Disclaimer: Disclaimer: All characters belong to Charlaine Harris. Don't sue please :)

It was only 3 when we got home. It was the first time I had ever seen Eric in such a funk. He had been troubled after his memory loss but this was different. Even if we went to war, was the concept so new to Eric? He had been alive for a millennium and I was sure he had suffered loss and been in hostile situation.

I changed put away the clothes on the bed and found that Pam was kind enough to buy me a slightly more modest night gown. Compared to the other items that were meant for the bedroom, the light blue Victoria's Secret night had the most fabric. Though I doubt I'd be keeping any secret wearing this. I slipped it on and wrapped the long silk robe that matched. I went to the bathroom and put a hair tie around my wrist. As I looked in the mirror I couldn't help but smile. With the light blue night gown and robe I looked more like myself. The moment was short lived as the Eric filled my thoughts.

I tightened the silk belt of my robe as I padded down the stairs. Eric sitting on the porch. The need to go to him was so strong. The need to comfort him was unbearable. I stood in the foyer for a moment contemplating my next move. His conversation with Niall did not go over so well, I assumed. I wanted to ask but I didn't want to make the situation worse. Something my gran taught me early on was not to poke a sleeping bear.

There was a dull ache growing inside and I knew what it meant, more rusty penny flavored red stuff. I turned on my heels and padded to the kitchen. For being a man who probably never cooked a day in his life this kitchen was really nice. The only two major appliances were the fridge and a dishwasher. If you looked for it, you could see where the place for the oven had been tiled over. I went to the fridge and pulled out two bottles. After heating them, I opened mine and chugged it as fast as I could. Letting out a sound of digest I went to the sink and raised the bottle out. I took a little bit of water in my mouth to rinse the metallic taste out while being very careful not to swallow a drop. I spit the pink water out and tossed the bottle in the trash. Grabbing the other bottle I walked back to the foyer. I didn't think about what to say.

He didn't turn around when the door silently latched behind me; I could feel him so I knew he could feel how close I was. Eric was standing on the far left side of the porch. My feet padded across the painted hardwood. I halted as Eric turned to me and spoke.

"He wants to take you away."

His face was cold and hard and his words hit me like jagged ice. Feeling his pain didn't help the situation either.

"Who? Who wants to take me away?"

I knew who. If it was the King, Eric would not be this upset; in fact I was surprised Felipe de Castro hadn't summoned me yet. He did send a spy; at least I assumed that was the voice I heard. I set the bottle of blood on the wide, flat railing of the porch.

"He can't make me, I am vampire now. Doesn't that sort of cancel out everything else?"

"You would think that but in reality it isn't all that simple."

"I mean I know there is still fea in my blood but, I'm not a member of the living anymore, why would he want me? He doesn't even like vampires."

Eric didn't say anything, he just stared at me with hollow eyes.

"Why would he want me?!"

I bit my tongue from talking anymore. Don't poke the bear, Sookie. I swallowed all of my emotions before I asked the simplest of questions.

"What are we going to do?"

He took a step toward me. His face was still hard as he glared at me.

"I will tell you what I have planned."

He took another step and I could feel his emotions combating with each other as he close the gap between up.

"Tell me Sookie, how is it that even as a vampire you are still trouble?"

Uh oh.

He reached down and pulled the knot of my robe loose. A strong breeze assisted in revealing my night gown and he broke his eyes from mine to take in my breasts. He licked his lips as his hand slid upward from my hips.

"Lover, you need to stop worrying about yourself so much and learn what it means to be you master's child."

With my new vampire strength I caught his wrists from passing my waist. I could read through his bullshit, he wanted to make me angry so it would hurt so much.

I gripped tightly as I could to his large and stronger wrist and glared back for a moment. I knew why he was doing this, I felt it through us. My eyes softened and so did my grip.

"As that what you want Master?" I let the last word roll off my tongue with a sound only true devotion would allow. "You want me to leave, to go to him?"

He clenched his jaw in order to prevent any display of shock. Perhaps it was the vampire in me but I couldn't help but take a moment any revel in the fact that I had shocked a thousand year old vampire. That thought was slammed out of me by Eric's hands tightening their grip thrusting me against the house. I gasped as the sudden act of violence. Eric could be a little rough with me but never in a mean way.

His eyes were still burning into me as I looked back at him a little scared. I could feel the rage inside of him. I did my best to collect myself as I reached up to his touch his face; this was all a show, right? He caught me hand and pinned it against the wall, guess I was wrong. I couldn't help myself, I snapped.

"Why are you doing this?! Do you not want me anymore, I don't believe you. You can't lie to me Eric, I know who you are, more that anyone. I am not leaving you."

I let my head fall back against the wall with a thud and for the first time my eyes broke from his. We were silent; the winter wind whipped though the naked branches of the trees. I was disgusted in how desperate I sounded, it could have been all of his blood in me but I felt prouder now than I ever did as a human. Was I not worth fighting for and when did the man that I loved turn into such a little bitch. The Eric I knew was intimidated by very little.

I snapped my head forward until my glare met his and let out a giggle. I prayed what I was about to do would work.

"You are not my master. The man that I know as my master, maker, lover and my beloved bonded is the greatest vampire I have ever met. If you still were that man, you wouldn't be so willing to give up the one thing that you have coveted and had been denied for so long. You have seen countless wars death and pain, why are you scared now? Haven't you even considered what the benefits of war could be? You have been in Louisiana for a mighty long time. Felipe will die and the thrown will be empty. But if you turn me over, would the reward still be as enjoyable?"

Someone slap me.

My brain shut off half way through that tangent. I doubt the on the slight chance Eric ever became King he wouldn't be thinking about me. I didn't understand how keeping me here would affect Niall in anyway. It wasn't like he was planning on sweeping me away to some mystical land. I didn't know a lot about Niall but I had the sense that he wanted me out of sheer principal, I was fairy first. As odd as that sounds I wouldn't be shocked if that was the case. Though it would have been stated in larger words. When everyone else lacked humanity it wasn't too surprising.

Eric's lips crashed onto mine before I was able to form another thought. I wrapped my legs around his waist and grabbed a fist of his hair with my free hand. His head willingly pulled back with my fist. He released from my mouth and looked down at me.

"I have seen enough death to know what happens in war, there will always be casualties, on both sides. I can't have you being one of them. Niall can take you away, far from here and you will be protected. You know the pain I would feel if-"

I cut him off.

"If Niall so desperately wishes for my safety wouldn't he have popped in before Felipe forced you to change me?"

"Don't be so childish, you know it isn't that easy to contact him."

He was right. I lowered my eyes in defeat. I didn't want this and I could feel he didn't either.

"Sookie, have you even giving it any thought as to who will be in conflict with who?"

He released his grip and I planted me feet on the wood porch.

"It is true that you were born part fairy and you are right that it has been cancelled out by the king's orders. By law, changing you should have never happened but as we now know our King could care less about the rules. You are vampire now that is all that matters. Niall's only motive to protect you is because of he holds some sentimental value to you."

"You are going to go to war with the fairies?"

He just turned around and downed the cold bottle of blood without a word.

"Eric, you can't do this. This isn't your fight."

His eyes hardened again I could sense his irritation from my unwillingness to accept.

"Yes, it is. You are wrong Sookie."

He took a step closer to me and call me crazy but I was excited inside to see my Eric come back to life. A smirk grew from his lips as his eyes softened.

"My darling, this is when you use that wonderful brain of yours to sort it all out. You know I would never go into a fight unarmed or without agenda."

He lifted me off the porch and carried me into the house. He tosses the bottle in the trash as we made our way back to his room.

"Lover, shall we try sleeping above ground again? You are progressing in such great strides, Felipe was right. Would you like to try to sleep in my bed today?"

My head was so heavy with thoughts, hundreds of ideas swarming inside my head. I heard him speak but I didn't process it until he laid me down on his bed. It felt like heaven. He sat beside me and brought his palm to my face caressing my cheek with his thumb. I turned me face to him.

"I am not leaving, ever. You need me Eric, I know you do."

His smile was warm as he arched one eyebrow. He was waiting for the rest.

I turn my face, kissing his palm and rubbing my cheek against his hand.

"I need you."

He leaned forward and planted a kiss on my forehead before standing up and undressing.

I was so tired tonight; perhaps the rapid progression was taking more out of me than I would have thought.

I turned my side as Eric turned the light out and slid in next to me.

I felt warm as he pulled me close and giggled at the thought. I needed to laugh but Eric looked puzzled when I opened my eyes.

"It's funny to me that we don't generate body heat and yet because of our bond your touch warms me. It's nice."

He smiled.

"I'm glad. I like it too."

Eric brushed the hair from my face.

"No headache?"

"A little but nothing like last night, I think I'll be ok but if not I know the orders."

I shook my fist at him and he caught it with a free hand.

"Not too hard, you're a vampire now so you hit harder."

I rolled my eyes and smiles, as if I could ever harm him. A thought popped in my head. The thought of harming anyone else. If I was to stay here I needed to know how to fight.

I bit my lip as I hesitated on my questions.

"What is it?"

Eric releases my fist and slung his arm across us. He smirked at me with sleepy eyes.

"We should not make love if you're head still does not feel well. In the evening, ok?"

"You need to teach me how to fight."

His lazily looked back up to me and smiled.

"Alright, Pam and I will start tomorrow, now sleep my lover, you will need your rest."

He drew the heavy canopy fabric down before embracing me again and kissing me goodnight.

***

The next evening I woke to the sound of the shower running. I could see through a tiny opening in the fabric that is was already dark outside. I knew I should have gotten up but I needed five more minutes, I had slept fine last night but getting up was a problem.

"Sookie…"

I felt two large hands slide underneath me and pull me up to sit. I rubbed me eyes.

"What is it; I only slept in a little. I was still tired, you know adjusting and all."

"Dear One, it's almost nine."

My eyes shot open. Eric sitting in front of my already dressing in a dark grey cotton shirt with snap buttons and dark washed designer jeans. He was wearing a belt buckle with looked like something a gothic cowboy would wear and as I looked farther down I see he had a pair of black square toed boots. Why did he already have his shoes on? Then I looked at his hair, it dry and brushed. My eyes widened and my hand went to my mouth.

"I'm so sorry Eric!"

He smiled and pulled my hand from my face.

"I called Pam and she knows we will be running late. Just get ready and we can go."

He stood up and pulled me out of bed.

"I set some clothes aside; I'll be back with a bottle for you."

He placed a soft kiss on my lips and turned to leave.

Thank god for vampire speed. I seemed to be able to wash up a lot faster than I ever could as a human. I washer my hair and body quickly and was blow-drying my hair by the time Eric came back. He handed me the bottle and offered to put an outfit on the bed for me.

"Whatever you think I'll look good in baby."

He turns to me at the doorway.

"You look good in everything."

I knew I should have been red when he said that. But there was a pang of guilt when I saw the want in his eyes and the lust bubble through our bond.

I turned and switched my iron on.

"Sorry about this evening."

In a second he was by my side.

"You have nothing to worry about Sookie. It is natural for things to be a bit unstable in the beginning. You have done nothing but please me. As for the lack of sex this evening, I am sure we can make up for that later."

The look he gave me could have set even the deadest of hearts beating. He kissed the top of my head and turned to leave.

"Drink your blood. I'll be in my office down the hall, meet me when you are ready."

Yes, sir!

I finished my blood, hair and makeup. Unfortunately my taste buds hadn't changes that synthetic blood was still gag worthy but I did as I was told. I walked out to the bedroom and put on what Eric had set out. I put on the pair of black designer jeans, steel blue tank top with black lace and a pair of jeweled black pumps. The jeans were a skinny fit which allowed all the details of my shoes to be seen. I pulled on the black bolero and fixed my hair. I didn't bother changing bags from the night before. I took the shoe box which I couldn't help but frown at and took it to the closet. Manolos, really? At least he put me in jeans; I wouldn't be able to practice fighting skills in a tight little dress.

I folded my arms as I clicked down the tile hallway to his office. As I leaned against the door frame of Eric's office. His eyes shot to mine.

"Do you have a shoe fetish Mr. Northman?"

"No. You do not like the selection of clothing I have for you?"

"I didn't that. I just-"

With few quick motions Eric was inches from my face.

"You just…Nothing. Ms. Stackhouse do not be ungrateful, it is unattractive."

Vampires are ungrateful.

He smiled as he took me hand.

"Besides, you deserve everything I give to you, money is no object to me, I enjoy seeing you dressed nicely. I know you want to please me, so please do not be so difficult over something so petty."

Petty?

He sounded pretty serious but he was right, I had a new found enjoyment in making him happy. Making him happy was not so one sided. He was trying everything in his power to keep me safe, happy and loved. I wouldn't bring this little thing up again, it was too human to argue about and there were bigger fish to fry.

I looked down at the leather and jewels, and then back at him. I smiled and kissed him.

"Eric, they are beautiful. I am too lucky."

Even though I meant it, something inside me made me feel like I was kissing his ass. I hoped I wasn't losing another tiny bit of my humanity. I feared that it would all eventually erode away.

Eric and I flew down the stairs. We were already to the car when I realized my purse was still inside. I told Eric and he tossed the keys to me as he went back in to fetch my purse. Eric was inside in a flash and I turned to the car with human speed. If it were not for my lagging I wouldn't have heard it.

Snap!

"Oh fuck, I hope no one heard that. Stupid fucking vampires, I can't believe I am working for them…"

Without hesitation I tracked the stream of consciousness. I crept as silently as I could behind the man hiding along the house. He was leaning half way into a bush and was hunching over some box with lights.

As I got close enough to him he dropped a box and turn to me with a stake. It took no effort dodging him and I grabbed his wrist the sharpened wood fell to the ground. The bone of his forearm snapped in my hand like a dry twig. He began to fight against me and screaming.

"Let me go, god damn you bitch! You broke my fucking arm! Fuckin vamp…"

The young man's eyes grew wide and I knew Eric was approaching us. I release him as Eric came beside me. Eric grabbed him as I went to see what he had dropped. I could hear everything the man was thinking and I didn't have to turn around to get the visual. Eric didn't much care for when people called me names and I'm sure he was pissed someone had just tried to kill me not to mention was being sneaky around his house.

"Don't kill him yet."

Yet? Sookie Stackhouse, shame on you!

I calmly spoke and I gathered the electric device in my hands. It was a wireless control for cameras. Next to the control were three small items, a small box with a lens and two smaller cubes I could only guess were microphones. My assumption at the bar was right, someone was keeping tabs on us, most importantly me.

Eric was interrogating the young man as I brought everything to him. Eric recognized the devices right away.

I could easily read the boys mind but I had to step back, the blood from the man wrist was driving me insane. His rapid heartbeat was playing in my ear, taunting me and I felt a growl rumble from my chest. Eric turned to me for a second and saw me fangs were drawn. He directed his voice to the man.

"If you don't tell us everything you know I am going to allow my beautiful girl over there eat you alive, and for your sake I'm happy to inform you no glamoring with take place."

"Eric, I know why."

The boy stopped screaming and refusing when I spoke. I walked forward with my arms cross gripping my sleeves and using everything I had not to attack the man.

"Felipe sent him because he is good at what he does, IT stuff. Sending a vampire would have been bad since Felipe is aware war is upon us, he cannot lower his numbers right now. Jonathan here has cancer and will die in 6 months unless he follows through with his end of the deal. Felipe vowed to turn him if he succeeded."

Eric let out a laugh of amusement and released the boy.

"It's so sad what some humans will believe. You almost feel sorry for them."

Jonathan laughed as he held his arm, he laid in the fetal position on the ground as he rummaged through his pocket the unmistakable click of a gun was all the warming he gave us.

"Thank god for plan b."

I lunged toward him but his heart had stopped before I could sink me teeth in. Eric swiftly pulled me off the man whose light brown hair was now turning a beautiful shade of burgundy. I fought to go back to him twice before Eric shook me and sent me into the house.

"You never drink from the dead! Now going inside. Have a blood and call Pam. Do not tell her what happened over the phone. Just tell her we will be late."

I was on the porch when he lifted the man's body and carried it to the back. I hurried to the kitchen and threw two bottles in the microwave.

After I forced my blood down I sat at the counter staring at the flames through the back window. It was starting to click why Eric was going to fight beside Felipe. He was planning on Felipe being the casualty. The smile I had front that pleasant thought fell when I ever haunting realization that I was losing more of myself came back. I had never wanted to rip someone's throat out ever, not even when I fed from fangbangers. I wanted to drain that man right there in Eric's side yard. I was fine until I got a whiff of his blood then the animal came out. I thought I was beyond this. I shook myself of the thought as I stood up and went to the kitchen phone. I ignored the smell of gasoline, wood and burning flesh as I dialed Fangtasia.

Pam picked up on the second ring.

"Fangtasia, the bar with a bite."

"Don't sound so bored, I could have been Eric."

Her voice perked up.

"Someone isn't in a very good mood. Running later than planned?"

"Yes…"

I craned my neck out the window and fire seemed to be dying down.

"We should be there before eleven."

"Anything I should know."

I let out a sigh and softened my voice.

"Pam."

"I understand. I'll see you when you two get here."

I hung up the phone and reheated the blood. As I retrieved the bottle I could see Eric shoveling dirt over the embers. I took a useless deep breath and walked out the back door. Eric looked up at my but didn't stop working, as I got closer to him I was pleasantly surprised to see how clean he had stayed. God how morbid was I?

Good for you sugar, you were able to keep clean while burring and burying that man's body.

He went to the shed and set the shovel against it.

When Eric came back to me he took the blood from my hand and took a swing. For a moment I felt like I was in some psycho version of a Norman Rockwell painting. But he should have been doing yard work, I should have been giving him tea and it should have been sunny.

"I told Pam we would be there before Eleven, I hope that's ok."

His hands weren't even dirty and he pulled me close to him and planted one on me. He still managed to make me weak with his kissing experience. As he pulled away he lifted my face to his. His hand was under my chin as he let his thumb glide across my cheek.

"You did so well out there."

"But I wanted to kill him, I even tried to-"

"I know. The point is that you didn't. When we are in combat situations with human our urges to kill multiply. Don't you remember Bill, in Dallas?"

How could I forget? It made me feel so good that I was mistaken about wanting.

"Come on Eric, we better get going."