14

That Same Night

I want to thank each of you for reviewing, reading, making this story a favorite and alerting. Thank you for letting me occupy your time with my stories. I appreciate each of you more than you'll ever realize. As always, I hope that y'all enjoy it and let me know what you think.

The story idea is mine but these wonderful characters belong to Charlaine Harris. I appreciate that she lets us enjoy them as much as we do.

After leaving Pauline's body in the back of an unattended ambulance that was parked in front of someone's house, Eric took me back to Fangtasia so that we could fill the other vampires in on what we'd discovered and to find out what was on those recordings. Even though the bar had long closed, he told them all to stay put until we got there. I was a bit nervous about meeting the other vampires. So far, Eric and Pam are the only ones that I've met. Oh, and Long Shadow but he's dead now. Even though I've never met the others before tonight, I'm going to be my usually charming and endearing self. There is absolutely no reason for me not to be.

Once we'd all gathered around in Eric's office, I was getting some serious stares from the vampires that surrounded us. My smiles and hellos did nothing to make them feel comfortable around me. I could tell that they were wondering why a human was involved with this very important and impromptu meeting. They were also probably wondering why Eric was holding my hand. They looked uneasy and on edge. They could more than likely tell that Eric and I have no connection. Though I wanted them to be comfortable around me, it wasn't a requirement. To be honest, I really didn't care what they thought or how they felt and obviously, neither did Eric.

When he introduced me to the others, he made the introduction as simple and as painless as possible. He told everyone that I'm his and that's that. Obviously, he wasn't ready to tell everyone in his group what I can do just yet and I don't blame him. He's probably not quite sure of whom he can trust after the issue with that we had with Long Shadow. I figured that after Eric's introduction of me, they'd have tons of questions and would want just as many answers but that didn't happen. They didn't question him. I found that to be a bit odd considering Eric is supposed to be no more than a bar owner. Maybe they didn't question him because of his age and his power but I wasn't sure about that either. I wanted to know what hold Eric has over them but that would just have to wait. I held my tongue and decided to bide my time.

After my quick and painless introduction, everything else was smooth sailing. He told them no more than what they needed to know. He told everyone what Malcolm 'told' us. There was nothing on the tapes other than the debauchery that those two vampires, Malcolm and his friend, whom we've since discovered was called Liam, so easily committed. There was absolutely nothing that we could use to our benefit.

I could see that frustration was clearly on Eric's face. I could also see that he's not used to being kept in the dark about a plan so devious. With him, it's easy to tell that he has to always be in control and for the first time in a long time, he wasn't and he didn't like it. I hated seeing him like that but with what we've learned, he really doesn't have much of a choice in the matter. In this he's powerless.

Once the recordings had been turned off, no one said a word. Pam was as quiet as a church mouse, which I found to be quite odd. Maxwell Lee, he was sitting with his legs crossed and smiling. A vampire called Charles was leaning against the wall and he looked as bored as ever. Heidi and Jonathan looked serious and ready for anything and everything to happen. And me? I was wondering why no one was asking the million-dollar question.

"So, what do we do?" I asked. "How are we going to find out who's trying to take Pam? We can't just sit here and do nothing and wait it out. We're wasting time. We have to do what is necessary so that we can keep her safe."

Every vampire but Eric and Pam stared at me as if I'd lost my mind. They probably wondered why a pet was speaking on something that she should not be privy to.

Pam smirked as she sauntered over to me. With a hand on her hip, she asked, "You want me, don't you? I can see it those pretty, baby blues of yours. You say that you're not interested in me but I can feel it. You want me." She looked at the vampire called Charles and said, "It has to be my personality."

He chuckled as he looked her over. "What personality?"

She glared at him before returning her attention to me. "We can do this, Sookie."

Eric was staring at me and obviously didn't hear any of what Pam said. His mind was going a mile a minute and for the life of me, I couldn't figure out what he was thinking.

I didn't want to but I laughed as I rolled my eyes. "Pam," I began. "I don't want you. I am not gay. How many times do I have to tell you this? I am not interested in you sexually and even if I was, what would it matter? Your life is in danger. We don't have time this. We need to get down to business. Someone is after you and we have to find out who it is."

Pam was still smirking.

"And we will," Eric promised. His attention was now focused on Pam. "No one is going to take her. She is going to be safe and well protected at all times. I have called in some favors that are owed to me. We will have some members of the Long Tooth pack watching after you doing the daytime hours. You will have some of our most trusted vampires looking after you at night." He looked at Maxwell as to let him know that he had to floor.

Maxwell Lee agreed. "I will be with you tonight and every night after that, Pam," he assured. "I have already discussed with Eric that I will be moving in with you for a while. I am centuries older than you are. I'm much faster and stronger. Charles, Heidi and Jonathan will be patrolling the grounds. Thalia will be coming into town by the week's end and she will be in control of your nighttime security team. She will be bringing her children with her. They don't know exactly what's going on but they will be made aware as soon as they get here." He placed his hand on hers and said, "You are my friend and I will let nothing happen to you. You have my word. We have all known each other for many, many years and we are loyal to you and Eric. Fear not, old friend. You will be safe."

Pam appreciated the gesture but it was more than apparent that she wasn't about to show it. And instead of showing it, she snorted. "I am more than proficient when it comes to taking care of myself. I don't need a security detail." She snatched her hand from underneath Maxwell's as she glared at Eric. "And I don't need babysitters, Eric. You have taught me well. My home is well protected. I am well armed. I will be safe on my own. I am not some weakling. I am strong."

I watched Eric as he walked from behind his desk and stood before his child. He placed his hands on her shoulders and held her at arm's length. "I'm more than sure that you can take care of yourself. I have complete faith in you but I will not leave you without protection. I have offered to let you stay with me but you have declined. I have offered to stay with you but you won't hear of it. I have given you more leeway than I am comfortable with and as you know, I don't ask much of you but I do ask that you give me this. Just let Maxwell stay with you until we can figure this out. Will you do what I ask of you, Pamela?"

And just like that, her face softened. "I can and I will," she replied.

He placed his hand on her cheek as he kissed her lips lightly and looked into her eyes.

She leaned into his touch and sighed. "You have my word."

I've known them for not even a week and I admire the relationship that they have. It's more than evident that they hold each other in the highest regard. They love each other. He's going to do what he needs to do to keep her safe. And after what Malcolm said to me tonight, Eric needs to do the same thing for me. I know that I'm not Pam but he needs to protect me. I don't have the capabilities of fighting off vampire attacks. I don't have any fancy weapons. And I don't want to be afraid. I don't want to have to worry about some vampire taking a nice, long whiff of me and thinking that it's okay if he or she takes me as their own. I want to be able to come to work and not fear that some vampire king or queen is going to come in here and point me out and say that they want me. And from what I understand from my grandpa, there's nothing that can be done about it if I'm not bonded to Eric. I'll be fair game.

"Sookie," Eric said.

I looked up at him and around the room. I realized that we were alone. I didn't even hear them all leave. "Where is everyone?"

"Gone," he answered.

"Do we have a plan?" I asked.

"It is in motion," he replied. "But don't worry. Everything will be fine."

I did nothing but nod.

He came over and sat next to me on the couch.

"I don't like this, Eric," I said as I looked at him.

He patted my leg and said, "We'll figure this out."

"Not this," I said as I pointed out into the empty office. "This." I pointed from him to me. "I don't like this."

Something came over his eyes. "Are you afraid of what you may become? Are you afraid of what I did tonight … of what I had to do? If you are, I do not like killing. It is something that does not give me pleasure but I cannot change who or what I am. I am a vampire, Sookie. We kill. There are times when we don't have choices in that. Tonight, I had no choice. And do not fear," he said. "You are in no danger of becoming what you fear. You are not like me, Sookie. Your human sensibilities won't allow you to become like me. You have been raised in the human world. Your grandfather has apparently done a very fine job of keeping you grounded. You will be fine."

I thought of what he'd said before answering him. "I'm not afraid of you or what I may become. That's not a fear of mine at all. I wouldn't want you to change who or what you are even if you could. I understand why you do what you do. I actually like who you are … what you are. I like everything about you but for you to say that to me, you don't get it." I stood up from the couch as I turned to face him. "Did you hear any of what Malcolm said to me tonight or were you being willfully deaf? I don't want to be taken, Eric." I pointed at the closed door to his office and said, "I don't want some vampire coming here smelling on me and saying that they want me. I know that you told me that until we bond, you won't hire out my services. That was okay at first but not anymore. It's not sufficient enough for me. What if I'm working in the bar and some random vampire decides to come in and snatch me up because he can't smell you on me … in me?"

Remaining seated on the couch, he said, "That won't happen. I won't let it."

I shook my head as I briefly glanced up at the ceiling. I needed to know what his role is in the vampire world. "What position do you hold in this world? What do you do other than own a bar in Shreveport?" I studied his face as I continued. "There's more to you than just owning this bar. You're more than that. I can't see you just being the owner of this place. I saw it in the eyes of the other vampires. You're more."

He looked at me for a long moment before answering. "I'm the Sheriff of Area Five."

I waited for more.

"That means that I control a certain part of this great state of Louisiana."

"And why?"

"Because I am strong and because of my age," he said.

"And because whomever gave you that position wants to keep an eye on you," I concluded. "Is that it?"

A smug look appeared on his face. "Yes."

"What power does your position give to you? Are you more powerful than a king or a queen?" I knew the answer to my question as I asked it but I needed to hear him say it.

"I am not."

I stepped close to him and in a soft and calm voice, I reminded him of something that grandpa said to me last night. "Your queens and kings have all of the power. What if someone, what if your king or queen sends someone here to go through your files and they find out about me. What I am. Who I am. What I can do. Because they are your king or queen, they have the right to take me. I belong to no one as far they know. I'm just a telepath that works in a vampire bar. If that happens, is there anything that you can do to stop them from taking me? Will I have a choice? Will our contract even stand? If we're not bonded, can you stop them from taking me?"

I knew the answers to my questions without him saying one word.

"You said that you would keep me protected but you're not. You're putting me in danger. Not readily but you are putting me in danger, Eric. I know that you'd never purposely do that but you are."

He stared up at me.

"I have thought about us being bonded since you explained to me what it is and I want it. I don't need to think about it because it is what I want." I took a step closer to him. "I am afraid of being taken and used. I am afraid of what could possibly be done to me to make me submissive to some other vampire. I don't want to be afraid, Eric, and I sure as hell don't want to be submissive. I don't like feeling like this. I don't like it." I stared down at him and said, "You need to decide tonight what you are going to do. Either you're going to have me or you're going to lose me. I'm not waiting past tonight."

He continued to stare up at me. He didn't acknowledge a single word I'd said.

I snatched my purse from the couch and made my way to leave. "Call me when you're ready," I said. "I won't be working for you until then."

Instead of being able to open the door so that I could leave, my back was pressed against it and I was eye level with Eric. I don't know how it happened but my legs were wrapped around his waist and his hands were caressing my face. His kiss was so forceful that I moaned into his mouth. I wanted more but he broke it before I could get what I wanted. He looked into my eyes and said, "Tell me again why you want to do this. I need to hear you say it."

I traced my finger lightly over the scar that I'd noticed earlier tonight as I told him why I wanted to be his … why I want him to be mine. "Because I want more than your protection," I said. "I want to know what you're feeling. I want you to know what I'm feeling. I want you to be a part of me just as much as I want to be a part of you. I know what I'm asking and I'm asking that you bond with me. I'm asking that you let me be a part of you. You said that you wanted me to make sure that this is what I want. I'm telling you now that this is what I want."

His eyes were blazing as he kissed me once more. He began to kiss from mouth to my neck. He licked and sucked. I melted into him. I don't even think that I was me anymore and he hadn't even bitten into me.

"Will it hurt?" I asked as I whispered into his ear.

He shivered as he said, "No. I'll never hurt you."

Still whispering in his ear, I said. "When we do this, there's no going back. I know that you said that to me when I first presented this idea to you but I'm now saying the same thing to you. Once we do this, you're going to be mine."

He pressed me closer to the door. His kisses became primal. His hands were traveling over my body. The feel of his thumb as it brushed across my covered nipple was almost more than I could handle. I would've cried out but his mouth muffled the sounds.

He kissed his way back to my ear and said, "I want to make love to you."

Before I could say no, he caressed my cheek and said, "I want to make love to you but not here. This is not for you. We will share blood tonight but no more than that. Are you fine with that, Sookie?"

"I am," I whispered as I rubbed my cheek against his.

"We will do this together," he said as he looked at me.

"How?"

He brushed his lips against mine. "You will bite into my flesh, my neck, as I bite into yours."

That scared me. I don't have fangs and I definitely didn't want to hurt him. That's the last thing that I wanted to do. I didn't have to tell him what I was feeling.

"You won't hurt me," he promised. "Just bite as hard as you can and feed from me until the wound closes."

I couldn't believe that this was about to happen. My heart was pounding in my chest. My pulse was racing and I had never been hornier in my life. I wanted more than his fangs in me but I didn't want to lose my virginity in a vampire bar.

"You ready?" he asked.

I rapidly nodded.

Once again, we were kissing. Our bodies were grinding against each other. Our hands were caressing and touching. My legs tightened around his waist. He was thrusting against me and I was rubbing myself against him. And then it happened. "Now," he growled in my ear.

It was the most pleasurable experience of my life. I screamed out in ecstasy as my orgasm ravaged me. As his thick, sweet blood flowed over my tongue and down my throat, I rubbed myself harder against him. He helped me along by pressing my body closer to the door. I'd never known such pleasure in my life. My body went limp as he continued to lick at my neck and I rested my head onto his shoulder.

He carried me over to the couch and sat down with me on his lap. He continued to kiss me as he held me. "That was amazing," I said. "Can I tell you something?"

He looked at me and nodded.

Blushing, I said, "I've never had an orgasm with a boy. I know that you're not a boy but that is something that I've never done. I know that it's a stupid thing to say at this particular time but I just wanted to share that with you."

He laughed heartily and loud.

I laughed as I gazed into his eyes. "Can you feel me?"

He closed his eyes and said yes. "I can feel all of you. I can feel your blood flowing through me as if it's a heartbeat. It calms me," he shared.

"I can't feel you," I said. I was suddenly filled with disappointment. "Why can't I feel you?"

"In time," he said as he opened his eyes and looked at me. "You will. This is our first time. During the first blood share, I can feel you. When you need me. When you're afraid. When you're in danger. I can feel you at all times. Even during my daytime rest, I'll be able to feel you. I will be able to feel you at certain distances but to make sure that you are safe at all times, I will have silver weapons sent to your home by tomorrow morning. You will keep them on you at all time."

It wasn't a question so I answered him with a simple yes.

He continued telling me what was going to happen. "Though the ones that employed Malcolm won't be able to find you, I will have guards watching you as well. I was not willfully deaf when Malcolm made his comments about you. His words have preoccupied my every thought since they passed his deceitful mouth."

I nodded as I took in what he said. "Thank you for the weapons and guards, Eric. And know that I don't doubt you. I'll never doubt you." I paused for a brief second before speaking again. "I have another question. What do you mean during the first blood share? Do we have to share blood more than once?"

"We do. Three blood shares are needed in order to complete the bond between a vampire and his human. During the second mutual blood share, you will be able to feel me. You will be able to feel my emotions just as I'm feeling yours right now." He kissed me once more. "When I am distressed, you will know it. When I'm afraid, which never happens, you will know it. You will be able to feel me at long distances. Our relationship will be stronger because of it. It will be one of great admiration and respect."

"It already is," I confirmed. I looked down in between us and said, "The third blood share; that will be permanent, won't it?" I looked up at him and said, "You and I would be bound together forever with the third one."

"Yes."

I wanted to ask him if he's willing to do that but I wasn't too sure if I wanted to hear what he had to say so I nodded and said okay. I removed myself from his lap and began to fix my dress and my hair. He remained seated. I could feel him watching me as his eye followed me around his office. And I knew that he could feel my uncertainty about whether or not he'd want to complete the bond with me.

So, I turned to face him and said, "Thank you for this wonderful evening. I had a great time." I looked at my watch and gasped. It was 4:00 a.m. and I needed to get home. "I'll see you tomorrow night at 6:00."

He frowned as he looked at me. "I can feel you, Sookie."

"I know."

"I don't regret this," he assured me. He decided to share something with me. "Since leaving Malcolm's tonight, I realized that we couldn't wait to bond. I was not going to let you leave you me tonight without beginning the bonding process with you." He pulled me down to meet his lips as he brushed his across mine. "I don't regret this."

My heart lightened a bit but my nerves were still jumbled. "I know," I said. "You wouldn't have done it if you had reservations. I know."

He smiled just a bit. "My lover is telling a fib." He got up from the couch and stood in front of me. "I don't regret this."

I rested my head against his chest as I closed my eyes and sighed. I released all of my anxiety in that one breath. "I know." And this time I believed it as did he. "Okay. One more question?"

He nodded.

I looked at him and asked, "Will you only feed from me when we are forming the blood bond?"

"I will feed from you when you allow me to," he stated. "When you want me to."

My heart was pounding in my chest from the sheer anticipation of him feeding from me again. "And it will make our bond stronger. You'll always feel me regardless of whether or not we complete the bonding process."

"Yes."

"Good," I said as I nodded. "Good." I stood up from his lap and smiled. "I have to go. It's getting late and I'm sure that grandpa is up waiting for me to get home. I'll see you tomorrow night."

He shook his head no. "You will see me as I walk with you to your car. A gentleman never lets a lady walk to her car alone this late at night." He took my hand in his and led the way.