Choices

They hadn't stopped playing Russell's television debut and I could not stop watching. I was glued to the couch, my eyes fixated on the screen for almost half an hour before I remembered that I had been on the telephone. Sookie had long since hung up and I made a mental note to call her back in the morning. All my mind was capable of processing was the fact that the very vampire that wanted to kill Eric and kidnap me had committed murder on national television. It was clear that losing Talbot had made Russell snap. He didn't care about the consequences, didn't care about what killing someone on the evening news meant for vampires. He had flat out made a declaration of war. And it also meant that Eric was in terrible danger. Russell would go after Eric with everything he had and if age meant anything then Eric did not stand a chance.

The more I watched the repeats and thought about the danger that Eric was in, the more I felt sick. It started low in my stomach, a dull feeling of motion sickness and anxiety, until it turned it turned full blown nausea. I jumped to my feet as my stomach took a vicious turn and ran for the bathroom, barely arriving in time to spill the limited contents of my stomach into the toilet. I tried to hold my hair back while the hurling continued to the point that my ribs ached. I jumped when I felt warm hands on mine, moving my hands away and taking a firm grasp of my hair. I attempted to thank Alcide, but all that came out of my mouth was more vomit. This continued for a few more minutes and I was relieved when the urge to hurl finally relented. I leaned back against the tub, wiping my mouth with the back of my forearm.

I looked up to see Alcide's concerned eyes surveying me. "Are you alright?"

I still felt nauseous. I swallowed hard and took a deep breath, resisting the urge to vomit. "I'm fine," I lied with a nod.

Alcide didn't look convinced. "You sure?"

I rose to my feet, hoping that movement would help me escape the nausea. "Yeah…I just…I need some water," I muttered as I exited the bathroom.

Alcide followed behind me, meeting me in the kitchen where I leaned against the sink, chugging tap water. It helped a little, but not as much as I would have liked. I still felt anxious, worried, like there was something that I needed to do. I realized slowly I was sinking into fight or flight mode. Something had to be done about Russell, before he hurt Eric and before he came for me. I set my cup in the sink and turned to Alcide with a sigh.

"What's on your mind?" he asked leaning against the stove. "Talk to me."

"We have to do something about Russell. He is killing people on national television. He's clearly lost it."

"What can we do?" Alcide questioned with a shrug. "Should we make some stakes and just go after him?"

I frowned at him. "No, that's not what I meant. We need to come up with some sort of plan. If he's doing this it's obvious he doesn't care anymore. He's going to kill Eric and he's going to come after me. I just don't know which is going to happen first and I can't sit around here waiting."

"Well what do you suppose we do, Chase?"

As much as I hated to admit it and say it, we needed Eric. He was the oldest vampire aside from Russell that I knew and he was the only that stood a minimal chance at killing him. I hoped that if we worked together we all could stop Russell for good.

"Eric, we need to go talk to Eric, like we talked about before. We can't kill Russell without his help and considering he is on his shit list I expect that he will want help," I answered hesitantly.

Alcide straightened. I expected him to protest. "Well let's go see him then."

Alcide drove to Shreveport. He turned on the radio the moment we were out of the driveway and after surfing through the channels to find one that wasn't talking about Russell Edgington he found a station playing music. I was relieved. I didn't feel like talking. My mind was racing and so was my pulse. I felt nervous and my stomach still was unsettled. My mind kept going back to the last time I had seen Eric, those three words that he had said, that kiss we had shared. He had told me he loved and said goodbye forever all in one moment. I still hadn't had time to completely process all of that with the ordeal that had taken place in my home. I had not been prepared for his declaration and farewell at all. I had chosen Alcide and I still chose him, but I couldn't stop my feelings for Eric. They always came rushing back the moment I saw him and I feared what would happen seeing him again. Especially now that Alcide and I were official and I was planning to move out of Bon Temps.

Tonight isn't about any of that, I told myself. Tonight is about stopping Russell. That's what's important. None of the other stuff.

I saw Eric's corvette as we pulled into the parking lot of Fangtasia. An odd sensation moved down my spine. I could practically feel him in the building. The energy within me flared as my nervousness increased. I clenched my fists tightly and climbed out of the car, waiting for Alcide. He took my hand and squeezed it tight, looking down at me with concerned etched on his gorgeous features.

"We don't have to do this, Chase," he commented softly. "We can figure something else out if this is too much for you."

I shook my head. There was nothing else to figure out. We didn't have a choice. Eric was the key to stopping Russell. And Russell needed to be stopped. "No we do," I replied with a heavy sigh. "Russell needs to be stopped."

"Let's do it then," he said.

We turned and headed for the entrance, stopping when the door slammed open and a tall woman stormed through. She was spewing angry words in a language I didn't immediately recognize, nearly tripping in her high heels while she fumed past us. Alcide and I hesitated, watching her walk past before reaching a decent looking car in the parking lot and getting in. I looked at Alcide in confusion and surprise, he shrugged and pulled the door open ushering me inside.

I saw Eric immediately, sitting at one of the tables in the middle of the bar. His head was down and he appeared to be lost in thought. The moment I took the first step into the bar his head snapped up and he was out of his chair in a vampire second. Alcide's hand tightened around mine and I felt the tension in the air. Eric's eyes dropped briefly to our intertwined hands. His face remained stoic, but I saw something change in his eyes. My heart fluttered and I swallowed a lump that formed in my throat.

"Chase," he greeted me with a nod. "Wolf…" he added passing Alcide a glance. "To what do I owe the…pleasure?"

"We are here about Russell Edgington," I said cutting to the chase. "I'm guessing you saw his little spectacle on the evening news?"

Eric clasped his hands behind his back, looking slightly confused. "Unfortunately I missed it, but I have heard about it," he answered tilting his head. "What does Russell's broad cast have to do with you?"

I huffed. "He's a 3,000 year old vampire that wants to kidnap me and use me for his purposes. And he's killing people on national television. Clearly he has lost his mind and he is going to be coming for the both of us. We have to do something."

Eric smirked to my surprise. "You needn't worry your pretty little head about that lover."

Alcide growled softly at my side, irritated by Eric's use of my old pet name. His chest swelled and his hand tightened on mine again. "She's not your lover anymore," Alcide retorted. "And if Chase is in danger, we need to protect her. Russell will come for her eventually. We need to stop him before it happens."

"Calm yourself, Wolf," Eric answered, taking a step toward Alcide. My whole body tensed in preparation for a fight. "Chase's safety is of the highest priority to me. Especially now that her powers are unbound."

I felt my face fall a little. He must have smelled the difference in me, the same way that Bill had when attacked me. I had never gotten the chance to tell him, he had been too busy professing his love for me and saying goodbye. "You can tell…" I breathed.

Eric's stare finally left Alcide and fell on me. His face and eyes softened a bit. "If I wasn't as old as I am and able to exercise self-control you would be dead and drained by now," Eric admitted taking a deep unnecessary breath. He took a step toward me. "Your blood is by far the most intoxicating thing I have ever smelt. It is quite hard to resist."

Alcide stepped forward, releasing my hand to place his against my stomach and push me back gently. Something in Eric's eyes shifted and he glared at Alcide. Alcide met his glare with one just as fierce. I felt worry rise in me and the energy started to throb. I clenched my teeth and stepped between them.

"Stop it. Just stop it," I shouted putting my hands up. "Russell needs to be our main focus right now. We need to make a plan. We have to stop him. Fighting with each other isn't going to help."

The tension in the air didn't relent, but Eric stopped glaring at Alcide and took a step backward. "I told you, Chase. You needn't worry about it. I have a plan. I will take care of Russell. You need to stay far away from him as possible, especially since you've…changed. So go home. Stay safe. I am sure your wolf will protect you."

"You really think you can take on Russell Edgington alone?" Alcide questioned incredulously.

"As I stated previously, I have a plan," Eric repeated. "Now if you'll excuse me I have some business to attend too."

Eric turned his back on us, walking back to the table he had been sitting at and picking up some papers. Alcide put his arm around me, turning us both towards the exit. I felt a pull in my stomach. I didn't want to leave, something was telling me not too. I didn't feel right leaving Eric to deal with the Russell situation alone, but he was a stubborn vampire and I knew there was no changing his mind. I resisted the urge to look back over my shoulder as we headed for the exit, but it was too strong. I looked and my eyes locked with Eric's instantly. I nearly stopped in my tracks at the sullen look on his face. I bit my lip and turned away, looking up at Alcide for reassurance that I was making the right decision. He smiled down at me and I realized bitterly that I didn't feel any better.

"Do you think Eric can take Russell on his own?" I asked Alcide when we reached my home.

"He says he has a plan," Alcide replied with a shrug, unlocking my front door. He held up a hand, signaling for me to wait while he went inside. I saw the lights come on and Alcide returned after a moment with a nod that everything was clear.

I stepped into the house and kicked off my shoes. "I know what he said. But we don't even know what the plan is. What if he gets himself killed?"

Alcide shut and locked the front door. "I don't know, babe. But if he needs help we can give it then. I have to agree with him though about you staying out of it, especially if what he said is true about your… change."

I hugged myself. The thought of him meeting the true death did not sit well with me. I felt anxious. The power inside of me still throbbing. I had to do something. I wanted to go back and talk some sense into him, but with Alcide there Eric would try to keep up his façade that he could deal with this on his own. I would have to go back alone. Maybe if I was alone Eric could tell me just what the hell he had planned and maybe accept my help.

I felt Alcide's hands on my shoulders, snapping me out of my thoughts. "I know you want to help, but you staying out of it is probably for the best," he reasoned caressing my cheek.

I nodded in agreement even though I didn't feel the same. I didn't want to argue with him about it. "You're right…"

"Do you want to eat?" he asked motioning to the food he had picked up earlier that I had completely forgotten about.

My stomach churned at the sight of it and I had to swallow hard to resist the urge to throw up. "No, thanks," I answered. "It's late. I think I am just going to go to bed. You should eat though."

Alcide frowned a little, but nodded. "Sure you're okay?"

I kissed him on the cheek, trying to ease his fears. "Yes, I'm fine. Just tired. Join me when you are done?"

Alcide nodded again and I headed to my bedroom, falling onto my bed with no abandon. I was tired. I was exhausted, physically and emotionally. I snuggled into my pillow as I heard Alcide turn the television on in the living room and the rustling of him eating his food. The noise he made was comforting. I liked having him around. The way that I felt about the Eric and Russell situation didn't change how I felt about my situation with Alcide. I was doing the right thing, starting over and escaping all the drama that Bon Temps had brought to my life. I liked the idea of Alcide and I living so close together and being able to spend more time together. I pulled my blankets up to my chin and turned to my side trying to find a comfortable position.

I didn't remember falling asleep, but when my eyes opened again it was to the sound of my house phone ringing and the harsh rays of the sun filling my bedroom. Alcide groaned behind me, rolling away from me as I sat up and rubbed my face sleepily. I was surprised my house phone was ringing, it was barely used and I had almost forgotten I had one. I considered ignoring it and staying in bed. I rolled out of bed and walked briskly down the hall way, getting the phone from its cradle and answering.

"Hello?"

"Chase?"

I recognized my mother's voice and suddenly I was alert. "Mom, hi," I said quickly looking around my house as if I expected her to appear out of thin air. "How are you?" I added quickly.

"Worried about my only daughter and wondering why she hasn't called me to check in," she answered irritably.

I put my forehead in my hands. It was unlike me to not call and check in, and it was very much like my mother for her to be concerned about that. "Sorry, mom, I have been a little busy."

"It's been weeks, Chase. You never go without calling for so long. Is everything alright?"

"Everything is fine, mom. It's great, really. You don't have to worry about me," I insisted. I sat down at my dining room table. I knew she was worried, but the last thing I wanted was one of her 'I'm worried about you so I'm coming to visit' trips. I changed the subject off of me, trying to sound chipper. "How are things there? How is Isaac?"

"Your brother is doing just fine. He is going a little stir crazy because of the cast, but it comes off in few weeks so he should be back to his old self soon," she answered.

"Good, tell him that I miss him."

In all honesty I missed all of them. I should have made plans to come home and visit. My mother was right. I used to call at least once a week just to check in and say hello, but in the midst of everything I hadn't been able to do that. I hadn't spoken to my mother since I had come back from Dallas to find out that they had gone back to Austin to deal with a tree that had fallen into my parent's backyard and clipped the house. That had been weeks ago.

"Did you get a new cellphone number? I have been calling your number for days before I figured to try the house phone."

"Oh, crap, yeah mom sorry. I forgot to give it to you. I lost my old phone in Dallas."

My mom made a dissatisfied sound. "Be sure to give it to me soon, Chase. I don't like not being able to get a hold of you. You know your father and I worry."

I knew my father was mildly worried, nowhere near to the extent of my mother. He trusted me. He always had and he knew that if I really needed them I would call. My mother had always been a worried wart.

"Is everything okay, Chase? Honestly, you can talk to me," she probed further after my silence.

I took a deep breath. "Mom, everything is fine. Really, there was-is- just a lot going on right now, but things will calm down soon. When they do I will come home for a visit."

"You sound…different."

Did I? "Mom, really, everything is fine," I sounded like a broken record. "There are just some changes Im trying to make in my life right now. I'm…thinking about moving and…" I paused and took a deep breath. "And…I'm seeing someone."

My mother actually gasped. "Seeing someone?"

Her reaction was expected. I had never had a real boyfriend and I had never introduced her too or told her about anyone that I had seen while I was in Austin. Me seeing someone was a big deal. Actually telling her was even bigger.

"Yeah, his name is Alcide, he's a contractor I met-," I paused momentarily. "Through a mutual friend."

There was hesitation on her end. "Well, honey, I think it's great," she said finally. "We will have to meet him of course."

I smiled. "I want you guys to meet him…he's really…great."

"I'm sure he is," she replied sounding pleased for the first time since I answered the phone. "Did you say something about moving? Are you having problems with the Wrights?"

"No mom, we aren't having any issues. They are great as always. I haven't even told Cassandra's parents yet. I am going to go look at some places today in Jackson and if I find something I like I will talk to them about it."

"Jackson? Why? Don't you like it in Bon Temps?"

"I do, mom, it's just…with everything that happened with Cassandra and being here alone…I think its better if I move into a smaller place. And there aren't many places to rent in Bon Temps. There are plenty of colleges in Jackson so I can go back to school and plenty of places for me to find a job, its bigger than Bon Temps so there's more to do," I felt like I was rambling. "Plus Alcide lives in Jackson."

"You two are planning to move in together? Isn't it a little soon for that?" her worried tone was back.

"No, mom, just live in the same city. Not in the same apartment. I will be getting my own place."

She made that dissatisfied sound again. "I want you to be your own woman, Chase. To make your own decisions and live and learn and grow," she said, her tone suddenly softer. "Just be careful… Don't rush into anything, please."

I smiled weakly. "I will, mom. I promise."

I heard my father's voice in the background and my mom sighed. "I have to go, honey. If you do actually intend to move let us know, your father and I can fly out to help and meet your boyfriend."

"I will, mom. Tell dad and Isaac I said hello."

"Okay. Love you. Goodbye."

The line clicked before I could reply. I hung the phone up and turned just in time to see Alcide coming down the hallway yawning sleepily, zipping and buttoning his jeans.

"Morning," he yawned.

"Good morning," I greeted him with a smile. "That was my mom."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah, I told her I was seeing someone and of course she wants to meet you now," he said.

Alcide smirked. "Well naturally, that's usually how the folks are when they hear their baby girl is dating."

"Well it's a big deal," I shrugged. "Because I've never really had a boyfriend before…so you'd be the first guy they ever met."

Alcide looked genuinely surprised. "What about Eric? You never told them about him?"

"Tell my super uptight and fearful mother that I was involved with a vampire? No way. She doesn't leave the house at night because she's afraid of them," I huffed. "She would have had a heart attack if she knew Eric and I were involved."

Alcide snorted. "Wonder how she will feel about you seeing a werewolf then?"

"Well that beauty of that is that she doesn't have to know."

"Touche," he replied with a smile. "We still going to Jackson?"

"Yes."

"Good. Thing is, I really need to stop by the construction sites and check in with my guys, make sure everything is running smoothly," Alcide explained. "I usually run a tight ship and things can go all to hell if I am gone too long. Last thing I need is for them to screw everything up and we miss out on the pay out."

"Okay, if you need to stay in Jackson for a few days then you can, I will be okay," I offered.

Alcide frowned, it didn't seem like he liked the idea. "Getting sick of me already?"

I rose to my feet. "No, it's not that. I know you have a job and a life in Jackson that I am keeping you from. I don't want you to lose any of that."

"I didn't have much of a life trust me, but my job is important," he reasoned. "But I want to make sure you are safe. Why don't you stay with me?"

"Eric is handling the Russell thing and if I am going to move to Jackson then I need to wrap things up here in Bon Temps," I replied. "I will be fine, Alcide."

He still didn't seem convinced, but nodded. "Alright. How about I stay in Jackson tonight and go to work tomorrow, make sure things are going smooth at the sites and then I will come up the day after."

"That would be great," I replied placing a kiss on his cheek. I felt him tense against me and withdrew before things got hot and heavy again. "I'm going to go get ready. We can stop for breakfast on the way?"

"Sounds good to me," he said.

We took separate cars so that I could drive myself back to Bon Temps. After grabbing some breakfast and making the drive to Jackson, Alcide and I stopped for the local newspaper to check out some listings. I checked out three apartments and two small one bedroom houses, before finding a nice loft. It was in an old warehouse that had been converted to an apartment building and it had a nice rustic feel. It wasn't too big and that rent wasn't ridiculous. I could easily manage it and the bills on my own as long as I found a job. Alcide's apartment complex was just ten minutes away, which was an added bonus. I put in an application which put a big smile on Alcide's face. I felt good about my decision to start over. It felt right. As soon as the ordeal with Russell was over I could hit the reset button on my life and given normal another attempt. I still needed to learn some control over my powers, but I figured it was nothing a little practice and maybe some meditation couldn't fix. Things that I could do after I hit the reset button. In the meantime perhaps having a powers that were activated when I was in danger wasn't such a bad thing, at least until Russell died.

By the time we were done house hunting it was closer to the evening. Alcide and I enjoyed a late lunch before we decided to say goodbye. I stood outside the diner we had eaten at, with Alcide's arms wrapped around me and his lips against my temple.

"Chase," he said pulling back a little and looking me in the eye. "You don't feel as if I'm rushing you, do you?"

I frowned. "No, what do you mean?"

"Well we have only known each other a short time and you are looking at places to move to the same city as me… I know it was my idea, but I just want to make sure it's what you want," he answered.

I smiled up at him and tightened my arms around his neck. "Alcide, I am not doing anything I don't want to do. I promise," I assured. "It's time for me to make some changes."

He smiled a little, but still seemed hesitant. "You're sure?"

I nodded. "Yes. Now kiss me so I can leave."

He obliged my request and pressed his lips against mine. I kept the kiss short, but sweet, not wanting to entice myself to the point of no return. I withdrew from him reluctantly and waved before climbing into my car. He watched me until I pulled out of the parking lot and was on the road. I felt a change in my stomach as I watched the sun moving lower in the sky and Eric crossed my mind. The situation with Russell and the possibility of him being killed was suddenly at the fore front of my brain and when I reached the exit for Bon Temps I found myself passing it. I was in Shreveport twenty minutes later and in the Fangtasia parking lot. I sat in my car for a long moment, wondering if I should go in, if talking to him alone would really change his mind to letting me help.

Just go in, I told myself unbuckling my seat belt. He can't take on Russell alone and he needs help.

I approached the entrance with quick strides, trying not to chicken out as anxiousness rushed me. I pulled the door open and stepped inside, spotting Pam pacing the bar worriedly with her arms crossed tightly over her chest. She froze the minute the entrance door shut behind me, turning to look at me with her fangs unsheathed.

Shit.

I tensed as her eyes locked with mine and I recognized them as the hungry eyes of a predator. I felt the power inside of me flex at the threat of danger and I clenched my fists, bracing myself.

"Pam," I said slowly taking a step backward.

She came at me in vampire speed and I screamed involuntarily, shutting my eyes and putting my arms up to shield my face. I felt a strong gust of wind and an arm came around me, pressing me tightly against a cold body. I opened my eyes to find Eric in front of me, his arm behind himself and around waist. He was blocking me from Pam.

"Pam, kontrollera dig själ," Eric said sternly as he gazed down at his progeny.

Pam still had not taken her eyes off of me, but as soon as Eric spoke he had her full attention. The darkness left her eyes and her fangs retracted; and for the first time since I had met her I saw emotion on her normally stoic face. She looked embarrassed. She shook her head slightly and straightened her perfect and fashionable blouse.

"I'm fine," she said flatly, glancing at me before shaking her head again. "I'm fine."

Eric didn't seem so sure and kept himself between us. His eyes remained on Pam. "What are you doing here, Chase?"

"I need to talk to you," I answered reminding myself of why I had come.

"Perhaps you should go out for a drink, Pam," Eric said. It sounded like an offer, but I could tell it was a command.

Pam nodded once and turned to go with out another word. Eric waited till she had exited the building to turn and face me. He gave me a once over and motioned to the door marked employees only.

"My office."

I turned on my heels and headed for his office. He followed behind me and shut the door behind us, moving around me to take a seat on the edge of his desk. He looked magnificent as always, his arms exposed in a black muscle tank, and dark jeans hugging his hips just right. Jesus Christ, focus Chase, I told myself shaking my head. I needed to keep my mind straight. There were too many times that I had gotten caught up in his whirlwind in this very office. I wasn't here for that.

"What are you doing out alone at night?" he asked me sternly. "Where is the wolf?"

"His name is Alcide, which you know, since you hired him to protect me," I answered irritably. I knew he was referring to Alcide as 'wolf' just to upset me.

"Clearly that was a mistake," he said bitterly.

I sighed heavily. "I didn't come here to talk about Alcide and I. He doesn't even know I am here. He's in Jackson."

Eric's eyebrow arched. He was intrigued. "He doesn't know you are here?"

"That doesn't mean what you think it means," I frowned. "I came because of Russell."

Eric's face fell. "We already discussed this when you and your wolf-."

"Alcide," I cut in through clenched teeth.

Eric frowned. "When you and Alcide came to visit the last time," he corrected. "There is nothing further to discuss."

"There is something further to discuss," I replied taking a step toward him. "I don't want you to die. I have power now, power that I cant control, but power none the less. He is 3,000 years old. Don't get me wrong I know you are old too, but I don't think you can take him on your own. Let me help you."

Eric's eyes dropped. "While I find you caring for me quite touching, I already have told you that I will handle it. All you need to do is stay away from me and away from trouble. Don't go out alone at night again. If that is all-." he started rising to his feet and motioning to the door.

My frown deepened and anger swept through me. The energy inside of me flared and I felt nauseous suddenly once more. I swallowed hard resisting the urge to puke and walked forward cutting him off.

"Why are you being like this? Why wont you let me help you? Is it because of Alcide and I liking each other? Or is it just because you're stupid and stubborn."

Eric looked down at me in surprise before his expression turned to anger. "What goes on with you and the wolf is none of my concern. I won't let you help because you will probably die," he snapped.

"You don't know that. I know you cant do this alone. You know you cant do this alone. I may be the only hope you have at stopping Russell!" I yelled angrily.

Eric stepped closer to me, forcing my head back so that I could maintain eye contact as he towered over me. "When will you get it through your thick skull that you're safety is the number one priority here? I am doing this for you. Keeping Russell away from you is my only focus right now, so no I don't want your damn help."

I blanched, feeling my face fall as I looked up at him. I struggled with a swirl of emotions that rose up in me at his words. The normally cold and calculated Eric that I was used to made it easy for me to hate him, but this caring and oddly emotional Eric made me confused. I hadn't seen this side of Eric often enough to believe that he truly existed. I suddenly felt doubt, doubt about everything that I had planned, moving to Jackson, being with Alcide, removing Eric from my life. How did he always manage to do this to me? To make me forget everything that I felt about everything else and make himself the center of my world? How did he always reel me back in when I wanted nothing more than to have him go away?

Leave Chase, leave now before you do something stupid. Leave before you ruin everything that could go great in your life, I warned myself.

"Okay," I said softly taking a step backward. "I'll go…"

I turned on my heel and approached the door, stopping when I felt a gust of wind and Eric's presence right behind me. He wasn't touching me, but he was barely an inch behind me. It sent a cold shiver down my spine. I froze, my hand on the door handle, my eyes shut. Don't do this. Don't do this. I waited for him to say something, but he didn't. I thought of something to say, but couldn't utter a single word. I chose action instead and pulled on the door handle. Eric's hand slammed against it, closing it again.

I stopped breathing all together when he stepped even closer, pressing himself against my back. God what is it about this office? My brain screamed. My heart rate picked up, my smooth breathing turning to pants when I felt him touch my hip with one hand. The other hand remained against the door holding it closed. There was a wave of heat that rushed me and my skin felt like lava, burning and tingling in anticipation of his touch. I couldn't think suddenly. I couldn't move. I felt his lips next, brushing against my hair, his fingers digging into the material covering my hips. He tilted his head and his lips brushed my ear next, then moved downward, maneuvering past my hair to press against my pulse point.

"Has the wolf taken you to bed already?" he asked me in a husky whisper, pressing his body further into my mine. I could feel something poking me in the back.

The wolf? I thought struggling to think. Alcide.

Yes. Alcide. My boyfriend. My werewolf boyfriend. The thought made me tense. I attempted to turn, to try push him away, but his hand on my hip held me in place. This is wrong. This is so wrong.

Eric's mouth closed on the skin of my neck, teeth scraping against my skin. I moaned, embarrassingly loud, I couldn't stop it. I felt my skin flush and my eyes slipped close as ecstasy washed over me. His mouth slid down moving toward my shoulder, tongue leaving a trail of fire. His hand left my hip and encircled my waist, pulling me back, bringing us even closer together. Protests should have been flowing from my mouth, but I couldn't think of a single word to say. I couldn't even form the word 'stop'.

His mouth left my shoulder and I felt his hips move forward grinding his erection into my back. I shivered with need. The energy flared inside of me excitedly and my fists clenched. "You haven't answered my question," he murmured, his lips near my ear again.

What?

He repeated the question, before I could ask him too. "Has the wolf taken you to bed?" His arm around my body tightened, his other hand finally leaving the door and attaching itself to my body. I gasped when it found my breast, kneading the mound of flesh like dough. Sparks rushed through me. "Does he satisfy you as I have?" I was barely comprehending his words. I was all want, need, and lust. The energy was swirling intensely, but I wasn't scared that I was going to hurt Eric, in fact it was the farthest thing from my mind. "Does he make you feel the things that I make you feel?" His fangs unsheathed and one of his hands was in my hair again yanking my head back. Cold lips moved across my neck and his other hand slid past the waist band of my jeans. Sweet Jesus. I had forgotten how incredible he seemed to make everything. I lost all reason and thought when his hand slid further and further down into my panties and right up against me. I whimpered and he groaned when found my core and circled it with his fingers. "Tell me, lover," he demanded.

My phone buzzed in my pocket and I nearly jumped out of my skin. Eric held me firmly as my head snapped up and my eyes snapped open. What the hell am I doing?

"Ignore that," Eric ordered.

I shook my head, feeling flustered and embarrassed. "No, I can't. I cant do this."

I stepped forward causing Eric to pull his hands from my pants and retrieved my phone. My face fell when I saw Alcide's name on the caller id. He had impeccable timing. I hit ignore. I couldn't answer it. Not when I was in the office of my ex lover, well on my way to O Town with him. I felt guilty and the nausea that I had been feeling came back full force, making my stomach stir vehemently. I shoved my phone back into my pocket and put my head in my hands, taking a deep breath.

"I have to go," I said finally, looking over my shoulder at him.

"Chase," Eric said making me stop.

"If you don't want my help with Russell then there's nothing left to say."

Anger flashed across his eyes. "You were about to give yourself to me."

"Yes and it would have been a mistake. You know that I am with Alcide, even if I haven't said it yet, and it just seems like you want to one up him or something," I snapped. "You cant keep doing this to me, Eric. It's not fair. You can't pull me back in just because you don't want anyone else to have me."

Eric stared down at me, his face blank, but his eyes were giving it all away. "I told you that I loved you," he said quietly. "I haven't said those words to anyone in centuries."

I felt my face fall. I looked down, I couldn't bare to look him in the eye. He was right. He had told me he loved me, and I had longed to hear him say those words for so long. But had he only told me because he thought he was dying? Or because he thought he was losing me to Alcide? He had been deceitful from the first night that we had met. After everything that he had done I didn't know what to believe.

"I can't do this," I repeated shaking my head. "Not right now. And I am not going to cheat on Alcide with you."

I reached for the door and again he stopped me. "It's not cheating when you are already mine."

I huffed. "I am not yours. I am not anyone's. I belong to myself."

"So you would choose the wolf then?" he questioned.

I sighed. "If you want me to say it then fine. I choose Alcide."

I turned and opened the door, not wanting to hear or see his response. I walked as fast as I could toward the exit, wanting to escape Eric and Fangtasia and the tension I felt. I didn't even make it to the door. I felt Eric's hands on my hips first, stopping me and turning me to face him. I screamed in surprise when he bent forward, lifting me over his shoulder like I was a sack of potatoes. The energy in me flared again, but the world began to spin disorientating me.

I hit the ground hard where Eric dropped me, looking up at him in shock. It took a moment for my eyes to adjust in the darkness and my stomach dropped when I realized I was in the basement of Fangtasia. The very same one that he had held Lafayette hostage in. I looked around in a panic, seeing that the only light came from the open door that led to the basement. Eric moved in vampire speed grabbing me again before I could even think of moving; and locking one of the metal collars around my neck, that was secured by a chain to a pillar. His hand dug into my pocket, taking my cellphone and sliding it into his back pocket.

"Eric! What the hell are you doing?" I yelled.

"You wanted to help me stop Russell," he said casually as he turned his back on me and headed for the steps. He paused when he reached them, looking back at me. "And now you will."

I felt my face fall. The energy amplified as anger rushed through me and I felt like I was about to burst with it. I clenched my fists trying to keep it in check. He couldn't be serious. He was not going to do this to me.

"Eric, you can't do this."

He ignored me.

"Please," I pleaded.

He ascended the steps slowly, not bothering to look back at me. The panic, fear, and anger increased as he reached the top step. I was suddenly hyperventilating. "Eric!" I screamed again.

The door slammed closed shrouding me in darkness.

"Eric!"