Only for Sookie
Disclaimer: You know who the characters belong to
The next evening Eric received an e-mail from Pam. She had attached a cutting from the Shreveport Times. The caption read "Prominent local businessman Eric Northman and his mystery date wow the Hollywood A-list" I have to confess, we did look pretty spectacular. If I didn't know better I would have thought we were movie stars. It was only the first message of several. It appeared that the pictures had been syndicated across the country. Some of the comments were downright bitchy – they knew Eric was a vampire and made some very nasty insinuations about my character. I tried to calm myself by deciding they were just jealous.
I was surprised to hear a knock on the door. The only other person who knew where I was staying was the Magister, but he had never previously invaded my private space. He was carrying some newpaper cuttings.
"Well my dear, Northman really knows how to stir things up doesn't he"
"Are we in trouble?"
"I hope not, but you have attracted a lot of attention". He walked into the living room and motioned me over to sit.
"Sookie dear, I am going to release you"
I must have gaped at him for a full half minute. "Release me. But what will I do?"
In the last months working with him had become my whole life. I was used to the routine. I enjoyed the mental challenges. I had to confess to myself that I liked being valuable. I wasn't just a waitress who everyone ignored and talked down to. I wasn't 'crazy Sookie'. I was powerful. I made a difference.
The Magister was looking at me thoughtfully. There were times when I thought he could read my mind and this was one of them.
"I was going to suggest, if you would agree, that you come and work for me. You would be paid, and I would only require you for important matters. I no longer want to waste your gifts on trivia"
"Of course I will, I'd be real happy to continue"
"Sookie, dear one, you are a terrible negotiator" I hadn't heard Eric walk back into the room. "I think you should engage me as your manager, otherwise you will just be exploited wherever you go."
I rolled my eyes. "I want to work, I enjoy it. There's just no way I could go back to being a waitress at Merlotte's."
"I will continue to pay for your college fees" The Magister added. "I hear that you are progressing very well and should soon be ready to graduate. This will be most valuable to us"
"Yes, and she could probably walk into a partnership in any Vampire law firm in the country with her contacts" I had to smile at Eric standing up for me, even though a part of me was really annoyed. "Eric, you know perfectly well I can speak for myself, will you just leave it already"
"Northman, I need a private word with you. Sookie, why don't you change, I think we should all go out and celebrate don't you?"
EPOV
"Well, Northman you have forced my hand, but I think this can work to our advantage"
I tried my hardest to look innocent "I am sorry Magister, I did not intend to attract attention"
"Don't lie to me, you had every intention of getting that publicity. You knew perfectly well that if you went public with Sookie I would be forced to release her. It's just a shame you can't predict her actions so well"
I made a little show of looking ashamed. It didn't do to upset him too much.
"I want you to bond to her"
"A blood bond? That is quite a commitment"
"If you do not wish to, I can find someone else"
"You know very well that you cannot force just anyone on Sookie, that's an empty threat"
"Will you do it?"
"Do I have a choice?"
"Not a good one, no. If I am going to release Sookie from her sentence I need to ensure she is tied to us in other ways. I am happy for her to think she is free, but her gifts are too valuable to us. Besides you two make such a handsome couple. You could become quite the celebrities, and we all know how much the humans love the rich and famous. Why you could even challenge Nan Flanagan as the face of Vampire America"
I had to admire him. When it came to deviousness he was quite the master. Even I could learn from him. The idea of pissing off Nan Flanagan appealed to me greatly. I would never forgive her for her treatment of Godric. I liked to blame her for his decision to meet his final death. I knew it wasn't true, but it made me feel better. Yes this plan was very attractive.
I had never had a human bonded before, never wanted to. But I had to admit Sookie was different. It was not the path I would have chosen but it did have a lot to recommend it.
"I hope you are ready for a long term commitment" I raised my eyebrows, not sure what he meant. "With her part fae blood, she will not live as long as a full blood fairy, but she will remain young for much longer than a normal human. If you give her your blood regularly it will increase the effect"
I pretended to look shocked "How did you know?"
"There is something about her scent. Also a few weeks ago she broke a glass and cut her hand, she allowed me to clean her fingers. More to the point, when did you find out, and were you intending to tell me?' He left the question hanging.
"Should we tell her?"
"I would wait a while, you need to get her agreement to the bond first. Please do it quickly. We have enemies and they will move for her as soon as they know she has been released from her sentence."
"Ah, Sookie, you are ready" His tone softened as she walked back into the room. "And don't you look lovely. Come my dear I think you and Mr Northman need to go and meet your public"
SPOV
The next evening the Magister and I discussed a schedule of engagements. They were all with kings and queens. I was strictly A-list now. In a couple of months I would be in Vegas for a week, then New York. There was even a possibility of a trip to Europe.
But before all that there was the California trial to finish which meant another two weeks at the beach house. The house had a light tight basement so Eric was able to stay with me. Then I had a fortnight at home in Louisiana
We managed to find a little time to relax when I returned from the trial each night. We had lots of fun in the sea, and the shower, and the hot tub, and out on the deck. At first I was a little suspicious. Eric was just sweet, and kind. It was just a little out of character for him and occasionally I did wonder what had got into him, but I have to say they were probably amongst the best nights of my life (so far, I hoped).
I realised I was getting used to having him around. I even found myself wondering if there was any way he could come on some of the trips with me. Perhaps I should take him on as my Agent. Much as I enjoyed spending time with the Magister, when I thought about sightseeing in New York, or going out on the town in Vegas there really was only one person I wanted to have with me.
Going back to Bon Temps again was strange. After the pictures at the charity gala, Eric and I had become a minor target for the paparazzi when we went out to eat, or to a club and even in Bon Temps most people had seen my picture in the papers.
They treated me differently. I felt different. I was really pleased to see Jason and Tara. Someone they had finally managed to get it together. I knew this was something Tara had wanted for a long time. I just hoped Jason could stay faithful and not break her heart. It seemed everyone was in love. Jessica and Hoyt were talking about adopting baby. I wasn't quite sure how they would manage it as it wasn't legal in Louisiana but time would tell. Even Arlene and Terry seemed to be holding it together.
Eric had booked me for a date on my second night back. I was a little reluctant as I wanted to spend more time catching up with friends and family, but he was very insistent.
We drove to a fancy French restaurant on the outskirts of Shreveport. I was surprised to see the parking lot empty when we arrived, and commented that it didn't seem to be very popular. Eric just looked smug.
As we entered it was obvious we were the only patrons. "I booked the whole place. I didn't want to share you"
"So what are you going to do while I eat"
"We could dance" he said sweeping me into his arms. Eric is an amazing dancer. Despite his height, he is graceful and sensual, I felt turned on just being held by him.
I drank fine champagne and ate one of the most delicious meals of my life – and since being with the Magister I had got used to fine cuisine. It was probably enhanced by the company.
Eric looked thoughtful while I was eating. He waited for a few minutes after I had finished then spoke
"Sookie, I would like you to bond to me"
"What does that involve"
"We have to share blood – drink from each other at the same time. It will mark you as mine and me as yours. No other vampire can claim you without killing me"
"Is it permanent?" I asked
"A first bond is long lasting, but can be broken"
"So its kind of like a human engagement then"
"You would have to ask Pam about that, she is the expert on human customs"
"So why do you want this, why now?" I asked
Eric was silent for a moment. "If you would like, we could also have your human engagement" From nowhere he produced a small box, the one every girl dreams of receiving, and handed it to me. "I would be happy to marry you according to human laws"
"Why"
"Because I want to be with you, I want everyone to know that you are mine and I am yours"
I said nothing but continued to look at him
"Because you are brave, and loyal, and beautiful"
The silence continued; the atmosphere was heavy. We could both feel the tension as our eyes met across the table. I needed to hear the words.
"Because I love you"
I must have smiled as Eric relaxed visibly.
"Mrs Sookie Northman. Yes I think that sounds pretty good."
Author's note: Thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed, and set alerts to my first fanfic. It's so exciting to get the feedback and I really appreciate it. I wanted to get the story up quickly once I had the idea so I hope a chapter a day and two at the weekend wasn't too much. I don't know if there is an etiquette to these things
I know some of the chapters were a bit short compared to some other writers, and there are lots of elements of the plot I could have developed in a lot more detail. I did make some assumptions about reader's knowledge from the show/books and other fanfics so avoided stating the obvious in places. I would welcome feedback on how the whole story hung together and flowed – too short? too long? Not enough detail? too out of character?
Should I do a sequel? I'm not quite sure where I would take it, but have a few thoughts
I've got some other ideas "in development". I'm a little nervous about putting them up, but look forward to the honest and generous feedback out there in the wonderful community that is True Blood/SVM fan fiction
