'Innocent' was a word I never thought I'd associate with Eric.
Sookie's call into the bar had been a welcome break from routine. Fangtasia was a bit dull tonight, and something interesting always happened whenever my telepathic friend was involved. It was worth the trouble that never failed to accompany her, just for the entertainment value alone. It was hilarious to see Eric, all-powerful Nordic warrior and minor deity in the eyes of the vermin, laid low by a twenty-something barmaid. Sookie's visits always provided me with material for weeks.
I'd advised him on the belt. It was leather and studded with gold grommets. Positively barbaric. If he got lucky, he could use it to tie her up. Eric scowled at me when I'd suggested that, though I've always believed accessories should be both useful and attractive. My extensive collection of stiletto pumps, for instance, had come in handy on more than one occasion. A sharp heel makes a good weapon in a pinch, and I'd used mine to relieve certain unfortunate assailants of superfluous eyes and testicles. (You only really need one of each, and none at all once you've pissed me off.)
Eric had been mooning over Sookie for months now. He hid it well, but I was his child. I could tell. It was really very sweet, although unbecoming of a vampire of his age and stature. I couldn't fathom what he saw in the girl at first; after all, she was a mere human. But as we became more closely acquainted, I started to see what all the fuss was about. Not only did she smell delicious and taste even better (she would have been perfect had it not been for that little drop of poison) but she had sass to her. She had spunk. Her verbal barbs weren't nearly up to par with mine, but given time and a good teacher, she had potential. I would groom her for my maker. (Or for myself, if Eric lost interest, though that hardly seemed likely. Pity for me.)
And I would never forget the service she had rendered him. She had taken Eric in when he was at his most vulnerable, and protected him. That mattered more to me than if she had saved my own life, although, come to think of it, she had done that, too. During our takedown of Hallow's coven, one of the bastards had had me by the throat, feeding on me while I was occupied with Hallow, and Sookie had stabbed him. That was pretty ballsy for a mortal woman with no fighting skills. She was brave, and she was loyal. Those were two qualities both Eric and I valued above all else.
I'd already started to think of Sookie as a little sister. Perhaps one day she would be. There were very few women I'd considered worthy to be Eric's bedmate over the decades, but Sookie was one of them. I liked her and she made him happy. That was enough for me.
She'd been with Bill Compton when she'd first visited Fangtasia, though I knew that relationship wouldn't last. Bill was such a cold fish, and no fun at all. I could smell Sookie was a virgin when I'd met her. That was the only explanation I could come up with for her being with Compton—she'd had no basis of comparison. Well, that had certainly changed now. I'd suspected something had gone on during the week Eric was stashed with her, but it wasn't until the meeting at my house, when he'd practically declared her his in front of Bill, that I was sure. Oh yes. He had definitely hit that. Shame he couldn't remember.
I told him what I suspected, but Eric refused to believe me without proof. Proof? What did he expect me to do? Bring him her panties? I love my maker, but I have to draw the line somewhere.
Bill was nothing compared to my maker, and if Eric wanted Sookie, he'd have her. I was only surprised it had taken him this long to make a move.
I was truly flummoxed by our conversation tonight. I couldn't believe they still hadn't had sex! And not even a kiss? I wasn't kidding when I said I'd seen more action in my human life than Sookie had tonight. Layers of petticoats and crinoline were nothing to an amorous admirer, and the determination and creativity of some of my beaux ensured I'd had some fun on my own before I met Eric. Modern fashions posed no challenge at all and Eric hadn't had to operate under the watchful gaze of a nurse-companion or governess as my young men had done. So honestly, what excuse could he give?
Either Eric was way off his game or Sookie had some supernatural ability beyond her telepathy. I'd never known any woman to resist my maker's undivided attention for an entire evening. I'd have to call her some time and get the full scoop. Eric was no fun when it came to details. I hoped Sookie wouldn't be nearly as prudish.