A/N: Sorry, it's been a while for an update, but it's been hard for me to find time to write lately. When we last visited this story, Alcide had stepped in to aid a frightened Nikki who had just escaped from Eric.

Chapter 11

I

Alcide put another log in the wood stove and turned around to face Nikki. She looked pale and drawn with dark circles under her eyes. It was obvious that she had been put through the wringer, he thought. Besides being held captive, she had probably been continually fed on. Or worse, he thought grimly. She sank back into the sofa and wrapped her arms around herself as if warding off a chill. She tiredly closed her eyes and Alcide moved to the bedroom and retrieved a blanket from the closet. He came back into the main living area and draped the blanket around her.

"Oh, Alcide, you don't need to baby me," she said, opening her eyes.

She then dropped her eyes the next moment almost in embarrassment, which caused Alcide to wonder if she was used to mistreatment. She seemed so strong and vibrant, yet there was a shadow that seemed to linger over her. He almost knew nothing about her and she tried to keep him at arm's length. He wondered who she was trying to protect, her or him?

"Are you hungry?" he asked.

"I'm as hungry as a wolf," said Nikki with a small smile.

Alcide had picked up a few necessities on the drive here. This cabin was out in the boonies and the family had used it as a hunting cabin when he was younger. Now, it was just a place to stay when civilization seemed to close in. Werewolves liked to roam free. It was our nature, thought Alcide. It was a simple A frame cabin with a main living area downstairs that included an open kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. A flight of stairs led to a loft area upstairs that was fitted with twin beds. Well-oiled tongue groove planking made up the interior walls and ceiling. It was furnished with old, but serviceable furniture. An outside shed housed a generator that supplied the electricity and the wood stove that blazed in the main living area provided the heating. Alcide moved to the kitchen area and started rummaging in the small refrigerator.

"Are omelets okay?" he asked.

There was a small pause and Alcide looked up at Nikki with a raised eyebrow. Put on the spot, she quickly said, "Sure, that sounds great."

Alcide began slicing some tomatoes and mushrooms. Nikki got up off the sofa and moved to the breakfast bar. She took a seat on a stool and sat cocooned in the blanket and watched him.

"I'm a terrible cook," she said.

Alcide beat some eggs and looked over at her. "You make a mean steak."

"Well, steaks aren't that hard," she admitted. She smiled teasingly and said, "But, you are a domestic goddess in the kitchen."

"My momma taught me how to cook," he said. "She told me that a man needed to be self-sufficient". He heated a skillet on the stove. "Didn't your mother teach you how to cook?"

"I…I never had a mother," replied Nikki, examining the countertop and not meeting his eyes.

Alcide tried to keep from groaning out loud. Why was he continually putting his foot in his mouth around this girl? "I'm sorry," he said.

"You didn't know," replied Nikki. "And, I never missed something that I never knew."

"So, did your father bring you up?" asked Alcide.

"I never had a father, either," said Nikki.

Jeez, thought Alcide. Just be quiet before you make her cry or something.

"I guess, you could say that my aunts raised me."

Alcide slid a plate in front of her and placed two slices of buttered toast on a small salad plate. He poured a glass of milk for her. "It's good to have some family."

"Yes," said Nikki, chewing slowly on a piece of omelet. "Lucky me."

Alcide saw a look of complete sadness come over her and then she noticed his attention. She quickly altered her expression and gave him a smile. "Alcide, this is delicious, as usual."

"Flattery is the way to my heart," he teased, trying to brighten her mood.

"I'll keep that in mind," gamely replied Nikki.

Please do, thought Alcide. I would so love to be responsible for one of those rare, true smiles. He noticed her attention as she gazed about the kitchen area. There were cute and homey potholders, along with small framed art prints of flowers. She probably thinks that I used to bring Debbie or other girlfriends out here.

"Those feminine touches are courtesy of Janice, my sister," he said. "She comes out here, sometimes. She owns a beauty shop in town."

Nikki chewed on another bite of omelet. Alcide watched in fascination. "You never seemed surprised to find out what Debbie and I were."

"I guess after finding out about vampires, werewolves just aren't that out of the ordinary," replied Nikki. She finished and pushed way her plate. "Thank you, that really hit the spot."

Alcide picked it up and took it to the sink and quickly rinsed it. He wiped his hands on a dish towel. "Are you sure that vampire will come after you?"

Nikki seemed to pull farther inside her blanket and shiver. "Yes, he will come. Perhaps, you should stay in town. I don't want to be responsible for you getting hurt, Alcide."

"You're not getting rid of me that easily," said Alcide. "You looked tired as hell. Why don't you go off to bed."

"I'll just sleep on the sofa," she said. "I couldn't run you out of the bedroom."

Alcide pointed upstairs. "There are two twin beds in the loft and it's the warmest part of the cabin."

Nikki draped the blanket over the back of the stool and hid a yawn behind her hand. "I'll try to be better company tomorrow," she said. "Goodnight, Alcide."

Tomorrow. That one word served to lift his hopes. Alcide watched Nikki tiredly walk up the stairs. Her little shoulders seemed to droop under the burden that she was carrying.

II

Nikki jolted awake, but relaxed once she saw the sunshine that was peeking around the edges of the window curtains. He hadn't come last night for her. Maybe, that meant that he couldn't find her. She reclined back into the surprisingly soft bed. The fire must have burned out, since there was a slight chill in the air. Could she really be lucky enough that Eric wouldn't be able to find her? Except, he seemed to have little trouble finding her in her dreams. He had made love to her last night. Nikki closed her eyes. Those blue eyes had seemed to stare right through her. She felt as if she was an open book for him to read. She had expected him to be smug at the realization that she had been thinking of him. But, his eyes had turned gray with sadness as if she had hurt him. Moving inside of her, he leaned down to whisper into her ear. But, she hadn't heard any words. As if she had a seashell held to her ear, she could hear the soft sounds of the sea. The soft hiss of the waves lapping on the beach and she could smell the sea salt in the air. Why would she dream of that? Vampires didn't smell of cold sea air. Why could she see the cold, gray seas within the eyes of her vampire lover?

Nikki quickly dressed and went downstairs. Alcide was still asleep and she wanted to try her hand at making some more of those omelets. She had never had omelets before. Fairies had food, but one needed to be careful of what one ate in fairyland. Fairy glamour could cover up some less than appetizing things. They had tested her from the beginning. To see how strong she was and what illusions that she could see through. They had been trying to find her weaknesses with a cold and calculating effort.

She should leave, now, while Alcide was still sleeping. But, she was so tired and where would she go? Surely, if Eric could find her, he would have come for her immediately. Wouldn't he want to rub her nose in the fact that she couldn't run away from him? Nikki felt better. She could risk another day to rest and regain her strength. Then, she would decide what to do with the mess that was her life.

III

Eric stood outside and watched from the hidden shadows. A blaze of light from the cabin created a soft patch of illumination that he kept well away from. He felt the tight grip of jealousy envelope him. He watched through the open window as Nikki smiled and talked to a werewolf. A mangy werewolf. Was this his replacement? It had taken him two nights to find her. Now, he was way outside of his area and even the kingdom of Louisiana. He had no authority here and it would probably be better for him if his presence were not detected.

He could track her partly by her scent because no one else smelled like her. Except for Sookie and he knew where Sookie was. He was very familiar with that sweetly addictive scent, having been up close and personal with the source many times. But, there was another reason why he was able to find her. There was an incomplete connection that had begun the first night that they had sex together. It was weak and the signal that he could detect was fuzzy at best. He wondered at this connection and tried to come up with an explanation for it. The only thing that made sense was that his virgin fairy had absorbed some of the blood cells in his semen. He had not been exactly gentle with her since he was not aware of her condition. Her bruised and damaged tissues must have been the portal that allowed that faint trace of himself inside of her. In a way, he thought that it was poetic justice, since she had played with fire and gotten singed. He couldn't read her emotions and he could not exactly pinpoint her location. Yet, he could sense her. He had known that he was following in the right direction. Last night before dawn, he had flown back home since he didn't want to risk being found in King Russell Edgington's territory. Tonight, he had simply returned to the last known point and continued. He had found her apartment in Jackson. That masked fairy scent still hung cloyingly sweet in the building. Along with her delightful scent was also the doggy smell of his werewolf. He was incensed that she would cheat on him, if she was, in fact, cheating. But, he was really steamed that it was a werewolf. He despised werewolves. The next thing he knew, as he watched them inside, the werewolf had leaned into Nikki and was kissing her. A cold wave anger settled over him as he watched the werewolf touch those lips that were only meant for him. He felt his fangs extend and his fingers curled into claws. But, he forced himself to relax. He couldn't gain entry without an invitation, something that neither Nikki nor the werewolf would be likely to give. Sooner or later, they would come to him. The night was still young.

Nikki was surprised at Alcide's move to kiss her. She was stunned and didn't react. Except, his lips did feel very good on hers. They were soft and held the promise of much more exciting things to come. And, why shouldn't she kiss Alcide? Eric didn't own her. Wasn't being within Alcide's arms as he moved between her legs the best way to banish Eric's memory. So, she tentatively touched Alcide's muscular chest and lightly trailed her fingers down his rippled abdominals. Alcide softly growled and his tongue began to dance with hers. Alcide moved to her neck and nuzzled her and gently began to lower her down.

"So, beautiful," he murmured, his breath hot in her ear.

She could feel the heat from his body through her clothes. Weres ran hot and he seemed to be burning up. She gave a soft sigh and closed her eyes. Yet, would this maker her feel better or worse after it was done? Didn't Alcide deserve a girl who was making love with him because she wanted to and not because she was trying to forget her old lover? Unconsciously, she had stiffened in his hands.

"Is something wrong?"

"I'm sorry, but I can't use you to make myself feel better," said Nikki.

"I don't mind," replied Alcide.

Nikki ran her fingers down Alcide's beard and gave him a wan smile. "I would hurt you in the long run."

Alcide sat up and Nikki kissed him on the cheek. "You don't know how flattered I am," she said. "It's just that things are all mixed up, right now."

Alcide patted her leg and got up. "I think that I'll bring in some more firewood."

Alcide moved outside and towards the shed where the firewood was neatly stacked. He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration and reached for a log. That was when he was hit by a force that slammed him into the side of shed and held him tightly against the wall by his throat. Blinking his eyes, he saw a tall, blonde vampire dressed in black who coldly stared at him with an unwavering blue gaze.

"Did you fuck her?" the vampire asked.

Alcide wanted to growl, but the vampire had his throat constricted. So, this was Nikki's asshole of a vampire boyfriend, he thought. He fought to pry off the vampire's fingers without success. The vampire slightly shifted his hand and allowed Alcide to breathe.

"Fucking fanger," growled Alcide.

The blonde vampire's eyes glittered with malice and he pulled Alcide a few inches away from the side of the shed, only to slam him back with so much force that he saw stars.

"I asked you a question, werewolf," the vampire said. "I would answer it before I decide to rip your throat out anyway."

"Eric?"

Alcide and Eric both turned to see Nikki standing several feet away and watching them with fear and apprehension.

"Nikki, run inside," Alcide managed to say. "He can't get to you that way."

The last words were cut off as Eric squeezed Alcide's throat shut. "Hello, Sweetness," he said. "Did you miss me?"

"Please, let Alcide go," said Nikki.

"I'm just getting acquainted with your new boyfriend," said Eric. "Although, something tells me that he isn't going to last very long."

"He isn't my boyfriend," said Nikki.

"You could have fooled me," replied Eric. "You seemed to be eagerly swapping spit with him."

Nikki put her hands on her hips. "Were you spying on us? Like some sort of perverted voyeur?" she demanded.

"I might be perverted," replied Eric. "But, even I draw the line at watching you with another man."

"It was just an impulsive kiss. It didn't mean anything," said Nikki. "Let him go, Eric."

Eric watched as Nikki stood there in old, blue jeans and a clingy top with a sweetheart neckline. Her eyes were filled with worry over this were in his hands. And with fear of him. Somehow, that fear of him that he saw in her eyes made him want to turn away. He gazed at the werewolf in his grip and felt like ripping this were's throat out, but he knew that Nikki might take a dim view of that sort of action. He eased off his grip and the next thing he knew the werewolf had hit him in the side of the head with a solid log. Never, ever turn your back on a werewolf, he thought grimly. Caught unawares, he staggered back as Alcide lunged for him.

"Haven't you done enough to her?" growled Alcide. "Kidnapping her, biting her and you probably raped her, as well."

Eric backhanded Alcide back into the side of the shed. "It's not of your business, but the sex was always more than consensual between Nikki and me. Isn't that right, Dearest?"

"I've had it with the both of you," hissed Nikki.

Suddenly, a jolt of bright light streamed forth and struck Eric and Alcide, knocking them apart. Alcide sank to the ground to his hands and knees and Eric was flung away several feet. When the light was extinguished, he lay on his back on the ground. He was completely still, except for flashes of light that seemed to illuminate his body from within. Finally, the flickers ceased.

"Don't do that to me again," he said. "It makes me feel….weird."

Eric got up and Nikki felt her courage fleeing. She took a step backwards as Alcide shook his head and shakily got to his feet. They all three stared at each other as if undecided about what to do next. Nikki could see shock on Alcide's face as to what had just happened.

"I'm sorry, Alcide," she said. "For keeping my secret from you."

She turned to Eric with a mixture of hurt and longing that Eric could plainly see in her eyes. He knew that she still wanted him, even after everything that had happened and a feeling of relief washed over him. He could still find a way to make things right and bring her back to him.

It was then that a voice behind them caused all of them to turn around.

"You know, when I heard that one of Sophie-Anne's sheriffs was sneaking around in my territory," said Russell. "I thought that he was here to spy on me. I never dreamed that he was here for you, Ms. Jordan."

Nikki whirled around in shock and shakily dropped into a small bow. "Your Majesty."

"Oh, we're all friends here," said Russell, flashing a smile. He seemed to be enjoying this moment of catching everyone unawares.

Russell was surrounded by several of his vampire guards who were dressed in black pants and tee shirts. Russell was wearing a casual light gray suit without a tie. His eyes stared at Eric darkly and appraisingly.

"You are out of your jurisdiction, Sheriff," he said. "You do know what that means, don't you?"

"My apologies, Majesty," said Eric. "But, this was a personal matter that I wished to keep private."

Russell's eyes flickered to Alcide who gave him a brazen look, but Russell dismissed him as not being worth his effort. He turned his attention back to Nikki and Sheriff Northman.

"Ms. Jordan," he said. "You will grace my mansion with your lovely presence. It's been too long since our last visit."

"She's mine," hissed Eric.

Russell smiled. "I think that is a matter yet to be decided." He stared at them for a moment longer and turned to his guards. "Bring them."

"The werewolf, Sir?" one of his guards asked.

"Leave him," said Russell.

Russell turned back towards a large, black SUV as his guards moved to Eric and Nikki. Eric shrugged of their hands and moved to Nikki and clamped a hand on her upper arm as he led her to the SUV. Russell sat in the passenger seat as Eric and Nikki took up the back seat. Two guards sat in the third row as the SUV pulled away. Another SUV with the rest of the guards followed. Russell turned back in his seat and grinned.

"Now, which one of Sophie-Anne's sheriffs are you?" he asked.

"Eric Northman of Area Five," Eric replied.

"Well, as long as you're here," said Russell. "You should see what the kingdom of Mississippi could offer you. You're a smart lad from what I hear."

IV

Even though Nikki tried to shake off his hand, Eric gripped her tightly as he escorted her inside Russell's mansion. They had passed through two security gates before gaining access to the mansion, itself. It was a several story affair and was brightly lit in the dark night. Russell preceded them through the entryway into a large foyer with a spiral staircase and huge chandelier. A pretty male vampire with dark curls waited on the staircase. He was dressed in a silk robe and slippers. It was obvious that he had been waiting for Russell and gave an expression of relief when he appears.

"It's getting close to dawn," he said. "You know that I hate for you to go out this late."

"I had to escort our guests, Talbot," he said.

Talbot looked behind Russell and his eyes took in Eric. They stared at him from head to toe and then back up again. His hand crept up to the collar of his robe.

"My, who might you be?" he said.

"Eric Northman, Sheriff of Area Five, Louisiana," Eric replied, returning the stare.

"Talbot, Royal Consort," said Talbot. "Welcome, to our home."

"Ready a room for our guests," said Russell.

"Two rooms," said Nikki.

"One room," said Eric.

Russell's gaze glittered. "Sorry, Sheriff Northman, but we can't railroad a lady like Ms. Jordan. She will have her own room and if you want in, then you'll just have to charm your way inside."

Russell went into his study and Talbot smiled broadly as he began to lead Eric up the stairs. "We just had all the guest rooms, redone. I used items from Russell's collection because what the use of it gathering dust in some warehouse when it could be put to good use."

After showing Eric the room, Talbot stood in the doorway. "Do you want me to send up a human donor for you?"

Eric stared pointedly at Nikki. "No, I have other plans."

Talbot began leading Nikki down the hallway. "I envy you," he sighed.

Talbot had given Nikki a set of silk pajamas. But the top was long enough to hit her mid-thigh, so Nikki ditched the pants. She moved to the window and pulled aside the drapes only to find that it was a faux window. Well, that ruled out climbing out the window and escaping, she thought. Maybe, during the daytime, she could see if there was a way out of this place. She sat on the bed when a knock came on her door. Before she could open it, Eric came barging inside.

"Excuse me, don't you have to have permission to come inside here?"

"Vampire home, Sweetness, nothing is off-limits," he replied.

"Get out," said Nikki.

"Not until you listen to what I have to say," he replied.

Nikki crossed her arms under her breasts, unaware that it pushed them up which caused Eric to lose his train of thought. Nikki sighed in aggravation.

"Are you going to talk or just stare at my breasts until sunrise?"

"Can't I do both?"

"I don't want anything to do with you," said Nikki. "I thought that was clear."

Eric moved closer and his expression changed. In spite of herself, Nikki backed up.

"Let me make things clear for you," said Eric. "Unless you want to find yourself in Russell Edgington's clutches, you had better start acting like you are mine. Because the only thing that is going to keep him from just taking you and doing what he wants with you is my claim on you, fairy princess."

Nikki felt herself back up into the wall and before she could move away, Eric cornered her. "Don't event think about using your powers here. You're lucky that Russell came just after your little light show. But, if you are foolish enough to to let loose with the fireworks, even my claim on you won't keep Russell from taking you."

"I…I don't want to be yours," said Nikki, ducking under his arm and trying to move away from him.

"It's not 'want' anymore," said Eric. "It's survival, plain and simple."

He began to take off his shirt and Nikki tried to look away. "What do you think you're doing?" she demanded.

"I intend to loudly ravish you and if you're smart, you'll scream out my name," said Eric. "Then, you are going to bond to me because Russell will be able to detect that you are not."

"I won't."

"You will," said Eric.

"You're not coming in here and scaring me into giving you everything that you want," replied Nikki.

Eric reached out and cupped her cheek. "One way or another, I always get what I want," he said. "Haven't you figured that out, yet?"

Before she could react or maybe because she didn't want to evade his touch, Eric leaned down and kissed her. Suddenly, the roar of the ocean was back in her ear. She shivered as the cold salt air invaded her senses. She was adrift and bobbing against the waves that crashed over her. One after another, they drenched her and pulled her down. She swam against them and fought to rise to the surface. The sea released her and washed her back on the sandy beach. Lying tangled and wet in the sea foam, she saw a blonde haired child running along the sandy beach right towards her. His melodic laughter rang out as he splashed through the waves and scared the sea birds into flight. He came so close that she could gaze into his eyes. A tantalizing mixture of blue, gray and green seemed to hold her captive. His eyes tilted up at the corners and Nikki felt a flash of fear. She fought to disengage. No. This isn't possible. It can't be. But, Nikki found herself on that beach of the North Sea with the child that Eric Northman had been so many long years ago.

Nikki stepped away from Eric. She searched him for some sign of why this was happening. She cautiously reached out a finger to the bare skin of his chest. Where it touched, his skin began to glow from within. Her light. He had her light inside of him. Eric looked down and his eyes widened. Under her hand, his skin warmed from the inside. The light inside of him recognized her as it's source. She had given him the most precious part of herself and his vampire body had somehow managed to hold onto it.

"What have you done to me?" asked Eric.

"I…I didn't mean to," gasped Nikki. "I don't even know how it's possible."

"Tell me," he said, grabbing her wrist.

Nikki looked up into those eyes and saw the boy on the beach inside of them. "A part of my light resides in you. It's the most precious gift that a fairy can bestow."

Eric wondered if there was a downside to this 'precious' gift. Nikki seemed less than pleased about it. Yet, she wasn't fighting him. At this moment, at least. His fingers turned to a caress on her wrist. Light or blood, he didn't care what bound them together. Because the only way that they would get out of Russell Edgington's mansion was by working together. He felt the pull of this force on him. A weight in his chest ached to join with his fairy and feel her skin beneath his fingers. He pulled her close and where their skin touched, he felt a tingling as if the flickering edges of this mysterious light that resided inside if him was seeking to unite with Nikki's essence. It tickled and teased with the promise of much more fascinating sensations. He began to wonder how this extra sense would feel during sex. He pulled his reluctant fairy close and crushed her to him. He intended to find out. Maybe more than once before the sun rose.

"I haven't forgiven you," breathed Nikki.

"Then, let me make it up to you," replied Eric.

His lips sought hers and he could taste her sweetness on them. He was hungry. Ravenous. He hadn't touched another since she had come to him in the bar pretending to be Sookie. The thought of another woman's flesh didn't entice him. Everyone else's blood would taste flat and bland on his tongue. He cursed her. He worshipped her. But, he needed her. Moth that he was, he was drawn to her flickering light with a force that he could not resist, even if he wanted to.

A/N: Our couple is back together, maybe not under the best of circumstances. It seems that Nikki has forged some sort of bond between them without realizing it. Be careful who you zap with that light. Perhaps, her true feelings about Eric altered the intention of the light.

I put this story well before the events of season three, so Eric and Russell have not met before.