A/N: Okay, so apparently the name Bella is used for the main character in the Twilight series. Some of you may find this shocking, but I have never read the series, nor seen the movie. About the only thing I know of it is that the vampires apparently sparkle? Um... yeah. Anyway, I do apologize if my using the name is distracting to some of you. I debated going back and changing it, but I like it, and it is a pretty common Italian name, so I hope you can all forgive me!

This is a bit of a transitional chapter, and therefore not quite as long, but I do hope you'll enjoy it! Yes, I promise another one as soon as possible. Believe it or not, I do have a bit of a life outside of writing, lol.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or stories from The Southern Vampire series. I can only hope that Ms. Harris does not mind me taking them out to play with.

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There is a common misconception among humans that vampires are incapable of emotion. The opposite, in fact, is true. Much like their physical speed, vampires can experience a myriad of intense emotions in a matter of seconds. The young ones often become overwhelmed by them, having not yet learned how to cope with the chaos of it, and thus are reduced to their baser instincts as a defense mechanism. They often lash out in fits of blood lust and rage, or speak what they should not in the presence of their elders. If they fail in mastering the art of controlling and masking their inner chaos, they do not survive long.

The older vampires, such as Eric, have gained such mastery. Not only can he maintain an outward appearance of stoicism, but his mind has learned to process each emotion experienced. In mere moments he can separate each feeling, examine the cause, and decide which he will act on and when. Those that are a hindrance to him or to achieving his goals get compartmentalized and tucked safely away. Since most emotions are not logical and have no place in his world, they are not displayed. This is what leads to the misconception that he, and vampires in general, are simply void of emotion.

No doubt any human privy to this moment in Eric Northman's existence would have thought this. Compton's words, revealing that Eric's bonded had pledged herself to another, could easily have resulted in him tearing apart the building and its occupants, giving into the rage, jealousy, wounded pride, and despair that ripped through him with the force of a tornado. However, there was nothing pragmatic about that course of action; it would accomplish nothing. His mind grabbed hold of it, locking it down, and he remained stock still in his seat with a face of stone. Eric would begin to process this problem as if it were any other, beginning with gathering all relevant information.

"Is her intended human?"

Bill, though certainly well past a fledgling, had not quite gained mastery over his demeanor. In times of great stress he still allowed his emotions to show on his face, though fleeting enough they would not register with most humans. Eric could clearly read the pain in his eyes.

"Yes," Bill replied, adding with a bit of disgust, "He is a graduate student in art history at the University. His name is is Giacomo. The wedding is scheduled six months from now."

Eric felt his mood instantly lighten. This was hardly some great obstacle. Endgame for this problem was monumentally simple, and the potential variations on strategy that could be needed were basic and obvious. His plan formed quickly, starting with the basic assumption Sookie would not remember him. If she did, no plan would even be necessary. Taking into account the reaction she had to Bill attempting to convince her they knew each other, Eric ruled out attempting a similar tack. He also had to assume she still could not be glamoured, therefore he could not simply force his blood upon her. He would not risk her developing an adverse emotional response to him. No, this would require some finesse. He knew his bonded's mind and her natural responses better than she did, and assumed her basic personality would still be in tact. If not, he had time to analyze and adapt to any differences.

The time frame also allowed him to avoid the one move he did not relish the consequences of; killing this Giacomo. Had the wedding been in the immediate future, then Eric would indeed have just seen this human drained. However, that would lead to prolonged grieving on Sookie's part, and postpone their reunion much longer than Eric would be content with. She belonged to him, her love was his. He'd simply have to remind her of it.

Winning Sookie back would be the easy part. The bigger picture was what would require very careful maneuvering. While it seemed Avel may be done with her, Eric had to assume this was yet another part to his ultimate plan. He would need to be on guard. It would be better to keep her discovery a secret from most for now. Eric would stay here to deal directly with Sookie. In the meantime, he would send Bill to discuss the situation with Niall and Phemonoe, and seek out answers to the reason for her current state, and methods to reverse it. Bill would leave no stone unturned when it came to assuring Sookie's safety. Now that she was back with them, they could focus more intently on getting ahead of Avel. Eric grinned, reveling in the sense of some control returning to him. They would not be caught off guard again.

In a matter of moments Eric had gone from a state of shock and rage, to one of excitement and confidence; from feeling lost and out of control, to formulating a concrete plan that allowed for all foreseeable contingencies. This was the mind of the Viking, and this was how he had survived for so many centuries. He was not void of emotion, he simply knew how to control them and turn them to his advantage. The useful and wanted ones were kept, the extraneous and dangerous ones discarded.

Eric glanced at his watch. 8:50pm. She would arrive for work within the hour.

"You may go, Bill. Give yourself a break and find some entertainment for the evening. I will contact you first thing tomorrow night," Eric said, allowing Bill to see the confidence on his face and hear it in his tone, knowing he needed some reassurance.

Bill nodded, "Giovanna will arrive shortly. She was expecting your arrival this evening and is prepared to offer any assistance you require."

Eric understood then that her arrival was what Bill was waiting on to initiate this conversation. This meant the Romani was aware of the situation to a certain extent, and that Bill found her trustworthy. Eric would get to know this Gypsy and see if she could be of use.

"Understood," Eric replied. "Send the waitress back on your way out."

Bill rose, bowing his farewell, and made his way back through the building. Eric settled himself for the hour wait, remaining in the far corner of the patio, seated to face the doors. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking another chance at probing the bond. The thick haze that clouded its center remained unwavering. Every attempt Eric made to part the mist only resulted in a new layer of fog taking its place. This could not simply be a result of Sookie's altered mental state. The bond existed through the blood, not the psyche. However, their bond was most unique, and even Eric did not fully understand how it was born. It was almost an entity unto itself, and seemed to be the controlling mechanism for the strange powers Sookie had manifested. It occurred to Eric that its current state may be some sort of defense mechanism, allowing her magickal energy to remain dormant.

Time... they had instructed it to give them time.

Eric shook his head. How could he have been so blind? Could the answer to all of this be so simple?

His thoughts were interrupted when he sensed the waitress coming toward him, and he tucked it all away for further scrutiny and examination at a later time. He opened his eyes to take in the sight of the young girl, perhaps twenty years or so, and a typical Italian brunette. It had been about two weeks since Eric last fed from a human, and he allowed himself the typical fleeting thought of throwing this pretty young thing to the ground, and fucking her senseless while he fed upon one of her bountiful breasts. He smirked to himself when she caught his gaze and got slightly weak-kneed.

"Another True Blood?" she asked, her voice catching slightly in her throat.

Eric nodded, giving her the slightest glimpse of fang through his sly smile. His lust stirred as he heard her heartbeat quicken. It had been a long time since Eric last enjoyed toying with the humans. He was indeed beginning to feel like his old self, the thoughts of his bonded returning to his bed having already begun to spark something within him. Eric watched the girl scurry back to get his drink, her emotions running back and forth between the extremes of fear and desire. He leaned back in his chair, falling into a natural 'enthralling the vermin' pose, and felt quite satisfied with himself.

He had no intention of indulging this young waitress, of course. She worked with his bonded, and knowing women as he did, he expected to spark both jealousy and interest from Sookie when she saw her fellow waitress fawning over him. She would never admit to it, but Eric knew she secretly enjoyed holding her relationship with him over the fangbangers at Fangtasia. She'd reveled in the attention and pride she felt the last night they'd been together there, dancing in front of the throngs.

Eric reached into his pocket to retrieve his cell phone, flicking it open and hitting the speed dialer. The young waitress could not hide her disappointment over not being able to chat him up when she came back out with his True Blood, which is exactly what he wanted. He made sure to flash her a slight smile before she headed back inside.

"Yes, Your Majesty?" Pam answered on the second ring.

"Pamela, it looks as though I will be occupied with business here for some time." He always used her first name when he wanted to stress the importance of not being questioned.

"Very good, Master. Do you require any arrangements?"

"Not at this time, but I will phone you first thing tomorrow with instructions. I am placing the routine runnings of the business in your capable hands until further notice. You may contact me if any extraordinary circumstances arise."

"Understood, Your Majesty. Enjoy your vacation."

Eric hung up with a smirk, tucking the phone back into his pocket. His Child certainly was a most worthy one, always able to play right along with his double speak. She knew he had just handed over the running of Louisiana to her for an indefinite period of time, and would not disturb him unless an emergency came up. She was more than capable of handling the daily routine. Pam would make up a flawless story to explain his absence and not arouse a bit of suspicion. She would not question his need to remain in Europe, knowing he would not take such action if it weren't necessary.

Yes, prospects were certainly looking brighter for Eric Northman. He would enjoy this part of the game, it was well suited to his best talents. The thoughts of seducing Sookie all over again, coaxing her infinite love for him back to the surface, excited him in the same way as the first time he saw her. He closed his eyes, remembering her entering Fangtasia on Bill's arm, wearing that little flowered sun dress. How many ever got the chance to relive the intensity of that first look, the passion of the first kiss, the power of the first time making love?

Eric grinned. Oh yes... he would enjoy this.

TBC