Goddesses and Monsters

Chapter 11

A/N: Many thanks to all who have reviewed and/or alerted. I apologize for the delay in getting this chapter out; I'll spare you the excuses...there are too many!

Excuses aside, I've fully adopted 2 other stories that started out as collabs, my co-author 'erics-greatest-love' can't continue. Please don't fret, it won't affect this story. So, it is with no amount of shame that I'm plugging 'Fatal Attraction' and 'The Mermaid's Kiss'.

Another big shout out to Bruja6110 for her continued input and fabulous editing. This chapter is shorter than the last and lighter in mood. To reward your patience, Ch12 will be very close behind.

Eric

Rapidly extracting ourselves from Sookie's room to give Pam time to collect herself from her emotional outburst, Sookie and I moved swiftly down the elevator to the garage floor.

Not one to usually allow my child order me around, I reluctantly conceded and let her take the lead for the evening, out of pure indulgence of her excitement. Sharing a bond with Pam made it extremely hard not to share in her elation. Of course it wasn't only our bond making me want to share this experience, but the fact that I could also sense the sisterly relationship between my progeny and Sookie growing. If someone would've asked me a week ago if my child needed a bond with a female that wasn't sexual, I probably would have laughed in their face, but now... now I could feel how important it was for both of them to have the other female's presence in their lives.

For Sookie, I believe the only female influence she had in her life was from either her nanny or ladies-in-waiting, so until now, she had a definite lack of close feminine influence or relationships and in Pam's case, unknown to myself, there was a deeply hidden desire to nurture. There's no way I'd voice my suspicions out loud, but after the circumstances surrounding Pam's human family and the loss of her younger sibling, I could somewhat understand the need to care for and instruct Sookie as she was now doing.

I held tight to Sookie's hand from the moment we left her room, barely able to take my eyes off of the beauty at my side. Her eyes sparkled with barely restrained excitement and her lips were upturned with amusement of Pam's enthusiasm and zeal; a quick glance at Godric showed that he too was amused, but I still felt an underlying anxiousness from him. Pushing aside my concerns about my maker's confusing emotions, I decided to make the most of this opportunity to lavish and spoil my wife with immense amounts of new possessions.

My wife... It was odd to think that a few nights ago I was thought of as one of the most eligible vampire bachelors in the North Americas and Europe; sought after by both males and females alike from all over the world. But now I am a married man; very happily married at that. Married in both ancient human and fae traditions and had been unknowingly for my whole vampire existence. I knew that I had to get over my guilt about my actions for all of these years; somehow, Susanna didn't blame me for my behavior because of Niall's spell, but that didn't mean that it was going to be as easy to forgive myself. It had been over a thousand years since we were married and back then, there weren't such things as marriage records, but that didn't mean that it didn't happen.

SHIT! Records... Sookie was living in this realm now, so she needed all the records and official documents that went along with being a legal citizen. I'll need to have my day-man acquire all the documentation from the person who used to make my aliases before the Revelation. I also wanted Sookie to have my last name and to be seen legally as my wife. For that to happen, I'd need to have a forged marriage certificate dated before the great revelation since marriage to a vampire currently isn't legal in Louisiana, but a marriage prior to the Revelation is thankfully, still recognized. Besides, for Sookie to be on my accounts and credit cards and recognized jointly for my businesses and assets, I needed to get her documented.

I'd already begun taking steps to make her officially mine in the vampire world by bonding to her and will move quickly forward with pledging ceremony. Now that I think about it, we might have a issue with an 'Official' pledging because of the scenting of Sookie's spilled blood might be huge problem. For the younger vampires in my retinue, the sweet smell of Sookie's blood would be seen as a special diet I put her on, to satisfy my 'sweet-tooth'; but the elder vampires would be able to scent the difference from the first drop. Then there'd be no stopping the vultures from attacking if word got out that there was a faery-hybrid residing in Shreveport. I wonder if Sookie knows how to mask the scent of her blood; if not then we could always do a simple pledging so none of her blood is spilled. It doesn't matter how the pledging happens as long as it does and she's safe... that's all that really matters to me.

Technically, I should have officially informed the Queen about Sookie's telepathy as soon as learned about it, but I couldn't. If I had, then she'd want MY Sookie for her own and I'll be damned if I let that happen.

In the few minutes it took to journey from Sookie's room to the garage, my mind raced to find ways to keep Sookie safe and out of danger. As we walked down the stone pathway that led across the grounds towards the helipad, Sookie squeezed my hand and looked at me questioningly.

"What has you looking so worried my Viking?"

Reaching up, she smoothed the lines of worry between my brows softly. Thankfully, she wasn't currently listening to my thoughts and worries; I didn't want to give her any reasons to worry about the times ahead. Sookie deserved some peace and contentment after the life she had with Niall; no matter what, I was sure that at some point in the future, fate would throw us into deep water without a paddle.

"It's nothing my love. I'm just hoping that Pam doesn't out the store again; her closets are already overflowing with clothes that she hasn't even worn yet." Because my comment actually had some truth, I hoped that she wouldn't be able to detect my small lie of omission that was mixed in.

Sookie chuckled at my reply and then looked at me thoughtfully as she licked her lips lustfully.

"What are you thinking about min fru?"

"Your lips kissing mine." I shook my head at her mischievousness and made a mental note to purchase some lacy things while we're out for her to model for me when we got home.

This woman could instantly send shivers of lust through me like I'd never experienced before. Her sheer sensuality coupled with the mischievous smirk on her pouty pink lips caused a growl to erupt from deep in my chest. Apparently, my growls turned her on, because feeling the rush of her arousal combined with her scent, hit me like a punch in the gut. Holding her tighter to me, I kissed her passionately, growling and nipping at her lips possessively. Our kiss turned out to be short lived, because 'Sergeant Pam' was back on her 'schedule' warpath.

"Oh for fuck's sake you two, can't you keep your hands off each other long enough to get from one place to another? You're worse than a couple of horny human teenagers!" Standing with her hands on her hips; Pam had her eyebrow raised in a manner that Godric says that she took from me.

Trying to ignore the urges to both laugh and growl at her; I settled with a hiss in her direction for the interruption, and carried on with my possession of Sookie's lips. Obviously more in control, Sookie chose that moment to pull away from our kiss, holding my face tenderly in her hands as she unknowingly communicated telepathically to me.

Ummm... Later my Viking…

My eyes went wide and my eyebrows raised in shock as I silently questioned her to see if it were a fluke.

Sookie... Can you hear me?

Looking as astounded at the current event as me, I was even more surprised to realize that it wasn't a fluke when I heard her sweet voice answering the question in my mind.

Eric... How are we doing this? How is this possible?

I don't know. I've never experienced anything like this before. Although we shared blood, I've never heard any tales of vampires or their humans sharing traits before; but you aren't exactly human... this development is brand new to me.

I have always been telepathic, so hearing others is something I have gotten used to, but I surely was not expecting for you to be able to hear me... But I believe I like it.

As do I my sweet Sookie... As do I. Of course, this also could become quite handy indeed if we might need to communicate privately or in case of emergencies.

Somehow I sense this could be handy in many different ways...

Pam let out an exasperated sigh, as she watched Sookie and I silently stare at one another before finally growling, demonstrating her failing patience with us.

"Come on, let's take a shortcut..."

Swooping Sookie up in my arms, I mentally showed her what I intended to do so I didn't scare her. She widely grinned and nodded with excitement; my little Valkyrie... always keen to try new things. Shooting up quickly in the air; I called down to taunt Pam as I headed in the direction of the helipad.

"Race you there Pam!"

Staring after me incredulously; she sped off in the direction I was headed. There was no way she'd beat me, but it was still fun to provoking her; the only one with a chance at beating me was Godric and he took that moment to tease us.

"I thought I was meant to be the adolescent?"

Godric called out jokingly. The bond between us was wide open, allowing me to feel that he was less anxious and his jovial personality had momentarily returned.

Sookie and I both laughed, knowing how incomprehensible it was that Godric, all two thousand years of him, could be thought of by anyone, as adolescent.

Landing with a victorious grin, I settled us down by the helicopter and waited the few seconds for Pam to arrive. Shooting me a sarcastic look, she rolled her eyes before stifling a devilish grin and opening the cabin door to climb in. Godric arrived in a blur a few seconds later; obviously in no hurry and was still smiling, simply enjoying Pam and my normal show of competition.

Dependable as always, Alcide was already leaning against the helicopter waiting on us, greeting us as we arrived before doing his 'walk-around' and conducting the rest of the pre-flight checks. But when he thought I wasn't paying attention, he kept glancing at Sookie and giving her a small smiles; it was a good thing for him that I still viewed him as the child that I first met him as and that the feelings coming from Sookie regarding his actions were purely brotherly; because I really would've hated to make a wolf-skin rug out of him.

Since I was piloting this evening, I decided on using Alcide's experience as a skilled co-pilot to fly with us tonight so he and I could talk and Godric could sit with the ladies. Thinking about Godric, I felt a bit of concern about the talk we needed to have about my reluctance to share Sookie with him; although I knew that he'd understand after hearing the discussion earlier; his odd emotions from the last couple of days have really put me on edge

Taking Sookie's hand and escorting up the steps, I settled her into one of the plush seats; making sure that she was safely seat-belted in before I showed her where the small refreshment bar was and how to put on and operate the small bluetooth-like headset that would allow her to converse with us over the noise in the cabin. Although the vampires on board didn't actually need them, Sookie and Alcide did in order to hear and communicate so we all put them on for their benefit.

After ensuring that Sookie was settled and giving her a gentle kiss, I reluctantly removed myself from her side and retreated to the pilot's seat. Alcide gave me a muttered greeting as he went through the preliminary standard engine checks for take-off. Apart from the normal takeoff preparations, there were very few words spoken between us; not due to any animosities, far from it in fact, after watching him grow from a tea-cup were, he and I were actually very friendly and seemed to operate on an unspoken wavelength; he was actually the only were that I'd allowed into my confidence and his loyalty was unsurpassed and very much appreciated. After so many years, we both trusted and respected each other; making a friendship that was not usually found between our kinds.

Lifting smoothly into the air, I watched my home grow smaller as we got higher. I could hear Sookie's excited chatter both in my mind and my ears; a stupid grin must have crossed on my face as her excited thoughts projected in my mind went on in different languages about the view, the feeling of speed, and how much she wished that I was in the cabin beside her so we could enjoy it together.

Snickering, Alcide choked out the speed and direction before glancing at me briefly and stated the obvious.

"You seem happy… it's Susanna, isn't it?"

Turning to look at him as he busied himself with the navigation chart; I sensed his curiosity and apprehension, most likely expecting me to shrug it off. Deciding to take this opportunity with him to discuss Sookie's importance to me, I decided that the blunt truth about she and I would be best. That way, after knowing the whole situation, he could fully understand how important she was and the surrounding dangers.

"Yes. Susanna is…very special. More than you'd possibly understand."

Leveling my gaze on his, I wanted him to understand without having to lay my feelings out in the open. Even as a human, it wasn't in my nature to share my emotions with others; the only people I could say that I'd been fully able to express myself with were my mother, siblings, and Sookie... And for some reason, when I was with Sookie, sharing them became easy; but not with anyone else and definitely not after my turning. My emotions were always tightly bottled up and even though my maker and child could feel them, they knew that I'd never discuss them... not even with Pam, who was not only my child but is in 'human-terms', my best friend. Hell, before Sookie came back into my life, the only emotions I even registered were disdain, anger, and lust.

Returning my gaze with a challenging smirk, he snorted out a growling, "Try me."

Taking a moment to collect my thoughts, I started from the easiest point... the beginning. I moved on about how she became to be in my care as a telepathic, Goddess-faerie hybrid princess, whose life had been one of torture, suffering, deceit, and despair. Continuing about Compton's attack, to which he growled in contempt. Having met good ole' Billy boy a few times, he disliked Compton as much as I did; for reasons I didn't know, but was pleased by the mutual loathing of him.

Alcide listened, growing more agitated then stunned as the tale unfolded. Even being shocked silent at the revelation that my part-faerie goddess and I married when I was human over a millennia ago; forced apart and faerie spelled to forget each other and our times together, only to be reunited again through the very same threat that forced us apart to begin with. I spoke of our fae bonding and mating marks, my intention to bond and officially pledge to her in the vampire world, but that Sookie's ancestry and powers must be kept secret for as long as possible.

Knowing the myths surrounding the fae and gods, the mention of her powers seemed to spark his interest.

"Eric, since I'm her guard, I need to know these kinda things so I can keep her safe. What kind of powers are we talking about besides the telepathy?"

Understanding that knowledge is power and that he was right about needing to know these things in order to guard her properly, I mentally selected what should or shouldn't be told. Although Sookie was ultimately more powerful than all of us together, I still preferred him guarding her and the more he knew about her abilities, the better.

"She is very strong but not indestructible and also possesses the fae-light which is capable of disabling, if not killing when strong enough." Alcide's mouth was now hanging open in shock.

"But, but she's so small... so fragile..."

I couldn't help but laugh at his opinion of her. Yes, my wife was small and fragile looking, but she was very far from being weak and delicate. If she weren't in a sense playing magical 'catch-up', I was pretty sure that she could have killed us all in the blink of an eye should she choose to.

"She appears that way, but believe me, she shouldn't be underestimated. I want her protected, but don't be fooled, she is also a fierce protector and predator; I know and experienced this firsthand."

Giving him a look that was full of pride for my tiny wife relayed all he needed to know about how truly magnificent my Sookie was. Finally nodding his understanding, I continued.

"It appears that since her powers were returned, they are quickly maturing and multiplying; tonight we discovered a new power…telekinesis. She had Pam pinned to the ceiling earlier and if it weren't for the seriousness of the event, I almost wish I had a camera nearby to take a picture of the look on Pam's face when she realized she was stuck up there."

Laughing hard, hearing the Pam's huff of annoyance, made us only laugh harder. With our laughter finally dying down, I decided to express how important guarding Sookie would be.

"Alcide... I don't think I need to put into words how much Sookie's safety and protection are paramount to me?"

Keeping my gaze ahead on the night sky; my mind refilled of thoughts of the dangers that could appear in our future… Sophie Anne, rival monarchs, the Fellowship, fairies… the list went on and on. Luckily one of us still had his mind on the conversation and there was no hesitation in his answer.

"I will happily guard her with my life Eric."

Turning to him, we clasped our arms together in agreement; a mutual sign of respect and understanding and to me the knowledge that Sookie would be in the best hands in New Orleans and back home at all times.

Resuming our cockpit activities in a comfortable silence, it wasn't long before we were quickly approaching the outskirts of New Orleans. Having stopped listening to Pam's final-death inducing ramblings about all things fashion, I was finally able to focus in on the bond I shared with Sookie. Her genuinely happy emotions were a joy to share, I'd never felt anything like it before; I almost wanted to pinch myself to make sure she was real.

Briefly glancing back into the cabin, I saw Pam holding Sookie's hand, watching as Sookie looked around, amazed at the scenery, and asked what various things were. Smiling to myself at their mutual enjoyment, I was relieved that they'd overcome the unfortunate incident in Sookie's room earlier.

As the hotel helipad came into view, I smoothly maneuvered the helicopter, landing us gently on the pad before cutting the engine and powering off the controls ready to disembark. Before anyone could move, I leapt from the cockpit and quickly opened the cabin door, unbuckling Sookie from her seat and sweeping her down the steps. Her feet hadn't even touched the asphalt before she tenderly kissed me on the cheek, threading her fingers through mine and holding my hand like she didn't want to let go.

"That experience was fantastic Eric! Looking down on the earth from up in the air like that was amazing! Everything looked so small! I must admit though, I enjoy flying in your arms better."

The feeling of pride and contentment rose in me at Sookie's admission; I couldn't help but pulled her close to kiss her. Unconsciously, I rubbed myself against her, spreading my scent, while the staff unloaded our bags.

"I'm pleased you enjoyed it lover. I'd be more than happy to take you flying any time you wish." My revelation earned me a wide smile and a soft kiss on the lips that I would've deepened if it weren't for the shiver and 'goose-bumps' that erupted on her skin from the cold weather and strong wind at the top of the building.

"Let's get you inside so you can warm-up and let the front desk know that we're here. Also, I want to show you my hotel."

Owning and establishing the most exclusive, vampire friendly hotel in the State of Louisiana was much more satisfying than businesses like Fangtasia and the vermin associated with it; so much so, that one of my newest business ventures that I was going forward with, was a 'sister-hotel' in Shreveport, modeled after this one, eventually making a 'high-quality' chain of hotels across the state. Sookie's approval on this meant a lot to me and was intending on using her opinions to help shape the new venture also hoping that she'd want take a role in it; turning this into something that we could do together.

Sookie

My eyes were wide, looking through the windows at many of the sights beneath us. The multitudes of flickering lights were spectacular; I had never seen such beautiful and amazing sights in my life before. My adventures this evening, from Eric's impromptu flight at the house, to the ride in the helicopter, made me excited to see what other new things I was going to experience this evening. Pam seemed to be truly enjoying my reactions to something she normally regarded as mundane, but as I reached for her hand I realized that she was feeling both happy and excited because we were experiencing these new things together, making me finally understand the 'big-sister' references I had heard from her mind. She viewed me as a younger sibling, so the new things that I was experiencing, she seemed to enjoy and cherish. The feelings flowing from her were so strong that I did not have to empathically feel her to know how she felt; I could see them in her facial expressions. I kept a hold on her hand to let her know that I had more than forgiven her for the attack earlier and that it was forgotten.

The incident the house was overwhelming and my nerves were still buzzing at the intensity of what had occurred; I could feel my powers still pumping through my veins like lightening in the sky. It was an odd feeling that I had not felt before and I could not tell if the residual feeling were because of my returned powers growing or because of Eric's blood. The things I could still feel, made me wonder if Eric was right and perhaps I was able to feel others emotions; thinking back to this evening with Pam, the aggression and need to fight transmitted to me clearly and I confused them as my own.

Enthralled by the surrounding sights and invigorated by the feel of the helicopter descending, I barely felt the small jolt as we landed on the roof of what I assumed to be Eric's hotel. Before I could figure out how to unbuckle the belt holding me to the seat, Eric flung the door open, quickly releasing me from the seat before lifting me up and out of the aircraft. Reaching his hand, he obviously longed for my touch as I did his. The urge for skin-to-skin contact with him was overwhelming; it felt as though I could not get to him quick enough and although my past was scarred, the call to be with him was so strong that I knew that before too long, I would give him myself fully. The ability to feel and see everything he did, ensured me that I had no reason to doubt him or the feelings he brought out in me anymore... ironically, from what I saw in his mind, he was once my human and now I was his.

After expressing my enjoyment of the flight along with some joking and kissing, Eric led me to door that opened into a small corridor. Pressing the little illuminated button on the wall, a pair of double doors slid open to what I assumed was another elevator that would take us to what I guessed was the main area of the hotel. Eric slid a card into a hidden slot then inserted an odd looking key into a hidden area that looked like one of the other buttons and within no time at all, the doors were sliding open to reveal an elegantly furnished hallway. Sensing my growing curiosity, Eric explained what different the doors were to me.

"This entire floor is for our personal use and is never open to the public. These doors lead to private suites for Godric, Pam, and us; also there are additional smaller suites for accompanying guests or security and since Alcide is now your daytime guard and needs to be close to you, he has the room closest to ours."

Nodding my acknowledgement, I could honestly say that I felt comforted in the knowledge that all of the rooms would be close by whilst we were here.

Leading me towards the doors at the end of the hall, I noticed another fingerprint screener like the ones to Eric's bedroom and main entry to the vampire rooms at the house; Eric was certainly most vigilant about security.

Eric unlocked the doors, opening to an amazingly luxurious room that rivaled my chambers at the castle in Faery. Smiling, I was comforted in the thought that these were not rooms were not in Faery, but here with Eric. As I glanced around, I could feel Eric's excitement as he stood behind me, his chin resting on my head and his arms wrapped around my waist. His sudden anxiousness and worry at my silence broke through the shields erected in my mind, allowing me to hear him wondering if I liked the suite or if he should ask to one of the others about switching.

Closing the doors behind us, I took a few moments to look at the surrounding area, noticing in the center of the room was a low table that was adorned with a beautiful multi-colored flower arrangement and several wrapped items.

"Eric, this is amazing! But what are the items on the table?" Leading him to the soft sofa, I sat down and awaited his answer.

Settling down next to me, he shrugged his shoulder in confusion then helped me remove the pretty paper surrounding my surprise bounty. Pam had thoughtfully provided a selection of delicately smelling candles that would not irritate Eric's sensitive sense of smell, also a box of delightful looking things that smelt a bit like the chocolate mousse from the other evening, but were smaller and solid, and lastly, a handwritten note informing me that she had reserved the whole hotel spa for me tomorrow. I was unsure exactly what a spa was or what it entailed, but I was sure that knowing Pam, it would be good.

Eyeing the chocolate smelling pieces, it seemed as though Eric read my mind, because he was already selecting a piece and feeding it to me. Moaning in satisfaction, the chocolate melted delectably on my tongue. "These are wonderful, Pam is very generous." The wonderfully sweet taste of the chocolate made me moan again, this time for more; noticing that Eric was watching me just as hungrily.

"I truly wish that you could taste this, it is amazing! It tastes even better than the mousse from the other evening."

Leaning towards me, Eric traced his tongue over my lips, hinting for me to open my mouth for a kiss. Giving in without thought, I opened my mouth, allowing his tongue to twine with mine. Kissing him until I ran out of breath, I pulled back, seeing the look of wonder and pleasure on his face.

"Interesting... as human food goes. Consumption of any kind of human food should make me ill, but that was delicious. I wonder..."

Grabbing a darker piece of chocolate, he fed it to me; again staring at my mouth as I let it melt on my tongue, tasting it fully as each second passed. Before I could swallow the leftover piece, he brought his mouth down on mine for a kiss; however instead of just tasting the melted chocolate during the kiss like before; he took the tiny bit left in my mouth and ate it.

Remembering my studies about vampires, I knew they could not eat food. I sat beside him, holding my breath and worried about his body's reaction; waiting for any kind of response and hoping that he did not get sick. Closing his eyes, I felt his mind go blank when the chocolate fully hit his taste buds; his mind turned into almost a glow of pleasure. There were no words spoken… no thoughts… and if there were any words to describe what I felt from his mind, it would be... contentment. I had no idea what was going on but it made me uneasy. I was lost for words; only able stare at him wondering how he was able to eat the chocolate when he said that it was over a thousand years since he had eaten last.

"Mmm... this chocolate... it tastes... divine."

"Umm... Eric... you just ate a piece of human food. Are you well? How is that possible?"

"I feel fine. I don't know what's happening to me, but if I were to guess, I'd say that this is because of you Sookie. Somehow, you made this possible... it's a miracle." He laughed and grabbed another piece of chocolate; but this time, instead of giving it to me to semi-melt it first before taking it, he popped it straight into his mouth whole.

"Eric!" I stared at him slack-jawed as he took the opportunity to feed me another piece with a wonderfully wicked grin on his face.

Realizing how big this was for him, I laughed happily; overjoyed for him to be able to consume this small amount of actual food after all these years, but also slightly apprehensive at what powers I was wielding that would allow such a tremendous thing to happen.

"You truly are a goddess my Sookie." Pulling me on his lap for a passionate kiss, his mind was whirling in amazement over what happened.

"Lover, there is nothing that I'd enjoy more than to get you naked. Let me text Pam to tell her the change of plans..." I was unsure what a 'text' was, although I knew he was jesting that did not stop his hands from roaming from my waist to my curves as he kissed and sucked at my neck ravenously.

Giggling at how playful he had gotten after only a few minutes alone, I reluctantly pulled away; chastising him by laughing out, "Insatiable beast!"

"Dear one, there will never be a moment that I will not desire you, my beautiful wife. You, my little faerie, are an irresistible goddess." He replied; finishing his statement with a playful growl and a squeeze of my backside.

"As with you my glorious Viking warrior."

I knew that Eric could sense my longing without having to gaze in my eyes, but as I adoringly looked up at him, could see his beautiful blue eyes sparkling in response to my complement.

"Eric, I appreciate all that you and Pam have given me, but the gifts that you have given me of freedom, happiness, love, and friendship, far outshine any type of material items that could be either conjured or given."

"Susanna... My dear one, you never fail to surprise me by being able to warm this cold, dead heart of mine. I truly do love you. And if Pam ever hears me talking like this, I'll never live it down. She'll mock me about what a 'big softie' you've turned me into." He chuckled. As I watched him laugh at the possibility of Pam's mocking, I felt the need to defend him rise from inside of me.

"Eiríkr, if anyone were to call you a softie, I will remind them that you are MY softie and MY warrior rolled into one being; but to others, you are and will always be a magnificent and imposing Viking warrior. A Viking warrior who is fiercely protective and possessive with what is yours, but is relentless, fair, and fearsome with those who cross you."

I knew that he could feel the sincerity of every word I said. In my eyes, my Eric is built of two halves that make up one large whole being. On one side he is romantic, caring, and patient, and on the other, I could feel that he is ruthless, ferocious, and powerful. It is an amazing combination and one that I am more than happy to be in the company of, even though I knew that one day I would have to witness the bloodthirsty and brutal side of him.

He was unsure how to reply to my comment, so I surprised him by kissing him with fervor until I needed to breathe. Deciding that I wanted to see the rest of the suite, I stood and pulled a reluctant Eric with me; not wanting to move from our previous embrace.

"Come on... show me around, I want to explore."

Getting a pouting Eric to move through the room, was as difficult as removing the chocolate from him after he tasted it; but he finally dutifully took me around the suite where I touched every surface and object, admiring the decor as we moved.

Everywhere I looked, it was clear that the rooms were decorated with Eric in mind; neutral shades of creams and natural materials were everywhere. The sitting room was light and comforting; softly lit and with numerous velvety looking cushions and pillows for lounging. The furniture was made of rich looking woods with heavy brass handles; everything must have been fairly new because I could still smell the scent of tree sap and freshly chopped wood. My mind flashed to a scene of a younger, darker-skinned Eric, chopping wood deep in a forest; my body quickly responded to watching the flexing and bulging of his muscles, making me blush. Hurriedly pulling myself together, I complimented him on the room.

"Eric, this place is amazing... I know I will enjoy staying here with you."

Tilting my head back for a kiss, he definitely did not disappoint. One moment I was getting lost in his kiss, the next, I was being whisked into the bedroom and laid on the bed; my neck and face was being thoroughly explored by his lips and tongue. I was so lost that I could not help but to do exploring of my own as I felt his arousal pushing into my hip.

"Mmm lover... if we don't stop now, I'll be keeping you here until I have go to rest at sunrise and there will be no shopping for you."

Although his tone was mischievous, his mind shouted thoughts about how much trouble Pam would give him if he stood in her way of shopping or if he actually kept me to himself and I was unable to go shopping with her.

Flipping us over so I was straddling him, I ran my hands over the hard plain of his stomach and chest; tracing each outline of the muscles under the material of his shirt.

"I believe I enjoy the idea of the two of us staying here alone until we have to sleep."

I found myself torn between wanting to be wrapped in his arms in bed and wanting to share this new shopping experience with Pam. There would always be time for both in the future, but I knew Pam had put a lot of effort into this trip, so I found myself pout when he released me.

The rumble coming from his chest advertised his amusement at my dilemma as he ran his fingertips over my cheek, down my neck, and between my breasts. "You, my dear wife, will be the death of me. My demise will be the talk of vampires worldwide... 'killed by his progeny for refusing to go shopping', not exactly a warrior's death."

I laughed along with him, pulling him up to me for a final kiss before we had to go and meet Pam. "You enjoy calling me your wife, do you not...husband." I looked meaningfully at him, trying to express my own elation at his use of the words.

"I do... I love it... as I love you, my wife."

Before I could respond, Pam came bursting into the room, leading men that were dressed in identical uniforms to place our bags in order of size by the bedroom door.

"Are you two at it again... seriously? Can't either of you control yourself for five damn minutes? Wait... forget that question; I already know you can't. Come on, get your asses in gear and let's go shopping!"

Eric and I gave each other meaningful look, straightening our clothes before we left the comfort of our room. Grabbing my hand, we followed an already retreating Pam out the doors.

I love you too... husband, very much. I said silently, as we met both Godric and Alcide at the elevator to take us on our adventure.

When the elevator doors finally opened, Eric explained that we were on the ground floor in an area called the 'Lobby', where we would go to the 'Reception Desk' to ensure all was well and to let the person called 'Manager' know that we arrived. Pam also wanted to introduce me to someone; her thoughts began to center around a woman, but mine was curious as to why someone would actually name their child 'Manager', hum... I was quickly learning that some humans were just odd.

It was difficult to walk through the Lobby without gawking at the amazing things that surrounded me. The further we walked, the harder it became, not just because of the attention grabbing beauty of the beautiful black granite floors that seemed to hold an infinite amount of sparkling stars within it or the walls that held classical dark woods, mirrors, and artwork, but because of the voices of the mortal and immortal creatures in the immediate area.

Just as the last time I was in a public area, I was once again bombarded by voices... all of them. The screaming voices from the humans were mostly thinking the same thing; sex, being bitten, possibly turned, and money. Basically, any and everything they could get out of the vampire they were with and how long until their vampire grew tired of them. Adding to the collective of voices were the vampire minds; most of which I was unable to decipher due to the large amount of them, but their tones were almost similar to the human thoughts of blood and sex. It was more than enough to make me ill and send chills down my spine, but either way, I was struggling to erect mental walls to keep everything out.

I noticed a tall desk in the center of the room with a sign that said 'Reception Desk' above it. The desktop remarkably looked identical to the granite on the floor; it was truly amazing how something as simple as a desk had been made to look as elegant as its surrounding area. The closer we moved to the desk, oddly, the faster it seemed that Pam was walking to get to it. Just before she reached it, a young woman with shoulder length brown hair excitedly stepped out from behind the desk and quickly walked towards Pam; stopping suddenly to stare at me with her mouth wide open and her eyes wide. I could feel the ripple of power coming from the woman and the only thing to cross my mind at that moment was echoed from those around me... 'What in the world is going on here?'

Pam

As the doors to the elevator slid open, I could feel my anticipation building with each step at human speed I took towards the reception desk; with my excitement peaked, I forgot for the moment that everyone else was behind me. Somewhere in the back of my mind I knew that if I didn't keep an eye on Eric and Sookie, they'd use any opportunity to stop and make-out like horny teenagers and we'd get nowhere, but right now, I really didn't give a damn about anyone other than the beautiful woman ahead of me, standing behind the desk.

Thankfully, the 'make-out twins' managed to restrain themselves for the time being as they and the others followed me to the front desk where I wanted to have 'words' with the delectable Miss Broadway. The sound of our footsteps caught her attention, drawing her eyes from the computer screen she was studying and quickly made her way out from behind the counter. She looked like a naughty secretary in her charcoal pinstripe suit and 'fuck me' black heels, with her hair up in a chignon. The only thing missing were the wire-rimmed glasses and my secretary fantasy would be complete.

Giving her my sauciest smile, I felt a moment's satisfaction by the awed expression on her face, until I realized that she wasn't looking at me; her eyes were set on one of the people behind me.

Following her line of sight, I turned to see that her gaze was fixed pointedly on Sookie; her face began turning pale, looking as though she'd seen a ghost, but that was short-lived as her look morphed, becoming wide-eyed from utter shock to extreme joy. For the first time that I could remember, I bristled in a 'Jealous Queen/Snow White' way, before I barked out her name to get her attention.

"Amelia!"

She still stood frozen, gazing at Sookie like she was in the presence of her teen idol, albeit without the screaming, thankfully.

"What's wrong with Amelia?" Eric whispered, also alarmed by her odd reaction.

Before I could respond, Amelia had slowly stepped forward, dropping to her knees in front of Sookie; which was a bit awkward considering her tight skirt and footwear, but she moved as though none of it mattered.

"With loving devotion, I welcome you Great Goddess. Divine Goddess of the shining stars within the womb of night and of all the green and wondrous earth, I bow to you. Blessed Lady, I wish that I had known that you were coming to be amongst the humans; I would have ensured that things were carried out to ensure your stay was befitting your station."

She bowed her head in submission, refusing to look at Sookie's face.

I was completely confused about what the hell was going on; but if the fact that Amelia was ignoring me didn't shock me enough, Sookie's actions just topped that. She acted in a way that could only be described as regal; and as a duchess in my human life, I was well aware of aristocratic behavior. The few steps Sookie took to bring her closer to Amelia were done as only a noble would; head and chin up, shoulders back... completely monarchical. Standing in front of Amelia, Sookie took Amelia's chin and gently raised her head so that she could look at her; making Amelia smile with a look of pure adoration that she didn't even give me. Sookie, as courtly and polite as she is, returned Amelia's smile without question. This shit was a mix of frustration and fascination; I was debating between wanting to separate them or enjoy the show.

The area surrounding Sookie seemed to take on a weird glow; making me check around fast to see if anyone was watching this craziness. I really wanted to go shopping, not have to explain Sookie's radioactive appearance or glamour the shit out of all the humans in the area. But when I looked around, I spotted what I guessed to be the hotel's Wiccan population, one-by-one, flowing down to the lobby; quietly gathering around us, without a word they followed Amelia's lead and dropped down on their knees. Have these people lost their fucking minds? It was almost like time stopped for our group in the golden bubble; I noticed that the people passing through reception were completely clueless about the shit happening in front of me. What the fuck?

"Rise Amelia, handmaiden to the Goddess. All who kneel before me... rise."

Amelia and everyone else dutifully obeyed, rising to their feet as Eric, being the 'alpha-male' that he was, inched closer, eyeing the group of people in front of him and his bonded and protectively wrapped his arms around Sookie's waist from behind. She stared at Amelia and then took the hand that wasn't intertwined with Eric's and held Amelia's hand in hers; that weird glow that emanated from Sookie seemed to move up Eric's arms that were holding her across the waist and into Amelia, until the three of them were covered in the golden glow. The group of women and men that came down for the spectacle, slowly attempted to envelop Sookie, all seeming to want to try and touch her, but afraid to go near Eric who was hovering protectively behind her. The three stood still for a few moments before the glow sucked back into Sookie and disappeared.

Sookie blinked a few times before she looked down at her and Amelia's joined hands with a weird look on her face; it was like she had no idea what the hell just happened. And she wasn't the only one. The employees finally dispersed with a smile on their faces and I was still fucking lost. Eric kept his big trap shut the whole damn time with a freaky look of indulgent understanding on his face. He might've looked understanding, but what I got from our bond said that he was clearly fascinated. I really was getting damn tired of not knowing what the hell was going on; at least Godric and Alcide were standing on the sidelines just as confused as me this time.

"Ahem! Could somebody please tell me what the fuck is going on? Amelia? Sookie? Eric?" I gave them each a pointed look to tell them I wanted a damn answer; then growled when no one answered me.

"Pam, I'm sorry, but I'm kinda overwhelmed from meeting the Goddess..."

Amelia stammered, finally out of her 'fan-girl' trance. She still didn't look at me; her eyes were glued on Sookie who was looking a little embarrassed.

"Goddess? That's not a goddess... that's... well that's Sookie. You know... Susanna Northman... the 'guest' of Eric's that I emailed you about." I gestured towards Sookie before looking at Eric, who was proudly beaming.

"Pam, Sookie is not just a fairy princess. She is a descendant of both the Goddess Freya and the God Odin." He whispered to me, bringing Sookie's hand to his lips and kissing it.

Looking to Sookie for some kind of confirmation, I hoped that this was one of Eric's stupid practical jokes…after all, whoever heard of a Faerie Princess/Goddess Hybrid? He must have had to text Amelia before we left just to get the whole damn hotel on it. All of this, has to be a joke right? Oh Shit… Sookie's giving me that shy look and nodding. "I am sorry Pam; he does not jest, but speaks the truth"

"You lucky son of a bitch!" I screeched. Evidently that's all it took to break the tension because everyone laughed. I couldn't believe this shit; yet another positive thing to happen to my maker.

"Amelia, if you're quite done drooling over Sookie, I'd like confirm our plans for tomorrow night before we go?" Trying to play cool, I grabbed Amelia by the waist and lead her to the back of the reception area for a little privacy; giving Eric and Sookie a quick wink as I left.

One thing I've always known is that Eric has always been twice the man, both physically and morally than anyone I'd known before; but finding out that Sookie is both a Faerie Princess and a Goddess makes her twice the woman in my eyes... HOORAH FOR WOMEN! Eric has finally met his match!

Disclaimer: I own no rights to characters referred to in this story. Original characters owned by C. Harris or True Blood the tv series. No copyright infringement intended.