A/N: It's been a little while since I visited Nikki and Eric. When we last saw them, Nikki was having a dream of Eric (or at least, she thinks it was a dream).

Chapter 6

Dinner Date

Nikki woke up the next morning and sat up. She had dreamed about Eric again last night. But, as she tried to remember the details, she found that she couldn't remember anything after she had invited him inside and he came through her window. She thought that was odd, since her other dreams of him had been so vivid. She cautiously looked around her bedroom and didn't see anything out of place. Nor, were there any obvious signs on her person that a vampire had his way with her. No fangs marks on her body anywhere, she sighed with relief. Maybe, she was just getting paranoid. Nikki shrugged her doubts off and got up and headed into the shower. When she got out, she retrieved her cell phone from its charge and noticed that she had a new text message. She wasn't surprised to find out that it was from Eric.

#1,

I want 2 C U 2-nite.

It was short and to the point, she thought. She briefly considered refusing him. He couldn't possibly find her, could he? But, it wouldn't be wise to provoke him, since vampires could be very determined when they set their minds to something. And, she admitted to herself, she did want to see him. The only problem was that she was supposed to have dinner with Alcide tonight. She could cancel, but Alcide hadn't managed to get over Debbie, yet. He still stayed home alone most of the time and she knew that he would be disappointed if she didn't show. There was a way to accomplish both, but it did involve a risk. But, everything had risks, she thought, and what was the point of being a fairy if you didn't get to behave like one?

At 6:30 PM, she had appeared at Alcide's door and knocked. She concentrated on turning off her built-in ESP. Weres were harder to read than normal humans, but she could still read Alcide's mind if she wanted to. But, she thought, that she was becoming like Sookie in that regard. She found that she preferred not to know what was going on in the minds of those who were close to her. She had brought a six-pack of Red Wolf beer and she hoped that he would appreciate the gesture or at least have a chuckle. He opened the door with a kitchen towel slung over his shoulder and his face flushed from the heat of cooking. He was wearing a plaid shirt and old blue jeans and he looked just a yummy as ever. Gah, she thought, that body of his was a work of art. Why was this man single? Surely, in this town, word had gotten around that he was back on the market again. Alcide flashed her a fetching smile and opened the door for her to come in. Coming inside, she smelled a delicious aroma from whatever he was cooking and knew that he had spent a lot of effort on making dinner for her. She was sure that if she had cancelled that he would have been a little hurt and was glad that she had kept this promise. She sniffed and her mouth watered.

"What is that absolutely heavenly scent?" she asked.

"That is my grandmother's secret Cassoulet recipe," replied Alcide. "I had to offer up my first-born to get her to give it to me."

"It certainly smells like it was worth it," she said.

"The proof is in the pudding or so they say," replied Alcide with a smile.

Nikke lent a hand setting the table and preparing a salad and within a few minutes they were seated across from each other at a cozy table. Alcide watched expectantly as she took a bite. She rolled it over her tongue and pronounced it divine.

"Your grandmother is a true artist," she said.

"I'll tell her that you liked it," replied Alcide.

Nikki took a sip of a wine that Alcide had gotten for the occasion and looked at him over the rim.

"How come you aren't lavishing this dish on some more deserving and available woman?" said Nikki.

She took another bite and said, "Because this dish would melt any woman's heart."

"Not yours," he replied.

Nikki reached across the table and placed her hand over his. "I am very tempted if that means anything to you. And, I value your friendship, since I don't have many other friends."

"And, there is that mysterious boyfriend," replied Alcide.

"There is that," said Nikki.

"Why don't I ever see him around here?" he asked.

"Because he doesn't know where I live," replied Nikki.

Alcide looked at her strangely and Nikki withdrew her hand from his and trailed it along a dinner knife beside her plate. "I told you that it wasn't exactly a normal relationship," she said.

"Are you afraid of him?" he asked.

"Maybe, a little," she admitted.

She heard a soft noise like a growl from Alcide. "Has he tried to hurt you?"

"No, nothing like that," replied Nikki. "He's never laid a hand on me that way. It's just that, well, he has the potential to be a threat to me."

"I don't understand," said Alcide.

"It probably better that way," replied Nikki. "I don't want you getting involved."

She returned to her food and changed the subject. As Alcide picked up her finished plate, he studied her a moment. Bringing up that boyfriend had certainly put a damper on her mood, he thought. Once again, he had made her uncomfortable by revealing his desires. The girl wasn't interested in you that way, you dope, he told himself. He didn't want to run her off because she did seem to be all alone and he knew that she did like him.

"I think that we need a little pick me up," said Alcide.

Nikki looked over at him with questioning eyes and Alcide brought in two slices of tiramisu. He sat them down and retook his seat.

"Lucky for you, I have just the thing," he said.

"Oh, Alcide, you're going to make some girl very happy," said Nikki, taking a bite and closing her eyes in bliss.

"You mean fat," said Alcide with a smile.

"Rubenesque is such a better word," replied Nikki. "Besides, I'm sure that you could come up with some way for her to work off those calories."

Nikki was rewarded by a little blush from him and dug into her cake with gusto. They had chit-chatted over the dessert and shared another glass of wine. Nikki prepared to leave and Alcide helped her back into her jacket. But, before he opened the door, he turned back to her.

"I want you to know that if you ever need my help or want me to kick that guy's ass, that I'm here for you," he said.

He was so sweet, she thought. Nikki rose up on her toes and pulled Alcide down from his impressive height. She kissed him on the cheek.

"That means a lot to me," she said.

She slipped out the door and Alcide wondered what sort of trouble she was in. The kid was way too sweet to be involved with whomever it was that she was seeing. He sounded like he was a typical bad boy. Alcide moved to load the dishwasher and wondered why nice girls always seemed to go for the bad ones. Of course, Debbie hadn't been a nice girl and she had gone for a bad one too. He gripped the counter top and tried to stop thinking about his ex. It only puts you in a bad mood, he told himself. With a sigh, he opened the fridge and pulled out one of the beers that Nikki had brought with her. Beer was good at keeping his mind off her. And if it took every one of them, he would keep her out of his head, tonight.

Along for the Ride

Nikki drove to the spot. She had scoped it out when she had arrived in Jackson. She hadn't seen any signs of recent activity. Perhaps, they had forgotten about it, she thought. She parked her car and walked towards the spot. The hairs on her arm began to stand up and she drew closer. The energy was still here. But, only a fairy had the ability to tap into it. Her passage through the portal might leave a residual trace, but no one would be able to identify her by that signal. And, there were other fairies who defied Queen Mab's rule. The rebels traveled through the portals at will since they viewed this world as their home. So, Nikki didn't feel that she was taking too much of a risk. She held out her hand and began to channel the energy that flowed from this spot. Her own powers amplified it and bent it to her will. From her hand burst forth a bright light that seemed to sparkle in its purity. This light dwelled within all fairies and gave them their powers. Some thought that it was a piece of the original energy that had resulted from the creation of this world. It was a clue as to how old fairies really were. Ancient, they were, she thought. All other Fae had originated from the fairies. They were the root organism. The basic prototype and still the most powerful of all, except, perhaps, for the angels. Angels were a higher evolved being, but they had lost their interest in worldly concerns for the most part. And thus, they did not concern the fairies.

In a blaze of light, Nikki winked out of sight and disappeared into the portal. She popped out almost instantly in the cemetery in Bon Temps. In the blink of an eye or the beat of her heart, she had completed her travel. She had traveled enough between the worlds that she no longer felt the dizzying vertigo anymore. That brief travel shouldn't leave much of a trace, she thought. Upon her arrival, she had frightened off some birds that were resting in the trees. She saw their shadows against the dark sky, but there were no other witnesses to her arrival. That was good, she thought, since it was hard to discern what was waiting for you when you came through a portal. She walked through the silent and empty graveyard. She saw the little pond and stayed clear of it. This spot was much older than the residents of Bon Temps were aware. They weren't aware that Native Americans had avoided this spot out of fear. It was a place of magic where evil spirits dwelled, they said. Sometimes, shamans had ventured here and were never seen again. If they were lucky, the Fae had kidnapped them and took them back to their realm. But, the white settlers paid no heed to the fears of what they considered to be savages. And, the Fae had learned to be cautious in modern times. They watched these humans and interbred with them when it suited their purpose. Just like they had done with my family, thought Nikki. But, why had they taken me instead of leaving me with my human family? Perhaps, just because they could. No one knew that her mother was carrying twins and her disappearance was completely unknown.

Nikki increased her pace and moved down a little road to the small house that she still paid the rent on. In cash, of course, since that would not leave a trace. She kept a car there for her needs. She had learned that a smart girl has more than one escape route and hideaway. She arrived at the isolated and quiet home that was nestled in the trees and retrieved the key from its hidden spot. She quickly changed since it wouldn't do to keep Eric waiting. He wasn't used to that and it would arouse his curiosity. She settled on a plain black dress with lace up boots. She slipped a fitted black cardigan over it that had little red spiders on it. Okay, it was a Halloween sale item, but it was still a little cute. After applying a bit of makeup, Nikki examined herself in the mirror. She looked like just any other fangbanger, she thought. She watched her image as it shimmered as she used her glamour to alter her appearance into that of Josette. She was getting good at this, she thought. She should have given herself more of a challenge and changed more of her form in the first place. She checked her watch and rushed out the door with a smile.

Pam manned the front door and gave her an intense inspection. "Eric is waiting for you in his office," she drawled.

Nikki moved through the bar and wondered if he just wants to get down to business. Wasn't that her purpose in this relationship? To supply blood and sex for him? Surely, his roving eye would grow bored with her and he would move on to another. Nikki was angry with herself as she realized that would make her sad when that day came. She knocked on his door and entered when she heard his deep voice. She found him sitting at his desk and looking over a ledger. He closed the book and looked up at her. He seemed to be giving her a critical inspection and Nikki felt a moment of unease as his intense blue eyes examined her.

"You wanted to see me?"

"Normally, I don't have to send a summons," said Eric. "But, you seem to grace my establishment infrequently."

"I thought that you would let me know if you wanted to see me," she replied. "And wouldn't I cramp your style?"

"Explain," asked Eric.

"Perhaps, it wouldn't matter to you, but I don't want to watch you with other girls," she replied.

Eric smiled. "Are you jealous?"

Nikki bit her tongue to keep from admitting that truth, but it was evident that Eric guessed the truth without her confirmation. His smile widened and he got up and moved towards her.

"You wouldn't see anything to upset you, if you showed up. Except me, all by my lonesome," he said, touching a lock of her brown hair.

"Are you trying to make me feel better? I wasn't aware that vampires had that much concern for fangbangers," she said.

"While I do thoroughly enjoy banging you, I don't consider you like one of the others who come here," he replied. "You are in a completely different class."

Nikki stared up at him and he took her chin in his hands and kissed her. His hand caressed her hair and traveled down to her shoulder. Nikki wasn't sure exactly how to take this behavior. He was being so openly….affectionate. He gave her a long look and turned away and slipped on a black leather jacket.

"I have business this evening, you will accompany me," he said.

"What?"

"I know that you can't wait to have your way with me, but have a little patience. A little anticipation will make it all the more sweeter," he said with a smile.

As he opened the door and motioned her out of the office, he passed his hand down her back and cupped her butt. As she missed a step, he gave her a squeeze and took her hand in his. He propelled her out of the bar like that and Nikki wondered why he was doing that in full view of the other patrons of the bar. Was he somehow marking his territory? Once inside the car, he drove in silence and rested his hand on her knee. He was very touchie-feelie tonight, she thought. When she realized that they were leaving Shreveport and heading towards Bon Temps, a wave of nervousness passed over Nikki. Eric must have detected it because his fingers began to knead her knee. Nikki willed herself to be calm. Don't forget that he's very observant because he's a predator and you are his prey. As they pulled into Merlott's parking lot, Nikki was more and more disturbed.

Trying to keep her voice even, she said, "Why don't I just stay in the car?"

"Are you shy?" he asked.

"Yes, that's it."

"I would have never suspected that," replied Eric. "Since, you certainly don't seem shy when I'm between your legs."

"That's different," she said. Damn him, she thought.

"The girl who rides me like a cowgirl can manage the courage to set foot in here," he said. "Unless, you're somehow embarrassed to be seen in my company."

"You know that's not true," she replied.

Eric got out and opened her door. "Let's go enthrall the masses."

Nikki followed him at his side and wondered what he was up to. All talk stopped when they set foot inside. Eric arrogantly looked around, but Nikki knew that he was checking for possible threats. He reached out a hand and placed it behind her neck and propelled her forward with him. Nikki saw the open stares and the judgment on most of those stares. She coldly stared back. As Eric passed in front of the bar counter, she saw that Sam was watching them intently. It was no secret that Sam didn't like vampires, she thought. Although, she wasn't aware that he had ever had any dealings with Eric. She saw Sam inhale and she knew that he was smelling them. She hoped that the scent of vampire would conceal her own. He wouldn't be able to know that she was fairy, she thought. She had worn perfume this evening and that should be mainly all he would be able to detect. She turned away from Sam and saw that Eric was pulling her along to where Bill Compton was. She tried to not let her increasing nervousness show, but this wasn't the way that she was planning on spending this evening. Bill sat with a full bottle of Tru Blood. But, Nikki knew that it was mainly for show. This so-called poster boy for the mainstreaming movement was very much a vampire in regards to his diet, since Sookie provided for his needs. Being a younger vampire, he required much more blood than Eric did, requiring Sookie to take supplements or run the risk of anemia. Eric stopped in front of Bill, but didn't remove his hand from her.

"Bill Compton," he said.

"Eric," said Bill. "Who's your friend?"

"Bill, this is Josette, Josette Bill," said Eric.

Bill turned his eyes on her and Nikki mumbled, "Hi."

"She doesn't talk much," said Bill.

"She's shy," replied Eric. He trailed his hand over her cheek and added, "But, well worth the effort. Sweetheart, why don't you take a seat at the bar and wait for me?"

Nikki moved away with relief, but Eric's voice followed her. "Make sure she is given what she wants."

Nikki took a seat and wished that she could have stayed in the car. She ignored the people around her, but Sam's voice interrupted her thoughts.
"What can I get you?"

"Something strong," replied Nikki. "And make it two of them."

Sam poured a double shot of something into a glass and Nikki gulped it down. She gasped as it seemed to inflame her throat all the way down to her stomach. Sam filled her glass again and Nikki stared at it. She decided that there was no way that she could sip that stuff and downed it again, quickly, in a couple of swallows.

Across the room, Eric turned back to Bill and lowered his voice.

"Well?" he asked.

"I see what you mean," replied Bill. "Of course, if I tasted her, I would be able to tell you for sure."

"Or, you could let me taste your precious Sookie," said Eric.

"Sookie is mine," said Bill.

"Yeah, yeah, I got that message the first time you said it," replied Eric. "Well, I'm not allowing you to taste mine, either."

Bill was thoughtful and said, "They smell the same."

"If you want to keep your human or whatever she really is, you will need my help to keep her out of Sophie-Anne's clutches," said Eric.

"Why would Sophie-Anne care about some barmaid in Bon Temps?" asked Bill, not willing to admit anything to Eric.

"She sent you here, didn't she?" replied Eric. "Deny it all that you want, but I know that you still answer to her."

"I could inform the Queen that there is another," said Bill.

"That would be extremely foolish," said Eric. "Now, talk."

As Bill and Eric talked among themselves, Sookie flew by in her Merlott's uniform and Nikki paled. Things were getting just a little too close for comfort, she thought. The alcohol in her stomach suddenly made her feel queasy and she got up and rushed to the bathroom. She ran the faucet and splashed cool water on her face. Just as she was calming down, Sookie burst through the door. With an effort, Nikki kept the contents of her stomach down.

"Are you alright?" she asked.

"I'm fine," said Nikki.

Sookie studied her and said, "You don't look fine. Is Eric holding you against your will?"

"Why would you ever think that?" asked Nikki.

"He had a pretty good grip on you," said Sookie.

"He's very handsy," said Nikki.

"You can always go out the backdoor and ditch him," said Sookie.

Nikki turned off the water and said, "I doubt very many girls try to ditch him and get away with it. Not that I can imagine many that would try."

"Certainly not me," said Sookie. "Take my word for it, he's a big jerk. He may be good looking, but that can't cover up what's underneath."

"Maybe, you don't know him," replied Nikki. Jeez, why was she defending him?

"I know him as well as I want to," said Sookie. "He scares me."

Well, Nikki had to agree with her on the last part. Nikki stared at Sookie and wondered why she hadn't detected that she was different. But, Sookie wasn't trying to listen in on her thoughts. Not that she could if Nikki didn't want her to. Still, they were having a moment together.

"Doesn't Bill scare you? He's a vampire, too," asked Nikki.

"How do you know that Bill's my boyfriend?"

"Eric told me," smoothly replied Nikki.

"Oh," said Sookie. "Bill is different, he cares about me."

That remained to be seen, thought Nikki. But, she had tried to come to her aid and Nikki certainly didn't wish her any harm and hoped that she hadn't put her trust in the wrong vampire.

"I hope that you're right about that," she said.

There was a knock on the door and Eric's voice rang out, loud and clear, "It's time to go, Number One."

"Number One?" asked Sookie.

"It means that I'm first on his list," said Nikki.

"How nice for you," replied Sookie.

Nikki felt a flare of anger and replied, "Yes, it is. You don't know what you're missing. He's got a great, big…ego. Huge."

Nikki opened the door to find Eric loitering outside with a smirk. His vampire ears had probably heard that last statement, she thought.

"You're looking particularly waitressy tonight, Sookie," said Eric.

"Whatever," replied Sookie.

"I see that you've met Josette," said Eric. His eyes focused on both of them. "You two have something in common," he said.

"Oh, really?" asked Sookie.

"You both stand out," said Eric.

"I'd rather not stand out if that meant avoiding your attention," said Sookie, as she left.

Eric smiled. "She likes me."

"I can tell," replied Nikki. "But, who can resist your charm?"

In the car, Eric started the engine and said, "Time to take me home, Sweetheart."

"Excuse me?"

"Don't you live around here?" asked Eric.

"Are you checking up on me?" asked Nikki.

"It was just a guess," he said. "But, your car license number is from this parish."

He was way too observant, thought Nikki. But, where was the harm in showing him her place here? As long as she kept Jackson a secret from him, she felt a degree of safety. Nikki gave him directions and after a brief drive, they pulled up into her driveway. He followed her at her heels and she gave him a formal invitation inside. Immediately, as she closed the door, he pushed her against it and molded his body against hers. He forcefully held her and she should have been angry, but her only thoughts were how his body seemed to fit perfectly against hers. His lips were on the back of her neck and hands slid down her waist as his hips pressed into her. She arched back into him and took a deep breath. One of his hands moved under her dress and trailed up her thigh. He parted her willing thighs and Nikki felt herself tremble with desire. His hand slipped between them and teasingly touched her fabric of her panties. He touched her with a feather-light touch.

"Do you want more?" he asked.

"Yes," breathed Nikki.

She felt his lips on her neck again as his fingers moved aside her panties and began caress her. Softly, as first, but each successive stroke was a little harder. He knew exactly the way she liked it and she felt weak in the knees as his fingers played her favorite song. When he slipped his finger inside her and moved it in a delicious rhythm, she closed her eyes and felt as if she were floating on air. He had such long and strong fingers and she moaned in delight. She found that even though the way that he touched her was so sweet that she couldn't hold back. With a soft cry, she came and seemed to fall against him. Her legs seemed too weak to hold her up anymore. He picked her up in his arms and carried her through the house until he found the bed. She pulled him down with her and kissed his lips with longing. That had just been the appetizer and she didn't want to wait for the main dish. He smiled and kissed her back and got off the bed.

"Patience," he said.

"Tease," she replied.

He slowly removed his clothes for her and displayed that huge ego for her. He had to know the effect that he had on her. Didn't he have that effect on every girl? Nikki sighed and thought he was the most beautiful creature that she had ever seen. He should be her enemy, she thought. Yet, hadn't he shown that he could be trusted to not lose control? Didn't she find the act of him biting her pleasurable? She held out her hand and he moved in a flash to her. As they were naked, she eagerly pulled him to her, needing to feel him inside her. But, he stopped at the entrance and looked down at her.

"Tell me that you love me," he said.

Nikki groaned and tried to arch herself onto him. But, he carefully evaded her and waited for her to say those words. Nikki frantically tried to move against him.

"Tell me," he whispered, insistently.

"You're not playing fair."

"Vampires don't have to," he said. "Tell me or no nookie."

"I love you," whispered Nikki.

She felt Eric's lips on hers and then he pushed himself inside. She moaned as he filled her so wonderfully. He felt so good. She had her doubts after that first time because he had hurt her. But, since then, it had felt like nothing else ever had. He rolled her on top and she closed her eyes and moved with him.

Eric caressed her small, yet firm breasts. He smiled as she moved against him and began to set their pace. Faster and faster, she went and just when he was sure that she was going to come, she stopped. Slowly, she began to move along him. She contracted her muscles around him at the bottom of every one of her thrusts. She wanted to make it last and she knew just how he liked it. Of course, she would, he thought, because he had taught her everything she knew about what happened in the bed. His rapt little student had taken her lessons to heart. He closed his eyes and moaned, as she caused him to forget his careful control. When she touched him like this, she brought him to his knees. Her hands caressed him and he felt her lips on his neck.

"Are you mine?" she soft asked.

"Only yours," he murmured back.

They grasped each other and moved ever closer to that release that they both sought.

Outside, he watched in the shadows. He had trailed her to this place and his perseverance had been rewarded. Of course, he hadn't expected her to be courting a vampire. That was totally unexpected and very dangerous for him. He carefully stayed a safe distance away. Shameless whore, he thought. She had rebuked him but now was wantonly fucking a vampire. Still it did present and opportunity that he could exploit. He felt himself grow hard at that very idea. He resisted the urge to pull it out and jack off while they were screwing inside. If it had been anyone else, he would have not stood idly by. Perhaps, she knew that and had overcome her fears to enlist such a deadly protector. The girl was smarter that any other hybrid that he had ever seen. His keen ears heard the sounds of them as they both cried out in ecstasy. He turned and left back to the portal, but he would be seeing her again when she was alone and vulnerable.