I took several nights to reach Pawley's Island, taking my time, glamoring different humans to provide me with transport. When I arrived at the house, it seemed to be empty, but I slept in the sand under the sea oats for several weeks before entering the house, just to be sure. I doubted if any vampires other than Pam or Compton knew about the house. It was in Sookie's name, of course, so even if someone were watching my properties, they would most likely omit this one.

I broke into the realtor's office and studied the rental agreements periodically so that I would know when the house would be empty. I bought True Blood at the local convenient stores and drank it cold on the beach until the renters started to come, and then I would glamor them to stock the pantry and use the microwave while they slept. I found great comfort in the familiarity of the house and the beach, and that kept me from losing my mind for the first few months. I missed Sookie terribly, of course, but hoped that she was safe. I felt tremendous guilt because I knew that my supposed final death would wound her terribly, but I also knew that contacting her would greatly risk my life (and possibly hers) and then I would be no good to her really dead. I kept hoping that she would feel me through the bond and come to me, and I wished that I had had that serious and dreaded talk with her about the bond when I'd had the chance.

I lived like that on the beach for nine months, enjoying the comfort of the house when I could. I kept hoping that Sookie would return to the house, but still couldn't risk communicating with her. It sounds miserable, but you have to remember that nine months to a vampire that has lived a thousand years is just the blink of an eye. And the discomfort of sleeping in the sand and drinking synthetic crap from a bottle is nothing after living through years of torture, suffering horrible wounds, and surviving unimaginable grief from the loss of loved ones. We have more patience than any human can comprehend.

I would occasionally grow tired of sleeping in the sand, and I recalled Sookie's ghost stories about the area. I would sometimes pose as The Gray Man, and I was shocked that it did occasionally work and some renters would leave the house before their vacation was over or even cancel their trip altogether. Selfishly, I would reap the benefits of a warm house and comfortable bed and a working microwave, but then I felt a little guilty because I was taking money from Sookie's pocket literally, and although I knew that I had left her a very wealthy woman, I also knew that it would take some time before she would actually benefit from her inheritance.

I was more than mildly troubled at the thought of Sookie moving on with her life without me. I hated the thought of her grieving over me of course, and hoped that she could find her way back to her happy self. She is a very strong woman, stronger than she even realizes. Her strength and courage were partially why she initially intrigued me before I fell in love with her. I was aware that it was most likely that she would start to date as time passed on. She is a beautiful young woman, and I'd noted heads turning whenever we were in public. I also knew that she had a string of regular suitors at home. Yes, I am jealous and yes, I am possessive, but I knew that no matter what happened, what mattered most was that she survived. Whatever else occurred, I could suffer as long as the result was her safety and our eventual reunion. I'd be lying if I said I was really worried that she would fall in love with any man more than she loved me. As much as the thought of Sookie with other men enraged me, I was also aware of the fact that those very suitors would keep her safe from harm. Compton would protect her at any cost, and during the day I knew that the shifter as well as others would keep her safe. She was never really aware of how closely she was watched and protected, but I certainly was, and that was one thing that gave me some comfort on those long frustrating nights without her. And of course, I knew that Pam would watch over her. I don't like to brag, but my child is as close to perfect as a child can get.

I knew that the anniversary of our home purchase was approaching, and I also knew that the house would be rented during that week. I made several Gray Man appearances, and luckily, they worked, and the house was empty. I waited in the house every night, hoping for Sookie's return, but went to my room disappointed at dawn every day. Then on that last night, I felt her coming nearer, but knew that I was losing my race with the sun. You can't imagine the frustration of feeling dawn approaching just as I could feel her near to me. When I woke that night, I sat up and felt that sleepy hum and I nearly cried from the joy of it. I flew downstairs and there she lay in the hammock, sleeping like an angel. I rocked her gently, touched her hair, and when I felt her stir, I asked what took her so long. Her beautiful blue eyes opened and filled with tears as she reached for me. I crushed her to me, smothered her with kisses, told her I loved her over and over. After nine months of celibacy and synthetic blood, I don't have to tell you how passionate that reunion was. I couldn't get enough of her and we made love on every piece of horizontal furniture in the house. I tasted her from every soft delicious spot I could sink my fangs into. My beloved had finally returned to me.