The LOST Writers' Island

Ma Cherie Amor, Part 12 

Nearly a week had passed in Baton Rouge for Sookie and Eric. She had reluctantly agreed to work on a case for the Queen if it meant it paid Erics price for freedom and standing in the Vampire community. The Queen had gotten him back his license and Registration as Sheriff of Area 5 and offered them both room and board on her extensive grounds, full use of the facilities, whatever Sookie wanted to eat, it was hers, as well as an expense account at the local shopping center and a stipend. Sookie was more than delighted that her needs were being so well taken care of but there was still this nagging feeling in the back of her head. She felt manipulated in a way, like she was tricked to get here, and she didnt like that feeling. And the fact that Eric was just going along with it wasnt helping. She quickly realized despite their differences, Vampires held to a pretty strict code of conduct, and apparently whatever the Queen said was law.  

But he was cranky sometimes too. She wasnt sure if he was regretting the wedding thing, marrying her? They hadnt really gotten a chance to talk about it, Sookie thought back on it in realization. Every time she brought it up, hed find another excuse to woo her back into bed. Or she was just too busy with the investigation. And of course, shed never had so much sex. It was kindof an unofficial honeymoon afterall. And she was thrilled to have him back with her safe and sound. She had missed him and he her and they were both afraid to let the other out of their site for long. Despite their differences, they did have that in common. And good lord, he could go sometimes till the early hours of dawn, leaving Sookie drenched and passed out next to him. Because of Eric, Sookie sometimes couldnt even drag herself out of bed until 2 in the afternoon sometimes. Yes things had definitely changed; she was living in the Vampire world now.

Even though she loved Eric, part of Sookie missed her world too. She wished instead of having to call Tara, she could actually be here with her talking about what a bonehead her brother was, or Sam and his stoic advice and support. Or even the jackasses at Merlottes held a certain innocent charm when she reminisced about things.

Sookie had gone out to lounge by the pool earlier taking a break from her work and then dusk approached and she decided to go back into the house and take a shower. She went back into her and Erics room where Eric was still resting looking all Adonis like on the bed, naked except for a lone pair of sheets expertly wrapped around his private areas and she felt a heat grow inside her. Brushing it off she realized she needed that shower stat if she was going to keep her game plan on today and she yanked at her towel wrap. She had to talk to Eric about serious relationship stuff. Like where was this going? Did he feel for her the same way she did for him? And did she even expect to get a rational answer about thoughts and feelings on their relationship out of a thousand year old Vampire?

Her towel fell to the floor at her feet. Looking forward to the shower and warming up or cooling off in her case, Sookie took her hair out of its binder letting it cascade over her shoulders and then she walked over towards the bathroom, tugging at her bikini top she was about to go into the bathroom and melt into the shower when she heard a groggy voice from behind

"Take it all off lover" Sookie smiled to herself as she pretended not to notice him, playing coy, and replied over her shoulder

"I have a busy day ahead of me, no time for strip teasing tonight." Sookie dared to turn her head back and she met Erics gaze with a wicked glint. And then the sparks re-ignited. He had been watching her as she came in and he licked his lips. They were both obviously on the same page with wanting each other and he reached out to her

"Come back to bed my darling, I promise to help relieve some of that tension the pool missed"

She scoffed. He just wanted her for sex! Sookie thought. That was abundantly clear. He didnt give a rats ass about her tension, she was sure.

Sookie came back striding over to him, her face a contortion of shared humor and disbelief at his arrogance and she poked him in the chest

"Your unbelievable do you know that?"

Eric reached out and pulled her down to the bed with him, his strong arms held her securely and he replied smartly

"Of course I do"

But of course he took her insult to be more sexual, or Eric was playing with her, and he pressed his soft and tender lips to her cheek from behind. Kissing the side of her face up and down.

"Dont think I dont know what your doing." Sookie replied moaning as his lips found her favorite spot, in the cavern where her jaw and neck met, and it made her eyes flutter

"And what am I doing?" Eric breathed as his hands skimmed her trim naked tummy and reached to dip down into the vee of her bikini bottoms.

"Uh.Eric!" Sookie moaned feelings his long fingers curl into her sensitive folds and then he began to rub her

"We have to" She started panting and then his tongue flicked her earlobe and she swallowed heavily as he whispered coaxing out her voice, it was like an elixir for him. She was so wet and he was so hungry and hard, wanting her like his drug, he asked her as his liquid velvet voice coated her silky skin..

"We have to what?"

His other hand came up to push one of her bikini bra cups down, as his fingers kept stroking her under her panties, rubbing against her most sensitive places and Sookie felt her orgasm build up

"We have to.(She tried to answer her eye lids fluttered concentrating on what she had intended to say to him before she got here, she was going to think about exactly how she would confront Eric on their current arrangements, especially the marriage part, but as usual her own private Casanova was winning in the battle of wills, and she moaned again, feeling her body climb its peak as his hands continued to work their magic) Ohhhhhhhh!"

She clenched hard around him as the first wave of pleasure bubbled over, and there were many more to follow. Sookie knew like prey to her predator, she was powerless to resist his assaults this time, as it was every time.

-------------------------------------

"Hey Sam!" Tara smiled at him as she came in to start her shifts at Merlottes that evening.

"Hey Tara." Sam greeted her from behind the bar. He was reloading the glassware under the counter and Tara told him as she grabbed her apron and put it on

"I heard from Sookie today."

"Oh yeah?" Sam asked with piqued curiosity. He had worried about Sookie and what she was doing there with those vampires and he asked her

"So what did she say?"

Tara looked over at Sam knowing he wouldnt want to hear part of Sookies news. Tara thought shed let Sookie tell them herself who she just decided to up and marry. She especially wanted to keep it low key so Jason wouldnt find out. That boy had a hot head when it came to his sister and vampires. And Tara turned away wiping down the counter trying to act busy

"Shes good, thinks she might be able to come home in a couple days, she feels like shes on the verge of solving the case"

Sam nodded to himself and he dried off a couple of glasses that were still wet from the dishwasher

"Thats good, well have to throw her a welcome back party" Tara nodded and she replied

"Im already on itShe said she was going to call me when they decided to head back and I figured we could surprise her."

Sam nodded with a smile. He noticed a flinch in Taras gaze however, feeling like something was off and Sam walked over to Tara and asked her

"Is there something your not telling me Tara?"

Tara looked back at him her brows creased trying to look at him like he was asking a crazy question and she shook her head and answered with snark

"Ah no, you think the goddamn world revolves around secrets Im keeping for Sookie Stackhouse?"

Tara shook her head and grabbed a shot of vodka from behind the bar. She wanted to start things off right after all. Even though her leg was still in a brace she was still coming to work goddamit, and she didnt need this interrogation. She needed a night off from vampires and drunken ass holes. But Sam remained steadfast continuing his questions. There was something Tara wasnt telling him and he was going to get to the bottom of this.

"Come with me." Sam ordered her and he glared out at the bar. There was one patron sitting at the end, and he wasnt going anywhere. Nursing his beer like it was his last drink on earth, Sam tugged at Taras arm

"Hey, what the hell do you think your doin? Just cause we slept together like 2 months ago doesnt give you the right to jerk me around!" Tara spat back.

Taras eyes were ablaze now and Sam closed his office door behind them.

"Whats going on Tara???"

Tara looked at him and shook her head in annoyance and she asked him

"You just never give up do you?"

Sam remained persistent in waiting however and Tara finally stomped her foot and she replied

"Fine, if you must know, Sookie got married, to that Vampire Eric, so when she gets back Im throwing her an engagement/shower/reception/wedding whatever party, Okay?"

Sams jaw went slack when he heard that Sookie had gotten married to that Vampire. Jesus Christ, did she even think about or know what she was getting into? Closing his eyes in regret for her he clenched his jaw for a minute. And Tara looked back at him strangely, finally she couldnt stand the silence anymore and she replied

"Yeah see why I didnt say anything?"

Rolling her eyes, Tara put her hand on her hip and she turned around replying to Sam over her shoulder

"If you dont mind, Im going back to work."

Sam didnt even hear Tara, glaring at a spot on the floor.

"Son of a bitch!" He muttered under his breath. Sookie was definitely out of his realm of help now. He surely didnt put much stock in Eric, and he thought Sookie was very naive if she thought she could trust a one thousand year old vampire.

------------------------

"Oh no you dont!" Sookie rejected the new onslaught of advances. They had been making love for the last hour and in a short bout of temporary sanity, Sookie realized she did have a purpose other than sex. Rolling out of bed, it had taken all of her strength to scamper away this time as she slid off the huge four-poster bed scrambling for whatever scrap of clothing she could find. She had to cover up and she had to not think of sex and not tempt Eric so they could have their talk.

Envisioning the most unsexy thing she could think of, Sookie thought of the night the magistrate had a dagger to Erics neck and he almost died. Yeah that did the trick. Like a bucket of ice cold water over her head.

"So you like the chase do you?" Eric asked sliding his legs over his side of the bed with a sexy coy smirk and Sookie held her arms out to block him. Insisting

"No! Your going to put some pants on and were going to talk, NOW!"

Sookie ordered. But god he did look entirely yummy. It didnt matter that he had spent the whole last hour ravishing her and she thought maybe it had been the best sex theyd had yet, but their relationship had to be about more than just sex right?

Eric sighed and he finally replied regretfully standing up looking around for his clothes

"Very well, anything for my lover."

Sookie met his gaze with creased brows. And that was another thing, he always called her his lover now, but lover wasnt a serious relationship, it was a romantic entangle wasnt it? You didnt get married to your lover did you?

"Why do you call me that?" Sookie asked while jamming her feet into the biggest pair of pants she owned.

"Call you what lover?"

"That!" Sookie insisted diving her arms into a huge flannel shirt. And Eric frowned

"You dont like it when I call you my lover?"

The spot between her forehead creased not wanting to pick a fight right now and she sighed and turned to him and Sookie asked Eric point blank, facing him as he put on a black tee.

"Why did you agree to marry me?"

Eric looked back at her and sighed realizing what this was about. He almost regretted saying yes, because he had a feeling she might start to get all domesticated and emotional about it on him.

"Because you asked me to." He replied firmly and Sookie blinked her eyes throwing her arms up in the air in frustration.

"Then why have you been avoiding this discussion all week, we havent talked about it for even a second, every time II try to talk to you about it you change the subject!"

Eric met her gaze with creased brows, stress lines he rarely ever showed on his fine porcelain skin and he asked Sookie confused

"What is there to talk about? Its a ceremony for humans, probably not even legal by your state lawVampires most certainly never get married."

Sookies eyes grew big and round and she asked him as her temper grew and she paced the floor

"So your saying it means nothing to you? It was just a whim, never to be spoken of again?"

Of all the nerve! Sookie thought angrily.

"Thats not what I said!" Eric replied growing upset now. And Sookie shook her head

"What kind of plans did you think we had together, I just stay with you in hiding forever and only go out at night like one of your dead friends, do you think that arrangement would make me happy?" Sookie asked.

"Youre not in hiding, and I have no idea what our living arrangements will be down the road. When youre a Vampire" Eric began to explain but was cut off; Sookie finished his sentence for him however

"When youre a Vampire rules of commitment dont apply? We just live in your world end of story??"

Sookie huffed angry now; she had thought it meant more to him. Yes it was a fluke with the timing, and Eric almost getting killed, and hell, it was one of the least romantic places one could have ever chosen and that damn Magistrate was an ass, but when he said yes and they looked into each others eyes, she felt it. That feeling she had always dreamed of feeling since she was a little girl, planning her own wedding in their little town church wearing a dress of white, with her family and friends in attendance.

She had none of that. She didnt even get to plan it or have her brother or friends present! With every second that passed her blood ran from simmer to boil, and she was about to flip out.

Eric tried to calm her down, not liking to see her upset and he didnt know shit about dealing with these crazy vivid emotions and he shook his head

"Your overreacting Sookie!" He replied calmly.

"What did you say???" She asked him her brown eyes big and round and on the verge of burning a hole into him.

Oh shit! Eric thought, knowing he had really gotten himself in deep water now and then Sookie just went off on him.

"I dont even know how long Ill live, youll always stay YOU and Ill grow old and decrepit. Do you have any idea how creepy that will look when you still look 30 and Im 60??? (She was pacing faster now, all fired up) And then lets not forget youre a Vampire and Im a human! I mean chances are one in one thousand will accept that! And its not even legally recognized by the law! Yeah try walking into city hall and giving them a wedding certificate with the name of a man who died 1,000 ago! And to top it all off, it was the most unromantic, dark and twisted wedding I could ever imagine! It was nothing like I had envisioned hoped and dreamed that my wedding would some day be like! (She strode over to him and pushed him back with her index finger answering him as if he asked her a question) YES, it meant something to me, its supposed to mean something; you dont get married if it doesnt mean anything! And now I find, after all that, after all we went through, it doesnt mean diddly squat to you?"

Eric closed his eyes and sighed, replying with controlled frustration

"Sookie!"

She shook her head adamantly going over to the door, she had had enough, this was going nowhere fast, and Sookie replied angrily

"OH NO, WERE DONE HERE, WE CAN GET AN ANNAULMENT OR WHATEVER, BUT I DONT WANT TO HEAR ANOTHER WORD ABOUT OUR MARRIAGE FROM YOU!!!!!!"

Opening the door she was ready to bolt when Sookie practically crashed into Pam, Chow, and Bill. And judging by the looks on each of their faces, they had all heard the tail end of their argument.

"Oh for Petes sake!" Sookie exclaimed throwing her hands up in the air. She obviously wasnt going anywhere now. And Pam was the first to enter, stepping by Sookie, she replied meeting Erics gaze with a coy look

"Well I guess congratulations are in Order !"

Smiling wickedly back at Sookie, Pam thought this was too much. And Eric? Looking up at him. If his face could color in red, it would be a deep crimson shade by now. That Sookie made his blood boil! He wanted to find something to smash, anything, a vase, a bowl! But now he was stuck here with Pam and her mocking eyes. And to top it all off Bill and Chow were here too. God this was humiliating.

"Yes congratulations!" Bill replied resentfully in his deep southern accent, stepping into the room as well next to Pam, and Chow followed, not bothering to comment. Sookie felt horrible now. Not only did she not have her get away, but she had to deal with the Mod squad and her ex Bill finding out that she got hitched to Eric. God, could things go any worse???

"So is this where you chose to spend your little honeymoon?" Pam asked with a chipper laugh, and Eric ordered her

"Shut up Pam!"

Smirking back at him she shook her head and looked back at Sookie and patted her arm

"Well at least you wont have to worry about monotonous and boring from him, he is anything but!"

Sookie's eyes flared, but she tried to keep her anger under wraps. She looked back at Eric through the sides of her eyes, wishing she could be on the opposite end of the planet right now. As far away from him as humanly possible at least.

And Bill finally began

"The Queen called, she had to go away on a personal trip, but she wants us all to look after you and keep you on hand if youre willing for any other investigative work."

"And you All had to come here to tell us that?" Sookie asked them bluntly, obviously not intimidated by any of them. But Bill answered

"I came here to tell you that Charlie, the man you exposed while after questioning was arrested today, they found the signature seals in his files. And you can go home now." Bill added regretfully, a bitterness to his tone.

Sookie closed her eyes and then Pam replied

"Chow and I came here to go over the Vampire contracts for Fangtasia, a few of them are up for renewal."

Eric looked back at Pam thinking this was the worst possible time she could drop by to talk business and he looked back at her in hesitation for a moment.

Sookie however had no problem getting down to her own business and she cut them all off

"Well if Im done here, Im going home, so Ill see you all whenever I see you." She cast Eric a look of contempt and Eric pursed his lips. Sookie however didnt linger and she budged past Bill and Chow.

Eric knew he had screwed up. He didnt know how, but somehow he messed up and for some reason wanted to make things right with her. Looking back at Pam and Chow, Eric replied sternly running a hand through his long hair

"Make it quick."

----------------------------------------

About 15 minutes later, Eric got in his car and decided to test the speed limit using his lead weighted foot. He scanned the roads for cops, and luckily for both he and the on duty officer in that county, he didnt run into any.

Eric had had a hard time adjusting this week. It wasnt so much the being married thing, but he blamed himself for how close Sookie had come to being put in harms way. One slip up at that Tribunal and they could have killed her no problem. And then with this entire Queen business and her working behind his back to get Sookie to work for her, it bothered him. He couldnt take care of her. He considered himself an upstanding Vampire citizen, but even Eric had his limits. And living under the Queens roofmade him extra cranky.

It was true, Eric didnt see marriage the same way Sookie had explained it. Infact the last time he could relate to marriage was when he was a human. It had been a thousand years since he had seen it in practice and back then it was more of a business arrangement. A few goats and a sheep or two, plus a dowry if they were rich enough to provide and that was it.

He sighed again thinking, women! Not only women, but also a human woman! But obviously there was a clear reason for him following Sookie in his car right now, he thought. So maybe he could try things her way for awhile. See how it worked.

He pulled up the long drive to her house, just seeing her break lights go out. He had caught up to her just as she was getting out of her car and Sookie strode towards her stairs.

"Sookie wait!" Eric commanded. But Sookie shook her head adamantly. She had called Tara in the car and told her she was coming home, all Sookie wanted to do was take a hot bath and go to bed early for once and she shook her head

"Dont Eric, lets just call it a night for now okay?"

Eric however wasnt going to take her brush off as an answer and he took her arm and swung her back around to face him. Deciding he was going to make her listen to him he replied

"No, you got up on your soapbox, now its my turn."

He loosened his grip and Sookie slid out of his grasp crossing her arms she looked back at him expectantly and Eric finally concluded

"Im moving in with you!"

Sookie looked back at him strangely for a moment, not quite following

"Excuse me?"

And Eric explained"You need someone to take care of you, and your husband should be that manI want to be that man."

She creased her brows in empathy for him. She had to give Eric credit, he was trying, closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. It was true; they did have their issues. And she could just as easily tell him to go to hell right now. Sookie could use some time alone to think. But he did seem earnest and he had taken the first step trying to meet her halfway. Sookie looked back into his large blue eyes, realizing she couldnt say no to him. It was virtually impossible when he looked at her like that. And she finally answered

"Alrightbut nothing has to be a permanent arrangement, lets just see how this works first, okay?" She hadnt lived with Eric long enough to know how many vampire callers he had and how much traffic they might be expecting.

Eric nodded his head. And Sookie swallowed, realizing that they were really going to do this. They were really going to start a married relationship. She felt butterflies in her stomach and she took Erics hand nervously and offered

"Well then I better give you the grand tour of home sweet home."

Eric chuckled at her humor and as they approached the dark house he whispered into her ear as she unlocked the door

"You have to invite me in."

Sookie smirked to herself thinking she could really have a lot of fun with this if she and Eric were ever fighting. By rescinding her invitation, he was banned from the house. And she pushed open the door and invited Eric in. Once inside after the door shut he reached down surprising Sookie by placing a hot kiss on her mouth. Eric whispered to her under her warm mouth

"How about you give me a naked tour first?" Smirking wickedly she clicked the lights on, and to her very own shock, all of her friends were standing there, and they yelled

"SURPRISE!!!"

Sookies face was a complimentary shade of beet red and Eric looked back at them with his confidant smirk. Looking back at Sookie he asked her with a smile

"Are you always greeted in his fashion?"

He could definitely get used to the reception if it was the case. Putting her hand on her face to cool it, Sookie finally got her voice back and she asked them

"What are you guys doing here?"

Tara stepped forward with a smile and she placed a party hat on Sookies head looking at Eric, Tara figured he probably wasnt the type to wear a party hat, looking back at him apprehensively briefly she finally answered Sookie and replied

"Its your Wedding reception!"

"My what?" Sookie asked stunned.

"Our wedding reception darling." Eric answered with a bemused smile as the crowd looked back at him awkwardly. And Sookie finally smiled awkward, thinking this had to be the strangest party in her life, and she replied with mock gratuity

"Well thank you everyone! That was so sweet of yall"

Sookie looked back at Eric not sure what else to say. He hadnt even really met half of these people, not quite sure what to expect. And Eric finally replied charmingly

"Yes, my new bride and I would like to extend an invitation for each and every one of you to stay here whenever you wish!"

He looked back at Sookie. Her face a mixed expression of shock and bewilderment, and she asked Tara dryly

"Did you happen to get any refreshments? I could use something about now!"

About an hour later the party was in full swing. Sookie was talking with Tara and Sam in the kitchen, telling them what happened. Jason wasnt there still and Tara warned Sookie that he didnt know yet. She didnt want to get him all worked up about it.

Other neighbors had dropped by as well, like Hoyt and his mom, a few regular patrons from Merlottes. Sookie figured they all wanted to see her newest catch for themselves. In a small town like Bon Temps there wasnt much to talk about and this was probably headline news to them, Eric was talking to Arlene and Terry by the fireplace. Eric thought Terry seemed like an odd person, and Arlene was acting like a cornered piece of meat, looking back at Eric like he was a hungry tiger, but she smiled politely. Of course Eric paid no attention to her nervousness and he continued with his story about how Vampires were responsible for getting the country out of the Great Depression.

"So we had started an underground bootlegging operation in New Orleans and the whole act flourished across the countryIf it wasnt for liquor establishments, who knows where we might be today."

Arlene just stared back at him in awe and Terry patted his shoulder.

"Thats fascinating man!"

"Well its not as fascinating as"

But before Eric could continue, he was cut off by a door slam. It was Jason and he was looking pretty pissed. His eyes scanned the room, seeking out someone in particular. Flashing in anger when his gaze met Erics but he was a man on a mission. Stomping past the crowd by the entryway, he made his way back to the kitchen.

Eric looked back at Terry and Arlene and he set down his true blood on the mantle and replied

"Will you excuse me."

Eric followed Jason into the kitchen, sure wherever that man was, trouble ensued and he got there just in time to hear Jason tear a new one into Sookie.

"DO YOU WANNA TELL ME WHAT THE HELL POSESSED YOU TO MARRY A BLOODSUCKER?"

"Jason, cut it out!" Tara insisted angrily but Jason just shrugged her off

"This is family business Tara, and I sure as hell aint gonna stand by while my little Fangbanger sister takes our family name down into the gutter with her!"

"Thats enough!" Sam ordered but Jason wasnt hearing anything of it.

Sookie just met Jasons gaze with a look of bewilderment. And he shook his head spitefully

"What were you thinking?" Jason demanded from her and Sookie began to claw back

"Dont you dare lecture me on our family name Jason Stackhouse! Your Tom Cat behavior alone has every bastard kid in the county wondering if youre their daddy!"

Jason nearly slapped her for that one. But Tara screamed his name so loud practically every human in the room went partially deaf afterwards

"JASON!!!!!!!!!!"

He looked back at her and Tara shook her head angrily and she replied through clenched jaw

"I swear to god, if you lay one finger on her, were through and I aint never looking back."

Jason met Taras gaze with contempt. Clearly his hot head was on fire right about now. And then he saw Eric standing there in the doorway looking at him. And he strode over to him

"And YOU!"

"Jason dont!" Sookie ordered him but Jason was having none of it and he lunged at Eric

"Goddamn bloodsuckers, dont care about anything but killing and fucking good little Innocent girls!"

Jason tried to shove Eric, but shoving Eric was like trying to knock over a boulder. And Eric wasnt exactly thrilled with Jasons behavior. Pushing him back down with a strong force he replied sternly as he stepped over his crouched body

"You will not speak about Sookie that way!" Erics booming voice had a commanding presence and everyone was just watching Eric waiting to see what he would do next. There was a long silence in the room, no one dared to break it when Eric was standing there looking all threatening and finally a voice from behind broke everyones stunned silence

"Jason Stackhouse, you in here?" They all turned around to see Andy Bellefleur standing there. Jason had never been so thankful to see the man in his life and he stood up croaking out a response as he clung to the countertop to hold himself up

"Yeah Im in here Andy, whats going on?"

Andys bulldog eyes met Jasons in a challenging manner and he announced

"Were gonna take you down to the station Stackhouse!"

"What for?" Jason asked still shaken up from Eric trying to register what Any was saying and Tara looked back at Andy puzzled.

"Your coming in for questioning on the whereabouts of Marcus Beaumont, we found his wallet in your truck outside!"

"What? Thats, you cant search his vehicle without a warrant!" Tara insisted angrily, and Andy looked back at her insistently replying.

"Thats true Miss Thornton, but do you really us to mess around with warrants and arrests? Were just bringing him in for questioning now."

Tara looked back at Jason helplessly, she knew with Jason, he might incriminate himself further if he fucked this up, but she didnt see what other choice he had. Nodding her head finally Tara replied limping to grab her purse

"Fine, but Im goin with you!"

Eric looked back at Sookie, remembering that night he went missing and how he had Pam discard of the body. Pam had pulled off all the information on the guy before they dumped him, and he remembered her telling him she had found a dry cleaning ticket in his jacket. It read Marcus Beaumont. And Eric wondered just how much he should tell Sookie about that night.

Ma Cherie Amor, Part 13

It had been a long night, after Sookie finally got the partygoers to head on home, assuring Sam she was going to be okay, he was the worst, he wouldnt go without her insistence that she was going to go right to bed.

She took a deep breath and looked back at her kitchen. It was a mess. Sookie sighed tiredly and went over to the counter as she began to gather all the glasses and put the food back in the fridge. Her feet moved sluggishly as she thought about the magnitude of her brother being taken in for questioning. Wondering what happened to Marcus. All three of them had been here at the house when he fled. Sookie would gladly testify in Jasons defense, even after his rudeness to her and Eric. But the truth was, Sookie was just exhausted over it all. She didnt know what happened to Marcus, but right now, she didnt really care.

When she was done with the dishes, Sookie figured shed go upstairs and just crash in bed. She questioned where Eric had gone. Wondering if her brother actually scared him of all people off and Sookie smiled to herself.

Dumping some half empty beer bottles down the sink, she felt a presence behind her, knowing Sookie had her answer as to where her big hunk of a Viking went. And she turned around with a tired smile and asked him

"You got some kind of sick fascination with watching me clean up after everyone while Im all sweaty and grimy."

Sookie turned around blowing a stray strand of hair out of her face as she wiped the back of her hand along her balmy forehead. Noticing that he was standing in her kitchen barefoot and in blue jeans, and she felt a wave of desire wash over her, even now after the long day she had. But he just looked so damn domesticated. And Eric finally replied.

"Yes, infact, that look is quite fetching on you my love." He smiled, enamorated by her infact, she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, and then his smile faded when he saw deeper into her eyes and the tired way she looked at him and felt a warm wave of concern for her and care wash through him.

"Well who knew the slave look would do it for you." Sookie flipped her eyes up, and she went back to wiping down the counter even though he was being his usual pompous self, and where was he when she was cleaning away? But she couldnt stay mad at him.

Eric had thought about what happened to her brother earlier and debated on telling Sookie about Marcus, but ultimately he decided, yes, he definitely would tell her. He didnt lie to her and he wasnt going to start now, but he wanted to put Sookies needs first. Something inside of him told him that she was his priority. She should come first.

Sookie dumped a few more dishes in the sink, deciding this kitchen wasnt going to clean itself and she was too tired to argue, when she felt her body lift into the air in strong capable arms and she shrieked in surprise.

"Ahhh! What are you doing?" She asked feeling like she was a feather all of the sudden. He had lifted her with such strength. But Eric simply looked back into her eyes with a smirk he finally replied

"Im being your husband." He replied simply and hoisted her up higher.

"Eric!" She shrieked again feeling her stomach flip over and he smiled back at her confessing.

"I have a surprise for you."

Sookie looked back at him puzzled, wondering what on earth he had hidden up his sleeves, but Eric had the best poker face of anyone shed ever known, and it wasnt like she could go anywhere. He was so strong, so she just decided to surrender as she watched him and his strong jaw as he carried her up the stairs. She assumed he was taking her to the bedroom to relieve some of that tension as Eric so eloquently put it, but Sookie was a little stilted when he stopped at her bathroom door and opened it.

Her jaw nearly dropped as he carried her inside and she was enveloped in heavenly lilac scented steam. Down below her feet was a heavenly looking bubble bath, adorned with rose petals and stargazer lilies from the garden out back. Candles of every size and taper lit the warm sweet scented room. And Sookie looked back at him in shock.

"How did you? When?" But Eric shook his head and set her down gently on the cool tile and he helped to undress her. Slowly and sensually he ran his large hands under the hem of her shirt. Lifting it off over her head in one fluid motion. And Sookie looked back at him, still surprised, but so deeply touched by his romantic gesture, more in love with this vampire with each passing second as he undid the clasp of her bra, and her naked breasts fell. And then he unclasped the waist of her pants and they slid down onto the floor. Sookie was standing there naked before him, naked and vulnerable and he wanted nothing more than to ravish her right here. His little pure and innocent lover Sookie. She was his angel, heaven sent, biting back his half extended fangs, he closed his mouth in restraint, wanting her to rest first.

Leaning down Eric placed a soft kiss on her lips and helped her into the tub taking her hand. She eased into the steaming bath feeling the heavenly sea salts perk up her skin and Sookie hadnt let go of his hand, wanting him to join her, she pulled his hand into her chest. But he shook his head and kissed the side of her temple

"Just relax."

Taking her hand in his he kissed the top and Sookie smiled at him. He had even made a towel rest for her head Sookie marveled as she felt her head press against the soft pillow.

"Thank you." She smiled back at him sweetly, holding his closed hand to her heart, Sookie kissed the top of it and then she finally leaned back and shut her eyes, letting his hand slip from hers as she relaxed. The happiest woman on earth right now.

Her smile widening when she heard music playing in the background. It was something she hadnt heard before, almost otherworldly, but it somehow captivated the moment, making everything so perfectly blissful. This was just what she needed after such a long day.

Eric slipped out of the bathroom and went down to finish up the kitchen for her. If they were going to share this house, it was his responsibility to clean too. It took him awhile to figure out where things were, but he finally managed okay.

Sookie was in heaven, she felt the heat take away the tension from her aching muscles, and she put a damp washcloth over her eyes. She could have fallen asleep right then and there. And the set up, all that Eric had done for her? Sookie thought still feeling the warm fuzzies floating around in her stomach. It was so lovely. So sweet, it tickled her heart to know that he had done it for her, gone to all that trouble. She took a deep breath and sighed contently and she began to hum along with the chorus of the song, not even hearing him sneak back in.

She didnt see him or even sense him until she felt something cool and hard touch her breastbone. And Sookie took the rag off her head and looked down at the most exquisitely crafted crystal necklace. It was carved in the most unique intricate lacing of crystal diamond shapes strung through a fine white gold chain, ornately placed around a solitary pencil drop clear crystal.

"Eric?"

Sookie sat up straighter now, the tips of her breasts exposed over the white bubble veil and she held the crystal pendant in her delicate fingers. She was awestricken unable to find words, It was the most beautiful thing Sookie had ever seen and she wondered how old this was.

"What is this for?" She finally asked raising her eyes to meet his as she brought her hand out to caress his jaw, and Eric replied simply...

"It is for you of course...Consider it a belated wedding present...(He smiled thrilled that she liked his gift but her look was now one of confusion and Eric asked Sookie...) It's tradition for the husband to get his wife a present isnt it?"

She looked back at him and swallowed, still not sure what to say. She had never gotten a gift like this and Eric offered as if he was trying to explain...

"Perhaps if you would like we can go look at rings later in the week....Thats the custom right?"

He looked back at her confused not sure what he did wrong, why had she grown so quiet? Eric wondered, thinking he made some error, somewhere along the line he had to back peddle fast. They had gone about everything off the books, this was uncharted territory for him and he shook his head proclaiming...

"Its just a silly..."

But before he could continue she pulled his head down to hers for a deep and enigmatically passion filled kiss. Their lips brushed and tasted and her tongue seeked his out in a tantalizingly sexual way. And Sookie finally pulled back and met his dark blue gaze with lucid eyes confessing....

"I love it....And..." She put her hand up to hold his jaw....

"I love you!"

Eric lost it in that moment, his lips smashing back into hers like two magnets. He couldnt pry himself away, except to proclaim himself...

"I love you too."

Sookie's heart soared in that moment, thinking this was the first time she remembered hearing those words from Eric, and she took his lips in hers once more wrapping her arms around his neck, the love emanating from them both. She could feel his love for her like a warm beam of sunlight shining down on her.

He wasnt used to experiencing feelings like love thinking at first, Sookie had cast some sort of witches spell over him, lust was his poison, lust and passion, but with Sookie came a new element, he felt protective over her, he felt incomplete when she wasnt around, he felt her pain when she was sad or hurt and it hurt him too. This went deeper than their bond. It was something unexplainable, beyond the physical plain, but there it was nonetheless. It could only be love, that mythical emotion that Eric promised himself he would never fall into. But here he was falling and doing it willingly.

Quite proud that he had mastered one of her human customs Eric decided to boast a little further about the necklace holding the crystal formation in his hand delicately he explained...

"Its from Persia...I bought it in the 16th cent, and I had a hell of a time getting this count to sell it to...." But as he was admiring the fine craftsmanship cradled in his fingertips, Sookie yanked him by his shirt, tugging him into the water and he came crashing down on her, water spilling out of the tub and then he was drenched in his clothing. She was suddenly consumed by her lust, not wanting to wait another second. Eric looked back at her in bemusement he smiled and she replied smartly...

"Thats better!"

There were bubbles everywhere and Sookie began to claw at his shirt. It was clinging to his skin, but as the passion consumed her, she tugged it off over his shoulders. And then he felt it having nothing of hers to rip however proved a problem and Eric finally shook his arms out of his sleeves as she went to quick work on his denims.

"We do everything backwards..." Sookie laughed thinking about how they got married first and then exchanged their I love you's and sentiments, and now she was ripping his clothes off after her...

Eric smiled and he finally replied as she struggled to pull down his wet jeans...

"Its more fun this way though."

She laughed again, and now they were both covered in bubbles and she weaved her fingers in his long blonde drenched mane of hair, their eyes locked in long yearning and passion, and she kissed him again, giving a whole new meaning to bath time fun as the passion consumed them like a full burning ember, Eric on his back and Sookie straddling his hips wearing nothing but bubbles and the crystal necklace he had given her. She was sure it was 500,000 more times emotionally valuable to her than the monetary worth. Kissing him again, as she rode him high, Eric was spellbound by her beauty. Her essence. The happiest vampire on earth in this moment as they splashed and slipped against the slick surface of their skin making love until Sookie felt her climax approach.

Crying out as the pleasure ripped through her she looked down into his eyes and he was watching her. There was just something about his eyes, they were entrancing. She could stare at him all day. Her heart was beating fast and she was dying to know what he was thinking about. It was hard for her not being able to read vampire minds. She loved it most of the time, but times like now, she was dying to know, asking him breathless with a smile...

"What are you thinking about?"

Eric's eyes crinkled back at her basking in the glow of her curiosity for a moment as he brought his hand through her wet damp hair wiping a bubble away from her temple finally replying with a slow smile...

"Im thinking about how we're going to have a big mess to clean up after this..." His eyes scanned the soapy water coating the tiled floor and Sookie looked back at him with a smile surprised he wasnt thinking about something perverted or sex related, and she replied with widening smile as she joked...

"Your just a regular Alice Nelson arent you?"

"Alice who?" He asked curiously and Sookie laughed and replied

"From the Brady Bunch, she was their housekeeper." Sookie winked at him.

Eric nodded, obviously having no shame and he replied smartly....

"Yes....But I have better hair and better taste in clothing." He played along with her banter and Sookie laughed as her finger tips explored his handsome and strong face, serious again, she studied his lucid skin under her fingers brushing them over his lips and she finally replied...

"Yes you do...you have better everything...." Raising her eyes to meet his, she felt the pull again, that magnetic kind of attraction they shared as his lips found hers. This time he wrapped his hands around her body and raised them both out of the tub completely naked. They were both drenched and covered in bubbles, and as her legs wrapped around his hips, Eric looked back at Sookie with a smirk and he replied...

"How about you give me that naked tour now?"

Laughing she let him carry her out of the room, only chilled for a moment as the cool air brushed her skin, but then his arms wrapped around her more securely and she felt warm once more.

------------------------------------------------

It took all night, but Tara finally convinced Andy and Sheriff Dearborn to release Jason. They told the police about the last time they saw Marcus. It was the night that Pam came to the house and then he had just taken off shortly after like a bat out of hell, and neither of them had heard from him since.

Tara sat on Jasons couch nursing a beer and she looked back at him thoughtfully.

"I know that look." Jason replied rounding the corner, and he unscrewed the cap to his own bottle and Tara asked him baffled...

"What?" But she couldnt hide her smile as Jason replied...

"Your up to something I can smell it...." Tara looked back at him and smirked and she shook her head replying...

"Cant I have a single solitary thought without being up to something?" Tara asked him and Jason smirked and shook his head as he creeped in close swiping the ticklish spot under her rib and Tara laughed and he rendered her immobile as his body pinned her down, finally replying before he kissed her

"No."

And his lips melted into hers. Tara kissed him back wantingly and she gasped with heavy lids as his body worked its spell on her

"After the night we just had your still in the mood?"

Jason smirked back at her and he replied

"Baby, the day I aint in the mood is the day I die."

Tara laughed and kissed him back, remembering the earlier events of the day however she tensed up, recalling her anger and she looked back at him with a stiff lip warning him

"But if I see you raise a hand to any woman ever again, I mean it Jason"

"Shhh baby." He put his hand up to cup her jaw tenderly trying to assure her Jason looked into her brown eyes and he replied earnestly

"I lost controlBut thankfully you were there(he met her gaze again knowing she wanted a promise and Jason finally replied) I promise Ill never do that again..for you babynever!"

Tara looked back at him through serious eyes, as if she were studying him to see if he was telling the truth. And she replied declaring seriously

"You have to give it up, this hate of Vampires sugarwhether you like it or not your sister married one of them."

Jason sneered at the memory of learning his sister had gotten hitched to a bloodsucker and Tara put her hand on his face pleading with him meaning it she added

"Im serious..Gotta put the bad blood behind you okay?"

Jason looked back at Tara, her warm brown eyes melted him, thinking for her, and for Sook, he could try to get past his anger for them, and after a long pause he replied

"Fine, but if that bloodsucker hurts her, Im staking him before he can say Buffy did it."

Tara smiled faintly, realizing that was probably the most she was going to get out of him and she leaned in to kiss him, replying under his kiss

"I think we can handle that."

She smiled back at him and then the spark was lit again as she ran her hand down his back and over the bulge in his jeans. And from there, they did what came natural to them.

-----------------------------

Eric walked in to Fangtasia the next night with a spring in his step. It had been a heavenly evening with Sookie, his beloved wife. Missing her already he couldnt wait to get back home tonight and ravish her like he did from the minute he woke up. Eric couldnt stop thinking about how wonderful it felt, grinning from cheek to cheek. He even smiled at Pam as he walked into his office and Pam looked back at Chow with brows raised in question. Running after her master she got to his office as he began to thumb through some paperwork and she asked him with a teasing smirk

"So how was your first night of domestic bliss with Blondie?"

Eric looked up at Pam knowing what she was doing. She was trying to get a rise out of him for her own entertainment. And it was something he loved about her, but he wasnt falling for it this time. Standing up, Eric went over to her and put his hand on her shoulder shaking his head, he replied simply

"It was enchanting."

Pam smiled, liking this good mood Eric was in and she decided to rib a little more, definitely into the whole gossip thing...

"So whats married life like? Did you meet your nightly quota? Does she let you taste her?" Pam asked with wide eyes practically dying all over again with intrigue.

But Eric just smirked back at her and he shook his head as he flipped over the papers on his desk...

"Pam, Pam, Pam, dont you have work to do?" Meeting her gaze pointedly as Pam frowned in disappointment. Practically pouting she went over to him and begged...

"Not even one detail?" She asked with her puppy dog eyes and Eric finally couldnt resist her charms, laughing he finally answered...

"Yes, she gave me a Naked tour of her house...Naked." Eric added with his brow raised and Pam's eyes lit up. Now that was more like the juicy gossip she wanted to hear, and she smiled satisfied.

And then Eric got down to business and he asked her...

"So whats new here?"

Pam was smiling still, thinking about how fun this was going to be with Eric and Sookie together. It was like one of those amusement park rides, but as she came down off her high smile she met Eric's gaze trying to recall what he had asked, his expression serious again and she answered...

"Oh nothing special..." Recalling the events of the early evening Pam relayed to him...

"That Policeman, Bellefleur was here sniffing around...It seems they are looking for the whereabouts of Marcus Beaumont."

Eric lifted his eyes when Pam mentioned Marcuss name, thinking they moved faster then he thought they would. Impressed for a mere moment with the human justice system, but it was gone just as quickly when he got back down to business and Eric asked her...

"So what did you tell him?"

Pam cocked her head and looked back at Eric, both of them on the same page, they both knew exactly what happened to Marcus Beaumont and Pam finally replied...

"I told him he came in here during happy hour, but I never saw him leave."

Eric looked back at Pam and he asked her, running it all through his head...

"And what was his reply?"

Pam smirked one cheek coming up into a half smile and she replied wickedly...

"He asked what our happy hour consisted of...And he was gone pretty quickly after I explained it to him...."

Eric smirked thinking the cop put up a good tough act for the humans, but when it came to Vampires, he was reduced to a piddling mess, and Eric asked her with a smile...

"He couldnt handle the blood orgy on stage huh?"

Pam laughed and she shook her head and replied...

"No especially not when I asked him to stay for our happy hour tonight."

Eric bellowed with laughter and they shared a look of bemusement. Humans, Eric thought. There was only one that made any sense whatsoever to him. In fact, he was thinking about leaving here early tonight to surprise Sookie at Merlottes after he was done here. Feeling spontaneous all of the sudden, Eric thought he could give her a tour of Bon Temps she wouldnt soon forget. And he smirked to himself.

-------------------------------------

Sookies grin stretched from ear to ear as she went into Merlottes to pick up another shift. Eric had told her she wouldnt ever have to work again if she wanted, but Sookie craved the interaction sometimes, and she needed to feel useful. If Eric had his way, hed keep her tied up in her bed, never to leave the house except for more lingerie that he would callously tear off her. Yes their lovemaking was memorable, and even as she thought about him, she could feel the familiar pangs of passion they shared as a shiver ran down her spine and through her thighs. He had made her weak in the knees and it wasnt until after a goodnight sleep she could stand again. Of course they had to resume again once he woke up, and of course Sookie didnt mind not one bit. It was kind of like a honeymoon after all. She could never consider staying at the Queens house a real honeymoon. No Sookie hoped some day they could go to Hawaii or the Caribbean or something and just fuck like bunnies on the beach. Of course it would have to be at night, but she felt her face heat up just the same as she brought an almost empty pitcher of beer back to the bar, she saw Tara there and Tara smiled back at Sookie noting the new color in her face along with two little fang marks at the base of her neck, she asked her...

"He's that good huh?"

Sookie looked back at Tara registering what she had just said, the shock filing her face as Sookie asked choking out...

"What?"

Taras laughed and she took the pitcher from Sookie refilling she replied with a caddy smile...

"Yeah I thought so..."

"Tara May!" Sookie exclaimed completely flustered and embarrassed now and Tara just smiled back at her and replied...

"Nice necklace by the way!"

"Although you might want to put it some place safe, I saw a couple guys eyeing it earlier...Dont want them to jump you for it."

Or draw attention to that neck.

"I didnt mean it."

But Sookie was already listening in on another group.

Yeah that blonde ones got a luscious ass...I bet shes real tight and sweet...

Fuckin fangbanger.

The other one looked back at her with contempt and he continued...Bet she shacked up with the bloodsucker so he could be her sugar daddy...Asshole probably killed Beaumont too!

Sookies face fell in anger as she happened to pick up that last bit and she was about to go tell that son of a bitch just what she thought slamming the full picture back down on the bar when Tara reached her hand out to grab Sookies arm.

"Wait!"

Sookie stopped and she looked back at Tara angry, sometimes she thought her gift was truly a curse, but right now, now she wanted to rip that assholes hair out.

"No Im not letting those jerks get away with calling Eric a murderer. They have crossed the line this time!"

Tara came around from the other side of the bar and she turned to face Sookie and shook her head...

"Its not a good idea Sookie...Those assholes dont have enough brain cells combined to figure out the dewy decimal system, you think they are gonna get a clue tonight?"

Sookies face was steaming, but looking back at Tara's calm eyes she finally realized Tara was right. And she reluctantly nodded in agreement. Taking the pitcher, but if they tried anything, it was going to be on their heads so fast. However Tara called Sookie back...

"Hey Sookie wait...I forgot somethin! Lemme see that pitcher again."

Sookie creased her brows in confusion, but Tara turned her back to Sookie throwing something into the pitcher and stirring it up she gave the pitcher back to Sookie and smiled replying...

"You tell those good ol boys over there this ones on the house!"

Tara winked back at Sookie and Sookie had to laugh. Whatever Tara had put in their drinks, she was sure they would soon find out the effects. And of course Sookie was right. About 30 minutes later one by one they all hurled together into the bathroom. And Sookie looked back at Tara as they shared a musing glance.

"That karma's a bitch sometimes!" Tara replied with a smirk and Sookie nodded.

The three assholes left and Sookie looked at her watch. She wished her shift would be over soon, but she still had an hour to go. Wanting to do something special with Eric tonight she dreamed of the endless possibilities. It was true, they were married, but they were really just starting out in their relationship, and she wanted to cherish it all. This was the exciting and fun part. Sookie just hoped Eric would never grow tired of her. With whatever it was they were doing, if they were really in this for the long haul, it would break her heart if he left her like Bill did. She didnt think she could handle that.

She tried to brush off her insecurities however taking another tables order when Jason came waltzing in. She had recalled their conversation from the night before. Tara told Sookie about everything that went down at the station and all three of them were pretty much clear. Besides if they didnt have a body, he was just missing technically. Although Sookie had a feeling Marcus with his ugly mouth ended up running into the wrong person finally. It was like Tara said, karma.

After taking the tables order Sookie went over to Jason who was talking with Tara and Sookie asked him concerned about the night before...

"Are you okay?"

Jason looked shaken up to be frank and she looked back at him questioningly along with Tara. He took a mug of on tap beer from Tara, taking a swig to quench his thirst and then he finally began

"I saw Sam."

Tara looked back at Jason confused and baffled by his distraught over seeing Sam, they all saw Sam every day and Tara asked him

"You saw Sam what?"

Jason swallowed again and he put his hand up to his head and he replied

"I swear, Im not going crazy, but I was coming home from a construction job we had out on route 73 and out of nowhere I see this dog dart across the road. It was carrying a bag in its mouth. I turned back around with my car wondering what the little critter had and I turned off my lights as to not scare it, when suddenly an orb of light appearedIt was the dog, but then it was Sam!"

Tara was about ready to hit him on the back of his head

"You been takin V again Stackhouse?" Tara demanded and Jason shook his head.

"No I swear I didnt."

Sookie knew all to well what Jason was talking about. Sam was a shape shifter, he turned into a dog when he needed to be discreet, Sookie knew first hand because she had seen him when he was the dog and then later became man once more. And she looked back at Jason and nodded as she put her hand out to his arm she replied encouraging him

"Its okay Jason, I believe you, what was Sam doing?" Sookie asked him with understanding eyes. Jason looked back at both of them bewildered. Although Tara thought he might have a concussion of something she listened on and Jason continued with a hesitant swallow

"Well that bag he hadIt had money in it, wads of billsAnd Sam took it out of the bag and placed it in a circle on the ground, and then all of the sudden a woman appeared in the middle of it."

Jason looked back at Sookie and Tara, almost appearing like a scared little boy all of the sudden. He took another swig of his beer to maintain his dignity and then he concluded

"It was that one you stayed with Tara, the one who lived out in the country in that huge houseIt was Maryann!"

And Tara gasped in surprise.

"Son of a bitch." She muttered under her breath.

She looked back at Sookie and Sookie looked at her and she shook her head.

"We cant do anything." Sookie insisted with calm clarity, knowing what Tara was thinking. And Tara looked back at Sookie like she had horns growing out of her head, shaking her own she replied

"What? She almost killed you, and my fucking leg still hurts from what that bitch did to me!"

Sookie closed her eyes and she replied looking back at Tara who was growing angrier by the second

"Shes not human Tara, if we go up against her wed most likely end up worse off than we are now, or dead. Just let me talk to Eric." Sookie insisted.

"What does he have to do with any of this?" Jason asked trying to keep his anger under wraps as his eyes darted back to Tara.

Sookie shook her head feeling defensive all of the sudden of Eric and she replied with certainty

"Nothing, but he may know someone who can help, he is the Sheriff of Area 5 after all!"

She replied with a silent kind of pride. Jason and Tara agreed that they could go find Eric, but Sookie needed to stop home first.

"Ill meet you guys back at my house okay I need to get grams shot gun and a change of clothes."

And then Sookie ran out of the bar.

Tara raised her hand in the air in frustration with Sookies false sense of control and she replied to Jason sarcastically as he finished his beer

"And she wonders why dead things flock to her doorGirls one big walkin hormone!"

She shook her head and Jason couldnt help but laugh. Tara turned to Arlene and Terry and asked them if they could close up the place. It was a Tuesday night so it wasnt very busy, only a few patrons left, and Arlene agreed

"Fine, but yall be careful now ya here!"

Tara looked back at her and chuckled as she grabbed her purse and Jasons hand

"Yeah like you give a rats ass, but well make sure not to send any of em back here!" Arlene looked back at Tara like she was the devil incarnate and Tara walked out with Jason a proud smile on her face. She just called them like she saw them.

-------------------------

In the car, Sookie turned on her cell and dialed Erics number. Letting it ring a moment she smiled when she heard his powerful yet liquid velvet voice

"Hello my lover!"

Sookie giggled and replied back to him

"Hello my husband"

"Are you off work already?" Eric asked her. He was planning on leaving early to meet Sookie, but was otherwise detained by Andy Bellefleur. He came back and brought reinforcements, that Sheriff Dearborn too. But that was a story; Eric thought hed better tell Sookie in person. And Sookie finally replied

"Yes, I left early"

"Well, give me 30 minutes to finish up here and Ill join you." His voice was sensually sexy and if Sookie hadnt been so worried about this latest development, she just might have taken him up on it. She was already imagining ways to delay Tara and Jason so she could have some time alone to play with Eric.

"Well" Sookie began, but Eric could already tell something was off hearing the different pitch in her voice and he asked her

"Whats wrong darling?"

Sookie bit her lip as she pulled off the main road into the side street almost home nowFinally confessing

"Jason said he saw Sam give Maryann, the Maenad money tonight out by route 73We dont know what kind of busine.."

But before Sookie could continue, Eric cut her off and he replied

"Im on my way."

Nodding her head, Sookie thanked him in gratitude. She just wanted to melt into his arms and get this all behind them. But Sookie knew none of them would be able to rest soundly with the Maenad in their midst. She didnt know what kind of business Sam was doing with her, but whatever it was, it might be dangerous, and she was sure it wasnt legal.

Smiling thankfully back into her phone as she pulled into her long driveway, Sookie closed her eyes and she remarked gratefully

"Thank you baby, Ill see you soon."

"Not if I see you first." Eric replied and Sookie smiled as she clicked off her phone. She almost didnt see the flames roaring out from the center of her lawn as she put on the breaks.

Sookie stepped out of the car in shock a huge ring of fire burning through her grass and yard. At first it didnt seem real, but then she could feel the heat and smell the smoke. Gasping, her blood curdled in fear. And then she noticed as the flames danced up into the air, how it illuminated the side of her house. All of the windows had been broken and the side of her house was spray painted red with vulgar words like

"Bitch Freak"

"Vampire Whore"

"Fangbanger"

And in big red letters, over a pentagon sprayed all over her white screen door, was the word

"Cunt!"

She looked at it all, overwhelmed all of the sudden as her eyes began to tear up in realization of what this was. It was an attack on her home, on everything she held stable and safe. And now it was destroyed in one night. Her mind was spinning as she saw her life crumble before her eyes. The devastating fear and terror ripped through her, thinking about all of the things she had endured over the past couple months. It was too much, it was too too much. The anxiety hanging in the air as she remembered Eric almost dying and then her and Tara getting hurt, and her Grams, and her cat, Bill, Rene, Dawn, AmyAnd then all of the sudden, she felt a dizziness in her head, Sookie put her hand on the side of her car to hold herself up, feeling faint, but her legs buckled before she could support herself and she fell to the ground along side the burning ring of fire that lit up her unconscious face.

Tara thought, remembering Sookie could hear her thoughts and she closed her eyes and replied...

-- Edited by sawyersmine at 22:32, 2009-03-12

Epilogue

Last night was still all a blur. Sookie didnt really grasp everything that was going on, why Sam was doing business with the Maenad, how Eric had come up with his plan, or how none of them miraculously hadnt died as a result? Still baffled by Andy Bellefleurs parting words to Eric...

"Dont give me a reason to arrest you Northman!" As if it were a warning of some sort. Was that his intent last night? To arrest Eric? Sookie wondered. Realizing the more she thought about things and the future, the more it made her head hurt in worry and she didnt want to worry for once. Things were as calm as they could be for the time being and she was planning to cherish the moment.

The construction crew was gone for the day but she was sure they'd be back. Eric had them replace all of her old windows and was planning on paying for new siding on the house as well. Sometime during the day movers must have brought over some of his computer equipment as she glanced into the small room off the formal dining room and saw his desk and computer along with mp3 player set up. Smiling to herself she shook her head wondering if this is what living with a vampire felt like? It never really dawned on her until now that Eric was pretty domesticated for a vamp. She never would have guessed it.

She set her jacket on her kitchen chair, planning on getting something out of the fridge for dinner. Sookie had just come from seeing Jason in the hospital. She stayed with him for awhile while Tara ran home and grabbed some things for him. He suffered a concussion the night before and they wanted to keep him overnight for observation. Upon further evaluation and Jason just being a big baby, they elected to keep him for one more night. Sookie was relieved that her brother would be all right and part of her was even happy that he was on the lamb for a bit, thinking maybe now he could stay out of trouble for 5 minutes.

Sookie listened to her answering machine finding she had one message from Sam. He was just checking up on her and wanted her to take the night off. Tara had gotten time off too, and then he had gone on to say that he might look into seeking out a waitress temp agency for when Vampire shit happens, and Sookie couldnt help but laugh.

She opened the fridge shaking her head at Sams humor as the message finished playing out when on the center shelf she found a small hand sized box with a red ribbon on top. Curious as to what was inside, Sookie took it out and lifted the lid. Inside finding a note that read...

Dinner is on the Patio.

-Your lover

Sookie smirked to herself wondering what it was her Viking had planned. She hadnt even noticed he was up. She could usually sense that due to the bond they shared, but he was being coy tonight. And she took off her earrings and shoes planning to enjoy the relaxing dinner he had prepared for her. Although Sookie was a little apprehensive about what Eric may have gotten, did he even know what humans traditionally ate? Sookie wondered.

And she made her way out towards the back of the house, trying to catch a peek through the windows. She felt a draft of cool air as the silk thin drapes blew gently inwards casting a thin veil over the patio. Sookie pushed through brushing past the gossamer fabric and her breath caught in her throat by what she saw.

"Oh my God!"

There were hundreds of twinkling white lights crowning the awning and it made her back patio look like some enchanted fairy kingdom, flower bouquets of white rhododendron tied to each column, and candles in a glass dome on the table. And in the center of the table on a stand sat a large pepperoni Pizza and Sookie couldnt help but laugh. Well at least he got most of the 4 food groups. Wondering where on earth her prince charming was hiding she looked around and went over to a grouping of orchids sniffing them pleasantly when a voice behind broke her concentration...

"Your home early!"

Sookie looked back at him with a smile and she looked at him with brows raised as he approached. Man he looked fine in his black muscle tee and black pants. He must not have had a chance to get dressed yet and Sookie asked him kiddingly

"Did you have more in mind besides dinner?"

Erics lips curved up in a smile and he went over to her and bowed his head genuinely replying with all the charm he could posses.

"No, I had a date actually"

Sookie choked back a laugh, knowing he was messing with her now and she played along

"A date huh? So that explains the set up."

She looked around again with mock interest as he smirked back at her and she replied calling his bluff.

"Well I guess I better make myself scarce thenWouldnt want to get inmmmm" But the rest of her sentence was cut off by his lips smashing into hers. His strong arms grabbed her wrist stopping her from leaving her and he kissed her properly. And Sookie melted right there on the spot.

"I missed you." Eric offered as he licked her tongue and Sookie surrendered to his mouth. As her arms hung over his shoulders and she finally had to come up for air, she looked into his striking blue eyes and confessed lucidly

"I missed you too."

Yesterday had been a long and consuming day. They hadnt even had time to make love, getting home just before dawn, and Sookie was so tired, today she was really feeling that yearning for him as their tongues brushed and his hand reached down to squeeze her firm ass under the thin fabric of her dress. Her hands roamed in his long blonde hair and along his chest and Eric closed his eyes in pleasure, her fingertips working like an elixir on his scalp and he pulled her closer, his tongue and lips brushing and lapping away at her jaw and neck and her fingers clenched his porcelain skin in anticipation feeling the heat rush down to her core as she felt his fingers brush up under the skirt of her sundress and she gasped out in a final surrender

"Take me upstairs." She asked.

Eric looked back at her lucidly almost as far gone, his fangs were half extended as they often were when Vampires became aroused and he asked her breathlessly

"What about your dinner?"

Not really caring at this point as his lips dove back down into the hollow of her neck, breath brushing in-between her breasts and Sookie replied.

"Pizza is better cold anyway."

And that was all either of them needed to hear as Eric grabbed her ass up into his arms, her legs straddling his hips as he whisked her up the stairs as their lips tangled and hands roamed. She slipped her arms out of her sleeves as they moved together every step just making her want him more. Their clothing burning against their skin like fire, it was impossible to resist.

Eric himself had wanted to take his time tonight, romance Sookie, seduce her, and worship her body. He was a rather skilled lover as Sookie well knew, and he had moves she couldnt even imagine. But that was all washed down the drain now as she leaped into his arms, both of them landing on her mattress at the same time. Rolling around until finally Eric fell on top of her she spread her thighs open, her eyes telling him she was ready, she was oh so ready as he pushed his full hard length inside of her tender and aching womanhood.

She cried out in painful pleasure when he stretched her sheath out to its maximum capacity, so tight and firm to his touch, sinking in as far as he could go, and she pressed her naked thighs to his hips, ready to go for the ride of her life.

They found their rhythm and it was otherworldly. No earthly word or feeling could describe how unbelievable it was. Like pleasure taken to a heavenly level as she felt him move inside her. Making love to her the way she needed to be loved. They both craved and quenched each others thirst.

And at his moment of release, Eric pulled Sookie's face up to look into his eyes and he proclaimed earnestly

"I love you Sookie Stackhouse!" He had ever since the day she stirred up trouble in his bar when she exposed Longshadow for the thief that he was. Since that moment she had captivated his heart, made him strive to new levels of measure and awaken a desire inside that he never knew existed.

Her heart melted by his confession as her body rose to new heights of physical pleasure and Sookie replied

"Im yours, always and forever Eric!"

She pulled his head down and arched her neck so he could drink from her feeling her climax come and flow out and onto him, she cried out again in pleasure, giving herself over to him in every way, he held her life in his hands.

"Take metake me now, I want to be with you forever" Erics fangs were out in full force, the moment he had been waiting for was upon them, the moment he dreamed about and even fantasized, looking at her sensual artery, smelling the sweet tangy red liquid pulsing inside her as he heard her heart pump blood up into it, and he met her gaze finally.

He knew this was the moment of no return. If he bit her, Sookie would be turned forever, no vampire could resist her blood if she was offering and willing to be turned. No being possessed the strength to refuse her. She was like a drug to an addict. She was beautiful and glowing even, he had never seen anything more tempting or delectable in all of his life.

But there was a hesitance there. He wanted to do it so badly, she was offering him his one greatest desire on a silver platter, and it would be perfect. But that nagging feeling of guilt wouldnt leave him.

Panting all of the sudden he pulled back his fangs, looked into her eyes, and shook his head, finally answering, using all of his will power down to the last drop of blood in his body to finally say

"No."

His answer shook her out of her sex-induced haze and she looked back into his eyes searching for answers, pleading with him

"But I love youI want to be yours forever."

Her lips came up to brand his and he closed his eyes in painful torture. This had been harder than anything he had ever done, his Eve tempting him right into the garden of Eden, and he kissed her jaw tenderly answering as he felt his fangs pierce the inside of his mouth trying to control his deepest primal urges

"You will be mine forever." Eric argued.

Their chests heaved in unison and Sookie waited for him her brows creased and his hand came up to stroke her cheek tenderly.

"Youre not ready yet." He proclaimed with creased brows. Wishing beyond reason that she was.

She pulled up one elbow up as Eric moved to his side so they could gaze into each others eyes more comfortably and his unquestionable look was certainty jarring for her

Sookie closed hers feeling tears well up in realization of what Eric was saying

"You dont want me to be with you?" She asked him sadly, worried now, wondering what their relationship was based on if he didnt want her in this wayShe couldnt have a future as a human with him, that much was certain. No children, no family, their marriage wasnt even legal. It was all so depressing.

Just as quickly as her tears fell however, his fingers were there brushing them away, he could feel her sadness and Eric explained.

"Its what I love about you, your humanness, it is your essence."

"But what about our life together? What kindof life can we have as human and vampire?" Sookie asked him her blotchy eyes searching his and he answered

"We have a life, we have this, we have time ."

"How long?" Sookie asked as he brushed his fingers gently over her cheekbone and Eric finally replied

"As long as it takes."

Deep down, it broke her heart, but Sookie knew he was right; she wanted Eric to turn her more for him than for her. But maybe in time she could let go of this human life. She knew with Vampires they went through hardships just like humans did, watching the ones they loved get old and die, and although she couldnt admit it now, inside she knew she was painfully thankful that he had refused her request.

"Forever is a very long time" Eric replied softly offering up a small smile of encouragement knowing there were things about the Vampire life that wasnt all it was cracked up to be. Never seeing a sunrise was the least of their worries. They were kept here in purgatory forever. He was just one of the few who had decided to make the most of his immortality. Sookie leaned her head into his chest and they lay together in a naked embrace wondering about their future or lack there of together.

Eric loved her so so much. Not taking her essence was killing him; it was the obsession that drove him to the brink of insanity. And he kissed the top of her forehead tenderly. He loved her. And he simply couldnt do it. That was that.

"Well get through this." He proclaimed with certainty. Knowing if he had the strength to refuse turning her, he had much more strength than he deemed himself possible.

And Sookie held him tighter. She knew Eric was the voice of reason on this one, never feeling so mixed up about being a Vampire, versus being human. But they had time. For a Vampire, all Eric had was time. It was all on her if she could let go of her family and friends in the way that the dead had to. Knowing again that she couldnt yet think of that, she realized yes, she wasnt ready. Eric was right. She never wished him human more in her life. Closing her eyes her lashes brushed against his beautiful chest, trying to come to terms with their situation for now. She could never regret any of it. The life she had now. It was more than she ever hoped she would have with love. It came to her in the most unconventional way, but she knew it was real. And she couldnt imagine a life any longer without him. Leaning in she kissed his chest softly and she replied

"I know. We have time..."

There was worry and apprehension there. And heartache and yearning, all of the things the great love stories were made of, she thought ironically.

They were traveling into the unknown together. But they both had decided to take this journey side by side. Sookie knew that now. Eric would protect her with his life and she his. Looking up into his eyes, she pressed her soft warm lips to his in a kiss filled with promise and hope. And she placed her cheek to his chest once more, realizing their agreement to live a human life, but understanding the Vampire perspective for once. It wasnt about looking ahead to the future, waiting for life to happen, but finding life and living out each day to its fullest. She still had her human hopes and dreams of a family and a future, but she understood more about love now than she ever had.

The End.