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 Eight:

It was a couple of days before the Glorious Dead meeting, which Sheriff Compton was supposed to attend for Sookie's grandmother. I did not like the idea of Compton trying to wiggle his way into her life by ways of her family, but it seemed like the asshole was exploiting every angle. For the last two weeks, he has sent Sookie flowers, shown up at her work, and had been stopping by for conversations with her grandmother.

I was completely overwhelmed with my feeling of hatred for him. He was openly defying me by perusing what is rightfully mine. Sheriff or no, there were rules, and he seemed to overlook every one of them. The only thing keeping him from becoming finally dead was the fact that Andre had forbid it. Compton was dangerous and I knew I had to warn Sookie's grandmother. I had been putting it off. I was not sure of how to handle this old southern woman and I did not want to cross the most important person in Sookie's life. I mused a little at thinking her an old woman when I had centuries on her.

Sookie and I were sitting on my porch just enjoying the new porch swing I had Bobby purchase. She had mentioned in passing how nice it would be to have one. I knew she was stubborn and she would not let me buy one for her home, so I had Bobby purchase one for mine. I was hoping she would be pleased as I wanted her to spend more time at my home, with me. I was delighted that she approved when she saw it and promptly joined me when she showed up this evening.

I decided to give in and ask Sookie to introduce me to her grandmother. "Sookie, I was hoping to meet with your grandmother. We have been seeing each other for a while and I wish to make myself known to her. That is the custom is it not?" I felt the best way to approach this was in an old fashioned courting manner. Even in my days as a human, the meeting of the betrothed's family elders was an important step. If I was to warn her Grandmother about Compton, and have her believe me, she would need to trust that my intention was to keep Sookie safe. Since I do not believe that Compton would have given the old woman any reason to doubt him, I would have to handle it carefully.

Sookie looked pleased. A huge smile crept on her face and I could feel her happiness. I couldn't help a smile from appearing on my own lips. "You want to meet my grandmother?" She asked, she was beaming. I could see something in her eyes, but I couldn't identify it.

"Of course my lover, I would be honored to meet the woman who has raised such a perfect goddess." I reached out to stroke her cheek, before I realized what I was doing. I was not sure why but I needed to, but something in me, compelled me to touch her. When I was around her, I was always having such strange impulses. I found myself doing things that I normally would not do, but I couldn't stop myself from doing them.

A single tear rolled down her cheek and I traced its path with my finger and touched it to my mouth. Even her tears were intoxicating. "Why do you cry Lover?" Sookie was very emotional for a human. She often surprised me with her reactions. I was always trying to figure her out. She was just so damn intriguing.

Sookie leaned over to kiss me lightly on the lips. "I am just happy that's all. Come on. Let me introduce you." She immediately grabbed my hand and starting pulling me toward her house. I was a little surprised that she would want me to do this immediately. This was not how I envisioned it, but there was nothing I could do. I could not sully the happiness that was coming from her. I found it strange that something so insignificant as a meeting with her grandmother would make her so happy. 'Curious.' We walked into her house and Sookie directed me to sit on the couch, while she went to seek her grandmother.

I sat down waiting for the women to return. I was busy running scenarios in my head as to how I could broach the subject of Bill when Sookie's Grandmother made her way down the stairs and over to me. I stood up immediately. Bill was not the only one with manners.' I had handled Kings and Queens, I knew I could handle one southern woman. It should not be much of a problem.' I couldn't help but wonder if she was as immune to glamour as her granddaughter was. If things did not go as planned maybe I could simply glamour her to distrust Bill.

"Mr. Northman." Sookie's grandmother said in her thick southern drawl, extending a hand out to me "It is so good to finally meet you. I am Adele Stackhouse. Sookie has told me much about you. My only wish is that this meeting would have happened sooner. Please sit. Can I offer you something to drink?" I could see where Sookie got her manners. I could see her in Sookie, and seeing her this close I could tell she was once as beautiful as my Sookie. Her gray hair was pulled in a tight bun high on her head. She had on a long blue and yellow flowered skirt that almost brushed the floor and a blue shirt, tucked behind a white sweater. She looked as if she were dressed for afternoon tea.

"No, but thank you Mrs. Stackhouse. " I said formally. 'I will have your granddaughter's sweet blood later.' I thought. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I would have come to see you sooner, but I have been quite busy settling in." Adele looked me right in the eyes then. It seemed Sookie got her fearlessness from her grandmother as well. 'Where is my Sookie.' I thought briefly.

"Mr. Northman, I have asked Sookie to give us a few minutes alone." She paused for a second. "There is something I wish to speak to you about and I do not want her upset."

'What could she possibly want to speak to me about?' "Of course Mrs. Stackhouse, please call me Eric. I will answer if I am able." I said cautiously.

She eyed me suspiciously for a moment then continued, "Are you aware that another Vampire is interested in my granddaughter?"

This surprised me. I was not expecting this to come up so easily. "Yes. I am aware that Bill Compton has been trying to court Sookie," I thought carefully before continuing. "He does not seem to know his boundaries. He is well aware that I am seeing Sookie and that we are..." 'What is the correct term?' I thought searching for the correct way to put this. "Exclusive."

"Are you, exclusive with Sookie? Mr. Compton insists that you are dangerous to her and that you have quite a reputation. He has been persistent in his attempt to convince me that you are unsuitable for my Sookie. What are your intentions toward my granddaughter?" Adele said. I cringed internally at her saying "my Sookie" then I pushed the ridiculous thought aside. This woman has been protecting and caring for Sookie, a role I would be happy to take over from her, but she deserved my respect.

"Yes. I do not want any another." I said and then thought, 'Is that true? Yes...yes it is.' I pushed forward putting that thought away for later contemplation. "As far as being a danger to Sookie, the only danger I have exposed her to, is Bill Compton." I deftly avoided the last question. I could not just tell her I wanted to steal her granddaughter away and ravish her at every opportunity. Besides, I really was not sure of my intentions. I wanted her surely. I had spent a lot of time wondering if I should turn her. I certainly felt she belonged to me. The thought of her away from me left me with an uncomfortable feeling in my chest. 'No she is mine. Only mine.'

"How am I to know that what Mr. Compton says is not true?" She asked flatly. Her tone leaving me to wonder if she would come down on Bill's side.

"I can not answer that. I can tell you, I wish to do everything in my power to protect her." I hoped I had convinced her.

"Well, from what I see of Sookie, I have a hard time believing that you are a danger. Since you and Sookie have been spending time together, I have seen her happier recently than I have in many...many years." The weariness crept onto her face for a moment before she wiped it away, replacing it with a stiff smile. 'So much like my Sookie.' I could not help but feel some happiness myself at the thought I was making Sookie happier than any other.

"I am please to hear you say that Mrs. Stackhouse. If you do not mind me asking, what makes you believe me despite Compton's warning?" I could tell there was something she still wanted to say. Her eyebrow twitched slightly as I asked.

"I want to make something clear." She paused to make sure I was paying attention and fixed her eyes on me. "I do not judge people by the words of others. I judge people by their own words and actions. I have learned that people make assumptions and accusations about things they do not understand. I have watched Mr. Compton and although he seemed to be a gentleman, I do not like the way he looks at Sookie. There is something in his eyes I do not trust." She shook her head. " Maybe it is his overbearing pursuit of her. Something just does not feel right."

"If I may be so forward, might I suggest that you rescind his invitation into your home. He is not above breaking in and simply taking her, if she continues to refuse his attentions. I am currently working on the problem. I would feel better if you and Sookie were safe."

"I fear you may be right. I will keep and eye on the situation." She said effectively ending that conversation. "SOOKIE! Please join us." Adele called. Sookie rushed down the staircase and I stood opening my arms welcome to her, she slipped right in wrapping her arms around my waist. I gave her a small brush of the lips to her forehead and released her.

"Now," Adele said turning to Sookie."why don't you and Mr. Northman go back to your evening. It is getting late for a old woman such as myself." She gave Sookie a adoring smile before addressing me. "Mr. Northman, I am entrusting my granddaughter's safety to you. Please take good care of her. I bid you goodnight."

I was relieved that it was over but I was not sure how it went. It wasn't until Sookie and I were walking back to my house that I found out she wanted to know how it went as well. "Eric, did everything go alright with my Gran? She didn't give you a hard time? Did she?" She had stopped dead in her tracks and looked up at me.

The look on her face was full of worry so I rubbed my thumb gently over the little worry lines that appeared on her forehead, then followed it with my lips. I dropped my head down so my mouth was right next to her ear and whispered softly, ever so gently brushing my lips on her earlobe as I spoke, "Sookie, there is no need to worry. Your Gran is quite charming. I did warn her about Bill. I hope she heeds my warnings. I worry about you two there all alone. I felt the little talk went well, but I guess you will have to ask her. I seem to find all the Stackhouse women are unpredictable." I could not help but to smirk at her when I pulled back to see her face.

"Oh really? You find me...unpredictable?" Sookie said and she had the sexiest look I had ever seen cross her face. Her eyes danced and her smile was wicked. When she licked her lips and I was done for. I pounced on her, knocking her over in the process. Luckily I can fly and was able to float us to the ground without injury. Sookie giggle and looked like she was going to say something, but I was done talking. I kissed her for all I was worth. 'This woman drives me mad.' I thought as she moaned into my mouth. I was grinding myself against her as my hands ran over her, exploring, pinching, teasing. I could not get enough of her Her skin was so warm and her scent divine.

I was so overtaken by my lust for her that I had not even noticed where we had landed. She was laying on the ground with me hovering over her, leaves were strewn about from the trees that surrounded us. We were walking through the woods and about half way to my home when we had stopped to talk. Sookie let out a little yip of pain and I pulled away slightly. "What is wrong my Lover?"

"Sorry honey, it's just I am getting poked in the back by a stick or something." Sookie said reaching around to fell under her back. I quickly wrapped my arms around her and stood us up. She looked shock for a moment before giggling. The sound made me smile and recaptured her lips. Her skin looked so beautiful under the moonlight, I wanted to see all of her. Sookie was wearing a tight white tee-shirt that I could almost see through, with a jean skirt that hung to mid thigh. I pulled off her tee-shirt so fast she gasped. I trailed light nips and kisses down her neck, while sliding the strap from her bra slowly off her shoulder. I licked the soft spot on her shoulder then that pulsed enticingly. This invoked a moan from Sookie and she was exploring my body with her soft fingers. She slid them under my shirt and trailed them up and down my back light as a feather. The feeling was sensual and I wanted her skin on mine. I pulled off my shirt and tossed it aside. I ripped the bra from her not wanting to take the time to remove it. Her breasts sprang free and I captured a hard nipple in my mouth. I rolled my tongue around it tasting the sweetness of her skin and then nipped at it with my teeth. She ran her finger through my hair and pushed against me.

"Eric...please..." She said huskily, her voice dripping with a need I knew I could satisfy.

"Please what, my Lover? Tell me, what do you desire?" I said in the sexiest tone I could manage. I was finding it hard not to growl at her. Her face flushed as I hiked up her skirt and tore off her little panties, before sliding my fingers inside her. "Is it this my Lover? Is this what you want?" I asked as I moved my fingers rhythmically curling them slightly to find the spot that would send her over the edge.

She ground herself against my hand and reached to touch my straining erection through the front of my jeans. "Eric...Eric...Yes...please....ahhhh....Eric..." She was close to bliss and I wanted to feel her orgasm on my straining cock. I quickly released myself from my jeans and lifted her onto my waiting erection. Her legs went around me as I slid into her and I pressed her back against a nearby tree. I rolled my hips slowly and she matched my moves thrust for thrust. I was getting close to my own end and I let out a low growl, it seemed to excite her even more.

"You are perfect my Lover...you are mine, always mine." I reached down between us to rub her throbbing clit with my thumb.

"Eric...please...bite me..." Sookie said panting.

"Come with me lover." Who was I to deny this lovely creature anything. I leaned over and bit the enticingly sweet spot on her shoulder sending us both into rapture. I knew I would never tire of this woman.

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

I called my child the next night and I was pleased that she was excited to hear from me. Pam had been waiting for word from me, she knew of my plans and was settling up her affairs in Minnesota. She was due to be here in two nights. I was looking forward to seeing my child again. She is trustworthy and amusing, although at times she pushed the limits of my tolerance with her antics.

"Yes." Pam answered sounding bored.

"Pam." I said coolly.

"Master, how are things going in the south. Have you found a location for the bar?" Her tone moved from boredom to curiosity.

"Yes. I have found a suitable location, but it seems we have hit a snag in our plans." I had Bobby out looking for a place to set up the bar. There was a strip mall that was currently for sale. It has several tenants already, it looked to be a wise investment.

"What is the problem?" Pam asked a little hesitantly.

"I have sought out the Queen and she has required me to do a task for her in exchange for allowing us to open the bar. It has not gone as smoothly as I had planned."

"What sort of task? Money was not enough for her?" Pam scoffed.

"There is a woman that the Queen has asked me to obtain for her." I said carefully. I did not want to reveal my entanglement with Sookie yet.

"Well that should be easy enough. What is the problem?"

'Where to begin.' "I am having issues with the Local Sheriff. He is... making things difficult. The Queen wishes that I do not tell him about my task, but he has taken an interest in the woman."

"Who is this Sheriff? Can you not just eliminate the problem? Surely you would make an excellent Sheriff." Pam said matter-of-factly.

"The current Sheriff is William Compton. The Queen has ordered that no harm come to him, apparently he is working on some sort of project for her. I need to find a way to eliminate him without revealing my involvement."

"I will be leaving here the night after next. Until then I can inquire as to what allies we have in the area. If I am not mistaken Rasul is currently in her employ. Maybe he can be of some help." She said sounding thoughtful.

"Good. We will discuss this further when you arrive. I look forward to seeing you my child." I said before hanging up. I briefly wondered how Pam would get along with my Sookie. I was sure she would find it amusing to find I had...a clearly vested interest in a human woman.

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

The night of the Glorious Dead meeting had finally arrived. I was not happy when Sookie's grandmother decided to let Compton speak, even though I had warned her. My child was due anytime now and I wanted to stop by Sookie's house to see if her Grandmother had left yet. Sookie was supposed to be working the midday to early evening shift and should be making her way home shortly.

I walked through the woods to the edge of the clearing to her home. It was curious that Adele's and Sookie's cars were still in the driveway. 'Have they headed my warnings and stayed home?' I thought, but something was off. There did not seem to be movement in the house and there were no lights on inside. I moved in closer and circled the building. I peered into the windows looking for movement. There was none. When I got to the front door I knocked. No one answered. I had a sinking feeling in my chest as I reached to open the door. I found it unlocked. When I stepped in I smelled the blood. I followed the scent until I came across the body of Adele Stackhouse. She was stroon across the floor in the hallway and she was covered in blood.

It was clear she had been attacked and it looked like she gave her attacker quite the fight, from the injuries on her hands. I ran from the room searching the house for Sookie but she was not there. Fear swept through me and then it was quickly replaced by anger. I had to call Merlotte's to see if she was safe. I knew who was behind this. I knew who had killed Sookie's Gran. He had finally crossed the line and I was going to see him beaten within an inch of his life and then healed to be beaten again. I would tear his limbs from his body and as he watched. I will enjoy his end. I left the house, closing the door behind me. I did not want to leave any trace that I had been there.

When I started to make my way to my house I flipped open my cell phone and dialed the bar. A gruff man answered the phone. I was sure it was the shifter. "Merlotte's." the bar owner said stiffly into the phone. I could hear the sounds of bar patrons in the background and listened to hear for Sookie's voice, I did not hear it.

"Shifter, it is I, Eric Northman. Is Sookie working tonight?" I said as calmly as I could.

"Northman." Sam sneered "Sookie called in. She said something had come up and she would need a couple of weeks off. I figured she was running off with you." Sam said snottily before he paused for a second and then his tone became worried. "Is there something wrong? What is going on?"

I had no idea why Sookie would willingly leave her murdered Gran lying on the floor, while she called the shifter to tell him she would be needing time away from her job. This whole situation did not line up. I knew he had taken her, but the how alluded me. I was utterly enraged and on the brink of doing something rash by the time I arrived back at my house. Pam was standing on the porch with a big grin on her face.

"Master! So good to see you." She said. Then her smile suddenly disappeared when she saw the expression on my face. If it had not have been for my child's arrival, I would be on my way to the Saloon to kill Bill. Damn the Queen and her orders. But here she was, and I couldn't help but feel a little better. This would be easier with the two of us. I would not let Bill take Sookie from me and now I had help.

"Pam, we have a situation."

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

A/N: Well my pretties, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I apologize for the wait. I hope you find it was worth it. I can't wait to write the next one. I love the action parts... *giggle* Please do me the honor of letting me hear your thoughts. Unfortunately I do not have the gift of telepathy, *sigh* , so your reviews are needed. ****HUGS AND VIKING KISSES TO YOU ALL!!!****

PS: Check out my other story Dead on the Crossroads if you haven't yet. **smooches**