Thanks to all of you who took the time to read, review and add me to your alerts and favorites. I am so happy that this story is getting such a positive response and your feedback really motivates me to continue writing.

A huge thank you to my fabulous Beta, Northwoman. Any mistakes remaining are my own.

The SVM and these wonderful characters belong to the brilliant Charlaine Harris.

Unexpected – Chapter 2

I moved away from her at vampire speed knowing that I will be seeing her again in just a few short moments. I have seen, and been with, countless beautiful women, but she is the most beautiful woman I have seen in over a thousand years of existence. She is perfect, from her dark blue eyes full of light and laughter, the delicate curve of her nose, the very slight blush on her fair, flawless, skin, her beautiful, pink hued, lips, the gracious curve of her neck, even the almost unnoticeable point of her ears to her dark hair cascading in soft waves down her back all the way to her waist, accentuating her feminine curves and her sweet, intoxicating scent, all perfect.

When I reached the entrance to the building I slowed down and proceeded inside. I was making my way towards my destination, room no. 307, ignoring the stares and not so hushed whispers of the young humans I was passing by, both male and female. The door opened as soon as I reached it and I was greeted by Sylvia's warm smile

"Eric, so good to see you again, it has been far too long," she purred in a thick French accent. French was not her first language, of course, but she has been living in France for at least a millennium and adopted the language as her own.

"You are looking as lovely as ever Sylvia. I am very glad the opportunity has arisen for us to meet again or I fear it might have been another century, indeed far too long."

I gave her a warm nod. Sylvia was a river Nymph, one of the last of her kind. We had a very short affair many centuries ago which ended on amiable terms and we stayed in touch ever since, however infrequently, so I was not completely surprised when she contacted me a few months back to ask if I would be interested in giving a seminar about Viking culture to her history students at the Sorbonne. Ever since the great revelation a few years ago I have been traveling the world giving lectures at the behest of different academic institutions looking to utilize the recently discovered resource of immortal beings in historical research.

My motivation in agreeing to participate was admittedly not purely selfless, or academic for that matter. Along with a few other forward thinking vampires I felt it was important to demonstrate our good will towards human society as a way to assuage humanity's fear and apprehension at vampires "coming out of the coffin". Between Pam, my right hand and only child, and the internet I could really handle all my financial affairs quite easily from wherever in the world I happened to be. My new occasional occupation had the added benefit of presenting an ever changing buffet of young willing humans vying for my attention, not that I had to work hard to attract my meals in the past but this was just so easy, lately I have began to think it might be too easy.

"Eric, I apologize again for having to leave immediately after class, but I was invited unexpectedly to a very important conference and I simply cannot refuse. I will be back next week for Etienne's party."

"There is no need to apologize Sylvia; I will be fine. I am quite good at keeping myself occupied and entertained, I have been doing it for a while…"

She grinned and visibly relaxed, "You are right Eric, your joie de vivre is quite uncommon in a vampire and I have never known you to be world-weary as many become after centuries of existence. Would you like to head down to class now? We start in 5 minutes."

Sylvia motioned towards the door and I followed. The classroom was just at the end of the hall and I was pleased to see it was equipped with a large screen as I requested. I tended to use as many visual aids as possible in my lectures because I found that young humans had difficulties imagining a world so different than their own. I was involved, in a consulting position, in the making of a few of the newer cinematic representations of what is now referred to as the Viking age and used these, as well as accurate illustrations and original artifacts, to help my listeners relate to what I was trying to convey.

I plugged my laptop into the room's media system and prepared the film we were going to watch in a little while. I then went back to Sylvia's office for a few moments while the class quickly filled with students. I already knew the names and full backgrounds of all twenty students attending this seminar; I did not get to be this old by being less than thorough and overlooking possible threats, so I was already aware of the presence of a fairy princess, Niall Brigant's great grand-daughter, at this seminar. What I was not prepared for was for her to be the most enchanting, surprising, intriguing creature I have met for a very long time.

I waited a few more seconds until I was sure everyone in the room were seated and then I walked in, taking my time to reach the low stage at the front of the room. Usually I would be scanning the women present, looking for tonight's entertainment, but tonight my attention was focused on Sookie, who was seated, quite conveniently, in the front row, slightly to the right of the center of the room, her head held high in a pose befitting her royal heritage. The front row was quite empty as the classroom was big enough to seat 40 and there were many vacant seats. If the little fairy was surprised to see me here she controlled her reaction remarkably well, a slightly raised eyebrow and the quickening of her heart were the only signs that she even noticed me entering the room.

I swept over the room with my eyes before I allowed myself to look straight into Sookie's eyes before I smiled and addressed the class. "Good evening, let me begin by introducing myself. I am Eric Northman. I am a vampire. I was born sometime after the year 900 AD in a little village located in what would now be considered Sweden. Modern day research would refer to me and my contemporaries as Vikings. For the next two weeks I will do my best to allow you some insight into the world that I was born into and the more interesting parts of my experiences over the last millennium.

Historical research has been dependent for centuries on the limited information provided by textual resources and the occasional support of archeological findings that require heavy gap-filling and interpretation. The great revelation has provided an invaluable new resource for those interested in studying the past. The resource I am referring to is, of course, a vampire's firsthand experience of historical times and events. An individual vampire is obviously only able to describe the experiences of his own private existence and the description will most certainly be that of a single perspective and point of view, but the amount of historical information that can be gathered from the experiences of vampires as a whole, with the growing collaboration between vampire and human society, will surely change the field of historical research and provide material for study for decades to come.

Although this is by no means a course on vampirism or vampire history and the main concern of this seminar would be my experience of the human world, I will explain, when relevant, certain aspects of a vampire's existence. I will not be wasting my time or yours on exercises or assignments, nor will I be handing out grades or checking attendance. I hope that you might benefit from my experience but I am not a teacher, nor do I wish to be. Are there any questions thus far?"

I concluded, finally looking away from Sookie to survey the room. I did not expect any questions at this point and indeed there were none, the humans were obviously still a little shocked and understandably intimidated to address me so soon, I therefore continued.

"I would like us to begin by watching a film which I am sure none of you have watched as it is yet to be released. This film is a recent Hollywood representation of Viking culture around the year 1000 and it would serve as a good starting point for our discussion tomorrow evening."

Sylvia turned off the lights and sat in the back as I started the film and took a seat next to Sookie. The movie is actually quite accurate and I feel it portrays my people in a balanced and fair manner. I spent a month in LA about four years ago helping the director fine-tune his ideas and I guess I made an impression since the Swedish actor who played the leading role bears a striking resemblance to me, although he obviously is not as attractive.

I was finding it hard to concentrate on the movie. Sookie's scent enveloped me and I was basking in the warmth that radiated from her. If just being close to her, listening to her heart beat and savoring her scent felt this good, what would it feel like to explore her sweet mouth with my tongue? To caress her luscious body with my fingers? I have never, in all my years, craved a woman's touch with such force. I was fighting to keep my fangs in place and my cock was straining against the fabric of my pants.

I was surprised at the intensity of my reaction to her. I have had many dealings with the fae, some more amicable than others, so I was familiar with the effect fairies have over vampires, but this was quite different. Although I was definitely aroused I did not lose myself in a sexual haze and I did not feel the urge to drain Sookie dry. I did however want to fuck her and bite her and rub myself all over her. This was not the time though; I needed to regain my control.

I forced myself to focus on the screen. It was such sweet torture being this close to Sookie without being able to touch her and I was equally distressed and relieved when the movie finally ended. I returned to my place on stage while Sylvia turned the lights back on.

"I know we have twenty more minutes but I think we will finish here. We will meet again tomorrow at 17:45 to discuss your impressions of the movie and answer any questions that you might have. "

I waited for Sylvia to shut down the lights and lock the door after the last student left the classroom and then escorted her back to her office where I left my bag.

"D'accord, I need to get going if I am going to catch my flight. You will be at the party right?"

"Of course I will, Etienne would not forgive me if I missed it. We will see each other next Friday, have a safe flight and enjoy the conference."

"Thank you Eric, goodnight."

"Goodnight Sylvia."

I made my way out of the now almost deserted building at vampire speed. I could see Sookie bidding a few people goodnight before heading in the opposite direction on her own. I slowed down a few paces behind her allowing her to sense my approach since I did not want to startle her.

"Hello Sookie."

I matched my pace to hers so I can walk beside her and smiled at her surprised expression.

"Hello Eric or do you prefer I called you Professor Northman?"

"I am sorry I did not tell you who I was but our encounter was so short and I saw no harm in a little surprise as we were both in a hurry. I confess I was happy to discover that I would be seeing you again so soon."

She smiled then and her heart rate increased slightly. I smiled back and reached for her hand.

"Sookie, I would be honored if you allow me to take you out tomorrow night after class."

Her heart actually skipped a beat, which I took as a good sign but then her brows furrowed.

"Eric, are you sure that's a good idea, couldn't you get in trouble for inappropriate conduct or something?"

"There is nothing inappropriate about it. I am not really your teacher, I have no official position with the university and I will not be reading your papers or grading them. We are quite free to enjoy each other's company if we wish. So, do you wish to, Sookie?" I gave her my signature crooked smile

"Yes, Eric. I would like to go out with you tomorrow. Do you want to leave right after class?"

"No, I think I would prefer to come 'pick you up'; I believe is the correct term, if that is acceptable to you of course."

"I would prefer that too to be honest as I would like to change my clothes after class but I live on the other side of Paris, in the 9th Arrondisement, are you sure you want to pick me up?"

"That is fine Sookie, My apartment is in the 3rd so it will not take me long to reach you. How are you getting home tonight? Do you need a ride?"

"That's very nice of you Eric, but I don't want to bother you, I hear traffic in the city is terrible and taking the Metro is really convenient."

"It is no bother, I hear the Metro is not as pleasant at night as it is during the day and there is no need to worry about traffic as we will not be getting there by car."

"Ok Eric, I'm curious now, how do you plan on taking me home then?"

"Well, if you wrap your arms tightly around me and close your eyes you will find out soon enough."

She contemplated my offer for a minute and then replied with a hesitant smile.

"Very well Eric, I'm not sure why I do, but I trust you."

She then wrapped her arms around my neck and closed her eyes. I secured her in my arms and took off into the air. Sookie's eyes flew open and she gasped in surprise clinging to me with her arms and legs wrapped tightly around me.

"Relax Sookie, I have you, I will not let any harm come to you." I said and she loosened her grip slightly.

Once she got accustomed to the unfamiliar feeling her breathing and heart rate returned to normal and she seemed to relax.

"Eric, this is definitely better then the Metro…"

I was flying quite slowly since I was in no real hurry and I did not wish Sookie to be hit with the full power of the cold wind. Sookie directed me to her home and soon we were slowly descending on the doorstep of her building.

"Thank you Eric, That was amazing."

She looked at me with an expression of pure joy, her arms still wrapped around my neck, and I could not stop myself. I lowered my head and allowed our lips to meet. It was almost like a spark ignited within me the second my lips touched hers and I was burning with a passion so hot I thought it might consume me. A soft moan escaped her lips and I gained access into her warm, beautiful mouth.

Her lips were so soft and she tasted so unbelievably sweet my fangs popped out so quickly they scraped my tongue. When a drop of my blood made its way down Sookie's throat it felt like an electric current went through my body. Sookie's heartbeat was frantic and I let my hands trail down her back to the soft delicious curve of her waist. I was supporting most of her weight as her knees did not seem to hold her, and the curves of her small body seemed to fit perfectly with my much larger one. Sookie caressed my fangs gently with her tongue and I felt my control slipping.

I lifted her against the wall with my hands supporting her thighs and her legs wrapped tightly around my waist, capturing my throbbing erection right against her warm, moist center. We both gasped at the sensation and I started trailing light kisses down her neck and the tops of her breasts. Sookie's hands tangled in my hair and she moaned, her breathing becoming labored. I heard the elevator door open and close on one of the upper floors and the elevator starting to descend and I forced myself to stop, even though the scent of her arousal and the sensation of my blood rushing through her body made it almost impossible. I kissed her lips one more time, almost reverently, and set her gently on the ground.

"The elevator is on its way down and I did not think you would appreciate the audience."

"Thank you, I should probably be going inside anyway…" Sookie seemed flushed and slightly embarrassed and I felt the need to reassure her.

"I apologize if I made you uncomfortable, I meant to give you a simple good night kiss but you are simply intoxicating and I did not control myself as well as I would have wished."

She seemed to slightly relax at my words and replied with a soft smile on her lips. "I'm sorry, this is just a little sudden and I don't usually behave this way but I don't want you to feel bad about it and I definitely don't regret it. It was the best kiss I've ever had…" she uttered the last part almost inaudibly and if I was human I would not have been able to hear it.

I felt myself smirking at her words but said nothing in response.

"So, I guess I will see you tomorrow?"

"I'm looking forward to it."

"Me too. Goodnight Eric."

"Goodnight Sookie." I leaned forward and whispered the words in her ear, allowing my lips to linger for a second on the barely pointed tip. I waited until Sookie turned to open the building door before I took to the air.

A/N:

Paris quarters are called Arrondisement as there are 20 of them so they are hardly quarters. Here is a link to a map of Paris' Quarters for anyone interested in Eric and Sookie's relative locations in Paris -http:/www(dot)bestparishotels(dot)net/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/paris-districts-map(dot)gif

Please let me know if you liked it…