Disclaimer: I don't own the Southern Vampires. Sole copyright belongs to Charlaine Harris. I'm poor, please don't sue. Most of the characters are Charlaine Harris's... but some are mine! All the mistakes are my own.

Chapter Five:

It had been a week since I had seen Sookie. I was sure she was adjusting to her new situation, what I had disclosed to her must have had her reeling. She was baffling to me. I knew I wanted her, her body called to me, but I was not to happy about the reactions I had around her. I had nearly come to blows with the Sheriff and his minions, and I had told her about the Queen. I was astonished at some of the things that came out of my mouth when I was around her.

'What the hell was I thinking? What was this woman doing to me?' I began to think maybe this was a bad idea. 'My draw to her makes me weak. The fucking drainers got to me! What a rookie ass new vampire mistake. I am Eric Fucking Northman! I do not fall for human women. I do not care about anyone besides myself and maybe Pam. Perhaps I should hand her over, try to make sure she is not harmed, that she may retain some of her freedom, and that could be the extent of it.'

I had a pang in my chest at the thought and then I became more infuriated. 'See, what was that?' I thought spitefully. 'Guilt? How can she provoke these feelings in me? I can not be distracted by thoughts of...her. I have been thinking about her more than I like. I should just have her, and get it over with, get her out of my system!' I was unsettled by the way I felt around her. I am not good at feelings.

Maybe it was time to call my child. I could use her assistance and I was sure she would help me to assess a situation. I did not always agree with Pam but I trusted her more than anyone else. I got out my cell phone and started tossing it in the air and catching it. But after I thought about it for a moment,'I am a thousand years old. I have been with thousands of woman. I do not need my child to assist me in this.' I went to shove my phone back in my pocket when it rang.

"I am here." I answered

"Northman, Richard Smith here. I am the Sheriff's second. You were told to call me to set up a time to come to Lorena's and meet with the Sheriff." He said chidingly.

My fangs ran out with my annoyance, but I kept my voice steady. "Ah yes Dick, I was going to call." I could not help myself from making the reference.

'Maybe I should take out Compton and be Sheriff. Then no more groveling.' I thought, 'Especially when the piece of shit your groveling to is not worth their weight in blood.'

"It's Richard not Dick, and you will come tomorrow night. Bring the human. My Master wishes to thank her in person." Dick said nastily.

'Thank her my ass!' "Of course. Tomorrow then, Dick." I said and hung up.

"FUCK!" Now I had to convince Sookie to go with me to see the Sheriff. It was going to be a long night.

*****~~~~~*****

I had been pacing out in the woods for over an hour. I was waiting for Sookie to come home. 'Where is that woman?' I couldn't help my agitation. She usually was at her home, but tonight she was out. As I continued my pacing, a truck lurched down Sookie's gravel driveway. I moved behind a nearby tree to conceal myself.

The truck stopped in front of her house and Sookie's boss jumped out and ran to the passengers side door to open it. When he did, out stepped a stunning Sookie. She was wearing a bronze silk short sleeved shirt, that showed off her luscious breasts, and khaki pants. Her hair was pulled up into a pony tail and her faced glowed in the moonlight.'She looks lovely.' I thought for a second. Then realization crept up on me. 'She has dressed up and gone out with the SHIFTER? What is this? Have I missed something?' I didn't move. I could not take my eyes off them.

I watched the Shifter walk Sookie to her door. 'A date?' The Shifter leaned over to kiss her and I nearly ripped tree right out of the ground. It was a small kiss, no tongue, but just the thought of his lips on hers enraged me. 'Why do I care? She is just a human.' I told myself 'Am I jealous? No impossible.' She pulled back and I listened closely so I could hear them speak.

"I had a good time tonight Sam, thanks." Sookie said with a small smile.

"Me too Cher. Will you go out with me again?" The Shifter looked at her yearningly. I should have known he had a thing for her from the way he tried to warn me off. 'It is as if she enchants every male she meets.'

"We'll see." She said softly. 'Would she consider it? Dating a dirty Shifter?' "Goodnight Sam." Sookie said turning away to unlock her front door. The Shifter watched her as she entered her home and then made his way to the truck.

After the Shifter had left, I decided to go see what Sookie was up to. It wasn't hard to find her room since it was the only one with a light still on. I went to the window and peaked inside, Sookie was not there. I took my time scanning the small room. I was surprised to see what her bedroom looked like, it had white wicker furniture and a small single bed. There were books laying about, Sookie seemed to be quite the reader. I waited silently for her return and in a few minutes she did, wearing only a towel. Her long blond hair lay in wet tangles around her head. I closed my eyes for a minute imagining what Sookie would look like with water running down her bare body as steam from the hot shower misted around her. I could not stop my fangs from running out.

I opened my eyes and saw her dropping her towel. Her back was to the window and I had a perfect view of her backside. My eyes roamed over her voluptuous body mapping out every inch of the skin I was going to explore. She went to her dresser and pulled out a pair of small white panties, pulling them on. She opened a different drawer and pulled out a long flannel nightgown. It looked a little worn, but it made her look so innocent. I couldn't help but lick my lips. Sookie made her way to the bed and just as she was going to settle in, I decided now was a good time to interrupt her, so I knocked on her window.

Sookie jumped, startled. She stared at me through the window for a moment and then made her way over. I gave her one of my winning smiles, and she scowled a little bit. 'What is that for? This woman mystifies me.'

Sookie opened her window and said, "Eric what are you doing here? Can't this wait until tomorrow. I need to get some sleep." Sookie yawned.

"No. I need to speak with you. I received a call from the Sheriff. He requests that we come to his saloon in Shreveport tomorrow night."

"I know." She said offhandedly.

"You know? How is this?" I asked a little coldly.

"Bill called me. He said he had invited you and me to his place. He said he already talked to you."

"Ah." 'What the hell. Fucking Compton, I knew he was interested, but to contact her himself?' "Yes, his second in command contacted me earlier tonight." I was still upset at seeing the Shifter with her, now I have to worry about another male vying for her attentions, the Sheriff no less. Sookie had told me that she did not have luck with men, but I know now that only pertains to human men. Supe men on the other hand, seem to be drawn to her. Every Supe she had come in contact with was intrigued by her. It made me feel both curious and possessive. 'She should be mine.' When I was away from her, I felt so conflicted. In her presence, it was clear, I only had one agenda. That was making her mine.

"Oh, Bill called me last night." 'What?'

"Sookie you must be cautious with the Sheriff. He sees humans merely as blood bags. He uses them and tosses them away." 'As do I...most of the time.' "I am not sure what his intentions are, other than to find out more about your gift." 'And bed you.' I added silently. 'The Queen will not be happy if he interferes.' "So you will accompany me to his Saloon then?"

"Yes." She said sounding resigned. 'What is it with this woman, most women would lick my boots just for a glance from me. This will not do.'

"Good. I will pick you up at 8:00 PM." I was about to make a grand exit, and but instead said, "Sweet dreams Sookie." I winked at her and took to the sky.

*****~~~~*****

The next night I woke with a banging at my front door. I quickly rose from my resting place. The old Compton place had a cellar. There was a trap door in the kitchen that went down into it. Bobby had it transformed into a cozy little single bedroom. It was only about ten feet by ten feet but it fit a queen sized bed, two nightstands, and one tall chest of drawers. Its walls were painted a light gray and the room had accents of black and a deep plum color. It was simple but accommodating. I would not rest in the dirt unless absolutely necessary. I had spent too many days like that in my long life.

As I approached the front door I could hear a sobbing outside and I could feel it was Sookie the closer I got to her. She had only had a few drops of my blood, but when I was close to her, I could feel her faintly. I swung open the door and she screeched and threw herself at me. I grabbed her pulling her in my arms and she held me tightly around the waist. I don't have any modestly left after so many centuries, I have seen it all, but it wasn't long before Sookie noticed I wasn't wearing any clothing.

Her face blushed a attractive pink as she pulled back, looking away from me, as she gasped. My body was showing her just how much I liked her close to me. I couldn't help the smirk that crossed my face. She could not hide her attraction to me.

"Eric! You don't have any clothes on!" She said sounding aghast, but I could feel traces of lust coming from her.

"Does it offend you? I usually sleep nude. I heard your pounding at my door and I did not even think about it." I stated simply.

"I am so glad you are OK, but do you think you could put something on. I have to talk to you, but first you need clothes." She said a little rushed, biting her lip.

"Of course." I said walking slowly back to the kitchen. When I reached the doorway I said, "Sookie," I glanced over my should giving her full view of my backside. 'It's only fair.' She couldn't help but turn at hearing her name and her mouth dropped open as she stared at my bottom. "I will be right back." I said watching her face flush an even deeper shade of pink.

I went down quickly and threw on a pair of jeans and made my way back upstairs. This time I made sure to cover the trap door with the area rug that kept it concealed, and moved the kitchen table back over it. I made my way back to the foyer but Sookie had gone. I found her in the living room, and she was standing near a window, just staring out into the night.

I walked up behind her and when I placed my hands on her arms she was startled. "Eric! Jesus Christ Shepard of Judea, you nearly scared me to death!" She seemed irritated and I found it amusing. 'She is such a little fireball.'

"Tell me, what is troubling you Sookie?"

"I was worried you were killed along with the other Vampires,you know, the ones from the other night."

"What? Tell me." I commanded. 'What is going on. Some sort of attack? A takeover?'

"Well today they found four Vampires dead in a house in Monroe. It was Liam, Malcolm, Diane, and a Vampire they couldn't identify. I was worried it might be you. A group of locals were upset by them at Merlotte's the other night, and they were tracked down and the home that they rested in was burned down. I was worried you were visiting them or something." 'She worries about me? This is good.'

"Why would you think it would be me Sookie? I would not waste my time with the likes of them."

"I don't know..." She shrugged, "its just that...I thought maybe, I mean since they were here the other night and all. Do you think it was Bill?"

"Why did you not tell me about this? " I asked incredulously, completely ignoring her question of Bill. 'Why would she be concerned about him?'

"I'm sorry. I never thought this would happen. I heard that the patrons were riled up, in their heads, but this never crossed my mind. I don't think it would have happened if it wasn't for the murdered women." She rambled.

"Yes, I read about that in the news paper." The women had fang marks but they turned out to be not fresh. I had briefly wondered if it was Malcolm and his nest mates. They were not much interested in mainstreaming, but when the papers released that the girls were not drained I dismissed the thought.

"The police think the killer is targeting people who associate with Vampires." She said solemnly.

"You must be careful Sookie. You have been seen with me, not often but the connection is there. Have you been out with any other Vampires?" I wasn't sure I wanted the answer and I tensed up.

"No. You,re the only one I know. I mean besides Bill and the other three, but I only saw them once...here, so..."

"Good. Now are you calm? I think maybe we should get ready to see the Sheriff." Sookie was staring at my chest and I could smell her arousal. I leaned in as close as I could without touching her and she held her breath.

"I will see you shortly, min framtid älskare."

She blinked and looked me right in the eyes. I leaned those few inches and brushed my lips briefly against hers, before showing her out.

*****~~~~*****

The drive to Lorena's was quiet. Sookie seemed to be lost in her own thoughts. I was busy taking sidelong glances at her. She was enticing tonight with her little white dress with red flowers. She was utterly a southern belle. I knew she would stand out tonight. Who wouldn't notice her, she is like the sun breaking into the darkness.

When we were almost there I decided to break the uncomfortable silence.

"Are you anxious Sookie?"

"Um, yeah a little." She shrugged. I could tell she was trying to brush it off. She had little worry lines in her forehead and her body was so tense. I moved my hand to cover her own that were sitting in her lap.

"I will take care of you. Stay close to me and let me do the talking. I have much experience maneuvering in this world."

"Eric, I am not helpless. I can take care of myself." She said indignantly. "Why are you bothering with me anyway? Why are you going through all this trouble?"

I was stunned. 'Why am I risking myself for a human? It is as baffling to me as it is to her.' "I told you, I care about you." I had told her that and that fact seemed strange to me even now. It seemed she confused me, on one hand I wanted to be rid of these feelings, be rid of the strange reactions I had to her. But when I was around her, I found I felt something that I have rarely felt in my long existence...happiness. Even though she was difficult to figure out, that was one of the things that drew me to her. She was an intriguing mystery wrapped up in a mouthwatering package.

"I care about you too." She said softly. I couldn't stop the enormous smile that crept onto my face.

"Well just trust me things will be fine." I was not so sure that would be the case, but she seemed to need the reassurance.

"Thanks for doing this Eric." She said with a sweet smile as she moved to turn her palm up to mine. Our fingers interlaced.

"My pleasure, Sookie." I said as we pulled into the parking lot at Lorena's.

When I parked I turned to her and leaned in to taste her lips. She allowed this and pulled me closer to her. I slipped my hand deftly to the side of the seat and pulled the lever that allowed it to recline back. I moved gently pressing my body more fully on hers and I whispered. "You should let me take some of your blood love," I paused and she shivered. "And you should have some of mine."

She pulled back then with an astonished look on her face. "Why would I take your blood?" I couldn't help but notice she did not say anything about me taking hers.

"It would mark you more as mine. You remember how that bitch Vampire from the other night said she could smell that I had not had you?" Sookie just nodded slowly, I continued, "This would mark you more as mine. It would help to convince them that you are not one to be messed with. That you are under my protection. It is for your own safety." 'And it will bring you closer to me.' I added silently to myself.

"Do I have to? I mean can't you just take some of mine? Do I really need to take yours?"

"Yes, I think it is a good idea. I think you would not be comfortable if the Sheriff or any of the other Vampires decided they want to...have you." I said a bit clipped. 'I do not just offer my blood to just anyone. Does she not see what a gift I am offering her? Why am I doing this? I seem to be further intrenching myself with this woman, but this should help to bring out her lust for me.' I couldn't help but to imagine taking her right here.

"OK...but I am not sure how to...ummm...do this." She said blushing her enticing pink and I spoke huskily at the thought of her blood, "I will show you, relax, min framtid älskare." I crooned as I trailed wet kisses down her neck.

I licked the small pulsing spot on her neck and elicited a soft moan from Sookie. This provoked me to make my move and I slowly sunk my teeth into her neck. I took several pulls of her blood and felt its sweet warmness make its way down my throat. I groaned as I pulled away and bit my wrist. I placed it in front of her mouth and said hoarsely, "Drink."

Sookie hesitated for a moment then placed her mouth on the bleeding wound. As she sucked a pleasure ran through me. I could feel my blood coursing through her veins and I could feel her pleasure along with my own. I snaked my hand up her dress and lightly rubbed her through her panties. I could feel her wetness, and just as I was about to slip my fingers in to feel her, she stopped my attentions by grabbing my wrist.

"Please..." She gasped, "We are going to to meet the Sheriff." I could see the dark haze of lust in her eyes and felt fully ready to show her my own. I pulled back and was feeling my need for her rising. 'Fucking Sheriff.'

******~~~~~~*****

A/N: Hope ya liked it! Please do me the favor of hitting the little green button and letting me know!