Warning: Both Eric and Sookie are deep and complex in this story. Neither is telepathic, ingenuous or proper. Eric is bisexual, something that played a crucial part in his life so far. Don't like the idea - don't read it. Those of you who took a closer look at our beloved characters and actors that play them know better than to harshly judge such behavior.

This chapter contains hints of sexual nature.

Fast Approaching Death has now this beautiful banner, by the grace and skill of the amazing greenlemons. You can see it linked at my profile, or directly at http:/tinypic(DOT)com/r/ivveyh/7 Just replace "(DOT)" with "."

Also my gratitude to the lovely Scattered21 and Kjwrit for all their help.

Fast Approaching Death

5. Little Blue Riding Hood & Big Bad Wolf

Seeing that my help for the blond fellow at the nearby table wasn't necessary was a tad disappointing. But I don't doubt those women had a more effective tactic to relieve the tension in the situation. The three men forgot all about the little guy and turned back to the women.

The small blond guy shifts his position and I get to see his face. Is that a girl? Looks like it.

His or rather her eyes roam over the restaurant, and briefly stop on our group, lingering on me. She seems very familiar and after briefly reflecting on it, I recall: it's the girl in the yellow car that I saw earlier on the way from Bucharest.

A girl very unlike the rest at her table. She's clearly an outsider to their group, and I wondered about her connection to this group. Perhaps she is some intern in the company. I briefly feel pity for her; she looks innocent and out of place in the group made up of white collar schmucks and fancy bimbos.

She is the girl with the blue eyes that haunted my earlier dreams. Sweet features, velvety blushing skin, soft kissable raspberry pink lips. I feel my own lips going dry and wonder if she tastes like raspberry too. Her hair, even when tucked in a ponytail, seems just a shade darker than mine and Pam's. And that undeniable resemblance with Pam again... I feel a pang of sadness at the thought that this girl is here, living and breathing, while Pam is forever gone.

She seems to enjoy looking at my body; nothing really new there since I am the only Alpha male around for hundreds of miles. I flex my biceps a little for her enjoyment and our eyes lock briefly. Perhaps it's just her likeness to Pam, but I suddenly long to have her near me. I silently invite her to join us since she clearly is uncomfortable with her current entourage. Sofia can shove it!

She gets out of her seat but instead of coming to me she moves out of the room.

That's unexpected.

Well, whatever. No point in brooding over some random girl, even if she has this strong resemblance to Pam.

Sofia's pointless chitchat continues uninterrupted. She is not exactly very perceptive, unlike Andre who is eyeing me, curious about my temporary distraction. Maybe he does have some brains, some value beyond what's inside his pants.

Soon the rowdy group gets up to leave, even as I wonder how the men can stand, let alone walk out, as intoxicated as they are this night. 'Goodbye to you, blue eyed girl!'

A soft moan escapes from Andre. He has his eyes closed and is reveling in Sofia's under-the-table handjob. Licking her crimson lips, she now starts to rub my thigh with her leg. She is definitely in the mood tonight, much more so than I am.

I'm startled to see the girl from earlier coming back in. She stops and looks around, at a loss. I vaguely wonder what she forgot and then watch as she storms out again. I question how it is that I ever mistook her for a boy. Even with her blue hood over her head you can clearly see the generous swelling of her chest and the sensual sway of her hips as she walks out. Probably happened because she looks very much unlike the other women in her group, discreetly instead of ostentatiously dressed.

I can't stay put anymore; I've been seated too long for my liking. I find myself standing and I excuse myself for a smoke outside. Sofia recently quit smoking so she is a living nightmare when it comes to tobacco smells.

Outside I light my cigar just in time to see the blond girl stepping out on the road rimmed by the dark forest all alone. Is she stupid or what?

I really should quit smoking too. This stuff will kill me some day unless a collision with the motorcycle or car, a rock climbing fall, snowboard-jumping, drowning mishap or some avalanche beats the lung cancer. Ha, ha!

I savor the scorching smoke accompanied only by cicada songs that reverberate in the quiet of the night.

Returning inside my eyes linger on the bear skin sprawled above our table. There are too many bears roaming the woods nowadays. They are attracted to helpless tourists like bees to unguarded honeycombs. All of those countless idiots that give them food thinking the animals are some big teddy bears have turned them into some daring and bold beasts, who've acquired the habit of accosting passers-by.

And that pretty blonde is walking the mountain road alone, in the middle of the night, like some bear bait. Right now! I feel a knot forming in my stomach.

I can't let something happen to her. For the memory of Pam alone: I can't have that!

Grabbing my jacket and helmet I lob Sofia a "Thank you for dinner, but I've got to go now. See you at the hotel later." Without waiting for a response I get out of there and hop on my bike.

The adrenaline started to pump even before starting the engine, making me grin. Who knew that saving damsels in distress could be so exciting? Before one could spell 'B-E-A-R' I'm going 100 km/h along the mountain road. I won't go any faster or I might miss her on the dark path.

~o~

Just a couple of minutes later I spot a still silhouette, half hidden by the thick forest wall, and stop nearby. Good thing I wasn't speeding or I would have passed by without seeing her.

I slow and approach her with a joke, hoping I'm not startling her.

"What are you doing out here, little red riding hood? You look like the perfect wolf bait."

For a second she gave me a quizzical look, and then hesitantly replied "Sorry, but Granny told me not to talk with strangers."

"We are not strangers, we met before." Twice actually, if I think about it. I cut her attempts to protest "How about if I go ahead to your grandmother's house, eat her and await you in bed?" Not my best line, but it should do the trick.

Instead of laughing she cast her eyes away. "My grandmother is already dead," she sniffs.

Gosh, instead of lightening the mood I managed to say the wrong thing. And now is she fucking crying? I hate crying. Tears only give the others ammunition to cause you even more anguish. And there are also the foul fake tears that most women shed - just another coercing tool in their arsenal. But this one is crying like a little girl that got lost in the woods. Which in a sense she did, and it's making me feel disturbingly moved.

"Please don't do that. Forgive me." So fucking lame! Way to go Northman!

"Sorry, it's been a long day. And it's blue." She attempts a smile.

"Blue?"

"My hoodie," tugging on the piece of fabric in question. Cute!

"Ah, haven't noticed, your blush is such a bright shade of red, which is why I called you that!" I bet she blushes even more now. Regretfully, in the dim light it's hard to discern. "But do you know how many bears roam these woods?" I ask, changing the topic before it gets too awkward.

"It seemed like a good idea at the time." She bites her lower lip. I want a bite of that, too.

"Walking alone in the dark?" I ask her, incredulous.

She struggles with her answer. "Just wanted to arrive back at the hotel later, after all of them had gone to sleep."

"Wild crowd, isn't it?" She just nods, not looking at me, and we remain quiet for few long seconds.

"Team building," she says with obvious distaste, as if excusing herself out of their association. "I understand." I do, those gatherings should be called sex & boozing assembly. I also get that she isn't much into it.

"So, do you want to ride a little? Maybe up the mountain for a panoramic view?"

"With you? Weren't you supposed to be the big bad wolf?" She chuckles: "Oh my, what big teeth you have!"

She seems to start to relax, so I shift closer.

"As you can see there isn't a full moon so I won't change into a vârcolac [werewolf], tonight."

"Or perhaps you are just a strigoi [vampire] who wants to bring me to the world of the undead, too."

"Oh" I scowl, "A stake through my heart is not my idea of a good evening." There are some who still practice of grave pillaging in secluded villages in the country.

I feign being stabbed in the heart in a mocking hurt gesture.

"Then what is a good evening for you?"

"Maybe saving little girls from the claws of mountain bears..." I lean into her and gently lift her chin. Her eyes are wide, but with a guarded look. I search in their depths for her approval to taste her pouty lips. I'm about to sample them as I slowly lean down.

Instead she pulls away, taking a step back.

"I don't even know your name, stranger."

"I'm Eric, Eric Northman. Actually riding my bike is one of my favorite activities, along with several other sports." And having sex, lots of it, is another one. But I won't tell her that, not yet. "And you are?"

"Suzana Stackhaus," she properly introduces herself, extending her small hand to me.

"Delighted to meet you." I take her hand and a small jolt of current surges at our contact. Damn that static electricity. Her eyes get bigger, but she doesn't take back her hand, which feels too cold and small in mine. Instead of shaking it, I bend to kiss it, in an old fashion gesture that, I am very much aware, makes any woman swoon. Her skin also smells like raspberries. "You're cold." I want to take her in my arms and warm her against my chest.

Instead I take off my jacket and slide it on her shoulders.

She seems surprised but thanks me, clutching it tight and slipping her arms through the sleeves.

"So…"

"So?"

"Want a ride?" She seems hesitant still, and then nods in confirmation.

"Where are you staying?"

"At Lucia Complex. It's quite close to Peleş. Is that convenient for you?"

"Better than convenient, we are almost neighbors. I'm at Foişor, which is practically in Peleş courtyard. Care for some night viewing of the castle? It's on our way anyhow. "

"That would be lovely. Thank you."

I pull her hood off, lightly touching her hair. It feels like heavy silk against my skin. Then I give her my helmet.

Helping her get up on the saddle, I advise her to hold on tight as we will be riding the bike on the bumpy forest road.

Driving without much protection gear is nothing new, but I was caught by surprise at the feeling of being safe that I got from the embrace of her arms around my waist.

The drive takes much longer than if I was making it alone. I don't want to frighten her by being reckless. And the 200 horse power engine that's carrying us can be pretty intimidating on winding mountain roads.

Suzana hugs me tighter, and I feel myself growing slightly uncomfortable in the saddle.

Too soon we stop at the Peleş gates and I go to speak with the guard while willing myself to calm down, hoping to mask my earlier excitement. I still feel the area where her arms held me, tingling in the most pleasant way. Only Pam ever made me feel so good before. I cringe at the realization that I am associating Pam and an erection in almost the same thought. It seems too morally corrupt, even for one such as me.

Entering the Castle's courtyard was no problem since my own company is guarding the area.

We were thus free to walk wherever we pleased. We could have gone inside too, but that meant turning off the security system, plus the longer hike. I really don't have time for it tonight.

We walk around the empty grounds in silence. The graceful castle is beautifully illuminated, the light architecture adding a mystical dimension to the already striking edifice. In the golden light it reminds me of a palace lifted directly from a fairy tale. Suzana seems to forget about everything else and is lost in marvel at its towers and intricate decorations, like a child.

As for myself, I get to admire her without her noticing. She is even more charming up close. In the golden light she looks like a vision of some magical, radiant creature. I wish I could see more of her body, but it is concealed by my jacket and her wide long pants. There is little revealed of her true form, except her hair that she loosened from its bindings at some point, and which now floats in golden waves over her shoulders. I feel at peace just watching her.

My reverie is broken by the unmistakable sound of motors in the distance. Sofia and Andrei must be getting back. I wonder what took them so long. Sofia must think the same about me.

I briefly fantasize about inviting Suzana to join us in bed tonight. But she is a nice girl; I have to keep reminding myself of this fact. She would probably bolt into the night again if I were to make such a suggestion. Good girls are difficult. They want you to play nice, like a well trained French poodle.

And then my mind rebels: This is all bullshit! I want to meet her again, talk to her, and not drag her into the mud with me. This is not just some random girl. She feels very familiar to me. Suddenly, I need more information about her.

"Where are you from, Suzana?"

"Bucharest"

"So am I."

"I know."

At my surely very surprised look she adds: "Your motorcycle registration plate."

Observant - another point in her favor.

"Oh. Right. Well, I'm really sorry, but I have to go now." I pause. "But, I'd like for us to talk some more. Sunday perhaps? When you finish your teambuilding." Sofia will become unbearable if I spoil her carefully laid plans for tonight and tomorrow. "May I have your number?"

"I presume you aren't asking me for my dress size, right?"

"Oh, I think I can accurately assess that all by myself. No, just your telephone number."

"Cocky much?" Oh, you have no idea. "Why, just want to add it in your little black book?"

"I have no 'little black book'," I scowl. Only a little Blackberry with a full list of 'convenient' contacts, alongside the more mundane business ones. Another small detail I intend to keep to myself.

She laughs disbelievingly "Thank you, for everything. You are right, it's quite late. Please take me back to the villa." Did she just brush me off? Maybe she is simply playing hard to get? Yup, that must be it.

"Your desire is my command." Back at the bike I help her get up with an exaggerated flourish. After fitting the helmet on her once again, we hit the road towards her hotel.

~o~

It's a short ride, too short in some ways. I help her from the bike and wait for her to say something.

"Thank you, Eric." She smiles, giving me back my helmet and jacket.

"For what?"

"For rescuing me from the middle of the forest. For loaning me your coat. For the walk around the castle. For bringing me here." I watch as she touches the handle of my bike gently stroking it. I can imagine her soft hand stroking my tool, which instantly hardens.

"How grateful are you?" I whisper, hovering over her smaller form. I'm searching her eyes for a welcoming yielding spark.

"And what exactly do you want of me? Do you think perhaps I owe you?" Her voice is cold, and I realize that her hand froze, no longer moving, and her eyes are displaying an icy glaze. I suddenly feel myself sobering up.

"Nothing. Really. Just to meet you again," I say reassuringly while backing away from her, now. "So, what are you doing Sunday? I'll be going to a racing in Braşov, care to come along?"

"Sorry, but we have some scheduled activities. Good night, Mr. Northman, and thanks again." With no further ado she leaves abruptly and enters the quiet building.

What the hell just happened?

I silently wait until I see a new light in one of the windows on the upper floor then, disappointed, I head back to my own hotel where Sofia has her plan in motion. At least I know I am welcome there.

~o~

…

A few hours later I'm standing on the balcony of my room smoking to rinse the foul taste in my mouth.

I left them baking in the afterglow with Sofia snuggling the nearly passed out boy.

Only rarely do I have sex with men any more, but every now and then such an opportunity arises. Popping a cherry, mmm… too good to let it pass. A first experience should be special; in a good way for everyone.

I don't even remember my first time, save for the excruciating pain. I'm doing my best to make amends on life's part. I'm a fucking hero!

Young Andrei was exquisite. His blissful, dazed look while riding the waves of orgasms, his cries of ecstasy was a true catharsis for me. But in the end I had to find my own release. And this time the wave of dread that inexorably followed was worse than ever before.

I just might give up on sex if things go on like this.

My only respite was when he was in my life. However, seems that all good things must come to an end. I had ten months of happiness. Only ten fucking months of life worth living.

Now - only emptiness remains.

I want to scream, I want to shout, I want to take the burning shadows out of me and throw it out, in the cold of the night:

'Godric!'

But there is no out. For me.

Damn him! Damn my whole life!

Here I am now, darkness clasping me inside and out like the curse of the damned.

A/N

Since this is still an Eric/Sookie story, I decided to keep Eric's broad sexuality side a bit shielded in order to spare the tender hearts of the less adventurous ladies here. Eric has eclectic tastes and a very active sexual life. There will be an outtake posted next describing in graphic details his night with Andrei and Sofia. It will also show deeper insights of Eric's emotions, and his past. And as an incentive, a sneak peak of his long lost lover. I kept it separate because it has sexually explicit content, mostly of gay flavor, but some threesome too. If you don't want to miss this piece of slash put me on your author alert.

Disclaimer: Again, I don't own SVM, neither TB characters. They seem to have a life of their own.

Thank you all for your time. Please review; I'm curious of your opinion.