Hello all, sorry about the delay of this chapter, I was hoping to have it out sooner but there have been so many baby showers and parties I could hardly think straight. Thank you so much for the reviews, they're really encouraging. I really want to take my time with this story so that I don't screw it up, so everything will be revealed slowly in time. Everyone in this story is also a little younger, because Tara is about 21, just in case anyone wondered.

A little over a week had passed since her last encounter with Eric but she couldn't get him off of her mind, not to mention there wasn't a night that went by where she didn't dream about him. She'd almost gotten used to his presence at night and she knew it was safer than the real thing. He had already contacted Lafayette and given him the V to sell which had him even more paranoid than ever.

She tried to figure out why exactly he had even bothered to help her. She had absolutely nothing to offer him and her body was still not an option, no matter how great he was in dream time. Regardless of his reasons she was beyond grateful for his assistance. She honestly believed that Earl would have raped her had he not been stopped. Just thinking about the bastard pissed her off.

Unfortunately, Arlene had found Earl and called an ambulance, he was recovering in ICU. Everyone else thought he had either been beaten or attacked by a pack of wolves, a few had even mentioned vampires being the culprit but no one was really taking that theory seriously, surprisingly. Sam and Lafayette were immediately suspicious and she'd eventually told the latter the truth. Now, Sam, had advised all of them not to go outside unless with a partner. Normally, she'd find that type of rule annoying and be the first to break it but as of late she had no problem following it.

She could still feel Earl's rancid breath and rough touch on her skin. That night she couldn't scrub hard enough to rid herself of his filth, invisible or not. Somehow he'd known that she was in trouble and, if that was the case, she wondered what else he could feel.

"Tara!"

She lifted her head from the bent position it was in when she heard her mother's shrill tone. She had been perusing the wanted columns religiously everyday trying to find anything that would grant her enough money to leave this hell hole she'd never considered a home. She didn't care if she had to go into debt to do it, she was going to find an apartment and she wasn't going to speak a word of it to her mother.

"Yeah?" she sighed as she folded the paper and set her pen down.

Lettie Mae appeared in the kitchen doorway looking surprisingly sober. She had on a long dress that had sunflower designs all over it. Her hair was brushed back and she had a smile on her face. This image in front of her was more terrifying than the crazy one. She had no idea what to expect when Lettie Mae appeared normal.

"I was about to cook dinner. What did you wanna eat?"

She stared at her mother a moment. Her slapping her just the day before was still fresh on her mind, as it always was. She hated the hypocrisy of her persona.

"Nothing, I'm eating at Gran's. They invited me to dinner."

Right away, Lettie Mae frowned.

"I never did like that old white woman. Acting like she your mama and not me. You spend more time over there than you do here."

Not this argument again.

"Sookie invited me because she's introducing her boyfriend to her family and she wanted me to be there."

Lettie Mae shook her head.

"No, they just trying to steal you from me. They always trying to steal you from me but I'm the mama! Not them!"

Tara got up from her chair and moved quickly past her trying not to say anything. She'd heard this 'I'm the Mama' spiel her entire life. Gran, social services, distant unknown family members, and even the mailman were always trying to steal her, in Lettie Mae's crooked mind. How she'd wished someone was trying to steal her. She couldn't count the number of times she dreamed of being with another family as a child, particularly Sookie's.

"Ain't nobody trying to steal me. I'm just going over there for dinner."

"Just, don't you forget who your real mama is!" Lettie Mae pointed fiercely at her.

Before she could say anything else she heard the horn outside.

"That's Sookie," she grabbed her purse and jacket and rushed out, "Bye."

She practically ran to the car and got in. Sookie was dressed in a flirty yellow dress and had her hair down with light makeup. She had on a black studded v-neck racer top with blue jeans and black boots. She'd never liked wearing dresses much because she always associated them with pretty girls and it was a rare moment when she felt pretty. Her micros were in a ponytail tied by a black ribbon.

"You look pretty Sook."

Sookie beamed at her, "So do you," she backed out of the gravel driveway and eased down the lane, "How's Lettie Mae?"

She knew Sookie was just being polite. Lettie Mae had been a bitch to Sookie on more than one occasion.

"Same as always, thank God you came when you did."

"You know you're always welcome at Gran's."

"Thanks but I'm looking for my own apartment right now or a duplex or something."

Sookie gave her a surprised smile, "Really? That's great. Promise, you'll let me help decorate?"

Tara laughed, "You can decorate whatever you want too but I have to get the place first."

"Oh, I'm sure you will. You usually do whatever you set your mind on."

These words surprised her, she'd never really seen herself as some go-getter. As far as she was concerned she was completely and utterly failed at this point in time. There was so much she wanted to do and she didn't feel particularly confident enough to get it done, but she'd damn sure try.

"Are you nervous?" she saw how Sookie was gripping the wheel.

"A little. I just hope Gran likes Bill."

"I've never really seen her dislike somebody, even if they are dead. She told you to invite him didn't she?"

Sookie nodded quickly, "Yeah, she said she didn't mind that he was a vampire."

"Then there's nothing to worry about."

When they got to Gran's the sun was just setting and right away she thought of Eric. She wondered if he slept in a coffin or a bed and if at any point in time was he thinking of her. She tried to push him out of her mind and went into the house. Her mouth began to water as she smelled the sweet aroma of Gran's cooking. Ironically, Lettie Mae could throw down when she wanted but she couldn't remember the last time her mother had cooked a thing.

Jason was on the couch leafing through a magazine and looked up at her with a lopsided grin.

"Hey, Tara. Where's Sook?"

She motioned her head towards the door.

"Still outside. I think she's waiting for Bill."

Jason scowled, "I"m waiting to meet Bill too. I need to set some rules."

She sat down on the couch across from him.

"Set some rules? About what? And with who? You do realize that Bill is a vampire?"

"I don't care if he's a sea monster, he's dating my baby sister, so that means I gotta protect her," he thumped his chest for effect, "And since he's not a regular guy I really have to watch out for her."

Tara admired Jason's love for Sookie. She'd been on the receiving end of his big brother attitude many times and it was one of the reasons she'd had a crush on him for so long. Truth be told, she still had a soft spot for Jason; romantically speaking.

"Not that I'm a fan or anything but he doesn't seem as bad as some other vamps and you best believe I'm gonna be right beside you if he hurts her."

Gran came out of the kitchen wearing an apron and an anxious smile.

"Hi Tara."

"Hi Gran," she got up to hug her.

"Where's Sookie and her new beau?"

"Outside, I think."

The front door opened and Sookie strolled in with Bill on her arm. Bill was wearing a casual black suit, white shirt, and black tie. His hair was brushed away from his face and he looked very nervous.

Jason jumped off of the couch and stood in front of Gran puffing his chest out. Sookie positively glowed with her arm wrapped in Bill's and she was happy that Sookie had found some type of joy even if it was with a vamp.

"Gran, this is Bill Compton," she motioned between them, "Bill this is Gran. That's my brother Jason and, of course, you've already met Tara."

Bill moved towards Gran and reached his hand out, "Nice to meet you, ma'am."

Gran grasped his hand with a warm smile, "It's nice to meet you too, Bill. It's amazing, your accent kind of reminds me of my grandfather."

Bill smiled sheepishly at the comment then extended his hand to Jason. Jason crossed his arms and lifted his head.

"Hi. I'm Sookie's brother. Her big brother."

"Jason!" Sookie admonished.

Bill put his hand in his pocket and smiled at Tara, "Nice to see you again, Tara."

"Likewise," she said dryly.

There was an awkward moment before Gran clasped her hands together and said, "Well, why don't we eat. Oh, and Bill, I hope you don't mind, I warmed you up some True Blood."

"I don't mind ma'am. Thank you very much."

They all followed Gran to the kitchen and took available seats at the table. She and Jason on one side, Sookie and Bill on the other, and Gran at the head. In the middle of the table was an assortment of different dishes; roast, mashed potatoes, green beans, homemade macaroni and cheese, some strawberry muffins, and a steaming cup of what appeared to be True Blood. She couldn't wait to dig in.

"This looks so good. I can't wait to eat."

"Me too," Jason didn't sound too enthused and his eyes were fixed on Bill.

"Before we eat, lets all hold hands and say prayer," Gran reached her hand out to Sookie and Jason who were both on her left and right. Jason's other hand clasped hers and she reluctantly reached across the table for Bill's. His cold fingers grasped hers and once again she thought of him. She tried to push the thought away but couldn't help remembering the feel of being in his arms.

"Bow your heads please," Gran's voice brooked no argument and they all obeyed, "Lord thank you for this food that we are about to eat and this beautiful home that we have. Thank you for the family that we have and any new additions now and in the future. Amen," they all repeated the closing.

Tara opened her eyes and lifted her head. Jason already had a plate and was putting a gob of mashed potatoes on it. She knew with Jason around not only was it a possibility she wouldn't get seconds she probably wouldn't get firsts either. She quickly grabbed her own plate and began piling it up.

Mostly only small talk was spoken through dinner while everyone stuffed their faces. Bill politely drank his True Blood and said very little. Sookie had relaxed somewhat but couldn't get that plastered smile off of her face. Jason kept giving Bill the evil eye to which Bill graciously ignored.

Eventually, they all found themselves in the living room. Tara was searching through Gran's collection for something to listen too while the rest of them sat on the couches.

"So how old are you exactly?" Jason had been grilling Bill all night.

"One hundred and seventy-one."

"And you were in the civil war?" Gran asked.

"Yes, ma'am, although there was nothing civil about it. A lot of blood shed, unnecessarily, in my opinion."

Seeing all the Janice Joplin albums Tara cast a suspicious glance at Gran. She could definitely see her being a hippie in the 60's and 70's. She was really interested to learn about the civil war from someone who'd actually experienced it but pride kept her from asking Bill any questions.

"Which side did you fight for?" Gran looked just as curious as her.

Bill glanced quickly at Tara before saying, a bit uncomfortably, "The Confederacy."

She stopped looking through the albums and looked directly at him. So he was a part of the confederacy? She wasn't that surprised but it just added another reason to dislike him. Now it was her turn for questioning.

"What was the other side?" Jason was utterly clueless.

Everyone ignored him.

"So you didn't want the slaves to be freed? Did you own slaves?"

Bill looked directly at Tara, "Yes, I did want the slaves freed and no I didn't own any. Contrary to popular belief, just because you were a confederate didn't mean that you were for the enslavement of Blacks or that you owned any. There were multiple reasons for the civil war, slavery was just one of the issues that came up."

Tara raised a brow, "But many of the confederates were for the enslavement of Blacks."

Bill nodded, "True, but it wasn't as black and white as the history books tell it. Many of us were just defending our land and, yes, some, our lifestyles."

Sookie linked her arm with Bill's, "That was such a long time ago and no one who's experienced war really likes to remember it."

Bill patted her arm, "It's okay Sookie, I can understand why so many would be curious. I'd probably ask the same questions in their position."

"Well, I, for one, would love to talk with you about this more, if you don't mind," Gran stood up, "But right now I have to wash the dishes. Sookie, do you mind helping?"

"Of course not," she got up, "I'll just be in the kitchen," she told Bill.

Sookie and Gran disappeared into the kitchen and Jason leaned back in his seat with his arms crossed. She could tell Gran really liked Bill despite the fact that his heart hadn't beat in over a century.

"Now we can really talk."

"Jason!"

"Yeah, Gran?"

"You can help with the dishes too!"

Jason sighed and got up, "I'll talk to you later."

Tara snickered as Jason went into the kitchen and began sifting through albums once again. She could hear the mumbling and bickering from the kitchen, most of which, she was sure, came from Jason.

"Tara?"

She jumped and dropped a few CD cases when she heard his voice behind her. She bent to pick them up and he helped.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

"You did that vampire thing, didn't you?"

They stood up and he handed her the two albums he'd picked up, "If by that you mean the speed, then yes. I sometimes forget how unsettling it can be for you all."

"Was there something you wanted?"

"That man at the bar last week, I believe you said his name was...Earl?"

"Yeaaaahhh?"

Why was he bringing up Earl?

"Did you see him after he left the bar that night?"

"Why?" she crossed her arms unconscious to the fact that she looked and sounded defensive.

"I was just wondering if anyone had any idea what happened to him. The sheriff has questioned me a couple of times about it."

Her arms fell to her side in surprise, "Why would he be questioning you?"

He tucked his hands into his pocket, "Some people seem to think that a vampire attacked him and since I'm the only one in the neighborhood, they made the most natural connection. Someone also mentioned my speaking to him that night."

Her mouth opened slightly. She didn't think anyone would seriously make the connection, although she would have. She was no fan of Bill's but she certainly didn't want him accused of something she knew for a fact he didn't do.

"If you're wondering if I told them, I didn't."

"I wasn't wondering but his wounds do concern me."

"You think it could have been a vampire?" she asked as innocently as she could.

He studied her with that brooding look of his, "It's possible," it didn't slip past her that his words were careful. Maybe he knew more than he was letting on.

"If you're wondering if I knew anything about it, I don't," she shrugged, "Earl was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, I guess."

"Perhaps."

For the first time, she realized that Bill trusted her no more than she trusted him, and although she knew it was stupid, she was slightly offended. After all, he was the vampire, not her. She didn't see any reason why he would be distrustful of her. Her phone rang and she reached quickly into her pocket. She saw Lafayette's name on the display and answered it holding a finger up at Bill.

"Hey."

"Hey, are you still at Sookie's?"

"Yeah, but I'm leaving in a minute. Why?"

"You want me to pick you up?"

"You don't have a car, remember?"

"Do you want me to pick you up or not, heffa?"

She rolled her eyes, "I don't care just as long as I get a ride home."

"I'm on my way, bye."

"Bye," she hung up and pocketed her phone, returning to her conversation with Bill, "I wouldn't be too worried about the police they usually can't find the noses on their faces, let alone a culprit. As far as everyone else, vampires are the current scapegoats for the moment. When the dust settles they'll go back to hating the ones they usually do, like Blacks and Muslims."

Bill appeared speechless for a moment, "It's just that...," he cleared his throat, "I know the natural state for humans is fear and I understand many people treat me with trepidation, you included. I can see that you don't really think I'm good enough for Sookie and I'm okay with that, I even expect it, but you have nothing to fear. I would never intentionally hurt Sookie."

"Only unintentionally then?"

"I'm not perfect and despite how long I've been here I have no answers. I can only try my best like the rest of you."

She couldn't really argue with that. She felt conflicted, a part of her held a grudging respect for him and another was too stubborn to admit it. She regarded him warily, "I don't have any answers either, especially about your kind. I'm trying to be okay with this for Sookie's sake but it's not easy."

"I am thankful that you are trying for her sake. I know you're an important part of her life and I would hope that we could get along, for her, at the least."

"Fine by me."

"Truce?" he stretched out his hand.

"We weren't really fighting...but okay."

Just as she was about to shake his hand, as much as she didn't want too, Sookie burst into the room all smiles. They both dropped their hands to their side and created some space between them.

"So, what are two of my favorite people in the world talking about?"

"We were trying to figure out what type of music to listen too. I'm more partial to the Beatles."

Tara raised a brow at how easily he lied or maybe she was just nitpicking.

"I don't think you have to wonder about what to listen too, we should call it a night. I think Gran's tired, she was gardening all day and then she had to cook that big meal."

"Of course, I'll go say good-bye."

As soon as Bill was out of the room Sookie looked worriedly at her.

"What was that all about?"

"What?"

"You and Bill? I wasn't born yesterday, I know you two weren't talking about the Beatles."

"It was nothing, we were actually having a civil conversation. So quit being so suspicious."

Sookie didn't look convinced, "You ready to go home just yet?"

She shook her head, "Lafayette just called and said he was picking me up."

"But he doesn't have a car."

"Exactly. He's probably riding with a friend or something," she heard a horn outside, "Speak of the devil."

She went to give Gran a hug and kiss goodbye. She said goodbye to everyone else and walked outside, hoping it wasn't one of Lafayette's more annoying friends picking her up. She was shocked, to say the least, when she saw only Lafayette in a Cadillac Escalade cheesing like he'd won the lottery. She moved towards the vehicle and walked around it checking it out. It even had spinners. Whaaa?

"Get in the car Mrs. Dumbfounded," Lafayette laughed.

She went to the passenger side and climbed into the big truck admiring the interior.

"If I'm Mrs. Dumbfounded then who is Mr.?"

"I am," she stared at him incredulously, "I looked just like you did when I got it."

"This is a rental right?"

Lafayette shook his head, smiling as he put the car in reverse and drove off.

"It's all mine. Got the papers in the glove compartment to prove it."

She opened the glove compartment and saw the title herself with his name on it. She put the papers back.

"What bank did you rob and where's the rest of the money?"

"I ain't rob no bank and I ain't got no money."

"Then how the hell did you get this car?"

Lafayette glanced at her seriously, "Who do we know with money?"

She scoffed, "Nobody," at least no one came to mind.

"Mr. Boss man showed up yesterday and told me this was gone be my new ride."

She stared blankly at him for a few moments.

"Eric? He gave you this?" he nodded, "And you sitting here cheesing like it's all good. He probably got bugs in this car listening to everything you say."

He gave an exasperated sigh, "Like I had a choice. And here you go with that Sherlock Holmes shit. Ain't no damn bugs in this car."

She was pissed off and a little bit jealous. Not only was he buying Lafayette a car so he could have more control over him, therefore practically rendering him his slave, but he obviously had no intention on seeing her again. She couldn't understand, for the life of her, why that bothered her so much. Shouldn't she be happy that he wasn't seeking her out?

"Eric is a asshole."

"Yep," he grinned, "But this car the shit ain't it?"

She tried to keep a serious face but couldn't stop the smile from spreading.

"You know he has you by the balls now."

He shrugged, "He had me by the balls before he gave me this, at least now I'm doing it in style. Ain't none of these hoes touching me now."

She laughed, "You a trip."

His expression sobered, "I gotta go give them this money after I drop you off."

"By yourself? I'm going with you," she put on her seat belt memories of their accident propelling her.

He slowly shook his head gripping the wheel, "I saw how lover boy was all up on you. I'm taking you home."

"I ain't finna let you go to some vampire spot by yourself. They won't hesitate in killing you."

"They ain't gone kill me as long as they got me selling this."

"It's still dangerous," she warned.

If she was honest with herself, almost more than she wanted to look out for Lafayette she wanted to see him. Now that she had a good excuse there was no way that she was going to be deterred.

Eric sat on his throne surveying the dancing crowd before him. Fangtasia was especially packed tonight and he couldn't be more bored or disinterested. Over the last week or so he'd begun to have a waning interest in everything around him and he had no idea as to why. Not that he was overly excited about much of anything but he usually took a sense of pride in watching people flock to something he'd created. He even found himself bored with the usual floozy who he'd always used to scratch his frequent itches.

He had even, for a second, thought that something might be wrong with him, but he immediately dispelled that theory. No, he had a problem, but it was external and came in the form of a woman who puzzled him more than anyone he'd ever met. He certainly wasn't proud of the fact that he couldn't stop thinking about her.

He'd thought of her so much that he was avoiding her. Usually, he would have had anyone in his debt jumping through hoops to entertain and please him. He felt as if he was losing himself in her presence. Human emotions that he thought he hadn't remembered or felt in over a century plagued him in her presence.

He could feel his blood boiling just thinking about that filth trying to violate her. He could smell the depravity on the man a mile away and it literally made him nauseous. He'd heard through the grapevine that the low life had managed to survive his beating. He would have finished him off that night if he hadn't felt the unfamiliar urge to make sure she was okay.

He had no fear that the man would report him he was obviously too drunk to even know what happened. Even still, he had no intentions on letting the man continue his miserable life. He would pay him a visit...and soon. The fact that the man still breathed irked him incessantly.

The mass of people began to part like the red sea and he saw Pam making her way towards him. When a woman failed to move out of the way, quickly, Pam unceremoniously pushed her aside. He could see the woman's mouth opening as she fell but her voice was pretty much muted with the music and cacophony of voices.

"You should be more polite to our customers."

"They can all kiss my sweet ass."

It amused him how little tolerance she had for humans, even less than him.

"What is it?"

She pursed her lips and the corners lifted in amusement, "Your V boy is here with a treat."

He rose from his chair and made his way through the crowd. He'd be glad when he was no longer under Queen Sophie's thumb. He'd already grown tired of how fearful Lafayette was of him, it had only been amusing the first day or so. He'd bought him a car to speed up the process and make things more convenient. Just in case Pam's blood was to fail in some freakish circumstance he had a tracker on the car should he ever try to bolt.

He carelessly knocked a woman's hand away who had the audacity to touch him. He opened the door to his office and quickly entered, shutting the door behind him. When he saw who else was in the room he understood what Pam meant by 'treat'.

With her hair pulled from her face she looked much more innocent which was affecting him unexpectedly. Her eyes were even more unsettling than he remembered. He could feel her heart rate increase and wondered if it was from fear or excitement. He still could not smell her blood and this perplexed him greatly. He'd never encountered a human or any other type of creature who's blood did not give off some aroma, whether sweet or putrid. Yet, still, he could not help himself being utterly intrigued by her.

"Tara," the word was little more than a whisper and far more intoxicating.

She gave a slight shiver and watched him expectantly.

"Uh...Eric?...I got your money," Lafayette cleared his throat.

He blinked slowly but kept his eyes trained on Tara.

"Leave it on my desk."

He could see Lafayette out of the corner of his eye laying a stack of bills on his table.

"You can leave now."

"Come on Tara," Lafayette motioned to her and moved towards the door.

"She can stay."

"I think she should go with me," Lafayette said nervously.

He finally pulled his eyes away from Tara to stare at Lafayette, "Maybe you misunderstood me. Tara will stay. You can go wait in the car. Leave," he retrained his eyes on hers both of them unwavering in their intensity.

Lafayette took such a long time getting to the door that Eric wondered if he'd ever leave and was starting to lose patience. He reached behind him and opened the door himself and shut it soundlessly when he'd finally left the room. He felt relieved. Finally, just us.

He began to move towards her and she blinked rapidly as if coming out of a daze.

"I need to go too," she moved towards the door and he grabbed her arm gently.

"Why are you in such a hurry to leave?"

He began to caress her skin with his fingertips loving how warm and smooth she felt.

"We came to give you your money. You got it. It's time to go."

"What do you think of Lafayette's new car?"

She shrugged, "It's a car."

He wasn't fazed at all by her nonchalant response and he could feel her pulse increase under his hand.

"I know you people love big cars."

Her expression soured and she tried to pull out of his grip, "What do you mean you people?"

His mouth twitched as he pulled her closer to him, "People, as in Americans. What did you think I meant?"

"You know what I thought, asshole."

His voice lowered an octave, "Why did you come? I doubt you're interested in your cousin's nefarious affairs," she opened her mouth and he laid a finger against her lips, "Be careful what you say. I can tell when you're lying."

Her mouth closed and he slowly dragged his finger away wanting so badly to kiss her, something he hadn't done in almost a century.

"I didn't want you to take advantage of my cousin."

He raised a brow, "What exactly can you do to prevent me, min sköna? As you are aware, I'm already taking advantage of your cousin, without your consent."

"And I hate you for that."

"Hate is such a powerful word. That's not how you feel at all, is it?"

She tried again, in vain, to pull away and he brought her even closer. His fangs began to protrude at the feel of her hardened nipples grazing his chest but he forced them back and grit his teeth. He wanted her. Badly. More than anything he wanted her to want him. He could smell the arousal pouring from her like perfume but he restrained himself. Somehow he knew a quickie on his desk would not satisfy him of this woman. He wanted the time to truly cherish every inch of her body and make her forget every other man she had known. He would have to wait...to be patient, something he was great at but was having trouble doing around her.

"You think just because you're a vampire you can do whatever you want to people," she tried to sound accusatory but it came out breathless, and she immediately cleared her throat.

"I can do whatever I want to people. Wouldn't you rather I have your cousin work for his freedom as opposed to killing him?"

He watched in fascination as her eyes grew darker, not thinking it possible.

"If you hurt him, I will hunt you down and stake you in your sleep." her voice was calm and confident.

"I've come to expect nothing less from you. As long as he does what he needs to do he will be fine."

She swallowed and his eyes fell on her neck, hungrily, "And what about me?"

"What about you?"

"I doubt you're just willing to let me walk away after you helped me...twice."

He nodded in acquiescence, "True. You need not worry about that now."

She scoffed, "You want me to be miserable wondering when you're gonna come collect? Why don't you tell me now? I'll even help Lafayette if that works."

"No," he was firm, the thought of her out meeting unsavory characters selling V pissed him off, to say the least, "You will remove your debt on my terms."

She shook her head in disgust, "You're a control freak. Just because I owe you doesn't mean you own me."

He smiled softly focusing on her plump lips again, "That's exactly what it means."

She rolled her eyes and laid a hand on his chest to put some distance between them. The feel of her heated palm on his chest caused him to close his eyes briefly. He could feel the spike in her temperature when he felt himself come alive. He knew she could feel him and pulled her closer so he could really enjoy her lithe body close against his. He felt her move slightly against him as if she was starting a rhythm before pulling abruptly away and this time he let her go.

She turned quickly and opened the door, "I meant what I said. I won't hesitate to stake you."

With that she swept out of the room and he felt an abysmal solitude so potent he felt a pain within his chest.

"I will see you soon, min vackra mysterium."

*min sköna – my beauty

*min vackra mysterium – my beautiful mystery

If any of you are fluent in Swedish and see me make a mistake please do not hesitate to correct me. It's the author's equivalent of walking around with tissue hanging out of their pants, lol, thanks in advance.