Fighting Against Fate
Chapter 4:

~Eric~

"Come brother, let's go see what room you have arranged for us," Ian said as he slapped me on the back.

I shook my head and we proceeded through the doors that Sookie had just walked through. I was sure I would find out which room she was staying in and 

I hoped it was close to mine.

We walked up to a counter and there was a young man behind the large courtesy booth. As we approached him, he was looking with lustful eyes down the hallway to his right. I was starting to get annoyed with the man and I cleared my throat to get his attention.

"What a sweet piece…" he was saying under his breath, ignoring my attempt to get his attention. I was glaring a hole into his head when my brother nudged my shoulder, cocking his head towards the direction this man was looking.

I turned my head and realized he was looking at Sookie. My nostrils flared with anger and without a second thought, I grabbed the man's jacket.

"Do you mind not staring at her and helping us?" I said between clenched teeth. I felt my brother place a hand on my shoulder, trying to calm me. I released his jacket and noticed his name was Andre. I would remember that name.

"Yes sir. I meant no disrespect. It is unusual for a young woman to be traveling alone, and there are two of them," he said, looking at his clipboard in a frantic attempt to give me the information I requested and move me along.

"Do you make a habit of telling others information about guests Andre? You know… you should keep that to yourself," I warned him, wanting nothing more than to slam his head on his desk.

He looked at me and met my eyes. "Only the beautiful ones," he replied, smirking. I was about to end the man's life when Ian finally spoke up.

"Just give us the information," he said coldly, yet his face was on the verge of laughing. Andre handed him a paper listing the activities we could participate in during the day along with our room number.

"This isn't over," I said to Andre before turning in the direction of our room. Ian was still holding back a laugh while we turned down the corridor to the stateroom suite I had reserved for the two of us.

When I was traveling, I did it in style - only the best at all cost. When I booked the room, I requested to have a butler to accompany it. I opened the door and there stood a dark haired man, whose complexion was pale white; it looked like he had never seen the light of day.

"Good afternoon Mr. Northman," he said, bowing to me then turning to my brother, "Mr. Northman," he repeated for Ian's benefit I was sure.

"You may call me Ian," he said, walking over and shaking his hand. My brother always hated being called what our father was; he wanted nothing more than to be the complete opposite of him – laid back and carefree – while I chose to be an image of him, all business with nothing slacking. Our tastes were defiantly different for sure.

"Bill Compton," the butler answered, taking the jacket I was offering him and Ian's likewise.

"You were real slick downstairs I would say bro. Way to stay undercover with the locals," Ian stated, pouring himself a drink and sitting on the couch. I pulled out a cigarette and, without asking,Bill came over and lit it for me.

"Thank you," I said, taking a draw, relishing the taste. I only bought a brand from Russia - the ones that have a hint of mint in them. I find they are more 

agreeable, not only for me, but for the opposite sex.

"I don't know what you are talking about Ian. I was merely telling Andre that his behavior is uncanny." Especially toward her, I added in my head.

"You did, and you also wanted to cause him pain, though I would have liked to be included in that. I don't think it is wise that you act this way. You need to remember she doesn't know who you are, other than you just met her. I suggest you cool it for a while. We have three weeks on this damn ship and you need to pace yourself," he said, directing Bill to pour him another drink.

"I can't help it. I have never felt this before and it is unsettling," I confided in him, wishing he would understand.

"I know, I have never seen you this way. And you have only met her. If I were you, I wouldn't go near her again. If you form a relationship with her here, what are you going to do when the ship docks and the wedding is only one week away?"

I plopped down on the chair across from him, and closed my eyes. It was turning out to be a fuck fest. I wanted to get to know her so badly yet I knew I should keep my distance. At the moment, I believed I would marry her when we got to New England - no problem there. But I needed to build trust with her. Who was I kidding… not telling her who I am wasn't helping any. Maybe this whole situation was doomed to failure.

"Maybe you are right with that. Being around her will only make it harder to confess who I am to her. Maybe I should keep my distance." I started to sulk in my chair. It almost felt like I am whining about it. I'm a grown man for Christ sake!

"Stop sulking Eric; it doesn't become you. You can just chat with her, but don't let her get attached to you. That could be bad for both of you," Ian told me, walking into his room and shutting the door.

"I'm not sulking," I muttered to myself.

I put my head in my hands and let out a gust of air. Why can't this be easy? Damn Niall and his ways; I should have fought harder against his standards and told him I needed to tell her about who I am. Lying to her would get me nowhere that was for sure. One thing was clear: I couldn't stay away from her. Now that I talked to her and saw her, I was aching with need to see her again, to touch her.

"Sir, is there anything else you require." The butler interrupted my thoughts.

I snapped my head up and glared at him. "I require nothing until I ask it of you. I will be in my room. Not to be disturbed."

He nodded and made himself scarce.

I walked into my room and shut and locked the door behind me. All I could think about was her - how perfect she looked in the sunlight, the way her skin looked when she blushed, her eyes…the most beautiful I have ever encountered. Man I have it bad.

I laid on the bed, determined to sleep before going out anywhere. She was everything I had built up in my mind and more. I grabbed the pillow on the other side.

All I wanted was for her to be next to me then. Damn it all. I need her so bad; I can't go three weeks waiting and another when we get there. I have to tell her before the ship lands, but how to do it in a way to where she isn't offended by it… Maybe when I'm sure of her affection for me, I will tell her.

I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew, I heard an impatient knock at the door. I begrudgingly got off the bed and opened the door.

"Dinner time man. Damn you have been in there for the past four hours. Get changed so we can go," Ian snapped at me before closing the door behind him.

I didn't realize I had slept for that long. I went to the closet and picked out a new suit to wear to dinner. That's when it hit me; I could see Sookie again tonight. I pulled off my old clothes and replaced them with clean ones. 

Walking out into the living area after I put my shoes on, I noticed Ian was looking rather impatient.

"Starving," he said as he opened the front door; I followed him out into the hallway.

We walked to the main dining area and I glanced around looking for Sookie, hoping she was getting there at the same time so I could escort her in.I didn't notice her, but I did notice my brother making a B-line for a couple standing my one of the large white pillars. When I approached, he turned and introduced me.

"This is my brother, Eric Northman. Eric, this is Samuel and Claudine Merlotte," he said and I nodded to them both.

"It is nice to meet you Mr. Northman. Your brother Ian has told us much about you," the young woman commented, tucking her hand in her husband's arm.

"I am pleased to meet you as well," I said in all kindness. Many think it is a strange thing that I prefer to be called by my formal name among friends. The only ones I allow use my first name are my family; never have I answered to someone calling my name. I guess I get that from my father.

"Shall we go to dinner?" Sam spoke up and led his wife to the dining hall. We were seated together at a table for four. This will not do. I will have to have them add another chair so Sookie will sit with me.I had every intention to walk over to her once I saw her through the windows overlooking the entrance. No woman of mine would be eating alone, or worse - with strangers.

"Mr. Northman, what is it you do?" the woman beside me asked and I looked at her with a sense of loathing. I had no desire to speak to this woman, as appealing as she might have been. My woman was due for dinner and I wouldn't miss the opportunity.

"I own many businesses around France and also two in Sweden," I answered, looking at her when I replied. I am, if anything, civil.

That was when I saw her. She was still wearing the green dress from earlier and was now accompanied by another young woman who was pretty in her own way, but not like Sookie. Sookie could have been a goddess from what I saw across the room. I was about to stand up and go to her, hoping that she and her friend would join our little party.

If we couldn't be moved to another table, I would be happy to join her and her friend alone. When I pushed my seat back, I saw two men walking over to her and I felt the blood in my veins starting to boil. I gripped my chair to steady myself. I wanted nothing more than to rip her from their sights and bring her to my side. By all rights she was mine, not theirs. She was marrying me, not them. I watched as she smiled at the young man in front of her and accepted his arm, looking a bit uncomfortable. Good, I thought.

They walked over, and after sitting he continued to speak to her; she started to blush. Oh the gods must hate me.Seeing her react to him in that way, I wanted to rip something apart and wreak havoc on the entire ship. There was no way I could go the entire trip and not tell her who I was. I wanted everyone there to know she was mine and would be mine. He touched her arm and I almost threw my chair back. The only thing that stopped me was her gaze when it locked with mine. She looked saddened and it made me wonder if I had done something to upset her. I had only seen her the one time that afternoon on the deck of the ship. Surely it was nothing I had done.

The young man stood and held out his hand for her; she accepted it.

"Eric what has gotten into you?" Ian leaned over and whispered into my ear. I turned my icy glare to him and he jerked his head in her direction,toward the dance floor.

"Oh…" was all he said, seeming to understand why I was upset. The woman at the table was talking to me the whole time, but I didn't hear a word of her incessant babbling. I stood when Sookie looked at me once more and made my way across the hall to where she was dancing. Her eyes looked fearful and I realized that my expression was one of anger, not kindness. I quickly changed it when I was next to her.

"May I cut in and dance with Miss. Stackhouse?" I asked politely, refraining from breaking his arm.

The man looked to her for a moment and she nodded, clearly letting him know that she didn't mind dancing with me. That was good to know.

I took her into my arms and started moving her in a slow graceful way. I pulled her closer to my chest with every move, resisting the urge to pull her all the way to me. I knew it was improper to do so, especially with all of the people around. She was close enough to where she rested her cheek slightly on my chest and I couldn't help but sigh into her hair. She seemed content by this; I could tell by the way she allowed a small smile to creep onto her face. I didn't pull back as I should have; I was getting too much enjoyment having her in my arms. But I needed to let her know what I thought of her little performance with that man - it was not acceptable.

"I thought you were not here with a man Miss. Stackhouse," I said roughly in her ear, trying to keep my anger to a minimum. I failed when I remembered the way she looked in his arms.

She leaned back from my chest, but not too far and asked: "What would make you think I am here with one?"

I raised an eyebrow at her. His touching and dancing with her, well that would make me think she was. "You look very comfortable talking to the men at your table. If you weren't with them, you would be sitting alone," I answered her truthfully, letting her see the error of her ways. I was her future husband and knowing that was how she acted when she was alone made me think twice.

"They asked to escort us in and have been nothing but gentlemen; I can assure you," she snapped at me. I clearly hit a nerve with her.

"If you needed an escort, I would have been happy to have dinner with you Miss Stackhouse," I said, pulling her luscious body closer to mine. I allowed my fingers to mold to her skin and her eyes fluttered from the contact.

"You didn't give me the chance Mr. Northman; you left rather abruptly when we met."

I noticed her face fell slightly when she spoke. I instantly chastised myself for leaving her that way; I didn't mean to hurt her with my actions.

"You will have to excuse me. My younger brother was waiting for me and was not very patient," I explained and could tell she understood.

"There is nothing to excuse. You are here with family; I wouldn't want to cloud their time with you," she replied and I felt my stomach clinch. If she only knew she was my family as well, or at least will is the only one I want to spend my time with for the next three weeks.

"I would much rather spend the time with you," I whispered in Sookie's ear while leaning closer to her.

"That is very sweet of you Mr. Northman," came from her perfect pink lips. I found myself wondering if I should be happy with that statement or concerned. If I was a man with a wife to be and she acted this way with strangers, who's to say she wouldn't act that way once we are married. Granted, I should tell her about me, but I wanted to study her a bit more before I decided anything drastic.

"You have only to ask Ms. Stackhouse. If you are not otherwise engaged, I would like to escort you to dinner tomorrow evening," I said as the dance concluded. I reluctantly started to walk her back to the table when I noticed the waiter had brought out her food. I stopped halfway when I caught sight of the men at the table. I didn't want to take her back and have her eat at their table. I wanted to spend more time with her tonight; maybe she isn't going straight to her room and I would be able to speak with her some more, I thought.

"Are you retiring for the evening after dinner or are you going to explore the ship?" I inquired of her.

"I believe I was going to look at the stars from the upper deck; I wanted to see the moonlight tonight. I have been told the beauty of it rising over the water line is incomparable." Her answer couldn't have been more perfect. She is a hopeless romantic that was for sure and I found myself thinking of all sorts of things she would enjoy. If she liked that type of thing…her enjoyment of the simple things in life, the ones I believed to be the finest at times, was endearing and would provide us with many fine dates in the future.

"Then I hope you enjoy your evening," I said as a smile played at my lips and I walked her the short distance to the table. I seated her in the chair and turned to leave, but she cleared her throat, causing me to instantly turn to give her my attention.

"Thank you for the dance Mr. Northman," my angel said with a smile; a blush flooded her cheeks.

I smiled back and nodded, continuing the path back to my table.

My brother had his lips curled into a smirk when I sat in my chair and started on my meal. At least he had enough sense to keep his mouth shut in front of the company. I don't like anyone to know my business.

After our plates were cleared, I looked around the room and didn't see Sookie. I was upset since I was hoping I could have escorted her to the upper levels to see the stars she wanted to admire. I excused myself from the table and Ian raised an eyebrow. I ignored him and said good evening to his new friends.

As I walked through the doors and rounded the corner, I saw Sookie standing there all alone and the man she was dancing with earlier walked briskly past me. It seems something rubbed him the wrong way. I stepped behind her and thought it better to let her know I was hererather than surprise her; I wouldn't 

want to scare her off.

"Miss Stackhouse, you are alone?" I called out to her softly and I saw her shoulders tense slightly. I hoped it was because of her surprise and not distaste.

"Yes I am," she answered softly, looking out over the water to the moon rising over the horizon. Her hair was glowing from the moon's reflection over the water. I walked towards her, noticing when she didn't turn to meet my eyes. Perhaps she was nervous. I was beside her and couldn't help but stare at the beauty before me.

"It is a beautiful sight is it not?" she asked me, referring to the view before her, but I wasn't looking at the same thing.

"Yes, it is," I crooned to her. She must have realized I meant her because she blushed scarlet all over her soft skin.

"I love that color on you," I whispered, taking a step closer and resting my arm next to hers on the railing. I didn't move because I felt a shock crawl through my body from her touch. She was truly special, causing so many reactions in me. With our arms leaning against one another, I reached over with my free hand and softly grazed the skin on her arm, causing goose bumps to form along her smooth skin. She pulled back from my touch and I realized I was too forward with her. She was making me so comfortable with her already; I was thinking we were together like we should be.

"I am sorry for startling you; that wasn't my intent," I said, turning my back to the railing and leaning against it. I pulled out a silver pocket case and flipped it open, revealing cigarettes. I took one out, lit it, and sucked in the intoxicating flavor. Ah, just what I needed to calm my nerves.

"Just what is your intent Mr. Northman?" she asked me, walking back to my side, but with enough space between us.

"I am curious to get to know you," I said, taking another draw from my cigarette.

"I am not sure that is a good idea Mr. Northman," she told me while shivering slightly. It was staring to get colder out.

"Please call me Eric," I said, shrugging my jacket off and placing it over her shoulders carefully. I was rewarded by seeing her slip her arms through the sleeves and take in a deep breath. I smiled at her and her cheeks flooded pink again.

"Now tell me the reason I cannot associate with you. Is your reputation ruined?" I asked, holding back a chuckle.

"Eric, I am to be married in a month's time. Why would you want to waste your time with me knowing that nothing would become of it?"

Hearing her say that she was going to marry me made my heart stop. I was hoping she wasn't hiding from the fact she would be my wife; any woman would be thrilled. But with her, I wassecond guessing myself all the time. It also made me feel guilty knowing that I was keeping a secret from her, but it was for her own benefit I conceded.

"I see… does that mean we cannot be friends? I would like to get to know you seeing as we are on this ship for three weeks," I answered, giving her a weak smile. I hoped she would want to, even though from her standpoint she shouldn't.

"I don't think that is a good idea," she said under her breath and started to walk away.

Without thinking, I suddenly grabbed her arm and she froze. "Why are you walking away?"

"I don't think it is a good idea being out here alone with you."

I looked at her incredulously and snorted. "Well that is a pathetic answer. I saw you alone with that other man. My presence shouldn't be too hard to bear."

I saw heat rise to her cheeks and she instantly became irate. "Who do you think you are - following me around?"

"I was worried about your safety and you said you would be outside, so I came to find you," I said, returning her glare.

"Well you listen here buddy. That man walked me out here to be kind. He left because I wouldn't let him touch me and you can be damn sure you are going to get the same treatment. So you can stop following me around because nothing is going to happen between us. That I am for sure of," she all but screamed at me during her rant.

I saw two shipmates come over to survey the scene and I nodded to them and quickly turned my attention back to Sookie. "What do you mean he tried to touch you?" I whispered icily.

"He tried to, but I avoided it, then he left when he noticed my rejection."

I will kill him was all I could think. How dare he try to touch what is mine. If she weren't by me in that moment, I would have searched the ship for him to throw him overboard. She looked confused for a second and I realized it was because I didn't have any right to be so upset; she didn't know the truth.

The next thing I knew I felt her small hand tucking a strand of my shoulder-length hair behind my ear, allowing her hand to linger.

Immediately, my eyes bore into hers; there was so much softness and tenderness from her. I could not believe what a lucky man I would be. And before she could pull back, I touched her hand with mine and held it to my cheek, moving my head in her hand.

"I really should be going back to my room Eric."

I pulled back and gave her a smile. "Yes, I think perhaps that is best." 

Otherwise I wasn't going to control myself. Her touch ignited something in me and I wanted more. But it would have to wait. I touched her arm again, only this time she didn't tense under it. I was happy she was getting comfortable.

"May I escort you Miss Stackhouse?"

"No, that won't be necessary. Oh and please call me Sookie," she responded, giving me a small smile.

"Have a good night then, Sookie. Sweet dreams," I whispered to her, flicking my cigarette overboard.

"Good night Eric."

She walked away, still wearing my jacket. I was looking forward to the next day; she couldn't ignore me if she wanted to. I needed my coat back and I would get it back sooner rather than later.