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

"Sookie, it seems you are in a bit of a predicament." I said trying desperately to hide my glee. Yes GLEE!

"What do you mean? What happened? Why am I in your bed?" she said.

"You fainted in my arms, lover." I said with a smirk. "I couldn't very well leave you in the hallway."

"Where is Bill? And WHO were you talking to?" She demanded.

"It appears that Bill has been less than honest with us about his intentions with you. That call was from the Queen. She was very upset that Bill has failed to bond with you." I said with as blank an expression as I could manage. Sookie's face was twisted and confused, as she tried to grasp what I was telling her.

"What do you mean bond? I've had Bills' blood before. But who is the Queen and queen of what? And why does she care about me and Bill?"

"Sookie, did Bill not tell you about blood bonds?" I asked. Could he have really kept her in the dark about everything?

"He told me that after I had a vampires' blood, that vampire would be able to feel me and find me." She stately confidently. Oh, poor Sookie. I was about to break her heart and she had no idea. No matter. I will be here to comfort her.

"The Queen is the vampire ruler of Louisiana. Under her are Sheriffs, like myself, that oversee different areas, and all vampires that live in Louisiana owe her fealty. Including Bill. What Bill did not mention was the bond is not fully formed until you have had three mutual blood exchanges. You were not truly protected from another vampire taking you without it." I paused to let this information sink in. Sookie looked more confused than before so I continued. "Sookie, the Queen knows of your abilities and sent Bill to secure you for her. I believe he did not fully bond to you because the Queen was planning to do so once Bill ensured your loyalty. She wanted you for a pet and to use your ability."

Tears welled up in her eyes and began to spill forth. "You mean he was only with me to bring me to this Queen? He…he…didn't really love me?" She cried. Oh sweet Sookie; I will mend your heart…in time.

"I cannot say whether he loved you or not, but I can tell you that he was ordered to secure you."

Despair and panic ran through her as she gasped "But I don't want to be the Queen's pet! How could he do this to me? I gave that bastard my virginity!" Weeping, she threw herself on the floor into a sobbing heap.

"Calm down little one." I said, kneeling next to her and stroking her back. "You have a choice, but you have to make now. The vampire world is now aware of you and your power. If you are not bonded, then any vampire can take you by force, and will." He whispered to her. She calmed slightly and looked up into my eyes.

"A choice? What choice?" she questioned, still trying to control herself. Pulling her into my arms, I brushed the tears from her eyes.

" The choice of who you will belong to. My blood has negated the bond that you were forming with Bill. I am much older and my blood is vastly more powerful. The Queen has admitted defeat to me in claiming you. I have agreed to make your ability available to her when necessary. You can either form a bond with me, or the Queen will find a way to bond with you. I am older than she, but you have only had a tiny bit of my blood and she will still be able to take you. I can promise you, I will be the more pleasant Master. The Queen can be very cruel."

"So no matter what, I have to go with one of you?" She cried.

" Yes, if you do not come to me, she will take you." I confirmed while running my fingers through her long, beautiful hair.

"But I don't want to belong to anyone, Eric. I'm my own person." She sobbed into my chest.

"Not any more, Sookie. You will be mine." I growled.

"You are just trying to trick me!" She screamed as she tried to break away from my grip. "I want to talk to Bill!"

Gripping her tighter, I brought her eyes to mine and said "Look by the door, Sookie. Bill threw your bags in the hallway. There is nothing he can or will do to help you. He is going to have his hands full dealing with the Queen for losing you. You will be MINE or you will live to regret it." I spat, releasing my grip on her. She stumbled back against the wall and was trembling all over. Her heart was racing and she was flushed all over. How delectable she looked. She was silent for several moments before speaking.

"What will it mean to be yours?" Sookie whispered.