Disclaimer: All character rights belong to Charlaine Harris and Alan Ball.

A/N: I made sure to spoil everyone with one last dose of sweet lemonade, hopefully sweet enough for a few smiles. The song I decided to use for this chapter is Michelle Branch - You Set Me Free. It's a bit more upbeat than I wanted but I fell in love with the lyrics and instantly though of Eric and Sookie.

Chapter 25: A New Beginning

Sookie's POV

I ran my fingers through Eric's hair as I looked down at his sleeping form. He looked so at peace and so beautiful. I still couldn't believe that he was all mine. If anyone had asked me where I saw myself at this point of my life, I certainly would not have suspected anything like this at all. I was so lucky to have Eric. Some people traveled the world until they found what they were looking for but I had everything I wanted right here. Never in a million years did I expect my present turning out this way.

Looking back on everything that had happened so far in my short lifetime, I regretted none of it. The past was the past, the future was now. No matter how desperately I wanted to go back to the simpler days, I knew that I wouldn't be content living that way anymore. Even with all the life threatening dangers I had to go through on a daily basis, I can honesty say that I was happy. I still missed Gran terribly but I had a feeling that she was watching over me somewhere.

I smiled to myself, the smarter and more mature Sookie was definitely a new me that I wanted to keep. It was amazing that just a few months ago, I had been a much different person who had been irrational at times. It was nice to not have any doubts and worry about silly things, there were much bigger fish to catch. I was glad that I had grown up and I guess vampire politics was the reason why I did, at least there was something I got out of all those troubles.

This was only the calm before the many rain showers, thunderstorms and snow blizzards. Nothing ever stayed calm in the life of a thousand year old vampire and a telepathic barmaid who were in love. I was never going to have that normal life that I had dreamed of. No warm blooded human husband, no house with a picket fence and definitely no two and a half kids. That kind of life just wasn't meant for me and I was fine with that. Having Eric was so much better anyways.

Though there was a part deep inside of me that still felt insecure, I knew that I would eventually be able to lock it away. Eric had shown me nothing but unconditional love, how could I doubt him? I enjoyed the balance we had. He was sweet, caring Eric with me and he was the cunning vampire when he had business to take care of. I didn't mind that I was mixed into his world and the politics that followed. Without those, my life wouldn't be the same. He was involved in that part of his society and I wasn't going to exclude myself from it. Everywhere he went, I would. I'd follow him to the edge of the world and back. I knew I could trust him with my life.

I stumbled out of bed and looked blindly around the dark room until I reached the bathroom. I took care of my human needs and was about to walk out of the room when I found myself staring at my reflection. I should have looked tired from last night's escapade but instead I looked healthier and better than I had ever looked. My eyes were bright, my hair was a lighter blonde and my skin was practically glowing. It was amazing the wonders Eric's blood could do for me. There was a small piece of paper hanging from the corner of the mirror that caught my attention. I reached up and grabbed it. I already knew that the note was from Eric.

The house is yours to explore, I have left you the required codes to navigate around without any issues. Do not miss me too much, I will be with you sooner than you think.

Yours, Eric.

Eric was so considerate when he wanted to be. I took the note with me out of the bathroom and tucked it under my pillow for later. Since I hadn't been able to unpack my bags yet, I grabbed one of Eric's shirts and made my way out of his little 'bat cave' and headed upstairs. The sunlight was pouring in through the windows and I enjoyed soaking it all up. I went into the kitchen and began rummaging through the fridge for something to eat. Last night's exercise really did a number on me and I couldn't believe how hungry I was. I settled with a couple of eggs to make scrambled eggs. After finding the materials I needed, I made breakfast or rather brunch quickly and ate it almost twice as fast. I finished the dishes and headed towards my next destination.

Making my way upstairs, I walked down the hall to the door of Eric's office and library. I twisted the knob of the door slowly, the wooden door gently creaked as it opened. I took in the sight in front of me and instantly fell more in love. There was a small window at the very top of the ceiling that let in just enough light to illuminate the room. I ran my hand through the books on the shelves. Who knew how old they were? The room smelled of old books and wood, something that possessed a calming power. I read each and every single title of the novels I could reach. This library was like an open book of Eric. Each subject, each author that made up this room made up Eric as well. I finally settled on a literature about vikings and made myself comfortable on the couch.

A soothing rhythm of a woman's voice and a loud thud suddenly woke me up. I looked around the room in a daze and noticed that there was no longer any sunlight streaming in through the glass window. I must have fallen asleep. The book I had been so enticed in was laying on the floor and I figured that was probably the loud thud I had heard. The music was alluring and I couldn't help but wonder where it was coming from and why it was playing. Was I still dreaming? I got up, my curiosity getting the better of me and followed the sound.

Can't you see?
There's a feeling that's come over me
Close my eyes
You're the only one that leaves me completely breathless

As the serene music continued to play, I found my legs carrying me down the stairs and into the living room. It was definitely past dark, where was Eric? I walked into the living room. I gasped as I took in the room before me.

All the furniture had been moved and the large room was completely empty except for the fireplace. Candles were lit dimly everywhere, they smelled heavenly. Rose petals were scattered on the floor, a trail of them under my feet went on in a straight line directly to the center of the room. My eyes followed the trail and I was awarded with the sight of my vampire, naked and under large blankets. He motioned for me to come, his hand outreached for me.

He pulled me under the covers, his body hovering over mine. I found myself hypnotized by the deep blue of his blazing eyes. They held nothing but love and contempt. I whispered his name as my fingers traced the outline of his face. His lips quirked up into that special smile just for me. We watched either for what seemed like hours until he made the first move.

His lips descended on mine and I was surprised at the kiss. It wasn't urgent or needy. Instead it was sweet and slow. With just that, he was pouring all of his emotions into me. He had always called me his own personal sun. I could feel his hands gently caressing my back. His tongue grazed my bottom lip. I moaned into his mouth as my fingers laced into his soft hair. He removed his mouth from mine and he began to kiss my face gently. Each touch of his lips was a caress. He spoke my name is gentle whispers with each brush. His lips gently sucked on my earlobe, his hands stroking my cheeks.

No need to wonder why
Sometimes a gift like this you can't deny

'Cause I wanted to fly,
so you gave me your wings
And time held its breath so I could see, yeah
And you set me free

His hands dove underneath my shirt and lifted it over my head. His fingers ghosted over my skin, his coldness sending chills down my back. He leaned down and peppered kisses over my stomach. He made his way up to my breasts, kissing the valley between them. He took one into his mouth, his fangs grazing them lightly as he took the other and massaged it. The feel of his tongue on my nipples was exquisite. They harden instantly under his attention. He continued to tease them when suddenly he bit down. He begins to suck on the tiny wound and I moan at the wonderful feeling.

His tongue found my center without any delay. He took long strokes with his tongue until I was squirming under him. I could feel my orgasm beginning to build. He started to suck on my nub with his mouth and caressed it with his tongue. He blew a breath of cool air into me, causing me to whimper at the chilling sensation. I was losing it, I needed him. He decided to end my misery and pushed two long fingers into me deeply. I cried out as my first orgasm shook through me.

He pulled his fingers out and I instantly felt the loss. I took his length into my hand and gently stroked as I position him directly against my entrance. He pushed in slowly, taking his time. His eyes were right on mine and I could feel him staring into the very pit of my soul. I had helped him through the darkness and he helped me find myself. We watched each other as he thrusts deeper, our gaze never leaving each other. Once he was in all the way, I wrapped my arms around his neck and my legs around his hips.

Sookie, my lover, my beloved, Sookie…," he chanted my name like a prayer.

We were suddenly lost in the intensity of the moment. We were like fire and ice, melting into each other. I clung onto him as he held onto me. His movements were slow and agonizing but peaceful. This was different. This was us making love to each other, declaring what we already knew without the words. He placed kisses against my neck and I moaned deeply. I was already starting to build up towards my release.

I wanted him to taste me, I wanted to flow through him just as he did in me. I turned my head and bared my neck to him. His fangs clicked down and I reached to touch them with my fingers. He closed his eyes and whispered my name again. He was tender with me, his fangs brushing against my skin. My heartbeat accelerated as I anticipated the pleasure his bite would bring me. I cried out as his fangs made contact and break the skin. I felt his mouth close over the wound and began to suck. Wave after wave of my orgasm hit me and I was gasping for air. His tongue licked over the punctures as he used his saliva to help them heal.

'Cause I wanted to fly,
so you gave me your wings
And time held its breath so I could see, yeah
And you set me free

There's a will
There's a way
Sometimes words just can't explain
This is real
I'm afraid
I guess this time there's just no hiding, fighting
You make me restless

He was still thrusting into me, his eyes were now closed but I could see a hint of crimson seeping from the corners. He was crying. Slow tears poured from my eyes as we both reached our blissful end. The bond swung wide open and our wild emotions swam around us. It was a desperation like no other. Our cries filled the room as we held onto to each other. The love we had for each other enveloped us, trapping us in an endless wave of passion. Eric opened his eyes and gave me a heartbreaking smile. He licked up my tears and my finger went to pick up his bloody ones. I put it into my mouth tasting his essence. We were one, forever intertwined.

He pulled out of me and I shuddered slightly at the emptiness I suddenly felt. He pulled me into his embrace, his hands wrapped securely around me. My back was against his chest as he ran his fingers along my stomach. I felt beautiful in his arms. We didn't say anything, there were no words that could describe what we had just experienced. It was life changing for both of us. This was it, there was no turning back for either of us.

You're in my heart
The only light that shines
there in the dark

'Cause I wanted to fly,
so you gave me your wings
And time held its breath so I could see, yeah
And you set me free

As I listened to the words being sung, I knew how right they were. Eric was the one who caught me before I fell, before I had given up hope. As he cradled me in his arms, I sighed feeling like I was in heaven. I loved these moments with him. They were special and I wanted to cherish every second of it. Eric's hand gently stroked the sides of my arms as he hummed. The music still played in the background, it was soothing enough to lull me to sleep.

What would happen when I grew old?I knew I promised myself that I didn't want to be turned. I wanted to cling onto that part of humanity I had left in me. I didn't think I was made for that world. But leaving Eric was something I didn't want to do. Gran would tell me that I was being selfish, that I wasn't considering Eric's feelings. This sudden clarity made me realize that I couldn't ever be without this man again. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I couldn't possibly exist without Eric Northman. Perhaps one day I'd be able to give up the sun and exchange it for star filled nights with him.

"I love you Eric. Eternity and beyond."

"Du har köpt mig tillbaka till livet. Aldrig ska jag låta dig gå. Jag älskar dig min älskade." (You have bought me back to life. Never will I let you go. I love you my beloved.)

When I was alone
You came around
When I was down
You pulled me through
And there's nothing that
I wouldn't do for you

'Cause I wanted to fly,
so you gave me your wings
And time held its breath so I could see, yeah
And you set me free

I was ready to forget about the past and move on to what was in store for me in the future. I wanted Eric to be part of it more than anything in the world. I was finally closing a chapter of my life in this long story and starting a fresh one, one that was for certain to be better than the last. I was set for that new beginning we both deserved.

Fin.

Please review and let me know what you think of the overall story, it's always great to hear your thoughts.

*sniffs* Well, that's it everyone...we have finally reached the end. It's been an amazing experience to share my first story with everyone. I'd like to thank each and every single reader who decided to stick around for this journey with me. A special shout-out to all those who posted a review, your comments were my motivation for continuing.

Don't hesitate to add me to your author alerts if you want to read more of my work, I have a few things planned for the future that I am writing. I would love to see you all again.

XOXO, Angie