Characters: Sookie/Eric

Walking home from the bakery, I couldn’t help but sigh. This little village never changes and the people are so content with their lives. They never wish for greater things than this. They think I’m crazy for wanting more than this provincial life…and for other reasons but I try not to think about that. The stories I read are of faraway countries and cultures and people. I’ll probably never get to see them but I hope for it. I don’t want to marry William Compton the cobbler and have hordes of children. He watches me whenever I’m in town but I know of his reputation with the ladies at the tavern. Anyone of them would be more than happy to have his dark-haired sons, but not me. I want to travel and learn new things, although, with my lack of skills and Gran’s age, I know these are just the silly dreams of a girl. I know Gran wants more for me but I can see of no way of making it happen. My tailoring skills are average at best; I can perform repairs but not truly tailor them. The things I’m best at are only valued in men; reading, writing, speaking, being smart. I have a quick wit and some say an uncanny ability to read people and with my excellent speaking skills, I can almost always calm a situation down.

My ability is not really uncanny, I can read people’s thoughts. It’s something I have had as far as I can remember. Lately, I’m developing more powers. I can move things with my thoughts sometimes. Just last week, I thought hard about this beautiful meadow I wanted to visit and suddenly, I was there. It scared me and I haven’t told a single person. My mother used to fear me but then they died from the plague and I’ve been with Gran ever since. She’s always accepted me for what I can do and I know she hopes I’ll meet someone that allows me to continue reading and writing.

Most men demand their women remain stupid and do nothing more than lay about for their man’s pleasure but I just couldn’t stand that. I know that’s what Bill wants so I steer clear of him. I spied him the tavern with three different women on his lap and made my way around the back so that he wouldn’t see me. He’s the town cobbler so he has a good living and a nice house. He is also a very skilled hunter, or so he says. I know he actually takes credit for everything his page kills and the poor boy only gets the scraps of meat left for his family; he never complains because he doesn’t own a gun. The whole village thinks Bill is the best catch in town and that I’m crazy for denying his advances. I can hear his thoughts, I know how he actually is and he’s horrible. He only likes me because I don’t fall to his feet like the other ladies; he sees me as a conquest. At least he won’t be at the ball and neither will any of his tavern wenches. Everyone in town is talking about the upcoming ball and I’m still in disbelief I actually get to go this year.

I’m so excited, Gran has a client that always leaves her fabric scraps to use as she pleases and she has been working on a dress for me for the Halloween ball. Never before have I been to the ball because we could never afford a dress and it is just not proper for a young woman to go without the appropriate gown. Now, I am almost to the age that I am considered an old widow; I’ll be nineteen soon. I have been hearing about the ball for my entire life as it is the event of the year in my small village. Never once did I dream I would be able to attend, we barely have food on the table most days. After my parents died, Gran was all we had left. Her fingers are not as nimble as they used to be no matter how much I try to help her. She insisted I learn to read and write and start learning about larger things in life than sewing. Her clients would often bring her books for me to borrow. I always read them and returned them promptly, grateful for the opportunity to experience new books. They are so very expensive. Beautiful, cloth book covers often accompany our returns; I make most of them, it’s the least I can do. My anticipation of the ball is only growing as I walk through town hearing many of the girls think about their finery even if I have no date. It is something I wanted to experience at least once, even if I never get to go again.

When I got home, Gran had my dress finished and it was even more beautiful than I imagined. The gown, while stitched together from many fine fabrics, appears to move like the sun dipping below the water at dusk. My shoes are even covered too, they feel like silk slippers and blend into the darker hues at the bottom of my dress, skillfully applied to hide any dirt that may collect on the hem as I walk. I can’t wait to wear this tomorrow.

“Sookie dear, try it on in case I need to make any last minute alterations,” she fusses at me. We are giggling like school girls as she fixes the buttons on my gown. Her eyes go misty when she sees me. “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen dear. Any man would be a fool not to want you.” We only have a small hand mirror and I admire the dress.

“It’s spectacular Gran, thank you so much. I love it. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful. It reminds me of the sea in my stories.” My eyes are tearing up looking at it.

“One day you will see it, I just know it. You will leave this small town behind and have great adventures.” She takes my hand as she says this.

“Gran, I could never leave you.” My voice chokes at the thought.

“Hush now girl, I won’t be around forever and you have a whole world to experience. I’ve always known you were meant for greater things so promise me that once I’m gone, you will go and find them.” She’s unfastening the buttons from the back of my dress and then carefully hangs it back on the mannequin in her studio so we don’t get it dirty.

“I promise Gran,” she smiles at me sweetly. Looking at my dress, I still can’t believe she made it for me. It’s so beautiful, I’ve never seen anything like it.

The next morning, I cook breakfast while Gran finishes up some projects she’s been working on. Once the afternoon breaks and the light begins to dim, we both get excited and begin to discuss the ball.

“I’ll fix your hair and show you how we do make up without any of that expensive paint; it will smell far better too.” As my Gran gets me dressed and helps with my hair and lip rouge, we laugh and talk like old girlfriends. She is so proud that I am attending the ball this year. She’s always wanted me to go but we could never afford the fabrics to make a dress. I am still not sure how she managed to get enough fabrics for this gown but it is lovely; I feel like a princess for the first time in my life. Sadly, it will probably be the last. No matter what my Gran hopes will come of this night, a rich husband will not be it. We do not have enough money to even land a husband who is a merchant. I can offer no dowry. If I do not marry before my grandmother dies, I’ll be destitute. Pushing negative thoughts aside for the night, I focus on the positive. Tonight, will be my night; I will dance and eat foods I will never taste again and enjoy my time drinking champagne.

“Sookie dear, you look enchanting. Maybe you will be able to find a suitable husband now, not some oaf who lacks any ability to speak properly. I want more for you than this little town.”

“I know you do Gran. I’m just looking forward to enjoying my night tonight and pretending that I belong. Maybe someday I’ll see far off lands and the great oceans. Tonight, I’ll dream, I’ll let reality come back tomorrow.”

“Have fun my dear, I won’t wait up so don’t rush home on my account. Enjoy yourself and all that being young entails.”

“Thanks Gran.” I make my way down the lit path through the center of the village with my shawl wrapped around my arms. Gran gave me her most prized possession for the evening, the fur shawl my grandfather made for her after they were first married. It is warm and soft. The village is always lit with beautiful lanterns on this night. Every year, I looked longingly at these lanterns and now I am walking among them. A huge smile blooms across my face as the crisp night air puts a lovely blush on my cheeks. The walk doesn’t take long, the manor lies just outside the village limits on the main road. The trees are decorated with garland and ribbons and the night looks amazing. The path is like walking into a dream.

At the door, a sharply dressed gentleman takes my shawl and muff for me; I’m hesitant to give up this important item in my family but I know I must. I thank him kindly and he smiles, almost surprised I spoke to him. The smells are wonderful as is the low music already playing. The hall is solid marble, a tan color that glows in the candle and lamp light. Everything has ribbons and garland and flowers hanging from it. I just stand off the entrance, taking in the sights, smells, and sounds with a smile on my face. Tonight, may be the highlight of my life; it will definitely be a defining moment.

Halloween was not one of my favorite nights of the year per say, but I do look forward to the fresh meals it provides me with during the winter months. I meet enough of the young people of the town that I can always steal them away for a few moments to glamour them into making regular, weekly stops to meet me in the woods at night. In the winter months, prey is much harder to find since people are rarely out of their houses after sunset and I must always be discrete. If the villagers get wind of what I am, pitch forks and flames await shortly after during the daylight hours.

Eventually it always happens; people notice I do not age nor do I fall ill even in the worst of epidemics. I doubt I shall remain here much longer. My time in any location is always fleeting, no matter how much I have of it, the scenario is always the same. I travel to any of the houses I have set up around the world; always alone, always starting over except for the wealth I accumulate. Things change but those in power rarely do just as my routine rarely does. It is never ending and tiresome; I’ve become rather bored as of late.

Luckily, I ran into the Earl of this small hamlet shortly after moving here so he is under my thrall and asks no questions when people go missing for a few days. My castle remains uninhabited for the most part. Occasionally, humans move in but it is never for long; most cannot maintain their stay on the property, some stay on as caretakers. I have to have a way to run my house after all and I cannot interview staff during the day. They always return shortly so as not to worry their families. After more than two years, I have a rotation but it is bland and sustaining only; most of the variety has either gone or become sullied with disease. Perusing the room, I find I am uninterested and lacking intrigue in the current situation. Such is the way of the upper echelon, boring with little to speak of although they talk endlessly. None of them smell particularly clean or enticing nor do they catch my attention in any way.

The moment she walked in, I spotted her. Her scent rose above all others in the room, instantly setting my nose aflame. She stood alone, off to the side of the door. Her skin is golden from being in the sun for hours, making her instantly stand out from the pale, porcelain like qualities of those around her. I never understood how it became high fashion to look as a corpse does. While allowing us to fit into high society easier, it lacks the healthy glow from the one thing denied to us, the one thing we long for. Being one who cannot witness the sun in all its glory, her skin shone with a warm hue and I desire to run my fingers through it. She is attractive and radiant, unlike the others who too closely resemble my own pallor. Her hair is also the color of the radiant ball of light I have not seen until I gazed upon her. It so closely resembles my own coloring it reminds me of what my children would have looked like or what ours would, were it possible.

Shaking my head of such nonsense, my eyes roam over her form. The eyes peeking out at me from behind her mask are a beautiful shade of blue, again, reminiscent of the summer sky from my youth I have not been able to recall in far too long. Her curves are perfect, soft, and round in all the right places; her form womanly and healthy. My chin will rest perfectly on the top of her head. She holds herself with the grace beguiling a dancer although her outfit attests to the audacity of my words.

Her gown is odd, made of beautiful fabrics, though extremely skillfully done; the stitching excellent, put together with the kind of love that one simply cannot pay for. The odd thing is how many different fabrics make up the dress. Most would not be able to tell without enhanced eyesight, the craftmanship is so exquisite. Usually, gowns are made of maybe three fabrics, yards and yards of them but very few. This one however, was stitched together from what appeared to be scraps but the color patterns are flawless and everything falls together in a manner very pleasing to the eye. The color falls in shades of sunset, yellow to gold to orange to deep blues, changing as she walked; making it appear as if the sun is descending into the sea. The hues match the skin of the one wearing it flawlessly. The feathers on her mask are from local birds and it is handmade, lovely but local. I can smell the wood and the earth from whence it came along with the bird’s blood still remaining minutely on the shafts of the feathers, unseen by human eyes. These accoutrements are not imported from a far-off land to exhibit the richness of her house as everyone else. Her shoes are old and yet they are covered with a lovely fabric that is new and melds into her dress flawlessly.

I am already making my way towards her before I realize it, having pushed past several young ladies vying for my attentions. I am known as a lord from another land in these parts, a mistaken identity I let foster so that I can remain undetected and my eccentric behavior would be explained away by money. They are all looking to find a wealthy husband and hope that I shall become him. Little do they know, I take neither pets nor wives; although, for the first time, I may reconsider. I could use a companion such as her; I want her.

“May I have this dance my lady,” I ask as I hold my hand out to her. I am lucky for the modern trend of wearing gloves making my cold temperature less noticeable. She graces me with a beautiful, genuine smile.

“Thank you kind sir, I am no lady but I will dance with you if you still desire to do so.” Her voice is soft and hesitant, as if she is expecting me to reject her since she has no formal title. Her scent is even better up close, she is pure and so very warm, as if the sun shines through her skin. She places her warm hand in mine and I place it in the crook of my arm as I lead her to the center of the dance floor.

“You are every bit a lady, more so than any other woman here,” I respond in kind. I twirl her around and into my arms, taking her hand and placing mine upon her waist. She gasps and smiles softly at me as she assumes her position and the music begins. For having no formal training, she moves with a grace and elegance lacking in most women of title I have met. After the third song, she seems to be just getting warmed up.

“You are a lovely dancer,” I whisper into her ear as we twirl across the floor for our fourth song. As her smile beams up at me from my small compliment, I feel what it was like to bask in the sun’s rays again for the first time since I rose with my master. She will be mine; I must get her alone.

“Thank you, you are a wonderful partner.” After a brief pause, she asks, “should we stop? Do you need to dance with others?” A slight frown mars her beautiful face at the thought, as it did on mine.

“No, I would make you mine for the evening if you would allow it. May I fill your dance card? It has been quite some time since I had a partner as stately as yourself.” A lovely blush spreads across her neck and chin, making me wonder just how far down it goes and accentuating her delicious aroma. She pauses for a brief moment to consider me before speaking again.

“There is no need to ridicule me good sir. I may not have title but I am no jilt. Thank you for the dance.” She turns to leave as I grab her elbow and steer her to a quiet spot on the balcony. Her face does not expose the fury raging in her eyes. She must not leave in anger, I need her alone; this is my chance.

“Please forgive me my lady, I meant no offense. Allow me to get you a drink.” Her eyes narrow as I lead her out to the balcony, she nods her acquiescence and I quickly (in human eyes) make my way to a server with meade and am back to her.

“Thank you,” she says quietly as she accepts the drink from me, sipping it politely but still not meeting my eyes. I can hear her calming her breathing but she does not show it. “I did not mean to be harsh. I am not accustomed to honest complements.” I smile as she allows my hand to remain on her back while she looks out across the grounds. There are oil lamps lit across the pond and it is snowing lightly. Her hair reflects the light and makes it appear as if she glows; she looks like a golden Valkyrie standing in the snow. I can’t stop myself from brushing a stray strand of hair from her shoulder. Finally, she meets my gaze and some of her anger has subsided.

“I would never tease you, I find you to be the loveliest woman here.” I am looking deep into her eyes as I say this, trying to get her to relax. Her brow furrows and she blinks at me several times as if she felt me trying to influence her to be calm and remove her anger. A shiver runs through her and I instantly offer her my jacket, a little too quickly as she gasps when it appears around her shoulders.

“Thank you sir.” She turns away from me again and I feel as if I’m in the shadows once more; it is as if the sun has turned from me. I have never had anyone resist my manipulations before. She is even more tense now, the antithesis of my intentions.

“May I ask your name my lady? I neglected to announce myself and I apologize. I am Erik Nord.” Something about her makes me want to leave all titles behind us and I am sincere in my apology. How long has it been since I have apologized? I want her in a way I have never wanted anyone. I know she is destined to be my companion the moment I saw her.

“Susanna, good sir, Susanna Stakhaus. Please forgive me for being assuming. I am not comfortable in these social functions. Our dance was delightful.” Her need to apologize to me strikes me deeply. If I offended her in any way I want to correct it immediately. Her presence is delightful and she need not attempt to convey title to me.

“Susanna Stakhaus, I am very pleased to make your acquaintance. You are an exquisite dancer. I was in no way ridiculing you.” Another enchanting smile spreads across her face and I find myself brushing a strand of hair behind her ear for the second time. “Allow me to express my deepest sorrow if I lead you to believe I in any way meant to insult you.” She sips her meade gently as she gazes across the grounds bathed in darkness. I just stand there, enjoying her silence and company. She makes me feel at ease in the world, something I have not experienced in a very long time. When she set her cup down, I took her hand, drawing her gaze upon me. “Allow me the honor of your dance card for the evening my lady. I find you enchanting.” I am still perplexed as to how she resisted my influence but I find I am loathe to try again. For the first time in my memory, I want her to desire my presence as I desire hers.

“I would enjoy that greatly Sir Nord.” Hearing my title fall from her lips feels wrong. I want no airs between us; she is quickly rising in my esteem.

“Please, call me Erik my lady.” I take her hand and kiss the back of it. A deep blush caresses across her skin, calling to me.

“Well then Erik, please call me Sookie and you may have my card for the evening.” As she withdrew her hand from mine and placed it into the crook of my elbow, I tried out her name.

“Sookie,” it rolls off my tongue and left me imagining the wines of the far south that smell of honey and sunlight and ripened grains, “it will be my honor.” I want to see her laughing as she tries them all and dances for me. I shake my head again at the odd directions my thoughts take around her. We danced the night away and I ignored every other woman in the room, not wanting to waste a single moment of my precious time with her. She giggled and danced and held my conversation the entire time. I made sure she ate when I heard the faintest rumble of her stomach. She gladly accepted my offer as I led her to a private table so we could continue to speak. Often, much to my surprise, she made me laugh openly at some witty retort she had for me. She matched me word for word on every smart comment I made, especially as we discussed those around us whenever we sat allowing her rest. Women usually bow to their men in this day and age; it was not so in my day and I find it refreshing. The hours sped by and soon our night is at end as the ball comes to a close. I would ask her to stay and attend the after party with me but I fear she will decline

When the clock struck 1, she gasped. “Oh my, I must be getting home. My grandmother will be worried sick. It is scandalous for a lady to be out this late unattended.” Her eyes tell me she does not want to end our evening.

“Would you accompany me longer this evening? There is a small gathering that is just beginning; it will be much smaller.” It gave me hope she would agree to see me again.

“I should go; it would not be proper to stay with you with no formal arrangement. I cannot dishonor my grandmother in such a way.” She seemed sad by her answer.

“I understand, please allow me to escort you Sookie. I would be honored. It is dangerous to be out alone.” I was helping her with her cloak.

“Oh, I would never impose. Surely you have important people to speak with since you have wasted most of your night with me.” Her words struck a chord in me. Why would she think my time wasted because it was spent with her?

I lead her outside and my driver pulled round. As my hand drifted to her face, I found it hard to let go. “Sookie,” her eyes were downcast, “look at me.” She met my eyes. “This was the most enjoyable evening I have had in years. I hardly consider it wasted. You are the utmost mesmerizing person here.” The blush blooming across her skin had me inhaling deeply, working a shudder across my body.

“You needn’t flatter me good sir. I had a wonderful time this evening but I am not foolish. I am no lady and you are a lord. I thank you for your time, I will cherish this memory.” With that, she made to walk away from me. I could not allow it.

“Sookie, wait,” she slowed and stopped several feet away. “At least let my carriage take you home. It is late and the roads are not safe.” Her shoulders squared as she turned slowly around to face me.

“Sir Nord, would you have the village think I was your whore? Arriving in the middle of the night in your private carriage…what would people say? I would never shame my family or myself in such a way.” She spun around on her heel and proceeded to make her way down the street in a brisk, angry walk as I stood with my mouth open. My driver looked at me and smirked. I raised my eyebrow and he quickly looked away, deciding to follow her to ensure her safety. I stayed in the shadows but somehow, she knew I was there. Stopping far from anyone’s hearing, she called out to me. “You might as well come out and walk me the rest of the way home if you are going to follow me like some deranged person.” I smiled and stepped out of the shadows.

“I was not trying to startle you, I merely wanted to ensure your safety. I was concerned for your well-being and your honor.” She smirked and held her hand out for me, which I took far too quickly, causing her to gasp once again when I appeared beside her with her hand tucked in my elbow.

“You move so fast Sir,” I smirked at her and did not comment. “Thank you for looking after me. You did not have to.”

“Please, call me Erik. It is my privilege to escort you home. I thank you for offering me such fine company for the evening. I meant no disrespect when I offered you my carriage but I understand your reticence, my apologies.” She nods her thanks at me and our walk is concluded in silence, each of us enjoying the comfortable companionship and the night sounds. I have not offered sincere apologies to anyone since I became vampire. There is something about her. We came to a stop in front of the tailoring shop. The fabric of her dress becoming clear to me now.

“Our enchanted evening must end here Sir Erik,” she said coyly to me, batting her eyelashes. Her eyes sparkled in the moonlight; they must look like sapphires in the sun.

“I would continue it if you were willing but I would do nothing to betray your integrity my fair Sookie.” Calling her mine felt right to me and yet it was something I had never done.

“Then I bid you goodnight good sir, should our paths cross again, I will call you my friend.” With that, she stood on her tiptoes and placed a kiss to my cheek and then snuck inside her door, latching it behind her. I scanned the area for humans and quickly floated up to sit on her roof and listen to her fall asleep. It seemed as if she sensed me there because her movement stopped briefly. Before her breathing told me she was asleep, she whispered out, “I feel you near me Erik, what are you?” How did she know? Could she tell I was vampire? The sound of her peaceful sleeping lulled me into downtime, right there on top of her roof. I barely made it home before dawn.

I looked for her after that but she only ever came out during the day. When I inquired of her from the others in the village they all said she was strange and took care of her elderly grandmother. The grandmother was well respected by all for her skills as a tailor. It was why she was never out late. No one had ever witnessed her drinking or spending time with others. Surely, she must have suitors, she is beautiful. Many people mentioned that someone named William Compton desired her but she refuted him. They thought she was crazy for turning down such a good match; I could not help but smile at this information. I greatly desired to see her again. She has become an obsession with me, thoughts of her plaguing my every waking hour. Months passed, with me checking on her every night but never daring to approach her door. She did not issue me an invitation and it would be ill reputed to simply show up. Most nights, she spoke out loud; her thoughts kept me coming back. I enjoyed listening to her speak to me, if only a one-sided conversation. It always seemed as if she knew I was near enough to hear her. At times, the things she would whisper into the dark made me want to rip her wall off and steal away to my estate to worship. One night, after the beginning of the new year, as the nights were just beginning to grow shorter, I found her, running quickly from the doctor’s cottage. She clutched a small vial to her chest and I could smell her tears.

“Sookie, wait, it is I, Erik!” She gasped at the sound of my voice and stopped, turning to me.

“Erik, what are you doing out here this late? Surely you have a private doctor. Are you well?” I grinned at her assessment of my having private physicians, although I have no need of them. Then her query struck me and I realized she was concerned for me even in her distressed state. I shook my head to clear the thoughts invading my mind as I saw her beauty again. She smelled of sickness and a frown crept across my face.

“I am well Sookie, how are you? Why are you rushing from the Doctor at this hour, alone?” In my excitement to see her, I failed to notice she was out alone at this hour.

“It is not for me but for my grandmother. I must hurry back to her, she is not well.” With that she turned and began to hurry away; in these times, a simple cough among humans could be fatal. It all made sense why she has not been out lately depending on when her grandmother had fallen ill. I quickly made to follow her.

“Please, let me accompany you. Do you need any assistance? Who brings your wood and water?” If her grandmother was sick, there was no one else. I had learned from the townsfolk that her brother had wondered off after some woman and left his grandmother and sister alone since the elder had her seamstress shop. The grandmother made very little but bartered for almost everything they had, including books for her granddaughter. My Sookie was thought strange because she was a woman who read so much; most considered it bad luck for a woman to read. There was not a home in this village who owned books that did not also own a lovely handmade book cover. They were always given as a thank you for allowing her granddaughter to borrow and read their books. I had come to admire the two of them greatly, although only having met the one.

“Oh no, I would not trouble you, we are fine, thank you. I just need to return with this post haste. She has not been feeling well for some time now. She caught a fever in the deep snow just before Christmas, trying to make her way to the shop and has not been able to rid herself of it completely.” She gave me a knowing but sad look. I inspected her more closely and realized she looked exhausted. Would she lose her only family? What would happen to her? She did not possess the skill her grandmother did with a needle. Everyone commented on it, sure she would become destitute without a man to take pity on her. I would not allow it; I…wanted to help her but I did not pity her.

“I will come and help you. Surely you could use my superbly tone body for something.” I wiggled my eyebrows at her and she snorted a most unfeminine sound at me while chuckling as we hurried on.

“Oh, I could think of some things,” she muttered under her breath, not meant for me to hear. I could only hope. “Thanks for making me chuckle, I need a good laugh,” was her retort she meant for me to hear.

“Why Miss Stakhaus, you wound my delicate pride but I shall let your transgresses pass if you agree to my company.” Her snicker warmed me in a way I could not describe and I was glad to have made her laugh, if only for a moment.

“I may not be much company as I have to care for my Gran, but if you’re going to lurk about, your depravity would be a welcome distraction.” She made me chuckle, something that did not happen very often.

“Then I shall endeavor to distract you my lady.” She snorted again as we continued on to her home at a brisk pace that would wind most mortals. When we got to the door, she stopped and turned to me, looking me up and down, taking a new breath before speaking.

“Would you like to come in to meet my Gran, Erik?” She looked me directly in the eye and I was surprised. Did she know that I required an invitation to enter her home? She had no way of knowing…did she?

“I would love to my Sookie,” I replied as she opened her door for me. She seemed suddenly shy. Her home was well cared for and warm but it smelled of sickness. Her Gran did not have long and she knew it. I felt… for her.

“Gran, I’m home from the Doctor’s. He sent some tonic for you.”

“Sookie, I told you not to spend the last of our money on me.”

“You hush now Gran, I won’t have you suffering. Now quit arguing, I brought someone for you to meet.”

“At this hour, I’m not decent girl…”

“I know but he wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer and I could use the help. Be polite now.” At that cue, I made my presence known to the matriarch of the family.

“Hello mam, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Erik Nord. Thank you for having me in your home at this late hour. Your granddaughter is a hard woman to catch. I hope my intrusion does not disturb you. I only wished to see her again and offer my assistance.”

“Well, I hope you have indeed caught her. She needs someone to rein her in.” We both chuckled at that and Sookie snorted again. “What is this ‘again’ business? She hasn’t told me anything about you and that is something I would remember.” Sookie and I regaled her Gran with stories of the ball, the outfits, the dances, the food. We all laughed as I helped Sookie throughout the house. I stayed with her until the wee hours of the night, long after her Gran had fallen asleep. I fixed many things for her and filled her wood pile in no time at all. It was one of the best nights I could remember having. Skills I had not used since I was human, came like second nature to me and it felt good to provide for a woman again. As we finally sat in front of the fire, we were alone, she expressed her weariness to me.

“I cannot thank you enough Erik. There are so many things I cannot do alone that you fixed. There is no way to repay you.” I went to speak and she stopped me. “We’ve been alone for a long time and I know she may not recover. I truly appreciate your company this evening.”

“You owe me nothing. Thank you for allowing me to meet your Gran, she is a remarkable woman.”

“Yes, she is, I’m glad you got to meet her.” Her eyes expressed her love and concern for the woman in question. I could see it wore heavily upon her. Having removed her boots for her when she sat, I pulled her slippered feet into my lap and began to rub them.

“Thank you for having me this evening Sookie. It is not often I am able to relax and be of use to people I care about.” The only person I could honestly say I cared for is my maker and he released me centuries ago. She sighed and began to relax into her chair. I could see sleep descending upon her.

“That makes me sad Erik, you should spend more time with those you hold dear.” Her voice was a sleepy whisper. Soon, she was asleep; I continued to massage her feet and calves for her, being mindful of her dignity. I stayed with her until just before sunrise, when I gently woke her with featherlight caresses to the tops of her feet before I replaced her slippers so she would not catch chill.

“Sookie,” I whispered, “I must go.” Her eyes fluttered open and she instantly blushed that enchanting shade of red I found so attractive.

“Erik, I’m so…” I cut her off before she could continue.

“I enjoyed every moment in your presence. May I call upon you again? Tomorrow night perhaps?”

“Umm, yes, you could come for dinner. Then you would not have to be out until all hours of the morning.” She was making to stand and right herself. The lights in the eastern sky hinted at the coming sun that would be here soon and I needed to take my leave.

“I have business that keeps me until after dark. I can come soon thereafter.”

“I will see you then.” I kissed her upon the cheek and took my leave as I closed her door behind me and heard the catching of her newly repaired latch. There was one more stop I wished to make before retiring for the night. I made my way to the doctor’s home and glamoured my way in to find out all he knew about Sookie and her Gran.

“You will treat her Gran at the house from here on out with the best of what is available. I will pay for all charges incurred.”

“Yes, I will go check on Mrs. Stakhaus in the morning. She is a lovely woman, even with that strange granddaughter of hers.” My anger rose at his insult to my beloved.

“You will never speak of Sookie in such a manner again. She is a smart and lovely woman.” I decided to ignore the label I had just given her.

“Yes, she is, as sweet as her grandmother.” I left a purse full of coins to cover the expenses and barely made it to my resting chamber before the sun rose above the trees. This night, like every other since I had first encountered her, my final thoughts were of Sookie, only tonight, I had a smile upon my face and the memory of her skin on mine.

Sookie’s grandmother began improving but there was only so much to be done for a woman of her age. I spent almost every evening at their home, helping to repair and restock for them. We always ended the evening with me rubbing her feet and calves as she fell asleep next to me in front of their fire. These were some of the best evenings of my undead life. Eventually, I learned that Sookie had been the one chopping all the wood and fetching all their water as well as all the cooking, cleaning and doing small repairs at the shop to keep money coming in while her Grandmother was ill. This is why she was so exhausted; I would rub her shoulders and hands as well when they were sore from sewing for hours. We would talk and she would tell me things she had done and people that upset her.

There were many repairs she was uncappable of that I performed for them as well as making sure their cupboard doors were working and stocked with bread, cheese, and meat. Sookie was extremely angry at me even though her grandmother made her thank me profusely. Eventually, I made sure to only order enough for the two of them so that there was no waste. No matter how much they both chastised me for my efforts, I know it was well received. Never before have I desired to care for someone other than my maker yet I could not stand by and watch these two waste away. My Sookie had begun to lose weight, caring for her Gran and that I could not have. After several weeks of proper nutrition and someone to help with the things a man should do around the house, I could see the health returning to them both.

I cherished the time I spent in their home, utilizing craft skills I had not used in centuries. Fixing things in their home gave me a sense of pride I had not had in a long time. I wondered what my maker would think of me, helping humans, caring for them. Her grandmother started making me things for my trouble. A new coin pouch, a lovely quilt for my bed, a dressing robe in beautiful shades of blue that reminded me of the dress Sookie wore the first time I saw her and a beautifully tailored crisp white shirt. She said she refused to have me working for free; if only she knew I considered the time spent with her granddaughter payment enough. These two cured my endless ennui and filled my nights with laughter as we told stories and I told them tales from around the world. Both were quite well read, which was a pleasant surprise as we often discussed literature, current events and world history. Gran, as I had been instructed to call her, greatly desired for her Sookie to see the world and experience all life had to offer. I longed to give her those things. She said Sookie was too special to marry into some small village and raise children all day for an oaf that did not appreciate her. I had to agree with her even if it was a particularly selfish wish on my part. Children were the one thing I could never give Sookie and it was a scar on my pride to realize, she may in fact, want those things someday and that they could never be with me.

We spent as many nights as I could come to her, together; January passed into February in the blink of an eye. Some evenings I was required in court for dinners and dances, they bored me to no end as did the disgusting women throwing themselves at me. I desired my Sookie above all others even though I had not yet tasted her. As I made my leave one evening from the Earl’s court, fending off the women trying to accompany me, insisting they had been visited by a pixie called Cupid, I smelled something in the distance. It smelled of metal and fire, something I had not encountered in several years; it smelled of an army. It was too close to daybreak to investigate and I had been kept busy all evening at the castle in another mindless soiree. My first thoughts were of Sookie and her Gran. There was nothing I could do but go to ground and secure my chamber from fire. I instructed my carriage to fetch them immediately and bring them here, where it would be safe, no matter the time. I instructed my staff to make the house ready for two female guests when they arrived in the morning. I was restless and uneasy as I went to my death; my thoughts filled of what could happen to the two of them without my protection.

When I awoke, my nightmares became reality. All I could smell and hear was death and fighting. Screams and smoke assaulted my senses from the direction of the village as I immediately dressed and went straight to Sookie. Her cottage was burning and Gran was dead in her bed, her throat slit. Sookie was nowhere to be found, there was too much blood to find her by scent alone; then I heard it, her scream. It cut through the air and my heart simultaneously and I let my bloodlust consume me, roaring in fury. I know what invading forces do to young women they find. Flying towards her cries at full speed, I saw her being thrown from one man to another, as they ripped her clothing from her, touching and grabbing her. I landed in the middle of them, catching her before setting her to the ground and ripping them all to shreds for their part in her torment. I tore through the camp, killing every man there before returning to my beloved and wrapping her in a clean cloak I found in an officers tent. She was sobbing and fighting me, not recognizing me until I pulled her into my arms.

“Sookie, it is me,” my voice was harsh yet my touch was gentle, the bloodlust still barely containable. She did not even look up at me, she sagged against my chest.

“Erik,” she whispered and passed out. I kissed the top of her head and flew towards my home, far from the carnage. Once in the air, I realized the bloody spot I left in her hair from my face. I must look like the monster I am. I prayed to gods I felt had long since abandoned me that she would not see me like this. Setting her inside my doors, on a bed, I quickly went back out to quench my need for vengeance.

All of my servants had been slaughtered and I killed the ones who had robbed them after their deaths as well as the remaining troops attempting to breech my walls. Once our lair was secure, I took her to my private chamber and proceeded to fill my bath and bathe her. Things had been prepared for her arrival since the night I met her so there were oils for bathing and clothes for her. The blood from the ones who killed her Gran saturated me and now her, she could not wake in such a state. I cleaned myself enough so that I would not soil her with blood again. Once clean and dry in new bed clothes, I deposited her in my bed, covering her in the quilt her gran had made for me. She whimpered as I left to clean myself. When my own bath was complete, her room was made ready. I returned and held her until I was forced away by the very thing she reminded me of. It was the one thing I could not share with her.

I made up a room for her, next to mine, that could be locked from the outside but was as safe as my lair. What would happen when she awoke and saw me dead for the day? I could not let that happen, already I was unsure of what to do with her since she could not be glamoured. My desire to care for her overrode every instinct I possessed so I made sure she had all she could need during the day, books, food, water, and a chamber pot. I started a fire in her hearth, stacking extra wood next to it and returned to her.

As soon as my arms were around her, she whispered to me. “Erik…they came…Gran…” Her voice gave me hope she would accept me.

“Shh, Sookie, I will take care of you, I have you.” She sighed and relaxed into my embrace as my lips found her hair again. Moments before sunrise, I placed her in her bed and left a note on her bedside table. Locking her into her room with a feeling of dread, I barely made it to my own bed before the sun took me.

When I came to, it was to the sounds of Sookie softly crying in the next room. Making sure I was clean and dressed, I quickly made my way to her, hoping to find her unharmed. In my rage, I could barely clean her properly, not having the fortitude to check her for further injuries. I only hoped I had gotten to her in time. I knocked before entering.

“Sookie, may I enter? Are you well?” Her soft cries instantly ceased.

“Erik, is that you?” Her voice sounded hopeful and frantic. I entered and she ran into my arms. “Oh, thank the gods, it is you. I was so scared you were a dream, unsure of who would come to my door. I hoped the rest of it was. Did you see Gran?”

I kissed her forehead and cherished the feel of her warm and safe with me. “Did you not get my note? I could not risk us being discovered. I apologize for keeping you here but there was nowhere else safe. Do you remember anything from last night?” I was bereft when she left my arms and started to pace the room.

“We were sleeping, it was not daybreak yet. Everyone started screaming,” she chocked back a sob, “they killed everyone but the young women and children.” She started trembling, I caught her as she collapsed, “I could hear them all, the women wished for death.” Tears were streaming down her face as I rubbed her back. “Gran…,” choking sobs escaped her and she could scarcely breathe. Her eyes searched mine for the truth of her words. I could only nod.

“She went peacefully,” is all I could say. “I could not care for her body. The cottage was already engulfed in flame.”

“You…you came…they had me, they were going to do horrible things to me and you came.” Terror fills her eyes as she looks at me anew. My chest gets an unfamiliar ache in it at the fear in her eyes levied at me. It is something I never wanted to see from her.

“You…you were death for them all…” Her breathing increased and her eyes are filling with panic.

“I will never hurt you Sookie. You have no cause to fear me.” I put my hands up, in supplication to her.

“You killed them all, and took me. It was you who bathed me and changed my clothes…you who locked me in this room all day.” Her breathing was becoming erratic as her fear of me rose.

“Why am I here? What do you want with me? Has your time with me been a ploy to take me?” The fear and desire to be wrong fought in her eyes.

“Sookie, Please,” I held my hand out to her and she withdrew from me, eyeing me hesitantly. “I will never harm you. You are safe with me. I only wish for your trust. I am sorry I was not there to protect you both.” She would never know truer words from me. I was called away when they needed me most, I failed them.

“Am I? You ripped those men to pieces. Their throats were torn out like an animal…a beast! Who are you…what are you?”

“I am exactly who you think me to be. I have not lied to you.”

“You were not there, the only night you have not come to me since we met…and I wake here, to be locked in a room only you can access. What did you do to those men? What are you? Why can’t I hear you?” How could she know I visited her before she invited me in? It is not possible for her to know these things.

“Is something wrong with your ears? Did they hit you? We shall get you care.”

“Answer my questions.” Her tone sets me on edge. There is no way to placate her or calm her. I must engage in her queries without revealing too much; she is trying my patience and all of these feelings are making me edgy.

“What would you have had me do, let them have their way with you? Men like that know only 1 thing, kill or be killed; there is no reasoning with them. I could not let them violate you. I could not fail you, as I failed your Gran.” The last part was a mere whisper from my lips. It hurt to admit that I had failed them.

“I know what they were, they were monsters but you I don’t know. You had fangs. How did you defeat them all? What. Are. You?” I did not think she saw me. How can I answer her?

“I am a skilled warrior; they were no better than ruffians and easily dispatched. You are in no danger from me.”

“I know what I saw and what I hear. You are no normal man; you are avoiding my question. How can I trust you if you will not tell me things?”

“Sookie,” I paused before continuing, having no desire to lie to her, yet not able to tell her the truth either. “I came for you as soon as I was able. My driver was supposed to pick you and Gran up at daybreak but he was killed along the way.” I turn from her and run my hand through my hair. This woman is infuriating, I can still sense her anger and I feel shame from her accusations.

“Please do not fear me. It was too late for Gran, when I heard you scream.” I am breathing deeply, noticing the unfamiliar feeling, it is fear running through me at the thought of Sookie being beseeched by a raiding army. My knuckles are white as I lean against the wall with one hand and clench the other. “I could not let them hurt you…you have become…dear to me.” I do not realize I am trembling with my rage as a warm hand touches my back before she speaks.

“Thank you for saving me Erik. I know what they wanted to do to me but you got there just in time. I can never repay you.” My head turns slowly to look at her and her eyes meet mine. “Thank you, Erik.” Her eyes are sincere as she stares into mine and the fear is gone. I turn and pull her into my arms and she wraps hers around my waist, burying her face into my chest.

“I am so very sorry about Gran. She was a wonderful woman. We shall build a memorial for her once it is safe to go out again.” Soft sobs are the only thing I hear as she cries for her loss. I carry her to my room and sit with her in my lap, on the bear skin run, in front of the large fire beside my bed. She cries herself to sleep shortly and I place her in my bed, tucking her in gently and make my way outside to procure some food for her. There are stores of cheese, butter, bread, and vegetables along with salted meats my staff kept for their use. I make sure the cupboards are stocked for her on this lower level as well as the fire wood and fresh water. I tapped a small spring far underground so that there is always fresh water below the main level. All of the waste receptacles are empty and functioning properly. There are fresh linens and clothes in her room as well as in mine. We have enough stores to last her a week at least in case we become besieged and there are many more hidden above ground.

Once I am satisfied with the dry storage, I return to check upon my guest and she is just stirring from her slumber. I stop beside the bed to watch her wake, not wishing to startle her, or lose her minimal trust. She is breathtaking.

“Hi,” she says, somewhat sleepily as she looks around. “Am I in your room?” I move to sit on the edge of the bed, having no wish to frighten her.

“You are,” I reply, “I changed your bedding and refilled the wood, water and stores.” She slowly sits up and I am drawn to her pert breasts. Unbidden, hidden only by her thin, silk nightdress, they are spectacular; the sight of her waking in my bed fills me with anticipation. She chuckles as she catches me staring.

“Thank you for the clothes, I won’t ask how you came to have women’s clothes in my size already in your home.” Her eyebrow arches at me and I find an evil grin spreading over my face.

“The night I met you, I hoped you would one day grace my home. I am only regretful at the circumstances in which it occurred.” Sadness fills her eyes; I lean over and brush some stray hair behind her ear. Something about her makes me want to touch and comfort her.

“I am glad I am here now,” she says slowly, her eyes meeting mine to show me her honesty. I long to devour her.

“There are clothes for you in the chair near the fire. If you need help with the lacing, just call. I will be right outside the door.” I kiss her forehead and leave the room before I do something I will regret. She is grieving and I do not want to prey on her sadness. I wish for her to want me on her own, not just as a distraction for her grief.

Shortly after, my name falls from her lips and I am behind her instantly, forgetting myself. She gasps and pulls her hair from her neck, not realizing what she does to me with this gesture. Her scent wafts up to me and encompasses me. My hands fall to her hips and grip her tightly, pulling her back towards me. Our eyes meet and I see the fire in them, fire burning for me. Her dress half open, fire light dancing off her skin and hair; “you are beautiful,” I say before planting a kiss to her neck and beginning to lace the back of her gown for her. It takes all of my effort to keep my fangs from falling.

“This gown is lovely, I do not need anything so fancy for around the house Erik. I will be afraid to clean in this.” As I finish the last tie of her gown, l lead her to my dressing table and begin to brush her hair. She watches me the whole time as I braid her long mane. It is so similar in color to mine.

“You are not here to clean for me, my Sookie but sadly, we will have to take turns as my staff was slaughtered on their way here. Everything is stocked and clean on this floor.” I finish her hair and clasp it with a small golden clasp inlaid with opals. This piece reminded me of the sun when I saw it years ago; at the time, I knew not why I bought it. Seeing how perfect it looks in her hair, I now know it was meant for her.

“Oh Erik, it’s beautiful. I feel like a princess.” She is admiring her hair and I smile, not realizing I remembered how to braid a betrothed ones hair. She kisses my hand and I pull her to stand.

“I will give you a tour now and show you the places you are allowed.” She starts at my words and pulls her hand back, smoothing her skirt down and looking around nervously; the smile falls from her face. “Please, allow me to escort you,” I say as I sweep my hand in front of us. Her change in demeanor worries me.

“Thank you,” she says curtly. I am unsure what I have said to upset her but I must show her where is safe. I can smell the humans prowling around outside of my domain. They are far off but will be here soon enough. We cannot risk being exposed.

“This is the storage room; your food is here and the extra linens and clothes are in each bedroom. The spring here is fresh and I made sure the sewers are working so you can dump waste here and then rinse with a bucket of water.”

“I have never seen a working sewer before, where do the things go?” I stop and smile at her inquisitiveness.

“I designed this to run to the swamp, over a mile away so that people do not know the location of it. We are very safe here.”

“That must have taken a very long time, but it is quite clever. It is almost as if you were prepared to hide down here.” She looks at me sideways before continuing and I smile at how astute she is. “You said this was my food, where is yours? What do you eat? Am I your prisoner while you go out to the castle for fancy dinners?” Her ire and trepidation are rising again.

“Absolutely not, I have a malady that severely limits my diet. It is kept in the cellar off my room. Do not worry that you must ration food for me.” She nods at me and I pull the door shut. She gasps when she sees the thick, iron door with the wooden beam, barring our way out. “This is for our safety, it is why I brought you down here and locked you in your room. I apologize if it frightened you but until I had a chance to show you, I could not risk you exposing us.” I lift the bar away and listen before pulling the locking mechanism and opening the door.

“I could never open that,” she whispers as I pull the door open quietly. Her silk clad feet barely make a noise on my earthen steps as I wrap my arms around her and pull her in front of me.

“You must be silent now,” I whisper into her ear, relishing the feeling of her pressed against me. “They are far outside of the grounds but we must be careful.” She nods her head, not saying a word. Once we come to the door of the upper level, her hand grips my arm and I stop, bending my head to her face although I do not need to be this close to hear her. Her breath is warm as her lips ghost across my ear.

“There are at least fifty of them and they are searching for you just outside your gates. They want to loot your castle but were not given clear instructions on how to do so.” My mind races as to how she knows this information but she is correct. I can count at least that number of heartbeats.

“You will be safe with me.” She nods and settles deeper into my embrace and I lift her out of the cellar and into the main kitchen. Everything is cold and dark as we continue into my favorite room of the house. Her quiet gasp as she takes in my personal library makes me happy. Moonlight pours into the room, illuminating the shelves. “Stay here while I patrol the grounds. When I am back, we will draw the curtains and light a candle so that you may select anything you like to take below.” She looks at me and nods enthusiastically, excitement clearly shining in her eyes. I pull the doors shut behind me, making sure no humans are within her range.

Taking to the sky the moment I am out of doors, I hear a soft gasp from Sookie, pausing to make sure she is still safe. Sensing her still inside the library but paused by the door, I quickly dispatch the soldiers looking for entry into my abode. They have a siege weapon and will soon breach the gates at the end of the bridge. I will have to destroy it this night. Destroying the evidence of the small unit at my gates and their machines, I release their horses into a local pasture, feeding on those I killed to sate one of my hungers. Once convinced we would not be disturbed, I return to the house, clean myself and bring a lovely brass candelabra into the library where she already has a small stack ready.

“I bring forth light, my lady,” I announce in a grand voice, being rewarded by her bubbling laughter.

“This library is exquisite, thank you for this.” She was off, grabbing more books as she talked, now that candles lit the room. The way the light reflected off her warmed in a way I could not describe.

“You are welcome to all things in my home my Sookie. Once I go to rest at dawn, I lock the door to our lair for safety. It is not meant to keep you captured, merely to keep us safe while I cannot look after us.” Her eyes tell me she does not believe me.

“Why must you be away during the day? May I use your room while you are gone?” What will I tell her? I sigh before answering in the best way I am able. “The malady I spoke about, it also affects me when I sleep. I must remain indoors during the day. The sun makes me, lethargic; it is why I am up at such late hours.”

“I knew I heard you in your room,” she whispers under her breath. No human should have heard her so I do not respond. Her eyes are full of mistrust but I say nothing more. I do not wish to lie to her.

“I shall carry all your books down when you are ready.” She freezes, blowing out the candles.

“Someone’s coming,” she whispers. I still and listen, hearing a single heartbeat near the front doors. I will have to destroy the bridge tonight with the swiftness this spy found his way in.

“Stay here,” I whisper, before running out of the room at vampire speed to intercept the spy or scout. I dispatch him quickly and return to Sookie to escort her to her room with her books. She eyes me skeptically as we go. By the time I am done destroying my bridge and any evidence the scout had, it is almost dawn and Sookie is sleeping when I return. I leave her a note and bar the exit, leaving her room open so she may take advantage of any of the stores we have. I do not wish for her to believe she is my captive; I long to have her by my side. I bolt myself into my room and go into my day rest contemplating Sookie. I did not ask her how she heard the spy before I did. Her human ears could not have picked up any sounds he made as mine did not. His heartbeat is what gave him away. She seems to distrust me even more now than she did before. Showing her my library was meant to gain her trust and comfort with me. It seems to have done the opposite. I am fraught with worry as I go to my rest.

I wake feeling rested and wonderful, just lying in bed and thinking about my day yesterday. Erik has given me access to everything, only I can’t go up during the day. I almost slipped up and told him of my ability but I decided to keep it secret a bit longer. I know he is hiding something from me and because of it, I am unable to trust him the way I long to. Why will he not just tell me what he is? I pour a bath once the water is hot and wash myself, drying my hair and putting on another lovely, simpler gown that I can fasten myself. It reminds me of something from the Orient. I listen for any human minds outside and quickly pop myself up to the library. I discovered I could do this a few years ago but I have kept it to myself. This library is just as beautiful in the day as I thought it would be. Keeping my mind open for any sign of danger, I explore the upper levels of the castle. It is truly beautiful. There is a small, blue pond set off the window of the library. I find a lovely robe in my favorite shade of blue in a room that looks like it was made for me and slip it on to take off the chill of the unused stone house. I can’t risk starting a fire as the smoke will surely attract unwanted attention.

I explore the library more thoroughly and find a secret passage to a smaller library that contains even older books. The place on the wall almost felt warm when my hand ran over it, as if it called to me. I selected a tome about mythical creatures; it gave me the same feeling as the wall. There were several sections more worn than others. I had never heard of fae but I have heard of werewolves, vampires, and witches. My grandmother told me my grandfather was an angel and that there were other things in the world besides us. Curling up in a large chair, in the sunshine, I begin to read, imagining what it would be like here to spend the evening, curled up in this chair with a fire roaring in the hearth.

I must doze off because when I awaken, the sun is low on the horizon and I pop myself back to my room so that he will not know I left. I can tell when he awakens, just minutes after I am back. We walk the grounds at night, after he checks the perimeter for soldiers. His land is quite lovely and I wish we could explore it during the day. He tells me of news from the village and of the new ruler who killed the previous Earl. I do not question how he knows because I feel him move much too quickly to be human. It feels at times, as if he is flying, almost like the nights he was above my roof. This pattern goes on for about a week, with him still hiding something from me. At times, it’s almost like he wants to tell me but then he closes himself off and becomes cold. How I wish I could trust him to reveal myself fully but if he does not trust me, I cannot be foolish.

The whole time I have been reading all I can on mythical creatures. So many things I read strike me as describing my knight but I try to keep them from my mind. His odd malady pertaining to food and sunlight resembles the way this book describes vampires. The temperature of his skin and his uncanny speed all point to his being nonhuman but he is so gentle with me. Vampires are described as blood thirsty and ruthless yet he is the opposite with me. Truthfully, humans are every bit as much the description of vampires aside from the aversion to sunlight and reliance on blood. I cannot believe it of him although, I can hear people’s thoughts so there is really no limit to what could be. The fact that his mind is a void to me tells me he is something other than human; how I wish he would open up to me.

One morning, as I rise, I feel humans within range, fully intent on using a catapult to destroy the gates. They have constructed rope bridges to fire over once the gates are open. I dress and begin to pace. Erik always locks his door during the day from the inside of his room. I have never popped into his room out of respect for him but I am terrified. As the troops draw closer, I wait outside his door, counting the minutes until he awakens, having memorized the time now.

“Erik,” I whisper, the moment I feel him rise; his door opens instantly, much too fast for a normal man. He stands before me completely naked and it takes my breath away before my brain remembers why I’m standing outside his door. His smirk tells me he noticed the way I am looking at him. “They are surrounding the bridge, they have rope ladders to be shot over when they open the gates.” The smile disappears from his face. I’m shaking and he pulls me into his arms, kissing my head.

“You will be safe my Sookie, fear not, I will protect you.” I’m on his bed and he’s dressed in light armor with a huge sword behind his back before I realize I am sitting. He kneels before me, taking my chin in his hand. “Stay in here and bar the door until I return. It is the safest room in the house. I will come back for you.” There are more of them now and they have archers lined up. Many of the soldiers believe he is a demon; I can see in their minds vision of a demon who eats men and steals their souls. I fear for his safety. I do something rash in that moment, pulling his face to mine and kissing him on the lips. He moans and deepens our kiss as my lips part for him, allowing him entrance. He pulls away so I can breathe.

“Come back to me Erik,” I whisper. His eyes flare a deep blue before he is gone and the doors upstairs are locked as he exits. I follow his mind the whole time and somehow, I feel his rage build as I feel many human minds go out. I know he has killed many men but I also know they would not have hesitated to kill us. It is why they are here. He kills almost all of them as I hear a small contingent of archers flank him. I gasp and pop to the library only to see them shoot him with at least six arrows in the back. He kills them all but more archers close around him. They have him backed to the edge before the last one falls just as he sets his arrow lose. It hits its mark as Erik falls over the edge of the moat, roaring in anger. Tears are streaming down my face; I can’t lose him too. I concentrate all I am on his void, it is waning, and pop to him, wrapping my arms around his head. He is lain out, strewn across the rocks at the bottom. His bones are broken at terrible angles and he is covered in blood with arrows protruding from him. No human man will survive this.

“Sookie,” he says, struggling to speak, “silver…you must go.” He passes out, his head falling against me. He has fangs! I knew it! I was not hallucinating the night he rescued me. I can still sense that he lives, but just barely. His void is becoming smaller. What will happen to him when the sun rises? The book says he will burn. If I do nothing, he will die. I cannot lose him too even if it means revealing myself.

To Be Continued…