A/N - TB and SVM characters belong to HBO, Mrs Harris and Alan Ball, original characters and storyline are my own. I am overwhelmed by the reviews, feedback, commentary and alerts. It's as good as roasted marshmallows and Hersey chocolate. Hope you enjoy the ride.

Chapter 20

Scene 1 - SPOV - Party Pooper

It had been almost a week since I woke up in Eric's embrace. A week of dogged determination to get my physical strength back. A week of dealing with a very stubborn vampire who was coddling me to death. He would snap and snarl at anyone other than Pam or my brother who would be near me for any length of time and for the two of us he refused any physical intimacy, even my blood until he felt I was one hundred percent recovered. Pam grumbled the donor clinic was making a profit again.

I was relieved but also distressed he was not feeding from fang bangers. I was relieved because the jealous side of me feared someone else might catch his eye. I was distressed because I did not want him to think I was disgusted by or feared the fact he needed to feed and it could not always be from me. As Pam had told me months ago, to truly love Eric, I had to accept fully the vampire he was including all the freakin politics.

The politics which had him in such a foul mood for the past few days. He had located Quinn, who had sought sanctuary with another monarchy and was negotiating on getting him back to Louisiana. I guess it wasn't going to well. Sophie-Anne had apparently caused more problems by seeking out another marriage alliance when she could barely manage the two states she was in charge of and Appius had been called away by the Authority to deal with other matters. Before he left he stopped in to see me and warned me to report to Eric immediately if I saw any strange vampires hanging around.

I agreed I would even though the request was a bit odd since either Thalia or Pam was with me when Eric wasn't. Thalia had become my tiny shadow, she didn't speak much but when she saw me try to work out to a couple old DVD's to get my strength back she stepped up to show me some yoga type activities instead. When we were through my body seemed to be singing with energy. She would just nod her head and smile then disappear back into the woods.

Pam was determined now was the time to update my wardrobe since she basically had me cornered. So I peered through catalogs with her and placed orders and soon by the end of the week I was opening boxes with designer names I did not recognize and putting away my new clothes.

I was also learning about all the additional changes to the house. Eric had taken care of the remaining renovations needed upstairs, including the rafters and reinforcing the roof. I had never really explored the attic area too closely but when Jason was digging through things looking for clues to where I might be, Eric noticed it was not exactly safe to be traipsing around up there and took care of it. The scary thing was, even though I felt like I was living in Fort Knox now (in a good way) I knew it was only half of the precautions Eric and Pam took with their various safe houses. Eric reassured me there wasn't anything else he could do to make it safer for myself or a vampire unless I allowed serious structural changes to the house and grounds themselves.

I visited Merlotte's on the third day I was up and about and had a long talk with Sam. He was extremely apologetic about losing me during the incident but this time I couldn't just brush it off. I knew how long it took me to leave the car and wait in the foyer of Hooligan's before Preston grabbed me. I had watched Sam shift many a time and sometimes in rapid order so I had a good idea how much time it could take. The story I overheard between he and Jason, and the story he told Eric plus what I was picking from his own head did not mesh. I don't know what really happened but I no longer trusted Sam unconditionally anymore. My gut was telling me he did not help when he could because he truly thought I was better off where I was.

I quit Merlotte's there wasn't anything keeping me there anymore. I told Lafayette I would keep in touch and expected him to do the same. We talked for a bit and he told me they still had not heard from Tara though her car had been sold to a used car lot somewhere out west. I asked Eric if he had an opening for a human resources coordinator at Fangtasia and was struck speechless by the blazing smile I received in return. The next thing I knew Mr. Cataliades dropped off more paperwork and I was officially an employee at Fangtasia and surprise surprise three other companies Eric had his fingers in.

Currently I was sorting through some boxes Jason had labeled 'cool stuff' from the attic while waiting on Pam. Tonight was New Year's Eve and with her help I was going to end the 'hands off' streak Eric had placed between us. I had a new outfit all ready and planned on helping put the finishing touches on the Bar decorations before it opened.

In one box Jason had tossed packages of cards and letters, a couple of old accounting ledgers, some clothing and jewelry and a beautiful porcelain doll. The real find was a long narrow wooden box he had placed to the side. It was heavy when I lifted it and covered with dust. The wood was dark and heavily carved with what appeared to be oak leaves; there was a center hasp which was locked with an old fashion pad lock. Jason had left a note stating he had not found any keys in the attic and didn't want to use bolt cutters until I looked at it first. I was relieved he hadn't just forced the lock open, as there was a bundle of old keys in Gran's jewelry box.

I pulled out the keys and tried them one by one until I was rewarded with the sound of the lock releasing. I carefully removed it and pried open the lid. Now to be honest, by the size and shape of the box I thought I would find a rifle or musket from maybe the civil war or something like that. I figured it was just a fancy old fashioned gun case. I could not have been more wrong. Inside the box resting on blood red satin and wrapped in oil cloth was the most beautiful sword I had ever seen. You have to understand, I have had the pleasure of seeing two of Eric's sword collections and this piece put them to shame.

The blade was almost as long as I was tall with a double edge and swirling patterns of light-etched regions on the nearly black background of the blade. There were engravings running down the center which were filled with what looked like silver to make them pop against the darker blade. The hilt was more of the same metal almost two feet long and had a heavy cross piece with sharp nasty points on the 'T' and wrapped with some sort of leather which showed no signs of rot. The swirling watery sheen on the blade fascinated me so I did a bit of research and found the closest example to it was called Damascus Steel, where steel and iron were welded, twisted, folded and forged side by side.

I had wanted to give Eric something special for everything he had done for me, and my ancestors had just dropped the perfect gift into my lap. I placed the weapon back in the box, locked it again and then carried everything back down stairs. I found some fancy wrapping paper and wrapped the box using a silk ribbon to create a bow from which I tied the key to the pad lock. I placed the package on the kitchen counter along with my keys and other things for the bar before heading up to shower.

When Pam arrived I was slipping into my new dress. It was a sleeveless and form fitting a midnight blue silk which stopped a few inches shy of my knees. It had tiny silver embroidery along the top edging, drawing the eye to my ample cleavage. Pam did my hair into a fancy up do and pinned it in place with a fancy hair comb. I finished the outfit with a sapphire pendant necklace, a gift from Eric after our first blood exchange, and matching earrings. Pam supplied the racy heels and I was set to go.

"Will he like it?" I asked Pam anxiously for I knew Eric preferred me in reds.

"Sookie, you crook a finger to him in that outfit and watch the fangs drop."

"My eyes do seem to glow," I admitted after peering closely in the mirror.

"And your curves just don't stop." Pam's fangs were showing in appreciation.

"Let's go then," I said flashing a smile and feeling much more confident.

Eric wasn't at Fangtasia yet when we arrived and it did not take long for us to finish with the decorations. The bar was draped with silver and opalescent streamers with black and crimson helium balloons stuffed in a huge net over the dance floor. Each booth had a fancy candle holder with crimson, black and silver twisted candles and snacks for the humans. For the vampires there were tiny bottles of 'sampler' blood, some exotic mixes Eric was contemplating serving full time. He would make his choice based on tonight's reactions.

Pam was the one who told me what happened to Preston and warned me about the money now in my accounts. I was happy to know I would never see him again and understood Eric was trying to protect my human sensibilities by keeping silent. I asked Pam about the fairy blood and she said Eric used small amounts of it to reward the vamps who helped out that night, including Dr. Ludwig who apparently had many medicinal uses for it.

Pam held the doors for me so I could carry my gift in, which I placed in Eric's office next to his couch and covered with the Fangtasia throw he kept in there for me.

The bar doors opened and customers started to slowly come in. It took me a moment to realize it was not Chow behind the bar but Clancy instead, who seemed a bit grumpy so early in the evening. I walked over to the door where Pam was letting folks in and asked her where Chow was.

"Eric was displeased with Chow and had to censure him, permanently."

I winced inwardly, so Chow had indeed gone behind Eric's back and paid the price.

I stood by Pam, who looked fabulous in her skin tight black and crimson sheath, and helped pick out the underage and other undesirables who were trying to sneak in.

My telepathy was fully recovered and my shields stronger than ever. I didn't even have to think about maintaining them, they were just there and unless I wanted to hear, not a thought found a crack to sneak through. The whisper in my head which was Eric was thrumming along strongly without any severe mood swings. He appeared to be in a good mood though from the feel, still a ways away from the bar.

When Jessica arrived I took my leave so she could work with Pam after giving her a swift hug. She and Hoyt were still doing extremely well and she was happy working at Fangtasia.

It wasn't until after I waved at Thalia, who was working the throne tonight wearing her 'touch me and I'll bite your head off' facial expression, I realized how much attention the human customers were giving to me. I dropped my shields to get a peek into the mental gossip.

She just hugged a vampire like they were best friends.

The goddess on the throne winked at her.

What makes her so special?

My god the dress she is wearing must have cost a fortune.

I had reached Eric's booth by now and Ginger was already there waiting with my Gin and Tonic. The last thought I picked up about the dress had me making a mental note to speak to Pam later. Just where did she find it? The rest of the thoughts were the usual sex and blood drivel I was used to, along with basic petty jealousy and personal snipe attacks.

My acceptance by the Shreveport vampires had taken time to cultivate and lot's of pain. I was respected because of my connection to Eric and the things I had done to help, like Dallas. If you add in the now well known rumors about my telepathy you have someone who is no longer thought of as 'just a human' so I had basically taken a few steps up the vampire hierarchy. Believe me, that is a good thing.

I hadn't officially started at Fangtasia yet, but I was getting bored waiting for Eric so I went around and made sure the candles were replaced and the knick knacks on the booths refreshed whenever someone left, somewhat like a third hostess.

I felt a leap of lust and spun around to see Eric staring at me from the hallway. He was dressed in black jeans, biker boots and a silk shirt opened to the waist which was an exact match to my dress. Leave it to Pamela the perfect planner.

I distinctly remembered the last time we were in such a situation and had no intention of a replay. So I sashayed across the floor to him, the crowd parting like a wave, and stopped to smile at him then tilted and offered my neck. His eyes gleamed and I saw a flash of fang before he leaned down to place a light kiss on my collar bone. Then he gently turned me around and escorted me to the throne with his hand in the small of my back.

Thalia had already moved off to the rear of the bar to serve as bouncer and I hid my grimace at the sight of the chair which had magically appeared next to Eric's. He seated me before slumping down into his normal sprawled position. I sat like a lady and occasionally he would hold my hand but mostly he worked his blackberry, kicked away the curious vermin as he called them or tended to business when a vampire approached.

His apparent inattention did not bother me, the bond told a much different story and I knew he was happy I was there. We put on the Master vampire, human Telepathic companion show and everyone was pleased at the results. The bar was absolutely packed and Thalia took over the hostess position when Jessica became over whelmed by the pushy people trying to get in. Eric was meticulous about obeying the ordinances and laws which regulated how many bodies could safely be admitted into the club.

I excused myself to take care of my human needs and when I returned I found Eric busy with a couple of strange vampires. I caught his attention so he knew I was back and flicked a glance at his booth to let him know where I would be. I saw his slight nod of agreement before he went back to his discussion and made my way thankfully to the secluded booth.

As before a drink was already waiting for me, plain ginger ale this time. I smiled across the room to Clancy in thanks, who was looking a bit more cheerful then returned to scanning the crowd.

Jessica joined me an hour before midnight for her break and we talked a bit. She was excited about the house she and Hoyt had rented and told me about all the improvements he had made. Pam was circling through the crowd like a Gothic shark and I would signal her occasionally when I caught someone in the bar that shouldn't be. Jessica was fascinated, as she hadn't really seen me in action before and I pointed out some physical tells which were just as good as my telepathy to catch people.

A live vampire band had been playing throughout the evening and as the clock started to tick down the minutes before midnight, Eric left the throne to join me.

He held his hand out to me and asked if I would like to dance. I just about leaped from the booth into his arms; no way would I turn down a dance from Eric. He swung me onto the floor just at the start of a ballad, I had my hands resting on the front of his shoulders and his arms were wrapped around my waist and cupping my ass when I leaned back to look into his face.

He released me long enough to tuck away an errant strand of hair before speaking in a voice only I could hear, "You are beautiful tonight Sookie. You are practically glowing."

"I've missed this," I tried to explain. "Being together with you, out in public I mean." I sensed I was failing with my explanation since Eric had spent a lot of time with me at the house. "You are the sexiest and most powerful vampire in the Area and you are dancing with me, you are with me and no one else. Every human in the room wants to be where I am right now, which makes a girl feel damn good." I grinned and lifted to my tip toes to graze his mouth with a kiss.

His cocky smirk made an appearance, "You are happy to be with me, you wish others to see you are mine." A hint of uncertainty flickered in his eyes when he asked, "You do not wish to hide anymore?"

Good question to ask, did I have the right answer? You could count on me singing to the heavens I belonged to a vampire when I was in trouble, but in the normal every day grind I tried to fade into the back ground mentally begging everyone around me to ignore the little human. My mouth would say one thing when I had to act a certain way in front of other vampires but mentally I would have my fingers crossed as a disclaimer. And now? Did I have the answer for Eric? Was I ready to accept the label of being his no matter what the circumstances? Awe, hell yes because the Sheriff of Area five was all mine.

I was adamant when I replied, "No more hiding Eric. You are mine and I don't give a damn who knows it." To say he liked the answer was an understatement. I barely heard the final countdown to the New Year because of the fuzziness of my oxygen starved brain.

"Happy New Year Sookie," he said when he finally released me.

"Happy New Year Eric," I got to gasp out before I was tugged out of his arms and into the lips of a very happy Pam. I never got a chance to protest her thorough examination of my mouth before she planted one on Eric with a wicked grin, daring either of us to comment.

"Happy New Year you two," she drawled.

Eric just laughed and pulled both of us into a hug and walked his two favorite girls back to our booth.

The evening was winding down and the employees were getting ready for last call when something glancing against my shields caught my attention. Pam was talking to Eric about some inventory she wanted to bring in when I raised my hand for silence. I dropped my shields bit by bit trying to find what was poking at me without leaving myself vulnerable only to immediately throw my mental net out to full range when I picked up the first set of voids.

"Eric," I said. "I don't think it is normal to have over a dozen voids gathering out in the employee parking lot is it?"

"Shit," was all he said before ordering the bar immediately closed and hustling the humans out.

I picked out a familiar thread which had been politely knocking on my shields and tossed over to Eric, "Appius is out there with them."

Eric's face became grim and I knew before his mouth opened what he was going to ask me. "No, I am staying. I am the only way you will know if more decide to visit while you are entertaining these ones."

He snarled then gave in with a frown, "I need you to become a shadow then Sookie. Do nothing to draw any attention and if I tell you to leave the room, do so immediately. They may ask me to glamour you. If they do I will try to give you enough verbal cues to know how to act afterward. Only a few of us know you cannot be glamoured and I want to keep it that way."

I agreed and he had me slide way back in the booth then nodded to Pam to open the employee door. I almost growled when I saw one of my least favorite vampires walk in as if she owned the place. I felt Eric's amusement to my reaction.

"Northman," Nan Flanagan scowled. "Why is it I seem to find myself constantly dragged back to this shit hole to deal with you?" Behind her the rest of the vampires poured in, all but two dressed in swat team outfits. This would be my first experience with the 'V Squad' as Ginger called them. One of the vamps was Appius who flashed me a smile, the other was not particularly tall, but he was a striking man. He was wearing a business suit. His hair was short and curly. I thought it was black. He stood like a vampire with a cocky attitude.

"Perhaps you just wish to bask in my masculine presence," was Eric's reply to Flanagan, even Pam's lips twitched on that one.

Nan Flanagan reminded me of a badly misused hatchet. All sharp edges and angles with a rusty tongue, she just grated on my nerves. I remembered Eric's words and kept my mouth shut, sinking a bit further back in the booths shadows, hoping Eric's broad shoulders helped to block me from Nan. I forgot I was the only one there with a heartbeat, they didn't.

"Who's hiding behind you Eric?" Nan asked and as Eric reluctantly pulled me forward I watched her lip curl up in distaste and again had to bite back a growl.

"You again," Nan said with disdain. "I should have known you would be following him around like a good little puppy." She turned to Eric, "So she is your bonded now and Compton met his true death?" She smirked at Eric's nod, "Mighty convenient timing wouldn't you say?"

My mouth opened but Eric beat me to it, "Not really. I am sure you did not come all this way to speak of my human companion. How may we be of service?" His face was as cold as marble.

"You are aware your Queen sought a marriage contract with Arkansas?"

"Yes"

"Are you aware the King of Arkansas met his true death last night?"

Eric's face if anything became colder and harder, "No" I hoped the bitch wasn't trying to accuse Eric of anything.

"He was found dead approximately three hours after your Queen signed the final contracts and spoke their vows." Nan explained. "Sophie-Anne is denying any knowledge of his death, but due to her previous relationship with Edgington and the fact she can barely maintain the two states she already rules, the Authority is stepping in." She looked at Eric expectantly but all he did was encourage her to continue.

"You are going to make this dull and boring are you not," she muttered then took an unneeded breath before speaking. "Sophie-Anne has been relieved of her title; she is no longer a Queen. Understandable after the death of two Kings not long after marrying her. Her child Andre Paul has conveniently agreed to take over Mississippi, which leaves Louisiana in need of a King," again she was looking at Eric expectantly.

I saw Eric flick a glance in Pam's direction and the tiny shake of her head and it dawned on me what they were asking of him. I wanted to shout out a resounding hell no, but did not feel I had the right so the brief flash of inquiry I felt through our bond caught me by surprise. Was he really asking me for my opinion? I took the chance I was not reading him wrong and pushed back a negative and felt in return a strong swelling of determination and resolve.

"What do you want me to say Ms. Flanagan?" He asked with a bored tone.

"For the love of God," she huffed and then demanded, "Do you accept the title of King of Louisiana?"

"Absolutely not," his voice was firm and undeniable.

Flanagan looked astounded then turned to Appius and threw her hands in the air, "Fine then, you were right Appius Livius, he did refuse."

Appius scowled and then his face smoothed into one of resignation, "I told you he had no interest in increasing his power base."

"The job is yours then Appius, congratulations."

My jaw dropped and I felt full blown amusement pulse through Eric. Appius did not look exactly excited with his new title, but whom better than the oldest vampire in the state if not the nation like I secretly thought. He and Eric got along well, they would work as a good team and Eric wouldn't have to kiss ass like he did with Sophie-Anne. If anything he might be able to enjoy some of the new vampire politics or even relax a bit with someone as powerful as Appius running things.

"Now that is all settled, I have two more announcements Eric," Flanagan said. "The first is you are required to attend Sophie-Anne's trial in Arkansas, she is calling on you as a character witness, and secondly I would like to introduce you to your new Magister." She beckoned to the cocky vampire who had been standing in the shadows. I felt Eric stiffen and felt a sinking in my stomach. His reaction usually meant it wouldn't be long before one or the other of us would be pulling asses out of the fire.

"Victor," Eric said before Flanagan could finish the introductions.

"Eric!" the vampire responded with a fang filled smile, which I thought was quite rude. "Such a lovely establishment you have here. I see you have done quite well for yourself over the past few centuries."

Eric's only response was a curt, "Indeed" before Flanagan started speaking again.

"Victor Madden has graciously agreed to join us after leaving the employment of de Castro of Nevada. We have heard good things about him and are confident he will serve his role well," she gushed like a fan girl.

I mean sure he was sexy but next to my Viking he was nothing to brag about.

Victor switched his attention to me, "And this must be the beautiful telepath Sookie Stackhouse who we've heard so much about."

Now that comment brought animation to Eric's eyebrows. Who am I kidding; mine were taking up root in my hair line too.

"Magister," was my response as I remembered the lecture from the former Magister Appius over the formalities. Pam cracked a smile and winked at me.

Since I was not providing any additional amusement by embarrassing Eric, Victor began speaking to Eric and Ms. Flanagan while I settled back and tried to figure out who was rapidly spilling the beans on my abilities. Isabel in Dallas was quite tight lipped; they wouldn't want it well known about telepathy especially with Barry at risk. Sure there were rumors in Louisiana, I couldn't stop the rumors but Eric was very careful whom he allowed me to read for and the contracts were iron tight about bragging rights. There weren't any.

I was starting to feel annoyed about having my evening plans ruined when Flanagan and her squad decided it was time to take their leave. Appius said he was remaining to spend some time with Eric amidst a deluge of worries for his safety, the loudest coming from Victor.

"I will be fine," Appius announced. "The only people who know my current status are in this room and only one of them is a threat." Of course Victor was the one to smile, ego much? I knew he was speaking of Eric, for Appius had admitted in the glade his confidence in Eric bringing him down if necessary.

I was happy when Pam and Appius just slid into the booth with me and Eric instead of heading to his office. I didn't want my gift to be discovered yet.

"Ocella it never occurred to me you would wish to be a King," Eric teased pulling me close to him with an arm around my shoulders. I obliged by cuddling closer.

"I knew you wouldn't do it, especially not with your current situation," Appius shot a pointed glance my way. What was he talking about? "Either I took up the crown are you would be kneeling to De Castro, tell me, which one would you have preferred."

Pam spoke up, "Not the snake De Castro," and Eric nodded in agreement.

I asked, "Who's De Castro."

"Felipe de Castro is the current King of Nevada," Eric responded. "He is also who I suspect was behind Chow and various other issues."

"What issues," I pushed now he had my curiosity piqued.

"Gambling is big business in Nevada, so is entertainment."

"So the fight clubs, new race tracks all that stuff?"

"Exactly" This time it was Pam who answered. "Felipe is ambitious and has been quite open about his desire to expand."

"So Appius taking the crown will hold Felipe off?"

"For a while," Appius replied. "I am a wild card. Victor is probably running back to Felipe right now to tell him Eric turned the Authority down."

I had to ask, "Why did you Eric?"

He pulled the comb from my hair and ran his fingers through the loose strands, it was quite soothing. "I have no wish to have a giant target on my back, besides you know how much I hate paperwork." The last response was accompanied by a smirk. Then he spoke to Appius, "but you Ocella I did not expect to see you give up your freedom and you despise the paperwork just as much."

"Pft Eric," Appius waved a hand in dismissal. "I have been bored in the Old World, since coming here to your Area the excitement never seems to cease. I will play King for a couple of centuries and then if you wish you can have the crown."

I did not understand why Eric's hand froze in my hair for a moment, or why he shot a warning glance at Appius so I decided to be straightforward.

"Will someone please tell me what it is you two are trying not to tell me?" I demanded glaring at both men while Pam snickered across from me.

Since Eric did not open his mouth, Appius gave a loud sigh and filled me in.

"Eric should not be King as long as he is bonded to you Sookie." Appius spoke over my sputtering. "You are his Achilles heel. The human who if harmed could bring him to his knees in pain, or if kidnapped could force his hand against his wishes. You are also a telepath of great worth and unless you are married by vampire law he could be forced to trade you as an asset. And finally as King he would have to consider potential marriage alliances with vampire Queens. I do not believe such an alliance to be something you would accept, am I correct?" he inquired.

I shook my head.

Appius continued, "I have already agreed to protect you, Eric and I have been associates in the past which will serve both of us well in this circumstance and when you have passed from this world in a few centuries Eric will still have the opportunity to rule if he so wishes."

There goes Eric freezing up again, I sighed I really wish everyone would leave so he and I could talk. We needed to clear up a few things.

"Thank you for the explanation, I appreciate it."

"Anytime Ms. Stackhouse and may I extend to you the first invitation to my coronation. This should shortly follow Sophie-Anne's trial."

I smiled at him, "I gladly accept I hope you will save one dance for me. That is if Eric will let me dance with the King." I couldn't resist, I poked Eric in the ribs. He obliged me by laughing and went back to massaging my scalp. I wanted to sink into him and purr the night away.

Appius turned to Pam with a bow, "And you my dear I hope will accept my invitation to be my companion for the coronation. I would be honored to have such a lovely gem on my arm all night."

Pam flashed a smile, "You flatterer, why don't we go someplace to make plans and leave these two love birds alone?"

"It would be my pleasure." He winked at me, "Sookie, Eric have a good evening."

"Your Majesty," I fluttered back to him with the best bow I could do in a bar booth.

When they left Eric was silent, still playing with my hair. My patience for the evening was gone so I surprised him by leaping over the back of the booth then grabbing his hand and pulling until he came to his feet. "Come on!" I urged, "I've been waiting for this all night." He let me pull him back into his office and I shoved him onto the couch.

Once he was seated he looked at me in confusion. I didn't keep him waiting for long for I tossed the cover off my gift and lifted it with a grunt then laid it onto his lap before sitting on the floor in front of his feet.

"Well open it!" I pressed when he just stared.

"You got me a gift?"

"Well duh, come on open it!"

I was bouncing on my butt with impatience as he slowly untied the bow, tucking the key to the side before carefully unwrapping the gift. He darted a look my way and I couldn't resist his mischievous smile.

"Am I doing it wrong?" he asked. "You are usually much slower..."

Ok so I like to save wrapping paper, so shoot me. "You are doing fine Eric," I grumbled.

When the paper was gone he sat there running his fingers over the wood and tracing the various carvings.

"It opens but there is a lock, you have the key..." I prompted.

He slowly reached for the key then inserted it in the lock carefully turning it until the clasp fell away. He set both lock and key aside and opened the box. I had gotten to my feet and was pacing nervously.

I figured he had an idea by now what it was for his eyes had started to glow. His hands moved carefully as he unwrapped the sword. I had moved back to give him plenty of room to move and I could not hold back my gasp when I saw the weapon in his hands for the first time. They were a perfect match. If I didn't know better I would say the sword had been made just for him.

He looked at me with eyes aglow and excitement lighting his face. 'Sookie where did you get this?" he demanded.

"Consider it a gift from the Stackhouse family. Jason found the box in the attic. I just opened it today and I knew right away you should have it."

"This is a Fae wrought blade. I did not know there to be any more in existence. They were last seen in the Great War, few could stand against them." His words carried a touch of accented awe.

"So it's a good sword?" Maybe a stupid question considering the look on his face but I didn't know a blade from a toothpick. The thing could snap on contact for all I knew.

"Very good, very special." He stood and took a couple of experimental swings; believe me I moved as far away from him as I could. "Very well made, perfect." He carefully wrapped the blade back in the oil cloth, set it in the box, closed the box and locked it then carried it over and placed it behind his desk. "Do not let me forget to take it with us when we leave, now come here," he said pulling me into his arms.

"A very special gift from a very special woman," he whispered in my ear as he eased the zipper of my dress down. He helped me step out of it, and then kneeled to remove my shoes and then my bra making sure each breast received special attention. My hands were busy pulling his shirt tails out of his jeans and urging the shirt over his shoulders. He stood up and swiftly kicked off his shoes then shucked his jeans, allowing me to admire his fantastic physique before disposing of my panties.

When we were both naked he carried me over to the couch where he carefully laid me down before following, hovering just over top. Our hands and mouths were busy re familiarizing ourselves. It wasn't long before I was chanting his name watching his eyes as he requested before he bit into my femoral artery. After that first taste of bliss he was inside me and I could not tell where he started and I finished. Like he said, everything was perfect.

We rechristened his office and he talked me into a curtain call on the throne. I have to admit I really enjoyed that particular encounter. We scrambled back into our clothes and I reminded him to grab his gift, locked the bar and he drove us to his house.

After a shower and another tumble across his bed we laid cuddled together when I decided it was time to broach a sensitive subject. He was playing with my nipples and I could feel he was contemplating another round before dawn when I captured his roving hands.

"Eric I have something very important to talk about with you," I said scooting slightly back so I could look up into his face.

"What is it lover," he asked sliding up to sit against the head board pulling me with him until we were both comfortable.

"I was able to do a lot of thinking while in Faerun, even more when I was trying to fix my head." I was toying with his chest hair feeling distinctly nervous despite the calm he was sending in my direction.

I decided to just spit it out, "If things go south again, I giveyoupermissiontoturnme." I spoke so fast everything ran together. He flipped me over onto my back and trapped me with his arms and legs then arched his body to stare directly into my eyes.

"Say that again, slowly this time," he growled.

"If it looks like I am going to die or if there is a chance another vampire could become my maker and there is absolutely no way to keep it from happening otherwise. I give you permission to turn me." I spoke slowly and evenly. "I am not saying I want to be turned now; I don't even want to be turned in the next ten or twenty years or even longer depending on just how good these Fae genetics are. But I will not put you through hell again, wondering if I am going to live or die. Nor am I naive enough to believe there isn't a chance of another vampire out there trying to do it for themselves. Maybe I am being selfish Eric, but I want to be with you for as long as I can as a human, then as a vampire if you will have me. I know Gran will still be there waiting for me no matter what."

He just stared at me then rolled off to the side, placing his left forearm over his eyes, hiding from me for a moment. I curled over onto my side and placed a hand on his chest, becoming worried he might not be as happy as I thought he would. I couldn't tell. He had blocked the bond.

"Eric?" I asked softly.

He lifted his arm and surreptitiously rubbed his eyes before grabbing me and hauling me over his chest so I was sprawled over him.

"I will not turn you unless there is no other choice. I will not take you away from your sun. But I would be honored to have you at my side when you choose." He then proceeded to make sweet delicious love to me so I would know without a shadow of a doubt I had just made him a very happy vampire.

The sun pulled him under before I found my own rest. I was looking forward to the next evening; we had decided to take a couple of days just for us before Eric had to head for Arkansas. We had argued a tiny bit but he finally agreed to take me with him. I said the safest place I could be right now was at his side. It was too soon for me to let him get that far away from me. Call me possessive, I don't care my instincts we telling me we would be safer sticking together. Every time I've ignored my instincts I've gotten into deep doo doo. Not going to let that happen if I could help it.

So two days of fun playing with my vampire, then a few days of politics followed by yet more politics. Sounds like everything is normal in the vampire world.