I awoke the next day and was so happy to not have any classes. I still technically had to flip on my laptop for my online class, but I got to lay in bed hours later than usually and stay in my fuzzy robe the whole time. I sometimes wondered what heaven was like, I decided everyone has to get big, fuzzy robes there.

I finally got my punk ass in gear and logged on to the school website. Half a paper later, I heard a knock at the door. It was a FedEx Delivery man.

"Order for Dina Marie." I didn't remember ordering anything.

"That's me" I reached for the clip board and signed.

The box was rectangular and wrapped in that brown paper they used at the post office. There was a stamp that said 'first class', but no return address for me to see where it was from.

I sat on the couch and used my pen to rip the tape. It was a box from a clothing store at the mall. Inside were two pairs of black slacks to make up for my one ripped pair the night before. I pulled them out and saw something else under another layer of tissue paper. It was a piece of lacy cloth that was apparently considered underwear. How something that covers half your butt and no more of the front than is absolutely necessary is considered a piece of clothing is beyond me. Especially when this piece of fabric (I'm sorry, it's not clothing) cost about the same as a 3 pack of cotton panties on sale at Target. There was also a matching bra and a folded piece of paper I almost missed. It was a note from Eric.

Wear the underwear tonight.

Come to the bar as soon as you finish

your work, I'll be waiting

-E

I blushed. I wondered if anyone packing the box read the note. I didn't know if I could shop there again. Of course, Eric would have no embarrassment whatsoever.

I was not scheduled at the bar, but called to make sure I wasn't needed at the last minute. I planned to get there before they opened. Terry answered and said he didn't think anyone called off that night. I told him I had plans and wouldn't be home if anything changed before hanging up.

I ate lunch - okay I ate like a pig since I knew there was rarely any food at Fangtasia. I tried to cram about 3 meals into one sitting. I hoped in the shower. I covered my body in my Sugarcane and Water Lilly body wash. I shaved my legs and underarms. I hesitated before I started to shave my pubic area. I remember Eric making an off handed complaint about a fangbanger with a Brazilian wax. He said she looked like a child. (I did note however, that he still had sex and fed from her. I guess he was hungry and her breasts distracted him enough to get over any dislike he felt).

I decided to just shave my bikini area and anywhere I thought that piece of lace I was going to wear wouldn't cover. I scrubbed my hair and noted that I should dye it soon. I didn't have the time tonight.

I hoped out of the shower and wrapped myself in a towel. I dug through my closet. The bra and lace were both black with a bright blue trim. Eric might spend most of his time looking out for #1 (spelled E-R-I-C), but he knew what colors I liked. I found a pair of tight jeans that made my butt look awesome. I grabbed a pair of blue heels I pulled out for dress-up occasions. Yes, I was indeed a jeans and heels girl. I didn't exactly walk gracefully, but I had faith I wouldn't land on my face tonight. I found one of my neon blue tops that showed off a great deal of my breasts. I pulled my hair into a tight bun using some dinky plastic thing I bought at the As Seen On TV Store and left a few strands loose around my face.

I looked good. I hopped in the car as the sun set.

The bar was still closed so I knocked on the employee entrance in the back. Ginger opened the door and gave me a dirty look. She was never Eric's, he has too much taste for her to belong to him. I knew he fed from her and had sex with her. I also knew she believed I took him from her. Although she wasn't very smart she didn't bar my entrance and moved aside without a word as I walked in. I decided to take exception to her attitude. I straightened my back and walked right to Eric's office like I owned the place. Even the girls who regularly held some Eric's interest wouldn't do this.

I knocked on the door and was told to 'enter'. He sounded slightly surprised when he said this. I don't know if he felt me through my blood or smelled me through the door, but he defiantly thought I wouldn't be here this early.

His eyes glanced over me and smiled when he saw the top of the bra he sent me peeking out of my low cut shirt. I could see the lust in his eyes and suddenly started to feel my self get wet. God, when did I revert to a horny teenager?

I walked over to him and he grabbed my waist pulling me on his lap. I let out a small scream and he laughed. I was getting used to vampire speed, but I swear I didn't see his arm move at all. His fingers ran up my thigh.

"What's under these jeans, lover?"

"That piece of lace you gave me."

"Piece of lace? Do you think its too small?"

I nodded my head. "And I think you got ripped off"

"mmm..." He leaned down and smelled my neck before kissing me. I felt his fangs as he did so. "I'll decide that when I see you wearing it."

I went to kiss him and he stopped me. "I need to ask you something."

I was a little disappointed, but waited for him to speak.

"Did you have another more contact with those vampires?"

"None." And thank god for that.

He looked thoughtful for a moment.

"It would have been nice if you had gotten their names." he said almost absent mindedly.

I rolled my eyes

"Sorry, next time someone is trying to kill me, I'll photo copy their ID for you."

He looked at me with an unreadable expression.

"Why don't you go to the bar and a get a drink? I am going to have to spend a few hours here tonight before we leave. One of the vampires scheduled tonight called to say he would be late," a hint of irritation arose on his face. "I'll have to talk to him about this." He added as an after thought.

"Fine." I hopped off his lap and walked out. I knew he was watching my ass the whole time. The bar was beginning to fill up. Most of its inhabitants were vampires. I noticed ginger cozying up to a vampire sitting at the bar. Both of her hands were on him and she looked ready to jump into his lap. I rolled my eyes.

I kept walking the length of the bar, deciding I was too grossed out to go to the bar. Someone came up behind me.

"Hello there." he rasped in my ear. I flinched out of surprise. I turned toward him.

"Hello" I said back calmly.

"Can I buy you a drink?" His fangs were extended in what I assume could be described as a flirtatious manner. I could see someone like ginger melting over this display.

"No, thank you."

"Why not?" he asked, glancing at the marks on my neck.

"I'm taken." well, that didn't sound too bad. I've said I was taken while dating human guys. He took a step closer to me and I looked around to make sure I had a path open to walk away from him. I stopped Eric sitting down on his throne in the middle of the bar.

"None of the vampires here are half as good as I am. If you walk away from which ever one of your own free will, no one will care." He said very arrogantly. I was not feeling the slightest pull to be polite to this jackass.

"Sorry, I think Eric is much better." I figured this would get him to back off, but he only laughed.

"Eric doesn't keep humans. I don't think he's ever had one of yous under his protection."

"Well, you know what they say, after a few centuries you have to change things up a bit." I replied, my patience running thin.

"Prove it." He commanded me with his arms crossed over his chest. I hesitated for a split second. How would Eric respond to me in a crowded bar?

Would he find it degrading and below himself to accept me in front of everyone? Would it ruin the perception of him being available?

People didn't just come here to see vampires. They came to entice them and have sex with them. Unless you exclusively slept with women, Eric was the top prize; there was no one better, no one more coveted.

I watched the jackass vampire grin when he saw I didn't move right away. This incensed me. I squared my shoulders, turned, and walked as gracefully as I could toward Eric. I tried to catch his eye, hoping for some indication from him that I was doing the right thing. I wanted to be sure he would be receptive to me coming to him. I think I saw him glance at me, but it was so quick I couldn't be sure.

I hesitated as I came closer to the dais and now I was sure he saw me. When he didn't move I walked up to him. I decided that if I came this far I should go for it. I lowered myself, my arms falling on the armrests of his chair, and kissed him. I pulled back and he looked into my eyes. He didn't seem very happy.

"Who were you talking to?"

Oh no, he was going to get possessive. Yippy.

"Some vamp. He seemed less than believing that I was yours."

"Maybe I'll have him summoned to my office while I'm fucking you." he said evenly.

My eyes went wide. He was joking right?

"Eric." I said in a tone he'd probably never heard in his life. "Relax, he's not stupid enough to doubt me now. Even if he doesn't believe me, he won't risk it. That would be suicide."

"Maybe I shouldn't have sent you out here."

"Do you want me to go back?" He didn't answer, but turned his head. I watched Pam approaching us.

She said something to Eric in a language that I didn't understand.

"You're going to stay out here and Pam will tell you when I need you in my office." he told me.

"Why? What are we doing?" I asked a little confused.

I understood we were going to have sex tonight, but I knew that wasn't what he was talking about. I didn't know anything else was on our agenda.

"Tonight is going to be a night of clarification." He said, an accent I couldn't quite place coming out. He stood and left me standing there dumbstruck.

I wasn't exactly sure what to do so I walked over to the bar and ordered a drink. I listened to the music and noted that I wasn't just being left alone - I was being avoided.

I didn't really mind, but it was weird.

I had a ...special relationship with vampires. I knew Bill, Eric, Pam, and a few of the regulars at the bar. When some of them heard how Eric and I first met, they were warm toward me. I knew they were brutal and the ones whom were civilized were in the minority. But I looked at them as an animal/human hybrid.

I didn't hate bears for being predatory or wolves who could bond with people but were still feral. They were different, yet alike.

I got lost in my thoughts until Pam came up behind me.

"He's ready for you now."

We walked back to his office. She opened the door and I stepped in. Eric was sitting at his desk. He looked calm, but I could tell he was angry. Three of the four vampires from Merlottes were sitting on the opposite side of his desk. I saw a mixture of fear and rage on their faces. After my practice this night, I straightened my back and walked right to Eric. Without hesitation, I got on his lap and he kissed me.

I know it looked like a very real enthused tonsil hockey session between lovers, but it was truly dispassionate. He was too mad at the dimwitted trio and I was too unsure of what was going on to pay attention to one another's lips.

I got comfortable with my arms around his neck and his around my waist.

"Would yous like to explain what happened the other night at the shifter's bar?" He asked.

"We were just having some fun. No one has hurt" Said the female vampire who still looked like her make-up was put on by a circus clown. The other two nodded.

"What did you say to her? Which one of you approached her?"

The one who came toward me looked as pale as a vampire can be - that was pretty fucking pale.

"I told her I didn't believe she was yours." Said the one who approached me.

Eric said nothing and no three didn't say anything either. They were terrified and for good reason.

I lifted my finger and pointed at a guy with short hair sitting on the couch.

"He threatened to kill me."

His fangs popped out and I couldn't help but squeeze Eric's neck. His fangs came out as well. All three flinched and I noted that the other two stopped looking at the one who wanted me dead. I think they had decided to distance themselves from their 'friend' in the hopes they would live.

"So you three walked into a bar full of humans, caused trouble, refused to leave, threatened my human, and finally left?"

I turned toward him and he looked at me, signaling I should speak.

"Before I told them I was yours they wondered how you would find out about what they had done. They didn't think I could inform you."

He raised an eyebrow.

"So you three also assumed I'd miss a fight against mortals in my area? You doubt my ability to run my area?"

It crossed my mind for a second that not only did I get them into more trouble by pulling Eric's reputation into the mix, but they were probably going to be killed. I didn't really feel bad though - I know I should, but it just wasn't happening.

"Of course not, sheriff....we were just surprised to know you'd taken a human." Said the female vamp, but it was too late.

"Where is the other one? I was told four vampires were involved."

"He left." said the one on the couch.

"Where." Eric commanded more than asked.

"We don't know..." Eric looked at him impatiently. "Probably to Alabama. There is a nest there that would welcome him"

Eric looked thoughtful for a second before turning to me.

"Why don't you go back by the bar? We'll leave shortly."

I kissed him and got up to leave, he called to me as I walked away.

"Ask Pam to come in now as well."

I opened the door and Pam was already standing there with two humans carrying large bags and another vampire whom I didn't recognize. I decided to not think about what was about to happen, as they walked in and shut the door.

I walked around looking for someone I might know. I glanced the vampire who had hit on me earlier, once he saw me he turned away quickly. Now I was starting to feel lonely. Few vamps would look at me and nearly no human would either ; some were jealous of my display with Eric and others were too busy trolling for some fang to want to socialize.

I found a table and sat down, feeling out of place and very bored. I wished I would have brought a book to read.

Eric came up behind me and leaned down by my ear.

"Let's go lover."

He knew exactly what this would do to me.

We decided to take his car and leave mine by the bar. He told me he'd ask Bobby, his day-guy, to drive it back to my home tomorrow. He let me control the radio and I spent the ride jamming out.

We got out of the car and I found myself reaching for his hand. I really need to watch myself, I'm starting to get way too comfortable with him. I can deal with the sex, but holding his hand and getting cuddly is a sure fire way to have my heart smashed. Eric might change his habits by keeping a regular relationship with a human, but I don't (can't) expect him to do a complete 180 and get in touch with emotions that have laid dormant for hundreds of years.

I didn't want to waste anytime, I'd been lusting after him all night. My clit was aching. I lead him toward my room and started kissing him once we were in there.

He felt tense and I slowed down.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"I'm angry." he said. I knew he was referring to the vampire who acted as a catalyst in me and Eric being together, as well as the one who flirted with me.

"Honey, I don't think I can deal with another session of angry sex even if you heal me." I said lightly.

"I'm not going to be....as rough. I'm just displeased."

"Let me make you feel better." I said coyly.

I pulled him over to the bed and began to undress him. I kissed each part of his skin I exposed as I disrobed him. My teeth scraped his neck, my tongue moved across his nipples and followed a trail to the top of his pants. I stripped him completely and ran my nails up his legs to his hips. I leaned forward from my kneeling position on the floor and flicked my tongue over his head making him groan. I traced the vein on the underside of his dick. I moved down and sucked the sensitive skin of his scrotum. His hands fell on my head and he loosed the bun so he could run his fingers through my hair. I enjoyed the release of pressure once my hair wasn't tightened against my scalp.

I decided to stop being so slow. My right hand balanced my body against the bed, my left wrapped around his base, and I took his head into my mouth. I moved my tongue and sucked him. His hands fisted in my hair. I slid my mouth down and found a pace with my hand.

After a few minutes he stopped me.

"I need to be inside of you. Now."

I shuddered and he yanked me to my feet. He pulled off my shirt and ran his fingers over my bra clad breasts. He unfastened it and tossed it to the ground. I kicked off my shoes and my jeans followed. His eyes scanned my body and looked over the underwear he bought me. He turned my body to look at my backside. Next thing I knew I was pushed to the bed. He got behind me and tugged the lace down to my knees. I felt him spreading my lips and he entered me in one thrust. I groaned and nearly came. His pace was fast and he was moaning. I knew we'd both finish fast and we did.

We caught our breath - okay Eric doesn't breathe, but he calmed down in his own vampire way. I kicked off the underwear and crawled into bed, under the covers. He followed me. Without having to ask he pulled me into his arms like I wanted him to. I shouldn't have wanted him to.

We laid there quietly.

"What's going to happen to those vamps?" I asked to break the silence and appease my curiosity.

"Pam is with them tonight and I will finish with them tomorrow. Would you like details?" He asked.

"No....just don't tell me." I said feeling some guilt.

"You've always been so softhearted. from the first time I met you." he mused.

"Yea, what did you think of me?" I always wondered this.

"I thought you were brave, but foolish to take on a group of fellowship members to save a vampire. I was grateful you did so - as was the vampire you saved, of course. your reactions intrigued me." He paused. "I wasn't surprised to learn Sookie was your friend. you two are very different, but not entirely"

"As in only she would understand my "soft hearted" conflicted nature?" I asked not feeling as insulted, as I probably should by Eric's view of me.

"Yes." he said quietly and I knew he was in deep thought.

I felt a little uncomfortable and decided to keep talking.

"What ever happened to that guy?"

"He moved. The fellowship isn't as prevalent the farther north you travel. I can't blame him."

I nodded. I knew I had to leave him with his thoughts, even if it perturbed me. I closed my eyes and began to drift off to sleep.

I awoke the next day with a note on my nightstand. Eric said he may be too busy to see me tonight but he would call if he had time. I didn't even wake up when he arose to write this note and leave before dawn.

I paused for a moment and thought to myself, I was just fucked into one of the deepest sleeps I'd ever have.

It was an amusing thought to begin my day with.