Goddesses and Monsters

Chapter 6

A/N: I am very humbled by the amount of reviews and alerts I've received, thank you so much. My apologies for not replying personally, but time and technology is not always on my side.

I'm in the process of editing the previous chapters to correct my first/third person errors (ch1/2 done). Once again, I apologise for my poor command of grammar. Hey I left school at 18 in 1989 and can't honestly say that I learnt much grammar then, I think I was more interested in drooling over Simon le Bon (Duran Duran) and Rick Astley than learning!

Anyway, another unnamed vampire fiction site wouldn't accept my story due to 'all my mistakes' (even though their email to tell me this contained several spelling mistakes), and it made me feel a bit shitty and dumb, hence I've been sulking for a week. Then, I reminded myself that this is Fan Fiction, not formal publishing and I'm indebted to the flexible FF site for allowing grammatically challenged writers like me to publish my ramblings. Talking of rambling, someone tell me to STFU and get on with the story…

p.s. I do not own the SVM or TB.

p.p.s If you have access to BBC iPlayer I highly recommend watching 'Sherlock' a 3 part series starring the excellent Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. First episode was about Irene Adler (played by TB's very own 'Claudine') and was superb. It's Sherlock Holmes for the iPhone generation.

Sookie

He looked like God, a Viking warrior and fairytale Prince all rolled into one and was dumbstruck with awe and fear at the same time. In Fairy, Sookie had dreamt nightly about such a man and his resemblance to her fantasy man was phenomenal. She had read books where heroes such as him existed in fantasy, but seeing such a magnificent male in real life made her quiver. Fae males were attractive, but this Vampire was the most beautiful creature imaginable.

His presence caused her senses go on high alert. As he approached her, she could smell him and oh, did he smell wonderful! Woodsy and fresh like the outdoors and she had to stop herself from breathing him in deeply. It was as if had made him just for her, a custom-made dream lover.

After feeling comfortable enough to sit within touching distance of him, their conversation was relatively easy and she was surprised how comfortable she felt conversing in a language she had never used before. What was less comfortable was what she surprisingly heard from the minds of the two Vampires. Although almost whispers, she heard the truth of their words and relaxed enough to share information about her life. She had never told anyone but her Grandpa about her telepathy and was wary about revealing to her hosts. She knew that she would develop other powers due to her spark and hoped she could trust them not to exploit her. Pam, the female Vampire's thoughts were so fleeting she had trouble keeping up with her train of thought. She was a fierce woman, but loyal to her 'Master' but had nothing but empathy for Sookie and what she had been through.

The male Vampire, Eric had very calculated thoughts, again only in whispers but he was methodical, reserved and yet his thoughts warred with each other. He felt compassion for her, desire and attraction but was reluctant to show weakness by showing his emotions. Sookie hid her pleasure at this discovery and would let things develop as the fates determined. As their conversation progressed and she revealed some of the more unpleasant aspects of her sheltered life, she could hear the questions in both their minds. She was too ashamed of her previous life to tell them any more just yet and hoped they wouldn't push her for details.

As Eric explained about her freedom and that it would entail certain conditions in order to keep herself safe, she almost missed the rest of the conversation as she was distracted by fantasies of what she could see or do that she had read about in books. Excitement coursed through her body and she couldn't help but show her joy at the prospect of exploring this world. She was so grateful that they both seemed amiable and not really that frightening, although she was sure that they could both be terrifying if the situation required it.

She realised that she was getting really hungry but had no idea about what food to ask for, but she needn't have worried as Eric told her he sensed her hunger and was going to provide food for her shortly. Feeling hugely grateful that both of these Vampires, natural enemies of the Fae, were so willing to be her guardians she resolved to be as amenable as possible. She had had so few possessions and little entertainment that she would be thankful for anything she could get. It had to be better than the life she had left behind.

Suddenly, although she knew that Vampires fed on blood, the realization that hers would be a lure to all was sobering and she contemplated whether they would want to drink from her. As she wondered this, she caught the visions and whispered desires of Eric's mind and was strangely aroused at what she saw and heard. As if hearing those hidden desires wasn't embarrassing enough, she could tell he was aroused and tried very hard not to look down at where his manhood was, as he shifted in his seat. Also, he must have sensed her arousal as he breathed deeply through his nose.

Feeling the need to show that she was obliged, she resolved to offer her blood to them with just the tiniest fear that it would be too intoxicating. The Vampire that attacked her in the cemetery seemed incapable of control such as she had seen in Eric's mind as his fantasy vision of feeding on her showed. With such gentleness he had reassured her both verbally and in his thoughts that he would not harm her and that sharing blood would be pleasurable for both of them.

It seemed that was all it took for Eric's resolve to break and she heard him groan softly as visions of devouring her sexually filled his mind. Sookie had to compose herself as she sat even more closely next to Eric when he dismissed Pam from the room.

She thought she might feel fear, as her interactions with males were limited to the paternal affections of her grandpa and Preston who had raped and abused her. But Eric was gentle and his desire was sensual rather than animalistic and tinged with cruelty like her first experience. She couldn't help but feel desired and responded with enthusiasm to his kiss and although it was new to her, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying their kiss. She moaned as he tasted as good as he smelt and she couldn't help but grab on to him tighter. Tilting her head for him to taste her like she had seen her fantasy self do, she felt the slightest hesitation that this might lead to sex and she was sure that she wasn't ready to give herself like that, not yet. She still bore the mental scars of Preston's domination of her and it would take time for her to let herself be comfortable in a sexual situation.

What she hadn't anticipated is how overwhelmingly sensual a Vampire feeding from her could be. His hands ghosted over her body, igniting her nervous system and making her womanhood throb with the need for stimulation and couldn't help her purr when he lifted her onto his lap and she felt his hardness beneath her.

The appreciative noises rumbling from his throat and the subsequent roar as he climaxed made her cry out with her own release. It was a first for her, having never pleasured herself, aware that eyes were always watching her and that anyone could just materialise in her room at any moment. Preston had only been concerned with his own pleasure and Sookie could not have been less aroused a fact that drove the Fairy made with rage. This of course, made things all the worse for her as he took her anyway and being so rough, she was inevitably injured every time.

She couldn't help her own imagination and she saw and heard what Eric really wanted to do with her, their shared erotic fantasy almost identical. He was so tender with her but so passionate at the same time. When they broke away from each other, Eric muttering in a language she inexplicably recognised, she couldn't help but respond in kind, staggering them both.

"How do you know my language?" Eric's piercing blue eyes bore into hers as she fought to understand how herself. For a few moments she was speechless as she stared into his eyes, lost in the feeling that she had stared into them before, a long time ago.

Gathering her senses, removed her hands that had slid under his shirt and trailed her fingers over his chest before placing them on either side of his face.

"I do not know, I swear. Somehow I just know it; maybe it's a Fae ability?"

Eric seemed to contemplate her answer for a moment before changing the subject. He thankfully didn't seem displeased, but kissed her forehead in a very tender gesture. Lifting her by her waist he placed her feet on the floor and held on to her hands, tugging her towards the door.

"Come, I hear that your food is here, you must be very hungry by now." He looked at her with a lusty gaze and gave her that sexy smirk that he had given her before and she blushed at the innuendo.

She smiled in return as he released her hands and placed one of his at the small of her back, dangerously close to the curve of her bottom. As they walked through the corridor towards the main sitting area she had discovered earlier, she felt his fingers slip under the hem of her top and gently caress the bare skin of her back. She felt positively giddy at the sensations coursing through her body at his proximity and their gazes met as she realised that he felt what she was feeling.

Feeling a little uncomfortable that she did not seem to be able to control herself around him, when they had really only known each other for moments, she tried hard to settle her nerves. All they had to do was walk from one room to another but the desire to be close to him was overpowering. She tried not to listen to his thoughts, not wanting to be disappointed that he didn't return the feelings she already had developing in her heart. In the space of minutes, her heart was his and the realisation that she had fallen for a relative stranger alarmed her. Was this 'love at first sight'?

"What troubles you Sookie?" Eric asked her as they stepped into the now artificially lit sitting area. His hand was still on her back and he rubbed it gently as he looked down at her. He was so tall that she had to tilt her head back to look up at him, noticing that his eyes flit to her bare neck and then back to her eyes in a flash.

Not wishing to reveal her crush she floundered for an answer.

"I'm just finding all this a little difficult to take in. I know that you are honouring your debt to my grandpa, but I do not understand your kindness to me, it's…it's not something I am used to." She couldn't hide the sadness in her voice, the mention of her Grandpa made her melancholy; she missed him and his companionship.

Eric stared at her for a long while, he seemed to be having trouble finding the right words.

"Admittedly, I do honour your grandfather but I want to do this for you…I feel…strangely protective of you Sookie. This is not a feeling I understand …."

I don't have feelings…they cloud one's judgement and make lesser men weak… but fuck, just a few moments in her presence and I would do anything for her.

She heard his mind clearly this time and bit her lip at his words. He seemed to care, but was obviously torn. Time would tell if he would reciprocate, but she wouldn't push it. This was such an unusual situation, being thrust upon one another without choice. They were such different creatures but she could see the same desires in his eyes as hers and it made her smile. Her thoughts were interrupted by Pam who was sitting on the large leather sofa in the centre of the room eyeing us speculatively.

"If you two are quite finished making out, the delivery guy from Luna is about to knock on the door. Unless you're not hungry for food Sookie?"

There was the smirk again and Sookie wondered if it was a natural facial feature for a Vampire. They both did it a lot and she actually thought it was quite amusing. She decided to embrace the fact that they were trying to make her feel comfortable and had a sense of humour. She would try her best to lift her melancholy and join in with them; it had been a long time since she'd had fun. Years, in fact.

"Um, I'm hungry for anything actually. Shall I get the door?" Their brows shot up and before either of them could answer her she teleported to the door, shocking even herself. She had seen Grandpa and other Fairies do it all the time but this was her first and she giggled at the look on their faces at her mischief.

She opened the door to a young man who looked to be one of the guards, realising that the delivery was probably intercepted by one of them. He held a box out to her and with only a brief nod of his head he sped back to his post. So, there were Vampires guarding the property at night and some other type of supernatural creature, possibly a shape shifter. As she had never met one she couldn't be sure.

"He was a Vampire and the guard erm, Alcide he is supernatural yes?" She wasn't sure if she should confess that she could distinguish them from their thoughts, so tried to look as innocent as possible.

"How could you tell?" Ah, how to get out of this one?

"Well, the Vampire kind of made me a little nervous, maybe a natural reaction and he just felt different. Alcide did too but in a different way, although he was very friendly." She added quickly, not wanting Eric to think her afraid of her guards and dismissing them.

Eric nodded, seemingly accepting her reasoning. "Yes, Stanton is one of our night guards. Alcide is a Were, he shifts into a wolf and we have several other Were's employed by us."

"Oh" she said, nodding her head. She was fascinated by the fact that the seemingly harmless man who showed her round the gardens this morning, changed into a wolf. What she had read of wolves and Werewolves in particular, indicated that they were violent and intimidating creatures. A bit like Vampires then...she thought to herself.

"Come, eat." He gestured towards a room off the sitting area that had a large solid looking table made of timber logs and a glass top. Pam remained in the sitting area and Eric showed Sookie through to the table and pulled out a chair for her.

Sookie smiled to herself, it was a nice feeling having somebody look after you. But understanding that Vampires don't eat, she felt a bit apprehensive eating in front of him.

"You don't have to stay if you have other things to do Eric. Will it make you…uncomfortable?"

"Not at all Sookie and the only business I have to take care of is at the club later, I would like to sit with you, if that's alright?" Whilst saying this he had removed her food and placed it on plates in front of her in the blink of an eye, finishing with a flourish of his hand and a small bow.

She nodded and a small giggle escaped her at his dramatics and then turned to the food, frowning as she didn't recognise any of it. She looked at Eric questioningly.

"I'm not familiar with human food…what is this?" She did not want to sound ungrateful but Eric seemed happy to oblige.

"This..." he said pointing to the main dish, "is a Greek salad…I asked the chef for something light as you're not familiar with human food. I hope you enjoy it." Eric looked almost worried and she sensed his uncertainty.

"It looks very appetizing, thank you. What is this?" She pointed to a brown creamy looking substance in a small bowl that had red seeded fruits on the top.

"Ah, I believe you will enjoy this dessert. I understand most women love chocolate, this is chocolate mousse with strawberries. I take it you have never had either?" He seemed to be enjoying this lesson in food and locked eyes with her as he picked up her fork to feed her. He was being very sweet and it set butterflies loose in her chest.

"Here, let me feed you little one." Sookie blushed at his sentiment and nodded her head. He picked up a circular green slice with a small piece of something soft and white and popped it her open mouth.

"Mmmmm, delicious…..what were they?" She would happily let him feed her everything if it all tasted as good.

"The white substance is Feta cheese, made from sheep's milk and the other is a salad vegetable called a cucumber, it's normally long and is cut into slices or cubes. Shall I carry on?"

"Yes please, tell me what everything is." She was definitely going to enjoy this lesson, especially with such a stunning teacher.

"Very well, I am happy to be your teacher, although I have not eaten food in a very long time, and certainly not food such as this." He gestured towards the plates and handed her back her fork.

"Do mind being around food when you cannot eat it? Do you miss it?" She wasn't sure it would make him miss his human life or not. She would certainly miss eating if she suddenly could not eat food.

"It has been over a thousand years since I ate food and when I was a human, we ate to live and our choices were limited. I do not miss it and do not mind being around most foods, I have to admit to enjoying watching you eat…" There was the smirk again.

Sookie resumed devouring items on her plate, Eric telling her about tomatoes and olives, olive oil and herbs. She was familiar with certain oils and herbs but not these. Eric grabbed the chocolate mousse and picked up a small spoon, dipping it in the bowl and slowly brought it to her mouth, watching her tongue the whole time. As her tongue darted out to wrap around the spoon, the taste overwhelmed her tongue and her taste buds burst into life, making her mouth water. She couldn't help but moan and her eyes closing in bliss.

"More please Eric." She opened her mouth again for him to feed her looking him in the eyes this time. Eric cleared his throat and she caught a flash lust in his eyes. She recognised the sexual tension between them, his fangs had come down and his eyes were dark. She'd read that sex and feeding go hand in hand for Vampires and he had hinted that earlier. Licking some stray dessert from her lower lip she eavesdropped on his thoughts which had turned sexy again and she could tell that he was enjoying this.

Fuck me, I'd like to hear her saying that to me in flagrante delicto...fuck I want to kiss her again…

There was the word 'fuck' again. She wasn't sure of the meaning but recognised the statement for what it was. He wanted to hear her cry out for more whilst under him in the blazing delectable act. Understanding exactly what that meant she warmed under his gaze once again.

Finishing the confection she licked the spoon and popped it out of her mouth, surprised at the reaction it caused. Eric moaned softly and cleared his throat again looking thoughtful now.

"You know that Pam has read, in one of her magazines, that some women regard chocolate as better than sex." It wasn't a question, more like a statement but somehow she knew it needed an answer.

"I wouldn't know, not having had either before." She didn't regard the sex with Preston as the kind of sex that Eric was talking about, it was not consensual. There was nothing enjoyable about it, so to compare it to a delicacy such as chocolate was moot to her. She did wonder though, whether sex with Eric would be better than chocolate and blushed at the thought. Eric frowned at her comment but reached out to touch her cheek which she was sure felt hot to touch, she felt like she was on fire under his scrutiny. He removed his hand from her face, taking her hand in his.

"Sookie, your blush is very becoming….but if you don't mind me asking, I thought you had sex when you reached your maturity?" His tone was so gentle, and the way he stumbled over the words made her answer so much easier.

"Our opinions may differ Eric, but what I experienced could never be compared to the sensation that eating chocolate evoked in me just now. I wouldn't even call my experience sex…" She had to bite her lip and screwed up her eyes to stop the tears falling. She really didn't want to elaborate any more and hoped he wouldn't make her.

"Sookie, it's alright. I can feel your turmoil you don't need to explain. I apologise for bringing it up." He stroked the back of her hand with his thumb, his frown deep with concern.

She took a moment to calm herself before replying. "Thank you Eric…I will tell you one day. It's not…easy for me."

Eric smiled reassuringly at her and made an effort to change the subject.

"Are you finished? You didn't drink anything. Dr Ludwig gave me strict instructions to see that you are fed and watered and I wouldn't want to go against the orders of the doctor."

She picked up the glass of water that had been placed there at the same time he laid out the dishes and drank it down thirstily. "There, adequately fed and watered. I wouldn't want you to get into trouble with this doctor you seem so scared of." She winked at him.

Eric let out a booming laugh and she couldn't help but join in. "She may be one of the smallest supernatural beings but she is fucking scary!"

She noticed he said that word again, 'fucking'. "What is this word 'fuck' that you say so often, what does it mean?"

At that moment, Pam burst through the door and joined us at the table.

"I just couldn't miss this, come now Eric, and tell our innocent Sookie what your favourite word means." She was grinning widely at Eric who looked a little uncomfortable.

Eric looked apprehensive and Sookie took pity on him. She had a vague idea that the word was vulgar and he had thought it whilst imaging them having sex, but still didn't understand his frequent use of it.

"It's a word, erm …that implies anger or exasperation or it can mean an insult or dismissal. As a verb, it means….the act of sex but in an aggressive sense. It's a universally known curse word that fits almost any situation. Pam is right; it's my favourite word in every sense, noun or verb." He quirked the eyebrow again and she didn't have to think what that meant.

Sookie may have been relatively innocent, shut away from the outside world and not even the human world, but she knew that people used derogatory terms to describe each other and situations. Preston had done that whenever he 'fucked' her and revelled in the insults he threw at her. She would not feel comfortable using such terms that had been so easily aimed at her. She had been raised to be well-mannered as part of her 'breeder' training. She would continue to be polite and respectful but also wanted to embrace the ways of the human world. It seemed that Eric was the ideal tutor to help her balance the two.

Pam was sniggering, obviously enjoying Eric's lesson in vocabulary. I wanted to try it out and tease him a little at the same time.

"So it's commonly used then? I could say it whenever I wanted?" I put on my best innocent face.

Eric shook his head. "Well, it's your choice, even though it's more acceptable for someone like me, or Pam." Pam snorted at this. Eric continued "but for a polite young lady, such as yourself, it's not something you would regularly use and probably not in public or to anyone's face."

"So it's alright here then, in your home? I could say 'fuck' or 'fucking' or even 'fuck me' as much as I wanted?" Inside I was smiling, Eric's face was a picture and Pam looked to be stifling a giggle.

Ye Gods, I could fuck that dirty mouth… It was too much and I burst out laughing, knowing that our conversation had become completely ridiculous.

"Sookie, this is your home now, you can swear to your hearts content." Eric and Pam were laughing along with me.

"Ooh, can I teach her more swear words? I have the Urban Dictionary on my phone, it's so much fun!" Pam was enjoying herself and sat down in the chair next to me.

"Pam and I'm not sure I want you corrupting her. Anyway, we should be making our way to the club." He rose from his seat and offered his hand to her which she took and he led her out of the room.

"Sookie, I sense mischief in you throughout that whole conversation you know. You are not lying to me about being so innocent are you?" His eyebrow was raised but he was still smiling as he asked, so Sookie wasn't worried that she had been found out. She knew she would need to tell him about her telepathy sooner rather than later and as he had demonstrated such kindness towards her, she would tell him tonight.

"No Eric, honestly I have led a very sheltered life. But, I must admit that I caught on early that it wasn't a polite word. Seeing your reaction to my saying it was very funny." I bit my lip coyly, eyes wide and innocent.

This seemed to amuse Pam and she shifted in her seat to address me.

"You my little Fairy are a minx. I love having a partner in crime; we shall gang up on Eric at every opportunity. Tomorrow the club is closed, so we shall go shopping and watch chick flicks together!" I had no idea what half of what she said actually meant, but the prospect of these activities excited her, so I would play along.

Eric groaned and put his head in his hands. "I've created a monster…" Sookie giggled, enjoying their easy teasing of one another.

"Pam, I didn't really understand most of what you said but I would enjoy your company very much, I am sure. I have never been shopping, I don't know what 'chick flicks' are and if ganging up on Eric means what I think it does then I'm agreeable."

"YOU'VE NEVER BEEN SHOPPING?" Pam shouted in disbelief, to the distress of Sookie's eardrums.

"Pam, I was confined to my chamber, everything I needed was provided for me. I wouldn't know where to go or what to buy and don't have any means to pay. I've read about it….in Fairy people just 'wish' for things, there was no need for money." I couldn't actually do this due to my subdued spark, so I had to make do with what was supplied, not that I had another choice.

The look on Pam's face was priceless and Eric just groaned even more.

"Oh fuck, look what you've done now. She's planning a spree and that's not good for me or my credit card."

"What's a credit card?" Sookie asked innocently. Pam let out another ear-piercing squeal causing Sookie to flinch and cover her ears.

"It's a never ending supply of pleasure in a little plastic rectangle; we will take Eric's and consider it a lesson as part of your induction into the human world."

"I shall be poor by the end of the week" Eric muttered. "Come now ladies, we must leave." He pulled me by the hand out of the dining room and through the sitting area to a metal doorway and pressed a button that lit up red.

Sookie could hear a humming noise that seemed to be getting closer and took a step back, nervous of what was approaching. Eric sensed her apprehension and rubbed his thumb over her palm in comfort.

"It's alright Sookie, it's an elevator. It will take us down to the garage." She was still apprehensive, not knowing what a garage really was. Once again, this alien world was full of objects and words, some of which she was familiar from books, but others a complete mystery to her.

He guided her from the small enclosed space and into a large cavernous room filled with cars. She had seen pictures and read about them and assumed that she had been brought here in one, but had been unconscious at the time. She was quite excited at the prospect of riding in one and clapped her hands together in front of her in glee.

Eric turned to me amused. "You are excited little one. You have most probably not been in a car before? Awake, at least."

"Yes, I'm so excited…I've read about them, seen pictures. There's no need in Fairy you see, what with teleporting. Which one will we be going in?" Sookie wanted to go in the silver one; it was so pretty and shiny.

Eric caught her admiring said car and grinned. "You have good taste, the Saab is my favourite, but it only has room for two, so Pam will need to take her car."

Rushing over to the car, she tentatively touched its sleek body and peered in through the window, jumping when there was a beep and a click of a lock.

Eric was next to her in a flash and opened the door for her, waiting patiently for her to get comfortable before shutting the door. He was in the driver's seat before Sookie could take in the interior and gasped at all the lights and dials that illuminated as he started it up. A loud rumble echoed around the garage as he produced more power from a pedal in the floor.

The doors of the garage slid open and the car zoomed out into the endless night. We seemed to be on a noisy road made of stones that had tall trees either side and after a couple of minutes, emerged onto a hard surfaced road. There was darkness for as far as I could see.

"Will we go fast?" She asked excitedly.

"You like speed?" Eric looked pleased at the prospect and caused the car to speed up with a roar.

Sookie giggled and nodded "apparently so." Her eyes were wide trying to make out the landscape as they sped by, but everything was a blur.

"So what is your club like, what do people do there?" She wondered if it had music or dancing. She had read about such places in some of the human novels that her Grandpa had brought her. They were quite old, so wondered how much like them they would be now, bearing in mind the difference in time between realms.

"It is a bar predominantly for Vampires to frequent, although other supernatural's are welcome. We opened the bar after the Great Revelation, when we became public. The interest in Vampires was substantial and attracted a great many humans; we nicknamed them 'Fangbangers'." He glanced over to her briefly as if confirming that she understood his meaning.

"So Vampires go there to feed on humans….and humans go there because they want to be bitten?" She asked in a small voice. Even though she had allowed Eric to feed from her, she was not comfortable talking about it. She was not sure she wanted to see that sort of thing.

"Well, back when we opened, it was illegal to feed in public but over time, laws were passed to allow feeding to take place on the premises but in private rooms. There are strict rules…the human had to be consenting of course, with no glamour and the donor had to be left in a healthy condition."

She was glad of that and he looked at her to gauge her reaction. As she looked into his eyes, she saw a vivid picture of a large dimly lit room decorated in black and red, it was filled with 'people' dressed strangely in dark colours. A barely dressed female walked towards Eric, whose eyes she was looking out from and offered herself to him. The image flickered to him having sex with her against a wall of a small room; he was behind her thrusting into her roughly with her arms pinned up above her head by one of his hands. He was like an animal, rough and uncaring. The other hand gripped her hair to one side, exposing her neck and he bit her hard, causing her to cry out in ecstasy whilst he sucked greedily from her.

She didn't want to see anymore and she screwed her eyes shut in disgust, the image too similar to her ordeal for her liking. He looked feral and brutal; not at all like the tender Eric she'd experienced in the short time she'd known him. She'd now seen both sides of Eric Northman and she was scared of meeting the one from her vision.

Eric noticed immediately that something was wrong and reached for her hand and although the gesture was kind, her hand trembled in his. She peeked over to him, his eyes on hers instead of the road which was thankfully straight.

"What is it Sookie, something has frightened you. The club….you need not be scared, you will be safe with me." He stroked her hand in the same comforting gesture that he had before.

"Eric…I need to tell you something, about me…explain my reaction just now."

She couldn't hold back the tears that were welling in her eyes. She was terrified that he would be angry and realise that she had heard or seen all the secrets of his mind.

He slowed the car and came to a stop on the side of the road and turned to her, wiping a tear from her cheek. It was such a tender gesture and she relaxed a little.

"Is this to do with your experience in captivity?" His brow was furrowed with concern and she wondered how she had doubted that he would be anything but gentle with her.

She took a deep breath to steady herself. "It's more to do with something I can do, but now you mention it, I am afraid of how you will react and that has everything to do with my…experience." Eric looked at her confused.

"Whatever it is, I promise that I shall not react in any way that would cause you harm Sookie. I feel your terror and your uncertainty; I do not wish you to be afraid to tell me anything. Please….you can tell me."

Sookie dipped into his mind briefly and confirmed that he was calm and resolved to whatever she could tell him.

"I…I am telepathic. I have been able to hear and see your thoughts and Pam's, Bill Compton's and even Alcide's come to that, from the first moment! Please don't be angry…I didn't know I could do read Vampires and it wasn't intentional." Her body had tensed ready for his blow and she shut her eyes.

Preston had demanded her silence whenever they were 'together' and if she spoke or cried out; he would punch or slap her. She had learned quickly not to do either and forced her body to tense up to absorb the blow, often biting her tongue until it bled to stifle any sounds.

The blows didn't come and Sookie peeked an eye open, to see Eric looking out towards the front of the car, a thoughtful look upon his face. He was still holding her hand, still stroking it with his thumb. She dare not attempt to hear his thoughts, worried that now he was aware of her ability, he would somehow sense her invasion. She couldn't stand the silence.

"Eric….are you angry with me?" I barely heard my own meek voice but knew he did as he turned back to me, his face pensive.

"You saw my thoughts just now when you asked about the club…..you saw…saw me with the fangbanger…and before in the house, you knew I was thinking about you?"

His eyes were boring intently into hers and she felt the same strange sensation in head that she had when Bill Compton had spoken to her. Was this the 'glamouring' she had read about, was Eric trying to hypnotize her? It hadn't had any affect on her before so she blinked a few times and Eric seemed to realise that it hadn't worked on her. Why had he done that, didn't he trust her now?

"Yes" she said simply, not wishing to give him any more reason to doubt her sincerity.

She thought Eric looked momentarily ashamed before he straightened himself up. The tension was killing her and she looked down at the co-joined hands, afraid of his next words.

"That is unfortunate…" she flinched, this was it, his wrath was near. She'd learned that Vampires were very secretive and having someone like her poking around in his and any other Vampire's thoughts would be perilous for them.

She was suddenly in his embrace, his forehead gently resting against hers and she felt confused now. Was this the calm before the storm? Pulling back to look in her eyes she saw only regret and concern.

"No Sookie, don't misunderstand me and please, please don't be frightened of me. What I was going to say was that it was unfortunate that you saw me with that depraved woman….it is part of my nature for sex and feeding to go hand in hand. I despise these 'fangbangers' and only use them for my basic needs. I…I am more than sorry that you saw it."

She softened in his arms, the sincerity of his words written plainly over his face and she so wanted to kiss away his frown but held herself back. She was so relieved, not just that he wasn't angry as this revelation, but that he had willingly admitted that he was not purely animalistic in his attentions. He wanted her to know that he had a different side and she couldn't help but let out sigh of relief.

"I know….back at the house…you were so tender, understanding. The change startled me. I'm sorry for my reaction, I know I having nothing to fear from you, but past experience has made me… fearful."

He pulled my hand up to his lips and softly kissed my fingers. "Why anyone would willingly hurt such a beautiful and unassuming creature as you is beyond my comprehension."

She turned his hand in hers and reciprocated, placing feather light kisses on each one of his fingers, noticing that he was watching her lips intently.

"As much as I would love to sit here with you 'making out' all night, we need to get to the club as I have important business. Perhaps you would like to talk to me more about your ability when my business is concluded?" The regret was there in his eyes again, but it was more like longing and she couldn't help but smile warmly.

Pam had used that phrase before when she interrupted them in a tender moment. "Of course, not that I know what 'making out' is" she said innocently. The relief and happiness that she felt was immediately replaced by lust as she was bombarded with images of Eric and her kissing passionately.

She grinned at Eric, knowing he was intentionally showing her what he meant. She liked the idea of 'making out' with Eric and bit her lip, struggling to contain her longing to do just that.

"Perhaps a short demonstration is in order?" Before she could answer, Eric had his hands wound in her hair and his tongue pushed her lips open and sensuously laved hers. Their mouths and tongues crashed and tangled and as if Eric could tell he was kissing the breath out of her, he released her mouth as his fangs snicked down and he resumed nipping and licking along her jaw to her neck and ear.

Sookie was moaning at his attentions, thoroughly enjoying finding out what 'making out was'. Too soon, he pulled back and gave her his trademark smirk, obviously satisfied with the reaction he'd got.

"I think I like 'making out' with you, but not sure if I completely understood…maybe I could have a longer demonstration next time?"

Where she had learnt to flirt like this was beyond Sookie, but she was relieved that she found it within herself to resume their friendly and teasing mood from before. There was something about Eric that made her feel alive, wanted and desired and it brought out this side in her, even though only moments before she had been terrified of his reaction. She supposed this was a natural part of consorting with Vampires, they were deadly creatures in reality and she would take care not to get on the bad side of one intentionally.

Eric ran his nose along her jaw to her ear and nipped her lobe playfully earning a little yelp and a giggle from Sookie.

"I shall make sure to remedy my poor demonstration skills before dawn, min lite flirte."

"Is that a promise?" She whispered brazenly.

Eric shifted in his seat and groaned softly. "Absolutely lover."

They had driven for a few more minutes before buildings started appearing on the horizon and the city of Shreveport came into view. Sookie's head was whipping around from left to right, trying to take in everything as they sped by.

She knew that Eric found her amazement amusing and laughed at her interest in the somewhat dreary landscape. Before too long, they came to a stop outside a large low building with a bright sign that read 'Fangtasia'. Before she could reach to open the door, Eric had beaten her to it and held out his hand for hers. Taking her tiny hand in his, he pulled her towards him as she stood and laid a possessive hand on the small of her back and let her to the doorway that was guarded by an intimidating female Vampire dressed completely in black leather.

The female regarded Sookie with a frown and she was tempted to dip into her mind and was surprised when she heard that it was unusual for 'the Master' to bring female guests to the club. Eric took her surprise for trepidation and made their introductions.

"Thalia, I would like you to meet…Susanna. She is Mine." Just like that she was owned and although he had warned her of his use of the term, for her safety, she found herself liking the thought of being His.

Sookie had been so focussed on the exterior appearance of the club, Eric's proximity and the fierce Vampire at the door that she hadn't notice the buzz of music and voices coming from the club. As they stepped into the club she screwed her eyes up and gripped Eric's hand, the noise was deafening. Eric was leading her through the club but she barely took in her surroundings. Some of the voices she recognised instantly as Vampires, their thoughts were but a whisper. The humans thoughts screamed at her and most of them were not pleasant. She started to feel dizzy and couldn't concentrate. They had barely been inside and yet she'd had enough, she thought she heard Eric speaking to her but couldn't focus on his voice. Her hands flew up to head, gripping it in pain as vicious thoughts bombarded her…

Who the fuck is that bitch?

There he is…he's so magnificent, I wonder if he feeds from her…

Wonder what's so special about her...

Look at those tits, I'd love to sink my fangs into those juicy…

Another whore fangbanger…

She whimpered in distress and her knees started to give out but Eric's strong arms swooped her up and suddenly they were moving fast. On the verge of passing out Sookie buried her face into Eric's chest and clung onto shirt.

"The voices….they're so loud, make them stop, please…make them stop Eric!" Eric was holding her tight to him, shussing her.

She barely registered they were in a quiet room and she was sat on Eric's lap.

"Look at me Sookie….look in my eyes" She lifted her head to comply; she could see the pain on her face reflected back in his eyes but was then lost in a sea of blue.

"That's it…just concentrate on my eyes. Try not to think of anything, relax min alskling" He was stroking her hair rhythmically and she felt herself slumping with fatigue and noticed the voices were getting quieter, less than a whisper now.

She nuzzled her face into his chest, his arms tightly holding her in place and breathed in his wonderful scent. It seemed to relax her even more and she sighed as she let go of her remaining tension. They sat there for a few minutes, Eric as reluctant to let her go as she was.

He put his face closer to hers and whispered to her. "All better?"

She prised herself away from his chest and looked up into his concerned eyes and nodded. "I could hear them, all of their thoughts….they were so loud and cruel."

"The humans too? You can hear the humans and Vampires here?" Eric seemed impressed that she could, even though he was concerned at the pain it had caused initially.

"Yes, the humans were so loud….the Vampires not so much. They don't like me…being with you" she trailed off ruefully.

He held her chin and the way he looked at her made her want to melt into him.

"They are vermin Sookie, you are worth ten...no a thousand times more than they are, don't doubt that." He kissed her tenderly on her lips and she closed her eyes as a warm tingling sensation flooded through her chest.

"You have a gift, a precious one and one that must be guarded. I suggest that we keep this fact a secret. Do you think that you could control the volume of their thoughts now that the initial shock is over?"

She thought for a moment, the thoughts were just a whisper in her brain now. It seemed Eric had been able to help her control the noise level and she concentrated, trying to reach out beyond the door. She could still hear their thoughts loud and clear but it was manageable even thought she had to really focus to pick out individual rather than group thoughts.

"Yes, thank you Eric…I don't know what I would do without you." She buried herself in his chest again, reluctant to let him go but remembering that he had work to do, she pulled back not wanting to be a burden.

"That's not something you have to worry about lover." 'Lover' she was really coming to enjoy his terms of endearment, especially when he called her 'min alskling'.

There was a knock on the door of the room that he had brought her to, looking around she realised it must be an office as it had a desk and lots of paper scattered around.

"Enter." Eric kept Sookie on his lap but transformed his features into a stern glare as Pam rushed in looking worried. "What is it Pam?" he said brusquely.

"I felt Sookie's distress and pain. I couldn't get away…I was dealing with some underage kids. Are you ok?" Pam had knelt by Sookie now, concerned etched all over her face.

"Yes, thank you Pam. I was just…a bit overwhelmed." Sookie was reluctant to tell her why and looked at Eric for guidance.

"It seems that Sookie has the gift of telepathy…she can hear everyone's thoughts." His brows raised and he looked intently at Pam as he entreated her to understand the 'everyone' part.

"Well fuck me backwards…really?" Pam stared at her and Sookie knew that she was testing the fact. She opened her mind and heard her clear as day.

There was a young girl named Sapphire

Who succumbed to her lovers' desire

She said "it's a sin

But now that it's in

Could you shove it a few inches higher?"

Sookie burst out laughing, grateful for the break in tension.

"You like?" Pam grinned laviciously at having her test confirmed. Sookie nodded enthusiastically.

Eric looked between them in confusion. "Do I want to know?" he groaned.

"Not really. Eric this could be useful…" Pam eyed Sookie questioningly. She knew what Pam was suggesting and Sookie mulled over the unspoken suggestion that she helped them by using her telepathy. She supposed it might be a good way to show her gratitude for their help and hospitality.

Before Eric could speak, Sookie blurted out "I'll do it…I'll read people for you…if you want?" She looked at timidly at Eric and gave him a small smile.

"If you are agreeable Sookie, I would be grateful for your assistance. Some of my business dealings can be…tricky and to have the upper hand would be most satisfying." She loved how he was giving her the choice, but she wanted to do this, she owed it to him and to Pam.

"I am…although with large amounts of people it can be difficult as you saw…unless you were with me. It helped, having you close…" She thought she saw a flash of pride on his face but ignored it. She didn't have to read his mind to know that he like having her dependent on him.

"And…I want you to know that I will try to stay out of your thoughts as much as I can. Some of the things you both think can be rather, erm graphic." She added, smiling coyly at Eric.

Eric grinned but then turned serious. "Sookie, I think this would be a good opportunity for you. I will be happy to pay for your telepathic services…"

She went to object but he continued. "It will be a way for you to have your own funds. Making your own money can be very gratifying." She contemplated this before replying.

"I agree. I would like to have some funds to go shopping with Pam. I have no means of my own…"

The mention of the word 'shopping' had Pam positively buzzing with excitement.

"Tomorrow is on Eric, so you don't have to worry about money for the time being. I absolutely insist, your wardrobe is sorely lacking and I am an expert shopper. You won't regret it!"

"I'm in your hands Pam." Sookie grinned at her enthusiastic new friend.

"I wish darling." Pam eyed Sookie's chest enviously. Eric noticed where Pam's eyes were focussed and looked positively possessive.

"Pam, stop staring. Very well then, it is agreed but it must be kept secret, if the Queen finds out about your ability she will most likely want to claim you as her pet."

Far from being angry at the prospect of being anyone's' pet, she was distracted by the word Queen. "There's a Queen? She will she want to take me away from you?" She gulped, a twinge of fear running through her.

Both Eric and Pam sensed her fear and each took a hand. She felt like a child being comforted by adults.

"Yes, Queen Sophie-Ann is the queen of Louisiana. Each state has a Queen or King and they have Sheriffs to police territories. I am the Sheriff of Area 5. But do not fear Sookie, you are Mine and it is improper for her to approach you. She may, however command me to let her use your skill. It cannot be known that you are a Fae princess, we shall have to pretend you are my human. Vampires will regard you as a 'pet' and property to be exploited." Eric looked uneasy, he was leaving something out.

"Only improper, not forbidden…she could take me?" All this new information and new discoveries was making her head spin.

"There is a way to reinforce my claim on you…it would involve a mutual blood exchange. Vampires call it a bond and we would be able to feel each others emotions and find each other easily. It is sacrosanct in the Vampire community and punishable if an offense occurs." Pam looked at Eric, they both seemed nervous at this possibility.

"This is a lot to take in…" she said distractedly.

"It is not something you have to decide upon now Sookie. There is no imminent threat, she will not find out if I can help it." Eric's tone was confident and she found it reassuring.

"I understand…I'll think it over." She gave them both a small smile. Eric freed her from his grasp and stood, walking over to his desk leaving her curled up on the couch.

"We are closing the club to humans at 1am. I have arranged for a tasting session of the new batch of synthetic blood created and for several area Vampires to attend. You may join us if you wish, or stay back here?"

"I'd like to stay with you, if that's alright. I'd also like to see more of the club and with the humans gone it would be more comfortable for me."

"Very well. Pam, have a drink brought back for Sookie, what would you like?

"I don't have any idea what I'd like, would you choose for me Pam?"

"Of course…Chow our bartender is a surprisingly good cocktail maestro; I'll surprise you and make sure to hold the lemon of course!"

"Thank you, I'll look forward to it." Pam turned on her extremely high heels and was out of the office in a blink.

Eric lifted her from his lap, seating her on the comfortable couch and settled himself behind his large wooden desk. "I have some paperwork to attend to for a while Sookie, would you like something to read?"

"Yes, yes please." Eric turned to the shelves behind him, his fingers grazing over dozens of aged books. He handed her a large leather bound book from the bookshelf behind him and handed it to her.

"I think you'll find this interesting. It is about my homeland and is in my native language…that won't be a problem will it?" He smiled at her mischievously.

Sookie opened the book to a random page and for a moment the words meant nothing to her, but before her eyes they swirled and blurred for a second, clearing into perfectly readable English text. She bit her lip and let out a laugh, looking at Eric with pride.

"No….it looks…very interesting. I'd like to know more about you…" She looked deep into his eyes.

As I would like you to know more about you min alskling…

He winked at her, signifying that he knew full well that she'd read his mind. Her telepathy was definitely going to be an ability she would enjoy…immensely.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter - please review, my fragile ego begs it!