A/N - True Blood and SVM characters belong to Mrs. Harris, Alan Ball and HBO. Original Characters and story line are mine. Your response has been over whelming, thank you so much for all the encouragement. Please enjoy the next chapter. I hope I can continue to meet your expectations.

Chapter 8

Scene 1 - SPOV - Not Now

The two aspirins I had taken this morning had worn off and my legs and back were screaming at me. I was paying for dead lifting (ha!) Pam and carrying her up the stairs over the weekend, not to mention the wrestling session with Marnie the Witch last night. The lunch crowd was due in soon so I told Sam I needed something from my purse and grabbed a couple more aspirin.

The day was shaping up to be another nightmare. I was worried about the two vampires at the house so I was only half listening to those around me. Sam had picked today for his brother Tommy to start as a bus boy for the tables. I could tell the kid was a shifter like his brother but the sullen and antagonistic personality he projected was off putting. I thanked Sam for keeping Holly occupied the previous evening then fended off his questions about what had occurred. I reassured him that everything was going to be ok but I did not think he believed me.

Sam was acting out of character. His normal rumpled appearance was absent, instead he was meticulously groomed, every hair in place and smooth shaven. His easy going attitude replaced by a more authoritative stance. If I threw away all my words of the day, he simply looked like he could kick the ass of anything that walked in the door. I asked him if he was expecting anyone important but he brushed away my question. I shrugged his appearance off as something to intimidate his brother to keep him in line.

The road crew rolled through the door and set up in my section. I walked over and took their order, giving Jason a howdy and Hoyt a smile. I wanted to have Jason over for dinner some night so that we could talk, but not with Eric and Pam in residence. I was internally debating just how much information about the supernatural world, specifically our family and my involvement with the vampires, he needed to know. I was going by the less is more excuse. Vampires and Fairies could sense when someone was lying to them not to mention vampire glamour. If I spilled to Jason about our fairy heritage it could put him at risk. He was one of Bon Temps major gossips, in fact he was neck and neck with Maxine Fortenberry for the parish title. Jason just flat out couldn't keep a secret. I decided to keep him in the dark for now.

I kept the smile on my face even though I wanted to slap her silly when Holly strolled into the bar and sat down with the road crew next to Hoyt. She was getting on my nerves. Why did she have to put the moves on a man who was already taken? Of course Hoyt allowing her to flirt and carry on did not bode well for his innocence in the matter. I really wanted to stick my nose in and interfere. I did not want Jessica to go through the heart break I could see coming.

You would think I would be worried about Hoyt; after all he was the human factor between two supernatural females and my brother's best friend. But I did not feel any sympathy. If he kept playing the flirting game someone was going to be hurt. He knew the risk of pissing off a vampire.

Holly followed the road crew out when they finished their lunch. The tip they left behind was decent and Tommy had the table cleared in record time. Maybe having him underfoot would not be so bad after all.

Before I knew it my shift was over and I was hurrying home. When I pulled into my drive way near the back door, one of Alcide's wolves stepped forward from the trees and waved at me. I waved back and threw out a mental net over the property; there was another wolf on the other side of the lot.

I rushed my shower, threw on jeans and a pretty sweater then gathered together the dirty towels and other laundry to start a load. It felt good to do normal daily chores to take my mind off the worries. My belly was demanding attention so I tossed together some pork chops, sliced up some potatoes and a little mushroom soup and placed it in the oven to bake for my dinner. I ate an apple to get me by while I put together a couple sandwiches for the were-wolves and walked them over to my picnic table in the back. Alcide would not take any money from me, stating that Eric was paying his people's wages but had agreed to allow me to offer food and drinks on occasion. It gave me a good feeling when I returned to find not a crumb remaining.

I sat down at my computer and worked through some of the spread sheet examples from the accounting books from the library. The numbers were starting to make sense, so I carefully set up my own budget and researched some future investments. Pam had told me she would help me out any time I wanted. I bit my lip wondering if she would keep that promise when she had her memories back.

The timer on the oven went off for my evening meal. I ate alone at the table for the first time in a week. I missed the banter with Pam. I shook myself mentally, no need to be dejected not yet anyway. I cleaned up the dinner dishes and swapped loads of laundry which I folded while waiting for the sun to set.

I heated up a True Blood and was sitting in the rocking chair next to Eric's bed when he opened his eyes.

"Hey," I whispered when I felt the bond spring to life.

His gaze shot to mine and his mouth curled into his trademark smirk. "Hello lover, what are you doing all the way over there?"

"How are you feeling?" I asked moving to hand him the True Blood.

He looked from me to the True Blood then around the room blankly before confusion filled his eyes. "Why am I in your spare bedroom?" he asked instead of answering me. He tried to sit up with difficulty while drinking the True Blood. I darted over to the trunk at the foot of the bed and pulled out an extra pillow before tucking it behind him to support his back. I resisted the temptation to push his messy bangs out of his eyes. He looked so vulnerable without his hair slicked back.

He grabbed my arm before I could return to the chair and pulled me over to perch on his side of the bed. He dominated the rooms queen sized bed. He was sitting semi upright with a bare chest, the linens fallen to his waist. I knew he was in boxers because I helped Pam strip off his clothes this morning. His chest had fully healed; there were no longer any silver scars. His skin was paler than I was used to seeing it and his face was drawn his eyes tired. Those eyes were currently bearing down on me waiting for answers.

"After we found you and brought you back here I thought it was better to put you where you wouldn't be disturbed. We, meaning Pam and I, felt it was better than my room in case you mistook me for an easy dinner."

"You're anything but easy Sookie," he replied looking around the room. "I feel like I have been drained dry," his mouth quirked into a half smile.

"Ya, well we have to talk about that when Pam get's up. Do you feel strong enough to stand?" I asked trying not to hover.

He set the bottle on the nightstand then reached to cup my cheek for a moment. I could feel reassurance flow from him. I smiled, stood and took a step back to give him room but close enough to grab him if he began to fall. Eric would not appreciate me treating him like he was helpless but I didn't think he would turn away assistance if it was necessary.

He flipped the blankets back and swung his legs over the side to plant his feet on the floor. He braced his arms and tried to push upright but fell back half way. He growled in frustration, glaring at the floor.

I didn't say a word just walked around the bed to the other side and climbed into it. I scooted so that I was kneeling behind him and shifted forward so that my knees were on either side of his hips. He started at the feel of me at his back. I touched his shoulder, encouraging him to lean against me. He looked back at me peering quizzically.

I smiled and reached my arm around him offering my wrist, "Isn't this the way I am supposed to do it?" I teased. "Go ahead Eric and feed; you need it more than the True Blood. I thought this way would be easier."

"It's not my preferred position," he smirked as he settled in, his head tucked under my chin and his back nestled into my breasts. He wiggled around more than I thought he needed to. He held my wrist to his lips and whispered, "Thank you," before he bit. I ignored the brief flash of pain and used my other hand to give into temptation and brush back his hair. I closed my eyes against the sensation of my blood being pulled into his mouth. My lower regions tightened and my hand slipped from his hair to glide across his chest, petting him. He hummed against my wrist and drew deeper. A few moments later I was starting to feel light headed so I tugged against his hands. He held on tighter and snarled.

"Eric," I said in his ear trying to pull away. He didn't listen so I yelled. He still did not listen and my mind was racing. I reacted on instinct and arched down to bite between his neck and shoulder, hard, my blunt teeth tearing through his skin. He roared his pleasure, releasing my hand, which was my intention. His blood filled my mouth forcing me to swallow as I pulled away the wound already healing. The moment his blood entered my system I could feel the bond between us become stronger, tighter, a side effect I had completely forgotten. At least Eric was now on his feet, looking down at me with concern. I said nothing, just held my still bleeding wrist out to him. His eyes flashed as he bent but all he did was tend the wound, licking it then biting his lip to allow blood to pool before kissing my wrist.

He sat back down next to me and wrapped one arm around pulling my head to rest against his shoulder, his other hand combing through my hair. I let my arm drop to the bed and leaned into him waiting for the room to stop spinning.

"An imaginative way to get my attention Ms. Stackhouse," he murmured into my hair.

I swung my free arm and punched him lightly, "It worked didn't it?"

"Yes but I should not have lost control. I regret the fear I caused." His arm tightened momentarily.

I pushed away the memories of Bill. "I was aware of the risk." I sat up and gently pulled away from him. He let me go with one last caress as I stood.

I turned and offered him my hand. He took it then slowly rose to his feet swaying only slightly. I swung his arm over my shoulder and stood along his side bracing for his weight.

I peered up at him and asked, "We good?" I ignored the sensations rushing through me at the sight and feel of his mostly naked body.

He looked down with a neutral expression, his eyes fathomless. "Very," he replied a moment later flashing his trademark smile.

"Then let's see if the two of us can make it to the kitchen before Pam rises," I commented as we began to slowly move to the door then the hallway.

We did not set any records but Eric was seated at the counter working through his third bag of donor blood when Pam strolled down. I was waiting with her blood and one look was all I needed to verify she had her memories back. She was immaculately dressed for Fangtasia business, every strand of hair in place and make up perfect. Her face was harsh, expressionless, her eyes wary when I held out her blood.

I spun around and reached for a dish rag, blinking back the tears.

"Sookie?" Eric questioned and I locked down the bond realizing he had felt my pain and despair. I ignored his query and turned to address Pam who was now seated next to him, delicately sipping her blood.

"Hey Pam, how are the memories tonight?" I asked just as I had all the previous evenings, knowing this time the answer would be positive. I braced myself for further pain, with my luck she'd remember all but her time here.

Pam looked between Eric and I with her head slightly cocked to the side and answered slowly, "There is nothing wrong with my memories, should there be?"

My mouth dropped open and I sputtered at loss for how to answer. Pam reached across the counter and patted my hand lightly. "Sookie you are gaping like a fish," she laughed then moved around the counter to give me a hug. She pulled back and shook me lightly, "I remember everything foolish girl." She let me go with a brush of her lips against my forehead and sat next to Eric who was watching the two of us with raised eyebrows.

I chuckled weakly, surreptitiously brushing my eyes. "Funny Pam, real funny." She grinned and held out her mug for another blood. I pulled out more for the two of them then settled onto the last stool. Eric was knocking at the shield I had between us. I sighed and lowered it, having nothing at the moment to hide. I watched his body relax as I let him in. He probably was uncomfortable enough with his situation without thinking I was keeping secrets.

"I see the two of you were busy while I was gone," he said looking at me and Pam.

"Sookie is fun for a breather, she taught me how to shoot," Pam answered excitedly.

I winced, now was not the time to talk about our bonding moment. "We need to talk about the witch Eric, how did you get caught?" I asked instead.

He dropped his gaze to the counter and muttered in a language I could not understand. Pam's smile grew wider and she snickered.

"What was that?" I prodded with a smile, "Sorry Eric, I did not understand a word you just said."

He shifted on the stool pulling on his sheriff personae and failing miserably to deter me. "Just spit it out Eric," I said.

"It was a trap," he snarled.

"Obviously," Pam drawled, examining her perfect finger nails.

"Not helping Pam," I admonished, patiently waiting for him to continue.

"I located her place of business thanks to Sookie. We ,Chow and I, watched her customers come and go and sorted out her schedule. Chow was supposed to meet me there Sunday night and we would break in after she closed and question her. Her place of residence was above her store, it should have been quick and easy. I did not see nor did I scent anyone else there." He explained his fingers drumming on the counter top.

"So what happened?" I asked.

"Chow was late. I went in alone, a witch even a werewolf should have been no trouble for me." He flashed fang at Pam when she growled, "I did not have a chance to prove that theory. There were four vampires waiting for me. I was able to kill two of them before they had me fully contained. They took me to the warehouse where you found me. I never saw the one you called Marnie again until she showed up last night. I was always surrounded by humans or the first wolf you killed."

"Who was the girl in the cage?" I asked thinking of the teenager we set free.

"I do not know, they never said her name. They pulled her out once to hook up to some of the machines otherwise she just slept. How did you find me?" he asked.

"Your anger and pain knocked Pam off her feet," I didn't mention my incapacitation. "It did not end until dawn I had to carry her up to her bed. The witch showed up during the lunch shift I was working at Merlotte's the next day. She was flashing around posters of Pam and asking if anyone had seen her. I asked her a few questions and picked out of her head that she had you and where she was holding you. Your blood wasn't the only thing she wanted from you, her thoughts were quite lewd," I smiled sardonically. "Pam and I made plans when I returned home. We called Chow and met him at Fangtasia, loaded up the van, I guess you've dealt with drainers before with all the equipment, and started to follow the directions I pulled from the computer. We found you and the rest is history." I left out the trepidation over giving orders to vampires and the surprise that they actually listened.

"Sookie was spectacular Eric, the whole plan was her idea and the way she teased the guards to get them away from the warehouse was worthy of a vampire," Pam enthused warming to her version of the story. "She pushed Chow around like he was one of her minions and you should have seen her face when she saw you and ordered us to kill that wolf. She would have torn his throat out herself if she had fangs. You really should turn her you know."

"Pam!" I screeched pushing away from the counter as if the two of them would grab me. I tried to tap down on the horror surging through me.

Eric tried to soothe me his voice rough when he spoke, "Enough Pam, she does not desire to be part of our world."

"Yet," drawled Pam.

I just rolled my eyes and cautiously sat back down. "I read Marnie between her attempts to fry my brain. I am sorry Eric but they got away with most of your blood." I felt really bad about that, if lots of different people drank his blood would he feel them all? "I did see who she was partnered with or maybe answered to. It was someone connected with Russell in the past; she had a memory of them in his compound talking. The guy was pretty big, almost as tall as you Eric but heftier. There was an Asian vampire with them, small whipcord lean. I think I could recognize the vampire but the big guy was in the shadows," I explained. "The blood was moved in an ice cream truck, but I couldn't find the company listed on the computer."

Before Eric could answer Pam took over, "Write everything down that you can remember Sookie. Eric, I'll have our people out searching in no time, once I get to Fangtasia tonight."

"I will get dressed and go with you," he stated surging to his feet.

"No!" We both shouted as Pam pushed him back down.

"Master you cannot be seen in this condition, you know that," Pam chastised. "You have too many enemies to risk exposure."

When she mentioned enemies I felt a shudder of uncertainty. "Maybe he should move to one of your other houses. I mean they could just burn you out of here."

Eric remained silent, studying me while Pam just looked thoughtful. She was the first to answer, "I remember the codes now of course, but I still think this is the safest place at the moment. You rescinded Chow's invitation?"

"Yes," I replied as Eric snapped a question, "Why did you need to rescind his invitation."

"Something felt off, it occurred to him he could claim Sookie if we found you truly dead," Pam explained.

"He said this?" Eric demanded leaning forward.

"It was in his eyes as he watched her. I warned him I would claim Sookie in your stead."

She had surprised Eric. He reached over and grabbed her chin forcing her to meet his gaze. "You would claim Sookie?" he asked.

"For you Master," she did not flinch, "You were right she is rare for a breather."

I tried to break the tension by pulling out another bag of donor blood and heating if for Eric while the two of them had their stare down. I counted the remaining bags and bottles of True Blood added in the case that was still left in the hidey hole before interrupting them.

"Guys we are going to need more blood. I won't be able to give as much as I did tonight and we are getting low on the other stash."

"I'll have Bobby drop some off tomorrow," Eric said grabbing for his phone that I had set in what had become its usual place when I emptied his pockets.

Pam reached to stop him and I knew they were going to argue again, so I excused myself to get Eric his clean clothes. Pam could help him dress if needed before she left. I didn't think he would appreciate my assistance. "I'll let you two hash things out. I am going to leave you alone and go read for a bit. Let me know what you all decide to do," I said as I dropped his things on the counter in front of them. I turned back to them when I remembered the van, "Pam the keys for the van are with Eric's things it is parked in the woods behind the propane tank."

They both ignored me. They had switched to their favorite language. I really needed to see if I could remember a word or two and find out what it was. Maybe with a bit of computer research I could learn some of it. I chuckled at the comical image of 'Sookie the computer nerd" that popped into my head.

I was fully absorbed in the mystery romance I was reading. The heroine was trying to infiltrate a ring of thieves who were selling Chinese Bronzes. The hero of course was calling her all kinds of fool for being stubborn and risking her life. I had just started the part where he was admitting he was wrong after she rescued his ass when Eric settled down next to me. I closed my book and looked at him expectantly. I figured we were going to soon have our own stubborn conversation.

He was working on a True Blood. I could see two more on the side table next to him. I'd be floating by now drinking that much liquid. His skin color was almost back to normal, but he still looked tired.

I had to ask, "You are going to be ok right Eric?" twisting my fingers in my lap. I had adjusted my position, my back against the armrest with one leg tucked underneath the other dangling. Eric was also against his armrest, his long legs stretched out to brush against mine before they met the floor.

He nodded, his face inscrutable, watching me while he sipped.

I took a deep breath, "Well that is good to know, did Pam leave?"

He gave another nod.

Talk about an uncomfortable situation, I could not get a read on him at all. "So then, are you staying the night?" He could answer that question couldn't he?

"Why did you come after me with Pam?" he asked instead making me squirm under his relentless gaze.

"She asked for my help, she needed my telepathy," I was staring at my restless hands as I replied.

He lifted my chin before I realized he had shifted closer. I couldn't avoid his probing gaze.

"You are mortal; you could have been seriously injured perhaps even died. Pam offered to claim you to keep you from the Queen or worse. There was no need for you to take such risks, why did you?" He pushed at me as if he could glamour the answer from me.

I licked my lips before I answered, his attention shifted to follow the movement. "I could feel what they did to you the pain, the anger and the humiliation when they bested you. I had to help you get out of there, I just had to. I couldn't just leave you there to suffer without trying."

His mask cracked for a split second when I mentioned the humiliation before his face smoothed back over. His hand tightened on my chin as he challenged me, "There is more, I can feel it, tell me."

He just was not going to leave it alone. I jerked away from him throwing myself off the couch to my feet as I snarled, "She took what was mine." Too late, I remembered saying almost the same thing when I attacked the witch, had Eric heard me then? Shit. He was going to be impossible to deal with now.

He stood behind me with his hands on my shoulders. He leaned forward to drop his chin on top of my head as he rubbed trying to soothe me. "Like Lorena," he said the bond pulsing with satisfaction and something more, something I could not identify. I was about to turn around and ask what the hell he was talking about when my mental alarms started to wail.

I froze in mid motion, closing my eyes searching for the intruder. Eric picked up on my tension and fear that was rising. He lifted his face and his nostrils flared trying to scent the infiltrator who was not yet there.

"What is it?" he asked.

I was still searching when I caught the void coming out of the woods near the cemetery, heading for the front porch. I scanned swiftly looking for others but came back empty.

"One void," I said. 'A vampire," I clarified. 'They are heading for the front door. They cannot find you here Eric!"

"I am not strong enough to do battle," he admitted with a frown. "Do not invite them in. I will stay out of sight. They will be able to tell I've been here from my scent. It is all over this house, including you." He said the last with pride. "Under no circumstance are you to go outside." He tapped my nose for emphasis with a twisted smile before he moved into the room's shadows. The fact he was not zipping around at vampire speed like he usually did in the house was evidence of his infirmity.

I took a deep breath and waited near the front door. The rest of the house was still barricaded. I had only opened the front portion to the sun when I had returned from work. I heard the porch creak and could see the screen door swing open before a knock sounded on the wooden door. I could make out a shadowy form of average height through the lacey curtains of the door. I waited a few minutes before stepping forward and opening the door.

"Good Evening Sookie," said the vampire in my door way.

"What the fuck are you doing here Bill," I snarled throwing up a shield between Eric and me. I had enough of my own rage to deal with right now, thank you very much.

I did not want to deal with my former vampire boyfriend Bill Compton right now. He had ripped out my heart and stomped all over it with his lies and betrayals. He was the reason Gran was dead, all because of he was a teacher's pet. He claimed to love me and fool that I was I believed him, for too long. My foolishness almost cost my freedom and my life. I had forgiven him twice, first for Lorena and then for almost draining me. The latter caused bile to rise when I thought of the makeup sex. He was still lying to me when Eric had come forward to open my eyes. Eric forced Bill to admit his collusion with the Queen and the most damning, his deliberate use of the Ratrays abuse to force his blood down me. You better believe my eyes came wide open then, as all the puzzle pieces had fallen into place. Here I had been bitching at Eric about a few drops of blood and how it made me feel, especially the dreams when Bill had poured what felt like gallons down my throat in our time together. Just call me Stupid Sookie.

"Sookie, we must talk you are in great danger," he begged me stopping when he hit the invisible vampire barrier.

My head was spinning as I was swamped with a rush of déjà vu. "Did you not listen to me the first time," I asked my voice rising. "I do not want to speak to you, see you or hear you ever again." I fought the childish impulse to cover my ears.

He started to reply but then his head lifted and his nostrils flared. "I smell Eric and Pam, but mostly Eric," his nose wrinkled as he tried to press forward closer to me. "You reek of Eric. Sookie what have you done? I know you hate me and do not trust me, but surely you knew better than to trust Eric of all people and what happened to your house?" he asked.

I was fuming and if they could I bet sparks would have been flying from my eyes. "What happened to my house? Eric happened to my house Bill. Eric and Pam and the rest of my friends, they fixed this place up while I was on vacation. They fixed all the damage from Maryanne and made it safer for me. When I came back and got all upset, Eric explained that it should have been your responsibility in the first place, because you had claimed me, some vampire rule you didn't follow. Yet you have the gall to stand here talking shit about the vampire who did all this for me before he claimed me?" I was embarrassed to admit I was shrieking now.

Bill's eyes widened in shock before they narrowed and he gritted through his fangs, "You let Eric claim you Sookie? You took his blood willingly?"

I was so upset that I didn't see Eric emerge from the shadows to stand behind me until he spoke, "She is mine now Bill, you gave up all rights to her in Mississippi remember? On top of that she denounced you right where you are standing two weeks ago. I did not have to coerce her. She was the one who asked for my blood and protection." I could feel the power and authority rolling off his body, daring Bill to question him. He was very careful to remain a few steps from the door.

Bill snarled, "You will pay for this," he spat as he spun away.

"Bill," I called out, stopping him in his tracks. "The only reason you are still alive is because I would not let Eric kill you, do not make me regret that decision. I will stake you myself if I have to." I paused a moment to see if he was listening. He was, his eyes round with surprise in the minimal light. "Stay away from Jessica too; you're no good for her. It's not like you wanted her in the first place."

"I released her," he answered in confusion.

"So did Lorena but that didn't seem to matter with you. Leave Jessica alone, she's got a good life going now," I reiterated standing firm.

Eric had been silent until Bill began to move away. "Oh Bill," he called over my shoulder. "Just how did you survive the wrath of our Queen?" he queried leaning against the wall next to me his arms and legs crossed nonchalantly.

Bill growled then sped off leaving a swirl of debris to mark his passing.

I spun around and grabbed Eric when I sensed him start to fall, kicking the door shut behind us as I dragged his arm over my shoulder. We struggled over to the couch where he slouched wearily. He was pale again and brackets of pain were showing around his mouth. I ran back to the kitchen and grabbed the last bag of donor blood; synthetic wasn't going to do squat right now. When I returned with the warmed blood he was finishing the last of the two True Blood bottles from the table next to him.

I shoved the blood into his hand, "Here you need this not that shit." I did not wait for his answer, returning to the kitchen to rinse out the bottles before tossing them. I went to the phone, lifted it and hit the master switch for the house, sealing it tight, and then I called Pam.

"Speak," her greeting was short and to the point.

"It's Sookie. Look we have another problem. Bill was just here."

"Fuck, you did not let him in?"

"Hell no, but he smelled you and Eric and went into a rant. He pissed Eric off enough that he came out of the shadows so Bill could see him," I explained, tugging on my hair in frustration.

"Tell me they did not fight!" she exclaimed.

"Eric stayed back, but he went all ape shit Sheriff on Bill. You know what I mean, whatever he does that has people running the other way."

"Oh crap, is he ok?"

"He used up a lot of energy, a lot," I emphasized, "He is in pain now and his skin is almost translucent. He is swilling down True Bloods and I gave him the last of the donor stuff."

"I cannot come back tonight, Nan is asking about Eric again. Bobby will be there in the morning and I will double the blood delivery."

"Pam this is scaring me, is he really going to be ok?" She would tell me the truth.

"If he lets his body recover, yes. It will be slow but he will heal and be the annoying Eric we both love," she replied.

I ignored her last comment, "And if he doesn't take it easy?"

"He will burn out; become nothing but a shell of his former self."

"I won't let that happen. Pam we have to find the rest of his blood, he needs it."

I could hear the clack of her heels as she paced before answering me, "Sookie, his blood is long gone, dispersed to dozens of dealers. It is what I would have done in the witches place. Do you still have time off available from the shifters?"

I rubbed at the pain forming in my temples, "I work tomorrow and Thursday, but just the lunch shift. I'll be home before three and then I have Friday and the weekend off before starting back on my old schedule, why?" I asked.

"Get all the rest you can, you need to be awake when Eric is. Keep him entertained so that he doesn't think about all the other shit that is going on. Make sure he has a ready supply of blood. If the entertainment is of the sexual nature, keep the athletics to a minimum."

"Pam!" I was blushing from head to toe.

"Sookie will you take care of him for me, please?" Her words were soft.

First Godric, then Eric and now Pam how did I become the responsible one?

"I'll try, you know how he is," I answered, the words twisting inside.

"That is all I can ask. I must go now," and she did.

I struggled with myself as I walked back to the living room another True Blood in hand. Eric was still on the couch apparently in down time. He woke when I set the bottle down on the table. He reached for the blood and slowly drank it down, with little improvement to my eyes.

"That's not helping is it," I whispered.

He let the bottle drop back to the table with a clunk when he was finished, leaning his head back before answering. "Not much but it is better than nothing."

I bit my lip. He caught the motion and shook his head, "No Sookie, I cannot take anymore from you. I will not bring harm to you for my own selfish needs."

I sighed, "Can you make it upstairs?" I asked.

"I think so."

"I'll be right back." I ran upstairs and started the shower in my bathroom. There were hand rails and a bench in the huge shower. I did not think they were installed strictly for safety reasons, but that is what I was going to use them for now.

I was panting when I got back to Eric. I tugged on his hand until I got him upright; together we managed to get up the stairs and to the bathroom. I grabbed the stool from the vanity and stood on it so I could pull his shirt over his head, then tugged off his belt and unfastened his jeans. I pushed them off his hips and down his legs then helped him step out, ignoring his body's natural reaction to my touch. He watched me with eyes that were lacking their normal sparkle as I undressed both of us.

I urged him to sit on the bench in the shower before taking up a soft cloth and soap to clean him from head to toe and washed his hair. He did not touch me until I was finished, then beckoned for the soap and indicated I should turn around. Even seated he could reach all the way to my shoulders and he returned my favor carefully. I had dropped the shield from our bond after Bill had left. The desire was still there but weariness was currently his strongest emotion. I swiftly washed and conditioned my hair, then shut the shower off.

We dried each other before I led him to my bed. I did not care that he was naked; this was not the time for misplaced modesty. He slipped in under the covers of what was becoming his part of the bed before I went to the other side. I ran the towel one more time through my hair before I braided it. I grabbed the first t-shirt I came across, which happened to be the old red Fangtasia one of his before I crawled into the bed next to him. He pulled me into his arms so that I rested against his chest, and then went limp, dead for the day.

I reached up and smoothed back the damp hair from his face.

"I would kill that bitch all over again if I could," I growled into the darkness allowing the tears to fall. I cried myself to sleep tucked into his shoulder, it was only a few minutes after midnight.