Wandering through the woods, so dark and dreary, his mind strayed, wondering why he continued with this paltry existence. He chose exile when he ran from his fate. He was resigned to a life in the cold darkness, subsisting solely on animals, devoid from the warmth of a hearth. It required him to keep to places far away from humans, far away from places where others of his kind may dwell. This also kept him removed from contact with people. His mind wandered to days gone by of times when he was warm around his fire, full on meat and mead, surrounded by his family and staring into the flames. His younger siblings would play, and his older brother would be there with his bride, laughing with their parents. A sound in the night brought him back. He would be hunted if found, tortured and then put to death so it best he avoided populated areas. He was alone, and more often than not of late, he wondered if things would ever change, if he would ever find another to walk beside him. Could he condemn anyone else to this forsaken world? Did he deserve another? Surely this was a penance to keep him shut out of Valhalla.

This solitary existence did not suit him. He longed for a partner but knew it was but a dream, not meant for monsters of his ilk. The snow was heavy this night, wet and cold. It would freeze solid shortly, he could feel the air cooling and becoming more crisp, along with that, this air would freeze his wet clothes, making his movements loud and rough; already his cloak froze around him, restricting his movements. He would be sluggish the next evening if he found no food in these temperatures. The cold didn’t bother him, it never had but without food, his dead body reacted to the freeze. A sigh escaped his lips as he turned his head to gaze at the stars. Tonight was the eve of Jul, he recognized the celestial map the night sky offered him. It was the only way to track his journey through the ages. A star shot across the night sky, and a smile escaped his lips. In keeping with the ancient tradition, he made a wish. He wished for a companion to share his nights with. Someone who would enjoy his company for all he was. He knew it was a fool’s wish, but he did it nonetheless, thinking of his human days and how omens were not to be taken for granted.

            Suddenly, a scent on the air captured his focus. It was more than a fireplace. He froze and turned, following the direction of the most delectable thing he had ever smelled. He saw a small glow. There, far in the distance, sat a solitary house. He could smell a fire burning in the hearth. It had been far too long since he had enjoyed the heat of a fire, inside a home. There were things he did not allow himself to linger on and the comforts of human life were one of them. This night however, he would not be denied. He desired to sit in front of the fire and to take a hot bath, with a warm meal before him. Before he could stop himself, he was knocking on the door, sooner than he even realized it. The scent was strong here and he had to know from whence it came. He could smell there was a woman, alone in the house. Never had he taken someone against their will of his own choosing and he vowed long ago in the days of his human youth never to do so, but he would glamour her to invite him in and allow him use of her home, then he would feed from her and be on his way again. He would leave her a gift for her time; it was tradition after all. Tonight, on the eve of Jul, he would enjoy conversation, a fire and a warm meal as he used to. Maybe it would reinvigorate his passion for life, otherwise, it would be a warm send off to the next as he contemplated letting go of this miserable existence.

            She was lonely as she prepared her Christmas dinner for one. There would be no family coming over, no children or husband helping her do anything special. Since there were no gifts to open, she celebrated in the old ways, having her feast (she scoffed at the use of the word) on Christmas eve while she admired her small tree and the boughs of evergreens strewn around the house. The house used to be full of people, her family and the smells of food cooked and waiting to be eaten. Everything was bright and warm, smelling of the holidays. Her grandparents, parents, brother, cousins, aunts and uncles; all of them were taken from her. The fireplace animated the shadows of the living room that held many Christmas memories from years past. A sigh left her lips as she turned her attention to the cold dark sky outside her window, attempting to stave off her melancholy.

It was a miserable night out and she was grateful to have a bright fire, a warm meal and a roof over her head, she thought to herself as she ate halfheartedly, starring out the panes of glass, watching the thick, heavy snow fall. Ice would soon follow, making travel out of the house treacherous. Hopefully, the frigid conditions would stop any visitors she might have from coming. The two suitors that called upon her were despicable, but she was worried she soon would have no choice. Taxes were coming due again and the money in the bank would not last forever. She knew the bank was taking more than it’s far share and was in league with William Compton to help him get her land but she had no idea what to do about it. He was the worst of them, an evil man who hid behind southern gentility. She saw straight through him and knew how cruel he was and what he wanted from her. She would never marry him. Sam Merlotte was not as bad but conceited in his own way. He only wanted her virginity and to rub it in Compton’s face that he had been the one to take it. He wanted the guise of having a loving wife at home to have children with. He would never be faithful to her. These prospects made her thoughts turn bleak, so she focused on the snow falling outside. It was lovely. Sometimes at night, she would open her window and listen to the snow fall and freeze. It made her feel not so alone to think she was a small part of something so beautiful.

            Often, she wondered if anyone even knew that she existed out here in this solitary life. People saw her from time to time when she went into town for supplies, but no one ever called on her. She knew she would never have a companion to thwart her loneliness. People found her strange and shied from her. Because she had lived far out in the country with her grandmother, tongues wagged, and people prattled about her. They believed her grandmother indulged her odd nature after the death of her family. They thought she should have been married off to save her grandmother the trouble and expense of raising her. Since her gran died, she abstained from human contact, preferring to be alone. Realizing her life would not change, she was resigned to this fate as a single tear rolled down her face. She longed for a partner to share herself with, someone to share this journey with, even if it was mundane. Surely, someone must long to just talk of the day as they split firewood, someone to stave this loneliness. As she gazed out the window, a shooting star caught her attention and she made her wish. A wish that had just crossed her mind, one for a companion to share her time with and keep her company on these lonely nights.

Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t notice the lone figure making its way to her stoop. A knock on the door startled her out of her gloomy cerebrations. She rose and went to answer the unexpected visitor, happy both for the brief reprieve of her solitude and that it was neither of her suitors. A tall, cloistered figure, soaked to the bone, stood on her front step, cloaked heavily to ward him from the cold. It was a tall silhouette, only visible by the heavy, black cloak drawn loosely around them. A hood covered their face in entirety, shrouding it in complete darkness. She had no idea who this was as she examined the image from frozen boots to the darkness inside the hood. Lonely, deep blue eyes met hers and a shock ran through her body. She knew this was a man even if she could not hear or see him. It felt as if she was looking into her own soul when she stared at him; like he could see into hers. A cold breeze blew and snapped her out of her musing. She smiled warmly at him.

            “Oh my, you must be freezing, please come in and warm yourself. Let me offer you something to eat and drink, we can’t have you freezing to death on Christmas eve. Come in, come in.” She grabbed his arm and pulled him into the house. It was the first physical contact either had received in many years and it comforted the both of them unexpectedly.

            Shocked by her kindness, he stepped through the threshold of the home and breathed deeply of the heavenly scent of this woman. Her hair was golden, the same color as his own and her body shapely. She was the warmth missing from his world. Everything about her exuded it from her smile, and the shade of her skin to the light surrounding her. When she met his eyes, he was so startled, he hadn’t even tried to glamour her. Her eyes were the color of the sky in summer and he sank into them. Her loneliness and sadness penetrated and touched his own. For the first time in too long, he felt something besides apathy; he was intrigued. She invited him in willingly. A breeze blew and she shivered from the chill of it. He stopped once inside the house, unsure of what to do, still unable to speak.

            “Here, let me take your boots, I’ll put them next to the stove, so they can dry. They are soaked and covered in ice.” He gently removed his shoes and she took them quickly into the kitchen, setting them in a stand of sorts. “There we go, that will get them nice and dry and warm. Now your cloak, we’ll have it dry and warm in no time too.” He handed it to her and she gasped as their hands brushed together and she saw him for the first time. She was so warm whereas he retained the temperature he had been in.

            “You’re freezing, my goodness, you’ll get frostbite.” She quickly ran off with his outerwear and came back, taking his arm, smiling warmly at him.

            “A nice hot bath will get you warmed up in no time and I’ll stoke the fire and get you some food, some tea maybe. How long were you out there? It’s a wonder you didn’t freeze to death.” She was rubbing his hands with both of hers as they walked towards the bathroom, trying to warm his cold skin, not realizing that it would never be warm enough for her.

            “Oh my goodness, I hope you don’t get frostbite. Your skin is so cold but its color looks healthy so if we can get you warmed up, you should be fine.” They stopped and he took no notice, still transfixed by her. She radiated warmth and sunlight. When she started rubbing up his arms briskly, it shook him out of his stupor.

            “Thank you for being so kind Miss.” He didn’t know what else to say, never having received such kindness since he was a human man. He started to disrobe his outer layers as she ran the bath and then slipped out the door. He watched her go and said nothing, wondering why a woman, alone in a house, would invite a strange man into her home to bathe. The water was turned on as hot as possible and a knock on the door startled him yet again, not being used to such courtesies.

            “I’ll hang a robe for you on the door, just put your clothes out here before you get in and I’ll get them in the wash for you. That way, everything will be fresh and dry when you’re ready. There are towels in the cupboard.” She need not do all this for him. His people had traditions of this nature on the Jul’s eve but surely, she was not a true Northerner. There were none left who followed the old ways and certainly not this far south.

            “You do not have to go to the trouble, this is more than enough.” His voice held the awe he felt for her and was slightly raspy from disuse.

            “Nonsense, I want to, it’s Christmas, the least I can do is extend the spirit of the holiday and help a weary traveler.” He did as he was told, placing his clothes outside the door, realizing as he folded them, just how filthy they were and what a mess he must look. They were half frozen with mud and pine needles stuck to them. He looked and smelled no better than the beasts he fed upon. She met his eyes as he stuck the clothes through the door and he looked away. The filthy animal he had been reduced to shamed him and he could not meet her gaze, taking the robe from the outer door handle and closing the door quickly. He sank into the tub after hanging the robe on the back of the door, submerging completely under the water and allowed the warmth to soak into his bones. The water quickly became murky so he drained and refilled it twice more until it began to run clean. This was a luxury he would enjoy while he had the chance. His mind wandered to the small, lovely woman who offered a stranger such mercy. He could hear her busying herself around the house and starting his laundry. He allowed himself to warm and soak in the hot waters until his was clean and his body reached a temperature that would be suitable to her. Then he washed himself thoroughly; it had been many moon cycles since he was afforded hot water and soaps. He could not bear the thought of her turning from him if she found out what he truly was.

            As she puttered around the house, starting the laundry and fixing what small food she had to offer, her mind strayed to ancestors lost. Her grandmother had always told her she was different, but never elaborated. She always assumed it meant she was from a different culture so she read all she could about cultures from around the world. The cultures of the far northern realms always fascinated her with their strong women and sense of honor. She had always wanted to see the Northern Lights. The local librarian always kept new things stocked for her. If she remembered correctly, there was a Scandinavian tradition where a haggard man wondered from house to house on the Jul eve asking for hospitality. He was usually an old man but wearied in appearance. It was said you would have bad fortune throughout the coming year if you turned him away. Even if she was mistaken, her Christian upbringing wouldn’t let her turn away someone in need. Eventually, her grandmother had explained exactly what she meant to her, but she never lost her love for things different from her. Having a meal only for one and realizing a man of his size would need more than she prepared, she set about putting a plate together of meats and cheeses and dried fruits with bread and crackers and got the tea kettle going. ‘The poor man must be freezing,’ she thought as she worked, happy to have someone to do something nice for on this holiday of giving. The least she could do was offer kindness and generosity to this beautiful man.

His eyes were the deepest, cobalt blue she had ever seen. They drew her in with their loneliness and longing. It was all she could see of him before he removed his cloak. He smelled of the cold and of earth. She could tell he had been sleeping outside and may have fallen in the river. What things he must have been through to have such dirty clothes and hair. He had the eyes of an old soul, of a man much older than he looked and she wanted to hear his stories, to know where he came from. How did he come to be on her doorstep this night, in this weather? He was the most beautiful man she had ever laid eyes on, even with all the dirt. The poor soul must be frozen if he fell and slipped in the mud on the river banks. She worked with a smile on her face as she got everything together and took it into the living room in front of the fireplace, excited to have companionship, if only for a few hours. She would offer him shelter until the morning if he had somewhere he was needed. Surely a man as beautiful as he would have someone waiting for his return. Perhaps, he could stay and keep her company until Christmas had passed. After adding a few more logs to the fire, she got out several more blankets to wrap him in. No use letting the poor man catch a cough. It had clearly been quite some while since he had the ability to take a decent bath. He probably took several rounds of soap to clean himself thoroughly. While waiting in front of the roaring fire, she dozed off, not begrudging him time in the warm bath.

            Everything in the house smelled of her, there were no other scents, no man anywhere around her, no children. He allowed myself to smile and enjoy this small victory. He wanted her as he had not wanted another. She was beautiful and shapely and kind but more than that, her eyes told of an old soul, of one who had seen far too much in her short life. They reminded him of his own and it made him want to know her, to hear the tales she had to tell. What had caused her such pain? It had been far too long since he had a proper bath and there was no way he was going to rush this and not enjoy the gift he was being given. After he was thoroughly clean and warmed to a temperature that would not scare her, he wrapped the robe around him and went to find her. Making his way out of the bathroom, he followed his nose to her, only to find her sleeping softly in front of the fire, with a blanket drawn across her lap. There was a plate of food on the table in front of her, probably meant for him, although he could not eat it. The fact that she had tried to provide him with food warmed something inside of him he had never felt before. He quickly placed it in the ice box to keep it cool so that it did not spoil for her and turned off the flame that was about to boil her water. She had made tea for him. Returning to her side, he squatted softly in front of her, watching her breathe. His hands were unable to keep to himself and he tucked a strand of hair, that had fallen across her face, behind her ear. She sighed softly and her eyes slowly fluttered open with a soft smile.

            “Hello,” her voice was soft and sleepy, making his heart feel like it clenched. He wanted to see her smile every evening when he rose. The weight of his loneliness had never seemed heavier.

            “Hello,” he said softly, his voice almost a whisper so as not to startle her from her slumber. Her lids closed briefly while the smile stayed upon her face and he chanced to run his fingers through her lovely hair. It was as soft as spun silk and shimmered like gold in the firelight. Her lids fluttered once again after a soft sigh escaped her plump pink lips and she looked upon him, for just a moment, as if she was seeing an angel. Blinking three times, her vision became focused once again and she sat up. Reluctantly, he moved back and sat on the ground in front of her.

            “I brought out some food for you, I thought you might be hungry.” Her voice was kind and gentle, full of warmth and he smiled a genuine smile at her. He could not understand her reason for caring for him. Looking around, she realized it wasn’t there.

            “It was right here, did you eat before waking me? I apologize for falling asleep. How rude of me. The warmth of the fire has that effect on me sometimes.”

“I placed it in your ice box when I was done, thank you for thinking of me. You did not have to go to so much trouble.” His voice was warm and soft to her; he seemed pleased with the efforts she had made. Why his comfort mattered to her she didn’t know but she liked the thought of pleasing him. Suddenly, she realized he was seated upon the floor. Jumping up from the couch, she quickly wrapped a blanket around his shoulders and began to pull him up to his feet.

            “Now that your hands are a decent temperature, I won’t have you freezing again by sitting on the cold wood floor, get up here.” He smiled at her and let her pull him to his feet and seat him upon the couch, wrapping another blanket around his lap and his shoulders. “You were frozen to the bone, I won’t have you getting a chill again…there you go, now I’ll go make you some tea. The tea kettle should be whistling by now” She dearly hoped he would stay the night so they could chat all evening.

            Grabbing her wrist softly before she could run off, “you do not have to go to the trouble miss. I don’t drink tea; I shut the flame off. I thank you for the hospitality, what you have already done is plenty.” Her smile was gentle and then turned to embarrassment.

            “Oh my goodness, where are my manners, my name is Sookie Stackhouse, please, call me Sookie.”

            “Sookie, it is a pleasure to meet you Miss Stackhouse. I am Eric Nordman. I hope I did not misspeak, is Stackhouse your husbands’ name?” The blush that rose across her face was beautiful.

            “Oh No, I’m not married, goodness no. It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. Nordman. What can I get you then if you don’t take tea? Water, perhaps coffee or milk? I’m sorry to say that I am all out of gin and bourbon.” She was afraid that he’d leave if she had nothing to offer him and sadly, she had no proper evening drinks to offer a man of his stature; his voice and smile comforted her.

            “Just your company would be lovely while I warm beside your hearth…if you will allow it.” After her hospitality, he could not bear to take her memories so he could feed and he did not want to presume he had any right to stay with lovely creature.

            “Well then, let me go get myself a cup of tea and I’ll be right back.” He smiled as she ran off. “You’re sure you don’t want anything,” she asked from the kitchen. He smiled and thought of all the things he wanted from her before responding to her innocent question.

“No, thank you, I am fine.” His voice was light and happy he realized. Once he heard her busy in the kitchen, he rearranged the logs on the fire and added more to keep the room warm enough in hopes that she would not need, what he thought to be, the hideous robe she was wearing. She padded back out and a gleeful smile lit up her face when she saw the brightly roaring fire and the smiling face awaiting her. The way her home smelled made him smile, it was well cared for and well-loved and held only her scent. Everything was clean and comfortable but nothing was new; it was clear there was no man helping with things around the house. He hadn’t looked outside yet but suspected his assessment would hold true for the outside as well. That meant he should not be disturbed for some time by anyone returning home. He longed to be that man for her, yet he was no man. She would run in fear of him if she learned of his true nature. Lost in his sullen thoughts, he didn’t notice her come back into the room until she took her seat next to him, nor that the smile had left his face.

            “Is something wrong? Do you need something?” Her voice was full of concern and worry. He shook his head and smiled at her once again only to be rewarded with one of her smiles.

            “No, I am fine, better than I have been in a long while. Do not trouble yourself, you have done more than enough. Let us speak of other things.” He hoped not to worry her and wanted only to see her smile.

“Of course, I did not mean to pry.” They both became quiet as they stared into the flames. His mind started to replay memories of other Jul fires as the shadows became animated by the dancing flames. Not all of them were pleasant as his mind took him farther and farther from the present.

“So, what brings you to my door at this hour Mr. Nordman?” Her voice startled him, as did the genuine smile she bestowed upon him. The last time a human had snuck up on him, they had not survived the encounter. This woman had managed to do it at least three times in one night, and she was sitting right next to him.

            “Eric, please, call me Eric,” she nodded at him before he continued, “I am a traveler and I got lost in your wood, the snow storm…” He trailed off, not knowing what to say. He was a filthy beast when she let him in her door. How could he explain? Usually, when in the company of humans, he glamoured them to remain silent and ask no questions. With this woman, he found he wanted her company and wanted to be honest with her but he could not tell her his truth.

            “Eric then, why are you on foot, in the woods and far off the road? There is nothing my woods connect to except for more woods and the river. Where did you come from?” He began to look uncomfortable, unsure of what to say her, reluctant to lie. She noticed and took pity on him with her prying questions.

            “I’m sorry to be rude, you don’t have to answer if you’d rather not. Clearly your travels are harsh and they are your own story to tell. I am enjoying your company nonetheless. It’s nice to have someone to talk to and to share holiday cheer with.” She was being genuine with him and he could feel it.

            “I cannot thank you enough for your company and your hospitality. What of yourself? Where is your family? Surely a woman as beautiful as yourself has a man that calls upon her, especially on this night.” A sad, despondent look crossed her face before she continued. He found he wished to remove that look from her. She studied him carefully about his face and in his eyes before she answered.

            “I probably shouldn’t tell you this but for some reason I feel as if I can trust you.” Indecision crossed her eyes and shock in his. How could she trust him?

            “I will never hurt you Sookie.” He felt it deep in his bones that he meant this although he knew not from whence the emotion or the words came.

            “I am alone. I have no one, my grandmother passed away two years ago. When she died, my brother moved out of state. He didn’t want to be burdened with a spinster of a sister. I have not heard from him since. I am looking forward to having company on this eve of Jul or Christmas eve as we Christians call it.” He did not instantly notice her inclusion of his holiday as he was stunned by her declaration.

            “You have no other family?” His voice was full of shock and concern, he did not like the tone her voice had taken nor the pain shining out of her eyes. Anger quickly began to rise at a man he did not know. What kind of man abandons his family when they need him? Women deserve to be taken of, not abandoned in the woods, alone.

            “Our parents died when we were little. We were raised by our grandmother. There is no one else.” She was quiet for several minutes before she continued, and her eyes filled with unshed tears. Wanting to comfort her in any way he could, he reached for her hand and began to stoke the back of it with his thumb.

            “I had a job when Gran was alive but after she died, I couldn’t stand listening to the things they would say about me. I live off the money from gas on this land. It’s enough to pay the taxes and feed me but it offers little extra.” She was silent once again for several minutes as tears grew thicker in her eyes. He wanted to take her in his arms and offer himself to her; he wanted to say he would never leave her but reality stayed his hand.

            “I doubt anyone would notice if I disappeared. You are the first visitor I have had since my grandmother died who is not trying to marry me to take my land.” A lone tear slid down her face as thoughts ran at lightning speed through his mind. The sparse food in the ice box, the small plate wrapped was a meal he interrupted, everything she had offered him, the plate of food she made for him; she had offered him everything she had and in that moment, he knew he would do the same for her. A fierce possessiveness ran through him at the thought of other men near her. They wanted to take from her the only thing she had and he would not allow it.

            “Sookie,” his voice soft, his hand darted out to catch her tear and pop it into his mouth, a soft moan escaped his lips at her taste and he leaned in, his lips inches from her, searching her eyes. She closed the distance and pressed her lips to his. Her arms came around his neck as he pulled her closer and their kiss deepened. When their tongues met, they both moaned at the taste and feel of each other. His eyes rolled back in his head at her sweetness, all thoughts gone, and his fangs came crashing down, piercing her lip. The moment her blood touched his senses, he lost all reason and pulled her into his lap, kissing her frantically, trying to suck on her bleeding lip, missing her cry of pain. She pulled away and he scrambled to bring her back to his lips, feeling it in his soul that she would be his because he was already hers. Her voice and her hand against his chest helped him regain his sanity.

            “Eric, did you bite my lip?” When she pulled back, her lips were bloody but there was no hole. It took him a moment to realize his fangs were out and she was staring at them. How he wanted her in that moment, her lips swollen from his kisses and bloody, the scent of her surrounding him with the flames gently illuminating her golden skin and hair. She looked like his personal Valkyrie, come for his salvation, she would save him from this all-consuming loneliness, she would give him new meaning to his existence. She was his Christmas wish. She sat back slightly to get a better look at his mouth, her hand touching her lips, her fingers coming back with a small trace of blood on them. Her eyes looked questioningly at him and finally, he fought to gain his control. What would he do? The weight of his loss was suffocating him.

            “Eric, are those fangs?” She was leaning back towards him and he only now realized she had moved off his lap, still with one leg draped over his. He looked away momentarily, trying to gather some semblance of lucidity. What was it about this woman? He had never been affected like this, surely, she would run from him now. Going against everything he felt in his being, he turned to her with the full force of his glamour, not noticing her hand reaching for him or the lack of fear in her eyes.

            “You will not remember anything strange about me, only the time we have spent together.” His heart felt heavy at the thought he would have to alter her memory.

            “I most certainly will remember you having fangs and I will most certainly never forget this visit.” What on earth was he saying trying to tell her she wouldn’t remember her Christmas visitor had fangs? She reached for him again, still intrigued by them. There was nothing he could do to retract them after tasting her; her scent still thick in the air and the blood visible on her lips and finger tips. Before she connected to his face, he grabbed her by the shoulders and pushed her into the couch, refocusing his efforts harder than he ever had. No one had ever resisted his glamour.

            “You will not remember seeing my fangs, only the time we spent together. I will not hurt you.” His voice was frantic and severe, akin to a feral growl. He knew he would never be able to hurt her if his glamour didn’t take. She could not be left alive to know of his secret, others would do far worse things to her than a merciful death if they found out her knowledge.

            “I always knew there had to be more,” she whispered so quietly he almost didn’t hear her; he failed to realize he even did in his scramble to solve his mistake. He let her up and scrambled to the corner of the couch His robe had fallen open and he wore nothing; not wanting her to think he would assault her nor to start screaming if he stood. His mind was racing as it flitted through various scenarios in the second it took him to close his robe. All of them ended in one of their deaths. She would expel him now and most likely call others to hunt him. If she did not want him, what would it matter if others hunted him. Maybe it was for the best, he was tired of running and knew in his very being that he could never hurt her.

            Her mind was racing, seeing his fangs as she slowly sat up again, gently pushing his chest as he gave way easily. He seemed extremely agitated and she didn’t want to scare him off. She knew she was fairy, her grandmother had come clean shortly after Sookie came to live with her, once her parents died. She had only met her grandfather a single time but she recognized fairy brain patterns. She knew there were others, she could tell they were different by their brain signatures and her grandfather had told her there were other things as well. She suspected Sam Merlotte was something other but he would never admit it. The visitors grandfather brought never stayed long and she never had the opportunity to speak to them. Her grandfather also warned her not to tell anyone what she was. Sadly, she had never traveled further than the next town. Assuming she would never meet anyone who was different, her excitement was overcoming her rationale. Her eyes flitted from his eyes to his fangs. He had fangs! So many questions raced through her mind; the stories he must have. She crawled towards him on the couch, moving as if she were approaching a frightened animal, never taking her eyes off him. Her leg met his and he started, his eyes locking on hers.

            “Eric, may I see them?” Her voice was soft and gentle as she reached for each of his hands. She reached for him as you would a skittish colt. He turned his head away from her, still unable to retract his fangs with his ever-increasing agitation over the situation clear in his eyes. She straddled his lap again, placing his hands on her hips as she reached for his face.

            “Please, may I see them,” she asked, pulling his face back towards hers. His eyes hesitantly met hers, uncertainty and fear written in his, curiosity and excitement shining in hers. His brow rose at the look he saw on her face.

            “You are not fearful of me? Will you not send me from your home?” He was still wearing the robe she had given him. She was in a set of soft, red flannel pajamas; having shed her grandmother’s old robe as the fire roared.

            “I will not send you from my home unless your actions warrant it. Should I be frightened of you?”

“NO! I swear I will never harm you nor betray your trust.” His eyes studied her face intently, trying to make sense of her reaction to him. Her face showed only mirth and excitement and she was seated in his lap; her warmth seeping into him.

“Then show me what I desire,” her voice was warm and sultry. Something was tugging inside him, telling him to have fun with her, to relax and let go as he already had. Perhaps it was the mischievous sparkle in her eye or the upturn of the corner of her lips. For the first time in centuries, he felt like a man and he wanted this woman. A decision made, a smirk formed on his face.

            “What will you show me, my Sookie, if I show you what you desire?” He could smell her excitement and it only worked against the impossibility of retracting his fangs. His hands began to slide higher, around her back, eager to feel her skin under his fingers; as his eyes flicked back from her eyes to her chest. She smirked and leaned back, trusting his large hands to hold her, slowly unbuttoning each button, one by one but not pulling the cloth apart. She had never done anything like this in all her life and it was exhilarating. She was tired of being safe and rationale. No one would know if this beautiful stranger killed her or if she left with him for good. This was a rare gift she was being given and she was going to enjoy it. She felt beautiful and powerful. His eyes never left her hands, his pupils dilated, his chest heaving, and his hands held her back safely, gripping her tightly.

            “Show me Eric,” her voice was a breathy whisper as his eyes locked onto hers. He breathed deeply of her scent before pulling his lips back and fully exposing his fangs. Never before had he exposed himself like this to someone, even those that had briefly seen him were under his glamour and still they recoiled from the sight. He scrutinized her reaction and her exhale of happiness made him pull her closer to him.

            “Eric,” she breathed, “they are beautiful,” her voice barely a whisper as she reached in and traced each one sensually. Her arousal grew thicker in the air as his eyes rolled back into his head and a sound between a hiss and a moan escaped his lips. Remnants of her blood still coated her fingertips. No one had ever touched him in such as way. She leaned in, licking along his lips softly and then explored the feel of his fangs with her toungue. A shudder ran through his entire body.

            “Yes Sookie,” he breathed out as his hands splayed across her back, pulling her closer, to bring her to his lips at long last. She became bolder when she felt him shudder under her attentions, gently sucking each fang before kissing him deeply. His hands came around to her ribs as he pulled her gently back so he could kiss along her neck. When she leaned back to give him further access, he made a trail down her chest. His lips found her breasts and she moaned softly, her hands gripping his hair. He knew he would not be able to resist her for long. As he worked his way back up to her ear and lips, she began to pull back. He allowed her anything she willed.

“Eric,” his name falling from her lips was like a dream, but her voice held hesitation. He looked into her eyes and saw her come to a decision. She stood in front of him, with the fire behind her and dropped her shirt to the ground. Before him stood a vision; one of the most beautiful things he had ever seen. Her eyes were certain and yet hesitant, he could not understand why, but he knew the offer she was making him. He spread the blankets she had gathered for him out upon the floor, so it would be soft and warm and then stood before her. He dropped the robe she had given him on the couch and stood before her, naked and unashamed. Her hands came to his chest, her breath hitching at the sight before her. He felt proud that this goddess before him was in awe of his body. His own breath hitched as her warm hands touched him.

He trailed his hands down her sides softly, looking to her eyes in silent question. When she nodded, he kneeled before her, slowly dragging her pants down her body as his lips left a trail from breasts to her hips. After disrobing both of them, he laid her out on the blankets in front of the fire and worshipped this gift he was being given. She was a gift, a goddess shown to him, one who accepted him. Bathed in the golden light of the flames, she looked like a Valkyrie sent to deliver him to Valhalla. His lips traveled every inch of her supple skin and when he feasted on the nectar from her lily, he knew all his thoughts were true. When she writhed and cried out from the pleasure he gave her, he thought she would ascend without him. He set about showing her how thankful he was for the gifts she gave him. His own hunger was one he put aside to ensure she received his full devotion. As he feasted upon her skin, his fingers began to ready her for his size. He knew she was exceptionally sweet, but this was something he did not expect.

“Sookie,” he queried, his hands stilling inside her. This was a rare gift, one she could never give again. It ignited his passion for her to think that she would offer it to him.

“It is mine to give and I want you to have it,” she replied. His heart melted for her in that moment and he knew he would never let her go. She would be his for eternity. He would never leave her side, but would she be happy at his? All thoughts ceased as she gripped him and began to stroke, nibbling on his skin with her blunt teeth. He gave her his undivided attention as he showed her his appreciation for everything she had given him. When he could hold out no longer, the pleasure of their coupling too much to bear, he drug his fangs along the column of her neck, asking silently for permission to feed from her. When she exposed her neck to him in offering, he did not hesitate. The full taste of her was more than he expected as he lost himself to her even further. The two lovers were locked in a beautiful embrace, surrounded by the warm light of the fire with only thoughts of each playing in their minds as the snow fell softly outside.

            Hours later, as the fire was mere embers and she was sleeping soundly against him, he stroked her back and thought of what it was when he was human. While the house was different, the setting was very similar. His mind wandered while it played through different scenarios in which she was his wife and heavy with his children. They would be in the long house he built for them, sleeping in the bed he had carved for them. Anything she desired he would give her.

When the fire began to dwindle, he begrudgingly pulled away from her and snuck out to bring in more logs and rekindle the flame. The moment he left her, a pull he had never experienced called him to return to her side. He covered her with a blanket in hopes she would remain warm and not miss him next to her although he offered her no warmth of his own. Upon his return, she was awake and propped up on her elbow as she watched him bring in the wood for the fire.

            “The wood was neither split nor stacked, how did you get it so fast?” He would have to tell her. Something in him enjoyed caring for her. Once the flames were high again, she pulled the blanket back and sat up as she held her hand out for him to take.

            “I split enough for the rest of the night and morning and stacked it by the back door,” he replied as he took her hand. She looked at him in shock as she saw the wood he brought in and felt his temperature.

            “Will you stay with me tonight?” Her voice held wonder and hesitation. The surprise at her offer could not be kept from his face. She gently pulled his hand, offering him to return to her side.

            “There is no where I would rather be min ljós (my light).”

            “How did split all the wood that fast?” She had curled back into his chest attempting to warm him as he put his arm around her; she rested her head on her hand that lay upon his chest. He sighed in contentment, brushing the soft hair back from her face and looked into her eyes, ready to reveal all of his secrets to her.

            “I am vampire Sookie. With that comes increased speed, strength, smell, hearing and vision.”

            “Are there other things you can do?” her voice held wonder and it warmed him to the core that she marveled at his gifts.

            “Many, but I do not wish to waste the time I have been given with you by speaking of myself. I will split and stack all the wood you have back there tomorrow evening if you will allow me to stay that long. It will last you at least a month.”

            “You don’t have to do that Eric and of course you can stay. I want you to enjoy yourself, not spend your time splitting wood. I want to know who you are.”

            “It will not take me an hour to do it. It is the least I can do for you to repay the kindness you have shown me.” She tensed beside him.

            “I am not a harlot Eric, I do not expect payment.” Before she could get up, he grabbed her and rolled her under him. Her eyes were full of the fire that played off of them and he found himself smiling at her, finding her even more beautiful in that moment.

            “You are so beautiful lover,” he said without realizing it. The fire in her eyes was still there as she began to try and wiggle out from his grasp. “I did not mean to insult you. There is something about you that makes me want to care for you.” He brushed a strand of hair from her face as she stilled at his words.

            “You don’t even know me,” she said quietly and shyly.

            “And yet, I desire to know you in every way. I did not mean to offend you lover.” His voice was sincere and touched her heart.

            “Then let us make our night together one of exploration.” Her voice was thick with promise, hinting at untold depths and endless pleasure. Their lips met and nothing about them separated for many hours. As the clock on the mantle chimed midnight, they barely noticed. When the fire ran low, he would rekindle it, keeping her skin warm in the cold night. Exhausted and sated, they lay wrapped around each other, her eyes heavy with want of sleep and his body relaxed in ways it did not recall.

            “I am afraid I will wake in the morning and this will all have been a dream,” she whispered, her head lying on his chest.

            “I must leave you at daybreak min rá (my wish). The sun’s rays cannot find me exposed.” Their eyes met again and a longing neither wanted to admit encompassed them.

            “How can I make it safe for you? I will shelter you from the day.” Her eyes begin to water, on the verge of filling with tears at the thought of him leaving her.

            “You would offer me shelter?” The shock and pride she heard from him broke her heart as she nodded slowly.

            “Stay in my room, no one but me ever goes in there.” Her words ignited a possessive streak in him. It soothed his inner self to know no other had visited her bedchambers. Hugging her tightly to him, they both dozed off in front of the fire. She snored softly, and he went into downtime. His mind was reeling from her admissions. She offered him shelter for the day. He should not take it, he barely knew her, and his safety could be in jeopardy, but he found he hardly cared. If she would be the one to end him, it would be a merciful killing. Their combined scent caused a purr to rumble through his body as she snuggled her naked breasts deeper into his side and chest. She is a goddess, he thought, as he carried her to the room which smelled the strongest of her. She barely moved once he placed on her bed and under her blankets. He then went about starting a small fire in her bedroom and locking up the house, making sure the fire in the main room was burning out before returning to her side.

            Coming back into her room, he examined the available locale and created a small area for himself in the dressing space she had mentioned using the blankets they had lain together on. It was the only location near her that was free from windows and he could not bring himself to go far. This unknown pull was strong and commanding him to stay near her. Climbing back into her bed, he held her until just before daybreak. He wanted nothing more than to hold her in his arms as he went into his dayrest but it was not possible. Kissing her softly upon her brow, he stoked the fire in her room to keep her warm and shut himself away. Surrounded by her scent from her things that hung around him and surrounded by their scent from the blankets, he died happy, dry, and clean at daybreak for the first time he could remember.