AN: So I couldnt keep my hands off a keyboard for long it seems hehe. I just wanted to put in a few notes about this fiction that I couldnt include in the story summary. It's a sequel to 'At Second Glance' and Ill post the link here incase you want to start that first...

www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/4961695/1/At_Second_Glance

I think you can get by without reading the first story, however it might help fill in some gaps for you. This story is going to run at a little bit of a slower pace and will be shorter than the first. Ill warn you that the angst factor will be high. This is meant to have the same general idea as 'A second glance,' where Sookie meets Eric first instead of Bill and from there some events change and some stay the same. And ofcourse I cant resist tossing in my own brand of action. So if your wondering why I dont post this in the books section, its because I visualize the characters on the show before the books, and I wouldnt even say this loosely follows the book. This fiction pretty much just takes a few ideas from the book and I run with it. There's more than meets the eye. So I hope you enjoy. Feel free to dive in and get your feet wet. Oh and please click that review button, Im definately interested to hear what people think. And as always, thanks so much for reading! :D

The Witch's Curse

Chapter 1

It had been nearly a month since the fire. Eric had found it to be a rather turbulent four weeks, especially now that he was dating Sookie. It wasn't that he didn't like the action and bickering, or the sex, the sex was amazing, but he could feel the distress radiating through his lovers pulse on a daily basis. Eric could tell that the long hours he was putting in at Fangtasia and dealing with this Victor situation, and now the witch situation, was wearing on his relationship.

A couple of weeks back Eric had gone to see Felipe DeCastro in New Orleans. The King of Nevada was visiting on business negotiating Louisiana casino partnerships with the Las Vegas vampire casinos. Eric was also a shareholder in a few local casino's so he had business being there, but when he was finally able to steal a moment alone with Felipe he was given a very nonchalant detached reply. Eric of course was careful with his words, not mentioning any names, but he did mention the Queen's missing paintings and DeCastro simply remarked….

"Pity she had such a fine collection too."

Eric had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. He could smell a liar when he saw one. But this was about power and his hand outstretched to Felipe could hurt him too, and through him the people he cared about, like Sookie. In his thousand years Eric had seen it happen many times before. Julius Caesar and Mark Antony came to mind as one prime example. Having history on his side, Eric thought it best not to get involved in that mess, even though he was still being threatened and he craved battle and slicing those mother fuckers heads off at times, he thought with his head first. He would not act rashly. Not until he knew exactly what DeCastro's plans were, of which Eric was certain, there were definite plans. He could feel it in his blood—A war was brewing. This brought him back to his lover, the one who desperately wanted this to all be over and just live her quaint little life in her quaint little town of Bon Temps.

It wasn't like he was trying to ignore her or spend as little time with Sookie as possible, it was just he had responsibilities. Besides the political situation, Eric was also dealing with a coven of rabid witches who were threatening to overturn Fangtasia. He had to protect his assets and his staff from a hostile takeover by this delinquent assembly of nit wits. He couldn't pretend to be a fan of this particular party of beings, even if they were human like his lover. And that goddamn persistent ringleader. She was a force to be reckoned with. A persistent one that Hallow, Eric came quickly to the assumption that she had her sites set on more than just his bar.

One thing Eric was certain of, beyond a shadow of a doubt, was that he worked alone. He didn't want these bitches to come in and piss all over everything he and his child had worked so hard to build up. Fangtasia, although a whimsical attempt at a vampire theme bar, was actually very profitable and most importantly, it was his home. It meant the world to him, just as Sookie and Pam did. His home was priceless to him just as those he loved were. Which, brought him back to his other pending matters.

Eric took the warning from Victor seriously. He didn't forget about that. Infact Eric had something up his sleeve for the next time he saw the other vampire. It was a matter of getting to him first, before Victor got to him. Eric thought it was suspicious that Victor had made no other attempts on his life and he worried for Sookie. Making sure his lover had round the clock protection; he figured her home would be the safest for her because of the whole vampire VIP only invitation thing. But still, Eric had decided to clue in Sookie's friends, like her shifter boss, Sam Merlotte along with several of his own subjects in order to make sure that she was indeed as safe as she could be kept.

Eric's mind was lingering on his dear lover as he sat in his chair and he imagined her soft full pouty lips as she stood outside her bedroom door waiting for him in that cute little red satin negligee he so loved, and those perfect ample breasts as his hands roamed to caress them rubbing along her pert and hardened nipples and his voice whispered to tell her how much he missed her, when Pam all of the sudden waltzed in busting up his daydream.

"She's here again?"

Eric's gaze flicked up to meet hers shaken out of his blissful haze when he realized just who Pam was talking about.

Hallow!

"Send her away, tell her I'm busy." Eric insisted, but Pam shook her head and walked around to the other side of Eric's desk and she explained quietly putting her hand on his shoulder…

"She says she has something of yours you might want."

Eric met Pam's look with a hint of disdain. He knew Sookie was still at work, but whatever this witch was bartering with; Eric knew he wouldn't like it. He didn't respond well to demands, and from a human no less.

"Send her in." He finally answered coolly, ready to give Hallow a taste of her own medicine. No one fucked with him.

And Pam just smiled her hand brushing his arm in support, a smirk painted across her face as she left to go retrieve his visitor…

"As you wish."

Several moments later a flush faced Hallow stood on the other side of his desk, while Pam leered at her from behind. He could see her glance follow the length of his body as he sat back relaxed in his chair, one leg crossed over the other knee, his strong muscular thighs and curvature showing through the black fabric of his pants and Eric demanded conducting his attitude with disinterest as he flipped through some paperwork…

"What is your business this time witch?"

His eyes flicked up to meet hers and Pam new Eric was just waiting for his moment to skewer her. But Hallow just smiled wickedly and she replied smartly…

"I came to offer you a proposition."

"What part of 'No' didn't you understand the first time? Fangtasia isn't for sale!" Eric proclaimed and Hallow stepped closer putting her hand on his desk she finally replied…

"Well perhaps you might change your mind when you hear what I have to say."

"I doubt it!" Eric replied already bored and Pam had to muffle a giggle. Hallow tried not to let her frustration show composing herself she continued…

"I have your sword, Viking…If you want it back perhaps you might think again about my proposal."

Eric's vampire speed should have been intimidating to Hallow as he practically flew up to stare her down and then he gestured to Pam with his arm...

"Pam leave!"

Anger filled his nostrils and if looks could kill, Hallow would be dead right now. His eyes burned holes into hers and as Pam left in a flash he asked her with controlled anger…

"I believe I heard you incorrectly just now, you said you just stole my sword did you not witch?"

Hallow smiled nervously and she put a hand bravely on Eric's chest. She knew she was playing with fire, but couldn't help herself as she replied coyly…

"Yes my Viking, I know where you live, so I simply went into your house this morning and took what I know you valued most."

Eric felt a hint of relief for a moment; feeling assured that Hallow apparently didn't know him that well if she thought his sword is what he valued most. Still, the bitch got into his house and that fucking pissed him off. If she knew where he lived that meant his home was no longer safe. Just wondering how she did it. And the hag, who obviously had balls of steel continued…

"If you want it back, we're going to speak again about my proposal and you WILL listen this time."

Her eyes were dark and challenging and Eric pushed her back against the couch finally snapping he replied…

"I do not respond well to threats witch!"

Hallow looked outraged and she stood up facing off with him clearly not afraid she replied…

"I haven't even begun to threaten you my Viking…You forget the magic…you forget the power I could have over you if I wanted, I could make you love me!"

"I could also drain you within a drop of your life and then some hag!"

"I think I would quite enjoy that." Hallow replied stepping closer to him now as she began to unzip her jacket, coming onto Eric even stronger now…

"I think I would enjoy killing you too." Eric replied sharply backing off before he did just that. He didn't give a fuck about whether or not Hallow died in his office, but he didn't have time to deal with the authorities now, not when he had so much on his plate and he changed his agenda wanting to know more about her methods for obtaining his sword…

"How did you get into my house?"

Hallow smiled as she finished unzipping her coat and Eric could see she had gone bra less. She began to rub herself as she watched Eric carefully and she replied her voice falling lower…

"Id tell you if you fucked me."

Eric looked back at her disgusted. She wasn't even that pretty. He liked his women to actually look like a woman, she had a square jaw and as she stood up to him, he realized she was quite tall, nearly 6 feet. He was surprised she actually had the gall to show him her breasts or lack thereof. As he looked at them he knew they were nothing like his lovers breasts. Her's were perfect, no woman could ever compare to her beauty. Eric found himself getting hard just thinking of Sookie and how he was going to fuck her tonight, fuck her good. Hallow took notice of the Viking at half mast reading it as a sign of his resistant attraction to her, smiling to herself she rasped flinging herself onto him…

"I've been dreaming of this ever since I first saw you up there on stage!"

Her hands travelled up his chest and Eric pushed her back again…

"Get off me, Id rather fuck a pig!" Eric snarled. Hallow gasped in outrage and just as she raised her arms in exasperation summoning something a spell perhaps Eric took her arm and yanked her up towards his door…

"No deals witch, you've just made a very bad move tonight!" Eric warned her and he yanked her out. Hallows face was crimson red and she shrieked in horror as she realized she had just been immersed in a crowd of people her breasts exposed as Eric took her back to the employee entrance because it was closer to his office and he didn't want to deal with her anymore, and he cast her out into the alley.

"You're going to pay for this Viking!" Hallow cried out in outrage and Eric hissed back…

"Come within a mile of this bar again or me and Ill make sure your permanent residence stays 6 feet under!"

"Vos mos adeo mihi cras nox noctis…" Hallow mumbled before Eric could glamour her into submission, and he cut her off, his bewitching eyes on fire as he bore into her dark pupils.

"You were at an orgy tonight at Fangtasia, you no longer have a desire to obtain this bar because they did not find you attractive enough to partake so you were thrown out, now Go!"

He threatened her with fangs exposed in anger and Hallow picked herself up off the ground scared all of the sudden. She zipped her jacket back up, brushed herself off and with a quick glance she ran back out to the parking lot.

Eric sighed wondering what that damn incantation was and he turned back in. He just wanted to go home. He missed Sookie.

"She's trouble that one." Pam replied coming up from behind Eric as she looked out into the empty alley with her arms folded. Eric nodded his head in agreement and glared out into the cool December night.

"If she comes back, let me know, I will deal with her myself." Eric noted looking back at Pam and she nodded understanding full well what he meant to do to her.

Eric came back inside closing the door and Pam decided to change the subject to something more pleasant asking him…

"So will you be staying with Sookie tonight or is she meeting you here?" Pam smiled back at Eric bemusingly, knowing they hadn't quite gotten the living arrangements decided yet, and he wasn't the type to move in with a girl, Eric liked things his way, he liked to be comfortable and feel at home. But this one had him wrestling for the upper hand indefinitely that was for sure.

"She was going to meet me here…" Eric replied.

And then he closed his eyes remembering what Hallow had just confessed to him. That Bitch! He thought angrily, realizing now that he couldn't go home. Because its location had been disclosed and it was no longer safe.

"What is it?" Pam asked him noting something was off now and Eric shook his head confessing to her in disbelief…

"She took my sword; the witch somehow got into my house and stole my goddamn sword!"

Pam shook her head knowing she had, she had admitted as much just before Eric asked her to go. Pam knew this was bad; she had already compiled a mental list of possible ways Hallow could have gotten into his house. Eric was incredibly secretive and as far as she knew only three other people beside himself knew where it was, herself, Sookie, and Bill.

The fact that someone else, a human no less had found his secret hideaway was very unearthing.

"What do you suggest we do?" Pam asked concerned. She could feel the rage coming off Eric in waves, he did not like being violated and she was sure the next time he saw Hallow she would be a dead woman. But there had to be a reason he allowed her to live tonight. Pam looked back at him with interest once more and Eric finally replied…

"I will stay with Sookie tonight, I have a feeling Hallow did not find my house on her own, she had help."

Pam nodded and she offered…

"We will look at the surveillance at your house and see if we caught anything on tape."

Eric nodded and clenched his jaw. He hated to bring Sookie into this, knowing that was inevitable at this point, and she probably wasn't going to be happy that he was going to be on her like white on rice for the next few days.

He looked back at Pam again, his mind exhausting all of his thoughts and Pam assured him as he moved towards his office to get his car keys and things…

"Ill call you if I find anything."

Eric nodded and replied in kind.

"Thank you Pam."

He came back to kiss her cheek and he promised…

"I'll be in touch!"

Eric went in to grab his leather jacket from his office and Pam followed remembering something and she asked him…

"Will you be in tomorrow night for the New Year's Eve party?"

Eric looked back at her and nodded his head…

"Yes, Sookie is working tomorrow night, So I might as well too."

Pam smiled and she replied with a wicked grin…

"Good, we have something special planned…"

Eric couldn't help but smile in return, wishing he could have brought Sookie to Fangtasia with him instead, but he knew his child would definitely make the night worthwhile experience and he replied on his way out as he passed her…

"I look forward to it."

Eric got into his red corvette in his reserved spot in the employee parking lot and made his way back to Sookie's house. He knew she had to be getting off her shift at Merlottes and she was probably heading home to pack her overnight bag before meeting him at Fangtasia. So Eric picked up his speed, anxious.

He was about half way to Bon Temps when he heard his cell phone ring. Eric knew who it was instantly before even seeing the caller id.

"Lover?" He answered and Sookie's worried voice proclaimed on the other end…

"I wanted to call you earlier but we were swamped at the restaurant, is everything okay?" Her voice was laced with concern. Eric not wanting to re-engage his anger, played it down in this moment, he just wanted to get to Sookie first and tell her in person what happened. And he answered…

"Yes, Ill be there shortly…"

"Where? My house? I thought I was meeting you at Fangtasia?" Sookie asked questioningly but Eric just shook his head and replied…

"Yes, your house."

"This doesn't sound good." Sookie confessed after taking a short breath

"Ill explain everything when I get there lover." Eric proclaimed. Sookie had no other choice but to wait for him to explain when he replied…

"I love you." Before clicking off his phone she knew something was wrong. Sookie had felt it all night. And although Merlottes had been swamped and she could barely turn off her internal broadcasting system, she could feel Eric's anger and frustration; it was speaking to her through the bond loud and clear. She worried that Victor had done something this time. It wasn't like Eric to change their schedule so abruptly like he had.

Swallowing hard she took a deep breath and said a silent prayer to herself that things would be okay for both she and Eric.

She rounded her driveway, half expecting to see the cavalry waiting for her when she got there, but Eric hadn't yet arrived. So Sookie thought she better make the most of her last few solitary minutes before all hell broke loose as she suspected it would and she made herself a gin and tonic. She didn't often drink at home, but she needed something to take the edge off.

After changing out of her waitress uniform into something more comfortable, Sookie took her drink and curled up on her couch to wait for Eric nervously. She had finished half of her drink when she heard the familiar hum of the corvette engine turn off in her driveway. Sookie realized, even though she was worried as hell about what Eric might soon reveal to her, she still felt her heart thump when he was near.

She set down her glass and walked out to the front porch to wait for him. He was on his phone again and Sookie watched him as his eyes flashed with hers, his magnificent blonde mane of hair shined in the moonlight and his eyes twinkled and Sookie forced a smile. She had missed him. It had been a hard night, it was busier than usual due to the football game and not one, but two waitresses called in sick tonight. She and Tara even were waiting tables together and Sookie was ready to collapse when her shift ended. She didn't know if she had the energy to deal with anything else tonight.

Eric got off his phone and folded it into his pocket ascending her stairs his gaze locked on Sookie's and she took her hands off the balcony.

"Long night?" Sookie asked him casually, knowing she didn't need to ask him who he was just talking to, it would be revealed in time and Eric nodded, finally on the same level as her she felt her breath intake as he took her hand…

"It felt like an eternity." Eric confessed with a gentle smile, his eyes taking in Sookie and her tired yet fatigued looking physique and he began to grow concerned himself.

"You look tired…" His hand came up to travel the side of her cheek and Sookie closed her eyes, the feeling of his cool hand on her skin felt soothing and she nodded blinking her eyes looked back into his and she brushed her fingers across his soft arm hairs asking him concerned…

"So what happened tonight?"

His intense blue gaze bore down to hers. He desperately wanted to tell her, but she looked so lost so tired, so exhausted, he let his heart do the talking and decided he would tell her later. They both needed an escape right now.

"Eric?" Her voice hung on question and he leaned in taking her lips in his in answer. He felt her sharp intake of breath as her chest expanded and collapsed below him until finally she surrendered completely, his tongue coaxed hers out and he sucked on her beckoning her moan.

It was dizzying and Sookie was almost a puddle on the floor, just barely hanging onto her sanity, Eric was like a drug, like a hallucinogen that wouldn't let her remember she had been standing on her own two feet on her front porch and she whimpered once more weakly…

"Eric?"

"Shhhhh…" His voice coated her neck as his lips kissed her jaw and the side of her mouth. He had already decided later was better than sooner and he assured her…

"Were safe now lover, there's nothing to worry about…"

Her half moon gaze met his lucidly in trust as the soft light struck her dilated pupils his hands traveled lower down to her waist and hips causing the electricity to run through her body. She surrendered completely, accepting all that he had to offer. Sookie soon realized as he kissed her forthright and worked his magic that she just didn't care at the moment, all she cared about was this. His soft lips scaled her neck causing her skin to tingle from his touch.

She kissed the vee shaped dip at the base of his neck as she felt his body harden under her touch and she looked up into his eyes again. Those hypnotic eyes that gazed back down into her own with want and she felt her heart skip a beat, knowing there was no stopping this tidal wave.

His lips came crashing down on hers as she met his kiss with her own hunger and then she felt her body spin and lift into his arms as he set her back down on the balcony rail. His hands were frantic and quick. She was just wearing a tee and shorts, but his large hands had already worked their way into her lacy pink underwear when she realized what was about to happen…

"Wait…"Sookie gasped as she felt his tongue graze her neck, knowing exactly what was about to happen…

"Were outside…" She moaned closing her eyes in ecstasy as his fingers plunged into her warmth and her voice caught in her throat…

"So?" Eric replied his voice just as lucid and he pulled her shirt up off over her head…

"What if the neighbors see?" She asked as his lips came into devour her bust line kissing the tender silky skin exposed above her lace bra and her breath quivered…

"What neighbors?" Eric growled against her skin and Sookie closed her eyes remembering that Bill had gone to Seattle again; he was her only other real neighbor, and then she quickly realized she was running out of arguments.

"We're alone…" Eric promised as his gaze rose to find hers, their noses just inches from each other and fire met passion.

"Oh screw it!" Sookie finally proclaimed giving up her final attempts at modesty and she tugged at the buckle of Eric's pants as Eric replied smartly…

"I fully intend to lover!"

There was a wicked glint in his gaze as his fangs extended and he yanked off his own shirt, fully intending to devour every square inch of his lover's body. The remaining shards of necessary clothing lost on the lawn down below, her pink panties lying in shreds next to his black tank top, and the desire consumed them. Sookie looked down and watched his need as he positioned himself in front of her and she let out a gasp as she felt his hardness part her.

His hips rocked into hers and they fit together beautifully as the passion consumed like a very complicated puzzle. Sookie had to hold onto the column and Eric's body to brace herself, feeling like they were flying together on a cloud she closed her eyes and let him take her away with him as she cried out in pleasure, like a wolf sang to the full moon.

It was beautiful. It was real.

Eric made good on his promise to screw her and screw her he did. She could barely even feel her legs when they finished up in her bed. She knew it was silly, but nothing compared to sleeping with the man she loved, waking up to find his arms still around her in the morning as they were now.

They lay there just relaxing in each others arms when Eric finally spoke breaking the silence…

"We should talk about why we're here and not at my house."

Sookie closed her eyes mentally exhausted and now physically exhausted no thanks to her vampire lover and their very thorough love making as her fingers brushed over Eric's arm hairs she asked him tiredly…

"Do we have to?"

Eric's arms tightened around her waist as his lips brushed over her neck and he replied earnestly…

"I think we should lover."

Sookie sighed and turned around to face him her tired gaze frustrated and she asked him tensely, not really wanting to get into this right now, just wanting one night of peace…

"Is it Victor?"

Eric looked back at her and shook his head answering her as his arm draped lazily over her naked hip…

"No."

Explaining he replied…

"Someone has stolen something from me."

"What?" Sookie sat up now propping herself up on her elbow to look at Eric…

"Stolen what?" Sookie asked and Eric elaborated…

"My sword, which was under lock and key stored in the basement of my home."

"Oh my lord, Eric!" Sookie put her hand back on his arm in alarm and she asked him…

"So how do you know it wasn't Victor?"

Eric blinked not really wanting to get into this part but he supposed he would have to and he replied truthfully…

"Because the thief presented herself to me."

"Her? It was a she?" Sookie asked surprised and Eric nodded his head…

"Yes, she is a witch who believes if she can get under my skin and past my private life Ill surrender my bar to her."

"Your bar?" Sookie sat up now pulling the sheets up to cover her breasts and she asked him…

"What does she want with your bar?"

Eric looked out the window at the cool December night thinking he saw a few flurries flicker by and he admitted…

"She wants it and she wants me…"

Eric remembered in that moment how Hallow had come onto him in his office unzipping her jacket and exposing herself to him not realizing while Sookie's hand rested on his arm, she saw the same image and she pulled back like she had been stung.

"And did you entertain these notions of hers?" Sookie asked in a clipped tone all the sudden feeling a bolt of anger rush through her as the jealousy consumed and she slipped out of bed covered by the sheet and went to find a nightgown. Play time was clearly over, Eric thought.

"How could you even ask me that?" Eric asked her thinking she was acting ridiculously, hoping for a little support from her at the moment. He decided to just cut to the chase and Eric replied…

"She doesn't know about your place and I don't want her to…I have my people surveying her as we speak. They will watch over your house in the day when I'm gone as well…"

It was in that moment Sookie realized that things weren't normal at all, they would never be, if anything it had gotten worse than when she was with Bill. She spun on her heel to face Eric, suddenly snapping at him…

"GODDAMMIT ERIC!"

She never swore but Sookie felt this was an appropriate occasion to let it fly.

"It's under control!" He replied sternly standing as well trying not to let the anger get to him too but Sookie just shook her head insisting with hands flying in the air in frustration….

"No it isn't, its never going to be safe for us is it, there's always going to be someone after us, Victor was just the tip of the iceberg wasn't he?"

"Sookie, get a grip!" Eric insisted going over to grab her wrist and she yanked it away angry again…

"NO I WILL NOT GET A GRIP, THIS IS MY LIFE TOO, I DIDN'T ASK FOR THIS!"

Sookie was clearly testing Eric's anger threshold and he asked her abruptly…

"Are you implying that I forced you into this relationship?"

She looked back at him bitterly and replied truthfully….

"Maybe it wasn't on purpose, but you couldn't help yourself!"

Eric muttered under his breath in Swedish and he looked back at Sookie annoyed, not wanting to be around her right now. No matter how much he loved her, he needed some space and he replied offhandedly as he went to find his own clothes…

"This all would be so much easier if you were one of us!"

Her eyes widened in shock….

"One of YOU? You mean like a VAMPIRE?" She asked him, her voice getting pitched higher and higher with every word and Eric knew he was in the doghouse.

"I know you do not want to spend eternity with me! That much is blatantly obvious!" He cut back.

"You can bet the farm on that one Buster!"

"BUSTER?" Eric asked getting pissed him self now. He thought she was overreacting.

Sookie pointed towards the door…

"Just go Eric!"

He sighed and shook his head…

"I'm not going ANYWHERE until we talk about this!" Eric declared sternly and Sookie glared at him.

"I want you to leave." Her voice was cold and shrewd and Eric looked back at her wondering if he even recognized her. He had never seen her this angry before and couldn't understand it.

"I mean it!" She added her eyes were watery with emotion, yet she was determined, remaining steadfast in her unwavering stance. And he closed his eyes hanging his head for a brief moment in remorse and hurt.

Finally Eric looked back up at Sookie as he buttoned up his spare pair of pants and he declared before leaving…

"This isn't over!"

All it took was one second. As soon as she heard the front door slam, Sookie fell to her knees and collapsed into a sobbing fit of tears.

Eric pulled his car away glancing back at her darkened bedroom window through the dark paneled glass of his corvette and he flipped open his phone, making an emergency night call….

"Yes Merlotte, this is Eric Northman…I need to ask a favor of you!"

Eric informed Sam of the situation as he pulled out of her long driveway, wondering when things would finally simmer down for them, he wondered if Sookie was strong enough to deal with him and all of his daily drama. He knew she was strong, she was his little warrior, but is it what she wanted out of life? His life clearly wasn't what she wanted. Could he give her the kind of life she craved and longed for? Could he make her happy?

Eric feared the answer to that question as much as he feared the question itself.