A/N: I apologize for the lengthy hiatus. I wish I could say that I was partying it up on the 4th of July weekend but alas, I have 2 little girls that keep me quite busy. Anyhoo, all excuses aside- on with the story!

ERIC POV

"So basically she released you because she was bored? That sounds about right of a vampire that is over 3000 years old. I can't believe you were under her command for this long and could not make any contact with me. What a serious bitch. No offense brother…" Gustaf chuckled and waved a hand dismissively, "None taken. Honestly, I respect her as my maker but I was only too glad to be rid of her. During the fire that claimed most of our clan, she found me and offered me a new life. After being promised that I could return to find you in a few years time, I agreed to let her turn me. How could I have known she would keep me a prisoner for nearly 1,000 years? I would rather not waste any more of my new life discussing Angelica if you wouldn't mind." He sat lost in thought for a moment and I remembered losing Godric. The memory was fresh and would likely haunt me for quite some time. I knew several vampires that had terrible makers and I felt a twinge of sympathy for my lost brother. But as quick as it appeared it was gone, I don't do feelings. Something that had piqued my interest had to be addressed. "When you entered my club, my childe Pamela didn't recognize you. Do you have the gift of morphing your appearance?" Gustaf smiled devilishly and replied "Still as observant as ever Eric. Yes, Angelica helped me use this gift when I was around 300 years old. It has been quite…convenient." I decided to leave that discussion for another time.

We had gone to one of my safe houses to talk. Knowing that he was new to this area, I decided to offer him a place to stay. "You know you will always have a place with me if you wish." He stood up; walking over to a painting I had of the Viking ships during our time. After a few minutes he replied, "What I would like, is to go to this Fangtasia of yours and see what the women of Louisiana have to offer." He turned and gave his most disarming smile. Noticing that he had dodged the offer, I let it go for the time being. Sometimes it was uncanny how much we were alike. Not only in appearance but in manner, Gustaf was two years younger than I during our human lives. His height and stature were the same but his hair was kept longer. The clothing he wore was much more European in style but he had the arrogance to pull off anything. He could be very charming when needed and was exceptionally bright. The competitiveness between us would most likely remain and I would be lying if I said I wasn't curious to how he would react to Sookie.

"I would be honored to return with you to the bar, grab a meal and introduce you to my childe Pamela." Immediately his eyes sparkled to which I laughed, "Sorry brother, Pam doesn't 'swing that way' "I said with my fingers making the quotations. He frowned slightly but as we departed whispered "We shall see about that…."

This would be an interesting night indeed.

SOOKIE POV

I looked at myself in the mirror one last time and took a long, deep breath. Ok Sookie, focus. You're goin' to Fangtasia to ask about the dreams, then you're gonna have a drink and head home. That's it! I smoothed out my pale blue dress with the white flowers for the millionth time, ran a hand through my curls and fixed my lip gloss. Why the hell was I so nervous? I wasn't excited to see Eric, it was just the blood. Stupid, deliciously sinful tasting, blood. I felt a familiar ache and decided to give myself a quickie just to be on the safe side. That Viking would be the death of me. Whoops, knock on wood!

When I was finally ready to leave, I jumped in my car and turned the radio on. As I was pulling onto the interstate a song I hadn't heard in awhile came on. I don't need you to worry for me cuz I'm alllllright! I don't need you to tell me it's time to come home. I don't care what you say anymore this is myyyyyy life! Go ahead with your own life, leave me alone! I sang at the top of my lungs, granted it sounded like shit but I didn't care. All the frustration with people trying to dictate my life, all the anger left me. I was new, liberated Sookie. I didn't have to worry about Bill and I certainly could go out with whomever I chose. What was with me, suddenly my thoughts about Eric were changing. I didn't want to write him off just yet.

As I pulled into the parking lot of Fangtasia, my car rattled and coughed to a stop. Great, that's not embarrassing or anything. I regained my confidence and walked up to the front of the line, anticipating one of Pam's snarky comments.

She wasn't doing door duty which wasn't totally uncommon but I was sort of disappointed. Maybe I was getting used to her after all this time. After giving the vamp at the door my name, he waved me in.

Making my way through the throng of Goths and business men looking for thrills, I noticed that the throne was empty. Hmm, strange. I decided to reverse my plan for tonight and have some liquid courage for starters. After ordering my usual gin and tonic, I read a few minds. Nothing unusual- sex, bondage, biting…Nordic Sex God…WHAT? I scanned the room and what I saw caused my heart to jump into my throat. There was a man that looked very similar to Eric. He could have been his brother, but that was impossible. I couldn't believe how beautiful he was. Realizing my drool may give me away; I pulled on a poker face and sipped my drink. After a few moments a cool hand brushed mine. "Excuse me," Eric's doppelganger spoke with a slight accent. "No problem" I replied with a warm smile before ignoring him and returning to my drink. My heart was beating about a mile a minute. Traitorous organ!

"The funny thing is," he continued as if we were old acquaintances, "there is no playing coy with a vampire." I couldn't tell if he was mocking, trying to intimidate or hit on me. Feeling frustrated but deciding to mess with him a bit, I played along. "Oh no, whatever will I do. Is this the part where you glamour me into your bed?" He cocked his head the side and smiled. "What is your name my darling?" I replied, "Sookie Stackhouse. Who the hell are you?" He laughed, an actual throw the head back and guffaw laugh. "My, you are refreshing. I am Gustaf. My brother owns this establishment." Before I could retort, Eric walked up with Pam and put an arm around me.

"I see you have met my Sookie." Pam snorted. I didn't miss Eric's possessive tone or the brief glare Gustaf threw at Eric before immediately returning to charm mode. "Ah, so it appears you are taken." I took a deep breath before getting seriously pissed. "Actually, I belong to no one. It's nice to meet you Gustaf. Now, what is this about being brothers?" I shoved Eric's arm off of me. He didn't look pleased but allowed it. "Perhaps you would follow me to my office and I can fill you in." Eric started walking away as I nodded. Grabbing my drink, I followed Eric, trying not to get distracted by his world famous ass. Focus!

I turned back to look at Gustaf who was currently chatting up a fangbanger. Well, he seems to fit in already.

After sitting down on Eric's couch, he paced in front of me for a minute before facing me. "Sookie, I have only just discovered that my brother Gustaf is a vampire and has been slightly longer than myself. I don't have a complete history yet but I have learned that he is powerful and means me no harm. I would rest assured that you can trust him as well, but…." He paused and gazed longingly at me before continuing, "His past behavior would indicate that, because I show interest in you, he will engage in pursuing you." I scoffed and rolled my eyes. "Is it SO hard to believe that he may actually be interested in me for me? Before you showed up, he was-"Eric cut me off, "Inhaling that delectable fairy scent whilst detecting a slight trace of my blood. Do not be naïve Sookie."

I suddenly felt very immature and stupid. He was right of course, but damned if I ever admit it. The original reason for my visit seemed like a welcome change of subject.

"Well Eric, I actually came here tonight to ask you a question. It's about, the dreams." I waited for him to launch into some technical explanation but instead he chuckled darkly. "Sweet Sookie, don't tell me you aren't enjoying them. You know, most of this is your doing and only a small part my blood. The feelings were already there- "I cut him off, anger building and the embarrassment from before spurring me on, "You know what Eric, I won't deny it, I thought you were exciting! I thought you had some deep feelings in you after Godric and I probably created some idea of you that doesn't exist!" Stopping to catch a breath I noticed Eric's jaw tightening and could sense the thinly concealed restraint. I decided it was now or never. "But it was just the blood. How long does it take for this to wear off?" I didn't look at him; I just wanted the answer so I could leave. He walked up and got so close to my ear that I flinched. "I am in your mind now. The blood won't change that. You will always wonder how I would feel inside you, if I am a better lover than Bill. You won't be rid of me, because I will always be your 'what if'. It doesn't have to be that way…." He ran his nose along my jaw before vamping over to his desk again.

I took a deep breath. "Look, I just want my life back. I want to go back to work, come home, tan outside without worrying that I will be attacked…" Eric spoke up, "I have already offered you protection. Do not take it lightly; you could have those things you speak of. You would not be a prisoner Sookie." I found it so hard to believe but I was leaning toward making the decision and needed to know one thing.

"Why do you want this Eric?" He looked startled. I was secretly pleased that I'd caught him off guard for once.

He smiled, "I should think it was quite obvious. But since you asked, I will answer. You, lover. I would be getting you." I smiled despite myself. "Ok Eric, but we will need some guidelines." He sat at his desk with a look of satisfaction and nodded for me to continue.

"You need to keep me informed of what's going on. I won't be left in the dark. Also, I won't be having sex with you. I fully intend on dating." He looked amused before saying "Well, human dating rituals are silly to me, but I suppose I could take you someplace you are interested in first-"I jumped in with, "No, not you. Other guys." I wasn't prepared for what came next.

I was against the back wall being held by a very pissed off looking Viking. Not exactly sure how to respond, I waited for him to say something.

"Let me be perfectly straight with you," he started in a deadly tone. "I will not be sharing you. We don't have to have sex…yet. But you won't be dating or fucking anyone else. Are. We. CLEAR?" I was having sudden flashbacks of Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men and couldn't help but giggle to myself. Wrong move! Eric moved his face to where he was touching my neck with his fangs and whispered "This is a dangerous game you are playing Ms Stackhouse, I wouldn't play with me if I were you." I came back to my senses and took his hand from my neck softly.

"Ok Eric, no deal." I felt my fingers light up and I blasted him off of me in what had to be the most satisfying moment of my life. His expression was priceless.

"How," he began but I lit my hands again and stated "Just a bit of fae magic, nothing major. But I think we are definitely CLEAR now." I noticed he smirked before walking up to me again.

"Why do you deny me so?" he asked while cupping my cheek. The words from my dream stunning me momentarily. I stopped my spark and kissed him before he could tempt me any more.

After what felt like hours, I pulled away and walked out of his office into the balmy night. Remembering my car had failed I cursed and kicked the tire. I heard a laugh similar to Eric's behind me. Gustaf.

"Miss Stackhouse? It would appear you are in need of a ride." I took in his appearance and could not doubt he had that roguish appeal. He tapped his motorcycle and asked, "You only live once right?" I smiled at his joke and climbed on the back. "Ok, but your brother may not like this." His eyes lit up in response as he started the bike and revved it for effect.

ERIC POV

I stepped out into the night and saw Sookie speeding off on the back of Gustaf's bike. The hunter in me was begging to be released. "Game on brother" I said into the night and took to the sky.

I know, not the ending you might have in mind…but we're getting there. Be patient my lovely readers! And reviews are always appreciated xx