Charlaine Harris owns almost everything. I own the rest.
This would’ve been a mess without Meridian’s help. Honestly, I’m so grateful for every little bit I can get! 🙂 Padore, I hope you like the ending! I couldn’t have gotten here without you!
Most of my replies to reviews will be delayed. I’m going to a friend’s wedding in Tucson this weekend, and I won’t be taking my computer with me. See you Tuesday!
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Epilogue
Sookie’s POV
Sookie closed her eyes and let the warm water from the showerhead run over her cool skin. It had been four nights since they came back through the portal. The first two, she had no memory of, and then she woke to her new life.
Eric had been right there with her, helping her figure things out. He remained by her side, never leaving her, not even for a second, explaining things, guiding her through the changes in her body, and teaching her how to control her new strength.
She laughed as she thought of the first time she tried to get dressed. While stepping into her jeans, she accidentally ripped them in half. Eric promised to take her shopping to replace them, which was good because she didn’t have enough clothes as it was.
She spent countless hours in front of the mirror, trying to speak without lisping through her fangs, which, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t control. They were out all the time. Pam told her she had a case of perma-fang, which was common with baby vamps.
There were still a few things she struggled to master, but by and large, it was better than anything she could’ve imagined. When they woke that night, Eric left her to shower alone while he procured her evening meal from the hospital blood bank.
Her perma-fang made her uncomfortable feeding from a human, no matter how willing they might be. She also couldn’t bring herself to go home just yet. What if she lost control and killed her gran or brother? She would never forgive herself. Luckily, Eric and Pam didn’t have any problem with her extending her ‘vacation’ a while longer.
Eventually, she turned the water off, touching the sparkling knobs gently, unlike the previous night when she’d ripped them off the wall. She brushed her hair and pulled it into a ponytail and then got dressed.
A conversation drifted down the hall, and as Sookie paused to listen, she realized Niall was in the house. Her fangs jabbed at her lips at the thought even though she couldn’t smell him. After their return through the portal, the scent of fairy blood clung to Eric’s clothes, only spurring her hunger during her transformation.
“How much longer will it be?” Eric said, his voice soothing her and filling her with happiness through the bond.
“Next week. I gave a deadline,” Niall said.
Pam clicked her tongue. “Are any staying?”
“I’m not certain. Claude may stay; he’s rather attached to your realm. But Claudine and Claudette will return to Faery with me.” Niall paused. “I wanted to let you both know how much I have appreciated your alliance over the years. Without your help, I doubt I would’ve won either war.”
So that’s why he’s here, to thank Eric. Sookie smiled and walked into the kitchen.
Eric opened his arms to her, wrapping them around her body and pulling her against his chest. “Lover, we were just discussing—”
“The war. I heard.” Sookie leaned her head against Eric’s chest.
“Pam, please warm up her dinner,” Eric said, and Pam opened the fridge and pulled out a few units of blood.
Niall moved toward Sookie, reaching out to her before seeing her fangs and pulling away. “My dear heart, how have you been?”
“It’s been interesting.” She laughed. Pam handed her a large mug of warm blood and she drank. She moaned as the blood coated her throat. Niall recoiled, taking a step away. “Thank you,” she said to Pam, finally.
Pam smiled.
“So, what happened, you know, after…”
“You died?” Pam added.
“Yeah.” Eric had been so busy educating her, the war hadn’t come up, until now. Sookie looked at each of their faces, but it was Niall who spoke first.
“There were casualties on both sides.”
“Mostly their side,” Pam said, interrupting him.
“Is Dermot okay? Breandan stabbed him.” Her eyes went wide as she remembered that detail.
“He stabbed him with the blade he used on me,” Eric said, “so his wound healed almost immediately.”
“I don’t know why you think Dermot is such a bad guy, he’s been nothing but sweet to me.”
“Breandan sent him to kill you,” Niall started. “The night he visited you and dropped his knife? He was on a mission. He explained it all to me.”
“So why didn’t he?” She tilted her head.
“You disarmed him. I’m not sure if you know this, but being around our kind comforts fairies, it feeds us, emotionally. He said you cried and shared your sorrow.”
“I thought he was my brother. I was just venting a little, you know?”
Niall nodded. “And then you kissed him.”
Eric’s arms tensed around her, so she said, “On the cheek.”
“One kiss is all it took to break the spell Breandan had him under. Dermot had been under his control for centuries! I was so angry at Dermot I never even bothered to look too closely at why he sided with my enemy.”
“So everything is good now, between you two?” Sookie asked, hopefully.
Niall smiled. “Yes. I have my son back.”
“Good.”
Niall’s smile fell. “We lost Kaelyn and Teagan.” He shook his head. “They were both very important females for breeding.”
Sookie grimaced and was glad she wouldn’t ever be treated like livestock. “I’m sorry for your loss.” She cleared her throat. “Hey, did you ever figure out how Breandan knew I was here?”
Pam looked at the ground. “Naomhan, Breandan’s second in command confessed that he had enchanted a human, extracting information from her.”
“A human? I thought Breandan hated humans.”
“He hated hybrids,” Niall corrected.
“It was Marie,” Pam whispered.
“Your Marie?” Sookie frowned and Eric’s arms tightened around her.
Pam nodded. “I invited her here over and over again thinking nothing of it.” She sighed, her shoulders slumping. “Apparently my glamours didn’t work on her since she was under a fairy spell.” She looked at Eric briefly before looking down again.
“She’s a victim, just like Dermot!” Sookie took Pam’s hand in hers. “How would you have known?”
“I don’t know, but I should’ve. She asked questions. Too many questions. I should’ve known she was a spy. She told them everything.” Pam pulled away.
“No, Fintan told them about Sookie before he … went to the Summerlands,” Eric added.
Sookie whirled in his arms. “How do you know that?”
“Neave and Lochlan conveyed the story of how they dispatched him. Piece by piece, getting every last detail out of him about his human family.” Eric’s eyes flickered to Niall’s.
“Fintan forced me to stay away because he didn’t want Breandan to know about any of you, but as soon as they tortured the information out of him, your parents paid the price, as you know.” Niall shook his head sadly.
Sookie frowned. “But that was years ago, why would they wait so long to come after me?”
“Time passes differently in Faery. Whenever I enter your realm, a tremendous amount of time has gone by here. From our side, it’s difficult to see what’s happening because your world is a blur of activity. Breandan most likely used that time to gather his allies to attack. First, he sent Dermot, but when he didn’t return, he sent Murry. News of Murry’s death spread quickly. You have quite a reputation in Faery.”
Sookie struggled to respond. Should she be proud or horrified to be branded a fairy killer?
“She killed Neave too,” Pam interjected.
Sookie’s stomach churned as she remembered the incestuous coitus she’d interrupted.
“And Breandan,” Eric added.
“Yes.” Niall nodded. “And you paid heavily for your bravery, which is why I’ve decided to seal Faery.”
Sookie frowned. She could count her family members on one hand, and now he was saying he wasn’t going to be around either. “But that’s what Breandan wanted, can’t we just—”
Niall took her hand in his and squeezed it. “No. I fought his idea because I selfishly wanted to form a relationship with you, but I’ve done nothing but bring misery to your life. That ends now. Breandan still has supporters in Faery, so I will keep the portals closed until I can be sure there are no more threats to you or any other fairy-human descendants.”
Sookie wanted to argue with him, but how could she? Since his first visit, she’d had a terrible fight with her gran, almost been killed at her home (twice), Eric had been abducted, and war broke out in Faery because of her. It wasn’t a great track record. “So this is it? I won’t get to see you again?”
He kissed her hand and shook his head. “Not for a while. It will be better for everyone here.” His eyes glistened as tears formed. “Before I go, I have a gift.” He turned Sookie’s hand over and placed two beautiful rings in her palm, one large and one small. “I don’t mean to be presumptuous. Eric explained his plans for your future and you have my blessing. His ring carries the water symbol of his ancestors, and yours represents the sky. When I open the portals again, you are both welcome to visit. These rings have been enchanted with magic and will protect you in Faery.”
The ornately carved metal bands hummed in her hand, warming her skin.
Pam chuckled. “Your wedding will be the talk of the supe world.”
Sookie smiled and fought tears as she turned to face Eric. “I guess we don’t have to wait for human rules anymore, do we?”
He shook his head and kissed her. “Nothing can keep us apart.”
“Thank you, Niall,” Sookie said, facing him. “I’m sorry to see you go.”
“Good bye for now.” He bowed and walked toward the door. “I hope you have a long and happy life. He’s a good man, and he loves you,” Niall said, nodding toward Eric.
“I know.” Sookie squeezed Eric’s hand. “I love him right back.”
The End
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I hope you enjoyed the story. Thank you for all the lovely reviews along the way. I have loved each and every one of them! I’m working hard on the next story, so keep your eyes out for it!
Thank you for a wonderful story. I love the happy ending and that they could have eternity together. I feel bad for Pam, though, even if it wasn’t Marie’s fault. Glad Dermot is okay.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Yes, I’m sad for Pam too, but she’ll find someone nice, I’m sure. 🙂 Thank you so much for reviewing!
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she made it! at least she be in Niall’s presence without going nuts – poor Pam though.
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Thank you so much for reviewing! Thank goodness for Niall’s cloaking magic, otherwise she’d get him for sure! I feel sad for Pam, but hopeful for her future with Belinda. 🙂
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Such a lovely ending and happy ending for our duo. I love that they have rings that represent their fairy clans and will be able to visit one day. Poor Pam, I feel bad for her.
I’m sad to see this story end but I can’t wait to see what your other story will be about.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed the ending! Fairy rings were a good touch, I thought… glad you agree! Pam needs hugs for sure. Good thing she’s got a supportive family, huh? Thank you so much for reviewing all along. I hope you enjoy the next story too!
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What a lovely ending!
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Thank you so much for reviewing! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
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after all that has happened, i think Nial is wise to close the portal. safer for everyone. this is a good start for Eric and Sookie. i’m pretty sure it would last. better than the original version, that’s for sure. 😉
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Aww, thanks! I’m glad I could give you an ending that made you happy! 🙂 I hope you have a great weekend. Thanks so much for reviewing!
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This is my sad-it’s-over face: 😦
This is my WHAT AN AWESOME STORY – LOVED IT face: 😀
This is my I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE NEXT STORY face: 😀
Srsly, I’ve had a blast chatting with you about this story and you did a brilliant job with it!! Can’t wait for the next one!
Hope you have a blast on your trip – you deserve a break.
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So many emotions. So many emojis! I’m glad I left you with a little bit of happy in there for the next story. I hope you’ll like it too! 🙂 I’m so grateful for your feedback about the end bits, so thank you for that again!
I think it’s going to be amazing to get away for a weekend. 🙂 I hope you have a great one too!
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I just lent an ear – any awesomeness was ALL you! ❤
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Pft! That’s what I say! Your ears are amazing! 🙂
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Thank you, gorgeous! 😀
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🙂 The rest of you matches, I’m sure…
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Awesome! Thanks for this story. I’m glad they are happy, I like that they got rings, and glad Sookie is happy to be Vampire. I can’t wait to see what you do next. 🙂
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Thank you so much for that lovely review! You’re so nice! I really loved writing this one, so I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks again!
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Thank you so much for sharing your story with us!!! It’s definitely one of my favorites!!
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Aww, thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I’m flattered it made your favorite list. 🙂 Thank you so much for reviewing!
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This has been such a wonderful trip. Thank you for taking us along for the ride through your wonderful imagination. Can’t wait for whatever’s next from you. xoxo Gaby
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Thank you so much, Gabby! You’re so kind! The next story is taking on a life of its own, which is kind of great. I love when that happens. 🙂 I hope you enjoy it too! Thank you so much for reviewing!
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An ending that makes your heart feel good, what more could a reader ever hope for. I have enjoyed this journey and am now looking forward to what you have coming next. Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us.
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Aww, thank you!! I’m so touched by your lovely review. I’m glad I could make your heart feel good, and I’m even happier that you’re eager for my new story. I’ll be working on it more and then I’ll have something to show for it! 🙂 Thanks so much for reviewing!!
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Happy endings for all except Pam…hopefully she won’t be too hard on herself and let herself open up to someone else. Love that Sookie and Eric now have an eternity together and that Dermot has his father back. Thank you for sharing and look forward to what comes next.
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Thank you so much for your lovely review! Pam will be sure to move on, you know she’s very resilient! 🙂 Happy endings always make me happy, and I’m glad they do for you too! I’ll have something to show for the new story on Friday…even if it’s just a description. The next 4 days aren’t going to be good for writing…too much traveling to do! I’ll be sure to get back on it when I get back though! Thanks again!
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Safe and happy travels.
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Thank you! I’m excited for a weekend away!!
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Thanks for the story. Enjoyed it immensely 😀
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Thank you so much for reviewing! I’m so glad you enjoyed the story! ❤
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Sorry to see this awesomeness end, but it’s a great ending. Looking forward to your next story!
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Thank you so much for the lovely review! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I’m hoping to have time to work on my new story now that I’m home from my trip!
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Thanks for a wonderful story! I loved it! I hope we can brainstorm again!
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Padore, I couldn’t have done it without you!!! I hope you enjoyed where it went and that it was everything you wanted. I’d love to brainstorm with you again. You’re very inspiring!!
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I’m sad to see this one end. It’s a wonderful story!
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I loved writing it too, but I think you’ll enjoy what I’m coming up with next. 🙂 Thanks so much for reviewing!
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Thank you for this epic story! It was great from start to finish. Can’t wait until your next story. So glad to hear you are in the midst of writing it. Looking forward to finding out what it’s about!
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Thank you so much for all your lovely reviews!! I’m glad you enjoyed it all the way through, and I hope you love the next one too! Thanks again!!
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That was a great ending, thanks for writing.
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Thank you so much for reviewing! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
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Reblogged this on Kittyinaz's Reblog Page and commented:
Perfect ending to this!!! I love how you show she has issues, but how happy she is. Thanks so much for the story!
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Thank YOU so much for reblogging and helping me reach a bigger audience! 🙂 I’m so glad you loved the ending. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me…
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It’s nothing!! You are an awesome writer, I’m just sharing a gem with everyone else!
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And I appreciate every little reblog and share. 🙂 It wouldn’t do me much good if I wrote and no one read it! 🙂
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That was a good place to end. Great job! Can’t wait for the nex one!
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Thank you so much for your lovely review! I hope to have time to write this week now that I’m home. 🙂 Hopefully, I’ll have the main page ready by Friday!
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Not going to be AH by any chance?
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Nope, not AH. I enjoy vamp Eric waaaaay too much. 🙂 It’s going to be AU though, if that makes you happy!
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I’ll give it a try. We’ll see!
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Don’t leave me now! 😉
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I just don’t get into the vamp stories as much. Occasionally one will hold my interest. Not because they’re bad, most are really good! I don’t know why, I just prefer AH stories.
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I totally understand. I love writing AH stories (original fiction), so I totally get it.
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Great time to end this story. Such a bittersweet ending though. I can’t wait for the sequel… Thank you for sharing this story with us readers!
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Thank you so much for sharing your feedback with me! I never rule out sequels, especially with characters I love so much! Thank you for reviewing, I love hearing from you!
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A beautiful and happy end to a wonderful story. With each chapter It kept building and building with excitement, angst and attention to detail. Especially Eric’s family history. Well done you.
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Aww, thank you! I’m so flattered! I thoroughly enjoyed creating a new backstory for Eric, and always try to get details right. Thank you for your lovely reviews and feedback, they are much appreciated!!!
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Lovely! I really liked the rings. As already great work! I always love your Eric and sookies, it’s great to see them not fight their feelings for one another.
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If they fight them, it’s not for very long. 😉 Thank you so much for that wonderful review! I’m so glad you enjoyed the story and all the little details I wrote in there. 🙂 I hope you love my next Eric and Sookie as well!!
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Hi. Hi.
Ive got to say that I hate reading the ending of this story. It was such a great adventure. But I most certainly love knowing that you’ve given us something to look forward to.
Definitely one to read again and again.
Luvvvvvv it.
Thankyou
YvonnA
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I am so glad you enjoyed this story! I have loved your reviews along the way. Really, knowing that you’re on the edge of your seat makes me thrilled. The new story will be out on Friday, and a new chapter every Friday until I run out! I hope you love it too!! Thanks so much for reviewing!
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So looking forward to it.
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I can’t wait to hear what you think! I’m posting a little Fangbangers Anonymous story today too as a little bonus for the launch of the new directory. Check it out! 🙂
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Thankyou for the wonderfully satisfying story. Definitely action packed towards the end. But as long as they get their HEA, its the getting there that counts. Again thankyou for the entertainment. 🙂
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I am so glad you enjoyed it! I was experimenting with plot and had quite a bit of fun creating all kinds of excitement for them! HEA are a must in my books, and I’m happy you liked this one. Thank you for reviewing and sharing the love!
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[…] Secret O Up All Night, Fangbangers […]
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Sweet ending. Always sucks that Sookie had to lose her extended family because of bigots, but I can understand Niall’s reasoning.
TY for Writing and sharing with us.
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Thank YOU for reading and reviewing! I’m glad you enjoyed the story and plot (I’m using that more these days! LOL). Sookie’s better off with Eric, and some day things will be good in Fairy again. 🙂 Thanks again!
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Good story with a nice HEA. So Breanden was still ready to kill Eric even though he was his grandchild. No family feelings at all. I’m glad Eric & Sookie are together, it’s how it’s supposed to be.
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Definitely how it’s supposed to be!! Eric and Sookie together forever. One of my favorite HEAs for them. 🙂 Yep, Breandan is a dick and couldn’t get past his hatred. Sometimes bad things happen to people who can’t let the past go. Thanks so much for reviewing!!
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Aw, so sweet! I always wondered why in SVM and TB, the story line never ever hewed toward Sookie turning vampire? I mean, yeah yeah, she likes the sun but heck, it’s fiction and if the sun is so important to her, then just write that part in! Thanks again for such a lovely tale. And ahem, an extra chapter with the wedding would be lovely too. I am a sucker for weddings 🙂
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I love a good wedding. If that’s what you’ve got a hankerin’ for, you should read Getaway. It’s got one of them in there. 😉 I love the idea of baby vamp Sookie and explore that option as often as possible. 🙂 Thanks again for reading and reviewing!
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Loved your story!! Can’t wait to read more from you…my thing stopped sending emails for new post so I’m having to go through my fav writers and follow y’all again.
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I’m so glad you loved it! I had fun writing this one. 🙂 I hate when that happens…in my e mail account, it sends all my wordpress notifications to my ‘social’ tab, so I never see them (unless I’m looking for them). It’s lame. Anyway, I’m glad you enjoy what I write. I always appreciate your reviews! 🙂
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I’m writing my 1st fic on FF * shameless plug* but writers like y’all have got me to MNtry. So far I’ve gotten good feed back. So really just saying thank you for inspiring me to try.
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I’m so glad I could play a tiny part in encouraging you to write! There’s nothing quite like it. 🙂 Good feedback is so wonderful. Good for you!!! ❤
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Just recently found your stories and LOVED this one. Such a great twist to the original story. Looking forward to reading the rest of your stories.
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I had so much fun writing this story! I’m so glad you enjoyed it, too! I would love to hear your feedback as you read through my archive of stories. It’s always nice to know what readers want and why. Helps me hone future stories! Thanks for reviewing and I hope you love them all!!
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I enjoyed this! Interesting way for them to meet and the Eric fairy twist was surprising.
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I loved writing this story and I’m so glad you enjoyed reading it. Sorry I’ve been gone for so long! Thanks for commenting! 🙂
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When things are stressful in my life, I often return to my favorite stories. I have not read Up All Night in a few years, and it did not disappoint! So, it’s 5 years to the week that you posted this final chapter. I hope are doing well and able to remain safe.
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Wow! That makes me so happy to know this is one of your favorites. I’m flattered! I’ve been keeping safe and healthy and working on many other projects. Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I’m so grateful. ❤
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Love your stories. I’ve read all of them multiple times. Hoping for new ones
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This was was a sweet story! I wish I could read more about them.
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Thank you so much for commenting! I wish I had more time to write…maybe some day! ❤
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Treated myself to a re-read of this delightful story. It’s like visiting an old dear friend.
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