"How dare you!" I screamed at him, shoving him back. Eric took two steps back to humor her.

"You can't possibly hold me accountable." Eric feigned indignantly. "As you stated a moment ago, you are dripping wet at the mere sight of me and dream of having me, and I felt obligated to fulfill your desire." He told her without cracking a smile.

"Eric Northman! Don't flatter yourself! Anyone with eyes can see that you're stunning, but your beauty is only skin deep. I could never be attracted to a devious monster like you!" I screeched, and then, I lunged at him.

Eric effortlessly snatched me out of the air and spun me into a low dip. My arms flew up and around his neck (to keep from falling mind you), before I could stop myself. Our eyes locked, and in that moment, I was paralyzed. My mind was assaulted with images. They came at me so quickly that I couldn't comprehend them. I became extremely light-headed and was glad that I wasn't supporting my own weight at the moment. That was the last thing I remember before I blacked out.

***

BPOV

"Bill, how nice to hear from you. Tell me, how is my favorite telepath doing?"

"I'm sorry, your Majesty. He managed to get her to drink his blood after the explosion."

"You left her alone with him?" She screamed into the phone. "You reported she couldn't be glamoured. You also reported that she hated Northman. How could he have gotten her to drink his blood?" Sophie demanded.

Bill explained what had happened, ashamed he had failed to complete his mission.

"Poor Billy. I should have realized you could never keep her from the Viking. The two of you don't even compare, really…" Sophie sighedinternally, thinking back to several evenings spent with the ancient sex god. "You should have acted faster to bond her. And what were you thinking allowing her to even meet HIM? Get back to Bon Temps and await further instructions! I will deal with your incompetence later." She spat before slamming the phone in his ear.

***

EPOV

Sookie went limp in my arms. "Sookie?" I whispered. No response. Grabbing her bridal style, I carried her back to my room and laid her on the bed. "Sook-ie," I whispered again. Still no response. Her breathing was normal, her heart rate steady.

'Well, she is not the first woman to faint in my arms'. I thought with a smile. I grabbed the hotel phone on the nightstand and dialed room service. Sookie should probably eat something when she comes to. I ordered her a chicken salad, some fresh fruit and some bottled water.

The food arrived quickly, and when I opened the door I noticed a medium suitcase and a carry-on bag in the middle of the hallway. The server brought the cart in and exited quickly. I stepped into the hallway to inspect the bags.

"Heh!" I let slip out. Bill had thrown Sookies' bags out of their room. I grabbed them and set them inside.

Suddenly, I heard a buzzing coming from the coffee table. I grabbed my phone, frowning, and flipped it open.

"Ah, your Majesty! To what to I owe the pleasure?" I said, reclining on the couch.

"Northman, I can assure you, this isn't a pleasure call. William Compton informed me that you have taken his human. Is this true?"

"If you mean Sookie, yes, I have taken her." I stated matter-of-factly. "I was within my rights as Sheriff since Bill & Sookie were not bonded. Sookie even stated publicly she was not Bills'."

"This displeases me Eric. Bill was tasked with acquiring her for me and I have gone through a great deal of trouble to get her." Sophie complained. What an interesting development, I thought. She circumvented me, going straight to Bill. Sookie seems to have quite the fan club.

"Your Majesty, I am sorry to hear that Compton's inability to secure her troubles you so. Had you come to me directly, this mishap could have been avoided. However, as your Sheriff, I will be happy to make Sookie's talents available to you anytime you wish." I said with confidence. Sookie has had my blood and the Queen knows that given my advanced age, a younger vampire such as herself cannot take her. This is the best deal she is going to get at the moment.

"Good enough, Northman. You will make sure no harm comes to her. A telepath is a very useful asset, given the current state of affairs. I will call you when I need her. Good evening." Sophie hissed.

I snapped my phone shut and turned to see my little asset staring at me with wide eyes.

"Who were you talking to? And what did you mean about Bills inability to secure me?" Sookie demanded.