Blood

A/N I do not own anything CH and AB do.

I felt heavy and sleepy. I lay still and I could hear voices. Bill was telling Pam to let him feed me and she wasn't listening. I don't know where Eric and Russell where. Maybe outside?

"They're both going to die Pam, let me up please. Don't let Sookie die too, what would Eric think?" Bill said.

"He'd want her to live. That's why he's out there sacrificing himself, for her. A human has brought the great Eric Northman to his knees. You want to know the funny thing about this, the fact that he never even tasted her or fucked her. He saved her and never asked for anything. He even helped look for you, all for her" she said bitterness in her voice.

She was right, he did help me. He was trying to keep me safe and I had to go and take off. I can see now what his plan had been but Russell changed up at the last minute. I'm not going to let Eric die, not today and not because of me. I signalled Pam and she sauntered over.

"Blood, yours" I rasped out my neck and throat sore.

"Sookie no please" Bill said. Why was Bill so adamant on giving me his blood? I'll have to think on that later. Pam stared at me for a second longer and then bit her wrist and put it to my mouth. I sucked until I had my strength back and stopped. My neck was still sore but I ignored it.

"Pam do you have an emergency blood stash?" I asked.

"Yes, why?" she asked blood tears still falling down her beautiful pale face.

"Get it ready, lot's of it for Eric and myself" I said.

":Sookie, No" Bill pleaded. I turned to him as I sat up.

"You listen to me Bill Compton and listen good. Do not tell me what to do. I'm going to go out there and help Eric. Either you help Pam get stuff ready or she can leave you chained up" I said.

"Your choosing Eric over me?" he whined.

"Oh, forget it. Pam keep him chained or unchain him, your choice. I give up. Do you have anything I can use to subdue Russell?" I asked.

"There's that silver chain you used on me and I'll get a padlock" she disappeared and reappeared seconds later.

"Thank you Sookie" Pam said and bowed her head.

"Don't thank me yet" I said and headed for the door.

"Sookie" Bill called out to me.

"Save it" I said and walked out into the sunshine.

I could smell burning flesh and saw smoke rising from Eric and Russell. I crept up on Russell and threw the chain over his neck and chest before he even realized I was there. He was very weak and it was easy to bind his hands and feet. I crawled over to Eric who was screaming now. I removed the knife I had grabbed off the bar and sliced my forearm. I winced at the pain but I kept my focus on Eric. I placed the wound over Eric's mouth and he latched on immediately. I could feel myself becoming weak and then he stopped. His skin had stopped smoking and he seemed calmer. His face was badly burned as was part of his neck. He sat up and I fell over. He helped me up and I leaned against his chest. He looked down at me and smiled.

"Thank you" he said. He got up slowly, still kind of weak and picked me up.

"Good bye Russell" he said as he carried me back towards the bar.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOO" Russell howled.

Once through the door Eric seemed to lose steam. He looked down at me again , emotions flitting across his face to fast for me to identify. The smile faded and was replaced with sadness.

"Give her to me Eric" Bill said from behind me. No I thought but Eric handed me over, that's when I realized he was sad to let me go, but why?

"Eric" Pam cried out and ran to him and hugged him. Eric hugged her to him fiercely and it reminded me of Godric. Pam led him to his office and I realized we were following them. Inside Eric's office there was a cot and a travel coffin. Eric laid down in the coffin and Pam fed him blood. There was an IV set up beside the cot and Bill got it in my arm. I lay there thinking about what was next and I must have fell asleep.

I woke up for a few minutes when Pam took out the IV and then I was out again. I awoke to the sound of creaking hinges. I turned over and watched as Eric emerged from his sleep. His face was a little red still around his ear but it didn't mar his beauty. There was a soft knock at the door and he was up and answering just a little slower than vampire speed

`Master Nan Flannigan is here` Pam said.

`I'll be out in a minute do not let her back here, Sookie still rests. Please get Sookie some food and coke. She likes that fizzy drink he said and shut the door. He turned around and smiled a real smile.

``Good evening Sookie. How are you feeling?`` he asked.

``Good and yourself? I asked.

``Good but I'll feel excellent once I have fed`` he said and walked over to his mini fridge.

``Wait. Eric come here`` I said. He came over and I patted the mattress beside me. He sat down and looked at me. I pulled my hair to the right and offered my neck. He looked at me and what I was offering and got up.

``No. I won't feed from you Sookie, not now`` he said.

``What, why?`` I asked hurt evident in my voice. Eric sat back down and looked intently at me.

``I took from you without your permission and I put you in danger. If in the future I earn the right to be able to take your blood then I will`` he said. I reached out my hand and touched his cheek. I believe he cares for me and this is his way of showing it. I pulled him closer and swept my lips across his. I felt a jolt of energy rush between us. It was exciting, I never felt anything like it before. I think Eric felt it too. I pulled back and looked into his eyes and then it was like we were magnets. We were sucked in and kissing like wild animals. I couldn't get enough, I was ravenous for this vampire. He lit a fire in me to the likes I've never known.

I felt Eric's fangs click into place and it excited me more. I wanted Eric and I was going to have him. Then there was another knock. Eric pulled back and hissed. Quick as lightening he answered and was back on the bed.

``I have to go meet with Nan. Can we continue this later? Should I have Pam take you home?` he asked.

``Please. Can you come by later and we can talk?`` I asked.

``Sure, I'll come by`` he said and kissed me on the cheek. Pam came in a few minutes later and we left. The ride back to Bon Temps was quite. When we pulled around back of my house Pam spoke.

``What you did for Eric was courageous and noble. You risked yourself again for him. You are a selfless, wonderful human Sookie Stackhouse and I'll be forever in debt to you. I have one question for you and that's why did you take my blood instead of Bill`s?`she asked.

``He has given me blood so many times and he keeps insisting. I don't understand why and for some reason I don't trust him anymore. I mean he would have rather seen Eric burn then help him. He can be so cruel sometimes. He did that when Godric met the sun as well. He tried to forbid me from going to see him`` I said.

`What was Godric like?``^she asked.

`He was more human then some human's. He was nice, charming and he cared for his vampires. Eric is exactly like Godric was. I wish he were still here so Eric wouldn't hurt anymore. I know he's still broke up about it`` I said.

``Thank you Sookie`` Pam said and then she reached out and hugged me. I hugged her right back.

``This never happened, I have a rep to uphold. Heartless bitch, here`` she said with a wink. I waved as she drove away. That Pam.

I went and got my mail from my mailbox and set it on the kitchen table. First thing first, I need a hot bath. I filled the tub with hot steamy water and vanilla scented oil. I shaved my legs and other areas and relaxed. I thought about Eric and why I was feeling this way. I think maybe I had feelings for him for awhile I was just afraid to acknowledge them. When I watched him on the roof with Godric I was shown another side of Eric. Maybe he's not as heartless as he acts. I also witnessed it again with Pam. He has a lot of love inside he just doesn't always deal with it the way most people do. I felt a breezed and opened my eyes. Bill was standing there watching me with lust in his eyes.

`Do you mind?` I said and made a shooing gesture, he just stood there erection evident in his pants.

``Get out of my bathroom Bill`` I yelled. I grabbed the towel off the toilet, stood and wrapped it around me. I stepped out of the tub. Bill hadn't moved, it was like he was paralyzed. I went to walk around him and he grabbed my wrist and pulled me to him.

`You smell like Eric`` he hissed.

``Let me go`` I said. Bill forced me backward and onto the bed. I tried to get free but his grip was sure. It felt like Jackson all over again and I shivered.

``I have to erase his sent, you must smell of me only. Only me`` he repeated. I was scared now. I started screaming but Bill wouldn't listen. I knew something bad was coming. I felt his weight pushing me into the bed, his erection painfully pressing against my inner thigh. He was there one second and gone the next. When I opened my eyes I saw Eric holding Bill by his throat against the wall. Eric was snarling inches away from Bill's face. `

``Eric`` I said. Eric turned to look at me and let go of Bill.

``Bill Compton I rescind your invitation into my home` and I watched as he was pulled backward out of my house. Eric turned around.

'Sookie your towel" Eric said. I looked down and noticed it had fallen open. I fixed it and grabbed my robe from underneath me and slid it on.

"Are you ok? Did he hurt you?" he asked.

"You can turn around. No, my wrist is a little sore" I said. Eric came over and looked at my wrist. He pricked his finger and rubbed a little blood on the purple marks and they vanished along with the dull throb. I should have been grossed out but instead I was happy. I knew then that Eric would always take care of me if I needed it.

"Come on, I'll get you a true blood and some dinner for myself" I said.

"I brought you Chinese and a six pack of coke" he said.

"You bought me dinner? How sweet of you, thank you Eric" I said and grabbed his hand and led him into the kitchen. He sat down while I heated up a blood. Once it was warm and I shook it , I gave it to him and grabbed a plate for myself. Eric got me all my favs, Almond Suey Guy, Fried rice with pork, Vegs and beef and Spring rolls. He got enough to feed four people, looks like I have left over's. I ate while Eric drank his blood. It was a comfortable silence which I was grateful for. When I was finished I rinsed my plate and sat back down. Eric reached in his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to me. It was a deposit receipt for twenty thousand dollars for Dallas. It was more then I expected. How did he get my information anyway?

"This is to much Eric" I said.

"No, it's not enough but I figured you wouldn't take it if I gave you more" he said.

"Ok I'll keep it but I'll come to Fangtasia and listen a few nights a week for the next three months" I said.

"Deal" he agreed.

"Is Russell no more?" I asked.

"Yes, we swept up the flakes and threw them in the trash" he said. I nodded.

"I have a few questions for you, will you answer them?" I asked.

"Yes" he said.

"Now that you have had my blood will it change things between us?" I asked.

"Yes. We have started a bond. It will become stronger the more we exchange blood and if we do a mutual blood exchange it will become permanent" he said.

"I've had Bill's blood several times now, does that mean we are bound?" I asked.

"Yes. Have you exchange mutually. Like a lovers exchange?" he asked.

"No. I only had his blood when I needed it" I said.

"Did he not explain this to you?" he asked.

"No. He said something about erasing your scent from me, that I could only smell like him" I said. Eric growled.

"It's not for me to say. I tried to get him to tell you the truth the other day but you brushed me aside" he said. There was a loud bang at the door. I opened the door and Bill was on the other side.

"Lies, he tells you lies" Bill said.

"Why did you come to Bon Temps and I want the truth Bill" I said. Bill looked away.

"I came because my ancestor died" he answered.

"Look at me" I said. He did and grimaced.

"I was sent by the Queen to procure you. I was to seduce you and bring you to her. I was to bond to you so you would never lea0ve or be claimed by another vampire" he said as he looked at Eric and I gasped.

"I, you" I stuttered.

"Sookie, I love you. I fell in love with you, please" he pleaded.

"You love me? Was that before or after you took my innocence?" I asked and I heard Eric snarl behind me.

Bill looked away and I knew the answer. I couldn't look at him anymore, I turned away and almost collapsed to the floor if it wasn't for Eric. He pulled me into his arms and took me upstairs and laid me on my bed. He grabbed my pj's and handed them to me but I was into much shock to register them. Eric quickly and carefully put them on me without seeing me naked or touching me inappropriately. He kissed my forehead and said he'd be right back. I heard the front door slam. Five minutes later he was back with a cup of tea and a couple of cookies.

"For what it's worth I'm truly sorry Sookie that you were ever brought into this mess. I found out not to long ago about Bill and the Queen. I'm sorry he took something so precious from you. It should have been given to someone who truly loves you and deserves it. Rest now dear one, I will watch over you until just before dawn" he said. I sipped my tea for a bit and then laid down. Eric sat in Gran's rocker he was looking out the window at the moon.

"Eric could you hold me?" I asked sadness in my voice.

"Certainly" he answered. He took off his shoes and jacket and crawled in behind me. He put his arm over me and pulled me towards his chest. I relaxed against him and for the first time in a long time I felt safe. Just before I nodded off I heard Eric whisper.

"I'll always hold you when you need it and I'll never lie to you Sookie. I think for the first time in a long time I'm feeling what it's like to love again" and he kissed the top of my head. I fell asleep with a smile on my face.

I woke up to the sun shining on my face and I could hear birds singing their songs. I found a note on the pillow where Eric was laying. I picked up the note and smelled the pillow, it smelled like Eric and that made my insides all warm and gooey. I read the note.

Sookie,

I'm truly sorry for what was revealed last night. Compton isn't worth the pain that you are feeling but I know you'll feel it anyway. I didn't want to leave you this morning but dawn gave me no choice. I'll see you soon, take care.

E

I didn't want him to leave either. I was still hurting from what Bill had told me but I also felt happy when I thought of Eric. I mean sure he can manipulate and be highhanded but it has been for my own good, hasn't it? Sure he tricked me into drinking his blood but maybe there was a reason behind it. Maybe he knew what a liar Bill was and he thought he'd make dure he was able to help me if Bill didn't.

Bill always said don't trust Eric but he should have said don't trust me. I have a lot of soul searching to do. I still have six days before I'm due back at work. The money Eric paid me will come in handy. When I said I'd go to college to Bill that night in the car I wasn't joking. I think I might go by the college and pick up some information. I spent the rest of the day cleaning the house. There was stilla bit of a mess from Maryanne. I decided to have a painting party. Invite all my friends for a barbeque and drinks and get them to help paint. Yeah, that's a great idea. I called Fangtasia and left a message for Eric and Pam and asked if they would come. I showered and got dressed. I thought I'd go to Monroe and treat myself to dinner and a movie.

I had dinner a Toni's, it was a little Italian place and the food was wonderful. Then I went to the theatre and saw THE EXPENDABLES. It was good for an action movie. Mind numbing fun and that's what I needed. Next I stopped at Wal Mart and bought twenty cans of outside paint in Sweet Buttercup yellow and twenty cans of inside paint in soft greens and blues for all the rooms. I bought all the other painting supplies. I stopped at the liquor store and bought four cases of beer and three cases of Smirnoff ice and two cases of true blood. I figured I'd buy the meat and other stuff the day before the party which was Saturday.

I put all the stuff in the spare room and then went to bed. The next morning when I went down to make coffee I noticed I had five messages. Tara called and said she would come. Hoyt and Jason were a yes and they were bringing their women. Lafayette couldn't make it. Eric called back and said he would come around seven and Pam would be by a little later. He also said he wasn't sure what a painting party was but he would come help anyway.

I was excited. I decided to put the driveway on hold and buy some much needed furniture. I bought a new couch, love seat and recliner with ottoman. Some new end tables and coffee table. The area rug Eric bought to replace the one he ruined would go good with the furniture. Oh, did I mention the furniture is a black pleather ensemble? It's very soft and very comfortable and it looks like the real thing. I donated my used furniture to the Goodwill. When all was said and done I spent three grand. That includes all the party stuff too. I also stopped by the college and enrolled for fall classes. A two year course in Business Management cost me eight thousand but it will be worth it, besides that includes books, etc. So I had a little left to put in my savings account for when I need it. It was dark before I realized and I heard a knock at the door. I opened it up to find Eric standing there.

"Evening Sookie , can I come in?" he asked.

"Yes" I said and stepped aside as he stepped in he kissed my cheek which sent heat coursing through my body.

HE sat down at the table. I offered him a blood and he accepted. I heated him a bottle and grabbed a coke for myself.

"Ok what's up Eric?" I asked.

"I was wondering if I could hire you to accompany me to Nevada. The king is in need of your services. I will be at your side the whole time. It will take two days and you will be paid five thousand dollars. Will you accept my offer?" he asked.

"When would this be?" I asked

"The day after your party" he answered. Well I wasn't working and the money would be good.

"Ok" I agreed.

"Great. We'll be staying at the Mirage. I'll book a suite with adjoining rooms. Our flight will leave at 4pm Sunday afternoon. I apologize that you will be flying alone. I will be awake before we land so we'll disembark together. We'll meet the king when we arrive. You will read ten employee's that night and ten the next and we head home when your finished" he explained.

"Sounds ok as long as you behave yourself" I said with a laugh.

"Sure" he winked at me.

"Eric do you know anything about computers?" I asked.

"Yes" he said.

"Will you go to Best Buy with me and help me pick out a laptop?" I asked sweetly.

"I'd be honoured to. Would you like to go now?" he asked. I thought about it.

"Sure" I agreed and got up to grab my coat. I was dressed in my blue sundress. I grabbed my sweater instead of my jacket. My purse was by the door and my keys. Eric rinsed out his bottle and put it in the recycle bin and we headed out. We took Eric's car, good thing I had my sweater. Eric settled me in the passenger seat and got in as well. The drive to Shreveport was quiet but comfortable. Once there Eric directed us right to the laptop section

Eric asked me what I would use it for and I told him for emails, surfing the net and homework. He raised his eyebrow and I told him that I enrolled in college for the next semester. He said that he was proud of me and that I was opening myself up to a whole new world. In the end I got a Mac notebook in pink. It came with a free printer or you could upgrade the printer to one that does photos and faxes as well for fifty dollars more. I got this cute pink laptop bag as well. Eric bought a new camera and said I could have his old one. I said no at first but I didn't have a digital camera and I'd be able to use the photo feature of my printer. I agreed and added photo paper to my order. I spent two thousand dollars but it was worth it. Eric said he'd help me set up everything the night we come back from Vegas.

"Would you like a late dinner Sookie?" he asked.

"Sure. Wait a minute, is this like a date?" I asked.

"No, but it could be if you wanted" he leered.

"I can't right now Eric, what Bill did still hurts. I'd like us to be friends though" I said.

"Vampires don't have friends Sookie but for you, anything" he said.

"Thanks' for the offer but I'm actually tired and I have a lot of stuff to prepare for Saturday but rain check/' I asked.

"Agreed" he said. When we arrived back at my house Eric took all my stuff in. He kissed my cheek and headed back to Shreveport. I sat a while on the porch swing just enjoying the night.

"Out with Eric I see. Have I been replaced?" Bill said as he stepped out of the shadows. He looked like shit and I began to feel frightened.

"What do you want Bill?" I asked bitterness in my voice.

"I missed you darling" he said and was in front of me in a blink. I could feel my heart hammering in my chest.

"See I still excite you when I'm near. I can hear your heart speed up" he said and reached out to touch my cheek.

I couldn't move, I was paralyzed with fear. His hand glided down my cheek to my neck and I began to shiver. He took that as a good sign and his finger circled my nipple. Tears started streaming down my cheeks and I still couldn't move. His fingers travelled lower. I thought about the truck, Bill almost draining me and I was finally able to move. I hauled back and punched his face but it didn't even faze him. He was poised to attack.

"Get away from her Compton" Eric hissed.

Bill turned around and looked at Eric with hate in his eyes.

"Oh look Eric to the rescue, how convenient" Bill sneered.

"I said stand down. You will obey me for I'm your sheriff. Go home. Sookie doesn't seem to want you here" Eric decreed.

"She's mine" he hissed.

"Sookie is no one's. Leave her alone. I forbid you from seeking out Miss Stackhouse. If she wants to see you she will come to you. Failure to comply will result in punishment. Do you understand?" he bellowed. Bill just stared.

"I said do you understand?" he shouted.

"Yes, Sheriff" he answered.

"Then go" he said. Bill was gone.

"Are you ok Sookie? I was halfway to Shreveport when I felt your fear. I left my car and flew here. Are you ok?" he asked again.

"Yeah" I said and then I started to cry. Eric had me in his arms and took me in the house. He shut the door and took me to my room. He laid me on my bed and went into the bathroom and came back out with a wet cloth. He patted my face and laid the cloth across my forehead.

"Why does he keep doing this to me?" I sobbed.

"Vampires are possessive creatures once we find something we consider ours it's hard to let go. I don't condone his behaviour, he's crossed some lines but letting you go would be hard" he said.

"Thank you for stepping in and helping me. I'm ok now, I know you must have more important things to be taking care of right now" I said.

"Not more important then you" he said.

He couldn't mean that, could he?

TBC