Thank you to all our readers. You are all amazing!

Disclaimer: Most characters belong to Charlaine Harris. We are just playing!

Chapter 9

When I woke the next day I couldn't tell that I had actually opened my eyes because the room was so dark. For obvious reasons I didn't expect the sunshine streaming through the windows, but to not have a single ray of light was a little unsettling at first. The only thing I could see was the subtle glow of Eric's strong arms around my middle as he spooned up behind me. I detangled myself from his arms, sat up in bed, and after some fumbling in the dark I found the switch for the lamp on the bedside table.

When I turned the lamp on I immediately slammed my eyes shut because the light hurt my eyes but I soon adjusted and squinted to look at Eric; still laying on his side looking every bit the sex god that he truly is. My bladder made itself known though, so I got out of bed, put on Eric's shirt from last night, smiling as I took in his scent, and made my way into the bathroom. Once my human needs were taken care of I went over to the basin to brush my teeth and wash my face but before I could do that I found a note attached to the mirror.

My sweet Sookie,

Mere words cannot express the gratitude I have for you for blessing me with the best night of my existence. I hope that I am able to bring you the joy you have brought me. I have informed Rockne that you will be calling for food and anything else you may need; please feel free to have your food brought down here if that is your wish. I don't have any appointments this evening until after I have taken you to work, so I look forward to waking with you by my side.

Yours E x

With a big smile on my face I put the note away in my overnight bag and went on with brushing my hair and teeth and washing my face, opting to take a shower and get ready later. On my way back to the bedroom I heard my cell phone ringing so I quickly grabbed it from the bedside table and answered.

"Hello"

"Good afternoon Ms Stackhouse it is Mr. Cataliades. I am calling in regards to your contracts with Mr. Northman. They are finished so I would like to make an appointment with yourself and Mr. Northman to sign them; it would be easier if you were both present but it isn't compulsory. When would be a good time for you Ms Stackhouse?"

"Actually Mr. Cataliades I am at the palace as we speak. I know Mr. Northman doesn't have any engagements until later this evening so I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you were here say an hour and half after sunset, that way we can both be present."

"That will be fine Ms Stackhouse. I will see you in 2 hours. Good day to you dear."

With that he hung up and left me speechless from his last words. Two hours? So that means it must only be 30 minutes to sunset...I can't believe I slept so long! "Well I guess that is a good enough excuse to lie back down beside my vampire" I thought with a smirk. So that is exactly what I did.

I pulled back the covers and got in facing Eric, pulled his arm back over my waist and lay there thinking about Mr. C and the contracts. His call reminded me about the spies in the compound and I wondered what Eric was doing, or planning to do about them. To be sure that their plans had not changed, I focused my mind and found each of the three of them in the donor's dorms. I was surprised that I was able to reach that far with my mind...but luckily I was and found that Josephine was thinking about a text she had received that indicated that the plans would not be enacted for another month and a half because neither Stacey (the repentant spy) nor Samuel were thinking of anything relevant.

At ease with the spy situation once again, I contented myself by watching Eric sleep while stroking his hair back off of his face. After some time of marveling over how extremely handsome he is and the feelings he evokes in me I couldn't resist, so I leaned in to place a sweet kiss on his lips. Of course this is the moment he woke up. I felt his arm tighten around my waist and he said, "Mmm… Sookie, I hope to never wake from another day's rest without you in my bed. How was your day beautiful?"

"I haven't been awake long, maybe about an hour? It would seem someone tired me out last night and I slept the whole day." I said with what I hoped was a sexy smile before continuing, "Mr. Cataliades phoned my cell to see when we could meet with him to sign the contracts. I hope you don't mind, but I told him an hour and half after sunset should be ok? If it's not, I can call him back and rearrange."

"No that will be fine Sookie. I'm glad you slept so well." He said with a wiggle of his eyebrows then lent in and gave me a kiss that was enough to get my libido jumping.

"Eric" I moaned hoping he would realize that I wanted more as my hands wandered up to cup his face to hold him as close as possible. Once I had to pull away to breathe, Eric kissed along my jaw line and back to that special spot behind my ear making me hotter and hotter with want. Eric moved the blankets off of us and rolled over onto me before kneeling in between my legs. Looking down at me and taking in my form in his shirt while he caressed my sides he said, "Lover you look tantalizingly good, that shirt looks so much better on you than it does me. I want you...I can't get enough of you." He then lowered himself back down so he was lying over me but still holding his own weight on his elbows. The feel of his well formed chest brushing over my breasts made my nipples instantly hard for him.

I grabbed Eric by the back of his neck and pulled him in for another kiss only this time I ran my tongue over his fangs. I noticed how much he liked it last night and wanted to create that reaction in him again. I ran my hands over his shoulders and could feel every ripple of his muscles while he took my covered left breast in his hand and played with my nipple between his finger and thumb causing me to arch my back and moan. Once again Eric's mouth left mine and started placing open mouth kisses down my jaw line, over my collar bone and into the valley between my breasts while slowly unbuttoning the shirt with one hand and taking my right nipple into his mouth. As soon as his cold tongue licked over my hardened nipple they both hardened all the more. "God Eric that feels so good." I said while my fingernails dug into his back causing a satisfied growl to come from him.

As I finished off removing the shirt, his hand left my breast and he moved his mouth to pay homage to the left one as well, this time using his fangs to tease me with. His hand wandered down over my tummy, up my side and back down over the curve of my hip, gently caressing everywhere possible until he moved his whole body down the bed so his face was near my heat. He let his tongue run out and gave a long lick along my panty covered folds. "Mmm, delicious Sookie." He said his voice dripping with sex.

"Eric, please" I moaned, my body twitching involuntarily. He responded by pulling my panties down ever so slowly, placing kisses down one leg and back up the other until he reached my femoral artery and gave it a lick. He moved to my hot centre and ran his tongue from bottom to top, gathering my juices, then flicking and sucking on my nub intently.

The sensations were so intense it didn't take long until I was squirming and gripping the sheets in my hands, panting and holding on for dear life. Eric placed an arm over my stomach to gently hold me down, while sliding one long digit, then another into my dripping wet sex, "So wet for me my Sookie." My only response was a distracted "Uh huh." It didn't take much more of the sucking and flicking of his tongue while using his fingers inside of me pushing and pressing insistently to give extra pleasure before my walls clamped down on his fingers and my juices flowed freely, which he greedily lapped up while I was convulsing, moaning, and shouting out his name with my orgasm.

By the time I opened my eyes again, Eric was hovering over me with hooded eyes and he lent in to kiss my swollen lips. I could taste myself on him and it turned me on even more again. I pulled him down to me more so that more of his weight was resting over my body and I could feel his hardened length pressing into my thigh. I wanted him to be inside me at this moment more than ever. Moving my lips from his, I nipped the skin on his neck causing a deep rumble in his throat and his hips to jerk. "Eric now, take me now." I begged in a whisper. He lined himself up to my entrance and looked lovingly into my eyes as he penetrated me slowly, pushing in a little then moving out so only the tip of his shaft was left inside of me, then pushing in a little more the next time. My patience soon ran out and I grabbed his ass and pulled him deep into me, causing us both to moan out each other's names in pleasure.

We made slow sweet love, touching each other where ever we could reach before it all became too much and I ground out between clenched teeth, "Oh Eric, harder please harder." He gripped my legs, hitched them up over his hips, and reached under my bottom to hold me higher and started thrusting harder and faster hitting my g-spot every time. He quickly brought me to the edge of the cliff of orgasm, each thrust sending shockwaves from my center up to my scalp and down to my toes, and with one more thrust I was sent spiraling over the edge of another mind-blowing orgasm. Eric slowed his thrusting until my muscles stopped grabbing him so tightly and my breathing returned to normal before picking up the pace again.

"This is right, this is best" he grunted out before releasing my hips to shift forward to claim one of my breasts with his mouth again, only this time scraping his fangs and drawing a thin line of blood. The mix of pain and pleasure had me right back on the edge again and before I even thought about what I was doing, I leaned forward and sank my blunt teeth into Eric's neck causing him to roar out "Oh yes!… Oh Fuck, Sookie," before sinking his fangs into my neck bringing us both to climax at the same time. I was again confused and amazed by the energetic hum echoing between us and golden mist-like glow dancing across our skin. This time, however, the glow was highlighted with firefly like sparks that would occasionally pop out and away from us.

Eric stayed on top of me, licking the small puncture marks on my neck lazily, and then he placed a soft kiss on my lips. He rolled to the side pulling me with him so that we lay facing each other. We stared at one another, running our fingertips along our skin while we gathered ourselves back together.

"Eric, I'm so sorry… I shouldn't have bitten you without asking. I didn't even think about it...It just kinda happened."

"Sookie, my love, that was the most pleasure I have ever experienced. Please do not apologize; we have already agreed to bond and it was just another step towards doing that. Besides, it's yours. My body, my blood, my heart, it's all yours." He said stroking the hair from my face.

"My god… what have I done to deserve you! I don't think you know how perfect you are my Sookie."

I froze in panic thinking, "What the hell… his lips didn't even move… oh shit, oh no please don't let that of been his thoughts. Oh God! What the hell will happen now? He won't want me anymore. I finally find love and my god damned curse is going to be the end of it."

"Sookie… Sookie, what's wrong, your emotions are all over the place. I didn't hurt you did I? I'm so sorry; I didn't mean to, I think I just got lost in the pleasure of the moment." His panic was coming through the bond loud and clear as well as in his voice.

"Eric stop… you didn't hurt me. I swear I didn't mean to, and it's never happened before. Please tell me this won't mean the end of us and our relationship." I said with tears filling my eyes.

"Sookie please calm down, I told you that biting me was fine. Please don't cry my sweet Sookie."

"It's not that Eric, I heard you… I mean in my mind. I heard you saying how perfect I am and asking what you've done to deserve me." I paused and Eric didn't say anything so I continued. "I swear to god I've never heard you or another vampire before Eric."

Eric silenced me by putting his finger over my lips and said, "Shh Sookie, it's ok. I don't think you will be able to hear vampires: if I'm right, this will be because of the bond. I can't be 100% sure because I've never heard of a bond like ours but we can test it out. Check to see if you can hear me Sookie."

I took a deep breath to calm myself, closed my eyes to concentrate on Eric's void and heard… nothing. I couldn't help but smile because the last thing I want is to hear is his thoughts; I know what damage that could do to our relationship. Just to be sure I opened my eyes and placed my hands on either side of his face and concentrated again and I still got nothing.

"You are still a void Eric, how can that be? I know I definitely heard you…"

I could see he was thinking it over so I remained silent until he was ready to talk.

"Can you hear me now Sookie?"

My shocked reaction must have shown on my face because Eric continued out loud, "I think you can hear me only when I 'think' directly to you. If you can't hear me by trying but can hear me when I direct my thoughts at you I can't help but think that this is a good thing my love, an advantage we will be able to use. Even if you could hear all of my thoughts, Sookie, never think that would end what we have. I can't say we would enjoy it very much, but I love you Sookie Stackhouse and nothing but my final death will stop me being by your side." He then pulled me into his arms, placing a series of kisses along the side of my face and on my temple, and we lay like that for some time just letting love flow between us through the bond. I couldn't help but thank God that Eric still wanted me.

"Come, let's have a shower and dress my love. Mr. Cataliades shall be here soon."

After we had showered and were both drying off, my tummy made some very unhappy noises reminding me that I still hadn't eaten today. Using vampire speed Eric left the bathroom and was back within a minute to inform me he called Rockne and my dinner would be done soon. If Mr. C showed up while I was eating I could just eat throughout the meeting.

Once we were ready Eric gave me a chaste kiss and took a hold of my hand and led me from his bedroom. We found Pam waiting for Eric in his sitting room. "Master" she said as she bowed her head.

"Pam, what can we do for you?" Eric asked.

"Master I am sorry to interrupt, but there is something that needs your attention this evening. May I have a private word?"

"Whatever it is, Pam, you can say it in front of Sookie."

"As you wish, Master. You are needed at Fangtasia after we close tonight; unfortunately there is a serious matter that only you as king can deal with." Pam paused obviously not knowing how much to say with me present but Eric just nodded his head and made a 'go on' gesture with his hand.

"The matter is between two vampires and a pet. James Worthington, the vampire that owns the Shreveport Dry Cleaners, claims the pet was his until another called Mickey glamoured her to hate James and she left him. He claims that she was glamoured to begin a new relationship with Mickey, shortly after she left James; he woke from his daytime rest and found her in his house with a silver net and also a stake. He tried to glamour her to find out why she was there but couldn't get passed Mickey's glamour. He suspects Mickey sent her to kill him while he was in his daytime slumber as they have been rivals for a decade now."

"Ok Pam set the hearing up to start 30 minutes after closing."

She nodded her head in understanding and then turned her attention to me with a smirk. "Sookie you smell even more delicious with my master's blood running through your veins. I really like you for a breather, Sookie, and I can feel that both of you are very happy… however, if you do anything to hurt my master, no matter how fond of you I am, you will have me to answer to."

I could tell she was being sincere about liking me, we had actually gotten on very well so far, but I could also tell she was telling me sincerely that she is loyal to her master before anyone else. One thing that confused me was when she said 'I can feel…' I looked up to Eric and he seemed to be thinking something over, but checking the bond I could tell he was also feeling confused which Pam must have also picked up on.

"Master, I can feel your bond with Sookie, it is only faint but I can still get a feeling of what Sookie's emotions are. If I didn't know any better, I would say that you're already permanently bonded, and tightly too. I've never heard of a child feeling other bonds through their master unless they have also shared blood with the human, but I'm certain I feel her as well. You have never shared your blood before so this is a new feeling for me…"

I couldn't help how much I was blushing now just imagining what else Pam can pick up from the bond. My God! What if she got feelings of our lust and knew when we were making love? Pam only made me blush more by winking. "Calm down Sookie! I bet she can feel your embarrassment!" I scolded myself mentally.

"This is unexpected and it is not something that I am familiar with as I have never heard of such a thing either. My bond with Sookie is proving to be highly unusual...I will try to keep the bond between us closed as much as I can Pam." Eric said

"No master that is not necessary. As I said, I like Sookie, and feeling your happiness makes me happy too. It really is only very faint and it weakens with distance to where I can only feel our normal master child bond."

"As you wish Pam; I will leave it how it is for now, however, we will discuss this again at a later time. Sookie and I have a meeting with Mr. Cataliades soon, so I will see you at Fangtasia when I arrive."

With that we made our way upstairs to the dining room and Rockne quickly brought me a beautiful dinner of roast lamb with vegetables and Eric a goblet of blood. Once I finished my dinner I was served a slice of strawberry cheesecake with pouring cream and I requested a cup of coffee. Half way through my desert Rockne escorted Mr. C to us, dropping off my overnight bag, and we went over our contracts. They were perfectly in order so Eric and I signed our contract where indicated and wished Mr. C a good night.

After sitting and chatting for a while, I noticed the time and let out a sigh. Eric helped me to my feet and then we made our way to his red Corvette so that he could take me to work. Once we were on our way he cleared his throat and asked "Sookie, would you be able to come to Fangtasia after your shift tonight? If you don't mind, I would like to begin to present you as my mate to let others know that you are important to me and are to be respected. Having you by my side at a hearing would send a very strong message that you aren't just a pet because normally humans do not get to see how vampires run things. It could also prove helpful to have you there if you were to read the human. I promise to find a reason for you and me to speak to the human alone so you can read her without prying eyes." He was as close to rambling as I'd ever seen him.

"Sure, Eric. I'd love to help you. It's no problem at all."

"Thank you, love."

I could feel his worry through the bond as he tried to figure out how to say what else was on his mind, but he soon continued stating, "Sookie although I've only showed you the soft and caring side of me, I cannot be like that so much around other vampires as it would make me appear weak, I still have to show who is king. I regret that I will have to act differently, but I can not show any weakness if you do come tonight. I will have to act as the ideal king and that means I will have to hand out punishment to at least one of the vampires if I find them guilty, and the punishment could seem extremely harsh to a human. You will also have to show me respect and never question me in front of my underlings, even if you don't agree with what I say or do." While saying this he had such a low tone and I could feel his distress though the bond. I could tell this is a part of being king that he hates. He reached over and took my hand before he continued.

"Lover I'm not saying that you can't voice your opinion or tell me that you think I am wrong, all I ask is that you do so in private unless I ask for your personal opinion in front of others. You would then be able to tell me your opinions, but I ask you do this in a respectful way."

I fully understood what he was saying; of course with him being king I couldn't throw a hissy fit with others around. I also knew that he was a fair king anyway, so whatever punishments he gives out I know will be fair.

I sent as much love and understanding through the bond as I could and answered. "Eric I fully understand what you are saying and I will not embarrass you in front of others. Just don't expect me to back down in private. Jason always told me I was stubborn as a mule because I would never back down from arguments with him as a kid." I finished smirking, remembering some of our silly arguments. Eric kissed my hand and said "Thank you for being so understanding." and we continued the drive in comfortable silence.

Neither one of us wanted to say 'goodbye' when we arrived in front of Aphrodite's Closet, so I leaned over the console, placed my hand on his cheek and kissed him softly. He responded instantly and enthusiastically, kissing me deeply in return. We continued this way for several minutes until suddenly a great splash of water hit the passenger side window causing me to jump. Eric growled as we broke apart in haste, only to laugh when he saw that Amelia was standing next to the car with a shit-eating grin on her face.

"Ooh...I'll remember that, Ames!" I said with a laugh as I leaned in for one more kiss from Eric.

"As will I, dear one." Eric growled lowly in my ear, causing goose bumps to rise on my exposed skin.

I laughed a little and told Eric that I'd see him as soon as we closed the store and got out of the car. I stood on the sidewalk and watched him drive away until he was out of sight. When he was gone, Amelia grabbed my arm to lead me into the store.

"Girl, I need details! The way the two of you were attached to each other in that car tells me that there is one hell of a story waiting for you to spill to your best friend! There is no getting out of this...you will give me details!"

"Ames!" I squealed, "What makes you think that I'm the type to kiss and tell? When have I ever done anything to make you think that you could get detail so easily?" I asked teasingly.

"It simply doesn't matter girl. With a man like that, I know that there's a tale to tell!"

We were in the break room by this point and as I deposited my purse in my locker I looked at Amelia and said, "Yes Ames, it was a fabulous night! I can't even describe in words exactly how fabulous it was."

"Try." Amelia said with the most perfect straight face I'd ever seen as we walked out front to relieve the day shift. After the other girls went on their way, I continued to give Ames a few juicy details...

"Well, we had a private dinner at the gazebo beside the big pond and we never saw a soul all night. It was lit with fairy lights wound through the trees and rafters and lamps and candles all around. He had arrangements of orange and red roses and gorse flowers displayed everywhere. We danced and talked, and made out, of course. He hand-fed me the most spectacular picnic dinner I could imagine and just treated me like I was made of gold."

"Oh, that's so sweet and wonderful! Now get to the good stuff girl!"

Thankfully, the single customer in the store at the time made her way to the counter at that moment, giving me a minute to decide how much detail to tell Ames. But once she paid and was on her way out the door, Amelia persisted with her line of questioning.

"So...what I want to know is did you give in? Did you have sex with him?"

"Um...no. I'd have to say that it was much, much more than sex. Ames, we started a blood bond. Do you know what that is?"

"I've heard of them, and Pam has mentioned them in passing, but I'm not sure my info is accurate."

"Well, we've exchanged blood twice now. One exchange typically allows the vampire to sense the location and emotions of the human, and two enhances these effects, usually allowing the vampire some measure of control over the human. But, according to Eric and Pam, though we've only shared blood twice, the bond Eric and I now have is more like a permanent bond that results with a third exchange, which is a completely symbiotic relationship." I rambled, hoping that this information would satisfy her curiosity.

"Okay, so where does that leave you and Mr. Tall, blonde and deadly? Can he control you now?"

"No, I don't think so. I was able to feel him after the first exchange, and let me tell you, the sensation is incomparable. I've never felt closer to anyone or more secure in their feelings or opinion of me. I truly believe..."

"What, Sookie...what do you believe?"

"Ames, I truly believe he will be my only...he will be my only love. There are so many things that make me believe that he's my forever." I answered blushing fiercely.

"Well girl, I know that you aren't blind in this, so I believe you. There is just something between the two of you and I can't wait to see where it all goes!"

"Me neither! Now, let's get to work...the dayshift didn't put out any new merchandise and the shelves aren't going to stock themselves! By the way, I need to go to Fangtasia after work tonight...will you come with me?"

"Of course I will...besides, Pam already called." She responded with a giggle. "I can't wait to see her...or to see you and the king together!"

We went about stocking shelves and cleaning the store while things were quiet until the store phone in the back office rang. Amelia went to answer it while I carried on in my own little world thinking about the hearing tonight. When Amelia came back out the front she looked distressed and asked me to come take a seat so she could talk to me.

She told me the call had come from Mrs. Frater, the store owner. She told Amelia that, unfortunately, she was losing money from having the store open at night because customer traffic just wasn't what she had expected it to be. She offered to give us two weeks' notice but after that she had to close the store at night. After some discussion between the two of us, we agreed this was for the best because of our new contracts with Eric. We would need to travel and work a lot at night and since we both are dating vampires it would give us more time with them.

Several hours later, after Amelia and I finished all of our closing duties and locked the doors, we jumped in her car and drove the short distance to Fangtasia.

Pam was standing at the doors checking ID's in one of her typical Fangtasia tight-fitting latex outfits looking quite bored. That was until she spotted Amelia and myself and her frown grew into a bright smile. "How are my two favorite humans this evening?" she asked then gave Amelia a kiss on her cheek.

"We're good Pam, just glad to be finished our shift and looking forward to a drink." Amelia answered.

"Well you girls go on in; drinks are on Eric and feel free to sit in his booth."

"Um, Pam...which booth is Eric's?" I asked

"The only one empty near the back: no-one is allowed to sit there unless invited by Eric. I'm sure he will join you as soon as he knows you are here. I will be along shortly, as soon as I can get someone else to cover the door."

With that said we went inside after Pam refused to let us pay the cover charge and went to the bar for a drink. Again we weren't allowed to pay; the bartender refused to take our money. With our drinks in hand we moved through the crowds to sit in Eric's booth.

After sitting chatting for a little while Pam came over and slipped into the booth beside Amelia and started kissing her fiercely. I felt a little awkward sitting opposite them and watching so I turned my attention to the crowds that had gathered.

Fangtasia was again filled with the typical fangbangers and tourists with a few vampires mixed in here and there. I let my shields down to hear what was going through people's minds and immediately regretted it. I have to admit I felt myself getting jealous and extremely possessive listening to the fangbanger's thoughts because it seems my handsome bonded was at the center of at least ninety percent of their fantasies. Eric must have picked up on my mood change because he was soon standing by the booth looking as amazing as ever.

Ignoring Pam and Amelia's make out session he said "Lover, are you ok? I felt your mood change so suddenly." While taking my hand in his and kissing my pulse point.

"Erm, yeah Eric I'm fine. I just heard some things I didn't really want or need to hear."

Eric started smirking as he sat in the seat next to me before he thought to me. "Was that jealously and possessiveness I picked up from you my lover? You have no reason to be jealous: I can guarantee you I have no interest whatsoever in any other person here tonight but you my love." I looked to Eric and gave him a smile to let him know I had heard him and he put his arm around my shoulders before thinking, "You are mine as I am yours beloved."

Amelia and Pam then finally finished making out and apologized to me for doing so while I was there, then they greeted Eric.

The four of us sat and talked amongst ourselves, just getting to know each other more really. It was really good to know that I had a lot in common with Pam. We both enjoyed reading and I was surprised to hear that Pam likes romances as much as I do. She told me some of her favorite authors and books from before I was even born and she told me she would lend them to me. Pam also has a passion for shopping which I guessed was more extreme than mine and Amelia's if how much lingerie she bought form Aphrodite's was anything to go by.

Eric joined our conversation laughing while he said, "I can verify Pam's love of shopping by showing you both my bank statements and credit accounts for certain stores."

"Well I don't get to look this good without shopping master and it is, after all, a parent's responsibility to provide for their children." She replied sarcastically with a roll of her eyes.

"On the topic of shopping… why don't you and Pam go shopping on Thursday night after your shift? You will both need outfits for the conference. My treat of course." Eric asked me.

"Yes I guess you are right, I could use something new for the conference, but Eric you really don't have to pay. I actually needed a shopping trip soon anyway."

Kissing my head Eric replied, "My love I insist. Nothing will make me happier than treating you, just be sure to buy an outfit for my eyes only." He said sending me a mental picture of me in some very sexy lingerie making me blush from my head to my toes.

"Thank you Eric, that sounds wonderful." We sat for a while chatting some more and I noticed Pam was quite uncomfortable and fidgeting which was strange as I have never seen a vampire fidget. Eric must have also picked up on it because he turned his attention to Pam asking her if she was all right.

"I am fine master." She replied before turning in her seat to face Amelia and take hold of her hand.

"Amelia, sweetie, some parts of the conference will be highly boring but I'm sure we could find something to make it more fun. Would you accompany me as my date?" If I didn't know any better I would say Pam felt anxious and bashful.

"It would be my honor Pam. Thank you." Amelia replied giving Pam a kiss.

"It would also be my honor Amelia if you would allow me to treat you to a shopping trip with the girls on Thursday night if you are joining us for the conference. I can also get two ladies to cover both yours and Sookie's shifts for the two nights we will be away."

"Thank you Eric that would be lovely. However, I doubt we will need anyone to cover our shifts; the boss called tonight to tell us she was losing money and has to close the store at night in two weeks time. I'm sure if I rang her she would be more than happy if we didn't need the two weeks' notice. This way we can start working for you sooner and Mrs. Frater won't lose anymore income."

With that agreed Eric asked if I would like to dance and at first I hesitated because of the conversation we had earlier about him showing no weaknesses and there were vampires present tonight. "I guess dancing is ok" I thought to myself.

As if he could read my mind Eric thought to me, "I can feel your hesitation Sookie. Dancing and kissing and such are fine. It's just expected that you show me deference." As if to prove a point he gave me a toe curling, panty soaking kiss before leading me to the dance floor.

Returning back to the booth where Amelia and Pam were sitting Eric said,"Sookie my love I'm afraid I still have some work to finish up in my office. You are welcome to join me but I'm sure it will be more entertaining out here."

"That's ok Eric but thank you for the offer. I will just stay with Amelia and Pam." Giving me another kiss and a mental message of 'Sookie, I cannot get you off my mind! I will return to you as soon as I can.'

Eric went back to his office while we three girls sat chatting and drinking and we even had a couple of dances. Before I knew it all the humans were leaving and only I, Amelia, Pam, some other vampires and the staff remained in the bar. The staff were cleaning and doing their closing duties when another vampire came in and walked straight up to Pam, inclining his head deferentially and stating "Lieutenant Ravenscroft, I am here as requested."

"Good evening, James. I'd like to introduce Ms. Sookie Stackhouse, Eric's bonded mate, and my girlfriend, Ms. Amelia Broadway. The king will hear your claim shortly, as soon as Mickey and the human arrive. You may have a blood while you wait."

"Thank you, Mam. It was a pleasure meeting you Ms. Stackhouse, and you Ms. Broadway." He responded, inclining his head once again and backing away to go to the bar.

Only about two minutes later, another vampire entered the bar with a rather dazed looking and downtrodden human girl. The vampire was scraggly-looking with pock marks and scars on his face. He kept reaching behind him, pushing the human further back as he approached Pam.

"Lieutenant" he said with a sneer and exaggerated dip of his head "I am here as ordered."

"I see this, Mickey. Is that the human in question?"

"Yes, it is" he began but then grabbed my wrist as he continued "but I will forgo my claim on that one for this one. I will have a lot of fun breaking..."

"Mickey!" Eric Roared, appearing instantly behind Mickey while clamping the idiot's arms securely to his sides. "Remove your hand from my mate now or I will remove it for you!"

As soon as Mickey dropped my wrist Eric threw Mickey across the room forcefully into the far wall, leaving a large dent in it and Mickey dazed and immobile for a couple of minutes.

"Forgive me, Majesty" Mickey started mockingly once he recovered enough to stand, "I was just going to introduce myself."

"If you deserved an introduction to her, you would have been given one. Now, go sit your ugly ass down and wait until I am ready for you. Don't give me a reason to end you tonight...I grow weary of you."

With that said Mickey walked away and shoved the girl with him down into a chair at a table across the room while he glared at James.

Rolling her eyes Pam said "Master, can we not just end him? He is such a waste of immortality and is never anything but trouble."

"He is approaching his end Pam, be patient. He will undoubtedly do something to truly warrant his death soon." Eric answered as he sat next to me once again.

"Yes Master" Pam responded petulantly.

"Careful Pam or I may not allow you to participate when his time does come."

"Anyway," Eric continued "we will begin hearing the complaint in a moment; making them wait will unsettle the guilty party. Pam, please take Amelia to your office and return soon. Sookie, why don't we refresh your drink and move to the stage?"

"Sure, okay." I answered nervously as he helped me from my seat and Pam and Amelia made their way to the offices.

We stopped at the bar and got a blood and ginger ale, and then Eric escorted me to the stage and situated me in the large chair to the left of his throne. He held my hand and we sat quietly, observing the beings that remained in the bar for about five minutes before Pam returned and took her place just behind and to the right of Eric's throne.

Eric waited a few more minutes, allowing the human staff to leave for the evening before sitting up straighter, clearing his throat and commanding "James, Mickey, approach with the human in dispute."

James, Mickey, and the girl stood and began walking towards the stage, Mickey shoving the girl forward every few feet.

"Mickey, there is no need for that. Restrain yourself." Eric commanded then continued, "We are here tonight to hear testimony in regard to the dispute between James and Mickey and this human girl. You will all witness these proceedings."

After looking over all of the vampires in the bar Eric stated, "The woman to my left is Ms. Sookie Stackhouse, my bonded mate." He paused and then looked directly at Mickey as he continued, "For those of you who do not understand the implications of our relationship, let me explain it to you. Under penalty of death, she is not to be touched or approached in any way that is not altruistic. She is under the formal protection of my kingdom, thus all of you are sworn to see to her safety and comfort. She is mine and will be treated with the same respect afforded me. Is this understood?"

"Yes, your Majesty" the bar answered in unison.

"Let's continue then. James, you filed the complaint with Lieutenant Ravenscroft. State your case."

"Your Majesty, the human girl with Mickey, Elaina, is my human...was my human and we were quite happy. Last week Elaina left me, suddenly claiming that she hated me and was in love with Mickey. I let her go even though I detest him, believing briefly that this is what she really wanted. I tried to warn her about his well-known penchant for using and abusing humans and she responded saying only 'He's a gentleman and I love him' without inflection. I tried to reason with her and ask her why she left and she responded with the same exact phrase, in the same exact tone. She did so every time I spoke to her. I was trying to think of a way to prove that he took her against her will as a means to get to me as we have been feuding for decades. I woke Sunday evening, intending to report this to you and noticed that her scent was present and fresh throughout my home. I found her, stake in hand and a silver net in her waistband hiding in my kitchen. She refused to tell me why she was there, and once again when I tried to glamour her to see what she was thinking, she said tonelessly that Mickey was a gentleman and that she loved him. I took the stake and tossed her out of the house. I believe, your Majesty, that Mickey glamoured her to leave me, then did so again, suggesting that she attack me. I can think of no other reason for her behavior to have changed so dramatically so quickly."

"I see, thank you James. Mickey, what say you?"

"She's my human! She left him because he is an inferior vampire. There's nothing more to be said about it."

"I make the decisions here you piss ant. Do not posture as if you have any authority. And knowing you both personally, I can assure you that James is not the inferior vampire."

After staring down at Mickey for a moment he continued "Human...Elaina, what do you have to say about the situation? Who is your master?"

"Mickey is a gentleman and I love him." Elaina responded flatly.

"Who is your master? Who have you chosen?"

"Mickey is a gentleman and I love him." She responded flatly again.

"Well, it's quite obvious that her mind has been tampered with, inexpertly I might add. I would like to speak to Elaina alone in my office. Pam, bring the girl, Sookie, join us please. Guards, do not allow Mickey or James to move."

"Yes, your Majesty" the guards responded in unison, then I responded quietly "Certainly Eric" as we stood and began to make our way off of the stage and back to his office.

Once inside with the door shut, Eric sat behind his desk, looked to me and asked "What's going on in her head Sookie?"

"It's like her mind is stuck on a loop. That phrase is the only thing I hear. She has definitely been glamoured."

"Can you get past the glamour?"

"Um, possibly? I noticed today that my shields are stronger and easier to control and that I could hear farther with concentration, so maybe our exchanges have strengthened my ability. Here, let me give it a try." I answered, sitting next to Elaina and taking her hand.

I closed my eyes and concentrated intently on her mind. Mickey's planted phrase was like a wall built at the mouth of an alley, so I began looking for cracks in it, wrapping her thought with my talent until I was able to sink through it.

"Son of a bitch!" I exclaimed when I saw her real thoughts. "That bastard glamoured her to do and say all of those things, and he's been raping and beating her." I could feel Eric's rage building along with my own and furious tears fell from my eyes as I continued, "The marks are all under her clothes were they are hidden. She's a slave. He removes his control over her mind when he assaults her so that she's brutally aware of it. He tells her all the time that she will pay for James besting him since he can't beat him fairly! He glamoured her to try to kill James. She was aware of her actions but could not fight his suggestion. He was torturing her mentally as well as physically this way because she truly loves James."

I had seen and heard enough, so I began to back out, but rather than sinking back through Mickey's glamour, I wrapped it with my mind and squeezed it until it disappeared. As soon as I did, Elaina was back in her own mind and sobbing uncontrollably.

"Help me! Please, you have to help me! Where is James? I want James! "She cried pitifully.

"Calm down child, please. You will be reunited with James very soon. He is out in the bar awaiting my ruling on this matter. Do you remember anything about this night?" Eric asked gently.

"Yes, I remember everything; I just couldn't speak my mind or show emotion."

"Very well, you will remain here while I deal with Mickey. Pam, go retrieve a guard to stay with her while we are back in the bar. James will be sent back here shortly."

"Thank you sir" Elaina said meekly.

"What will his punishment be?" I asked Eric abruptly.

He looked intently at me and said "His fangs will be removed and he will be imprisoned in silver chains for a month without blood." Then he continued by thinking to me "I do not mean to frighten you my love, but I must do this. This is as easy as I can be on him."

"His tongue should be cut off too so that he can't glamour...Hell, the bastard deserves to have his dick ripped off and burned for what he's done to her." I said angrily.

"Do you wish this, lover? I agree that he deserves it. Perhaps it will help to teach him a lesson." "You will not think less of me for being brutal?" He asked, sending to me mentally.

"Yes, losing his fangs seems too light a punishment for the severity of his crimes. I believe he needs more incentive to change his ways." I answered, then mouthed the words 'I love you' to him, hoping he'd understand that I was answering the thought he sent to me. Eric smiled in return thinking "As I love you. Thank you, dear one."

As soon as Pam reentered the office with a guard, the three of us headed back out to the bar and on to the stage.

"Guards, detain Mickey." Eric ordered as we sat down. "James, you will find Elaina in my office, free of this waste's glamour and control. She will need your comfort and support. You may go."

"If I may your majesty, could I know what punishment will be served to Mickey?"

"Of course, I think the punishment will be quite satisfactory to you. Mickey's fangs will be removed and he will also be imprisoned in silver chains for a month with no blood." Eric paused to turn his attention to Mickey before speaking again.

"Once his month punishment is up he will then, and here I quote my bonded… Have his dick ripped off and burned." At this Mickey's fangs ran down and he started struggling against the guards who held him.

Eric stood from the stage and towered over Mickey. "Mickey you will cease all struggling right now unless you want me to make it two months in silver. You have repeatedly gone against our rules for years now; you are lucky I don't stake you where you stand. Maybe this time you will learn your lesson and be more respectful of others in the future."

Raising his voice a little more he continued, "If I EVER have to deal with you again, no matter how small the infraction, I promise you now the punishment will be FINAL DEATH. Am I understood?"

Mickey finally understood how serious Eric was and lowered his head in submission and answered "Yes your majesty."

"Guards take him to the basement. Pamela you may remove his fangs and detain him in a cell, tied to a bed with silver chains. James please enjoy your time with Elaina, you may use my office for however long you need. If there any more problems don't hesitate to contact my lieutenant. If Elaina requires any treatment for her physical or mental health, send the bill to me and I will collect from Mickey. You are all dismissed."

James was gone at vampire speed and the rest of the vampires left the club. Eric then came and lifted me out of my seat and sat on his throne with me on his lap.

"You made me very proud tonight Sookie. You really are my perfect mate. Will you please spend the night at the palace again with me tonight?" Eric asked holding me tight and burrowing his face in my hair.

"Of course I will Eric. Can you take me home first to get some clean clothes?"

"No need my sweet. I had Pam go shopping this evening before you came and had her buy necessities for when you stay over, including some changes of clothing."

"Oh Eric that is so thoughtful of you. Thank you sweetie." I finished then kissed him deeply. After our kiss we just stayed seated enjoying each other's company until Pam and Amelia returned.

"Master if I am not needed for anything else this evening may I leave to go with Amelia to retrieve some fresh clothing so she can spend the night with me at the palace?"

"You may. We shall see you both there."

I got up and gave Amelia a hug and it was again just me and Eric. "Come my sweet, I heard James and Elaina leave 10 minutes ago. Let's lock up and go home."

"Home" I thought liking the sound of that and liking even more the fact that Eric had said 'home' as if it was my home too. We made our way outside, Eric locked up the building and then we made our way back to the palace in his corvette.

Other than the guards making their rounds, the palace was silent and still. Because of this, the growling sound my stomach made was easily heard even without vampire hearing. Eric chuckled and led me to the kitchen.

"Help yourself to whatever you like, my love. Chef would never forgive me if I didn't feed you when you are so obviously hungry."

"Eric, what is Chef's name? I don't think I've ever been told."

"Hmmm...That would be because he prefers to simply go by Chef. It is up to him to tell you his real name. See if you can get him to do so...but no cheating! Don't go into his head for it, but see if he reveals it to you. But don't get your hopes up, I don't believe anyone here but me knows what his name really is."

"But why does he keep it a secret?" I asked completely confused and curious.

"The answer to that would be part of his story." Eric answered with a chuckle.

"Neither one of them will tell me Sookie so don't get your hopes up." Pam said as she and Amelia joined us in the kitchen.

"Hey guys! Ames, are you as hungry as I am? What would you like?" I asked, hoping I'd have company as I ate.

"Ooh, look at this bread...why don't we make Panini's? There's some prosciutto and Havarti cheese, tomatoes and basil...yum!"

"Sounds good to me!" I replied laughing as my stomach let its opinion on the matter be known again.

The four of us spent a half hour in the kitchen, joking, laughing and cooking...well, Amelia and I cooked. It was so comfortable; not at all awkward and it had such a familial feeling that I hoped would never fade. Rather, I hoped it would only grow stronger with time.

We finished our sandwiches and cleaned up our mess, Amelia and I fighting our yawns. Eric noticed, of course, and suggested that it was time for us to retire to his chambers. Pam agreed, grabbing Amelia's hand and we all made our way to the back stairway.

"Pam?" Amelia asked. "You want me to stay the day with you?"

"Yes, of course I do. I trust you. Now let's go; we're burning moonlight!" Pam answered, raising a single eyebrow.

Laughing brightly as Eric scooped me up into his arms, I said "Goodnight ladies!" before he sped us down to the entrance to his private rooms for the day.

Please review. Your opinions and constructive criticism help us improve our writing and thus the story as well.