A/N: Warning - lemons ahead! Enough said. I couldn't help it, you guys! I blushed a little even writing it. ;) Consider it a Christmas gift.

Chapter Seventeen

We had eighteen hours.

In that time, I had to learn everything I needed to know to keep myself alive against an ancient vampire who wanted to drain me like a juice box. I also had to eat and sleep, but as each day went on, I found myself becoming immune to such simple human needs. Give me a piece of raisin toast and a cat nap and I was good to go.

Standing in my back yard under the illumination of the flood lights, Dermot and I faced off. I had changed into a pair of sweats and a long sleeve tee shirt and then put my hair up high on top of my head. This was as close to work-out gear as I got. Eric stood on the back steps with his arms crossed over his chest, out of the way but still able to watch us like a bird of prey. He'd found some clothes he left in a closet a while ago and looked hot as Hades in one of those stretchy tee shirts that let his biceps and pecs bulge in all the right places.

I wanted to climb him.

But no, I had to concentrate. What was wrong with me? I looked away, but only after he threw me a quick wink and made my insides flutter.

The way Dermot explained it was that Niall had given him a gift. One second he was walking up and down the aisles of the twenty-four hour Wal-Mart, the next he was overwhelmed with warmth and waves of dizziness. He opened his eyes and just knew it was there, and he knew that Niall had bestowed it on him for one reason alone - to keep me safe.

There was something different about Dermot, I had to admit. There was a fire in his eyes that I'd never seen before. Dermot had always just muddled through things, since the day I met him. Now though, he was sure of himself, almost cocky. Closer to Claude than the uncle I'd come to know and love. Maybe that was what fae magic did to a person. It would certainly explain my great-grandfather's mightier-than-thou attitude.

I found myself wondering if I was okay with that, as this magic was literally at my fingertips.

"Am I going to feel different?" I asked.

He looked thoughtful. Interesting question, apparently. "How did you feel after you healed Greta?" he asked.

"Good," I replied immediately. "Proud of myself, I guess."

"...And?"

I hesitated. It was always tough to be honest when you were a little embarrassed about your answer. "Powerful," I finally said.

He nodded. "Yes. This power is already within you. You must learn how to harness it."

"How do you feel?" No sir, still not convinced.

Then he smiled, and I've never seen my uncle smile like that. "I feel alive, Sookie. For the first time in my life, I feel complete."

"Will it last?"

"I don't know," he admitted. "But if it lasts long enough to get us through this, then that's good enough for me."

If I had time to get sentimental at that particular moment, I would've. Dermot made me feel loved, like I wasn't so alone in this world anymore. I actually did have a family, although it took me a while to realize it. Sure, we were all a bunch of freaks - a half were panther, two faeries, and a telepathic blonde married to a vampire - but, I had the distinction of being the ringleader. I laughed a little when I felt my eyes misting up.

He ignored my tears, probably to preserve my dignity. "Now then, this is a defense tool, nothing more. A shock of your power at full strength will knock a human out for several hours, but it will merely stun a vampire. It'll give you enough time to grab a weapon or run like hell."

"Okay."

"Are you ready?"

I shrugged, wiping my sweaty palms on the thighs of my pants. "As I'll ever be."

He held his hands out to me. "Close your eyes."

I quickly looked over to Eric and saw him nod encouragingly. Of course I trusted my uncle, but trusting Niall was always kind of up in the air. It was a mixed bag with him. Eric and Niall seemed to share a kind of secret trust. It seemed like there was a history there, but nothing that I was privy to. I knew that Niall wouldn't go out of his way for someone unless they were deemed worthy, especially if that person was a vampire. And yet there Eric was, restored to his former glory by some bonafide fae magic, trusting in a power that he didn't understand any better than I did. Apparently.

So I closed my eyes.

Dermot took my hands and firmly clasped them. "Clear your mind. Forget everything that lies behind us and ahead of us. Breathe in...and out. There is only the sound of my voice. Breathe in...and out."

I swallowed hard. This was gonna be like meditating, and I'd never been able to do that. Amelia had tried to show me a bunch of times, but all I kept doing was catching her brain waves and I'd never been able to relax enough to do it. I just wasn't able to shut off my brain like other people could.

"Sookie, relax," Dermot soothed.

My eyes stayed closed, but my voice was mangled up with nerves. "I can't," I sighed impatiently. "My shields will go down and I'll be able to hear everyone."

"You'll be with vampires though."

It certainly was not the time to admit that I got occasional flashes from vampires. I desperately wanted to tell them, to unburden myself of that little tidbit of crazy, but I couldn't do it with Dermot there. I knew Eric would not take it well, and he would be even more upset if I forced him to deal with such a private subject in front of my uncle. Nope, couldn't open that can of worms all over the back yard.

"You can do this," Dermot said.

I nodded and forced my eyes shut even tighter. I breathed in and out loudly, pretending to concentrate, but what I was actually wondering was why Niall hadn't just zapped me instead of Dermot. Wouldn't this whole thing be a heck of a lot easier if it was me that just opened her eyes and knew how to shoot energy out of her palms?

I felt hands on my shoulders and I realized Eric was standing behind me. I hadn't even noticed him move. Our bond had lost some of its strength, though I was hardly surprised after what had happened over the past few days. He gently squeezed my shoulders, massaging the tension out of my muscles. He rubbed my neck and I felt it throughout my frame. A small thread of absolute peace entered my body and worked its way down to my toes. I let out a long, shaky sigh and leaned back into his chest.

"Let go, Sookie," Eric whispered in my ear. "You are in control."

I steadied my breathing. In...and out. In...and out.

"It is your will, no one else's."

I stood up straight. In...and out.

"You are a warrior, a survivor."

I spread my feet shoulder's width apart, balling my hands into fists. In..and out.

"You will endure this, just like everything else."

His breath flickered on my skin like a cool breeze. In...and out.

"You are in control."

In...and out.

"I'm ready," I said.

Eric released me and took a few steps back. He was right behind me, just in case. The sound of his words, the feel of his body against mine, was enough to put me at ease. I felt pliable, adaptable. It was probably the closest I'd ever be to getting glamoured. Maybe I wasn't immune to his charms after all.

"Alright," Dermot said, his voice soft and comforting. "Remember how we healed the werewolf. We used energy from our auras and we willed it to flow into her body."

"I remember."

"To heal, we take energy from our own bodies. To generate an orb, you must draw energy from around you, instead of from within you. Do you understand?"

"I think so."

"Imagine that the world around you is filled with water, in all different forms," he said. "See the water like drops flowing to your hands. Draw the water to you like you're a magnet. Pull every drop of moisture you feel into your hands - from the grass, the trees, the very air you breathe."

I didn't dare open my eyes, but my hands lifted of their own accord. I felt a chilly wave rush over my fingers. They tingled like I'd just dipped them in ice water.

"Let the energy flow through you, gathering your strength and will. This is your power now, the earth has given it to you."

My whole body felt icy now, like I had morning frost covering my skin. Like I'd just drunk from a mountain stream. I imagined my breath would be white and smoky as I blew it out.

Dermot said, "Open your eyes."

I looked down and saw the same kind of swirly mist flowing around my hands that I'd seen Dermot throw at Bill. It was silver and blue and it fizzled like Pop Rocks. I slowly moved my hands back and forth and the energy followed. The longer I stared in complete wonder, the bigger it got. I started to feel a slight sting on my skin, like the tail end of pins and needles.

"What do I do now?" I asked.

"You must release it," he replied simply.

I waited a moment, then raised my eyebrows like I was waiting for something more. "And how might I do that?"

"I think it is different for everyone."

"You think?"

"It was my first orb, Sookie," he defended. "Claudine knew how to do it, but her powers always looked effortless. It seemed to happen almost on its own. I wanted it to hit Bill. So I aimed for him and then let it go."

"Okaaaay."

"Just do what comes naturally."

"Dermot, it is not natural for me to be throwing balls of water power whatever-you-call-it," I sassed. Even as I said the words, I could feel the energy fade and sputter away. I looked down and saw that my hands were dripping with water, as were my shoes and the grass all around me. "Crap," I frowned.

"Try again," he said.

So I did. I felt a swell of encouragement from the general area behind me and took a deep breath. I gathered the energy to my body just as I'd done before, only this time I watched as the particles collected around my hands. I let it build until I could feel the heft of it between my fingers, then I flung my hands forward. The ball fell to my feet in a soppy pile resembling a melted snow cone.

Dermot looked puzzled. Maybe he'd just assumed I'd be a whiz at this. "What are you aiming at?" he asked.

"Over there," I said, pointing a wet finger to a lawn chair next to the petunia patch.

Dermot shook his head. "Not good enough. You have to direct your energy into something. You have to want to hit something."

Eric stepped out from behind me and stood next to us. "Hit me."

Now, I'd lost count of the number of times I'd wanted to slug Eric Northman over the years, but him volunteering just wasn't the same thing. "Don't be ridiculous," I sighed.

"You have to hit something, hit me. I'm not afraid of a little faery magic." Then he smiled, just a bit.

Instead of going on about how he'd just been healed and how I didn't want to hurt him, I simply rolled my eyes. He was trying to goad me into it, but I wasn't going to let him think he could control my actions so easily. "It's not gonna work, Eric."

"Oh, I think it will."

"You're not gonna outsmart me." Smug SOB.

But he kept pushing, which he's real good at. He backed up a few yards and threw out his arms. "I'm not trying to outsmart you, lover. I'm a very big target. It'll be easier for you this way." Then he motioned me forward with two fingers. "Give me your best shot, liten flicka."

My eyebrow arched and I knew in a second that my instinct about Sorren had been right all long. Eric was teasing me, calling me a child, and he was just as big and pompous as his jovial Viking pal. I wanted to smack both of them. I didn't think about it, I didn't concentrate, but I sure as hell wanted to hit him. So I took a quick breath, pulled my hands up from my sides like I was throwing a softball, and blasted him.

I didn't see the light. I didn't see the orb travel from my hands. I just saw dark sky and grass as I fell backwards. I looked over and saw Eric laying on his back a few yards away from me. He turned his head and we both smiled, a fiendish and wicked smile. I was on my feet before he was. I wanted to ask him if he was okay, but both our prides wouldn't permit such a question. My skin tingled all over and I smelled magic coming off of me like I'd just been sprayed by the perfume lady in Macy's. Dermot was beaming, the ever-proud teacher.

Eric was facing me now, his body low and hunched in a defensive stance. He wouldn't be taken off guard for a second time. "Again!" he ordered. "Harder, little faery!"

I grinned. I'll show him a little faery.

I blasted him again, only this time I stayed on my feet and he flew through the air, crashing into the lawn chairs. Dermot and I both ran to him, pulling chairs away and tossing them aside. Eric lay on the ground, his shirt smoldering like he'd been dipped in dry ice.

I leaned over him and saw that his eyes were squeezed shut. He groaned a little. "Eric?"

Then he smiled and propped himself onto his elbows. "Again."

Four hours later, I fell face first onto my bed.

We'd practiced until my adrenaline surge wore off and I just couldn't stand for another moment longer. At first, Eric simply stood there and let me hit him, but then he stared to move around and come at me so I could learn how to hit a moving target. It was a strange moment in my life, that's for sure. We looked like a life-size carnival game. It really wasn't that different from practicing with my shotgun, only I'd never used a vampire for shooting practice before.

While I was physically and mentally spent, the whole process seemed to invigorate Eric. He laughed happily as he ducked and rolled away from my orbs, and took them like a man when I actually hit him. And so it went for hours, until my aim was greatly improved and Dermot seemed satisfied with my progress. I think I did better than any of us thought I would. Well, maybe they knew I could do it, but I had serious doubts after I soaked my shoes a few more times.

As Dermot gave me a kiss goodnight, I felt my body nearly collapse against his. Stick me with a fork, I was done. Eric helped me inside and ended up carrying me to my bedroom.

I felt my sneakers being slipped off, then my socks. My pants were peeled down and the cold air clung to my sweaty skin. My shirt, tank top, and bra flew over my head and were quickly replaced with a gauzy nightgown.

"You're not doing a very good job of seducing me," I mumbled into the pillow.

"You're not doing a very good job of staying conscious," Eric replied.

I flopped over, pulling the nightgown down to cover my panties and saw Eric standing at the end of the bed. I was feeling the exact opposite of sexy, being jelly-limbed and covered in sweat. Yet as I laid there watching Eric slowly undress, for my benefit of course, I couldn't help but stare at his body with a lazy smile. Wearing nothing but his grey Calvin Kleins, he climbed into the bed next to me and covered us both with my yellow flowered comforter. Pulling me into the crook of his chest and arm, I snuggled against his cool skin and exhaled a contented sigh. He pulled my tattered ponytail out and ran his fingers through my damp hair, sending a sweet shiver down my neck.

"I'm gonna fall asleep if you keep doing that," I purred.

"You're going to fall asleep anyway," he chuckled, lightly kissing the back of my shoulder. "It's alright, lover. You need your rest, you've earned it."

There was so much I needed to talk to him about, and I had no idea when we'd get the chance. If we'd get the chance. I was dying to ask him about things like that farm house on the island and the necklace he'd given me in my dream, and he had some serious explaining to do about Elsa the Wonder Cat. Unfortunately, I didn't have the brain power left to hold a meaningful conversation at that moment.

"What about Freyja?" I asked, half-heartedly trying to sit up.

He eased me back into his arms, abating my worries with another sweet kiss. "Already tucked into the closet with a book. Claude has gallantly volunteered to sit watch until the sun comes up."

He referred to the hidey hole under the floor in the guest room, a place where Eric had spent many a day snoozing away. Since its modest beginnings as a dirt hole that Bill used to sleep in, Eric had made some improvements. It was still just a hole under the closet, but it was now finished and filled with cushions and a bookshelf.

"That's awfully nice of him," I remarked, closing my eyes for just a second.

"Indeed. I'd hate to think he has ulterior motives."

"Oh, I'm sure he does." I forced my eyes open, feeling sleep about to sweep over me. "What about you?"

"There's plenty of room for Freyja and I to share." He wrapped his arm around my waist and turned me over to face him. "I'll stay with you while I can."

"But aren't you hungry?" I gently tugged on his chin and curled my arm behind his neck, feeling the fresh, baby soft skin that had become my new favorite part of his body.

"I find myself sated ever since Niall healed me," he said, breathing in deeply. "It's a remarkable feeling. Similar to what I feel after I drink from you."

I pouted, because I was always able to give a good pout, no matter how tired I was. "Oh."

A smile curled on his lips and he gave he a scolding look. "Lover, I took too much the last time. It would be unwise to drink from you so soon."

"Eric," I said, finding one last burst of fight within me. "You would've died."

"You're probably right, and I appreciate every last drop."

"But now you're full?" I sighed, looking away with mock sadness.

He raised one eyebrow, tracing a vein down the side of my neck. "You're taunting me."

"I would never do that." I pushed my body closer to his and gave him a little wiggle in just the right place. He sighed, closing his eyes and using every ounce of will power I knew he had. "I wouldn't want you to do something against your will," I whispered.

"Like hell," he growled, jutting his hips back against mine. "I'm trying to be the responsible one right now."

"Oh fine," I said, turning away from him. "It could be our last night on Earth together, but if you'd rather just cuddle-"

He was on top of me then, his body locking me against the mattress. "Do not make jokes like that, Sookie."

"I'm not joking," I said quickly, staring up into his sapphire eyes. "I won't let it end like this."

"All things come to an end, lover."

I sighed and looked over his shoulder. I hated it when he got all pragmatic and sensible like that. Maybe in a thousand years, I'd have his patience too. "Our bond isn't so strong anymore. I can barely feel you," I said in a soft, sad voice.

He nodded thoughtfully. "Too much blood had been taken from both of us."

"Well, I don't care if you don't need it," I said. "Just take it. It's yours already."

His hair fell down over his forehead and he suddenly looked like a rakish boy in need of a trim. As I reached up and took a lock between my fingers, Eric's fangs slowly slid down. He rubbed his cheek against the inside of my wrist and inhaled deeply. I closed my eyes, readying myself for the pain that was always mingled with the undeniable pleasure of having blood taken from my body. But instead of feeling Eric's fangs sink into my wrist, I felt his body shift. I opened my eyes to see him biting into his own wrist.

"Our bond will be permanent," he warned. "Nothing will separate us but death."

All I could do was nod.

I watched as his blood welled and slowly started to drip down his arm. Before I over thought the death part of his statement, and before it dripped all over me, I opened my mouth and caught the blood with my tongue. We locked eyes and I clamped down on his wrist with my teeth. This was a new thing for me, but when I saw the immediate pleasure on his face, the look of love and adoration in his eyes, I knew I was doing something right. I gave it all I was worth. I bit down hard and sucked until the wound healed itself.

Eric's blood didn't taste terrible to me, unlike any other blood I'd had the misfortune of sampling. It was deep and heavy on my tongue, like port wine, but with just a added touch of earthy saltiness. It slid down my throat and I could actually feel it absorbing into every inch of my body. I could almost see it, glowing in my fingertips and down to my toes. It was like taking a part of Eric's life into me. How could I have never gotten that? Why was I only feeling this now? It was like a switch had suddenly been flicked on. No wonder people got addicted to the stuff.

"Oh, my goodness," I gasped, licking my lips. I waved my fingers in front of my eyes, staring in wonder. "You're inside of me, Eric."

"Not yet."

I felt my panties being ripped apart, then he pushed hard into me. Before I could scream out, his fangs were in my neck. I felt a sharp thrust of pain, and then the bliss set in. Like waves of delight, it washed over me as Eric drank from my neck and drove into my body simultaneously. I was lost in it for a few seconds, helpless to what I was feeling from all angles. I just laid under him and held on tight, wanting to moan or scream but not finding the air to push out any sound. Then I found my body responding to the rhythm and I curled my legs around his calves.

I grabbed him by the hair and he looked up at me. I was never an overtly sexual person before I met Eric, but I swear, that man did something to me. I was feeling all kinds of naughty. I wished I knew how to talk dirty, but of course, I didn't.

It didn't matter though. We didn't speak, and our eyes never closed, even as I felt his fingers slide between my legs and caress me. Even as I cried out and arched my back, thrusting my breasts against his chest. He pulled himself up and sat me down on his lap, yanking my pointless nightie off and tossing it across the room. I locked my legs behind him and watched as he took my breasts into his mouth one at a time. He bit down into my nipple and I let out a little yelp. I held his head against my chest as he licked the blood clean, tracing circles with the soft tip of his tongue until the mark healed.

I pushed down onto him again and again, using every ounce of strength I'd gained from his blood. When he wrapped his arms around my back, I could feel his muscles tensing. He grabbed my waist and shoved me down even harder, causing a wonderfully high note to soar out of my mouth. That was a new spot, holy cow. I threw my head back at the same instant he cried out something I couldn't understand. The climax took us together and I giggled ecstatically. (That wasn't just a vampire thing - that was a me and Eric thing.)

Our bodies slowed down and we tumbled onto the pillows, arms and legs still twisted together. Eric pulled me closer and we laid there, breathing heavily on each other's skin. He kissed me, and I could taste my blood in his mouth.

"Min fru," he whispered against my lips.

"You bet your ass I am," I replied.

Soooooooo, tell me all! What did you think of that? Do I have a future career in romance writing, or was it a burning tailspin? And btw, "min fru" means "my wife."

I'm already into the next chapter, one of the last, and it's by far the hardest one I've had to write so far. Climaxes ARE HARD! I'm procrastinating, not even gonna lie. I'm gonna miss writing this little fic. I'm hoping to have it ready sometime next year. ;)

Anyhoo, thanks to everyone for reading so far. I want to wish all of you a happy holiday season. May your loved ones bring you as much joy as your kind words bring to me every day.