Just want to say thank you to all the positive reviews, they are much appreciated. Well, here's ch. 2, hope you all enjoy it, :)
Tara felt the crunch of the leaves under her feet as she strolled through the woods. The moon illumined the night casting a silvery glow all around. She quickened her pace. The trees seemed never-ending but she knew the destination and started jog. The air was still and hot but she didn't feel a bead of sweat on her body. She felt so exhilarated that for a moment she thought she could fly but instead she increased her pace to full on sprinting. The trees began to thin and a grin broke out on her face when she felt herself drawing closer...to him.
She stopped abruptly when the trees ended and opened out to a lake so vast that it seemed to encompass the world. The moon glared brightly from the reflection of the still lake and she began to take slow deliberate steps to the water. The hard earth beneath her became sand and she stopped when she felt it become damp and the water covered her feet. She felt her skin prickle and her heart began to hammer in her chest. She could not feel any warmth from his body but she would know him a thousand miles off.
She began to shiver and his hands found their way to her arms as he gripped her softly from behind. His thumbs moved in circles against her skin massaging the tension away and stirring the anxiousness in her heart.
"Tara."
His voice was a soft caress on her skin and she tried to turn around but he held her in place. She turned her head to look at him and his face was a blank but his eyes were playful.
"I've been waiting a long time. Where were you?"
"Too many damn trees."
He leaned down and dragged his lips slowly across her shoulders before he reached her neck. He stopped and pressed a soft kiss to the pulse point there and her breathing became ragged. She could practically feel how badly he wanted to taste her, his grip had even become tighter. Her eyes were now lowered but she knew his fangs had popped out.
He took a breath then abruptly turned her around and his lips came crashing down on hers. Before she could blink or move he had her down in the sand and was peeling the long dress from her body. When he completely removed her dress she sighed softly. She moaned when she felt the water lapping around her adding to her pleasure. His mouth and hands were everywhere driving her crazy and she was growing more and more impatient.
"Patience, lover."
He gripped her waist and slid his tongue down her stomach until he met the apex of her thighs. He gave her a long intense look before burying his head between her legs. She threw her head back and clamped her mouth shut to reduce the pleasure she was feeling. When she couldn't hold it any longer she let out a small scream as his tongue moved in and out of her. Her body trembled and she exploded in pleasure.
He lifted up and suddenly he was inside of her. He started at a slow torturous pace that had her moaning his name. She wrapped her legs around him and gripped his back fiercely. He felt so good inside of her. So full. She moved with him in a silent rhythm. The waters began to move with urgency around him and she knew waves were coming in. She ran one hand through his hair marveling at how the blond looked in the moonlight. His thrusts became frenetic as he leaned his head down to nibble on her shoulders. Everything around her became in unison with them and their pleasure. The trees began to sway, the water began to churn violently, and the moon above began to take on a blueish tint.
Just when she felt her body about to capsize again he stopped and everything around them became silent. She stared into his eyes questioningly. He opened his mouth slightly and his fangs popped out, making a scissor sound.
"Allow me."
She began to gyrate her hips and he stilled her with his weight. He shook his head.
"Allow me."
She took a breath and nodded slowly. His eyes seemed to change color for a moment before his mouth opened and he leaned towards her neck. She only hesitated a second before turning her head. She felt the pinpoints of his teeth at her neck and called out his name.
"Eric!"
"Tara. Tara!"
Her eyes popped open to a concerned Lafayette. She quickly looked around her noticing all of the gaudy and loud designs of Lafayette's house. She sighed in relief and closed her eyes for a second to get her heartbeat back in order.
What. The. Hell. Was. That? She'd known a man...vampire for less than a night and she was having erotic dreams about him? Extremely vivid, incredibly real, dreams. She reached up to touch her neck just in case and took a grateful swallow.
"Is you okay?"
She ignored Lafayette for the moment. She needed to calm down. She could feel her panties were drenched and clamped her legs together. How embarrassing.
"They didn't bite you when I wasn't looking, did they?"
She opened her eyes and sat up.
"What?" she stuttered, she still had that dream lingering in her mind.
"Them vamps," Lafayette, explained, "You was moaning and tossin' and turnin'. I thought something was wrong with you," he examined her closely, "Ain't nothin' wrong with you is it?"
"No. I'm straight."
"Whew, good. Cause I wouldn't know how to help your ass if you wasn't."
He plopped down on the end of the couch. She felt herself growing hot and threw the orange afghan off of her legs. Lafayette was usually the one to make her feel better seeing as his crazy life was usually more stable than her own but watching him looking slightly defeated, with no hope, didn't do much to uplift her spirits either.
Their ride home with Pam, the night before, was uneventful and neither had really spoken a word in the car. Even when they got home they didn't say much. They took turns showering and fell out not too long after. They certainly hadn't had time to rehash all of the insanity but she knew now was the time. She still was puzzled over most of the things that happened. The car wreck was still plaguing her normally suspicious mind. Her mind was still a bit fuzzy over what she saw. She knew there was something in the road she just couldn't exactly make out what.
"What the hell happened last night?"
Lafayette sighed, "You was there."
"I understand the vampire part, and that's crazy as hell, but I mean when we crashed. Do you remember?"
Lafayette thought for a moment before his expression became troubled.
"It was something in the road," he said slowly, "It was too dark too see."
She raised her knees up and wrapped her arms around them before resting her chin.
"It wasn't that dark. We saw something."
"I don't know what the hell I saw and I don't really want to remember. I got enough shit going on as it is. I got two vampires making me sell V and I don't know what the hell they gone do when they get tired of that."
Homeboy's life did just get a whole lot more messed up but so did hers by extension.
"And I got a vampire expecting me to sleep with him to repay my 'debt'," she spat out, "And?"
Lafayette looked at her like she was crazy.
"It is too early in the mornin' for attitude, heffa. We in this together."
She began to shake her head, "I should've just went home and neither one of us would've been in the car when that thing was in the road," she glanced at the digital time on the cable box and saw that it read eleven fifty, "Early in the mornin'? It's almost noon."
Lafayette shrugged, "It's early for me."
She gave him an accusatory stare.
"When was you planning on telling me you been selling V?"
He got up off the coach and tightened his silky lavender robe.
"Never."
She crossed her arms, "And why not?"
He told her damn near everything else.
"Cause I know how you feel about vampires and I wasn't about to open them can of worms."
"Considering what happened last night I would expect you to feel the same way."
There was a loud bang and he walked over to the window to look out of the blinds.
"Garbage man," he said absentmindedly before turning back to her, "Even with what happened last night all vamps not like that."
"So who do you know that's not like that? Who you been getting V from?"
It was obvious he had some dealings with a vamp and she wanted to know when and how this happened. He laid his head back against the door.
"This man. He not like them we met last night though. He real nice...and lonely. He let me have some of his blood."
"He let you have some of his blood for what?" she raised a brow.
"He just be wanting somebody to spend time with. I told you he lonely. Now quit asking questions, damn, your ass should've been a detective. You suspect everybody of everything."
He stomped off to the back and she heard the bathroom door shut a moment later. She ran her hand through her braids. She was still a little tired but she had no intention of dreaming about blond and dangerous again anytime soon. She got up and slid on her jeans that was hanging on the back of the couch. Normally she'd share her problems with Sookie but at the moment she just wanted to forget them. Lafayette's car was now gone so she'd just have to walk.
"I'm taking a walk fey, I'll be back later!" she shouted before leaving.
Good thing she didn't have to worry about vamps in the sunlight.
Tara watched Lafayette stare at the door nervously. The sun was quickly sinking and it annoyed her that something that had always been a scenic pleasure would now signify something else.
"You think they'll be coming today?"
Lafayette said nothing but she could tell he was hoping they wouldn't. Somehow she knew she'd be seeing Eric tonight. He seemed like the King of Assholes and would do any and everything possible to irk her.
"Damn! I just remembered," Lafayette jumped off the couch.
"Remembered what?"
"My car."
"What about your car?"
"It's probably still sittin' in the middle of the road. I'm surprised ain't no cops been by here asking questions."
When she'd taken a walk earlier she'd thought of heading back to the spot but decided to come on back. She, too, wondered why no one had came inquiring about the car. Considering the state of their clothes last night the accident had to have been terrible. If Eric and Pam were to be trusted both of them nearly died. If she actually was conscious at the time her near death experience would have been even more unsettling than it was.
"Maybe they ain't found it yet."
She doubted it, though, that road was commonly used. The phone began to ring and Lafayette gave her a look before picking it up.
"Hello? Yeah, hold on." his shoulders were tense then they became relaxed as he handed the phone to her, "It's Sookie."
She took the phone and put it to her ear.
"Sook? Hey."
Sookie's cheerful voice piped in from the other side, "Hey Tara. I was meaning to call you last night but I kinda got distracted."
She knew just who she had gotten distracted with.
"It's okay, things was kind of messed up last night anyway."
"Messed up how?"
She decided to tell Sookie as little as possible until she got the situation straight in her own head, besides, she knew that she would become suspicious about Lafayette's lack of a car over night.
"Me and Lafayette were in a wreck last night and he now has no car."
Sookie gasped, "Tara Mae, why didn't you call me? Did you go to the hospital? How's Lafayette?"
"We're both fine, it's the car that's messed up."
"Well, how did you get home?''
"We hitched," she winced, she hadn't thought that far ahead.
"You sure you're alright? What if you have internal injuries?"
"I'm fine, we're fine. Really. What about you? I know you left with Bill last night."
Sookie was silent for a moment, "How did you know?"
Really?
"If it's supposed to be a secret you're doing a lame job at hiding it."
"It's not a secret but I had to practically turn my mind off last night with everyone's opinion of my life," she sighed, "And I know how you feel about it."
She hated that this town was filled with sanctimonious hypocrites but she was even more leery of Bill now because of her own vamp problems.
"I'm not about to do back flips over it but I'm ain't about to put you down for it either. If he makes you happy then I'm happy for you."
"Really? I'm really glad to hear that because I'm inviting him to Gran's for dinner and I wanted you and Jason to be there. Lafayette's welcome too."
The last thing she wanted to do was have dinner with a vampire but she couldn't say no to Sookie.
"Just tell me when and I'll be there."
"Ok," she could feel Sookie beaming through the phone, " And I'll be seeing you tonight, right, or do you need a few days? I could tell Sam to get someone to fill in for you."
"Naw, I'll be alright. I'll see you tonight okay? Bye."
She clicked the phone off and handed it back to Lafayette.
"Sook just invited us to have dinner with her and Bill at Gran's."
Lafayette placed the phone back into the receiver.
"Tell her thanks but I'll sit this one out. I ain't trying to deal with no more vampires."
Tara walked over to the window and stared out into the night. The sun was completely gone now. She knew he was awake and probably headed this way. She tried to ignore the knots in her stomach, but she was almost anticipating seeing him.
Sophie was more than pissed. She wanted blood. She wanted to rip each and every limb from their incompetent bodies.
"You still have not located it?" her scream reverberated off of the cemented walls.
The man farthest from her, the human, the one who seemed to have no fear, even in this current situation, spoke.
"The night team searched til dawn and we've been searching all day. We've searched all through this town and even the outskirts. If it's here, it's hiding well."
She walked over to him her face in a permanent scowl. He lowered his eyes and she felt a small satisfaction having gotten some show of obsequiousness out of him.
"And if it's not here? What exactly are you suggesting?"
The man kept his eyes lowered as he spoke, "The more time passes the farther it could go, but I don't think it's gone far. It could be smarter than what we think."
"I'm hearing you talk but you're not saying a damn thing! I want that thing caught and I want it done by tonight and I don't think I have to explain the consequences."
Everyone's heartbeat in the room sped up and even the vampires with no heartbeat showed fear, but not this one. As far as she was concerned, it was the worst type of insult, especially coming from a human.
"We'll do our best."
Sophie's hand quickly encircled his neck nearly cutting off his air supply. The man was struggling to breath but was doing a damn good job of hiding it. Her nails dug into his neck until she drew blood and she relished the sight. His eyes were still lowered and that was the only thing keeping her from completely tearing his head off.
"You are so very lucky that you are over this project because if there ever comes a moment in time where I don't need you, you'd better run...far."
She lifted the man up and threw him across the room. He hit the wall and slid down much to her satisfaction. The man made no sound and slowly got up from the floor. The others in the room made no move to help him and most appeared as if they hadn't seen the display at all.
"All of you remember. If I fall you fall. If I die you die. If someone finds that thing before us not only will they die but so will you. Now get out of my sight."
Everyone began to file out of the room. The man was one of the last to go. His eyes were no longer lowered but they were not looking at her either. The man was handsome and if she was still into males she might have made him a slave of sorts. His eyes were an unusual gray and added an effervescent quality to his dark skin. She only knew that from his picture, he'd never actually looked her directly in the eye. When this was all over and done with she'd enjoy killing him.
Tara had been on edge all night. Eric hadn't showed up at Lafayette's so they'd both trudged on to work although neither was in the mood. If she hadn't come, though, it would have only given Sookie more reason to worry and nobody needed to know about their situation. Since it was Friday Merlotte's was more packed than usual. She'd been so busy that there were brief moments where she didn't think about things for a minute or two and then it'd all come crashing back. She'd catch Lafayette's eye every once in a while and he looked just as worried as her.
Sookie had fussed over her when she first picked her and Lafayette up but after practically undergoing a medical examination by her she finally decided that she was well enough to continue working. Sookie could be such a mama bear at times and even though it was one of the things Tara loved about her it was only serving to annoy her tonight.
She couldn't deny that she was looking anxiously at the door every time it opened. She told herself that she wasn't hoping to see him, just waiting to get the inevitable over with. Even more than the situation they were in she couldn't get that dream out of her head. If she closed her eyes for a moment she could still feel the water and the sand beneath her. She half-wondered if he would be as skilled a lover in reality as he was in her dream.
She wondered what he meant when he said that they had a connection now and that he would feel her wherever she was. Or was he just trying to play with her head? She growled in frustration and nearly dropped a glass.
"Hey sweetheart. Why the frown?"
She set the glass down on the counter and ignored the short stocky man before her. He was a regular who liked to come in and flirt with any woman he could find. Usually she'd go tit for tat with him but she wasn't in the mood tonight.
"Why don't you let me get a taste of some of that chocolate. Once you go white everything's alright."
She scoffed and gave the man a dubious look. Did he really just open his mouth and say that? How corny and whack can you get?
"Do you want something, Earl, cause if not you need to go bother someone else."
He took a sip of his beer before grinning stupidly at her.
"I just want you."
"Do you know what I'd love to do to you? I'd love to f-"
"I believe the lady asked you nicely to leave her alone."
She looked up and saw Bill looking menacingly at the man. What the hell does he want?
Earl barely gave Bill a glance, "This is between me and my chocolate princess over here. Nothing to do with you," he slurred.
"Sir," Bill tapped Earl on the shoulder and when Earl turned to look at him Bill stared intently into his eyes, "I think it's time for you to leave now. You've had too much to drink. Leave Merlotte's."
To her surprise Earl just nodded, got up, and left. She watched him leave with her brows raised. Bill gave her a warm smile before nodding slightly.
"Um, thanks, but that wasn't necessary. Earl is more of an annoyance than a real danger."
Bill glanced at the door that Earl just exited.
"Men like him aren't always harmless."
She just nodded not really knowing what to say. She'd never really had to carry on a conversation with Bill on her own, Sookie was usually around.
"Sookie's in the back, she'll probably be out in a minute."
"Thank you, but I won't be able to see Sookie tonight. Could you tell her that I have to leave urgently on business?"
"Yeah. But, why don't you tell her yourself?"
"I'd rather not, if it's okay with you?"
She lifted a hand carelessly, "No problem with me. I'll tell her."
Bill smiled gratefully at her, "Thank you again and have a good night."
"You too. Goodbye."
Bill left as swiftly and as silently as he came. Hmm, that was strangely pleasant and civil. She still didn't trust him, no matter how cordial and gentlemanly he could be.
She decided now was the time for her break regardless if there was no one to replace her. She stepped from behind the bar when she felt someone grab her arm. She turned quickly and nearly elbowed Sam.
"Tara, could you come to my office for a minute?"
She hoped he wasn't about to lecture her on job performance, she was not in the mood.
"Sure."
She followed him towards the back and ignored Arlene's curious stare. Once in his office Sam made a move to shut the door then seemed to think better about it and left it open. She didn't try to sit down, she still fully intended to go on her break.
When he didn't say anything she stared at him expectantly, "What?"
"Sookie told me you and Lafayette were in a bad wreck last night. Are you okay?"
She crossed her arms annoyed.
"Why would she tell you that?"
Sam sat down on the edge of his desk and put his hands in his lap giving her a peculiar look.
"She suggested that I let you and Lafayette off early because you might be feeling more down than you're letting on. She didn't have to suggest anything though, I don't know why you or Lafayette didn't say anything. Being in a car wreck is serious and you haven't even checked yourself out at a hospital or nothing."
She stretched out her arms and slowly turned around.
"Do I look like I need to check into the hospital? Me and Lafayette are okay. I told Sookie the car was worse than we were."
Sam nodded, "Yeah, from what I hear it was totaled, yet you and Lafayette look perfectly fine. Looks like a miracle to me."
She didn't particularly like his tone of voice, it was slightly sarcastic. She also got the feeling that he didn't necessarily believe her story which didn't surprise her, Sam saw through most b.s.
"Yeah, it was a miracle," she said dryly, "Can I go on my break now?"
He sighed and ran his hand through his hair, agitated.
"We're friends Tara, why do you always push me away when I show that I give a damn?"
Her expression softened, she knew she was being a bitch, and to Sam of all people.
"I'm sorry. I'm just real tired. I'm not really in the mood for all this tonight."
"Well, if you had told me about your situation, I would have told you not to come in anyway."
"Yeah, but I needed the tips."
"Whatever you need I can give you Tara, all you have to do is ask."
She felt her eyes water at his sincerity. It felt good knowing that someone like Sam cared about her but she would never take advantage of his kindness.
"You know I would never take any money from you."
"Just letting you know that I'm here if you need me. Not everyone's out to get you," he gave her a lopsided boyish smile and she returned the favor feeling almost shy.
"Thanks, I appreciate it."
"No problem," he stood from the desk, "After your break you can go home if you want. You can tell Lafayette he can take the rest of the night off too," he moved towards her and lightly touched her shoulder, "And remember, you can trust me, if there's anything you ever want to talk about, I'm here."
"I know. It goes both ways."
He looked surprised for a moment, "Yeah?"
"Yeah," she took a breath needing to lighten the thick mood that had taken over his small office, "I'm gonna go take my break now."
She scurried out of his office and slipped out the back of the bar. Sometimes Sam could really unnerve her, in a good way. She wished she could go home now but she knew Lafayette wouldn't want too and she didn't want to make Sookie drive them home in the middle of her shift.
She stared up at the moon and her dream came back vividly. She wondered if she'd have another dream about him tonight.
"This must be my lucky night."
She turned to see an even drunker Earl slowly walking towards her, she groaned. Didn't this drunken fool leave earlier? She spun around and began walking back to the door.
"Go home Earl."
She grabbed the door handle and was instantly yanked away. Earl had her gripped tightly and was leaning towards her. She recoiled at his breath and tried to break out of his grip but he was much more stronger than she thought.
"Yeah, I like it when you fight," he loosed one of her arms to try to grope her breasts and she took that opportunity to punch him.
He staggered backwards and tried to catch his balance but was too drunk to do so. He hit the ground hard and Tara thought this was the perfect moment to go back inside. She quickly turned to go, massaging her now sore hand, when she felt his hands on her ankles yanking her. She fell hard on her knees and winced in pain. She tried to catch her breath and she felt his hands pull her across the hard earth. She tried to kick him but he gripped her legs tightly...
"Get off of me, you crazy son of a bitch."
He quickly lifted himself over her and pinned her with his weight. She could feel his erection pressing through his pants and the bile began to rise in her throat.
"The more you struggle the more you turn me on," his voice was gruff and cocky.
His brown eyes were red and deranged. She tried to push him but he had her completely pinned and he began to unbuckle his pants. Panic began to set in and she tried to scream but he backhanded her before covering her mouth with his hand. She struggled frantically against him but he only got more and more excited. She prayed that Lafayette or Sam would come out, that someone would hear her struggling.
Please God, please don't let him do this!
He was now trying to get her pants off and she was utterly helpless to do anything. Hot tears of frustration spilled out of her eyes and she could feel her anger mounting soon to eclipse the helplessness that she felt. She felt an unfamiliar rage take over her body as the man continued to violate her.
He had unzipped her jeans and was trying to pull them down when suddenly he was lifted away. She gasped taking huge gulps of air and scooted away. She quickly zipped and buttoned her jeans before getting up. She twirled around her trying to figure out where he went before he fell right out of the sky in front of her. She jumped back and gave a little scream. He looked like he had been picked apart by wolves. He was so bloody she couldn't even recognize him anymore. She turned her face feeling more nauseous than ever.
"Turn around."
She jumped and turned, her hand on her heart. She calmed down, somewhat, when she saw it was Eric but she was still shaky. He had on a black t-shirt and jeans but she could see the blood on his hands and arms.
He stepped towards her and she took a step backwards.
"I won't harm you," he reached out and lightly brushed his fingertips across her face.
Against her will, a tear fell down her face and she quickly brushed it away. She couldn't take the intense scrutiny of his eyes.
"I apologize."
She looked at him, surprised. His face was blank, something she was coming to realize was his normal expression, but his eyes were angry and remorseful all in one.
"What are you apologizing for?"
He seemed to not even understand himself. She doubted a vamp like him ever apologized for anything.
"I should have came sooner but you seem to be a master at blocking your emotions, most especially your fear."
"I don't understand."
He didn't take the time to explain. He cast a resentful glare upon the man on the ground.
"He won't be harming you again."
"Is he dead?"
"Nearly. Someone will come and find him before he takes his last breath. He might be saved in time, but that is not my concern."
She wanted to get as far away from Earl's battered body as she could. She was also resisting the urge to finish him off after what he almost did to her. She shuddered thinking how close she was to being raped, something she never thought would happen.
"You are hurt."
Her face was sore and her knees were scraped.
"I'm fine."
"I could give you some of my blood."
She took another step back.
"I'm not drinking your blood."
"You've already drunk my blood."
"It doesn't count if I wasn't conscious."
He stepped closer to her, "Come with me," his eyes fixed on hers.
"I'm not going anywhere with you."
"Even after I saved you...again? Your debt appears to be growing."
"You didn't have to do anything," she scoffed, "I ain't no damsel."
"Good, because I'm no white knight," she could hear the slightest hint of irritation in his voice, "Why would you be out in the dark by yourself? Where is your cousin?"
She motioned her head towards the bar.
"He's inside."
"Why was he not watching you?"
"Uh, maybe because I'm an adult and don't need watching."
"Clearly, that is not the case," he raised his hand when she was about to say something else, "Come with me. It is the last time I will ask nicely. Someone is coming outside, they will discover him."
After seeing what he could do she knew it was pointless to try to resist him, so she put her hands in his and he pulled her roughly against him. Before she could take in being so close to him she felt them lift up and suddenly they were rushing through the night. He already had her in a tight grip but she wrapped her arms around him anyway. Her eyes were squeezed shut and she could feel the inertia of moving so fast through the air and couldn't hardly believe that she was actually flying. What else could vampires do?
Seconds later she felt her feet touch the ground and she wobbled a bit in his embrace. She still held on to him tightly but quickly let him go when she saw the door to Lafayette's duplex.
"I should've stayed behind. People are gonna wonder what happened to Earl."
The corners of his mouth turned down in distaste.
"Earl? You knew that human? You would concern yourself with him even after what he did?"
Although, she'd let him go he still held on to her and she couldn't move much.
"I don't give a damn about him but I should have explained things before leaving like that."
"If I recall, correctly, you didn't have much say in the matter."
She shifted in his arms not wanting him to let her go and not really understanding why.
"Are you giving me permission to tell everyone you kidnapped me?"
"I have done no such thing."
"But you did...kidnap me."
"If that's how you choose to look at it."
He looked up and seemed to sense something in the air.
"What is it?"
"I have to go."
She felt deflated and tried to mask her disappointment by pulling away but he held her, still, tightly.
"You are very troublesome to me," he lifted her chin up slightly gazed into her eyes, "Look into my eyes Tara."
She stared into his eyes and was once again taken away by their resemblance to the ocean.
"What are you feeling Tara?"
She moved her head slightly, "Why do you wanna know what I'm feeling?"
He blinked and she noticed he looked a bit confused. He also had a hint of a smile on his face.
"Most troublesome indeed. You are becoming quite the paradox," he finally released her from his grip and motioned to the door, "You should go inside now, I'll wait."
She went to the door and unlocked it before turning back to him.
"Thank you...for everything."
He nodded and she quickly slipped inside shutting the door behind her and locking it. He watched the door for a moment before flying off into the night.