a/n Hey everybody! I really suck at remembering this A/N thing sometimes - I meant to add one to the last chapter as a disclaimer. Moon Called - the name of the hotel - is actually a nod at a Patricia Briggs novel that's super good. Look it up!
a/n Also, thanks to the awesome Northwoman for being an incredible beta! And thanks to the readers who keep reviewing (even the uber-honest ones :-) ) because reading them makes me smile and laugh and then sit down and write some more! Sorry I haven't been responding to them as much lately - I do read them, I promise!
a/n Finally, these amazing characters belong to Ms. Charlaine Harris, and not me. I'm just doing an experiment with them.
Chapter 8
Eric's POV
I couldn't believe my luck, getting her to agree to a whole night with me in a hotel room. I checked my rearview mirror for the thirty-second time (perfect recall is good for counting) to make sure she was still behind me. As much as I had wanted to whisk her away in the 'Vette, logic prevailed. I knew she would need to leave earlier than I would be alive again, forcing me to let her depend on herself. I hated that. In my time as a human – and the last time I had felt a hint of the feelings stirring themselves for Sookie, if I was honest – men took care of their women and were proud to do it.
Speaking of taking care of my woman, I had noticed the slight change in Compton's demeanor when he met Sookie. She smelled delicious – the innocence was alluring – and I would undoubtedly make sure he understood that she was mine. At least as soon as I was totally confident. Which is another thing that irked me; I am Eric the Northman – self doubt is no longer in my Rolodex of useful states of mind. It hadn't been until I met a certain enticing blonde, anyway. Forty glances now, but who was counting?
Even though I could despise how she made me feel – like I was finding my feet again – I was also amazed by her. She was headstrong and courageous; the moment she slapped my face at the shifter's bar had made that obvious. But as much as she was bold, she was soft and loving. That had been clear the night I met Adele. The emotions that I could sense in that room were flowery and cheerful, from both women. She had been raised well and met her challenges with moxie. I admired that in any being, but especially in a fragile, curvy human casing.
We pulled into the hotel front and the valet met me at the door. I paid for my car and Sookie's, then waited until she got out of her car to make my way inside. I checked us in and tucked Sookie's hand in the crook of my arm to escort her to the elevator. We were staying in the Presidential Suite on the very top floor of the building; the security in this building was very tight – one of the reasons it was allowed to continue, of course – with a footman on every elevator and roaming guards on almost every floor. We had to use our key cards to even reach the twelfth floor, and the elevator opened right up into the suite. If I had been on normal business, I would have situated a guard next to the elevator, but I wasn't expecting trouble on this trip – and I am very good at anticipating trouble.
Sookie's eyes widened as we stepped inside the suite. "This is almost as big as my house, Eric!" she exclaimed, taking in the sitting room in which we stood. The furniture was rich and luxurious; overstuffed chairs and sofas were arranged artfully around the large LCD TV, a more conversationally-inclined arrangement surrounded the fireplace. I nodded to myself in approval, Good choice, Viking.
I slipped Sookie's overnight bag from her slackened hand and walked through the sitting room and into the bedroom. She followed a little more slowly, her eyes sweeping all around to take it in. The bedroom was just as magnificent. The king-sized sleigh bed was high and looked soft, there was a large dresser and mirror placed opposite (I resisted waggling my eyebrows at the lucky placement of the mirror) and a distinguished desk in the corner. I set her bag down on the dresser and motioned her over to me.
She came to stand in front of me and let me slip the cardigan from her shoulders. "Are you very tired, Lover?" I asked. I hoped not, although I would be a perfect gentleman if she answered affirmatively. At least mostly.
She shook her head. "I slept in really late," she admitted, then narrowed her eyes and glared at me. "I can't believe you rented a whole suite for me! That's ridiculous!"
"I disagree," I replied, leaning down to kiss the place below her ear that makes her pulse race, "Because I did it in the hopes some poor vampire soul would benefit from that big, soft bed."
She giggled. "You're so full of yourself."
I traced my tongue around her ear then whispered, "You could be full of me, too," before I vanished into the bathroom to begin filling the large-enough-for-two (even if one of those two was me) whirlpool tub. The smell of her arousal and the huff of embarrassment were plenty payment for me.
She stuck her head around the doorframe. "That disappearing thing is annoying, you know."
"You're only upset because you didn't get the last word," I retorted, checking the water temperature one more time. "Now come here so I can remedy the blasphemy of covering your gorgeous body."
She rolled her eyes, but she was grinning and walking toward me. Where was the bashful maiden of Sunday night? Good riddance, I say. When she was close enough, I pulled her in for a kiss and began to unzip her dress. Gods help me; I loved touching her skin almost as much as I loved tasting her. I pushed the straps of her dress off her shoulders and it pooled on the floor. Sookie looked up at me through her eyelashes.
"Um, Eric?"
"Yes, Lover?" I was kissing down her throat now, her strong pulse like a siren's song.
"I, um. I'm a virgin." Oh gods, this delectable woman. "I didn't know if you could tell, or not."
I nodded as I reached around to unsnap her bra. "Keener senses, remember?" I said quite throatily as I began to explore the bounty her bra had surrendered. These breasts were perfection.
I felt the heat rush to her face, but she continued, "I'm not sure if I'm ready. . ."
I looked up to meet her eyes and replied sincerely, "You just have to say if it's too much, Sookie. I will stop if you ask," before returning to my task. I licked and sucked and tweaked and pinched until I had her nipples standing erect, just as I wanted them. She whimpered and leaned into me, her hands wrapping in my hair and pulling me closer. I slid my hands lower and pushed her panties down over her hips. My fangs slid out of their own accord when the smell of her uncovered arousal wafted to my face and I found myself taking a deep, involuntary (and totally unnecessary) breath.
"That's the problem, Eric," she almost moaned, continuing to press me into her breasts. "I don't know if I can say no."
Damn chivalry. It was the wrong century and region for me anyway – I was a pillager! Damn my better judgment and fuck my better control! Fuck her! screamed my instincts and the animal inside. Luckily, you don't get to be over a millennium old by caving to cravings. I had just enough control left to pull away and stop the water, like it was planned. "Get in, Sookie, it's nice and warm."
She gave me a slightly puzzled look, but hitched one leg over into the water to test it. She climbed in and sank into the warm water, giving a contented sigh. My cock twitched at the sight of her, wet and slippery all over. "Aren't you going to join me?" she asked softly. Only if you want to be pillaged tonight.
I smirked. "I will in a moment." When I can put the Viking in me to rest. I grabbed the body sprayer and motioned for her to lean over. I turned the water back on and began to wet her hair. I distracted myself by giving her the best scalp massage and shampoo in the history of the universe.
Deciding that I was calm enough again after I rinsed her hair, I undressed and crawled into the tub facing her. We spent a few moments just looking at each other before she finally sat up on her knees and crawled over to kiss me. "I'm sorry," she whispered softly, so soft I wouldn't have even heard it except for my superior senses.
I caught her chin in my hand and forced her to look me in the eyes. "Never be sorry for respecting yourself, Sookie." Then, before she thought I was being too serious, I waggled my eyebrows and gave her a little leer, "Besides, there is plenty of other fun stuff we can do." That will leave me aching for more. It's you and me old friend, old pal I thought toward my right hand. She would be worth it, I was still sure.
She laughed and rolled her eyes. "Like talking?" she teased.
"Absolutely," no beats missed here. I leaned in close, nipping her ear and trailing kisses around her pulse, then whispered, "Or kissing." She smiled. "And licking." A little shudder as I outlined her ear with my tongue. "And touching," I concluded, sneaking a finger into her folds for just a moment, receiving a gasp as my reward.
I slid my finger higher, rubbing across her clit, when she whispered back, "You forgot one."
"I did?" My fingers had minds of their own, sliding and teasing.
She nodded, her eyes darkening slightly and her heart picking up its pace. I quirked a brow in query and kept my fingers working; she was getting close. Just as she began to clench around my hand, she moaned, "Biting."
I heard myself growl, low in my chest and my fangs sprang to attention once more. My cock was throbbing. I shifted her just a bit so I wouldn't be tempted to impale her on my rigid erection and turned my attention to her neck. I kissed, I licked, I scraped my fangs on her gently. "Did you like it when I bit you, Sookie?" I practically growled. Why was I torturing myself?
She was coming again, her muscles tightening around my fingers once more. "Oh, yes," she moaned. I couldn't wait anymore. I had to taste her. I picked her up and got out of the tub, grabbing a towel on my way to the bedroom. I set her down lightly beside the bed and quickly ran a towel over her body and mine.
As soon I dropped it to the floor, she was on me again, lips, hands, tongue, pressing her body to mine. I helped her sit on the edge of the bed and stepped between her thighs, causing my dick to come precariously close to her radiating heat. Bad idea, Viking! Quickly, I dropped to my knees and pulled her legs up over my shoulders. She leaned back on her elbows, her eyes smoldering as she looked down at me. I flicked her clit once with the tip of my tongue and she shuddered. "Do you want me to bite you again, Lover?" I asked, letting my breath tease her wetness. I could spend all night with my face in her pussy. I wanted to.
Slowly, deliberately, she nodded. My heart would have stopped dead in its tracks if it had still been beating; this woman was tormenting me and she didn't even realize it! I licked her again, sliding two fingers of one hand inside of her and my other hand to my aching cock. She kept her eyes locked with mine as I greedily sought her flavors, licking and sucking. She pulled her bottom lip in between her teeth and moaned.
I kept working, fingers and mouth in tandem, until she peaked again – my name pouring from her lips like honey. I turned my head and bit into the soft flesh of her inner thigh and heard her cry my name again. I growled in my throat as I drank her blood and reached my own peak, coming onto my own stomach and hand. I allowed myself one more mouthful, and then pulled back, licking the puncture wounds to heal them.
Sookie collapsed back onto the bed, her eyes closed and a smile haunting her lips. I wiped myself off with the towel I had brought then laid beside her. After she caught her breath, I whispered into her ear, "You are delicious, Sookie," predicting the flush that would steal into her cheeks. I grinned when she opened an eye to look at me. "I could get used to this."
A corner of her mouth tucked in. "Aren't you already used to it?"
"Not like this."
She rolled up on her side to face me, propping up on an elbow. "What's different?"
"I am not sure," I answered honestly. "You make me feel like I have not felt in over 1000 years."
"Like a horny teenager?" she laughed.
I rearranged us to be the right way on the bed, pulling the covers down, then back up when we were under them. Her heart was slowing and her breath was steadying – she would be asleep in no time. "No, Lover," I whispered as I snuggled her closer to me. "Like a man."
There she went – what was that phrase Pam had learned? Out like a light.
Sookie's POV
I awoke slowly, cuddled into Eric's side. I didn't know what time it was, but when I looked up at him, his eyes were closed and his jaw was slack. Must be after dawn. It was a little creepy – he really did seem dead because his chest wasn't moving at all; not that it ever did, really. I lifted his heavy arm off of me and rolled to the edge of the bed to get up. The clock on the bedside table said 10:35. He had really worn me out!
Propped next to the clock was a note on the hotel's stationary. It read: My Sookie, I hope that I can see you again soon. Please feel free to order room service before you go, this room is courtesy of Sophie-Anne. I will call you if I hear of any arrangements from the Queen. Please think of me today, especially my mouth; it will be lonely until it touches you again. ~E.
I rolled my eyes and tried to ignore the fluttering in my stomach. Just like him to be naughty. Since this was technically a business trip, I didn't feel bad about pulling out the room service menu and ordering breakfast, although I still ordered the cheapest thing on the menu. I showered while I waited, then wrapped up in the luxurious robe to eat the breakfast that had been left in the sitting room. Fried eggs, sausage, toast, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. A girl could get used to this.
I pulled on the jean shorts and tank top that I had packed, and straightened up the room as best I could before I left Eric a note of his own propped where mine had been. Try as I might, though, I couldn't think of anything naughty to say that didn't just sound cheesy, so I just wrote that I'd had a great time and was looking forward to hearing from him again. Then, I left for home. I had to be at Merlotte's at four and I wanted to talk to Gran about my business prospects.
Gran was working on quilt squares when I came in. I set my bag down in my bedroom, walked my dirty laundry to the back porch to throw it in the washer, and then sat down across from her, pulling my legs up with me. "How did your meeting go, Sookie?" she asked without looking up.
"It went really well, Gran. I agreed to work for them for a two month probationary period. I met three more vampires – Eric's Lieutenant, Pam, the bartender at Fangtasia, Felicia, and our new neighbor, Bill Compton. Eric said that Bill had been instructed to help us if we ever needed it; he seemed nice."
"What are the terms of your business deal?" she asked.
"Well, I'll have no less than two assignments a month, but no more than ten. I didn't want to have to move anywhere. They will provide transportation and an escort for all of my assignments, no matter where they are. I'll have benefits if I agree to keep going past two months and the salary was outrageous."
Her brows lifted. "Outrageous how?"
"It was too much, but Eric wouldn't let me negotiate it lower. I thought that it should be per assignment or something, but he insisted."
"It seems like Eric is really looking out for you, Sookie," she observed.
"I know. He's very interesting, to say the least."
"How do you feel about him?" Gran was never one for mincing words.
"I don't know yet. I really like him, but there's so much I still don't know."
"I think he would treat you right, dear. I get a good feeling from him."
I smiled and wondered how Eric would feel to know he got the Gran stamp of approval. He'd probably waggle his eyebrows and ask when he would get mine, too. Gran and I talked a little while longer. I've always appreciated our talks like this one; there was no way I could be far from her – she's my mother, father, and best friend.
When I asked her what she thought about me quitting Merlotte's in favor of this other opportunity, she smiled in that way grandmothers do and said that she was confident I'd make the right decision. "I've always thought you could get out of this small town and do good with your ability, Sookie," she said, "but I also know that you do a great deal of good right here in Bon Temps with your cheerful demeanor and positive attitude. You'll always be needed, wherever you go or whatever you do. You have to decide what's best for your heart." I rolled that over in my mind for a minute. For my heart and not for myself. What did that mean?
But, the time for talking was over because unless I wanted to Sam to fire me, I needed to get myself to work. I had been hoping that Sam was out in the bar instead of in his office when I arrived, but no such luck. I could have sworn that he took in a deep breath just as I leaned past him to put my purse in the desk drawer. I shot him a puzzled look, but he just looked away.
"You seeing that vampire still, Sookie?" he asked, his voice laced with some emotion I couldn't quite read. I couldn't pick it out of his head like I could most people – his thoughts were normally hazy and hard to decipher. Maybe that's why I had been able to work for him for so long.
I nodded. "That vampire's name is Eric, Sam. He's very nice to me."
"Yeah, I'll bet," he muttered under his breath.
"What was that you said, Sam Merlotte? If you've got something to say to me, say it to my face like a man," I said heatedly, poking his shoulder for emphasis.
He stood up quickly, almost too quickly for me to get out of the way. "How can you be sure he's nice to you, Sookie? He's probably just glamouring you so he can get what he wants!" Sam exploded in my face, his face contorting with his fervor.
I rolled my eyes. Typical. "Thanks for noticing that I'm quite a catch, Sam," I replied sarcastically. "Glamour doesn't work on me, for the record. But don't you think that just because he showed up one day I'm more than happy to jump into bed with him."
"His smell is all over you," he said severely, but then his face closed up like he'd said something he shouldn't. It took a minute for me to connect the dots. Eric's smell was on me? But I'd taken a shower . . .
"What did you say?"
He made a dismissive gesture with his hands. "Nothing, cher. I just worry about you."
"Don't play that 'I didn't say anything' game with me. Did you say I smelled like Eric?"
He made a frustrated humph. "Have you ever listened to my thoughts, Sookie?"
"What? No! You're my boss, Sam – I don't do it on purpose and I damn sure try to avoid it! What does that have to do with you smelling Eric on me?"
"Are my thoughts different than other peoples' thoughts?" he asked.
Aggravated, and not sure where this was going, I nodded. "So what? Not everyone thinks the same. Stop avoiding my question!"
He put his hands on my upper arms. "I'm different, too, Sookie. That's why I can smell him."
"You're not a vampire," I said. Vampires were the only ones I had ever encountered that had such keen senses. And I couldn't hear their thoughts at all, but I could get something from Sam – a tangle of emotions, usually. An impression, rather than a picture.
"No, not a vampire," he said with a look of disgust. "But different."
I laughed, "Are you a werewolf?" Jacob versus Edward; Sam versus Eric.
He shook his head. "I'm a shapeshifter. Were's can only turn into one kind of animal – I can shift into most anything."
I took a step back. "Wait – did you just tell me werewolves exist too, and that you're not one?"
He shrugged. "If there are vampires, why not werewolves? There are a lot of things that humans are too busy to see or notice."
I couldn't even think of something to say – which didn't happen to me very often. Finally, I managed, "Why did you wait so long to tell me? It would have been nice to know someone else that was different," in a whisper. I wouldn't have felt so alone in my otherness.
"I'm sorry, cher. I never knew quite how to say it," he answered, reaching out to rub my shoulder soothingly.
I let him pull me in for a hug, then stepped back to say, "Well, shapeshifter or not, you're not allowed to sniff me to see who I'm dating, okay?" This was too much for me to process all at once. I had to put it away for access later when I had time to realize that the world wasn't quite what I'd been led to believe.
He laughed. "I just want to make sure you're safe, Sookie."
"I appreciate that, Sam." I turned to leave, but remembered, "Oh, my schedule may be a little weird for the next couple of months. The vampires have offered me a part-time opportunity to earn a little money."
His face soured, but he only said, "Just let me know what you need."
My night at work was rather uneventful, unless you count Lafayette trying to pry news about Eric out of me. He accused me of 'gettin' some' but I wouldn't give any details. It just made me blush to think about it anyway; it was something better done when I was alone. I got home at my normal time and Gran told me that Eric had called again.
"He said it was regarding his mouth. A rather strange message, I thought, but I figured you'd understand," she said good-naturedly, not even looking up from the romance novel she was reading on the couch.
I blushed. How dare he leave a naughty message with Gran! The gall! The nerve! That . . . that jerk. He knew this would embarrass me. And he'd ensured that I'd thought of his mouth tonight, certainly. I felt my blush deepen as I remembered the feel of his tongue . . . new thought new thought new thought. "Thanks, Gran," I managed to say. "I'll call him back."
Unfortunately, Gran chose that moment to glance up and witness my mortification. "What's wrong, dear? Was his message troubling?"
I cackled – a little maniacally, I'm afraid. "Not troubling particularly; just, just.. ."
"Naughty?" she asked, a twinkle in her eye. I could not talk to Gran about this. Awkward! But my returning flush gave me away and she just giggled. Wait. She giggled? Oh crap. "I wondered if that was why you stayed in Shreveport last night."
"It was for business, Gran!" I exclaimed. Could one die of embarrassment? I'm sure I'm on my way.
She giggled again. "Sure it was, Sookie. I may be old, but I'm not dead, you know. Eric is one attractive specimen, and I can't blame you if your relationship becomes physical."
I sank to the loveseat across from her; my legs simply wouldn't hold me anymore. I said the first thing that came to mind: "But you always taught me to wait until marriage, Gran. I thought you'd be disappointed."
"I'm just glad you're happy, Sookie, and you can't deny that with the grin you've been keeping the last few days. Everything else is between you and God. Besides, I don't think you can even marry a vampire technically."
Oh, Lord help me. I know that we're grown women and all, but seriously? I just couldn't talk about it with her. It was too. . .weird. I somehow got back to my feet and started to walk to the kitchen. I really needed to get a cell phone so I could talk in my own room with the door closed. I dialed the number to Fangtasia and when Pam answered, I was ready for her. "The bar with a bite."
"Pam? It's Sookie. I need to talk to your dirty-minded, left-a-naughty-message-with-my-Grandmother, so-in-trouble Master, please?"
There was a quick exhale of air, almost a snort – did I make Pam laugh? "At once," she said.
A couple of moments later, I heard, "Pamela says I am in trouble?" Damn him and his sexy voice.
"Yes! No more naughty messages left with Gran, got it?"
"I didn't say anything naughty to Adele. Is your mind in the gutter, Lover?"
I sputtered for a minute and finally gave up. "Never mind. You called?"
He chuckled a little. "Yes, but now I'm curious. Have you thought of my mouth today?"
I huffed. "Would you get on with it? What did you need?"
I could hear the grin in his freaking voice. "I called to tell you we're taking a trip this weekend. Sophie-Anne requires your presence in New Orleans."
So soon? "I can't go this weekend – it's not enough warning for Sam. He won't be able to cover my shifts."
"Don't worry about the shif—about Merlotte. I've already called him. I'm sending a girl from Fangtasia to cover for you."
"Excuse me?" Hello, Mr. Northman. This is a boundary. Oh wait, you already crossed it.
"I took care of it," he repeated.
"Eric, you can't just call Sam and take care of it. He's my boss and it's my butt that will be in trouble," I said firmly. I knew that Eric was pretty much used to having things handed to him on a silver platter – wait, not silver – a golden platter, but I was not an underling he could order around.
"You will not be in trouble," he said amiably.
"You are missing the point, Eric. I can and will take care of myself. If I need time off from Merlotte's to work for Sophie-Anne then I will arrange it. This is not negotiable; you are not my Sherriff."
"I was trying to help, Sookie," he answered defensively.
"I do not need your help. I got to 25 on my own and I'm pretty sure I can make it past there on my own, too."
"There will be a car to pick you up at 7:00 on Friday. It will drive you here. That is all." Click.
Awesome. I definitely needed moody vampires hanging up on me. Cross-examined by my shapeshifter boss? Check. Harassed by a flamboyant coworker? Check. Embarrassed to death by my grandmother? Check. Argument with sexy, dangerous vampire? Check. I'd better go to bed before anything else could sneak up on me.
Eric's POV
I stared at my desk phone for a moment, frustrated. I was still staring at it when Pam walked in. "The human is defiant, Master?"
"Reminds me of someone else I know," I said wryly, eyeing her for a second. Her lips curved up a bit.
"Indeed."
"You will need to assist Sookie during this trip. She will need proper attire."
Pam raised a brow. "Are you saying that her wardrobe is not sufficient?" she asked meaningfully.
"Right. How can I say it without offending her?" Was I really asking Pam for advice on women? Miracles never cease.
"Since she will never let you just buy it for her – your delectable telepath and I disagree on that matter, mind you – you must frame it as a business expense. The Royal Residence is an extravagant place and Sophie-Anne expects five-star attire. She will need dresses for evening events, business suits for meetings, and so on. I would be glad to offer my assistance, if for no other reason than the dressing room," Pam said with a glint in her eye.
"She is mine, Pamela," I huffed before I could help it. My control was usually impeccable – what had this human done to me?
"We shall see about that," Pam teased, flitting away from my office and laughing at my possessive growl as she strolled into her own office just down the hallway. I knew she meant no real threat; she just loved to tease me. That did not quite stop my instincts, though.
I shook my head to clear it and turned back to my computer. I was positive that if I called back tonight, my 'delectable telepath' would be in no mood to talk to me. Pam and Sookie could go shopping on Friday night when we got to New Orleans; the Queen had an arrangement with many shops and boutiques to stay open for her perusal when required. Along those lines, I picked up my cell phone and dialed the Queen's message service to make my request.
I checked my email again and signed the stack of Area paperwork Pam had left for me then glanced at the time. Five; too late for a flight to Bon Temps and back. Fuck. Instead, I drove to my home on the outskirts of Shreveport – the one I preferred – and laid in bed plotting our course for the weekend. We would have to be careful around Sophie-Anne – under no circumstances could she learn that Sookie was immune to glamour. Also, I knew that I would have to publicly claim her to prevent her from being shared in the royal nest – I could just imagine how much Sookie will love that. I was just imagining how much Iwould enjoy the private claiming when the dawn took me; I would have to see about arranging for adjoining rooms – or even better – only one room.
Sookie's POV
On Thursday when I got to work, Sam's face was understandably stormy. "I'm sorry, Sam," I said immediately when I walked into his office. "I didn't realize that I would be needed so soon; I didn't ask Eric to call – I will be requesting my own time from now on."
His scowl continued. "Cher, I'm worried about you getting involved in vampire business. It's not like the human kind. I don't want you to worry about the bar – you stay safe in New Orleans."
I cast his worries aside with a flit of my hand. If only I could do away with my own as easily. "Don't worry about me, Sam. I'm a big girl."
We chatted for a few more minutes, while I checked my ponytail once more and tied my apron on, and then I walked out into the bar. I was surprised to see Bill Compton sitting in a booth in my area, but I tried not to react. Did he have a message from Eric? Now that I had seen Sam wasn't terribly upset, I was having trouble keeping the flames of my anger with Eric alive.
I went around my section, taking orders or refilling glasses where needed, saving my vampire neighbor for last. "Hi, Bill," I said. "What can I get for you?"
He nodded slightly to acknowledge me. "I'd like a TrueBlood, please."
"Coming right up. Anything else?"
He lowered his voice a little. "Eric wanted me to talk to you about this weekend, when you have a moment."
I nodded. "I'll come and sit with you on my break, okay?"
"That is fine."
So, two hours later when I finally had time to sit down – the dinner crowd had gone home and the partiers weren't out yet – I took my ham and cheddar sandwich and cheese fries to Bill's booth and sat down to eat. "What's up?" I asked.
He curled his lip and sat back with a distasteful look on his face. "How do you eat that? It smells vile."
"Sorry," I said, smirking a little. "I imagine I'd feel the same if you were eating across the table from me."
The offensive look still on his face, he continued. "Eric wanted me to tell you to pack lightly – other than your underthings, you should pack whatever business garments you have. He also wanted me to tell you that he is going to send Pam shopping with you in New Orleans to purchase more formal attire; the Queen is very particular on appearances."
"Are my own clothes not good enough for your Queen?" I asked sarcastically.
"The Queen's home is very extravagant. She likes all of the people in it to follow suit. Eric will be wearing a tie almost every night, if it helps." Picturing Eric in a tie did help, although I'm not quite sure it was in the way Bill intended. I didn't keep much formal clothing in my closet, or business suits for that matter. Barmaid, remember? My church clothes aren't what you'd call formal either, I guess, even though they're nice. Bill went on, "You will be expected to be dressed formally every evening for dinner; it's quite an event at the Royal Residence. Also, if you have any meetings on the Queen's behalf, she will expect you to be the picture of perfection."
"So. Don't pitch a fit when Eric sends me shopping. Got the message loud and clear. Anything else?"
He smirked. "That is all from Eric." Bill paused. "He is a good sheriff, Sookie. I am sure he will take good care of you in New Orleans."
"Thank you. I think he will."
"He is not the only one that would," he added, with a look I'm guessing was supposed to be significant. Was he hitting on me?
"He is more than capable. If that's all, I'll take my vile food elsewhere so I can finish. Good night, Bill."
He smirked again. "Good night, Sookie."
That Bill was one strange vampire, that's for sure. Disgusted by me but flirting all in five minute's time. I shrugged it off; I only had eyes for one certain, blonde, Viking vampire, even if he did annoy me all to hell sometimes.
Friday evening came much too soon. I was still fretting over what to pack when I had planned on being showered and dressed. By some miracle, when the car arrived, I managed to be presentable. I took my overnight bag, small suitcase, and garment bag out to the car then came back in to kiss Gran goodbye. "I'll call every night, Gran."
She smiled and kissed my cheek. "I know, dear. Have fun and be safe. Tell Eric I said hello."
I nodded then dashed back out to the car; it was a black Mercedes and I practically melted into the luxurious leather backseat. I think I was asleep before the driver got off Hummingbird Road. I didn't wake up until the car pulled to a stop behind Fangtasia and I heard the door next to me open. I felt a mouth at my ear, "Hello, Lover."
I managed to get my eyes open and look over at Eric. I smiled drowsily. "Hey, yourself. Sorry I'm so sleepy."
"Think nothing of it. Pam and I will be ready to go in a few minutes, but come in with me until then," he replied, helping me out of the car and leading me toward the a door in the alley. An employee entrance, my foggy brain realized as we walked in. When we entered his office, he shut the door behind us and trapped me against it, pressing his body to mine. Believe me when I tell you that woke me up really fast.
He trailed kisses along my neck, nibbled on my ear, and then whispered, "What have you done to me, Sookie? I cannot think of anything but you."
I shivered from the cold chills his breath had given me and smiled. "And here I thought I was the one supposed to be thinking of you."
He kissed my lips then, his tongue sneaking into my mouth and tangling with mine. I felt his hands run down my sides and grip my hips like he was afraid I would run away. My own hands found themselves snarled in Eric's hair, keeping him close to me. In no time at all, my breathing was labored and my knees were quaking; we won't even talk about the reactions certain other parts of my body were having.
Before I could protest, Eric had picked me up and deposited me on a leather sofa in his office. How had I not noticed that before? I had the chance to think before my brain ceased to reason logically. Eric had positioned himself on his knees between my legs and was launching a campaign against my clothing – my blouse came off over my head and my denim skirt was unbuttoned and disappeared. My bra was removed and my panties vanished with a rip; Eric was placing open-mouthed kisses down my body and my hips were lifting toward him in anticipation.
Suddenly, in a mystical moment of clarity, I heard the bass bumping in the bar and remembered where I was. I sat up and pushed Eric away, trying to cover myself with my arms and hands. "We're in public," I hissed at his confused, but still heated, look. I cast around, looking for my clothes.
He tried to pull me back to him, and it said a lot that I was able to resist. I felt a blush creep up my neck and face. "They'll hear me," I protested, embarrassed. "We can't do this here."
He shoved his bottom lip out in a pout. Seriously? "But I have missed you, Lover, and it will not be a lonely flight to New Orleans. Pam will be with us, remember?"
I got up and started to put my clothes back on. "You will survive, Viking," I said sarcastically, pulling my skirt up. I held up my destroyed panties. "What am I supposed to do with these?"
He waggled his eyebrows. "Go without."
I snorted. "Fat chance." I had just pulled my blouse back down and was smoothing it with my hands when Pam walked in. I glared at Eric as if to say, See? We could have been caught!
He rolled his eyes and said flatly, "Pamela, will you fetch Sookie some panties from our gift shop? Hers seem to have met with an unfortunate accident." It was my turn to roll my eyes and Pam gave a soft snort – she was practically rolling on the floor with laughter.
She looked at me and said seriously, "You may well have just let him finish. Now he will be totally insufferable during the entire trip." I opened my mouth to respond, but couldn't think of anything intelligent to say so I closed it again. Twice. Finally I gave up and just sat back down on the sofa next to Eric. "Anything else, Eric?" Pam asked.
He shook his head, pinning me with a smoldering stare. "We will leave in 10 minutes." She walked out. "Pam is correct you know. I am incredibly insufferable when I am frustrated."
"Oh, please," I shot back, "What are a few hours to someone as old as you are?"
He grinned. "Touché." I mentally patted myself on the back for a job well done. Sookie – 1. Eric – 0. We'll see how long that lasted.
I know I know - they STILL haven't had sex. Soon. I swear. But some lemons are better than none, right? Even if it isn't lemonade, lemon bars, and lemon meringue pie...
Now, I'm gonna need some help with this shopping bit. In RL, I'm a math teacher - remember? - which equals to a great, big NERD stamp on my forehead. AKA I'm not that fashion forward (although my (school) kids tell me I do ok haha) so I need some suggestions! Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?