Thanks to those following the story and for the review! I hope you are enjoying it so far.

###########################

They entered the staff entrance, towards Eric's office. He called Pam and although he spoke softly she appeared almost immediately saying "Master."
"This is Sookie my new PA. Pam."
She looked startled but nodded her head towards Sookie.
"Pam is the co-owner of Fangtasia Sookie and mostly runs it now. She also happens to be my only child."

Sookie smilingly nodded at Pam.

"Pam any idea when Sookie's new car will arrive."?
"Next week Eric."
"Thanks." he nodded dismissively and she left.
"The club is a good earner Sookie but I don't often hold meetings here I use it as my office mostly, still it was worth a visit to properly introduce you to Pam."
"Once a week I am obliged to sit on that throne in the club, as we all play a part here to keep visitors rolling in." He smiled " That will be your night off if you are agreeable."

"Sure thanks."

"So, Sookie, I own a casino, a hotel - which caters for Vampires too, a bar and restaurant. Together we will do the rounds and meet with the managing staff. The restaurant will be our last stop and we can have dinner there. In the meantime you need to meet my head of security who will be your bodyguard during the daytime when I am resting, and we need to travel"

"This all sounds good Eric but why on earth would I need a bodyguard."?

"Because my älskling it is my will. I promised to protect you whilst you work for me. No argument please."

As if on cue the door opened and a tall, attractive man entered. "Boss" he acknowledged.

"Ah Alcide come in and meet Miss Stackhouse. She is my new PA."

Sookie looked into the greenest pair of eyes she had ever seen. He was tall and very muscular, with untamed curly black hair and he was studying her intently. She held her hand out to shake his.

"Nice to meet you Alcide."

"Miss." he acknowledged with a smile and handshake. He turned to Eric and saw him frowning and then just as quickly changing his expression to inscrutable.

"I just need to speak with Alcide in private Sookie, then I will meet you at the car in a few minutes."

As soon as she left Eric turned to Alcide and said. "You will guard her with your life, and how can I put this, you will not make any attempt to get too close to her." his eyes blazed "Is that clear? Pick her up tomorrow at 2pm please and head to New Orleans. I have emailed detailed instructions"

Alcide held up his hands "Boss I have a fiancé, but I hear you. So are we cool?" His phone beeped with Eric's email.
Eric nodded and slapped Alcide on his arm and said "We are, I'm trusting you." and left.

The casino, hotel and bar were all very busy, bright and full of noisy visitors. Many vampires turned her way as she passed, breathing in her scent and showing their fangs. The managers, after greeting Sookie, eyed her curiously wondering how long she would last in the job. Eric didn't normally have a PA.
Finally after a very tiring evening, she was very glad to arrive at the restaurant, met that manager who then ushered them to a private room, which was kept solely for Eric's use. Blissfully most sounds retreated and her head had some much needed relief from all the voices.

"Are you alright"? Eric asked, concerned as she looked rather pale to him.

"Yes I'm fine Eric, all those voices get a bit much at times, but I am used to it and just need some quiet for a while." She was grateful there were no thoughts coming from him. That was the awesome thing about vampires. Dinner was served but she picked at it, not feeling very hungry, then finally pushed her plate away.

"Let's call it a day. Tomorrow afternoon Alcide will collect you as I have had a summons from Queen Sophie who resides in New Orleans." I will travel in my coffin and he will escort you to the hotel where I have booked a suite for us. Now I am going to take you home. When your new car arrives next week, you will only need it for personal use. I prefer that I or Alcide drives you."

She nodded tiredly.

He rose and ushered her out of the restaurant and into his car, driving smoothly to her place. "Get some rest." he advised escorting her to the front door and kissing her lightly on the cheek.
"Oh you will need a couple of party dresses and evening wear along with 3 days of normal attire. Queen Sophie likes people to dress up when she holds court."

Eric was furious at the summons which insisted he brought Sookie. He felt sure that the snake Bill found out he had just employed her and had something to do with it. Chow had not noticed him contacting anyone whilst they were tracking the drainers, but Bill had long practise in deceit. If there was a way to kill Bill Eric would, with no compunction, but one vampire killing another was a crime and punished severely unless there was mitigating circumstances. Still he would find a way and after this visit he would try and arrange something, which didn't lead back to him. He went back to Fangtasia to finish looking over the accounts of all his businesses before dawn came.

Sookie gratefully sank into her bed. The day had been interesting and very busy, everyone was very polite and welcoming to her. She was blissfully unaware they dare not be anything else as Eric's wrath could have some nasty consequences.

Most of Eric's managers thought It wasn't too hard to be nice to Miss Stackhouse, as she was pretty as a picture and had nice manners. A far cry from his usual type, as everyone assumed he was fucking her. Eric's sexual prowess was much talked about, because he had a reputation with the ladies. His passing fancies though never lasted more than a week or two.

Sookie got up late after having a dreamless night's sleep. She didn't have too much time before Alcide arrived so quickly showered, dressed down in jeans and T shirt then put her hair in a ponytail, leaving her face free of makeup. She quickly packed her suitcase and lugged it downstairs.

She was brewing some coffee when there was a loud knock on the door. "Good morning Alcide, please come in, the door is unlocked. Sorry if I am delaying things but I need to eat and are just about to have a very late breakfast, would you care for anything.?" She knew he wasn't a vampire but his thoughts although readable didn't seem fully human.

"Coffee would be nice Miss Stackhouse."

"Call me Sookie, everyone does."

He was not sure Eric would approve of being informal, but hey it couldn't hurt and she was real nice, he thought as he sipped his coffee.

She started cooking sausage and eggs then added some more, the biscuits were baking in the oven and were enough for two. "Come on" she laughed "don't be so polite - we'll share this." It was nice to be able to cook for someone else.

Her brother Jason rarely visited her anymore because he was annoyed she was left the house when Gran died and he showed it by give her a hard slap when he found out. He always was selfish and could be mean too when it suited. Even though she had given him her half of their parents house and split Gran's savings it still wasn't enough for Jason. The slap, however, had hardened her and although she loved him she was happy not to see him for a while.

She shared the food between them and Alcide smiled his thanks and ate and drank with gusto. After finishing he helped her clear up and she felt very comfortable to have this big man moving around in her kitchen. She could see they were going to be good friends.

He carried her case to the truck whilst she locked up then they set out. For a while they travelled in silence then he asked "what made you work for Eric."

She laughed "oh he says I can be useful to him with my gift."

What did she do in bed that was so special to be called a gift he wondered.

Annoyed she said "Erik and I haven't slept together, Alcide so my gift doesn't lie in that direction. It lies in hearing other's thoughts. Even if we did it's not for others to judge I have had enough of that all my life"

He looked very shamefaced. "I am truly sorry Sookie."

"Well its is easy to be judgemental but when you hear as many thoughts as I do you realise that even the seemingly nicest person can have evil thoughts. I accept your apology"

The journey continued and although they chatted, Alcide was very careful to hold back on his thoughts, all the way to the hotel.