Bill listened to the rain pound the roof as Sookie slept in his arms. The night before the news told of the passage of the Vampire Rights Act. He now held the same rights as any citizen to marry and own property. Unlike a constitutional amendment, it didn't need to be ratified state by state. The President's signature would make it law and he was sure to sign it. It seemed that everything Bill wanted most was within reach.

Thunder rolled and lightning flashed in the windows. Dawn was nearing, but the storm would hold it off for a bit longer, buying him some precious time with her. He slipped his arm from beneath her and leaned down, taking one taut nipple in his mouth. Swirling his tongue around it, he suckled gently. His hand found her other breast, tweaking that nipple into hardness as well.

"Bill. Ummmm." Sookie moaned dreamily. One hand tangled in his hair and pushed gently downward. Ah. She knew what she wanted. He smiled against the soft skin of her ribs, then nipped gently at her stomach as he worked his way lower.

His fingers parted her and he brought them to his mouth, tasting her wetness. He teased her, touching her nub with just the tip of his tongue while filling himself with her scent. Then, overwhelmed, he lapped eagerly at her folds as she arched beneath him.

His fangs fully descended, he accidently nicked the tender skin. She gasped, but it turned to a groan of pleasure as he sucked the little wound. He slipped his hands under her, grabbing her ass and keeping her pressed to him. His tongue danced over the most sensitive tip of her and she writhed, her breath coming in little gasps. He felt her orgasm mounting and as she came, screaming his name, he continued licking, not letting up, feeling a second, even more intense release building.

"God Bill stop. Oh stop. Don't stop! Bill! Oh! Oh! Oh!" She exploded into his mouth and he suckled at the hot juices. He had fed on her blood the night before and would not do so now, but this was almost as good.

Working his way back up he entered her slowly, inch by agonizing inch. Her eyes met his, pupils wide. She reached for him and brought his mouth to hers, kissing him fiercely. "I love you." She murmured.

They found a rhythm and it took all his control to go slowly, but he wanted to pleasure her one more time. He shifted his weight and found a spot deep inside her that made her moan again and wrap her legs tightly around his waist. The movement of her hips urged him on. He lifted a hand to stroke her face, then made a final plunge, sinking in her to the hilt, crying her name even as he felt her contract around him.

He spoke after a moment. "I love you."

She raised up on one elbow and looked at him. "I know." She smiled, but the smile faded. "It's dawn, isn't it?"

"Yes." It was past dawn, and even the rain could not stop the progress of the sun. Whether he could see it or not, it demanded his retreat. "I need to go."

He pulled on his pants as she watched from the bed. Then Sookie grinned at him. She rose and snatched his shirt, putting it on and buttoning it part way up the front. She took his hand as they walked down the hall to the stairs. He picked her up and carried her. She wrapped her legs around his waist and brought her mouth to his. When they reached the entrance to his resting place he set her down reluctantly.

"I will see you tonight and we will celebrate."

"I can't wait."

He kissed her one last time, raised the trap door and slipped noiselessly into the darkness.