Baile Siochanta (Southern Vampire Mysteries)

Chapter 55 - All Good Things

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Sookie stood within his embrace just breathing. He was solid under her cheek, his arms around her as she'd imagined them so many times these past months. Eyes closed, she turned her head enough to kiss his chest. It was perfect, he was perfect. "Eric," she whispered again.

His arms squeezed her closer, but there was something. When Sookie's heart calmed, she pulled back to search his eyes. "What is it?"

He didn't reply and Sookie threaded her fingers through his. "It doesn't matter," she told him. "We'll figure this out together, Eric. Come inside. Let me show you our new home."

"Home," he said aloud, and Sookie smiled just for him.

"You bet, Mr. Northman. When I found this place, I just knew. Our bedroom still needs a bed, but there's a deck out back big enough for take-offs any time you want to go flying. We have our privacy here. There's the house out front where I can run my business, and then there's this place. It's strong, Eric, stone walls. Nothing's going to hurt us if we're in here!"

"Pam says you looked for me." Sookie stopped her tugging to glance up.

"Of course," Sookie answered. "I'll always look for you. Do you remember what you told me? We're fated." Pushing him until he sat on the couch, she smiled shyly, running back to close the front door. She locked it, gave him another flirty look, but Eric didn't smirk back. He watched her, his eyes wary.

It caused Sookie's steps to slow just a bit, but she pasted her smile back in place, settling herself next to him, tucking her legs in. She sighed again as she touched him, pulling his arm to come around her. "I've dreamed of this," she sighed.

His arm tightened, "So have I," he replied, and she shivered as she felt his lips touch her hair. They were facing the fire and Sookie shifted to cuddle closer. She stroked his hand, quieting her thoughts, just being in the moment.

"There are things I should tell you," Eric said.

"There's nothing you could tell me that would change how I feel about you," Sookie told him.

He moved her, bringing her closer, arranging her so he could hold one of her hands between his, his long fingers encasing hers. "You don't know that. Sookie, I've done things..."

"Nothing that matters," she said quickly him, and turning her head, leaned forward just enough to press her lips against his. She shifted to her knees, looking everywhere but his eyes, using her fingers to stroke his hair and then his cheek. "You were stolen from me, Eric, and now you're returned. We're together, that's all that matters."

"I fucked others," he said, and his chin lifted just a little. "Many others, Sookie. I broke my promise to you, many times."

"I understand," Sookie told him. It was something she'd suspected. It still stung, but seeing how it troubled Eric, she found she had it within herself to forgive. "Do you need to keep doing it?"

"You broke with Breandan for less than I've done," he pressed.

"You're not Breandan," Sookie answered. "You are Eric Northman. You are honorable and kind. You are my warrior poet, and you telling me confirms every good thing I know about you. You did what you needed to do to survive, husband, and now you've returned to me."