A/N- True Blood and SVM characters belong to Mrs. Harris, Alan Ball and HBO. Original Characters and story line are mine. Thank you for your wonderful support, I enjoy reading every bit of feedback. To get me through the dingy days of winter I started a few seeds, and what-ya know I ended up with a small lemon or two.

Chapter 21

Scene 1 - SPOV - Together

I was reading in his library when Eric startled me by dropping a kiss on my bare neck.

"Evening lover," he said with a smile I could feel along my skin.

I dropped the book and reached over my head for him pulling him closer. I was a bit miffed at myself for losing track of time; I had planned on being naked next to him in bed when he rose.

"Something wrong?" he asked picking up on my mood as he lifted me up then slid in behind me on his comfy couch.

"I did not realize how much time had passed," I admitted. "I wanted to be there when you rose."

"Then let us start over." He swung me up and zipped back to his bedroom. He let me fall gently from his arms to the bed then dropped the silk trousers he had been wearing and sprung into the bed to bounce for a few seconds before he curled up onto his side in our favorite spooning position. His eyes were closed but there was a faint smile dancing on his lips.

I laughed and swiftly divested myself of the jeans and t-shirt I had been wearing, then peeled off my underwear and let my hair out of its ponytail then I scooted in next to him and manipulated his arms, just as I would have if he was truly at rest until we were snuggled tight. I closed my eyes with a contented sigh and waited for his next move.

He went from perfect stillness to dancing fingers in a heartbeat. One hand held me solidly against him allowing me to feel he was excited by our little game of pretend. The other hand was brushing against me cheek, traveling down my neck his nails lightly scraping. Soon fingers were circling my breasts drawing nearer and nearer to the puckered centers demanding his attention.

His hands were everywhere, their cool touch setting me on fire until my hips were rotating against his in an ancient demand. He wasn't in any hurry, only adjusted our bodies so I could feel him tease at my entrance from behind. One long arm had slid down my body until his talented fingers were slipping between my thighs stroking to an internal rhythm the other was plucking my nipples in harmony while he rumbled in contentment. He was driving me higher and higher and just at the moment he pushed me over ecstasies edge he shifted and plunged home deep inside. I was still pulsing around him when his fingers started their driving rhythm and the feel of him rocking behind me brought tears to my eyes.

This time he was merciless in his teasing, bringing me close time and time again only to stop and hold both of us still until he felt me relax, then he would start all over again. When I was to the point of screaming with frustration, he rolled to his back adjusting us in mid motion so I was riding him. He took his arms and tucked them behind his head and watched me with a lazy smile. His body language inviting me to take what I wanted. I thought being so close it would only be a few seconds of grinding against him before I would find my release, but having the power to drive him mad dropped into my hands drove away the compulsion to finish.

I let a wicked smile cross my lips then leaned back and rested one hand on his thighs while I blindly reached with the other until I was cupping him as I rose and fell drawing him as deep as the position would let me. I let a hiss fall from my lips from the wonderful friction and locked our gazes, waiting until I saw the faint hint of narrowing to his eyes before I shifted again, falling forward to nibble on his chest and lightly nip at his hard little paps. He growled once and when I looked up I saw his arms beginning to slide from behind his head. I bit a little harder before releasing him with a shake of my head to indicate I did not want him to move.

I started to alternate twists with the thrust of my hips and ran my hands down and over his chest and abdomen feeling both of us get close. He was so beautiful beneath me and all mine. I started to rub at my own body as I watched his eyes and smiled when he asked permission to touch me. He sat up and pulled me deeper into him while I increased our rhythm and his mouth latched onto a tautly begging nipple. I held him close to me and let go allowing the pleasure of release to rush over and pull me under, calling out his name when I felt the piercing of his fangs. He thrust hard once then twice then I felt the pulse of his release coincide with the draw of his mouth against my breast.

We held each other content after he had closed the tiny wounds then raced each other to the shower. He even let me win.

When we were happily dry my stomach growled and Eric nudged me to get dressed, saying he had made reservations for us tonight. I beamed at him with excitement; we had never gone out before.

I chose a silk wrap dress in his favorite color and twisted my hair in to a loose up do, then stepped into heels and we were good to go. He chose a charcoal grey pinstripe suit with a silver blue dress shirt. I talked him out of the tie. He helped me with my coat and then we were on our way.

The restaurant he took me to was small and secluded in what once was a warehouse district of Shreveport. The area had been purchased by various developers and old building had been converted to condos, stores and restaurants, giving it an old town feel with a bit of a modern twist.

The table we were seated at allowed a full view of the room and I admit I was a bit smug at the envious glances sent my way. I dipped into a few minds and my smile grew wider.

"Heard anything interesting," Eric asked me with a small grin.

"Nothing you are not already aware of," I replied while perusing the menu. I had to hide my own little smile when Eric flashed a bit of fang at the male waiter who lingered a tad too long pouring my wine.

Eric sipped on an exotic blood while I daintily devoured my steak and vegetables. We conversed quietly and I relaxed fully enjoying the companionship. This was one of the things which had drawn me to Eric from the beginning. We clicked when it came to reading between each other's lines in a general discussion. I did not feel awkward trying to joke and tease and he would listen to me intently when I tried to explain something. If I did not understand the subject under discussion he would go into more detail or reword the explanation until it made sense, without sounding condescending.

He was always aware of what went on around us his eyes seeking each new person seated weighing for potential threat. When we were both finished and I had declined dessert he guided me from the restaurant with a teasing hand at my back.

He took me to a theater next where a vampire troupe was featured, the tale one of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The costuming was gorgeous and the actors used the whole theater not just the stage for their theatrics. I couldn't stop the shriek when one of the actors leaped out in front of me from the once empty air. Eric just chuckled and held me closer his relaxation signaling I had nothing to fear. I huffed and swatted him then edged forward on my seat to watch the rest of the show.

Eric was not overt in his affections which suited me just fine. He would walk with a hand at my waist or an arm behind my shoulder if we were seated with his fingers gently teasing my skin. I didn't need hand holding or constant kisses or public nuzzling to proclaim him as mine his presence at my side shouted it loud and clear. When we ran into other vampires they treated me with as much deference as they gave him. I would step away from them to give them privacy to talk yet still remained where Eric could see me and reach my side swiftly if needed.

There was only one slightly shaky moment, when I had to excuse myself for human needs during the intermission. A slightly drunk female, dressed to the nines accosted me in the rest room.

"That's some sex on a stick you got escorting you sugah," she said licking her lips in appreciation. "How did a little girl like you claim his attention?"

I looked her up and down in a way I imagined Pam would. Her dark hair was held back by pins to fall down her spine and the beaded dress she wore strained at the seams. Her makeup was caked on and her eyes were hazy with drink, not to mention the reek of alcohol on her breath.

"He appreciates a lady," was my reply as I edged by her to walk out the door. I had taken two steps into the hallway and could see Eric waiting for me when her clumsy hand grasped my arm and spun me around.

"You ain't sayin I'm not a lady are you, you little whore?" she snarled her hand tightening roughly.

My reply may have been a bit childish, "If the shoe fits..." but my physical reaction was not. I grabbed her thumb and bent it backwards until she released my arm and then twisted until she had to fall to her knees or risk breaking a bone. "I do not remember giving you permission to touch me," I growled before I shoved her backwards onto her padded ass then calmly stepped over her on my way back to Eric.

He offered his arm without saying a word and we returned to our seats in the theater. The curtain had yet to rise for the second half when he whispered, "Where did you learn that move."

I could tell from the way his slacks were fitting the little fracas had excited him. "I learned it from Pam," I whispered back. "She thought I should know how to handle myself in a cat fight."

The curtain rose before he could respond, he just showed his appreciated by slipping his hand up to caress and stroke the back of my neck. I couldn't suppress a shiver at his touch but I managed to bite back the urge to purr.

The rest of the evening passed without further interruption and I swore I clapped the loudest when the play was over. I was bubbling over with happiness when Eric walked us to his car and then drove us back to Bon Temps. He waited while I packed what I would need for Arkansas, after he chose two extra dresses from my wardrobe. He told me to pack a third for tomorrow, letting me know I would need to be comfortable in it and the shoes I would be wearing for a length of time. Then we locked up the house and drove back to Shreveport.

There were still some hours before dawn and I longed to spend them with Eric but I was exhausted from all the fun, not to mention the wonderful food. We ended up back in his bed and while we savored post coital bliss I thanked him for the evening.

"I have never had an evening like this before Eric, Thank you," I whispered with all sincerity after stealing a kiss.

"I wish to spend many more with you," he admitted. "There is so much I wish to see through your eyes."

"I look forward to it," was all I could say before I was out like a light.

The next night I dressed in a soft cotton jersey dress with flats, sure I would miss the couple of inches heels would give me against Eric's height but on the other hand I felt even more delicate against him.

He took me to dinner again, this time the restaurant was casual and family orientated. It was run by a pair of shifters and children darted around the tables. Eric was dressed in dark jeans and a nice sweater and oddly enough didn't seem to mind the children at all. When I asked him about it he told me he had forgotten how entertaining they could be until the night he met Arlene's two kids, when Sam brought them to ask for help against the Maenad.

"Sure they can be messy and smelly," he said. "But they see things much more clearly than adults, they add more color to the grey humans seem to see life as."

He asked me about my child hood and I told him how hard it had been when my parents died, especially since I had resented my mother for her feelings toward me. He asked how I had learned to keep thoughts out of my head and I explained the painful process of learning to shield. I laughed and told him I was lucky to have a good imagination and a thirst to read otherwise it may never have clicked to build a castle wall, which seemed to be the only thing which really worked.

I also told him about the fun times I had, playing with my brother and some of the more accepting kids. The summer nights swimming in the pond or chasing each other in the woods. I told him about learning to cook from Gran and all the little things she taught me about being a lady and keeping a home. When we were through I realized I had never really spoken about my life growing up to anyone else before and felt a bit lighter afterward.

After dinner he took me dancing, hence the comfortable shoes and dress. I think I have mentioned before I loved to dance. So apparently did Eric, when there wasn't a hoard of fang bangers drooling over his gyrating body.

The club he took me to was large and multi floored, once again catering to all the supernatural. Eric and I danced the night away, neither one of us allowing someone else to cut in. Apparently I was just as popular as he was as a potential dance partner. Every time the songs would slow, Eric would gather me close and seduce with his roving hands and body. My appendages were just as busy and when the signal came the club was closing we were both extremely hot and bothered.

We made it home and barely into his kitchen before I was stripping off his sweater and going for the button on his jeans. My dress was tossed on to the counter and my bra and panties soon followed. We ended up on the rug in front of the fire place, even though there wasn't any fire. I loved the feel of the fur rug against my skin and Eric seemed to agree.

He kissed me long and deep his tongue a silky rough counterpoint against my own. His fangs had dropped but by now I had become an expert in kissing through them. I had my hands buried into his short hair, running my nails lightly against his scalp and he left my mouth with a slight moan. I was more than ready after all the dance floor foreplay and greedily answered his nudge for entry with a welcoming thrust of my hips. We moved together slowly, savoring each other with each lick and kiss and touch. The pleasure built gradually, each peak just a pause before reaching for another. We rolled around a bit and he found a position that had me coming apart with the first thrust, we just meshed together perfectly. When he finally bit and found his own release both Eric and I were rumbling in pleasure.

I was satiated and well loved, there is not much more I could ask for. Eric slipped away to get a warm cloth and cleaned me gently before starting a fire in the hearth and bringing me close in his arms again. I was comfortable by now in my nudity around him, how could I not be under the constant gaze of appreciation turned my way. The heat from the building fire felt wonderful against my body and I snuggled back into Eric.

He was stroking my hair as he began to speak, "We need to talk about Arkansas before we retire Sookie."

I just hummed an agreement.

"There are not very many vampires there, and those who are will appear a bit crass. If vampires have to be around a number of their kind they prefer those which share some of the same sensibilities and will orbit toward a Monarch with the same tastes," his voice changed to one of antipathy. "The King of Arkansas was quite an ass, an uncouth one at that and he surrounded himself with others who felt the same."

"Then why would Sophie-Anne wish to marry him?" I asked in surprise. Sophie-Anne may have been a bit crazy but she appeared to be one who took social graces seriously.

"Money, he was quite wealthy. She would only have to tolerate his presence once a year and then they would go their separate ways."

"Sorry, if he was as bad as you say, no money would be worth tolerating even one day."

"No, you would not use your body in such a way," Eric agreed. "The Queen though would do anything to get out of debt."

"Even kill the King?" I asked bluntly sitting up slightly to see his face.

"I do not believe so. She would lose too much. The contracts always have 'in case of true death' clauses built in, but a marriage which survives for the full hundred years usually has some nice lucrative payoffs."

"Do you have any ideas who may have killed him then?"

"A few, but without proof none I would dare accuse."

"They must have proof against the Queen if they are bringing her to trial."

"Not necessarily, it may be all circumstantial, we shall see."

"So what do you want me to do while we are there?"

"Stay close, and like you did during Nan's visit, remain silent and discreet. Try not to draw attention." He pulled me back into his embrace. "I will not be able to protect you as easily away from our state. I am bringing Pam with us and leaving Thalia in charge of the Area."

I felt much better having Pam as back up. I like Thalia and I knew she was deadly, but Pam and Eric together just seemed like the winning combination.

"I am more concerned with your activities during the day. Will you please promise me you will not leave our rooms? I will make sure food and refreshments are provided, but there is no one I would trust to keep you safe during the day."

I smiled and kissed his chest, "I will remain with you. The hours I am keeping have moved my sleep schedule pretty close to vampire hours anyway. I will probably only wake up a few hours before you do."

"Thank you Sookie," he said and I could hear the relief in his voice. "Remember also, those tricks Pam taught you can be used on more than just a jealous female."

Ok now I was the one feeling a bit anxious, "I shouldn't need to use anything like them though, right?"

"I did not live a thousand years taking anything for granted lover," he admonished me. "To survive in our world you need to always be on your guard. You know this."

I sighed, "I guess you are right. I cannot pretend to just be a human anymore can I."

"No lover, I am sorry but you cannot," he agreed in a quiet voice, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "You are a known part of the supernatural world now."

We were silent and I felt the fog of sleep surround me, before I was swept away I caught his last words.

"I will let no one harm you. I will keep you safe," he said with decisiveness his fingers combing through my hair easing me into slumber.