Chapter 4

She woke the next morning a little after noon. The pounding in her head was only rivaled by the intensity of her breath. With quite a bit of effort Sookie managed to sit up on the edge of the bed. She was still dressed in her jeans and sweatshirt from the night before and she knew she looked as bad as she felt. Finally she got the nerve to stand. As the pounding grew she steeled her resolve to make it to the bathroom. Before she took a step she saw the notepad on the bedside table. She immediately recognized the handwriting. Eric.

Dear One,

I am near.

-E

Eric was near. Ignoring her headache, she dashed across the hall and saw the few items that Octavia kept on the floor of the closet were moved aside. Eric hadn't left her. He said he wouldn't. She smiled and opened the door to the closet. She dropped to her knees and pressed her hands flat against the trap door that led to the 'hidey-hole' Eric was using to spend his day.

Four Tylenol, a shower and a bowl of grits later worked wonders for her headache and constitution. After she had dressed in a favorite pair of jeans and a fitted black sweater, she sank down in to one of the kitchen chairs. The floor was cool on her bare feet but she didn't like wearing shoes around the house. The invitation from Philip de Castro was still where Eric had left it. She lifted the envelope and read over the formal invitation to join him at a 'celebration'. She sighed and placed it back on the table. She'd have to take more time off work. Sookie just knew at some point Sam would surely fire her. She dialed the familiar number and explained to Sam the situation. As much as he hated to admit, he was at least glad Eric would be there to protect her if anything came up.

"I heard you tied one on last night." She could hear the laughter in his voice.

"Terry's got a big mouth."

"It's a small town, Sook. You think people won't talk about you getting drunk and hauled away by Eric Northman?"

"Yeah, I know."

"You okay?"

"I feel like shit."

"As much as you drank, you should." He laughed and she couldn't help but laugh with him. She hung up and decided she needed something to keep busy until nightfall. She washed the few dishes in the sink, swept the floor and put on a load of clothes. When she stepped out onto the back porch to load the washer, she noticed Eric's blazing red corvette parked at the back door. She smiled and felt comforted at the sight of it. She looked at her watch and frowned at the time. It was only 4 o'clock. The day always crawled by when she was waiting to see Eric. Thank heavens the winter nights were long and she would see him soon. She settled on the couch and pulled the small throw blanket over her legs. She flipped through several channels before landing on a movie that caught her interest. As the images flickered across the screen she was lulled into a much needed nap.

"Lover." He whispered in her ear as he brushed the hair from her face. "Wake up, my lover." Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled at the sight of him. She looked around the room and noticed the darkness around her.
"I fell asleep."

"Are you feeling better?" She smiled at him again as he settled beside her on the couch.

"I am now. What time is it?"

"Almost Six." They fell into a comfortable silence while Eric pulled her closer. She turned and snuggled into his side pulling her knees up closer to her chest.

"Tell me about Las Vegas. Have you been?" She lifted her head and couldn't resist placing a small kiss on his throat.

"Mmmm. Yes, I've been many times. Sin City." He chuckled.

"Can we go out? Will you show me the city?"

"Of course. I'll get us tickets to a show." She sat and looked at him with a broad smile.
"A show! So we're going to spend like real time together. No Bill, no Pam, no shifters or weres? Just us? Like normal people?"

"We're far from normal." She playfully swatted his arm.

"You know what I mean."

"When I am not meeting with our New King, I am yours."

"You gonna teach me how to gamble? How much money should I take? Maybe I'll hit it big."

"You won't have to worry about money, lover. I will provide for you."

"I've got money." He noticed the set of her jaw and smiled.

"I know. But you are a guest of the King and you are mine. You will be treated as such."

"What does that mean, exactly?"

Eric regarded her for a moment and then leaned forward and captured her lips. She deepened the kiss and threaded her fingers into his hair and shifted until she was sitting in his lap. Eric pulled away slightly and then leaned in for a quick kiss before he spoke again.

"I need to talk to you about some things. Some things I know you will not care for."

Her stomach dropped and she swallowed to dislodge the lump that was forming in her throat.

"Okay."

"When we are in the company of the King, we have to present ourselves in such a way that would not…reveal too much." He paused gauging her reaction. She nodded she understood and he continued. "You are mine. But we both know unless we tip our hand completely, you will have to…"

"Heel?" She gritted her teeth.

"But we'll know it will just be to save face. You understand, don't you?" She searched his eyes. She always wondered if Eric could force her to obey him. She was sure he had never really tried to make her do anything against her will. But if she didn't act obedient in front of the King, Eric's reputation and authority would be called into question. That was not an option. She wouldn't allow it. She placed a kiss on his check and grinned.

"You're going to owe me big time." He laughed and pulled her closer.

"A debt I will gladly pay."