Chapter 7

Thanks for the reviews everyone :) I really appreciate it. This story has a definite arc to it, so it will take awhile to get through. I definitely loved the books until the last one. :)

I own none of the characters in this fan fiction. They are based on the Sookie Stackhouse series. This story is located somewhere between "Dead as a Doornail" and "All Together Dead". It takes parts from the whole series, but there is a twist I promise. I was devastated when the author did away with the blood bond and ultimately ended the relationship which I think defined the series. This is very Team Eric / Sookie.

Eric's POV

I glanced over at my beautiful lover. It was about an hour before I had to go to ground. She was sleeping peacefully. Her beautiful sun-kissed skin was glowing with perfect ribbons of blonde curls framing her face. She looked like a painting. Being in love with Sookie was like breathing for me. I couldn't breathe without her. If nothing else, her disappearance taught me that. However, her disappearance taught me another thing. We can NOT play defense anymore. Laying low will not work in this world. I had made that mistake once, it won't happen again. Truth be told, I don't want to be King of Louisiana. I've never needed that kind of power. Power is an illusion, just like security. I find influence much more useful than power. Some people would argue they are the same thing, but they aren't. Power is a visual representation. Influence is a cerebral representation. One feeds your ego while the other takes away the need for one. Power is much like money. It can buy everything, until it can't. Loyalty on the other hand, or influence, lasts forever, as long as it isn't abused. I like to inspire loyalty. Fear tactics, I've learned, generally only last for so long. Granted sometimes I've used fear as a tactic, but only when it is the only viable route.

"The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting."

― Sun Tzu, The Art of War

As I left the bedroom, I turned and looked over my shoulder at her one more time and smiled. She was definitely worth it.

Sookie's POV

I stretched my arms above my head. I always slept so well here. I yawned and rolled over to see what time it was. 1pm. Eric has been talking for months about me moving in and well I practically live here anyways. There's just something so scary about that proposition though. I don't want to give up my independence. I honestly believe a woman should be self sufficient. It's not a popular viewpoint down south, however I know so many women that lost their husbands, through divorce or death that never quite got back to where they were because of their lack of independence. I've always resolved to work and have my own money. Eric is a little old fashioned and doesn't understand it. In his mind, he has enough money so I should just quit and be his "house girlfriend" or whatever. I smiled to myself. One of the things I love about him is his centuries old notions about loyalty and proper behavior. A little out dated but he would die for the person he loves and that means a lot these days.

I rolled out of bed and made my way down to the kitchen. Jess was busy cleaning the counters. She turned around as I walked into the room, "Oh hey there Sookie! How are you?"

"Hi Jess!" I smiled at her. "How are you?"

"Great. Just finishing up here in the kitchen. I cut up some fresh fruit for you in the refrigerator and there are some croissants there on the counter." She motioned to a big bowl on the island.

"Great! Thanks. I'm famished."

We chatted for a few minutes about the weather, Shreveport, Eric and the house, and then I excused myself to go take a shower.

Time passed quickly today, before I knew it was time for Eric to get up. I went downstairs and microwaved a blood for him. As he walked through the door, he looked very deep in thought. He absently kissed me and sat down at the counter. "Hey," I looked at him. "Are you okay?"

"How do you feel about the King situation?" Straight to the point. Okay.

"Well Eric. It isn't my dream scenario, but I'm not sure I even have a dream scenario. If it lets me stay with you and gives us some peace, then we should do it. I knew what the risks were before I got involved with you so I try to accept whatever comes along. I don't want to give up my whole life though. I don't want to be a prisoner in a bubble that I can't ever leave."

"Sookie, you realize if I assume the throne, things will change a lot. Although I can hire you, so you can quite that job. "He said it with such an air of annoyance that it almost made me angry. Almost.

"Eric. I like my job, but the trip is getting tiresome I admit. I just don't want to be trapped in the house all the time."

Eric smiled, got up, leaned over and kissed me on the lips softly. "So does that mean you are moving in with me Sookie?" He quipped as he raised his left eyebrow. I could tell by his face that he considered that a definite win.

"Eric. I practically live here anyways. However, I'm not selling my house and I want a salary." A grin spread across his face. "Oh and I have to give Sam notice." With that his face went straight.

"Fine." He resigned. "You can give the Shifter two weeks, but I'm assigning a guard to you when I'm not with you. I'm going to take a shower and then I'm calling the Authority and telling the council that I'm accepting the job." He stared at the ceiling as if he knew that it was the calm before the storm. With that he turned and headed upstairs.

I breathed in heavily and stared out into the distance, not looking at or thinking about anything in particular.

Eric came down without saying a word and went directly into his office. He looked serious and walked with purpose. I stared after him as the door shut. I could hear him start to talk. I decided to go in the living room for awhile.

Eric's POV

"This is Northman. I need to address the council."

"Hello Mr. Northman. Please wait." I heard on the other end of the phone. It was amazing how much of a corporation the Authority was these days.

"Northman. Roman. I assume you have a decision." He stated and then paused.

"Yes. I have a decision. I have decided to accept the position of King of Louisiana. I assume you will want to meet to discuss specifics."

"Yes. We will see you tomorrow at Fangtasia." With that he hung up the phone.

I sat in my chair for a few minutes thinking about the structure of things to come. Pam would definitely assume Sheriff of Area 5, whether she wanted to or not. Alcide, I would hire to protect Sookie. He may not be a vampire, but I did trust him as far as Sookie. I know he hates Vampire politics but he would do whatever he could to protect Sookie, and that I trusted.

I got up and headed towards the door. Sookie had left the kitchen. I could hear her in the living room, when I entered she was sitting on the couch reading 'Dorian Gray'. "Lover." She glanced up at me and smiled half heartedly. "I need to go to Fangtasia tonight to meet with the Council. I want you to come with me. You'll have to stay in the office but I'd rather not leave you here alone."

"Okay" she smiled up at me. "When are we leaving?"

"In about a half hour. Did you eat? We can stop somewhere."

"No I'm fine."

I sat down besides her and put my hand over hers. "Sookie. There is nothing I wouldn't do to protect you. I love you. Things are going to change in our lives, but it will never change us. You are the reason for everything I do."

"I know Eric. I feel the same way. I just hope that we are not making a huge mistake. I don't trust vampires, any vampires, whether they are the Authority or not. They've all got an angle. Getting in bed with them is not an alliance, to me it seems like more of a means to an end. I just hope it isn't ours." She sighed and leaned back and looked at me.

We sat there leaned back against the sofa just looking at each other until we needed to leave. Then we got up silently and headed towards the door. The ride to Fangtasia was much like the last half hour, silent and thick with the anticipation of change.

As we arrived and walked towards the back door, Pam pushed it open and was standing there tapping her toe expectantly. "Pam, not now…the Council is coming."

Pam rolled her eyes. "Fine." She muttered under her breath.

"Stay in the office with Sookie." I nodded towards the office.

Sookies POV

Pam walked into the office and sat down in Eric's chair. She looked at me and wondered aloud, "How is it that we always end up just outside the inside circle?"

I let out a laugh as I sat down in the chair in front of the desk. It was true. I couldn't count the number of times Pam and I had been stuck together because some vampire or another was after me or after Eric or after all of us. Pam and I had spent hours discussing Vampire Politics. She hated most people, including vampires, but she hated the politics more. She came across as being above it all. She loved Eric though and she would do anything for him. I think she would even if she wasn't his child. Eric inspired that in people; this sort of 'I'd do anything for you' type of allegiance. I have felt it. Even before the bond, I always found myself wanting to believe in the righteousness of his actions.

I studied Pam. "Pam, what do you think about him becoming King?"

"Well," she drawled. "There's no question that Eric would be the best choice for King. Whether he really wants it is another question, although I highly doubt it. He's doing this to save our lives. You see, Sookie, in this world, we are liabilities. Granted," she paused and eyed me, "I'm less of a liability because well, I'm me. However, it's true. When you care about someone in this world, anyone, there is always someone there that will try to take it away to better their position. You can believe that if Eric's thinks it's best for him to be King, then it is best. He does not do anything lightly and if there was any other way, he would do it."

I looked down at the desk and then back at her. "I know."

Eric's POV

"Roman." I nodded at him as I entered the main room. "Let's have a seat." I motioned to the booth beside the stage where my throne resided. The bar was pretty dead tonight; anyone who was there was shown out by Roman's bodyguards.

Roman was of medium height, I'd guess around 40 when he was turned with blue eyes and slightly thin auburn hair. He was attractive by Vampire standards. He had presence though. He wasn't someone that blended into the background. His stature was absolutely threatening and he was 1500 years old. With him was Rose, his partner and child. She was dark haired and beautiful by any standards, she was slightly younger than he at 1200 years old. Together they headed the Authority which was a council of eight vampires, all lethal and all very old. Roman was not the oldest, but he was by far the most cunning and dangerous. The council consisted of Roman, Rose, Axel, Germaine, Felix, Santos, Edward, and Fiona. The other six were missing from the meeting tonight; however, they rarely traveled in sets of more than two to ward off any thoughts of annihilation of the Council. Smart. A little paranoid, but a little paranoia went a long way in vampire circles.

"Northman. So in line with our earlier conversation, you will assume the Kingdom of Louisiana, which consists of five areas, with five sheriffs beginning immediately. You have named Pamela Ravenscroft as your successor, which has been approved by the Council. Your human, Sookie, is it?" I nodded in agreement. "Will assume a position as?"

"She is my partner, she is also a telepath." He nodded at me, but I could tell in his eyes that he already knew that answer. It seemed more to me as a vehicle for determining disclosure than an actual question. "I will submit a list of guards by the end of the week. It will take me some time to put that in place. Until then I will have protection. I also wish to remain in Shreveport. My home is here as well as my business."

"And where is your partner's home? I have heard that she does not live with you." Roman questioned.

I felt the blood rushing to my face. Although I didn't let anything show, I was extremely suspicious of his interest in Sookie. "That is of no consequence, as she will remain with me or under protection going forward. I will personally see to her safety." I steadied my eyes at him to leave no doubt that she was off limits.

He kind of smiled with his eyes as he leveled a look back at me. There was something behind his eyes but I had no idea what. "Fine." He nodded. "I will send the paperwork over to you by messenger tomorrow, which needs to be notarized and returned within three days. The messenger will be by then to retrieve it."

Rose nodded in agreement with him as if to add her approval for the plan. He stood, offered his hand to her and with that they were gone. I exhaled. Okay, so it begins.

I walked back the dark hallway to the office. As I entered, both girls stopped talking. I was too lost in thought prior to know what they were talking about. "Pam one of the lights in the hallway is out. I'll be out in a little while to discuss things with you."

She glanced at me and raised an eyebrow. "Yes Master. I need to get back to work anyway, "she stood up from the chair and headed for the door taking her cue to leave.

I sat down across from Sookie. Leaning back I peered out the blinds to make sure Roman had departed the parking lot. "Sookie. It's done. I'm getting the paperwork from Roman tomorrow. Something isn't right though. Roman was unusually interested in you. I don't trust it. I'm not saying that it is a set up but there is something off about the situation."

She rolled her eyes. "Eric, when has any situation involving vampires ever been right?"

I weighed her question. "True." She got up and walked around the desk. She straddled my legs and stared into my eyes. Leaning forward, she kissed me softly and reopened her eyes. "So. Vampires are being shady. We are probably in a life or death situation we don't know about yet. C'est la vie. I think we should make out and think about it tomorrow." She smiled and leaned in to kiss me harder. That's pretty much all the convincing it took. With that I kissed her back deeply and stood up with her still wrapped around me. Laying her back on the desk, I drew her breath and passion into me as I caressed my way up her arms to her wrists, which I then pinned above her head with one hand. Her loud moan echoed through my body and I felt myself getting hard in anticipation of what was to come. As we kissed each other back, each of us vying for control and me winning, this time. I started grinding into her. Using my free hand, I massaged her leg, kneading my way towards her center. I released her hands, still kissing her, I pulled my lips away and started kissing my way down to her neck. I could feel the blood pulsating through her veins in rhythm with her breathing. I reached up unbuttoned my jeans and released my cock from its prison, pushed her wet panties aside and thrust myself into her pussy. Jesus she was so tight. As I pumped my cock in and out of her, I lowered my fangs. Her eyes were shut tightly and she turned her head to the side as if inviting me in. As I penetrated her skin and the sweet fluid filled my mouth, I was pumping her hard. It was if the entire world was suspended during this moment. All I could think about was tasting her and fucking her. I tore my mouth away from her neck and raised myself up to look at her. She had her eyes closed. I used my right hand to turn her face towards me and she opened her eyes. As we looked into each other, our rhythm melting into each other, trading our energy back and forth, the world exploded and then suddenly as fast as it came, it dissipated. We both exhaled at the same time, exhausted momentarily from our tryst. I looked at her, my beautiful Sookie, laying on my desk, legs spread and mine. I leaned down and kissed her softly. "I love you Sookie."

She looked back at me and smiled. "I love you too Eric."

Knowing Pam could feel everything that just happened, I decided to go out to the bar and talk to her about all the changes. "I'm going to talk to Pam. You are free to join us Sookie or you can stay here and freshen up," I said with a hint of playfulness.

She smiled back at me and said she would be right out.

As I pushed the door open to the bar, I got the distinct impression that Pam wasn't alone. As I walked into the main bar, I saw Bill sitting at the counter. "Compton. What are you doing here?"

"Eric. Russell called me. He said he heard a rumor that you were taking over the Louisiana territories?" I studied him carefully.

"Yes, Bill, that is true. I am to become King of Louisiana."

"Eric, I know we have had our differences, however, I'd still like to offer you my services. I'm glad Bertrand is dead."

"I'll take your request under consideration." I nodded at him. "Please have a blood on me." I nodded at Pam, who was not impressed with his offer and she pulled out an O+ and microwaved it for a few seconds before handing it to him.

At that moment, Sookie entered the room. "Bill." She smiled. I hated that she still smiled at him, but he was her first love, regardless of what a lying, deceitful, arrogant bastard he was, she still loved him in some way. She walked over and hugged him. "How are you?" He looked at her and smiled back. "I'm good. I just came to offer Eric my services as our new king."

"I see." She said. With that she stopped smiling. I guessed that she was recalling that one of his services to Sophie Anne was to "retrieve" her. She quickly recovered though, being the southern belle she was and started chit chatting about nothing in particular.

As we headed home that night, she chatted away about Bill and Merlotte's and going to work the next day, which I wasn't happy about, but at least it was only two more weeks. Although from what I understood from her the previous day, the shifter had already replaced her so perhaps it would be less than two weeks. After she falls asleep I will call Alcide to arrange for her protection as long as it took.

I walked through the front door and picked her up. In the next second we were standing in my room and I laid her down on the bed. I kicked off my boots and jeans. She sat up and took off her dress and we both collapsed backwards on the pillows.