Disclaimer: As before, most characters are the product of Charlaine Harris' brain, the words and situations are provided by yours truly. : )
Chapter 36
Eric reached over and grasped Sookie's hand, causing her to look up at him with a vague smile.
"You're awfully touchy lately, Eric. What's different?" Eric looked at Sookie, her blonde hair curling lightly down her back and her blue eyes looking guilelessly at him. The way he felt, he knew he could never express, but nonetheless she'd understand. He opened the bond as far as he could, letting her feel the depth of his feelings if she will.
"What's different is that you're mine, completely, and you consider yourself so." Sookie's smile broadened.
"So, what did Bill say that angered you so completely."
"I would rather not talk about it just yet." As Eric finished the comment he gestured with his eyes towards the backseat passenger. Amelia pretended not to be listening, but Sookie could tell that, as hard as she was staring out the window, her attention was tuned completely to the Viking driver. "What are our plans for the rest of the night, lover?"
"Well, I'd like to plant the roses, see if I can get you a little dirty." Sookie looked up at Eric and winked. He laughed, a loud, full-bodied laugh, and she smiled, warmed by his pleasure. "Then we're going to have to weed the garden, and maybe finish with a shower." Eric nodded, his closed-mouth smile enough to indicate his anticipation, and hide his fangs. Amelia kept her mind focused on the passing scenery, in such a way that Sookie could tell she was avoiding thinking about something bigger. "Amelia? Is everything okay with you?"
"Yes, but do you know how hard it is to keep a surprise, or a secret, from a telepath? Do I need to start the ABC's again?" Sookie shivered in response. "I thought not. I think I'm going to stare at the grass again." Eric caressed the back of her hand, sending pleasurable tremors down her spine, while simultaneously sharing his desire through the bond. The rest of the ride was enjoyed in a comfortable silence, Sookie strengthened her mental shields, doing her best to stay out of her roommate's head, or, more appropriately, keep her roommate's thoughts out of her head.
They pulled into the driveway, an unexpected guest waiting, not so patiently, for them.
"Detective Bellefleur, what an unexpected pleasure. To what do we owe the honor?" Eric filled his voice with mocking sarcasm as he addresed the paunchy detective. Andy peered at him, his beady eyes squinting.
"Hello Mr. Northman, Miss Amelia, Miss Sookie. I hope you are having a fine evening." Without pausing to allow for an answer, Andy continued. "Sookie, the county needs your help." Sookie cocked her head in question, deciding against reading his mind. Eric cocked his eyebrow and gestured for Andy to continue. The detective paused for a few seconds more, getting his thoughts in order. "Do you know where about the Louisiana State University is in Shreveport? There is a bit of a problem over that-a-ways. There is a hostage situation and we want to send people in, we were hoping you could tell us if, or when, we lose the element of surprise. I understand you do this sort of thing for the Vampires, so it won't be any problem for you to help us, right?"
"I'm sure you also understand that everytime Sookie helps us, we provide her with ample compensation and protection. What are you offering my fiancee in terms of compensation for this effort?" Andy's eyes got large, and he stuttered for a moment before replying.
"I would think that the opportunity to help others would be more than enough compensation for any good --" Eric's look quickly silenced Andy's sentence, he quickly continued. "But, we will see what the county can provide." Sookie looked up at Eric.
"Eric, do you mind if we take a raincheck for our gardening? I am needed, and I will help."
"I am coming with you."
"Eric --"
"Sookie, my love, I am going to protect you. You know that I am a better shield than anyone else they could provide, and if I am with you, I will be able to help you strengthen your shields, silencing all others so you can focus on the perp." Sookie acknowledged his logic, and his worry for her, though she was reluctant to allow him to join her. Having seen him shot for her twice, she didn't want him to go where he could be hurt on her account again. She smiled up at him, though her own worry added strain to the gesture. He kissed her lightly on the forehead and leaned over to her ear, "I am not going to ger hurt, nor let it happen to you. I love you."