I woke up the next morning tangled in black silk sheets. I moved a little stiffly as I made my way to the bathroom. I smiled when I remembered the reasons for that stiffness. I, Sookie Stackhouse, had a night of wonderful, amazing sex. I noticed a neat pile of clothing next to the shower – underwear, yoga pants, and a sweatshirt. Had Eric set those out before heading to his daytime rest? I hadn't really been looking forward to a walk of shame.
After a long, hot shower I walked into the main room and began brushing out my hair. To my surprise the elevator door opened and a young woman with strawberry blonde hair came in bearing a large tray.
"I'm so glad you are up," she said. "Eric likes his girls to eat well." An image of her and Eric in bed together flashed through her mind. Great. She set the tray on the island and removed the cover to reveal steak, eggs, biscuits, orange juice, and milk. "If you need anything else, I can get it for you."
"Thanks…"
"Ginger," she supplied.
"Thanks, Ginger. It looks delicious." She smiled and headed back to the elevator. Eric likes his girls to eat well ?! His girls ?! I just had the best night of my life and Eric would have someone else here tomorrow night. Were these generic clothes he had around for 'his girls'? I decided to eat, then worry about my fall from grace. The food was excellent.
I gathered up my things and found a pen and paper to leave Eric a note. I drove home, wondering what would happen next. Would Eric want to see me again? Was I really just one of a harem of women? I didn't want any part of that. Sex with Eric was amazing, but I had some pride. Didn't I?
"Look what the cat dragged in," Gran remarked as I walked in the back door. "That must have been quite a casino tour." I blushed to the roots of my hair. "I know you are grown and you can do what you want, but I am going to give you advice anyway. Be careful with your heart Sookie."
"I will." Gran pulled me close and hugged me.
"Was it everything you expected?" she asked.
"More," I answered, terribly embarrassed to be talking about sex with my Gran.
"You look different," Arlene said that evening at work. "I don't think I've ever seen that smile on your face before." I blushed. "Is it a man? Did you finally get some, Sookie?"
"I had a date last night," I said. Mostly that was true.
"Anyone I know?"
"His name is Eric. He lives in Shreveport."
"Not that tall blonde who was in here that one night?" I nodded. "Oh Sookie!" She grabbed me in a hug and we might have jumped up and down a few minutes.
"Is everything ok?" Sam asked. His nostrils flared and he gave me an odd look.
"Sookie has a man," Arlene declared.
"Are you his now?" Sam asked. What did that mean? "He will use you and pass you along to someone else. Get out if you still can, Sookie." Then he walked away. Rain on parades much, Sam?
EPOV
I awoke smelling of Sookie and sex. I was pretty sure there was a goofy grin on my face. Pam had already been teasing me – now she was going to be relentless. I stood at my bedroom door, hoping Sookie would still be inside. She wasn't of course, but a vampire can hope. I had left orders that the sheets not be changed. I lay in my bed enveloped in Sookie's scent. I even rolled around a bit. I would ask Sookie to be mine. One of my apartment buildings should have an opening. On second thought, a little house somewhere on the Bon Temps side of Shreveport would do nicely. She could go to college full time if she wanted to; I would be happy to pay her tuition. I closed my eyes and imagined night after night in Sookie's arms. She was beautiful, she was smart, she could read minds, she knew what I was. I told her I was a vampire and instead of running away screaming, Sookie asked to touch my fangs. I could be myself with Sookie. Mostly. That goofy grin spread all over my face… until my phone rang.
"Are you entertaining your little classmate again tonight?" Pam asked.
"Not at the moment." I was planning a trip to Bon Temps later.
SPOV
Sam walked into his office as I was grabbing my purse to leave.
"This won't end well," he said gravely.
"I went on a date," I answered defensively.
"Do you know what he is?"
"Yes."
Sam looked me steadily in the eye for a moment, then asked, "Did he drink from you?"
"Yes."
"Did he give you his blood?"
"No!" Ew! "Why would you ask me that?"
"Do you know about glamour?" I nodded. "Vampires can also control humans through their blood. If Eric gives you his blood he will be able to sense your emotions and use those to manipulate you. He will also be able to track you. If you have enough, he could have complete control over you."
"Is that something Eric does to women often?" I asked, my voice breaking a little. I did not want someone controlling me.
"Not that I know of, but it is common among vampires. Humans are kept as pets until the newness wears off, then passed along to another vampire and another and another… Humans who spend time with vamps don't last long. You need to stay away from Eric, Sookie."
I could tell Sam really believed what he was telling me and he was genuinely concerned for me.
"Thanks, Sam," I said and headed out the door. Couldn't I have enjoyed this for a day? I appreciated Sam's concern, but I didn't want to think about life and death matters. I just wanted to be happy that I found a man who wanted me and found joy in pleasing me. Eric probably didn't want to be my boyfriend – he might not even call. I didn't want to be a one night stand, but it did sound better than being passed around the vamp community until I died an untimely death. My mind was so full, I didn't realize that Eric was in the parking lot leaning against my car until I was nearly in front of him.
"I had hoped you would be more excited to see me," Eric said, a question in his voice.
"Sam thinks you are going to use me, then pass me around to other vamps until I die. Gran thinks I slept with you too soon and should have more respect for myself." Eric looked at me thoughtfully.
"Your grandmother's opinion is important to you?" I nodded. The whole dying was really more important than what Gran thought. Wasn't it? "On your next night off, would you like to go to the movies with me?"
"Yes." Eric smiled. Had he really thought I would say no?
"Good. I will pick you up and say hello to your Gran."
"She will appreciate that." Eric pulled me in for a long, tender kiss.
"Good night, Sookie," he whispered in my ear, then flew away.
