A/N: Hello, sorry for the lateness. I went through like two previous drafts but I wasn't satisfied with either so I trashed both. I'm not entirely satisfied with this one, but I decided to go with it because I'll be back to being busy in real life again in a few days. BUT I will still continue to write this story. I'm aiming to have a new chapter every 4 to 5 days. Good night!
Eric's POV:
I groggily open my eyes and am immediately disappointed. My bonded, my wife, is not in bed with me, but I can still feel her presence close by. I am pleased that she complied with my request to stay home. A few weeks ago I received a call from De Castro telling me that he was coming for a visit. He wanted to check to see how things were doing in the state and had ordered all the sheriffs in the area to be in Shreveport. Last night was the meeting between us and him. Tonight he wanted a social gathering. I quickly arranged it with the help of event planners. He also wanted to see Sookie tonight as well. I had given him every possible excuse that I could think of but still he ordered me to bring her. In the beginning I had told him that her mental and physical health had deteriorated to the point that she may not be able to recuperate from the injuries that she sustained. Because she had saved his life once, he repaid that debt by allowing her the time she needed to get well. But now, he felt that a sufficient amount of time had passed for her to recover. I also did not want to have her there with me tonight because I am not sure if she is ready to become involved in my world again. But I also realize that with the way things are progressing, she will be a part of my world very soon.
I can sense that she is in the adjoining room, the study. I can also sense the sun blazing outside as it is not yet sunset, but I am protected from its harmful rays in our light-tight underground chamber which Sookie calls 'our hideyhole'. I quickly rise from our bed and make my way to the study. I find Sookie there sitting at the second desk with her laptop and an array of paper and books covering it. She is so immersed in her school work that she does not notice me looking at her. I take a moment to absorb her beauty. I can tell that she has just had a shower as her golden hair is still damp and she is wearing a robe. I watch as she chews on the end of a pencil while reading a piece of paper. She then sets the pencil and paper down, and goes to start typing on her laptop.
"Getting a lot of work done?"
She looks up at me and smiles, "Yes, I'm writing a paper on post-structuralism for my English class. So far I've got two pages but I'm not sure if it's any good." She goes back to chewing on her pencil with a look of anxiety.
I walk up to her and stand behind her to rub her shoulders. "Don't be too hard on yourself. I'm sure that it be fine once you complete it. If not, then I can always pay the instructor a visit and recommend to him the grade that you deserve?"
She laughs and puts her hand over mine and turns her head to look at me. "Is that your solution to every problem? Threaten or glamour everyone?"
I lean down to kiss her cheek, "Yes, and it has worked well me for over thousand years."
She in turn kisses my cheek. "I guess that's another one of our many differences. I should probably do more writing since we're going out tonight. I definitely don't want to be finishing this at the last minute."
"Alright my love, I am going take a shower and get some of my own work done before we leave." I start walking towards the bathroom when suddenly Sookie comes running up to me and embraces me from behind.
I can feel her light-feather kisses on my shoulder blade. "Thank you for the dress by the way. It's beautiful. Bobby delivered it a few hours ago."
I had ordered her a new dress a week ago for this occasion. I was glad that it arrived on time. I turned around and wrapped my arms around her. "There's no need to thank me. I am the one that is truly grateful." I leaned down to kiss her. Our kiss deepens and becomes even hungrier. I can smell her arousal and my hands automatically grip onto her butt.
She breaks away from our kiss for air.
"Lover, I think you need another shower," I whisper into her ear. She mischievously smiles and nods in agreement. "I guess my paper can wait another half hour or so."
An hour later after a delicious romp in the shower, we sit at our desks in the study. Sookie continues to type away on her laptop as I am going through the numbers and figures of our investments and earnings. I also call the event planner to make sure that everything is in order for tonight's party. I go through my emails while quickly glancing through my text messages on my phone till I stop on one particular text.
Eric, I am here and can't wait to see you. Mon Amour.
I quickly glance over at Sookie who is still typing, then stare back at the message. I can feel fury rise up in me as I glower at the message.
"Is everything okay baby?," Sookie asks with a concerned look on her face.
"Everything is fine, just a small problem at the office. I need to go there before we go to the hotel." I smile at her reassuringly. She smiles back at me and goes back to her work.
I quickly type in a response to the text and rise from my chair. "Sookie, I'm going to go to my office quickly, I'll come back here and pick you up in about two hours."
She gets up from her chair as well and comes towards me. "Are you sure you are ok?", she asks while wrapping her arms around my waist.
I cup her face with my hands and give her a tender kiss. "Yes everything is fine. I need to take care of a few things before the party." I look into her eyes and can see that she is nervous for tonight. I have not yet told her why she needs to be at a party with me tonight.
I place her hand in mine. "Sookie, everything is going to be okay. De Castro and a few others are curious to see you again. They're not here to force you to use your telepathy."
She chews on her lower lip looking uncertain, "Madden's going to be there isn't he?"
I know she has never felt comfortable around him. "Yes he will be there, but do not worry. I will always be by your side should he ever get near you."
"Who else is going to be there?," she asks.
"De Castro, of course, members of his entourage and sheriffs from the surrounding area. Also Russell Edgington will be there tonight as well. He has a few things to discuss with me tomorrow." I can still feel her uneasiness. She is afraid De Castro is going to take her away. "Trust me, Lover. No one will harm you there." I send her my love and comfort.
She faintly smiles and tiptoes to kiss me on my lips. "I trust you of course. And don't worry, I won't disappoint or embarrass you. I won't act insubordinate and I will try and enjoy myself while schmoozing with vampire elite."
I laugh and place my hands on her waist. "You would never disappoint me in any way. And if I am ever unable to be with you, Pam or Savannah will be there."
Feeling satisfied with my response, she says, "Okay baby. You should probably go and get dressed." I give her a quick kiss and head to our walk-in closet.
I quickly put on my suit and run a brush through my hair. I come out just as Sookie is laying her dress on the bed. I come up to her from behind and untie her bathrobe.
"You are going to look so beautiful in that gown. Of course I still think you are even more beautiful when you are naked." I tease, rubbing my hand across her stomach.
She looks at me over her shoulder, "Oh really? Then I should probably just throw this dress in the garbage and go to the party naked. Don't you agree?"
I growl into her ear, "Then the party will quickly turn into a bloodbath if any other men see your naked body."
She spins around and lightly smacks me on the chest. "I was thinking, maybe I should just meet you at the hotel. Savannah and Clint can take me. It would save you time."
I think about her idea for a moment, "That would seem logical. Call me when you are leaving the house."
She nods, and I give her one last kiss before I leave. I make my way to the first floor and can sense that Savannah and Clint are outside the house patrolling. I go out there to tell them that they will be taking Sookie to the hotel. I get in my car and drive downtown to my office.
When I arrive at my office, my secretary Elena greets me. She is a tall, attractive, slim woman with long dark brown hair. She has been working for me for about two years. When I had first hired her, I was concerned that she would be attracted to me and naturally she was. The first few days, she sent me some not so subtle hints that she was attracted to me and wanted to have an affair. I quickly dispelled that fantasy as I threatened her to not address me in any inappropriate manner from now on. She abided my order. But one day when Sookie came to my office for a visit, she was perturbed when she got close to her. I softly asked her why she felt that way and she hesitantly told me about the thoughts and feelings that Elena felt for me. I was going to fire her immediately but Sookie objected. I decided that the next best thing to do was to glamour her to not have any more romantic feelings for me.
"Mr. Northman, a woman named Ms. Lefevre is in your office waiting for you. She said that you had an appointment with her," Elena tells me.
I walk into my office with my game face on and see her lying on my sofa with one hand above her head and the other stroking her right breast. She is wearing a purple satin evening gown that conforms to her slender body. Her long wavy strawberry blonde hair is covering her other breast. I can feel my fury rise.
"Hello Eric, care to come and sit with me?," she purrs.
That sofa will definitely be burned. I close the door and make my way to my desk. I need to play this cool.
"Your majesty, what can I do for you?," I ask in a neutral tone trying to withhold my anger.
She huffs, "Oh cut the bullshit Eric!" She stands up from the couch and slinks towards me. "I haven`t seen you in awhile Eric and I've been worried about you. So I thought I would come and see you. We have plenty of time this evening to become reacquainted with one another," she tells me in her sexiest tone.
I try to maintain my neutral tone without sounded aggravated, "Rosamund, I hardly believe that you have worried about me. I'm also very busy this evening. So if there was anything else you needed, then tell me now."
"You don't have time for pleasure? If I recall correctly, that was something you always made time for, especially when it came to me."
I decide to change the subject. "How is your husband? I have not talked to him in awhile."
She is still standing in front of my desk, this time rubbing the side of her breasts, waist, and hips suggestively. She rolls her eyes at the question regarding her husband. "Ulric is always Ulric." She spats. "He is busy fucking every man and woman in his country while forgetting about his duties as a king. I didn't come here to talk about him. I came to talk about us. Surely you have not forgotten all of our times together."
She is correct in that assertion unfortunately. "No, I have not forgotten. But that was a long time ago and we will never be together that way again. I am bonded to a human woman and she is my wife. Believe it or not I am quite faithful to her." I stare at her with serious intent in my eyes.
She stares back at me and I can see the jealousy in her eyes. She then smiles at me malevolently, "Yes I have heard that you have bonded yourself to a human telepath. And I have also heard that she is spoiled. That she has been tarnished by fairies."
The anger that I had been suppressing pours out of me and in my vampire speed, I have her by the neck, crushing her against my desk. I am seething. "Don't you ever speak that way about my wife. If I hear another word about my wife that comes from your mouth, I will slowly kill you and I can assure you, it will be painful. After that, I will feed your remains to vultures. Do I make myself clear?"
I loosen my grip slightly on her throat to hear her answer. "Let go of me Northman! Do not forget I am a queen and your existence will be forfeit if you hurt me!", she says in a coarse voice.
"Are we clear?," I ask her one more time in a low tone.
She grudgingly replies, "Yes."
I remove my hand from her neck. She lifts herself off my desk, while straightening out her hair and gown.
She is clearly livid. "Because of our past history Northman, I shall forget for the moment of what has transpired here. But make no mistake, if you ever touch me like that again, I guarantee that will be the last thing you will ever do. I have many friends Eric. Do not forget that." She then angrily storms out of my office.
I close my eyes in an effort to rein in my temper. For the next hour, I sit at my desk and do more work as well as take care of my sheriff duties.
After completing my various tasks, I head downstairs to the parking lot and drive off to my hotel. When I arrive, Sookie is not yet there. I wait patiently in the lobby for her while encountering a few colleagues who are heading up to the party on the top floor.
She eventually arrives with her bodyguards and I go to greet her by opening the car door.
She is breathtaking. I had chosen a white sequined, long gown with thin straps that hug her curves. Her naturally wavy hair is more curled and refined.
I can feel her nervousness and I kiss her cheek, "Relax, my love. You are absolutely beautiful tonight," I whisper against her cheek while sending her waves of lust.
She nervously laughs, "Like the way I look huh?" Her eyes are twinkling.
We make our way up to the top floor and the part is already in full swing. I can tell that the event planner has done a decent job. We walk into a dimmed room with thousands of sparkled lights across the ceiling. There are round tables covered with beige linen. There is also a buffet with human food and a bar stocked with alcohol and Royalty Blend. A live band is playing contemporary music and the dance floor is filled with humans. The other sheriffs and their associates are consorting around the room. By the looks of it, many are eyeing the humans and deciding which ones to take later.
As we walk closer to the center part of the room, I can feel the eyes of every vampire in the room gazing upon us. Sookie can feel it too. She is feeling even more nervous. I know the perfect way to calm her down.
I whisper into her ear, "Lover come dance with me."
She nods and I take her hand and lead her to the dance floor. The band is playing a lively song, but I take her into my arms and dance with her slowly. I can feel her already relaxing as she relaxes her head against my chest and rests her hands on my biceps. I look around the room and immediately notice that De Castro and Madden have not arrived yet.
After the dance, I lead her to a table in a near corner and we sit down. Just then Pam walks into the room with her date and comes to us.
"Master, Sookie, having a great time so far?", she asks while she and her date settle into chairs at our table.
"Pam, we just got here too." Sookie answers.
"Pammy, aren't ya going to introduce us all?" her brunette date asks.
"Maybe, if you exceed my expectations tonight," Pam dryly says.
"Oh what a pretty dress you are wearing!", the woman practically shrieks to Sookie.
Sookie smiles, "Thank you, yours is nice as well. My name is Sookie and this is Eric."
"Hi! I'm Madeline. Isn't this a great party or what!"
Sookie begins chatting with the overly eager woman. A waiter comes to take our drink order and I ask for a Royalty Blend and a gin and tonic for Sookie.
Several minutes later, De Castro walks in. He is flanked by his entourage. Madden on his right side and regrettably Rosamund is latched onto his left arm. She smirks at me. I motion to Pam for her and her date to leave the table.
I stand as De Castro, Madden and Rosamund come towards us.
"You majesty," I say as I bow. Sookie remains seated looking at De Castro and Rosamund.
"Northman", he acknowledges, then his eyes brighten when he sees Sookie, " Ahh Mizz Stackhouse, it is good to see you once again and very good to see that you are doing well." He walks towards her and kisses her hand.
"Uh Thank you sir." Sookie says.
"Mizz Stackhouse, you remember Victor?", she nods as he is still holding her hand, "I don't believe you have met Ms. Rosamund Lefevre. Northman knows her very well." I feel my anger rising once again, but now I know that I must control it and not react in any way.
Sookie looks at me confused, then plasters on her fake smile, "Hello Mr. Madden, nice to meet you Ms. Lefevre."
De Castro continues, "Rosamund, allow me to introduce Mizz Sookie Stackhouse, the famed telepath and Northman's bonded wife."
"Charmed," Rosamund sneers.
"You highness, please join us," I ask De Castro.
They settle around the table as I take my seat beside Sookie. De Castro sits on her other side while Rosamund sits across from me. Madden is across from Sookie. The waiter comes with our drinks and takes the orders of the others at our table.
De Castro begins asking Sookie questions about how she has been recovering these past three years. I listen while trying to ignore Rosamund's lusty gaze.
After awhile, she intervenes in their conversation. "Wow, Miss Stackhouse. It sounds like you have had a hard time in your young life." She comments.
Sookie looks towards Rosamund, "Umm Yes I guess you could say that. But Eric has helped me a lot."
"You're also married to Eric right? Tell me, what was your wedding like?", she continues.
Sookie looks at me and she is using her fake smile once again, "Umm, we didn't really have a formal wedding. But that is okay. I mean we're married and that is the most important thing."
She mildly smiles at Sookie, "Well then, I guess that is what Eric still owes you. A proper wedding. Don't you think so Eric?"
Everyone, including Sookie, turn their attention towards me. "Yes, she deserves a proper wedding. But like what Sookie said, we're married already and that is the important thing." I can feel a slight tinge of disappointment through our bond. Did she want to have a proper wedding?
De Castro speaks, "Well, the band is playing rather well. Northman, do you mind if I ask Mizz Stackhouse for a dance?"
Yes, I do mind. "Not at all your majesty."
We all rise as De Castro and Sookie leave their seats. He takes her hand, but before they go he says, "Northman, maybe you should ask Ms. Lefevre to dance as well."
Madden speaks, "Since everyone has dance partners, I think I shall go find my own." He walks away.
"Yes Eric let's dance," she smiles vindictively while taking my arm. I'm fighting the urge to rip her arm off.
I place one hand on her waist and the other in her left hand. I try to stand as far away from her as I could, but she moves her body against mine. I quickly glance at Sookie and see them gliding around the dance floor. I can hear their conversation and he is still asking her questions about her recovery.
I look down and Rosamund is looking at me fervently.
"Eric your telepath is a precious gem," she retorts.
"I warned you, do not speak of my wife." I say in my low smooth tone.
"Relax Eric, I haven't said anything negative about her. You know you used to be so much more fun, but now it's like the fun has been drained out of you. You need someone to bring that back," she says huskily, while rubbing my arms. Now I am barely able to control my temper. Thankfully Pam intrudes at just the right time.
"Your majesty, it has been a long time since we have seen each other. Dance with me please?" Pam asks her.
Sensing that I am no longer in a tolerant mood she replies, "Pam, of course, let us dance and tell me what our Viking has been up to all these years."
I walk away from them and stand on the sidelines watching Sookie. She appears less nervous and is handling his questions and comments very well.
"I see your bonded is dancing with Felipe," a voice asks.
Standing beside me is Russell Edgington. I acknowledge him. "Yes your majesty."
"I'm going to go get a drink, I shall see you later Northman." I slightly bow to him.
Finally after several long tortuous minutes, Sookie and De Castro leave the dance floor and come towards me.
I take her arm and intertwine it with my own. "Thank you for allowing me to dance with your bonded Northman," he says. "I am going to be departing soon and I shall take my leave of the other sheriffs here. I look forward to seeing you again in one month's time in Las Vegas." I bow to him.
He looks at Sookie and takes her hand, "I hope to see you as well in my hometown," he then kisses her hand.
She nods, still plastering her fake smile on her face.
We sit down at our table. I hold her hands, gazing into her eyes. This time she gives me a genuine smile.
"We can head home soon, Lover." I tell her.
"Take your time Eric. I'm not very tired. I slept an extra few hours this morning beside you. I felt you. Even though you were 'sleeping'. I could feel your emotions through our bond for a brief moment."
I think about this momentarily. I try to recall this moment and I recollect a brief instant of feeling Sookie's love. Our bond must be growing. I kiss her on the lips.
We chat for a bit. Awhile later, Sookie tells me that she needs to take care of her human needs. I motion to Savannah to go with her. I sit at the table watching Madden flattering a blonde bartender. She is vaguely similar to Sookie and I find myself immediately disgusted with his actions. De Castro is speaking to the sheriff of Area 8. I see that Pam has returned to her date and is speaking to Russell. I can sense a familiar presence behind me. Rosamund places her hands on my shoulders and leans down to whisper in my ear.
"I will definitely be seeing you again soon, mon amour. I am going to put in a good word for you with Felipe." She winks at me as she walks off towards De Castro.
Just then, he, Rosamund, and his entourage leave.
Sookie retreats from the bathroom and comes to sit down with me once more. Pam and Russell come to join us as well, as Pam motions to her date to go dance by herself. We speak with each other as the party winds down.
"I see that Rosamund has made her way to this side of the world," Russell comments.
"Yes, I was surprised to see her here," I say.
"You know I have heard that she was in New York visiting Marten for the past few days," he continues, "I also heard through the rumour mill that she is looking for a husband from this side once her marriage to Ulric is over."
Rosamund's one hundred year royal marriage was ending to Ulric, the king of Germany, in a few months. "If she thinks that Marten will marry her, she is gravely mistaken. I've known him for a long time and trust me, he definitely wouldn't choose her for a wife," I retort.
"She is still married?" Sookie says. Russell nods. "She's looking for a new husband already... She sure doesn't let the grass grow under her feet," She says in a low voice.
Russell laughs, "Indeed she doesn't, Miss Stackhouse. Maybe she will have more luck with Felipe, Northman."
"I guess time will tell," I reply.
We continue to chat and Russell takes his leave awhile afterwards as well. Pam and her date leave and I tell the bodyguards to head back to our home. I can feel that Sookie is getting drowsier as we are waiting for the valet to bring my car around. She starts to drift off to sleep during the drive home. When we arrive at our home I carry her down to our chamber. I set her on our bed and remove her dress. She crawls to her side of the bed as I quickly take off my own clothes. I was hoping to have sex with her before she went to sleep, but I can tell she is exhausted. I decide to hold her instead as she drifts off.
"Eric," she says sleepily.
"Yes my love?" I tenderly ask.
"Did you date her?"
I momentarily think about my response, "Yes but very briefly. That was a long time ago."
She looks up at me, "Is there a woman on the planet you haven't been with?"
"Hmmm... I haven't been to Mongolia. So there's a new batch of women I could possibly date." I tease.
She softly laughs, "Goodnight Eric, and this conversation isn't over." She tells me while yawning.
I kiss her forehead as she drifts away.