Dinner with Eric isn't exactly what Sookie imagined

They sat in a secluded spot of the restaurant and Eric took a sip of Tru Blood as he watched Sookie eat. In truth he didn't need to feed as he much preferred the donor blood he took earlier. He was pleased she seemed to be enjoying her meal, though.

"So Sookie, I'll get straight to the point. I would like you to work for me" he said earnestly.

Disappointment crashed through Sookie as she thought this was a date and it was turning into something more. Suddenly her food seemed tasteless and she put her knife and fork down and replied angrily. "I have a job, thanks." She drained the glass of wine and continued " I know its not much but I like it. Sorry to waste your time, although why you invited me to this restaurant I really don't know." she started to stand.

He gave a little smile, she was quite the little spitfire and he liked that about her. She had pretty southern manners and was so sweet and then suddenly fiery Sookie peeked out when she felt provoked
"Please, sit down and hear me out." it sounded more like a command than request but she nodded and sat.

"You have this wonderful gift Sookie and I would like you to accompany me to meetings with humans and let me know what they are really thinking. I would also like you to interview humans and assess their suitability for jobs within my organisation. You could be invaluable to me and would be well rewarded. Company car and phone. Health insurance, a company store account at Tara Togs are the perks and of course a handsome pay package."

He sat back and watched her reaction, of course he badly wanted to fuck her too, who wouldn't, but he realised he would have to tread carefully she wasn't some starstruck fangbanger or a one nighter. No she was different and he would keep seduction out of it for now.

"You try living with my so called gift trust me it isn't so easy. Your offer sounds great but what is the catch, because usually there is one." She replied smartly. She pushed her plate away as her appetite had gone then held her glass out for a refill feeling super nervous now. Her disability being called a gift pleased her, usually folks shied away from her and often she was known as that crazy Sookie.

Pouring her wine he replied "No catch, but there is, of course, something I would like to do so I can offer complete protection" This was the tricky part, he blanked his face into an innocent expression.

Now we are getting to it she thought. She had years of experience hiding what she felt from reading customer's minds and quickly recognised when Eric was doing just that. "Well you better spit it out then"

He lowered his voice "I would like you to take my blood"

Whatever she expected him to say she was not expecting that "Yuk - no way, that is so gross." too late she realised she had offended him.

He bit back and angry retort and said mildly, "Having my blood in you would offer protection from other vampires as I would be bonded with you as your employer. They wouldn't be allowed to touch or feed from you and trust me you smell delightful enough for many to try. There are of course some side effects."

"What are they then?" She was wary, the protection sounded good but she needed to hear more and what this bond entailed.

"You would just need a tiny amount as my blood is over 1000 years old. This very small amount would minimise some of the effects. I would be able to track you and sense what you were feeling. So if you were in trouble, hurt or upset I would know." Then he gave a little smile and his eyes gleamed, "You might of course experience some feelings for me, if you don't already." he looked completely mischievous now watching her blush vividly. Of course she might have sexy dreams of him too but he didn't mention that as it might frighten her off, he was almost honest, he reasoned.

She was so angry with herself for blushing yet again, he must think she was a such an inexperienced girl, which in truth she was. Of course she fancied him, sitting there looking like some handsome Viking marauder in a suit, but she had to get a grip and think this through.

"How often would you need me to work? would I be able to continue working at my current job?

Her interest pleased him and he relaxed. She didn't reject the blood out of hand which was good. She was intelligent that was clear also. He smiled his most charming smile and replied.

"Think whether you want to accept first then everything can be sorted out after that. Now if have you finished eating, maybe you would like to dance and start enjoying yourself a little."

He led her to the small dance floor and held her close as they danced to a slow number the 3 piece band was playing. She loved dancing and Eric had a lifetime to perfect his dance moves. For a while they were both quiet taking in the ambience and moving in unison, she could feel he was getting aroused as he pulled her in closer and leaned down to feather kiss her neck. After a while the tempo quickened and it broke the mood so he suggested it was time to leave.

She was quiet on the drive home and glancing at her profile Eric wondered if she was offended at his arousal. The smell and touch of her made him lose his usual control and he hoped he hadn't blown it.

He vamped to open the car door for her and as they walked to her front door she turned round and said

"I accept the job Eric Northman, please don't make me regret it."

He kissed her on each cheek and then her mouth, but gently. He pulled back and caught some strands of her hair and ran his fingers through it absently. His eyes looked black and his fangs were fully drawn but all he said was

"I wont let you down. It's late now shall we discuss everything else tomorrow night at my house or yours?"

"My house please" She was trembling slightly, with what she wasn't sure. Excitement, lust and just a small amount of fear, all of those she recognised within her, as she gazed up at him.

He kissed her again but lightly on the forehead and said "Tomorrow then at 8.00pm." and was gone.