A/N - True Blood and SVM characters belong to Mrs. Harris, Alan Ball and HBO. Original Characters and story line are mine. Thanks for the reviews, feedback and alerts they are almost as good as Christmas Snickerdoodles. You guys are in luck, TB Eric and Sookie wouldn't shut up while I was making cookies today, so I hammered out this chapter. I hope you all have a safe Holiday! Enjoy.

Chapter 4

Scene 1 - SPOV - 'Vulnerable'

I woke to a feeling of heaviness across my hip and to the glow of the bedside lamp. I peered at the alarm clock and registered it was two in the afternoon. I had slept two hours longer than I liked, especially if I was going to be returning to lunch shifts at Merlotte. When I tried to roll out of the bed the restriction at my hip registered and I glanced down to see a large hand resting on it. I rolled to my back and then my other side to find Eric curled in the bed with me. He was a good six inches away from me, lying on his side in blue boxers (I guess that answered last night's question he must have kept them with him in the bathroom when he showered) his arm and hand the only thing touching me.

I was feeling oddly conflicted finding him in my bed. On one hand, I remembered telling him he could stay but indicating he should use the spare bedroom. He instead had slipped into my bed like he belonged there. On the other hand if he was going through the effort to share my bed then why did he act the gentleman and keep his distance? That wasn't Eric's way and wasn't he placing a whole lot of trust I would not just stake his ass and be done with it?

His body still radiated strength and power even at rest, but there was a vulnerable quality to his sleeping features. I was tempted to reach out and touch him, but felt it would be improper; he would not be able to protest my exploration. His hair had tumbled forward around his face instead of being slicked back; reminding me of the last time I had found myself curled in bed with Eric Northman. A dream scene in Dallas where dream Eric had called me bloodthirsty and greedy and warned me this was only the beginning. There had been other emotions discussed as well, things said which I did not wish to examine too closely. Dream Eric was a very weak imitation of the real thing resting next to me.

I couldn't resist and reached out to brush aside a sweep of bangs which were covering his eyes his hair soft and silky to the touch. I would have loved to share this type of intimacy with Bill, waking up with him next to me. The only time had occurred had been at the hotel in Dallas, something which didn't end too well after taking Eric's blood and Godric's death. I know now the reason for his reluctance to do so was the love he crowed from the mountains had been a lie. I sighed, and then there was Eric, taking his blood had given me a deeper insight into his psyche. A vulnerability he had not intended to occur, perhaps this roller coaster of emotions was a result of still dealing with Godric's passing. I would have to take into consideration when dealing with the more volatile of his emotions.

I managed to move Eric's arm and scrambled out of bed, tugging the bedding around until he was covered. I know the chill in the air wouldn't bother him, but I wasn't sure how much light would fall into the room through the door when I opened it to the hallway. I needed a shower first and took care of my human necessities before pulling on jeans and the red Fangtasia t-shirt Pam had given me. I really needed to do some laundry, with that thought in mind I gathered up Eric's clothes again which were filthy from the previous nights search. I left the sweats on the bed where he would see them when he rose.

I carefully opened the bedroom door, holding my breath there would not be any indirect light and found he had pulled across the new door he had installed. There was just enough room for two people between the doors. I had to close my bedroom door before I could open the secondary door into the rest of the hall. I decided to strip the bedding in the other two rooms and separated the clothing into four loads. I filled up the wash and started the cycle then headed to the kitchen for something to eat. A tuna salad sandwich and glass of coke later I realized I had left the remote in the bedroom.

I was uneasy that I could accidently open the shutters in the main bedroom by accident, so I took out a heavy dark quilt and hung it over top of the existing curtains. It wasn't perfect but it would help block the light if I screwed up. I might as well invest in some blackout curtains for the room if Eric was going to be here a lot. I stopped halfway down the stairs, what the hell was I thinking? Was I really expecting Eric to be in my bed frequently enough that I would be concerned about his safety despite the measures he had already taken? Holy hell what had I gotten myself into?

I was in deep thought when I made my way to the laundry room to switch out loads. I had to remember Eric was manipulative, devious and cunning. He was a master at getting what he wanted, in any way he wanted. He was not a knight in shining armor or a choir boy. Eric's first responsibility was to Eric, and then to Pam and then his vampire minions. I was only a human, a fancy hybrid human, but still considerably lower on the totem pole.

I was still grappling with the awareness of how much power I had given Eric over my life by claiming me and my own emotional vulnerabilities when the bond flared to life shortly followed by the sound of the shower running. I was folding the last of the laundry and carried it up stairs, leaving his now clean clothes on the bed for Eric after putting my own away. I took the linens for the guest rooms and proceeded to make the beds, still dealing with a plethora of emotions.

Eric spoke from behind me causing me to jump, "What has you all anxious Sookie, did the wolves show back up?" he asked.

I spun around with a hand over my heart, "Don't do that!" I chastised him while throwing my mental net outwards. I had been so caught up with my internal dialogs I hadn't paid any attention to what might be happening outside of the house. "No one showing on the perimeter, if they were here earlier I never noticed. I've been a bit preoccupied." He looked good leaning there in his clean jeans and t-shirt. I felt part of my turmoil wash away when I realized I had something no fang banger ever would. The right to claim him as mine.

I was smiling when I finished tucking the last linen. He was watching me with a curious expression, "Well I am glad to see my mere presence seems to have eased whatever was bothering you," he drawled.

I did not bother to answer. I eased past him in the door way and down the hall while I spoke over my shoulder, "You hungry Eric?"

He zipped by and waited for me at the foot of the stairway, "Are you offering Sookie?"

I had made the decision earlier while wrangling with things in the laundry room. I hadn't complained when Bill had fed off of me every night, whether we had sex or not. There may have been a strong emotional connection with Bill, but if I was expecting Eric to assume responsibility for my safety then I had to suck it up and allow him some of the same intimacies. Besides, if he was feeding from me, then I would not have to deal with blocking when he fed from someone else.

"Yes I am offering Eric."

"Sookie you are full of surprises tonight. I was not sure if I would be staked in your bed, instead I rise to clean clothes and extra protection from the sun, and now you are offering to feed me."

"Get off it Eric, you knew the risks you were taking when you stayed last night in my bed. You were just playing your usual games. The clean clothes I would do for anyone, and as far as the extra protection I really don't want to think about what would happen to me if I accidently burned you." I was becoming annoyed; couldn't he just take what I offered without making a big deal over it?

He reached for my hand and began to rub circles with his thumb, "You did not answer about your blood, why the change of heart."

I couldn't read him; he was blocking his emotions just as much as I was blocking mine. I had to keep it to the forefront that whatever I would get from him through our bond would be only what he allowed me to. He could use it as another way to manipulate me, getting a handle on his emotions right now would not help me.

I shrugged, "I allowed Bill to feed from me, and I decided it was only right I allow you the same consideration. After all you've assumed the greater responsibility."

"Nothing more to it than that?" he asked, slowly backing up and forcing me to follow him until we were in the living room next to the couch.

I frowned, "No, should there be?" I was confused what the problem here was.

He sat down and tugged me with him causing me to stumble forward into his lap. He used his greater strength to arrange me with my back to him and lifted my hair to lie across one shoulder, baring my neck to him. His hands were running down my shoulders to my finger tips and then would brush down the front of my body, avoiding all but the edges of my breasts. I relaxed against him and he whispered against my ear as he nuzzled his way down to where my pulse beat the strongest.

"I find I miss the old argumentative Sookie. You are making this too easy and I am wondering why."

I tilted my head to give him easier access, my heart was already racing and my body highly aroused. Damn but the man was good with his fingers and he hadn't even made it to the more intimate areas. "I still am not having sex with you Eric, that hasn't changed." His growl was my warning then he slowly pierced my neck and began to feed. The first pull of my blood almost made my panties disintegrate. "Besides I enjoy this as much as you do why deny me," I whispered my voice breaking on a moan. My words surprised him and he disengaged from my neck with a groan.

"Sookie you are killing me," he muttered before returning to feed. When he was finished he sealed the wounds with his tongue. "I do not wish you to scar," was all he said when he pricked a finger and rubbed the tiny wounds with his blood. He wrapped his arms around me and set his chin on top of my head, slowly rocking until we both calmed down. "I wish you would allow me to give you release," he whispered.

I shook my head, "I will be fine." I was more than fine. I was feeling quite smug actually. I really had caught him unawares. I am sure his long term plans had included ending up where we were currently. But by offering myself I had thrown a wrench into things. He didn't know how to handle the new me.

"I know you need to leave soon, you have to find Pam" I said as I slowly disengaged from his arms and stood a bit wobbly. I could feel his eyes follow as my steps grew stronger and I made my way to the kitchen to pull out a steak to quickly broil up. I would have to make sure I had enough vitamins on hand too.

"Yes, I need to go. Did you call the shifter or anyone else today?" he asked as he stood and followed me out to the kitchen. I pointed to his phone and other things from his pockets on the side table. He gathered them up while he waited for my reply.

"No I didn't, like I said, I was a bit preoccupied today. Is it ok if I call them tonight, or do you still want me to remain incognito?" I asked as I slipped the seasoned beef under the broiler and checked the time, it was barely seven o'clock.

"Call them, it will set your mind at ease." he hesitated as if he had more to say then disappeared out the door. The house felt eerily empty without his personality filling it. I locked the place down and felt much better, setting up a mental net around the perimeter again to warn me if anyone approached. I was finding the more I stretched my telepathy the more I was able to do. I wondered how much I had been cheating myself by denying it for so long. It was not until the vampires came into my life I had started to use it like a tool. Gran always told me it was a part of me I should not deny, just because other people feared me. It was probably the only time we would disagree on a subject and I would avoid talking to her about it. She was so encouraging about everything else I should have realized she was just as right about my disability.

I finished up my dinner and cleaned up after. I dug out my cell phone from the charger and went back to the couch in the living room. The first call I made was to Tara. Eric had said she left town and I wanted to see if she was ok. There was no answer so I left a message on her phone that I was worried about her and to let me know if she was ok. The next call was to Jason, as I expected I got his voice mail and I let him know I was back and I really needed to talk to him. I didn't want to leave him in the dark about our fairy relations, if nothing else he needed to know enough to protect himself. The last call I made was to Sam at Merlotte's, he answered right away.

"Sam here"

"Sam, it's Sookie," I said

"Where the hell have you been Sookie? We have been worried sick. Eric wouldn't tell me anything and Bill has disappeared, even Jessica says she doesn't know what is going on," he demanded.

"You're the one to talk Sam. Didn't you take off yourself? I hear you came back with a little brother in tow, what's that all about," I could be just as rude as he was.

"Ya, he is in the hospital at the moment, he got shot," was all Sam said.

"Oh Sam I am so sorry to hear that," I really was feeling bad about how I had acted.

"He'll be ok. Now what about you? What's going on between you and Eric? I heard he fixed your place all up," Sam asked, I could hear the familiar sounds of the bar in the background and the creak of his office door as he sought privacy for our conversation.

"I had to spend time with some relatives of my Dad's that I just found out about," I explained hoping he would not press for too many details.

"Really? I didn't know you had any other family and Jason didn't say anything he was asking about you too."

"Jason hasn't met them yet. You could say they are from the other side of the blanket, with Gran now gone they felt it was time to come forward. I guess it would have been awkward with her still around. I would appreciate if you wouldn't mention it to anyone else."

"Oh, Oh! Sure Sookie, as long as you are sure they are not pulling your leg or something and just trying to take advantage of her passing," I could hear the worry in his voice, sometime he was so sweet.

"I don't really want to see them again; it was something I needed to take care of though. How is everything else?" I asked.

"It is kind of busy right now I could use you back on the schedule when you are ready. We have a lot of new people in town it seems, or at least a lot of new people passing through."

"I think it will be a few more days Sam, do you mind if I use up the vacation time I have coming? I really need to settle this family business first." There was no way I was going to risk anyone else to the wolves, especially at the bar.

"Sure Sookie that is fine, it is not like you haven't earned it. You do have quite a bit saved up over the years. Just let me know when you want to come back so I can set the schedule, you'll always have a job here, you know that. I don't like it but I know you can make more money working for the vamps anyway." He was grumbling but at least he was being honest.

"I haven't made up my mind yet Sam, you know how strange it is using my ability instead of hiding it," I explained. I knew he would understand after hiding what he was for so long.

"I know Sookie, you just be careful of Eric, Bill seemed to be ok, but Eric he is dangerous Sookie, you don't want to get on his bad side."

"Bill was using me Sam, everything he said was just a lie. Sam he set me up to be hurt by the Ratrays." I was crying now.

"Oh cher, I wish that had not happened, I am so sorry. How did you find out, are you going to be ok?" I could hear his sincerity he would show up in an instant on my doorstep if I asked him.

"Eric made him tell me. He said I had the right to know. It was one of the reasons why I left; I had to get away from all the vampire shit." I had to grab a tissue for my tears.

"Then what about Eric, isn't he a part of all the shit?"

I had to laugh at the image in my head, "Yes, he is a large part of all the shit. But he knows all the politics Sam, and this new family of mine? Well they are powerful in their own way and dangerous to cross. They were not too happy when I left. There are powerful vampires who know about me Sam. They know about me because of my Cousin Hadley's big mouth and because of Bill. Eric is the only one who can keep me safe."

"Sookie... what have you done? You know I would keep you safe, there are others who care too. Eric isn't the only one." Was Sam saying Eric cared for me, or was it just a twist of words?

"I had to Sam, it was the only way. I've allowed Eric to claim me as his. I was nothing but meat with Bill out of the picture."

"Sookie I wish you hadn't done that, there had to be another way. I just don't want you hurt again, and those vampires know nothing but pain cher." I could picture him pacing his office and running a hand through his hair while he tried to convince me to his way of thinking.

"I trust him Sam, I have too, don't worry about me I'll make it work." I was trying to convince myself as much as Sam. This had to be the right choice; there was no going back now.

"You want me to have Lafayette call you when he gets in?" he asked.

"No that's ok; I know he has been hurting too. Just tell him I am ok and I'll see him soon, both of you. Do you know what's up with Tara? I heard she left town not soon after she and I talked."

"She just upped and disappeared. Last time I was talking to her she was wishing she could reboot her life. Maybe she just needed to get away from all the shit around here. You have to admit Bon Temps has been mighty weird lately, and she has lost a lot. She really loved Eggs I guess," he replied.

"What about you two, I thought you had something going on?" I know she had mentioned they had shared a bed a few times. I thought she had talked about seeing if there was something serious there. She hated my brother now.

"She was with me the night before she left, we talked. I um, I told her I was a shifter I didn't want to hide it anymore." he said with a wry tone to his voice.

"I guess she didn't take it too well." She would not have handled that well at all. I thought Sam had told her after he told me; he had been foolish to keep it from her.

"You could say that," was the only explanation he gave me.

I had almost forgotten to ask, "Sam you haven't seen Pam lately have you?"

"No I haven't Sook, is she someone else I should call?"

"You can try; if you see her just tell her I was looking for her, ok?"

"Sure Sookie, though wouldn't Fangtasia be a better place?"

"She took some time off; I thought she might stop there first to see me." I was making shit up off the top of my head; I didn't want Sam to start asking more questions.

"Will do then, I have to get back on the floor. You keep in touch cher, you hear?"

"I will Sam, take care." I flicked the phone closed and leaned my head back against the couch. It felt so good to talk to him again. I only regretted I could not tell him everything. He had his own secretes; he would understand if he ever discovered how much I was hedging.

I was watching a movie about sparkling vampires and wondering if my life would be any different with a vampire who just feared glowing in the sun and fed off of deer when the void barreling toward the door caught my attention. I tested the bond to see if it was Eric and was waiting for him when I confirmed his identity. He knocked once then stepped through the door. He was filthy and scratched and had a wild look in his eyes.

"Eric what's wrong, did you find her is she ok?" I asked as I moved to the fridge and heated a True Blood for him. He looked like he needed it.

He followed me into the kitchen where he began to pace. "I located her; she had gone to ground near one of our very first safe houses. She couldn't get inside, she had forgotten the codes. In fact from what I can tell she has forgotten all but I am her Maker and she is vampire."

"Your serious, does she remember how to be a vampire?" I had a very bad feeling in my stomach as I handed the blood to him. He drank it down in two swallows.

"She remembers, she just doesn't remember she is Pam. I will kill who ever has done this to her." He almost threw the bottle across the room but stopped himself; instead he tossed it into the trash.

"Where is she, what are you going to do with her?" I questioned.

His face was hard and cold when he replied, "She is nearby I commanded her to wait for me. I am going to bring her back here and you will take care of her." He had made a decision and I was to abide by it. He had left the bond open allowing me to read his determination and barely throttled rage.

"Eric, you cannot bring her here! What am I supposed to do with her?" I exclaimed, scared he would not listen to me.

"You will care for her; I will bring you blood so she may feed, and clothes."

"And how am I supposed to keep her from just taking off, or something else just as stupid? She is a two hundred year old vampire, and I am just a human!" I was really getting angry now watching him stalk around the room.

He spun around and was instantly in my face fangs bared. "You are more than just a human Sookie. You will care for my child while I search for those who have done this to her."

"Why should I Eric?"

"You will do as I ask because you owe me."

"I owe you? What are you talking about Eric Northman?" I was confused over his claim.

"You owe me for telling you about your precious Bill Compton. If I had kept quiet, you would be with the Queen now, a permanent part of her retinue. You would be wondering what you had done to deserve such a betrayal when all along it was Bill's plan. Instead you are standing here with full knowledge of his deception and protected from any more of his interference."

I thought for a moment, dearly wanting to deny just how right he was, yes I did owe him for what he had done for me.

"Alright, she can stay, for now."

"Thank you Sookie."

I just had to open my big mouth, "Eric, if I had said no, what would you have done?"

He looked me right in the eye, "I would have found a way to change your mind, your brother perhaps," and then he smiled at me.

"Eric, you are a jerk, you know that?"

"So you keep telling me. I must go; I will be back shortly with her and some supplies."

He zipped out of the house, the screen door slamming behind him and I went upstairs to prepare another guest room for what I suspected was going to be a very unwilling vampire.

Pam was freaky enough with her mind intact. I couldn't imagine what she would be like with her brain empty of everything which made her, well Pam. I looked around and thought of some supplies Eric probably wouldn't consider and went back down the stairs to my phone. I sent a quick text off asking him to pick up the additional, then sat down to finish my movie.

It was after Midnight when I felt Eric returning again, another void in tow. I couldn't remember if I had renewed Pam's invitation so whispered it as I heard them come up the front porch.

"You are welcome in my home Pam."

They both walked through the door, Eric still appearing angry and a bit desperate and a very scared and timid looking Pam next to him dressed in a filthy pant suit. I was surprised to see it was quite chic compared to the attire I was used to seeing her in, but perhaps that was only for Fangtasia.

"Pam you will wait here with Sookie, I will be right back with your things." Eric told her while he left to go back out to what I assumed was his car. Pam's eyes flitted around the room as she took everything in, her hands flexing into claws and releasing, her body in a slight crouch.

I didn't move off the couch. I didn't want to startle her, so I allowed her to figure out I was here on her own. She caught my scent and shifted to look at me, her head cocked to the side as she took a deep breath and holding it, gathering my scent.

Her nose twitched and her tongue peaked from her mouth as she licked her lips. I could see a hint of her fangs. She didn't scare me...yet.

"You smell sweet and you smell like him," she said edging toward me. "You smell like the one who says he is my Master, does that mean you are my Mistress?" she asked.

Wow, someone had really done a number on her. I was opening my mouth to deny I was her mistress; just that I was Sookie and owned the house she was staying at when Eric reappeared.

"Yes Pam, Sookie is your Mistress and you will obey her as you obey me, as your Maker I command this of you." He was firm in his instruction and his eyes locked with mine in warning. "You will treat her with respect and you will not harm her. This is her home and you will be safe here, you will not leave it unless it is with me or Sookie."

I closed my mouth and nodded my head in agreement. If a maker command worked like I thought it did, I would no longer have to worry about Pam hurting me or taking off. The only time I had ever seen a command used was between Godric and Eric and it was a powerful thing to behold.

I stood up and walked toward Pam, she had relaxed in my presence and was waiting for whatever was to happen next. "Eric, I have set up the room next to mine for her if you would take her things up? I'll show her where the bathroom is so she can shower and relax, she can use one of my robes for now." He smiled at me and looked relieved I wasn't going to fight him on this and sped up the stairs. "Pam, if you will follow me you can get cleaned up. I bet you will feel much better." She followed me complacently, no emotion whatsoever in her eyes.

I took her to the guest bathroom and had to show her how the shower worked, where the supplies were and pulled out the towels and a robe for her. I left her when she began to strip and headed over to the guest bedroom to see what Eric had brought.

He was sitting on the bed in down time, snapping out of it when I walked in. It was the first time I had ever seen him look tired. I walked over and sat next to him, but I didn't touch him. He reached over and took my hand, rubbing with his thumb as seemed to be his habit, before speaking. "I do not know what to do for her. This is not a Pam I am familiar with, this weak and timid woman."

"She is just scared Eric, she will be ok once she realizes she is safe. We will take care of her and get back the old Pam. You will see, I have faith you will find who did this too her and make them fix her then make them pay." I was firm in my conviction.

He let a smile slip, "So fierce little Sookie. You will care for her for me? You promise me this?"

I could hear the echo of another Maker's voice asking me to care for his child, and my answer was the one I had kept silent. "I will try."

"That is all I can ask, it will have to be enough. Thank you for remembering the other details, I would not have thought to bring the things which would keep her amused." He nodded over to a bag that was separate from her clothes. I got up to put them away before asking him permission to look through her other things. He granted it then stood to leave, "May I use the other shower, I brought some of my own things."

"Go ahead Eric, I expected you would be staying just toss your dirty things in the hamper. I'll wash them and Pam's stuff tomorrow."

"You do not have to do such menial tasks for me; I can have Bobby take them to the Laundromat like he normally does." Eric explained his voice slightly stiff.

I was annoyed my domesticity made him uncomfortable. "Don't worry about it Eric, I don't mind it keeps me busy since I am not working right now."

He left for the shower and I took a glance through Pam's things, he had brought some books and some needlepoint as well as a sketchbook with some pencils which I did not open, figuring it would be rude to pry. I had not taken Pam to be the crafty type, but then I guess you would have to find various hobbies to stay entertained through the centuries. I wondered what Eric did when he wasn't fighting, fucking or feeding.

I went down stairs to see both of my vampires had showered and were sitting on the couch talking. Eric was in a pair of sweat pants and Pam in a robe. I told Eric I was going to take my own shower and then head to bed. He inclined his head to show he heard me but continued to talk to Pam. I would worry about the situation tomorrow, for now Eric had found Pam and she was safe, if not unharmed. That was all the mattered. I made sure the second guest room was ready for Eric, though I doubted he would use it. I wanted to make sure he understood I was expecting to sleep alone. I had finished my shower and was climbing into bed wearing a cami and sleep short set when I heard the hydraulics kick in. Eric was locking the house down for the evening. I was glad Eric would be the first to rise as I would not know how to deal with a hungry and confused Pam on my own. I closed my eyes and was fast asleep.

He woke me at dawn when he slid in next to me and pulled me into his chest; I just mumbled and snuggled closer. Who was I to fight against the comfort we could offer each other in the wake of knowing there was someone out there with the power to strip away the mind of a vampire. I just prayed we could find them.