Chapter Four

Dearest Sookie,

My lover and confidant~

If you are reading this, Mustapha succeeded in hiding it amongst your things where you might find it someday. Know that I needed nothing back from you, I only wished to express my love one last time.

As I write this I prepare to depart for Oklahoma, but I could not leave these words unsaid. I love you. It began the moment you walked through the door of a bar in Shreveport and only continued as I learned of your strength and kindness. You are the woman I dreamt of even before I knew what I needed: you.

I understand the anger you must have felt that last night you were summoned to Fangtasia. Know that it was not what I would have chosen. I realize you never truly understood the bond between a maker and child, but I could not disobey no matter how much I wanted our lives to be otherwise. There was so much of the world I wanted to show you.

There is much I should have explained to you, but I wished to spare you the pain if I could. In the end, I could not, and I regret that I was not as open as I might have been. But know you are the only wife I ever wanted. It wasn’t only for your protection, I wanted you to stand by my side as my equal.

The events of the months that we spent together are inscribed on my heart and will soothe me in my captivity. There is not much I take with me, but know that the memories I share with you are all I need. I gave an extra hundred years to see you safe. To know that you will live and love and continue to learn; you will marry and bear children who will share your love of the sun; you will grow old and your memory of me will pass like so many sunsets.

I told you once of my human wife Aude, but I never told you that during my amnesia the time I spent in your house reminded me of everything that I lost so very long ago. I cannot change who I am, there are too many who depend upon me, but if there were a way I would gladly give you all that you desired. I would give you the children you long for. I would stand by your side as we watched them grow. We would give them a life filled with joy. I would watch as they grew to embody everything that I found so stunning in you. But these are only words whispered into the evening and blown on the wind; a kiss to say goodbye my dearest love.

There are plans being set in motion and know that if I succeed I will do everything in my power to protect you. You will never suffer another vampire using you for their own ends. Know that even if I do not, I will die with your name on my lips. Know that I will take as many of them with me as possible. It is the only way I know to truly ensure your safety. You will have your freedom, as I will have mine.

Forever yours,

Eric

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