A/N-Once again thank you for all your ass-kicking reviews! Short chapter…I know I'm awful! And I felt like I took forever to update! School has been kicking my ass lately. I've had so much homework and drama with my friends. Gotta love high school drama. Enough of the pity party…and on with the chapter!

Oh, and by the way, there is a dream Sookie has in this chapter that some might find disturbing… so get ready for some angst. You have been warned.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I stepped out of the Fangtasia employee bathroom; I had showered and cleaned off the disgusting vampire residue that clung to my body. I was dressed in a long, blood red Fangtasia t-shirt with some little black underwear Pam had so graciously provided me with and no bra. My hair was still damp and little droplets of water were falling off the ends.

Pam eyed me appreciatively and smirked.

"Red is Eric's favorite color, you know." She said suggestively.

"I never would have guessed. I pinned him for more of a pink kind of a guy." I said sarcastically, rolling my eyes.

Red. How stereotypical.

Pam raised her eyebrows and the corners of her mouth quirked upward. It was probably the most emotion I had ever seen her display.

"I think I'm going to like you." She said, taking my arm and guiding me back to Eric's office.

Eric looked up when we entered his office and leaned back in his chair, his fangs running out a bit.

"Pam, how did you know red is my favorite color?"

"I just had a feeling?" She said, rolling her eyes and turning to walk out the door. She turned her head over her shoulder, with one hand on the doorknob. "Oh, and Sookie," she called out. "Pink would look fabulous on him." Then she was out the door in the blink of an eye.

Eric shook his head.

"Sit." He ordered, and I warily sat in the chair opposite of his desk.

I crossed my arms over my chest and wished more than anything that I was wearing a bra. Eric's eyes followed my movement and he gave a little smirk, letting his eyes rest on my chest for a few moments. He licked his lips and then turned his gaze back to my face.

"I would first like to thank you for your assistance tonight. It was greatly appreciated. Second, I apologize for Longshadow attacking you. My blood has healed your injuries, I presume? Do you need more?" He said the last part with a slight smile.

"No, I'm fine, thank you."

We sat in silence for a minute, he scrutinized me and I grew uncomfortable with his gaze. I decided to break the silence.

"So what's up with this whole blood thing? It'll strengthen my senses or something?"

Eric sighed and leaned forward, clasping his hands in front of him on his desk.

"Yes, like I told you before, your senses will heighten and injuries will heal."

I felt like there was something he wasn't telling me, and I didn't have to be able to read minds to figure this out.

"There's something you're not telling me." I blurted out and immediately regretted it.

Eric's blue eyes turned a few shades darker and narrowed slightly. He licked his lips and reclined back into his chair once more.

"Why do you say that?"

"I don't know," I said, looking away. "I just feel it."

He was then bending in front of me justlikthat and I gasped in surprise.

"You're correct. There is something I'm not telling you."

"What is it?" I breathed. His face was dangerously close to mine and I was getting a little scared.

"Why should I tell you, when I know you are keeping something from me, as well?"

"I'm not keeping anything from you." I said quickly.

"I can feel you're lying, Sookie. I can feel your fear."

I put two and two together and my eyes widened. He couldn't really feel my emotions, could he? I had sworn earlier today that he had been able to but I just brushed it off as a strange coincidence. I mentally cursed myself. There are no coincidences when it comes to vampires.

"Smart girl." He breathed into my ear.

"You…you can really tell what I'm feeling?"

"Yes."

The wheels turned in my head and became confused for a moment. Eric straightened himself to his full height and leaned against his desk, staring down at me.

"Earlier today it felt like you knew what I was feeling. But that was before you had given me your blood." I looked up at him, quizzically.

His expression was stony and unmoving. He pinned me with his intense blue-eyed stare.

"You must be mistaken. I have not been able to feel your emotions until recently." He said calmly, and after a brief pause.

I didn't believe him for a second.

"What else are you keeping from me?"

"Many things, my dear. Where would you like me to begin?" He said, smiling.

I uncrossed my arms and crossed my legs instead with a huff. I knew it was pointless to get whatever Eric wasn't telling me out of him.

"I have a question." I said.

"Ask away."

"Why can you feel me, and I can't feel you?"

He pondered my question for awhile before answering.

"When a vampire gives a human blood, the connection is one-sided. However, after a certain amount of blood exchanges between said vampire and human, a blood bond can be formed."

"A blood bond?"

"Yes. It is a very powerful bond that allows the human to feel the vampire's emotions as well. It is more complex than that, but that is basically what it is."

I inhaled sharply. "You're not going to form a blood bond with me, are you?"

He threw his head back and barked with laughter.

"Sookie, Sookie, Sookie, it is a very rare occurrence when a vampire bonds himself with a human. The two things vampires hold dearest are their blood and privacy. You should know this."

I looked down, blushing a little for asking such a stupid question.

"Oh."

Just then, music began pumping throughout the bar and a crowd of people rushed inside. I was again immediately assaulted with people's thoughts.

I groaned and put my head between my legs and gripped my forehead. I looked up and Eric was crouching in front of me.

"What is it?"

"It's everyone's thoughts… There are so many of them…"

And they were all disgusting. I could feel myself start to get a migraine.

"Can you not raise a mental barrier?" He questioned.

I was offended by the question and I knew Eric could tell because he smirked.

"I've been around vampires for the past four years. I haven't had many people to practice on."

Eric nodded understandingly and pulled me to my feet.

"Come. We are going home."

"Don't you have to stay?"

"I'm the boss," He said, grinning. "I can do whatever I damn well please."

He took my hand, intertwining his fingers with mine. I looked at our joined hands, confused. It was such a human gesture; my heart softened a bit. I couldn't think of the last time someone had held my hand like this. I looked up at him questioningly but he didn't look at me as he led me out the door of his office.

As soon as we stepped out into the hall thoughts became even louder and clearer. I tried in vain to throw up my shields but failed miserably. I couldn't possibly keep this many people out of my head.

I involuntarily laid my head on Eric's shoulder and closed my eyes. Being close to him made me feel safe. Don't ask me why. I don't know. Maybe it was another side effect of this little blood thing we had going on? Maybe it was because he had saved my life from a crazed vampire who wanted to kill me?

When we reached the back parking lot I realized that we would have to fly home. With my impending headache I dreaded the flight. Eric sensed my uneasiness and scooped me up in his arms. Again, without thinking, I laid my head on his chest. Why was I being suddenly so sentimental around him?

We arrived back at Eric's home within minutes. He didn't put me down as he carried me into the house. I breathed in his scent and closed my eyes. Safe. He kicked open the slightly ajar door to my bedroom and I get a flash of déjà vu. I remember him carrying me inside the first night I met him. I was limp in his arms from blood loss and panicked when I saw we were approaching a bed. Bed meant sex. I had struggled in his arms and he had dropped me on the bed and left. I remembered my puzzlement at his actions but was too drugged out to really think about them.

This time when he walked toward the bed I didn't fight his grip. I let him lay me on the soft sheets and I relished in how wonderful the fluffy pillow feels against my pounding head. I looked up at him standing over me and I felt my eyes begin to water up. He was being so sweet to me. I wasn't used to this kind of affection. A tear fell from my eye.

"You cry, yet you are not sad. Why is this?" Eric asked, frowning.

"Why are you being so nice to me?" I whispered.

Eric looked taken back and pondered my words.

"This upsets you?" He asked his frown deepening.

"No," I said quietly, looking away. "I'm just not used to it, is all."

Eric ran his knuckles down the side of my face.

"I don't want you to fear me."

He kept saying that. But how could I believe him when every vampire I'd ever known abused me? Even Eric was guilty of it. Keeping me here, locked up in his home. He had slapped me twice and threatened me. His sudden mood swing toward me was overwhelming. And half the time I wasn't sure if he was going to kill me or kiss me. I really didn't want either.

"I know you are skeptical of vampires, but you will soon learn to trust me."

"That will never happen."

"So you say."

He stared into my eyes for what seemed like eternity and walked out of the room. I glanced over at the clock and the bright red letters glowed 10:30. This was probably the earliest I had gone to bed in years.

The funny part was that my mind was exhausted, but my body was full of energy. Maybe it was Eric's blood. I snuggled under the covers, closed my eyes and tried to go to sleep.

But I was having the same problem I'd had earlier in the shower this afternoon. Every time I closed my eyes I saw his face. I knew my nightmares were going to be awful tonight- and there was nothing I could do about it…

A heavy hand hit me across my face, bringing me back to consciousness. I moaned and opened my eyes. Felipe was standing over me, his handsome features twisted into a hateful expression. I then became very afraid. My flight or fight instincts were telling me to get the hell out of there.

"I heard about your little escape attempt today," Felipe said with a snarl. "I am not amused."

I gulped and prayed to whatever God was up there to save me from this hell.

Felipe grabbed me by my hair and yanked me out of bed. I clawed and kicked as he dragged me across the floor. He gave a sinister chuckle and proceeded in tearing off my clothes until I was naked and sobbing. He backhanded me again, one of his heavy rings splitting my lip. Blood oozed from my would and he eagerly latched onto it, sucking for all it was worth.

He flipped me on my stomach and I was met with the sight of the burning fireplace in front of me. I gazed into the flames and began to cry even harder. He put his knees on either side of my hips. I could feel his erection through his pants, pressing into my butt.

I was pinned to the floor and the flailing of my arms was useless. The rough stitching of the carpet rubbed my cheek and I screamed.

He punched the back of my head and I saw stars. Unfortunately, I didn't black out. I blearily opened my eyes and was met with a terrifying sight. Inside the fireplace was a burning poker iron. The poker was being held by Felipe.

My body went ape-shit and I thrashed and yelled as hard as I could…but it was no use. I watched in horror as the poker was pulled out of the fire and over my head.

"Now even if you do escape, all will know who you really belong to."

"Please! I'm sorry!" I begged.

"There is no point in begging now. You brought this upon yourself."

I felt the burning hot iron closing in on my skin. I sobbed hysterically and pleaded.

Then I felt the poker sear the skin of my lower back.

I had never screamed so loud in my life.

I woke up, sobbing uncontrollably. That was the most awful nightmare I'd ever had.

The worst part though, was that the nightmare was a flashback.

I curled op on my side and reached my hand around, touching my lower back. Sure enough, the brand Felipe had given me was still there. However, something was wrong. It seemed to have…faded.

I then realized that Eric's blood had not only helped to heal the bite on my neck, but some of the other scars on my body as well.

My throat then went very dry.

I shakily stood up and wobbled to the kitchen. I grabbed a glass from a cupboard and poured myself some water from the sink.

The water trickled down my parched throat and my tears subsided. I set the glass down on the counter and put both my hands against it. A few tears dripped from my eyes and onto the countertop. I took deep breaths and tried to calm myself. I picked up my water again and took another shaky gulp.

"What is the matter?"

I screamed and spun around, my cup falling to the floor. I jumped at the sound of the glass shattering and put my hand over my heart.

"Jesus, Eric. You scared me."

Eric was leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed. He eyed the broken glass and raised an eyebrow at me.

"Oh god, I'm so sorry." I said frantically, bending down to pick up the shards. I blindly reached out and grabbed a piece but the sharp edge cut my finger. I gasped in surprise and Eric's fangs extended. He inhaled deeply and sighed.

I trembled as I watched him approach me. He gripped me under my arms and lifted me over the area of broken glass, setting me down gingerly on my feet. He gently took my hand and brought the injured finger to his mouth. He lightly sucked the wound until it closed. His eyes closed in bliss as he tasted my fairy blood, still tenderly holding my hand. I found myself not wanting him to let go.

"Sorry about that." I whispered.

He stared at me for a long while.

"What awoke you?"

"N-nothing. I was just thirsty."

He narrowed his eyes at me.

"Then why are you so terrified?"

"Can I just go back to bed?"

"Not until you tell me what's wrong."

I sighed. "It was just a nightmare." I tried to say as nonchalantly as possible.

"Doesn't sound like just any nightmare."

I avoided his gaze and he let out a very human sigh. He placed a hand on my lower back-right above the scar. I shudder.

He gently pushed me toward my room and wordlessly pointed toward the bed. I obediently climbed back into bed and apologized yet again.

"There is nothing to be sorry for."

I nodded and looked down, he turned to leave and I clutched the sheets in my hands, suddenly terrified at the idea of being alone.

"Wait!"

He turned around, one hand on the doorknob, looking at me expectantly. I wasn't sure what to say, so I didn't say anything at all.

I don't know why I called out to him. I was so shaken up from my nightmare that I suppose I needed some comforting…even if it was from Eric. Sensing my emotions he removed his hand from the door and slowly made his way over to me. He ran a finger down my cheek and leaned in close to my ear.

"I am here. You are safe."

I forced myself to believe him and felt a little pang in my chest when he quietly left my room, closing the door behind him.

I lay back down and stared at the ceiling. Tears were still trickling steadily from my eyes and I brushed them away with the back of my hand. I reached out with my mind and felt Eric's presence in the kitchen. I gave a little content sigh and fell asleep.

I didn't dream.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Kind of another transitional chapter… but I really enjoyed writing it. Sookie is kind of sort of beginning to trust Eric. Also, I've decided that since you readers/reviewers are so totally bad-ass that I'm going to try to have a new chapter up by Monday or Tuesday. Keyword-TRY. Lol. Please keep the reviews coming!