was perfect, not to ostentatious, but enough to make a statement. I knew Sookie hated gifts and the thought of being a kept woman but I just prayed to my gods and goddesses that Sookie would take this for what it was. A symbol of my love and commitment to her......to us.

Knock Knock

"Yes" I answered, momentarily surprised at the knock on the door

"It's time for you to enthrall the vermin" Pam answered snickering at her favourite phrase for what I had to do. I groaned inwardly. I wasn't and hadn't been in the mood to enthrall them since the King had left. In fact it had been longer then that, but I had feed on a couple of fangbanger's throughout his stay. I had done it only to keep up pretenses and to try and downplay the bond between Sookie and me. I'd hated feeding from them. Their blood revolted me, in fact even the True Bloods had tasted worse then usual. Sookie's blood from our bonding had tainted my taste buds and I knew nothing would ever compare t her sweet and tantalizing blood.

"Very well, I'll be out in a minute". I didn't want to do this but I had promised Pam the night before I would after she found me in my office, yet again thinking of Sookie. Pam not so quietly informed me I was being bad for business with the fact I had rarely stepped foot outside my office and that I had two options. Either I went and sat on my throne or she was going to start sending groups of fangbanger's in here. I had raised my eyebrows at the fact she was giving me an ultimatum and was going to remind her who she was speaking to but I knew I hadn't been as attentive to my club as I should be and was expecting Pam to do a lot more then she already had to. "Your going soft Northman" I had scolded myself as I promised Pam I would make an appearance the next night. Now the next night was here I had to make good on my promise, I always do, I thought as I replaced the object in between my fingers back into the box, before slipping the box back into my pocket. I turned, unlocked the door and went off to the masses.

**********

"Oh you want Master, I was told if you rang to get him immediately" I heard a woman say from behind the bar and watched as the brunette made her way through the busy crowd towards me. Fangtasia had only been opened for less then 2 and bit hours and already we were crowded. I'd already turned away at least 10 wannabe fangbanger's and was beginning to feel bored with what I was seeing.

"Master?" the woman said, addressing me as she got close enough.

"Yes" I replied looking her straight in the eye. To her credit she didn't seem intimidated. That was refreshing.

"Sookie is on the phone" she said handing me the phone and then returning to the bar. I struggled to keep the smile from forming on my face at the fact Sookie was on the phone. I failed. I couldn't help it, my boredom slipped away and was replaced with happiness, love, longing.......and anxiety?

"Hello Lover" I said as soon as the phone was to my ear. I heard a little gasp in reply then absolute silence. Hmmm, I wasn't much of a phone guy but even I knew silence after someone says hello isn't a good sign. I tested our bond to see if I could pick up anything but all I got was the same feelings of happiness, love, longing and yes ….anxiety I felt a moment ago.

"Lover?" I repeated after a few minutes of silence.

"Oh, I'm sorry Eric, hi" Sookie said sounding somewhat incoherent. OK now I was a little worried.

"Is there something wrong?" I asked trying to keep my voice level.

"Um no, sorry I was just um.....looking for something" she said clearly lying. I tried not to chuckle at her dismal attempt. At least my worry level had decreased with this. Now I was just curious.

"And did you find whatever it was you were looking for?"

"Um no, but I'm sure it will turn up" and I could all but see her blush as she said this, realising I knew she was lying. I decided to have a bit of fun.

"I could come over and help you locate it if you would like" I said sending a little wave of lust at her. Not enough to bombard her but enough to make her want to give in. From the feeling I got back I knew it had worked. This bond was beginning to have a lot more perks then I first thought. I was waiting for her to say yes come over when she surprised me.

"No, I wouldn't want to take you away from your worshipers" she teased. No sooner had she said that another pathetic red head fangbanger approached me. I growled at her to back off. I heard a giggle come from the phone. Did Sookie think I growled at her? I did it again, and I got the same response. I smiled, I'd missed that sound. Not that I'd ever say this out loud but it was cute.

"I do love that sound" I said instead, a happy silence fell between us.

"So my Lover, what do I owe this unexpected yet pleasant call" the happy feeling faltered. Huh? I heard her gulp, what was going on?

"Actually I didn't call to talk to you," Sookie replied, either consciously or subconsciously putting the emphasis on the word you. I frowned. "I need to speak to Pam....if that's OK that is" she added extremely politely. That actually hurt......wait I was hurt from her not wanting to talk to me. This was somewhat disturbing. My feelings don't get hurt but yet the thought of her not wanting to speak to me, was like being kicked in the chest. Really what did I expect? I hadn't spoken to her in weeks, did I really think she would come running?

"Eric?" Sookie said quietly a moment later.

"Yes" I replied again trying to keep my voice level. Get a grip Eric, this woman's got you acting like an idiot.

"That didn't come out right. It's not that I don't want to talk to you..." my smile returned "it's just I need Pam's help"

"Why?" I asked curiously.

"It's a girl thing" Sookie said. I chuckled. I had no idea what a 'girl thing' was but I was just relieved that she wasn't avoiding me.

"I see and you want Pam's help" I asked, somewhat in disbelief at her request. Pam didn't exactly socialise with many other females, so why Sookie would ask for Pam's help was a little baffling.

"Yes please, if that's OK with you" I chuckled, inwardly this time at her politeness and the fact she was actually asking my permission. I looked around the bar for Pam, who I found standing near the front entrance watching me curiously. I motioned for her to come to me.

"Yes Master?" she said once she was next to me. I heard Sookie giggle at our formalities, she always did find the whole Master thing amusing.

"It seems Sookie needs your help with a......a girl thing?" I said still having no idea what the hell it was. Pam cocked her head to the side, a curious look on her face before extending her hand for the phone.

"She is here" I told Sookie.

"Thank you Eric"

"Anything for you my Lover" I said, hoping she understood I meant anything. I was just about to hand her over to Pam when Sookie said my name.

"Yes?"

"Thank you for my flowers this morning, they are beautiful" Oh good, she did get them. More importantly she had liked them. I was glad she had liked them. I had personally picked them out, Pam had offered but I said I'd do it, I wanted to make sure the flowers were the best quality around, as only they would be fit for Sookie.

"They are not as beautiful as you" I said truthfully before handing the phone to Pam, who just sighed and rolled her eyes at me and what I had just said.

"Hello beautiful" she said to Sookie, snickering as she mimicked me. I growled at her but she just ignored me and walked away with the phone. No sooner had Pam left the annoying red headed fangbanger reappeared in front of me.

"Aw look at you all alone, I bet I could make your night" she said trying pathetically at being sexy. That's it, I've had enough for one night!

"Oh really?" I said lowering my voice, to make it sexy and inviting and smiled at her. I beckoned her to come forward. Her face lit up like she had won the lottery or something. These stupid fangbanger's were so easy to entice. She made her way up to me, smiling and pushing her boobs out in front of her as she walked. Once she was in front of me she presumed to reach out and touch me. I grasped her wrist and yanked her to me. She gasped and began to tremble in fear. At least she had enough sense to know when she was in danger.

"Don't you EVER presume to touch me. You are filthy and pathetic and not worthy of any vampires attentions, especially mine. Now get the hell out of my bar and don't come back" I snarled and with that I threw her back down the stage steps. She flew for a few metres before landing in a heap on the ground. She just layed there, dazed for a moment, I hadn't thrown her as hard as I could so I knew she wasn't injured, before she got up and practically ran out of Fangtasia. I sighed one down, hundreds to go. The sound of Pam's laughter caught my attention. I turned and saw her smile before saying something to the effect of she'd be there soon. Pam turned and spoke to the brunette behind the bar as she gave her the phone before coming back over to me.

"Sookie requires me at her house, I told her I'd be there shortly" Pam said before turning and walking through the bar to the staff carpark, knowing full well I was right behind her.

Without a word she got into the passenger seat of my Corvette as I got in to mine, ten seconds later we were roaring down the road to Sookie's.

**********

Throughout the drive to Sookie's I had begun to feel an overwhelming feeling of excitement and happiness. I knew it wasn't all my own feelings but if I was to be truthful a big part of it was. Pam noticed this and laughed.

"What so funny?" I asked.

"Your as giddy as a school boy with a crush, it's hilarious" she roared with laughter.

"Shut up" I said, trying to sound mad, but she was right and she damn well knew it. This was probably a good time to ask her opinion on something.

"Can I ask your opinion about something?" I asked. Pam stopped laughing (well slowed it down anyway) when I said this. I could tell I surprised her. I always valued my child's opinions but I didn't always openly ask for it.

"Of course" she said sounding curious.

"Woman like pretty things right?"

"Yes why?" Pam asked trying not to laugh at me.

"Well, take a look at this...." I took one hand of the steering wheel and pulled the box out of my pocket and handed it to her "and tell me what you think". I didn't need to add honestly to that part. Pam was always blunt and to the point.

"Is this what I think it is?" Pam asked, a touch of excitement in her voice as she took the box out of my hand.

"Yes, or at least I'm hoping it will be" I stared straight ahead, as I heard the box creak open. Pam gasped. It sounded strange seeing as she didn't have breathe to gasp in.

"Oh Eric......it's, its....." I sighed

"It's too much isn't it?" Damn it! I thought it was perfect. What the hell did I know about womens tastes?

"Are you kidding me? It's beautiful, its elegant, its.....its Sookie" Pam said smiling.

"That's what I had hoped" I said smiling myself, feeling much better. It was sort of strange to be smiling this much, especially with Pam. I wasn't renown for being a happy cheerful guy but whenever I thought or was near Sookie it felt natural. Same as the romance stuff, I'd never had any thoughts like that in my lifetime, until Sookie. There was times I wasn't sure whether this side of me was a good thing or not. This is the side Hallow's curse had brought out, the side Sookie had fallen in love with. Now that I was me, Eric Northman, Sheriff of Area 5, could she love this side to?

"She's going to love it Eric, almost as much as she loves you" Pam said smiling..

"You can't know that Pam" I said quietly.

"Of course I can, I'm me, I know these things" Pam said proudly. I had to laugh, she was right, she always did have a knack for knowing whether or not things would work out in our favour. Pam wasn't a seer or anything but one could consider it her vampiric gift.

"Well in that case..." I held out my hand "You had better give it back to me because we're almost there" Pam laughed and handed the box back to me. I slid it into my pocket.

"Ooh that means if things go how I know they will, I had better start making plans for you two......." Oh no, here we go. My child was off and running with making plans. I didn't even bother trying to interject, if it's one thing I've learnt with Pam, it's once she starts making plans there's no way to stop her. So I just let her ramble on and on as we drove. Thankfully we were only 5 minutes away.

As we rolled up Sookie's gravel driveway (I was happy to see it was still in good condition, since I had it done for her) I heard squealing and shrieking coming from Sookie's house. My protective instincts were beginning to kick in until I realised that the squealing and shrieking were happy related. I looked at Pam, I knew she could her it to, she just shrugged her shoulders and got out once I had parked the Corvette. I followed suit and walked up Sookie's porch steps, Pam behind me. Once at her front door I raised my arm to knock, but stopped mid air. Now I was here, what was I supposed to say? Sookie was expecting Pam not me and from our earlier conversation, I wasn't sure how she would take me being here.

"Oh for crying out loud" Pam said, shaking her head and before I could stop her she knocked.

"What the hell are you doing?" I hissed. Pam just smiled and stepped to the side of the house, making me the only thing visable when Sookie opened the door. Thanks a fucking lot Pam!

"Hello, who is it?" I heard a breathless Sookie ask.

"Sookie?" I answered, why was she breathless? I quickly sniffed the air, there wasn't another man's scent here, so thankfully I wasn't interrupting anything like that. I don't want to even think of what I would have done if that were the case. I was about to say something when the door suddenly flung open, revealing a wide eyed Sookie. My Sookie. After two torturous weeks, there she was. My beautiful Lover. I looked at her and was overcome by feelings of love, lust and joy. I felt her eyes graze over me taking in every inch of me as my eyes did the same to her. She looked incredibly sexy, in a tight fitted, black t-shirt (which empathised her breasts perfectly, I was almost salivating already), tight blue jeans, that hugged her curves perfectly and black boots. I slowly made me way back up to her face. I almost laughed it seemed she was taking a lot longer to ogle me then I did her, because she seemed to be caught at the lower part of my body. When she finally brought her gaze back up to my face I saw her blush as she saw my amusement.

"Hello Lover" I said smiling. Her face lit up and her blush disappeared. I took this as a sign she enjoyed my term of endearment.

"Hello Eric" She said stepping towards me. My arms seemed to have a mind of there own because I automatically started raising them to hug her. We both stopped when we heard

"Oooh it's Loverboy" coming from the loungeroom. Amelia. I took a step forward and saw Amelia sitting on the couch, a huge grin on her face. I heard Sookie take a deep breath in and out before speaking and doing something unexpected.

"Excuse me for a minute Eric" Sookie said before taking a couple of steps forward and hurling a cushion, which I hadn't even realised she was holding, straight at Amelia. It connected with the witch's head, making her fall back on the couch.

"Nice shoot Sookie" I laughed. Before Sookie could answer Amelia growled and grabbed the cushion and hurled it back at Sookie. Again my instincts took over and I snatched the cushion in mid flight.

"Oh that's so not fair" the witch whined from in the loungeroom. Sookie just burst out laughing, I wasn't sure if it was the witch's whining or the fact I had jut ultimately protected Sookie from a cushion that was making her laugh. I was leaning towards me. Nice Northman, you just protected her from the evil cushion, she'll be eternally grateful. Idiot! To back up my heroic act I narrowed my eyes and glared at the witch.

"Is there a reason you are hurling things at my Lover" The witch just laughed.

"Yes, because she won't admit she wants to have wild monkey sex with you until you scream her name" she said bluntly, smiling wickedly. I felt my brow raise as high as it ever had and I tried not to laugh, but looking back and forth between Sookie and the witch I couldn't hold it in any longer. I roared with laughter as I returned my gaze back at Sookie, who was now about the same shade red as my Corvette. I laughed even more when I heard Sookie mutter "I'm gonna kill her!......is murder still illegal?" I must be missing something if my sweet southern belle had a desire to kill her housemate.

"Only if evidence of it is found. Would you like me to hide the evidence Sookie?" I said before I suddenly realised something.....I'd already done that. Sookie must have came to the same thought because she just looked at me. Before either one of us could speak Pam spoke up

"Aw Master, is there anything you wouldn't do for her?"

"No" I replied at the same time Sookie said "Pam" in a surprised voice. This made Pam and the witch laugh. Sookie obviously just registering what I had said, just looked at me, a smile on her face, which made me smile and for a few moments that's all we did, we just stared into each others eyes, smiling. A mixture of love, lust and happiness flowing through us, and for the first time I actually felt she knew I was being truthful when I answered Pam's question. This moment was destroyed by

"Oh will you two get a room" coming from the loungeroom. The witch really knew how to fuck up a special moment. I wasn't the only one pissed off at the comment. Sookie grabbed the cushion out of my hand and was about to hurl it yet again at the witch when a squeal and "Ooh pillow fight" came from Pam, behind me. What the fuck! I turned around and to my utter amazement there stood Pam, eyes wide and twinkling with delight and mischief. Did my child just squeal?

"I like pillow fights" Pam said excitedly, a smile of pure mischief on her face. She liked pillow fights? She can squeal? I've known Pam for a few centuries now and I can't ever recall her ever squealing in joy. Huh, guess the sayings true.....you learn something new everyday. Back to my first thought, Pam had pillow fights? Who with? I turned back to Sookie, who looked every bit amazed as I was at Pam. Sookie just looked at Pam, before tilting her head and smiling. I was picking up a feeling of amusement and smug from Sookie.

"Why cause you always win?" Sookie said laughing. I looked at Pam and Sookie, then into the loungeroom. Sure enough the witch was there, grinning. Ah! Pam had had pillow fights with her and from Sookies comment it was safe to assume Pam had always won. I smiled proudly at that thought. My child was a good fighter.....even if it was with pillows. I turned back Sookie and Pam in time to see Pam nod her head. I chuckled to myself as I saw Pam's fangs had lowered, in anticipation of another battle.

"Well in that case..." Sookie handed her the cushion "do your worse". My child didn't need to be told twice. In a matter of seconds she was in the loungeroom, looming over the witch, weapon ready.

"SOOOOKIE" the witch wailed as Pam starting battering her. Sookie just laughed and nodded to me for us to go outside.

"Lets leave the children to play" she said, I laughed and stepped back outside so she could follow. As she was shutting the door more squeals and shrieks came from within the loungeroom. It was obvious Pam was winning. That's my girl, I thought proudly, before turning my attentions back to Sookie. Finally we were alone. All I wanted to do was wrap my arms around her and hold her close, but she seemed to have other ideas because she grabbed my hand (I felt a strange, yet pleasant tingle go through me as her skin made contact with mine) and led me over to an old, rickety looking wooden chair. Sookie gestured to me to sit on it as she perched herself on the rail next to it. Humph. I guess she's not ready for us to to be that close yet. Fine, I'll bind my time.

"No you have it" I said but she just shook her head.

"No your my guest, you take it" she insisted in her true polite way. Her southern charm was unfathomable, it was one of the many things I loved about her. Politeness aside I was still trying my hardest not to pounce on her. Having her this close but not in my arms was frustrating me. I frowned as I looked from her to the chair and then back at her, my mind plotting how I could get her in my arms without freaking her out, especially if she wasn't ready for it.

"What's the matter?" She asked sounding and looking confused at me hesitation at sitting on the chair. Shit! She took my frustration and frown at her wooden chair to be that I didn't want to sit in it, or maybe she thought I was worried about breaking it. Whatever she was thinking she was wrong.

"There's nothing wrong with the chair" I said trying to cull her confusion. It didn't work because she said "OK so if it's not the chair then what's the problem?" Enough pussyfooting around Eric, you've always taken what you've wanted, you want Sookie, take her. If it were any other woman I would take my own advice but this was Sookie, she did not like to be pushed into doing something she didn't want to do. Force wasn't going to get me what I wanted but I knew what would. I stepped closer to her and braced my hands on either side of her on the rail and moved so we were just inches apart. I could hear her heartbeat quicken as I lent closer and gazed into her big and mesmerising blue eyes. It was taking a lot of self control to not just kiss her, but instead I turned up the charm (a 1000 years of practice comes in handy) and proceeded to give her what humans call puppy dog eyes (I severely hoped I didn't look like a canine at that moment) and spoke softly

"It's just if I sit over there, and you sit over here how am I supposed to be able to touch you, you'll be too far away"Gotcha ya! I thought smugly. Sookie's eyes went wide and she smiled warmly, love and happiness sweeping across me from her. God she was beautiful I thought as I reacquainted myself with her flawless face. She always did have the softest skin and matched with her big blue eyes, perfect little nose and her very kissable lips, she was a vision of beautiful perfection. Did I mention how good she smelled? She was wearing the faintest hint of perfume (some sort of flower, I couldn't tell which) but it was her natural sweet scent that was driving me crazy.

"Oh now that would just be cruel wouldn't it?" Sookie replied teasingly to my comment. Cheeky! I decided to add something else irresistible to my still ongoing puppy dog eyes, a pout. This melted her even more. I knew that she knew I was putting it on but she seemed to be enjoying it immensely. I was just glad Pam wasn't out here, I'd never live it down.

"Any suggestions as to how to solve this problem" Sookie said giving me a very sexy smile. She shouldn't have said that. My puppy dog eyes disappeared and I smiled wickedly. I quickly

scooped her off the rail and she laughed as I twirled us around (not sure why I did that but it made her laugh so who cares) before sitting us both down on the wooden chair.

"Much better" I said as I held her tight, whilst she snuggled into me and rested her head on my shoulder. The way she molded into me was like she was made to fit into my arms. I kissed her head and rested my cheek on it. I sighed inwardly, this here made the last two weeks worth it. Having here in my arms, her snuggling into me was as perfect as it could get. We just sat in complete silence, love, desire and happiness flowing between us. This moment, here only strengthened my reserve that nothing and no one would come between us or take her from me.

Our silence was cut when I heard Sookie sigh. It didn't sound like an unhappy sigh but I still asked "Is something wrong?" Sookie just snuggled into me more before saying happily

"Nope, this is perfect" I'm glad she thought so to. I kissed her head again and hugged her tighter, all my insecurities of her rejecting me had vanished. I was happy. I never expected to feel that way, I never thought I would be able to but yet here I am. Even though I was happy there was still the feelings of fear and regret below it. She was a remarkable woman but why was she allowing me to be with her after I abandoned her?

"I'm sorry" I said quietly. I felt her body tense against my bare arms.

"What for?" she asked.

"For abandoning you" Sookie shifted in my arms and sat up, her expression soft yet a little confused.

"You didn't abandon me, you never have and you never will" she said cupping my cheek and stroking it with her thumb. My body tingled again at this caress. I turned my head and kissed her palm.

"Yes I did, I haven't contacted you for weeks, I all but ignored you when the King was here and...." I was cut off by her placing her fingers on my lips.

"Don't" Sookie said.

"Sook..."

"I said don't. There's no reason for you to apologise. I know you couldn't come or contact me when the King was here, it would have been too risky for you..... and me for that matter, especially since he knows we are bonded" She shuddered as she said this and I could tell from the way she was looking at me and the fear and anxiety she unknowingly projected to me that she was replaying the night of Siegbert's attack like I had so many times.

"You know I'd never let anything or anyone harm you Sookie" I assured her gently pulling her fingers away from my lips so I could entwine my fingers through hers. Sookie smiled at me.

"I know. That's why you stayed away" she said bringing our hands up to her lips and kissed mine. I marvelled at this gesture. No one had ever done that. "You were protecting me.....and us, just like always" Sookie lent forward and placed a soft yet meaningful kiss on my lips, before she moved to whisper in my ear something I wasn't prepared for "That's one of the many reasons I love you" My body jerked at the amount of emphasis she put on I Love you. I had longed to hear those words come from her lips but now that she had I was stunned. I couldn't move, I couldn't speak. She loves me?

"Vampire got your tongue?" she giggled as she quickly licked my earlobe, sending a jolt of pleasure through my body before she rose back up and looked at me. Even through my wide eyed, stunned state I saw she was looking very smug with herself, obviously relishing in the fact I was stunned. I blinked to clear my vision.

"Say it again" I asked, my voice actually trembling, which made her giggle. I'd become a trembling sop, but at this point I didn't really care I just needed to hear her say she loves me again. Sookie lent forward and kissed me hard on the lips before speaking

"I love you, I love you, I love you" punctuating each I love you with a kiss on my lips. I raised my hands to cup her face, so as to hold her still. She smiled at me, love emitting from her in a endless wave. She really did love me. I had a momentary smug moment myself as I knew we'd get to this point someday. My mouth curled up into a smile as I said

"And I love you" I said before bringing her lips to mine again. I had planned on kissing her softly but something came over both of us which turned our kiss into anything but soft. This kiss was deep, passionate and hungry. I glided my tongue over her lips and parted them and as soon as I did we became a frenzy as our tongues clashed and fought for dominance, our hands immediately entwined in each others, securing ourselves to each other. I immediately grew hard under her as our pent up lust began to boil. I had to laugh to myself at her eagerness, my little sex kitten was getting all hot and bothered and her arousal was making me crazed. I could smell how wet she was getting and how much she wanted me to fuck her. The thought of being inside her hot and wet folds, hearing her cry out my name as I entered her and made her come was something I had fantasized about for a long time (even before I regained my memories, they just made the urge more powerful) and I was trying to stop myself from throwing her (gently) down on the porch and fucking her (then making love to her) or just doing it we're we sat. It was clear Sookie was having the same ideas because I felt her grind against me as if to move. I would have happily helped her but we were interrupted.

"Sookie phone" I was vaguely aware it was Pam but was too caught up in Sookie to be sure or really give a shit.

"Tell them I'm busy" Sookie mumbled as she took this moment to take a breath before our kisses continued.

"Bill, Sookie is busy having sex with Eric at the moment, she can't talk right now" Our kissing marathon abruptly stopped. I felt Sookie break away (I think I actually whimpered) and snap her head towards Pam. I didn't need to look at Pam to know she was thoroughly enjoying elaborating what we were doing. I couldn't help but find myself amused at the thought of Bill's face when Pam told him what we were doing. I guess he didn't believe her cause Pam spoke again.

"I said they are having sex and she can't talk right now. Maybe you need to get your hearing checked Bill" . Sookie laughed.

"What does he want" I mumbled as I began taking advantage of Sookie's turned head, exposing her luscious neck. I began kissing my way down her jaw to her neck. She elicited a little moan as I stopped to lick and nibble her earlobe, paying her back for her previous lick on mine

"Yes what does he want" Sookie asked or rather moaned as I continued kissing down her neck, not stopping as I gently pulled her top down to expose her collar bone. I knew I was driving her insane and couldn't help but imagine the noises I was going to get out of her when we were alone.

"I'm presuming he wants you but from what he's muttering about Eric, I may be wrong" Pam laughed.

"What's he saying?" Sookie asked curiously, struggling to be coherent.

"Something to the effect that he desires to fight master till the end over you" Pam said, before hissing a second later. As soon as Pam hissed Sookie's whole demeanor changed. Her eyes opened and she growled a furious growl (I would have laughed if it were under different circumstances, I couldn't recall ever hearing Sookie growl) as her lustful feelings turned to that of anger. Fucking Compton! I'm going to kill him. I swore to myself as my own feelings changed. I should have killed him ages ago, he'd given me enough reasons to, now he had just given me three more. How dare he call Sookie, what had he done now to make her this furious, so quickly? How dare he yell at my child, I knew he had by the intensity of Pam's hiss opened and who the hell did h think he was wanting to fight me? Maybe I should give him his wish, at least then when I killed him I could claim self defense, not that I needed a defense but at least it would go over easier with Sookie. She's is the only reason he is still alive. If I didn't know she would be upset by his final death I would have ended his miserable existence long ago. I still didn't see what hold he had over her.

"Give me the phone" Sookie snapped at Pam. My Southern belle had disappeared and was replaced by a very pissed of, almost dare I say it.....bitch. Pam's eyes began dancing in amusement at Sookie's tone as she walked over to give her the phone.

"Sookie, you don't have to deal with Compton, I'll gladly do it for you" I said as I felt my eyes becoming dark and narrowed. Sookie shook my head,

"No, let me go first, then you can lay into him if you want" she said angrily. I eyes momentarily widened in surprise. She was actually going to have a go at Bill? She was actually going to let me have a go at Bill? Maybe I had over estimated his hold on her. I wasn't sure if it was wise to say anything to her, not when she was this pissed off so I just nodded. Pam handed Sookie the phone, receiving a "thank you" as she did. I was surprised and somewhat amused, even in her pissed off state she could remember her manners. Sookie really was a remarkable woman.

"Who the hell do you think you are yelling at Pam and thinking of fighting Eric?" Sookie snapped at Bill as soon as she had the phone to her ear. OK I could tell that was the end of her politeness for awhile.

"Oh don't Sookie me Bill, I've had enough" she snapped again before jumping off my lap. I tried to hold onto her but couldn't. Sookie began pacing her porch as she continued her conversation with Bill. "I am sick and tired of you ringing me...." pause whilst he spoke "Yes, you do Bill, you have rung me every second night for the past 2 weeks. I would have thought you would have picked up on how much I am sick and tired of it when I kept hanging up on you" I snickered at this, so did Pam. My Sookie had clearly had enough of Compton's overbearing and sickening attempts to cling to her. Sookie suddenly laughed.

"That's another thing I'm sick and tired of hearing Bill, if you love me so much, let me go, your hurting me more by harassing me then you are helping keep me safe" My anger rose at the nerve of him claiming to still love her. How much more was he going to put Sookie through?

"You always had my best interests at heart?" Sookie laughed again. "Yeah right Bill. Did you have them when you left and cheated on me with Lorena," I cringed at the memory of what happened to Sookie when we went looking for Bill, although it had almost turned out quite nicely when she had my blood, I was almost certain we would have ended up having sex if Bubba hadn't of interrupted.

"Or how about when you raped me in the trunk once I saved your sorry ass" Excuse me? Did she just say what I think she said? He RAPED her? I KNEW IT! I knew as soon as I ripped the trunk open, from the absolute horror and terrified look on her face Bill had done something. I could smell the sex but I hadn't thought he could have done that......or did I and I just didn't want to admit it "or better still when you were ordered to come to Bon Temps to seduce me into working for your Queen?" by this point Sookie was yelling but I couldn't look at her. He'd raped her. I heard the part about the queen (which was a whole other issue) but I was still stuck on what Bill did to her. I knew vampires were monsters who could and do do most everything but even we didn't condone rape. How could he? How could he violate the woman he claimed he loved.....especially after she had just literally risked her life to save him. How could I have been so blind at what I saw? Why didn't I do something? If only I had got to her sooner, I could have protected her, I could have stopped him. The thought of her being violated broke me and for the first in a long, long time I felt tears fill my eyes. I shook my head to try and make them disappear but it was too late. They were there and to make matters worse Sookie had felt my despair and turned around. I tried to look away but almost with vampiric speed she was back in my lap, her lips on mine. She was flooding me with love and happiness, almost as if to wash away my sadness and guilt. I let the emotion roll over me, she could never fully take my sadness or guilt but she did help somewhat. Our moment was yet again interrupted, but this time I had to smile, I could hear Bill frantically asking Sookie what she was doing and what the noise was.

"Lover I do believe Compton is inquiring as to what you are doing" I said looking pointedly at the phone she had dropped in her lap. Sookie looked down and laughed "Oops" as she picked it back up.

"You really want to know what I am doing Bill?" Sookie asked winking at me. I looked at her curiously.

"I'm sitting here kissing the man that I love and who loves me" Sookie said loud and proud. I couldn't hold my own proud feeling in. Sookie had just admitted to Bill of all people that she loved me. In my eyes this ended any hold Bill thought he had on her. She was mine and he now knew it and he couldn't even dispute it because she had been the one to say it not me.

"I do love you" I said loudly before leaning in and kissing her softly yet passionately. No sooner had we said our declarations I felt Sookie's struggle not to laugh as we heard Pam again squeal in delight.

"Finally" Pam exclaimed happily. "Amelia they finally said it" She yelled into the house, the witch's reply was a equally excited squeal. Sookie couldn't hold it in any longer she laughed as she continued kissing me. It felt strange but we kept kissing. I had to admit I was quite amused myself. I knew Pam had been waiting impatiently for me and Sookie to admit our feeling almost as long as we had waited to admit it to each other. At least now Pam couldn't keep pestering me to say it like she had been. Truth be told.....she'd been saying since we first met Sookie, she knew Sookie intrigued me and once Dallas happened Pam knew I was in deep with Sookie and she loved reiterating the fact after every event that Sookie and I had been through together, we would become closer. Since Rhodes Pam had been almost unbearable to be around. "Just go tell her you love her, she loves you" Well Pam finally got her wish. Although something told me now she was going to be even more persistent with us. Who cares? I am kissing the woman of my dreams and she is enthusiastically kissing me back. I'll worry about Pam later, but right now theres was an even bigger problem. Compton. I broke away from our kiss and took the phone from Sookie, never breaking my eye contact with her.

"Compton, I believe Sookie has made up her mind who she wants and you would be wise to appreciate that. As for everything she has said and for hurting my child's feelings I will be over shortly to discuss these with you. DO NOT go anywhere until I arrive" and with that I hung up on Bill.

"Master would you like me to go over to Bill's and make sure he doesn't go anywhere?" Pam asked fangs out, sounding very hopeful.

"That won't be necessary Pam, I'll deal with him myself. Nobody will disrespect my girls like that and go unpunished" I replied looking from Pam to Sookie. They are the two most important people in my life, they were MY girls and no one does anything to them and goes unpunished.

"You never let me have any fun" Pam said. Sookie laughed and as I looked at Pam I could see why she suddenly looked like a little child, with her crossed arms and her pout instead of a leather clad, scary vampire. I sighed but smiled. I knew Pam loved to 'play' with her victims and I thoroughly enjoyed it when she did, she even amazed me at her ingenious 'play' techniques but this was one time I had to 'play' for myself.

"Pam, I know how much you like to 'play' and I promise the next person I need to deal with you can play with but I need to deal with Compton, understood?" I said sternly yet gently.

Pam just nodded, looking slightly happier but still with a tinge of annoyance at not being able to 'play' with Bill.


"Aw cheer up Pam, you may not be able to 'play' with Bill, but I still need your help with my 'girl thing'" Sookie said cheerfully, winking at her when she said 'girl thing'. I watched Pam's face light up at Sookie's wink, What was this 'girl thing' and why was Pam so excited about it? I wondered.

"Oh yes, your 'girl thing'. Is it time?" Pam asked gleefully. Sookie looked at me and smiled. She was anxious yet very happy at the same time.

"What is this 'girl thing' you keep referring to?" I asked curiously hoping to distract her anxious feeling (I presume they were in regards to my visit with Bill) and because this 'girl thing' had me perplexed. Sookie looked at me for a moment then turned to Pam and smiled.

"Never mind" they both said in unison, smiling cheekily.

"You two are upto something" I stated, narrowing my eyes at them both. My girls were conspiring against me and I wasn't sure I liked the idea of that.

"Mayyyybe.....maybe not" Sookie said still smiling cheekily. Oh she was definitely upto something, but what? I was going to start questioning her but she just kissed me sweetly. "Now you go talk to Bill, whilst me and the girls go do our girly stuff" she said as she quickly jumped off his lap and took a step back far enough away were she knew I couldn't reach her. Now she was being cruel. I went to pout but she must have anticipated that because she turned and spoke to Pam.

"Pam could you go get Amelia and go to my room, it'll be easier in there" Pam nodded.

"As you wish Mistress" Pam replied winking at Sookie. I chuckled, I just knew Pam had been dying (ha ha) to use that word on Sookie. I didn't need to see Sookie's reaction to the word Mistress, because from the way she cocked her head to the side and the instant confusion that hit as soon as Pam called her that I knew she was taking it the wrong way an had forgotten the formalities of Pam's and mine relationship.


"Why is she calling me Mistress?" Sookie said outloud I heard chuckled and wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her back into my chest. I loved the way she instinctively relaxed in my arms. Like she knew she was safe and would be loved there, and she was and would continue to be.

"Pam called you Mistress because I am her Master and you are my Lover" I explained as I nuzzled her hair.

"But shouldn't she only say that when we're married or something?" Sookie asked and I almost did a squeal myself. A massive grin found its way across my face. Had she thought about us getting married too? It was now legal in Louisiana. Sookie looked up and caught me grinning, she looked me curiously.

"So you wish to be called Mistress after we're married?" I asked sounding amused and probably a little over hopeful. I saw her curiosity go to confusion then surprise. I guess she hadn't remembered what she said until I reminded her (sort of ironic when you think about it). I watched as she looked at me intently and I could almost hear her thoughts on what being married to me would be like. I'd given that thought a lot of thinking over these past weeks. I had pictured her in a flowing, elegant white gown and me nervous as hell at the alter, tugging at my tux (I know I looked good in a suit but seriously despised the whole penguin looking thing....I'm more of a t-shirt and jeans kind of guy). I'd also given thought to where we would live, I didn't particurally enjoy the thought of commuting between her house in Bon Temps and mine (well one of) in Shrevepoint. I would buy her...us a house in the middle of the two if she would prefer that, but I secretly hoped she would one day agree to move in with me.

"Do not fret Dear One, we have all the time in the world for that. But now" I said and paused to kiss Sookie's cheek "you must go do your 'girly stuff'" She giggled when I said 'girly stuff' "Whilst I go talk to Compton" I finished making sure to put a lot of emphasis on the talk part, as if to assure her I wasn't going to kill Bill, no matter how much I wanted to. Sookie swiveled in my arms and put her arms around my neck and pulled me down so she could give me a kiss. This kiss wasn't a normal kiss, it was a 'thank you for putting your feelings aside and not going to kill Bill" kind of kiss I responded with a 'your welcome' kiss.. We stood there for a few moments, just kissing. I could definitely get used to this, I thought happily

"Are you going to come back here after Bill's?" Sookie asked as she reluctantly broke our kiss. I didn't want her to but I knew why she did, neither one of us was going to get anything done if we didn't, besides if our earlier kisses were anything to go by it wouldn't be long till our lust would be at boiling point.

"If that is OK with you" I asked smiling at her. She nodded and smiled back

"That is very OK with me"

"Good, I look forward to it" I said sexily and wiggling my eyebrows at her, letting her know I wasn't done with her yet. Sookie just shook my head

"I'm not having sex with you Eric" she said bluntly. I quickly pouted, pretending to be hurt, which just made her giggle. I tend to make her do that a lot I thought happily. Sookie reached up to my ear

"At least not tonight" she purred. Ah there's my little sex kitten I thought as I sent a heavier wave of lust and love to her and just like earlier on the phone at Fangtasia I knew I had succeeded.

"Alrighty now you go do your thing and I'll go do mine" Sookie said over cheerfully as she unwrapped her arms from around my neck. She wasn't fooling me, I knew her lust begging to be released. This was thoroughly amusing but I decided to be kind and went along and unwrapped my arms from around her waist.

"I'll be back shortly" I said kissing her forehead before turning to leave. I hadn't even got down two steps before I felt Sookie feel sad and call my name. I just grinned and without a word I turned and walked up one step at the same time as Sookie all but ran to meet me. Our lips met for a passionate and very loving kiss.

"I love you" Sookie murmured against my lips.

"I love you too" I replied, kissing her softly on her lips, her nose and then her forehead. Sookie smiled.

"OK you can now go" she said once I had finished kissing her. I chuckled as I pulled away, turned and started walking fast down the stairs, knowing that if I didn't go now I may not be able to. I heard Sookie giggle (again, I was amazed at how much that woman can giggle) as I took flight once I reached the bottom step. I knew she was watching me as I rose higher and disappeared from view, bu what she didn't know was I wasn't going anywhere till I knew she was safe and inside. I lowered myself enough to see Pam and Amelia sitting on Sookie's bed, they were laughing about something. What is it and woman laughing? I think I heard my name mentioned through the crack that the window was open. Hmmm, I was quite tempted to land on the roof and eavesdrop but I knew Sookie and Pam would be able after awhile to tell I was there, and I did no need to piss my girls off, not after everything was for once happy and calm. I smiled as Sookie walked into her room, she saw the girls on her bed and laughed at something Pam said. I decided to leave on that note. She was happy and I knew she would be safe until I was able to return. With that in mind I turned and made my way to Bills. It's time we settled things once and for all. I knew I couldn't kill him but I wasn't about to sit back and let him go unpunished.

My smile widened as I began thinking of ways to punish him.

TBC

OK here we are peoples. I know Eric may have come off a bit soft in parts of this but I wanted his vulnerable and romantic side to come out and play, he can't always be a bad ass ;) But next chapter of his I promise he will be a bad ass! I hope I did Eric justice, please review.