Chapter 8 – The contract

Gran continued cleaning the kitchen as she awaited Sookie's return. In that moment Sookie opened the door and pretended she didn't hear gran's conversation on the phone. It was getting dark as Sookie and gran continued to clean. Sookie took a quick shower and got dressed. Gran was taking a shower when there was a slight knock on the door. Sookie knew it was a vampire but it couldn't be Eric, it was too early, the sun had just set.

Sookie was wearing a white sun dress with yellow flowers. She opened the door to see Bill waiting for her.

"I know you are not going to invite me in. Can we just talk? I'll just stand here." He said. She wondered what she should do but it wouldn't hurt if she just talked to him. Besides Eric would arrive any minute and Bill would have to leave.

"Talk." She said standing on the other side of the door.

"Sookie, you must understand I wasn't myself that night. I hadn't taken blood that night, I know it was my fault and I was irresponsible but you must understand I wouldn't have hurt you." He said.

"But you did hurt me Bill." She said.

"I'm sorry that was not my intention." He said.

"Then what was?" She asked.

"Don't you understand Sookie, you are mine, I saved your life and I gave you my blood. You should be mine." He said stubbornly. Sookie rolled her eyes.

"It doesn't work like that Bill and you know it. Why are you so stubborn about this? I will not be treated like this. You truly disappoint me Bill." Sookie said hurt by his words.

"You will be not be owned by me but you will be owned by Eric, is that it?" He asked with anger.

"It's different Bill. He asked me, you just wanted to take me without my consent and I will not be taken." She answered.

"Don't you understand, you are just another of his conquests. Another name on his list, is that what you want, to be another one of his whores?" He asked furious which only caused Sookie to be enraged.

"And why do you want me Bill?" She asked. "Answer me!" She bellowed.

"Sookie you are mine, you were supposed to be mine." He answered. She laughed.

"You are a joke Bill, I will not be yours. Never! If that's all you came to say I want you to leave." She said annoyed.

"Don't you get it Sookie; you are just his new favorite toy!" Bill roared. Why did she not understand that Eric was just playing with her?

"Is she?" Eric answered questioning him. Bill was distracted by the conversation that he didn't hear Eric approach them. Eric was very upset since Bill had disobeyed his order of staying away from Sookie. Eric would deal with his insubordination on Monday.

"So what Bill you are upset because he got the toy and you didn't? I don't want to see you again Bill and I don't want to talk to you again. Come Eric let's play with your new toy." She said taking Eric's hand in hers. He stopped at the stairs and looked at Bill.

"I ordered you to not be near her again. Leave!" Eric commanded and went inside Sookie's house closing the door behind him. He hissed at her just to piss Bill off. She giggled and started running around the house, he caught her and stumbled on the floor but he moved them fast so he was the one who hit the floor, she was on top of him and then gran appeared, clearing her throat.

"Sorry, gran we...ah…tripped?" Sookie offered.

"I'm glad Mr. Northman caught you dear." Gran said.

Bill was still outside, pissed. How could gran have accepted Eric with the reputation he had. He considered himself a gentleman. Why Eric? Why not him? He would never understand that. He had a plan and no one was going to stop him. Sookie was going to be his because that's how it should be. He left before gran was out the door to chastise him again for his behavior. He was done playing nice.

Sookie stood up and then Eric greeted gran, before Sookie got lectured on her manners, again, she went to the kitchen and heated a blood for Eric. Gran was seating at the living room with Eric.

"Mr. Northman is there something you wish to speak to me about?" Eric looked concerned. Did she find out they snuck out again. Better to tell the truth, he didn't want to offend gran.

"Yes, actually Mrs. Stackhouse I came as earlier as I could for several reasons. First I like to ask your permission to officially court your grand-daughter?" Grand didn't expect the one but she had hope for it.

"Mr. Northman, I am glad you are forthcoming with your intentions. If Sookie agrees then she has my permission. Anything else?" Gran asked.

"Last night I asked Sookie to go out with me, we were watching the stars." Eric said and he noticed Sookie's blush. Okay so what now, she is going to make him mop the floors for breaking her rules.

Gran stared at them; they were waiting for her judgment. She knew they were waiting for her but she would make them suffer a little. Both were forthcoming about their little escapade so she would not issue a punishment but she was going to lecture them about it, later.

"Sookie did you inform Mr. Northman that you officially quit your job?" Gran asked. Sookie nodded.

"Mrs. Stackhouse would you allow me a word alone with Sookie?" Eric asked.

"Yes, of course. I'll be just outside watering my plants." Gran informed them and she stepped outside. Eric kissed Sookie for a brief minute but it was enough to make her want to jump him. He saw her smile and he smiled back.

"Now tell me what happened?" He asked. She sighed.

"I went to the bar to work and to give Sam two week's notice, but when he saw your bite marks he started going on of on how I was not a decent girl and other things. I slapped him and I told him I quit, so I left the bar." She said and he felt her anger. He kissed her head and then he was gone. She stepped outside. Gran was just astonished.

"Oh gran I think he is upset. Do you think he will hurt Sam?" Sookie asked feeling guilty.

"I really hope so, he deserves it." Gran said as she continued watering her plants, no one should insult Sookie in that way and it was the best opportunity for people around here to find out that Sookie was not alone.

Sookie sat on the stairs waiting for Eric to return. She was wondering why gran was so hopeful about Eric beating the crap out of Sam. She hadn't had the chance to ask Eric what his gran and he talked about the night he came to apologize.

Eric entered Merlotte's enraged. "Sam Merlotte I'll have a word with you." Eric said as he stood in the middle of the bar.

"In my office." Sam said.

"No, it will be here." Eric said firmly. "I will only say this once." His voice was loud and clear everyone at Merlotte's was listening to him. "If I hear anyone disrespecting Sookie again I will have no mercy. I expect you will be sending her a check for her work performed plus any vacation that was due to her. Have I made myself clear?" He asked enraged.

Everyone nodded and Sam just stared at him. In a blur Eric punched Sam in the face, throwing him a couple feet away from him. Some of the patrons were startled and afraid but none of them moved. "Remember your place and who I am. You should've known not to insult her, she is mine. Was my scent not enough?" Eric asked furious. Sam knew very well what that meant but the rest of the customers were oblivious as to what Eric's last words meant.

Sam was on the floor covering his broken nose, which started bleeding. Eric's fangs were out.

"You are not my type." Eric said and hissed at the rest of the people and left back to Sookie's house. He saw Sookie waiting at the stairs and gran was still watering the plants.

"Where did you go?" Sookie asked.

"I just had a few words with Sam." Eric said.

"Oh dear, did you hit him?" Gran asked hopeful.

"Gran!" Sookie said mortified. Eric chuckled.

"His nose would recover soon enough." Eric said. "Should we go inside ladies?" Eric asked. Grand turned off the water and went inside. After a couple of minutes Sookie was the first one to speak.

"Eric, you didn't have to do that. Sam overreacted…" Eric took her hand in his.

"I will not allow anyone to disrespect you. If you hadn't told me I would have found out anyway. I expect you to tell me the truth always." He said. Sookie wondered about his comment. Always? As if he was sure they were going to be together, always? She wanted to have that confidence too, but she didn't.

There was a sound of a truck on the drive way and Sookie knew it was probably Jason. He came through the back door and he was furious. He totally ignored the man sitting next to Sookie.

"Sook, what the hell happened at Merlotte's?" Jason asked.

"Jason Stackhouse!" Gran said with her threatening tone. "Where are your manners?" Gran asked.

"Gran, everyone at Merlotte's is startled because a crazy guy punched Sam in the face and threatened anyone who disrespects Sookie. I'm her brother I want to know what happened. Everybody else knows but me. I had to hear it from Renee who was at the bar." He was furious but he changed his tone as he asked Sookie again. "Sook, what happened?"

"Jason calm down. I had an argument with Sam…he called me some names and I quit. Okay, now happy." Sookie said annoyed at this brother. Sure they fought a lot but Jason didn't like people talking about his little sister.

"Why did he call you names?" He asked. Sam had never being disrespectful towards Sookie.

Eric was staring at Jason. Jason was obviously enraged at this development but he didn't like the way he came in the house talking to Sookie.

"Because I'm going out with a vampire." Sookie said. Jason started pacing back in forth in the living room.

"Is this the vampire you talked about the other day?" Jason asked. If he was, he didn't know how to feel about it. The vampire had helped him because of Sookie, but he didn't like Sookie going out with vampires. Gran had said he should be used to the idea. That's when Jason noticed the big man sitting next to Sookie staring at him.

"Jason, this Eric Northman." Sookie said to let Jason know that the vampire in question was seating right there. Jason walked towards him and offered him his hand. Eric took his hand greeting him. Usually he didn't do this, but he was under gran's roof and that meant he had to be polite.

"Nice to meet you man." Jason said and Eric nodded in acknowledgement. "So Sook what are you going to do now that you don't have a job. I can help you while you find something." Jason offered.

"She is going to work for me." Eric answered. "We are just waiting for my lawyer to go over the contract." Eric added. Jason was going to question what kind of job she was going to do for him, but decided not to open his mouth. He didn't want to offend Sookie, she hadn't finish school but she was smart.

"Is that the same lawyer that helped me?" Jason asked. Eric shook his head.

"No, he is just a friend. This lawyer specializes in contracts for our kind." Eric said. That startled everyone.

"Why does it have to be a special contract?" Jason questioned.

"Because I'm placing Sookie under my protection. This way no vampire can take her against her will. They would have to go through me if they want Sookie to work for them." Eric said. Jason couldn't stop himself. He didn't understand what Eric was talking about.

"What kind of work are you talking about?" Jason asked no one in particular.

"I'm going to use my quirk." Sookie said pointing to her head. Eric didn't like that expression so he would talk to her later about it.

"Isn't that dangerous Sook? Other people knowing what you can do." Jason asked truly concerned. In a small town like this she was safe because nobody knew and the few ones who did, cared for Sookie so they wouldn't say anything.

"Apparently, some vampires already know. It's not safe for me anymore, Jason." Sookie said sadden. Jason remembered the conversation he had with gran last time he was there and understood.

"I guess I should thank you for what you are doing for my sister." Jason said staring at Eric. Eric nodded. "I'm going home. If you need anything let me know." Jason told gran and Sookie and he left without saying another word. He felt helpless. He didn't know what to do to make sure his sister was safe.

Sookie stared at Eric for a couple of seconds. "Is the lawyer a vampire too?" Sookie asked.

"No, he just specializes in our laws." Eric said. Sookie didn't know much about the supernatural world. He wasn't about to tell her that the lawyer was a demon. Jason had left and the sound of another car approached. Eric stood and went to get the door. The demon lawyer and two other girls came with him. Eric knew all of them, but he didn't understand what the girls were doing here.

"Mr. Cataliades I trust you found this place easily." Eric greeted him. The demon lawyer nodded. "Please come in." Eric said. Mr. Cataliades entered the house followed by the two girls.

"Sookie, Mrs. Stackhouse this is the lawyer I was talking about, Mr. Cataliades." Eric introduced them.

"Nice to meet you sir." Sookie smiled at him charmingly.

"Please have a seat." Gran said greeting him, pointing at the table in the kitchen. Eric and Sookie followed sitting next to each other. "Can I offer you something to drink?" Gran asked with her southern charm. The two girls giggled.

"Forgive my nieces, they are not out often. This is Gladiola and this is Diantha." The lawyer said. They both gave them small nods.

Sookie thought they were kind of weird. She lowered her shields and was puzzled. She couldn't hear their thoughts. There was some weird noise coming from them but no thoughts.

"Oh no, please Mrs. Stackhouse we don't want to cause any trouble." Mr. Cataliades said.

"No, please no trouble at all. I insist." Gran offered.

"Do you have chips?" One of the girls asked. Sookie raised her eyebrows. Sookie went to the kitchen and poured chips in a bowl for the girls. They both shook their heads pointing at the lawyer. She thought that was weird. She left the bowl on the kitchen table.

The lawyer took out some folders from his briefcase and handed the papers to Eric. Eric reviewed them and once satisfied he began explaining the contract to Sookie and gran.

"Why don't I go over the contract and you tell me if you have any questions or if you don't agree with the terms." Eric offered. They both nodded and he continued.

"Sookie, you are to work three nights at my bar per week. Since you will be using your telepathy you will be paid 1,000 per night plus benefits. However I can call you any other night to work for me to use your telepathy in that case I will pay you 5,000 per night." Sookie and gran were gaping at him.

"Eric that's too much." Sookie said and the lawyer and the girls stifled a giggle.

"No Sookie. You have told me using your telepathy is very exhausting for you. I'm not going to tire you out. You don't seem to understand how valuable your talent is." Eric said. Sookie looked at gran but gran didn't say anything. Sookie took a deep breath.

"Go on." Sookie said.

"If I ever ask you to travel with me around the state to use your telepathy than I will pay you 10,000 plus expenses and clothing. If it's out of the state 20,000 plus expenses and clothing." Eric said.

"Okay, I understand the expenses by why the clothing?" She asked.

"Because there will be situation where you will have to dress formally. If it weren't for those occasions you wouldn't have the necessity to spend your money on extra clothes." Eric said. No point on arguing she thought.

"In this contract we specify that you work exclusively for me and no one else. If anybody wants to use your telepathy they will have to go through me. If their needs are not specified in this contract then I will do the negotiation for you. It also specifies that your work is only to use your telepathy. Drinking from you is not allowed under any circumstances without your permission. I have also added a clause where it explains in detail that you will not be forced to drink from any vampire, not matter what their title is." Eric said. "Any questions so far?" he asked. Gran and Sookie shook their heads.

"Now the work in my bar is for checking ID's using your telepathy at your discretion. Unless I call you another night for using your talent for other circumstances as I said before. I will supply you with clothes and transportation back and forth." Eric stared at gran and Sookie since that was gran's request and they both nodded.

"Last but not least, you have two body guards." Eric said. Sookie was astonished. He didn't say he would hire two bodyguards but have two body guards. Where people following her around and she hadn't noticed? Is that how he found out about today when she left work?

"Why would I need bodyguards and how long have I had bodyguards?" She snapped and then gran gave her a look telling her she was being rude.

"You could be taken against your will. I will not allow that to happen. You are under my protection." Eric said.

"I haven't signed the contract yet." Sookie argued.

"No, you haven't. Anything else you want to add?" He asked dismissing her comment.

They lawyer kept staring at their exchanges. When Eric called him first to write up the contract he didn't know Sookie was going to think all this was ridiculous. It was obvious to him that the girl didn't know anything about the supernatural, which was odd since she was a supe of some sort.

It was also obvious to the lawyer that Eric had a personal interest in this girl. He hadn't told the girl that he wanted the contract to be approved by the Council since she was living under his area and that she was considered one of his assets which meant she was under Eric's personal protection. Whoever took her against her will and without his approval was going to get in a heap of trouble.

"My dear, I assure you that Mr. Northman has designed this contract for your own protection. He is a good business man. You should consider yourself lucky. I have to say any other vampire would not go to this trouble to use your talent. I have written many contracts but never have I written one to place someone under a vampire protection lest one as powerful as Mr. Northman." Sookie smiled at him.

"Well he is paying you; of course you are going to agree with him." Sookie said. The lawyer smiled at her and Eric chuckled.

"Do you want to think about it?" Eric asked Sookie.

"What days am I supposed to work?" She asked.

"I didn't put that in the contract because I want you to feel free to chose and change your days. We can talk about your schedule later. All my employees get paid weekly on Tuesdays." Eric said.

Sookie wanted to argue but not in front of everyone.

"Eric can I talk to you alone for a minute?" She asked. He nodded and they both stepped outside. She held her tears. Eric was disconcerted; he didn't understand why she was upset or mad.

"I can't sign that contract Eric, that is ridiculous. What you are offering me is too much. I feel like you are paying me for…something else." She said between greeted teeth, she couldn't her tears any longer.

"Sookie, look at me." She turned around and stared at his blue eyes. "I think you are offended by the contract and I don't understand why. You don't realize how useful your telepathy is for us. Like Mr. Cataliades said any other vampire would not go this far to ensure your services, they will just take you and force you. I'll make a deal with you. We will sign the contract and we will try it for two weeks if you still think the money I'm paying is ridiculous I will ask the lawyer to write up another one." Eric said.

"You don't understand Eric. People already think the worst of me, of why I'm with you. They are going to think you are paying me for other…services." She said between sobs. Eric was enraged it was probably the words Sam had said to her because she didn't behave like that before.

"I don't care what those people think. I'm not going to take advantage of your telepathy and underpay you to make others feel better. You have to stop thinking about what other people might say about you. You are different Sookie and they will always have a different opinion of you. That won't change not matter who you are with." She stepped away from him since he was clearly infuriated.

"I don't think this is going to work Eric." She said.

"What do you mean?" He asked puzzled.

"Us." She said.

"Why do you say that?" He asked confused.

"Because you and I think different. I'm not used to be thrown outrageous amounts of money at me. I'm just overwhelmed by all this. I don't know what to do." She said.

Eric stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her. He kissed her bare shoulder.

"Sookie…" He said softly. "Your life has changed. I know it's hard to accept the changes that will come to your life, but I'll be there for you. I'm here now. You were never meant to be for this kind of life you have. One day you will understand. My goal was never to offend you. I want to protect you. Don't you trust me?" He asked. She closed her eyes and more tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Of course I trust you." She said.

"Then why can't you understand that all I want is to help you. I won't let anyone exploit you, not even me." He turned her around and kissed her earnestly. "Please." He said. The look in his eyes was so warm and comforting.

"Okay, I'll sign it." She said and they both walked inside. They both took their seats and Sookie sighed.

Eric nodded to the lawyer and he took out a pen and handed it to Sookie. When Sookie held the pen with her right hand the lawyer and the girls saw the bracelet and they all gasped. They were stunned. Now the lawyer understood everything. She wasn't just any supe. Nope she was a fairy princess. Was this the reason why Eric was going through all this? The lawyer had picked up Eric's sent on Sookie as they walked in. It was obvious he wanted her but he was still mystified, vampires and fairies didn't get along. Anyway, that was none of his business.

Once Sookie signed all the pages Eric did the same.

"Very well. I will present the contract to the Council and will forward a copy to your office once approved." Mr. Cataliades said. Eric nodded. The lawyer stood up bid everyone good night.

"Mr. Northman may I have a word with you?" The lawyer asked. Eric and the lawyer stepped outside the girls were already inside of the car.

"The contract doesn't state who she is. I'm not sure if that will cause trouble in the future. They might think you took advantage of the situation and cancel the contract all together." The lawyer offered.

"What do you suggest?" Eric asked.

"I think it would be better to identify her lineage in a separate page and attached it to the contract. She doesn't have to sign it, just you since you are aware of her lineage, I presume." The lawyer said.

"Yes, that is the reason for the contract. I made a promise to protect her." Eric explained. "How long would it take you to add the disclosure?" Eric asked.

"I think it will be better if I do it tonight but I will need an office and I need you to sign it before I leave tonight." The lawyer explained.

"Why don't you go to my office at my bar? I will let Pam know you are coming and I will see you in a little bit." Eric said. The lawyer nodded. "Mr. Cataliades may I ask why you brought your nieces with you?" Eric asked and the lawyer smiled.

"For two reasons. First we have never met a telepath before and we wanted to know if she could read our minds, but she cannot. Secondly because had I left alone the Queen would have questioned me. It is my duty to notify her of all my business dealings in her area." The lawyer explained. Eric didn't like that one bit and the lawyer noticed. "I informed the Queen I was taking my nieces out for a drive. I will inform the Queen of your contract after it is approved. I never told her when I would notify her of these kinds of incidents." The lawyer winked at Eric.

"Why are you helping me?" Eric asked him.

The lawyer thought on how to express his answer without divulging too much "Sometimes is good to have favors set aside." The lawyer said and he left. Eric thought the lawyer was hiding something.

Eric wanted to spend more time with Sookie but he knew he had to make an appearance tonight at Fangtasia. He looked over at her house and he saw her talking to her gran. Gran comforted her and kissed her on the cheek. "He is only looking out for you. I'm sure your vampire has your best interests at heart." Indeed he had, didn't he?


A/N: Thank you so much for all your reviews and alerts. Have a wonderful day. :K