Disclaimer: I own nothing, I am simply taking these characters out to play.
A/N: I just wanted to thank all of you that left me well wishes! I am feeling much better so as tribute to all of you wonderful readers, I bring you the longest chapter to date. I really enjoyed writing this and hope you enjoy reading. Now on with the show. XOXOX.
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Chapter Nine
It was Thursday night and I was in my office reading one of the romance novels I had Bobby pick up for me. I was nearing the end of the book "The Heart of the Treasure". The story was about a woman who was engaged to a man she didn't love. Her betrothed travels across the ocean to try his luck in the new world and he becomes quiet wealthy. He sends word for her to join him and she books passage on a boat to meet him. Her ship is attacked by pirates and the captain of the pirate ship takes her hostage to ransom her. After some time they grow attached to one another and after some spectacular sex, they fall in love. I found most of it mildly amusing, and the sex scenes were hot. I was right at the part where Captain Shanks, the hero, is about to slide his jolly roger into Shanna's (the heroine's) dripping honey pot, when Pam walked into my office. Her timing was impeccable.
"The game is over and our guests have left." Pam announced with no preamble.
I set the book down on my desk face down so I would not lose my page, and Pam plopped herself in a chair across from me. "Everything went well I take it?"
"For the most part." Pam said obscurely. She was distracted as she leaned over my desk to get a better look at the book I was reading.
"Eric what are you reading?" Pam asked, looking curiously at the cover. "Is that erotica?"
"Focus Pamela." I said sternly. I wanted to find out what happened, not speak on my choice of reading material. "What do you mean for the most part?"
"Mickey, you know, Salome's child, he lost quite a bit of money tonight. He was not pleased, to say the least, when that Were, Herveaux, took him for sixty-five thousand. You know, I don't know why you allow Mickey at the games. Even for a vampire, he is creepy. Have you seen his nails, they are longer than mine! Oh and his hair," Pam made a "pfft" sound, "all greasy and slicked back. I wonder if he uses Crisco in his hair, I swear it's drippy! Thank goodness the backs on the chairs are low or he would leave a spot on the fabric for sure. What a pain in the ass that would be, it's bad enough I have to buy your furniture in bulk. Plus, he is an A-1 asshole." she rambled.
"Yes, he is, but he is also a heavy gambler and a big loser. Why do you think Salome forbade him from gambling in her casino. We make a lot of money from Mickey, even if his temperament is not so good. Was the situation handled?" Mickey was a despicable vampire and not a very smart one. I was more than willing to take his money.
"Yes. Nikolai took care of it. He decided to participate in the game tonight since we were one short."
"One short? Who did not show?" Who ever it was would not be invited back. There were plenty of others who would love to get a seat in our game.
"Clay Norris. Stupid unreliable Panthers." Pam said. She was never a fan of shifters. I thought they had their uses. I am all for equal opportunity in the way of business, whether it was from Shifters, Vampires, Humans, even Demons, their money all spends the same.
"How did Nikolai handle the situation?" I wanted more detail.
"It was nothing really. When Mickey flipped the table over and moved toward the Were, Nikolai put himself in the way and had Mickey by the throat before he could do any real damage." Pam waved her hand as if to say it was nothing. "After a bit of snarling and some threatening comments, Nikolai subdued him, and then Mickey took off." Mickey was wise not to push Nikolai since he could kill him without effort. If Mickey had met the true death, I was sure Salome would not have been happy. He was her work in progress, so to speak. She chose him to be hers so she could mold him into an assassin. Well maybe not an assassin, more like a rabid dog on a leash. He was already a sick fuck when he was human and turning him into vampire just made him all the more so. I had heard of him doing things to others that most vampires would not even do. Normally I would take out one such as he, but he had yet to do anything too unsavory in my area, and as long as he did not, I would not discriminate. His maker, Salome, and I were on good terms and I wished to keep it that way for as long as possible. She always had a thing for me and we fucked a few times over the last century or two. It kept things amicable between us, and she feeds me information or a heads up from time to time, and I do the same. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement, but nothing more.
"Fine, now go back to the bar. It will be closing time shortly." I ordered and Pam took off quickly.
I was just about to pick up my book to continue where I had left off, when Nikolai walked in. 'Can I not get a moment's peace?' He sat in the chair that Pam had just vacated. "What are you reading Eric?" He asked eying the book on my desk. 'Why is everyone so interested in my choice of reading materials?'
"It is research." I stated. I was researching Sookie's interest in these books. I could see the allure, sex, adventure, and a happily ever after. 'It is a guilty pleasure. What's not to like?' I was about to reach for it, to shove it back into my desk when Nikolai moved fast as lightening and picked it up before moving across the room. He opened it to the page I was reading and began to read aloud. 'What the fuck?'
"Shanks looked down fondly at Shanna pulling her into his arms. Her small frame fit perfectly into his large one and she rested her head in the hollow below his chin which seemed to be made for her. Shanks ran his hands down Shanna's back and she shivered when he leaned over to whisper 'I'll have you again if you keep rubbing yourself against me like that my dear. You are playing with fire.'" Nikolai had a look of confusion on his face when he asked, "What is this "hollow" under the chin which they speak of?" He reached up and felt the area below his chin. "I have never heard of this "hollow" Do you know of it?" Nikolai moved over to my closet and open the door. He began looking at himself in the mirror, tilting his head back and forth, examining his neck.
I raised my eyebrows in surprise at his sudden unexpected question, but I had a similar thought earlier, and wondered just the same thing. I was pleased he was taking this seriously. I was interested to see what Nikolai thought. The other romance novel I read, "The Lyrical Velvet", spoke much about this mysterious "hollow" which seemed to be a favorite spot of the heroines to lay their heads. 'Maybe Sookie, would enjoy such a gesture.' "I am not exactly sure." I moved over to stand next to Nikolai and looked at my own neck in mirror.
Just then, Pam came bursting through the door, "The bar is locked up." She looked over to me and Nikolai and exclaimed, "What the hell are you two doing? What are you doing to your necks?"
"Pamela... you are like a woman, where is the hollow in which a woman rests her head on a man?" I asked totally ignoring her outburst. 'My child is well informed, she might know of such a thing.'
"I am very much a woman! But I have never heard of this "hollow." She scowled and put her hands on her hips.
"Come here, Pam," I said and held out my arms but offered no explanation. She look at me strangely, but tentatively walked over. I pulled her in my arms and she stiffened. I chuckled at her reaction. You would think I was raising my hand to slap her.
"What are you doing?" She asked again more hesitantly. It was not common for me to hold her like this. 'If I am going to learn how to do this, I will have to experiment.'
"Relax against me. I wish to try something." I commanded and she did. I wrapped my arms around her and rested my chin on her head. I was pleased, she seemed to fit in my arms, and it was not unpleasant. "See Nikolai, this is what they mean, I believe." I said shooting a glance his way before I released her. I wanted his opinion. Pam just looked up at me like a gaping fish.
"Maybe..." He commented, his expression was serious and I could almost see the wheels turning in his head. "Pamela come here."
"NO! Why? What kind of fucked up game are you two playing here?" Pam said scrunching her nose in distaste while looking between the two of us.
"Humor me, Pamela." Nikolai said smoothly and she walked over to him and he took her into his arms. He tucked her head into the side of his neck and slightly under his chin, leaning his head on hers. "See, that is nice. I think that is what they are referring to." He stated proudly before he released her.
I growled in frustration, 'Maybe, I will have to try and look it up on the internet.'
Pam took a step back,and looked from Nikolai to me, like we had totally lost our minds. "Who are THEY? What has you doing this? What the FUCK is wrong with you two?" She asked, then spotted the book in Nikolai's hand. "Oh hell no! Please do not tell me you are acting so strangely because of that book!" A huge smug smile crossed her face. "Oh, I have seen everything!" She chortled throwing her arms in the air, exasperated. "Here I hoped Nikolai being here would knock some sense into you, but he is just as off his rocker as you are."
"We were merely having a…discussion." I defended.
"Yes, a discussion." Nikolai said raising his head slightly, indignant. I was sure he was not pleased with being told he was "off his rocker."
"Uh huh," She said unbelieving. "What is it that you're reading that has the two of you acting so..." She waved her hand dramatically in the air.
"It is a..." I paused not wanting to say it out loud, "romance novel." I mumbled almost incoherently. I wanted to cringe. 'I knew this was coming. I may have to command her never to speak of this again.' I did not want it to be public knowledge that the Sheriff of Area Five was reading a romance novel. It would kill my reputation.
Pam gasped. "You have got to be joking!"
Nikolai chuckled and moved to sit on the couch. "Pamela do not be so close minded. You never know where you can pick up a tip or two. The art of love making is vast and new knowledge is never to be ignored, no matter what source it comes from." He smiled, brushing off our little experiment. 'Great minds think alike. At least Nikolai and I are on the same page.'
"I am not even going to ask where you got a romance novel, or what even possessed you to read such a thing, but really, what can you learn from one?" She seemed unbelieving, so I decided to answer. I have no problem schooling my child.
"Well, I have only read two books, but from what I gather, the heroes of the books are fantasy men. The epitome of what women wish for. They are rich, good looking, strong, experienced fighters, and expert lovers. They succeed in their goals, they do not lose. Sound like anyone you know?" I said preening just a little. If Sookie was looking for a man such as this, well, she found one. I would happily be her fantasy. 'Fuck, she is already mine.'
"Yes, me," Nikolai said with a huge grin, and I shot him a skeptical look.
"I was referring to me…of course." I replied with a roll of my eyes.
"Oh yes, the Russian stallion and the big Viking hero," Pam laughed heartily. "I can not believe you two! You are collectively over two thousand years old! You wonder why I prefer women. Men are such morons."
Nikolai and I gave Pam a hard stare,"We are not morons."
Pam shrugged. "Is this all because of your...date... with Sookie?" She made little air quotes as she said the word "date."
"It may be related." I said obscurely, fed up with everyone's prying.
"I don't see why you need to date her. You have already had her, so what's the point?" Pam asked, back to her normal bored expression.
"I have had many women that I know nothing about, nor would I care to. Sookie is different. I want to know more about her and how better to accomplish this then by spending time with her. There is nothing that says the night can not end superbly." I had already explained this twice.
"Oh, Pamela, give the old man a break. He is allowed some fun, is he not?" Nikolai added. '"Old man." Asshole.'
"I suppose. I just don't see how this "dating" could be fun. It sounds like a lot of nonsense just to get laid." Pam said indifferently, when someone knocked on the door.
"Master?" A voice said through the door. All of us looked up at the sound. I could tell it was one of our waitresses, Ginger.
"Enter Ginger."
"Master, there is a woman on the phone for you. I told her you were not to be disturbed, but she says it's urgent." Ginger said, stumbling over her words. Ginger had been glamored so many times, I was surprised she was still coherent.
"Well, who is it?" I asked irritated that she failed to mention who the caller was.
"She says her name is Sookie Stackhouse," Ginger said, and before she had the full name out of her mouth I had pulled the cordless phone from her hand and had it to my ear. Ginger rushed from the room like her ass was on fire.
"Sookie?" I asked. I hoped she was not calling to cancel our date.
"Eric?" Sookie said quietly and I could tell there was something wrong. I could hear the fear in her voice.
"I am here. What's wrong?" I said quickly.
"Eric, there's someone outside my house, watching me... and it's a Vampire." She whispered.
"Are you alright? How can you be sure it is a Vampire?" I asked then covered the receiver. I turned to Pam and whispered, "Call Dante, find out where he is. If he is not at Sookie's send him there at once." Pam nodded and rushed from the room. Nikolai stood and walked to my closet pulling out three swords. They could clearly hear both sides of my and Sookie's conversation.
"I'm in my kitchen. I'm okay…just freaked out. I felt a presence in my woods but devoid of any thoughts. I thought it might be you, but when I looked out the window, I saw a man standing in my woods. I could not make out what he looked like, I could only see his silhouette, but I could tell it wasn't you. I didn't know who else to call. I don't know any other Vampires." Sookie said, sounding a little calmer.
"I am on my way. Do not invite anyone in and do not go outside. Do you have any means of protection, any silver perhaps?" I wanted to be sure she would be okay until I arrived, and ran through my mental checklist.
"I have a shotgun. I'll be okay." She said, then took a deep breath. "You're coming?"
"Yes, I will be there shortly. Stay safe lover." I said.
Just as I was about to hang up I heard her say "Thank you, Eric," and then a dial tone.
"Trouble?" Nikolai said, handing me a sword.
"Maybe." I said and roared out to my child. "PAMELA!"
Pam reentered the room. "Dante is not answering his phone." She stated, and Nikolai handed her a sword.
"Fuck. Trouble it is." I grumbled and strode out of the room. Nikolai and Pam followed me out. I was not going to waste any time looking for Dante now. Priority one was to assure Sookie's safety.
I heard Pam instruct Ginger to lock up as we made our way out the back door. I took to the air, not waiting for them to follow. Nikolai could also fly, so he could carry Pam. For some reason Pam had yet to learn this skill. Of course, not all Vampires can fly, although it seemed that all the ones in our blood line did, well, except for her. Maybe in time…she was still young.
I was circling over Sookie's house in less than thirty minutes. I stayed high enough off the ground that anyone standing down there, Human or Supernatural, would not easily spot me. It took me three passes over her house and surrounding area before I spotted him. He was in the branches of a tree near the area of Sookie's bedroom window. He would have easily been able to see into her bedroom from his vantage point, and I was immediately enraged at the thought that he was watching her at her most intimate moments. He was able to see her in a place where she dressed and undressed…where she laid her beautiful head and slept.
I swooped down onto the tree, like an eagle would swoop from the air to his prey. I tackled the peeping tom, causing the two of us to go crashing through the tree to the ground. (Okay, I hate to admit, this was not one of my most brilliant moves ever, as either one of us could have been staked by a tree branch, but I was not really thinking about that at the time.)
"What the fuck are you doing?" I spat venomously. I was straddling him, pinning his shoulders to the ground. I did not recognize this Vampire. He was in my territory without checking in.
"Are you crazy? You could have killed us both!" The asshole yelled back at me while struggling underneath me. It was no use but he tried. Nikolai and Pam arrived then and their swords were drawn. Nikolai stuck the tip of his blade to the Vampire's neck, and he ceased his wriggling.
"You can get up, Eric. Pam and I have him covered." Nikolai said and I placed my hands on ether side of the Vampire's head and bounced it off the ground before I stood. 'Fucker.' I wanted to kill him, but first, I needed to know who he was and what his intentions were. I reined in my anger and took in his appearance. He was a skinny Vampire, and not very tall with shaggy brown hair and sideburns. He was wearing tan dockers and a green and gold polo shirt, both which were now ripped and covered in dirt.
"I asked you a question. What the fuck were you doing?" I hissed, towering over him.
"Why should I tell you anything? You just attacked me without provocation!" The asshole responded. I had to give him credit, it took some balls to stand up to me, let alone the three of us. He was either brave or a fucking idiot. I placed a foot on his chest and leaned into it, resting my forearm on my knee.
"Because you are in my area, unannounced, and looking through the window of a woman who belongs to me. Now I will ask you only once more before I rip out your disrespectful tongue. What are you doing here?" I was not playing games.
"I was out taking a walk. I just moved into the house next door." He said and I stepped back.
"Taking a walk..in a tree? What do you take me for?" I nodded to Nikolai and he picked up the vampire by the back of his neck and stood him up. Nikolai moved his grip to the vampires arm and Pam moved to take the other arm. I stood in front of him. I would have my answers. "I am the Sheriff of this area. Surely you know who I am."
"You must be the Northman then." He said a little awed. Obviously, he had heard of me. I could see the concern in his eyes as the truth of his situation became apparent to him. "I apologize for not checking in. I had every intention of doing so tomorrow evening. I am Bill Compton." His whole demeanor seemed to change.
"Tell me, why you were looking into my lover's window?" I demanded. I did not like this fucker one bit. 'Scrawny little asshole!'
"I was out for a walk in the woods, like I said, I just moved into my ancestral home next door. I saw the light on in this house and was curious. I once knew the inhabitants of this home when I was still human," Bill said, but I still did not believe him. Something about him felt off.
"And your curiosity lead you to watch my lover for over a half hour...from a tree?" I asked, getting right in his face.
He dropped his head and replied, "I apologize again, Sheriff. I was unaware that the woman was yours. I was taken by her beauty, and perhaps lingered a little too long. I meant no disrespect." 'Oh he was good. But I am better.' I could tell this prick was adept at dealing with higher stationed vampires, his tone and gestures were practiced. I immediately began to wonder who he was working for.
'Maybe I should play his little game, at least for a little while.' I took a step back from him and looked at him with an openly curious expression. I wanted to lead him to believe that I was possibly buying this bullshit story. I thought he must be a tracker or possibly a spy, but what he was, did not really matter as much as who he was working for.
"I see. So you are saying that this is all merely an unfortunate incident, simply caused by your failure to follow protocol." I waved my hand in the air dramatically as if to brush it off, "And not that you were here doing anything duplicitous."
"I am planning to give mainstreaming a go. That is my only agenda, I assure you." Bill said smoothly. I began to break down every piece of information he was giving. I did not respond to Bill, I just looked him in the eyes while I analyzed him. I could not tell much by his dress, he looked a wanker, but nothing stood out that would be helpful. His accent was decidedly from these parts. I assumed that was why he had been sent hereto take up residence, since it would not be obvious to most that he was not from this area. He had to be somewhere around a hundred to a hundred and fifty years old. His mannerisms screamed of a younger Vampire, but much too controlled to be less than a hundred. 'He must be good at what he does, for his master to send someone so young.'
Bill twitched a fraction as I remained silently staring at him for another moment before I said, "You have already made one mistake in my territory, and the next time you fuck up, I will not be so generous. Now that you know that the woman is mine, you will stay the fuck away from her. If something comes up in regards to her, seeing as you are now neighbors, you call me immediately. You do not wish to cross me. Do I make myself clear?" I commanded, not veiling the threat in my voice, and I nodded to Nikolai and Pam. They released him.
"Crystal clear, Sheriff." Bill said straightening himself and then bowed. 'Cocksucker.'
"You have wasted enough of my time, Compton. I am very busy, off with you." I shooed him as if he was of no importance and he took off like a shot through the woods. I did not want to tip him off that I was on to him.
I turned toward Sookie's and made my way back to her front door with Nikolai and Pam in tow. They had not yet said anything regarding the matter. They knew better than to chance it since Compton was so close. The discussion would have to happen out of earshot.
As we approached the porch, I turned to Pam. "Pam, check the woods for evidence of Dante," I said and then I swiftly walked up the porch steps, and knocked on Sookie's front door. I heard her shuffling in the house and was relieved when I heard her call "Who is it?" through the door.
"It's, Eric. Lover, you can open the door now." I said calmly, but I was anxious to see she was okay with my own two eyes.
Sookie flung open the front door and launched herself at me. She was apparently getting ready for bed when she noticed the asshole outside. She was wearing a long flannel nightgown with little blue and yellow flowers on it, she looked so innocent. I scooped her up in my arms and held her close, inhaling her comforting scent. She wrapped her legs around my waist and her arms around my neck in a tight embrace. "Thank you for coming. I was so freaked out. Is everything okay?" She whispered in my ear. Her breath was hot against my skin and a fought a shiver.
I pulled back to look at her face. She was beautiful. "It is taken care of for now, Lover. May we come in? I have Nikolai with me and Pam should be back in a few minutes. I wish to speak with you." I gave her a light kiss on the lips, and although I would have preferred something much longer and deeper, her safety had to come first. I would not be doing much of anything with Sookie if something were to happen to her, and that thought ruled over all others. Realizing that frightened me more than anything had in a long, long time. I decided right then and there, I would tell her the truth of the situation. Good or bad, she needed to be aware of what was going on around her. I could not help but be worried at her reaction, but I was absolutely certain it had to be done. If I have learned anything in my long life, it is that ignorance in the supernatural world, is fatal. Her ignorance would have to end and I could not help but feel a twinge of regret for that.
"Of course, come in. You too. Nikolai, " Sookie said over my shoulder and I walked into her house with her still attached to me.
"Thank you, Sookie. I am pleased to see that you are well," Nikolai said and followed us in. I walked us over to her couch and she loosened her legs and slid down my body, gaining her footing on the floor. I reluctantly released her, but it would be hard to concentrate with her positioned in such a way.
Nikolai took a seat in a winged back chair across from the couch and I pulled Sookie gently with me onto the couch, keeping her small hand in mine. I sat next to her and turned my body toward her so I could look into her eyes as I spoke. The small amount of blood that we shared would allow me to locate her, but since it had been a while since the exchange, I can no longer feel what she is feeling exactly, just an overall mood. I wished that I had exchanged blood with her again before this conversation, but there was nothing to be done about it now.
"Sookie, I think we need to talk about the vampire watching you from the woods."
"Is everything okay?" she asked shooting a glance to Nikolai, who gave her a reassuring smile, and then looked back to me.
"For now, but I need to make you aware of some things about myself and the supernatural world around you. Now that you have an association with me, you will unavoidably be known to more and more supernaturals." I stopped talking, to take in her expression, and to see how this settled. She was visibly tense and nodded slowly as I continued. "I am not only a club owner, I am also the area Sheriff. I am in charge of Area Five in the Kingdom of Louisiana." Sookie gaped at me, but I pushed forward, "We vampires, like humans, have to have a political structure to our world or it would be chaos, so over our vast years we have organized ourselves into Kingdoms all over the world. These Kingdoms, as you can guess, are run by Kings and Queens. The Kingdoms are broken up into areas, and a Sheriff is appointed by the King or Queen to run that area. As Sheriff, I am responsible for my area and the Vampire residents in my area. I take care of any problems that come up, and guard my area in the service of the Queen of Louisiana." I stopped and Sookie looked like she was going to ask a question, so I didn't give her a moment more. "Let me explain how this pertains to your incident."
Sookie nodded again and I went on, "The vampire we found in your woods was watching you. When I questioned him he said he was moving into the property next door and he just happened to be in the woods for a walk when he was curious about who lived in your house. He says that's why he was watching you. As a vampire in my area, he should have checked in with me, which he did not do. I do not trust him. I am telling you all this because I need you to be cautious. To keep an eye on your surroundings. If you notice anything strange I want you to let me know."
Nikolai had been silently watching and I knew Sookie would have questions. I thought it would be better to finish this conversation alone." Nikolai will you go out and see what Pam is up to. I need a moment alone with Sookie. "
"No problem. We will wait for you outside." Nikolai turned to Sookie, "Goodnight, Sookie. I do hope we see you again soon." He took off through the front door and shut it behind him before she could respond.
"Eric. I don't know what to say. I had no idea." She paused for a second then asked, "Why are they interested in me?"
"Lover, I am not sure who...or why, but someone is sniffing around, it may be your gift they are after or maybe someone saw you out with me," I said carefully. I really didn't think it was because of me, but it was possible. "In any case they are snooping around and I want you to be cautious. I would be...extremely... upset if something happened to you."
Sookie took a deep breath, then looked at me for a long while, her stare far away, deep in thought. I gripped her hand and gave her a minute to process everything. My nerves were ratcheting up as I waited for her response. I was relieved when her eyes came back into focus.
"Okay, let me get this straight. You are a Sheriff and my new neighbor may or may not be here to spy on me," she said, over simplifying the situation.
"Yes."
"You know all this sounds crazy, right? I mean Kings and Queens, Sheriffs and spies. Its like out of a movie or something." She said with humor in her eyes.
"I can understand, you might see it that way, but this is the truth. This is how it is. I would not share this with you if it was not important. None of this is knowledge that is given freely to humans. We are very secretive, even now…after the Great Revelation."
"And even still, you told me all this because your worried about me?" she asked, completely throwing me off.
"Yes." The answer flowed out of my mouth without thought or hesitation.
"Okay, I will be careful and let you know if I notice anything." She leaned in and kissed me softly on the lips. I sat there still as stone. She was taking this, well, in stride. She was not panicked or pissed or any of the emotions I expected.
"Sookie..." I said pulling back from her. 'She must not be realizing the very real, possible danger here.' She smiled broadly at me and looked at me expectantly.
"Sookie, this is serious. I just told you someone could be after you and your gift, or myself by proxy." I said sternly.
Her smile faded into a much softer one, "Eric, I completely understand."
"I am not sure you do," I retorted, my irritation with her flippant attitude was rising.
"You forget who my brother is," she said, her smile now gone. "Do you think you are the first person my brother has owed money to? He has been up to this for over ten years. Dealing with scary people comes with the territory. If you think I have not had to dodge people out looking for my brother, more times than I can count, you're mistaken. This is not the first time I have been threatened."
I was shocked that I had not thought on this before. When I had first met Sookie, I had realized she had dealt with people like me before. Loan sharks and such involved in gambling, often send underlings to threaten and coerce money out of the gambler's loved ones. Nothing says "pay back my money," like sending couple of goons with baseball bats to rough up or scare the ones you care about most. This realization had me wishing I had killed Jason Stackhouse. Sookie must have seen it on my face because she reached up to stroke my cheek. I thought I would be reassuring her, not the other way around. 'Damn that Jason all to hell.'
"Eric, please don't be mad. Don't worry, I can handle myself. I promise I will let you know if anything seems amiss." She said with complete conviction. 'She is too courageous for her own good.' I studied her carefully.
"These are not humans you're dealing with Sookie, these are Vampires…and possibly more," I insisted, trying to keep the ire out of my voice. I had to make things absolutely clear.
"I know, which is why I have agreed to contact you instead of dealing with this myself." There was little irritation in her voice as well. This statement nearly set me off. The idea of her attempting to handle this situation by herself, opened up a pit in my stomach.
"I would feel better if you agreed to stay with me until I have found out more about your new neighbor," I said, but had a feeling this would not be an option in her mind. She was a strong women who has been taking care of herself for a long time. 'What I would not give if she would just say" yes".'
"I appreciate the offer, but I am not going to be scared out of my own home." Sookie said indignantly. 'Stubborn woman.' I scowled.
I did not want to fight over this, not with our date so close at hand, so I quickly decided to provide a guard. She did not need to know someone was in place, and I would feel much better knowing that she was being watched over during the times I could not be with her. "I do understand. Know that I am looking out for your safety. I just wish you to be careful."
"I will." she said softly, her voice was velvet. She gripped my hand tightly, looking up at me through her long lashes. I couldn't help myself, I leaned over to kiss her, this time putting as much passion into the kiss as I could muster and I kissed her until she pulled away from me to breathe.
"Are we still on for tomorrow night?" I asked, hopeful.
"Yes...you still want to go out...right?" She sounded a little unsure. I couldn't have that.
"Tomorrow night could not come fast enough for me. I am looking forward to it." I assured her and I reached over and pulled her into my arms. I held her for a few minutes before I reluctantly had to pull away. I could hear Nikolai and Pam stomping around outside. It was getting late and I needed to get back to Shreveport and get a jump on the situation at hand.
"Sookie, as much as I would like to stay, it's late. You need your rest and I need to be going."
"Alright," she said and pulled herself from my grasp and stood. I followed suit and she walked me to the door and followed me onto the porch. "Hey! You haven't told me what we are doing tomorrow. What should I wear?" She inquired.
"Something comfortable. I am sure you will look divine in anything you choose." I gave her a kiss goodnight, and whispered. "Until tonight lover." Before I pulled away and made my way down the stairs of her porch to join back up with Nikolai and Pam, who were standing near the woods talking softly to one another.
"Goodnight Eric." She said and then added, "Please tell Nikolai and Pam thank you for me."
"I will." I said looking over my shoulder and watched until she shut the door.
I moved quickly then to Nikolai and Pam's sides and they were wearing none to happy expressions.
"What is it?" I asked, I could feel Pam's tension in our bond.
"Dante is dead, finally dead." She said.
'Son of a bitch.'
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