AN- All characters are the property of Charlaine Harris.
"We have to leave if we are to make it back to Shreveport before dawn Sookie." Eric announced from the floor of their hotel room. They were both exhausted from the nights exploits.
Sookie let out an exasperated sigh, "You know I never did get down to the police station to sign my statement. I bet they are irritated with me." She chuckled slightly. She had been so worried about the Queen that she had completely forgotten Rene Lenier. And Eric had a way of making her forget everything. "Plus I only left a message with Sam, I bet he's fit to be tied right now."
"You want to tie him up?" Eric sounded almost hurt.
"No Eric, I mean he's probably mad at me," she explained.
"Oh please let me talk to him," he rumbled.
"You are so bad," she swatted him lightly. "You can come if you want, but I doubt that I should leave you two alone."
It took them sometime to untangle themselves. When Sookie looked around the room she was shocked at the carnage they had left in their wake. Tables were broken, curtains torn, pillows destroyed, she even recalled ripping the bedsheets at one point to serve as restraints.
"I think you are going to be paying a pretty penny to this hotel," she couldn't help but laugh.
"Money well spent," he remarked from behind her as he slipped his arms around her waist. He nibbled on her ear as her eyes wandered the scene. He wondered if she even remembered half of it, she had been crazed. It had been ecstasy. "Only you could have done this to me Sookie. No one has ever had me in such a manner. Not even Aude," he added.
"She wanted to," Sookie said as she turned in his embrace, resting her head on his chest.
"You are not so different you know."
"The more I remember, the more I realize that," she nodded. "Her different life experiences made her tougher in some ways. But where she might dream of punishing you, she would have never followed through with it."
"I might have to misbehave more often," he teased.
"Hrm, maybe I will need to be punished in the future," she looked up at his through lidded eyes.
His eyes flew wide open, "You know exactly what to say to drive me mad Sookie."
Sookie wiggled out of his arms and ran for the bathroom. He caught her against the door and showed her exactly how crazed her words had made him. The door broke off of its hinges and he laughed at yet another hotel expense. He vaguely recalled taking a shower and when they came out they had to dig through the debris to find their clothes.
Sookie laughed and held up the tattered remains of her stockings for Eric to see. During the night she had put on them and the garter belt. Eric was right they had been fun. "I think we destroyed your present," she giggled.
"I think I just need to give you a credit card for all the clothes I destroy," he laughed. "Put it on my tab, as they say." He arched his eyebrow, "It is a good thing that I am wealthy. I intend to ruin many of your clothes."
"Well it's not entirely your fault," she said as she struggled to get into her dress.
"You know that you do not have to worry about money anymore Sookie. I will provide for you."
"I still intend to pull my own weight Eric. Let's get back so we can find that prick that has been stealin from ya."
"Exactly my thoughts," he smiled. "I'll have Pam arrange a meeting after closing tomorrow night. You can interview the employees."
Sookie nodded, "Sure, that seems simple enough." She looked at him wickedly, "What do I get if I find the bastard?"
"Naughty girl," he laughed as he put on his clothes. "What do you want lover?"
"Judgin from this mess," she motioned around the room, "we need a place where we can do this when we want. Without destroying your house. Maybe a room made..." She winked at him.
He growled, "I will build a whole other house for it if you so desired."
"Well I doubt that is necessary. You may have that kind of stamina, but I sure don't. I'm so tired right now I can't even tell ya."
"You have every right to be. Come, let me carry you." Eric held his arms out to Sookie. "You can sleep on the way home."
Sookie was so exhausted she couldn't refuse his generous offer. As soon as he had her in his arms, she rested her head against him and fell to sleep. He could stay like this forever.
On the way to the elevator, he stroked her hair lightly. She had shown him an entirely different side of himself tonight. For someone that had been alive as long as he had, such things simply did not happen. His maker had forced him to do things, but he had never enjoyed it. He never even thought he could. Sookie had been right, it had all hinged on trust.
Another vampire was in the elevator when he entered with Sookie. He was smaller then Eric, but then again most vampires where. He was thin and had long brown hair. He stared at them with an approving grin and Eric saw that his fangs had dropped.
"I'm afraid I completely wore her out," Eric couldn't help but saying.
"She looks delicious," the stranger replied with obvious lust.
"Oh I did not feed from her," Eric laughed. He felt a puckish need to have fun with this vampire.
"What!"
Eric smiled broadly and looked down at the smaller vampire, "She forbade it."
"Why the hell would you agree to that?," the look on his face was full of dismay.
"Because it was fun," Eric explained with a wink. "You should see our hotel room," he laughed and exited the elevator.
He made his way to the front desk. "Did you enjoy your stay Mr. Northman?," the lady behind the counter asked.
"A bit too much much I am afraid." He shifted Sookie to one arm and pulled out his money clip. He thumbed out five hundreds and stared into the woman's eyes. "Be sure to give this to the poor soul that has to clean my room." Normally he would have just left it in the room for the maid to find but with Sookie in his arms he had forgotten. At least the desk clerk was human and he could glamor her to make sure that it was done.
"Of course," she replied blankly.
"Is my rental here?"
"Yes sir, here are the keys," she handed them to him. "You have a great night sir."
"I already have," he laughed as he went to his car. The rental agency that he used knew that he liked sports cars and they did not disappoint. They had gotten him a black Viper. He smiled as he lowered Sookie into the car. It was a good thing that she was asleep because he fully planned on driving very fast.
Sookie woke up before Eric and decided to call her Gran. It had been a couple of days and she already missed her.
"Good evenin," Adele answered wearily.
"Heya Gran, how are you holdin up?"
"Oh my goodness, Sookie. It's so good to hear ya. I've been worried sick. The police keep calling here lookin for you but ya never left me a number to call dear. And Sam Merlotte has been lookin for ya too. You have everyone so worried honey." Adele's voice was trembling with emotion.
"I know Gran. I'm sorry. Eric and I had to go to New Orleans on business. I completely forgot to leave you a number. You have a pen? I'll give you Eric's cell. I should have my own soon and then you can yack at me whenever ya want."
"Okay hun, go ahead." Adele jotted the number down on a pad she kept by the phone. "You know Bill has been comin around. I know that Eric didn't want me to let him in, but I have been writin down his recollections of the Civil War and such. He's been awful nice. All things considered."
Sookie was worried about Bill hanging out with her grandmother. "Well that's good that you have someone to talk to Gran. You let me know if he does anything weird, okay? Eric will take care of him."
"Oh no, it's nothin like that Sookie. He's been a perfect gentleman."
"Alright Gran," Sookie wasn't so convinced but she could tell there was no arguing with her Gran. "I'm going to the police station as soon as Eric wakes up, so they shouldn't bother ya anymore. I'll have a talk with Sam too. I know I've put that off for way to long."
"Are you ever going to tell Jason dear? He heard about you and Rene but he still doesn't know what's going on and he is worried too. I know he doesn't always show it, but he cares about you too Sookie."
"I'll probably see him at Merlotte's tonight," Sookie admitted that she hadn't really thought about her brother much beyond clearing him of crimes she knew he hadn't committed. She should be thanking him, he was the reason that her and Eric where together. Somehow she doubted that Jason would see that as a good thing though.
"So how was New Orleans dear? I know you haven't been there since you were a little girl."
Sookie spent a long time going into detail about the places that she had been to in New Orleans. Except the Queen's house. Her Gran didn't need to know that they had gone there to see the vampire Queen of Louisiana. She seemed particularly interested in the vampire hotel and how it differed from a regular hotel.
When she was done talking on the phone, she took a shower, and went to the kitchen to see what food Eric had gotten her. She was shocked at the amount of food. He had gone overboard and she was sure that most of it would spoil in the fridge. She laughed. She would have to remind him that she was only one person. She started the coffee while she cut up some of the fruit. It would spoil the quickest and she was more than willing to eat it.
Eric silently came into the kitchen and kissed Sookie's neck. He was wearing jeans and a black tank top that showed off his arms gloriously. She had chosen jeans originally as well. But had swapped it at the last moment for a frilly skirt and a t-shirt that was two sizes too small for her and exposed her stomach.
"Humans taste so much better when they have had fresh food," Eric commented.
"Is that why you bought me enough to kill a horse?," she laughed.
"Maybe," he answered with a grin. "This one right here is my favorite," he pointed to the mango that she had taken a bite of. He gave her a sly look.
"Well I'll keep that in mind," she smiled. Then she remembered, "You know Gran let Bill in the house? He's been regaling her with stories of the Civil War. Somethin she could never resist..."
"I do not understand why he is even still here," Eric mused.
"Ya, I dunno, but I told her to call if he gives her any troubles. I gave her your number, I hope that's alright."
"Yes, of course, that is perfectly fine."
When she finished eating they got into his corvette and headed to the Renard Parish police station. She walked in with her hand in Eric's and Kenya stared up at them with shock. Eric smiled at Kenya in the way he always did when he was trying to be charming.
"Oh my Sookie. So is this here why you haven't been in?," she gestured to Eric.
"I had to go out of town on an important business matter," Sookie said defiantly. "And this is Eric Northman, Kenya."
"Pleased to meet you," Eric replied pouring on more charm.
"Sorry if I'm a bit snippy Sookie, they almost had to let Rene go you know. Since you didn't sign a formal statement and all. If he hadn't been goin on like he was about how he killed those other girls..."
"I'm sorry for the trouble Kenya. He definitely doesn't deserve to be let go though that's for sure." Sookie couldn't believe they had even considered it.
"Well we wrote it all up," she handed Sookie the paper. "I just need for you to read it and sign it. And you will have to show up at his trial Sookie."
"Oh, alright then. I'll have to be sure to get some sleep that day," she chuckled as she started reading the report.
"What are you doin now Sookie? Your Gran said you moved out and Sam said you quit. Seems so sudden." Kenya eyed Eric suspiciously.
"I got a job in Shreveport and I moved there to be closer," Sookie replied without looking up from the paper. Eric squeezed her hand gently.
"Well how can we get ahold of ya to tell ya when the trial is?" Kenya could sense the bull-shit.
Sookie saw that Kenya wouldn't give up until she gave her something, "Just call Fangtasia." She looked up at Kenya and smiled.
"That vampire bar?"
"That's the one," Sookie stated simply.
"What the heck are you doin there? If I might ask," she glanced nervously at Eric.
"Human Resources."
Eric let out laugh and handed Kenya his card. "Leave a message if you call during the day."
Kenya took a look at the card and eyes got wide. "I'm sorry if I offended you, I didn't realize that you owned the place Mr. Northman."
"Not at all. I am used to humans hating me," he replied.
Sookie signed the paper and looked up at Kenya, "That all you need?" She was getting annoyed at Kenya's thoughts and just wanted to be gone.
Just then Bud Dearborn came around the corner. "Oh hey Sookie! I'm sorry I didn't make it to your house the other night. Did you know that someone up and killed that Lafayette fella that night?" He stopped as he finally saw Eric, "Oh hello, I don't believe we've met. I'm Sheriff Bud Dearborn."
Eric smirked at the Sheriff title. "Eric Northman," he nodded.
"Who the hell would kill Lafayette?," Sookie was shocked.
Bud shook his head, "Guessing it's a hate crime. Still haven't found anything to go on."
"People can be such bigots," she said with disgust making sure she looked at Kenya.
"That's the truth of it," he agreed.
"Well you two have a good night we need to get goin," Sookie said as she turned to leave.
"Good night Sookie," Bud said cheerfully, "nice to meet you Mr. Northman."
"Likewise," he said politely.
"Well that was fun," Eric said when they got back to the car.
"If you say so," Sookie shook her head. "That Kenya was getting on my last nerve."
"You should have heard her pulse race when she read my card," he laughed.
"I didn't have to, I could hear her thoughts. She thinks I enjoy being passed around by vampires."
"I could glamor her," he offered.
"It's fine, I've heard far worse..."
"I think I actually like your Sheriff."
"Bud's a nice guy, but he's not my Sheriff," she said with a wicked smile.
He stroked her cheek with his finger. "Now where is this Merlotte's place?"
It looked to be a busy night at Merlotte's. The little parking lot was nearly full as they pulled up. Eric took care to park far away from anyone else. It was clear that he loved his car.
Before she could start toward the door, Eric grabbed her back and kissed her roughly. He could feel her tension melt away as he held her close. They stayed that way for awhile until Eric was certain she had pulled herself together. These were former co-workers and people that had known her her entire life that she would be facing and he understood her unease.
"Don't let go," she whispered.
"I am right here lover," his hand held her firmly about the waist.
They walked in the door together. Sookie ignored all of the stares as she made her way to Sam's office. Sam was tending the bar and when he saw Sookie heading to the back, he followed. He hadn't actually believed that Sookie had hooked up with Eric Northman until now. Sookie might have ignored everyone but Eric stared holes into Sam the moment they came through the door. Shivers went up and down his spine at the thought of Sookie with Eric.
Eric entered Sam's office with Sookie and immediately sat down in Sam's chair behind his desk. He refused to let Sookie go though and pulled her down with him. He put his feet up on Sam's desk and calmly waited for him to walk in. Idly he played with Sookie's hair. She hooked her arm around his neck and sunk her head onto his shoulder.
Sam entered his office and to see that Eric had practically claimed it as his own. He eyed Eric's feet on his desk and couldn't hide his disgust at how Sookie had draped herself on him. As soon as he closed the door, Sookie sat up straight and turned to look at him.
"You will leave my Gran alone Sam Merlotte," she commanded. Sam was surprised that Eric had let her talk at all. "She doesn't need you callin her all the dang time and getting her all riled up over nothin."
Sam saw Eric smirk at him. Eric was playing with him and enjoying it way too much. "It's not exactly over nothin Sook. You up and disappeared from Bon Temps altogether and people are worried. I'm worried," he amended.
"I appreciate the concern Sam. But as you can see, I'm fine."
"Are you Sookie? Where are you workin now anyway? You didn't say on the message." He couldn't believe that she had just left him a message saying that she quit. It was completely unlike her to be so discourteous.
"I'm working for Eric." As soon as she said his name, Sam saw her stroke Eric's arm.
"Oh Sookie," he moaned, "you didn't tell him what you could do..."
"Like you were gonna tell me about you turnin into an animal?," she snapped.
"I never gotta chance cher," he argued. He heard Eric hiss at the affectionate term he always used with Sookie.
"Ya like you didn't know me for years before I met a vampire," Sookie said ignoring Eric's hiss. "All those little dirty secrets I know about everyone in Bon Temps already and you couldn't trust me with yours? Have I ever blabbed about the fucked up shit I know about people Sam?" She held up her hand before he could answer, "You know what? I don't care, I don't care about any of that Sam. What really irritates me is that the only reason you are mad right now is because I'm with a vampire. And did I have to work all day seeing the all messed up stuff you could imagine played out over and over."
"Yes Sam, tell me why you intentionally harmed my Sookie after she warned you that it would upset me?," Eric finally spoke. The look on his face sent Sam back a few steps.
"I...I'm sorry..," Sam stammered. "I'm sorry that I hurt you Sookie. I wasn't thinking."
"Why can't you just be happy for me Sam? I'm happier with Eric than I have ever been in my life." Eric beamed and kissed her on the cheek lightly.
"Yes why are you with Eric? What happened to Bill?" At least Bill didn't have a reputation for tearing through women.
Sam didn't even know it but he was starting in with the images again. Sookie jumped out of Eric's lap and before Sam could blink she was on him. Eric's blood was flowing through her and she was not only fast but strong. She slapped him so hard across the face that his head bounced into the wall. A red mark instantly appeared on his cheek. She moved to do more but Eric grabbed her before she could.
Sam stared up at Sookie in shock. She was such a little thing and she had sent him flying. Suddenly he realized why as he saw Eric move to stop her from beating him further. "You have had his blood!"
"That is none of your business! I told you I didn't want to see anymore of that crap playing out in your head! I'm goin out there to talk to my brother and then I'm never comin back to Merlotte's! And you have yourself to thank Sam! Don't bother my Gran anymore either," she added as she stormed out the door.
Eric paused and looked down at Sam. "We are bonded. I know you know what that means, so do not bother her again. Or you will not like the consequences," he growled.
Sookie stood in the hallway waiting for Eric. She had to calm down before she faced what was sure to be another fight. She felt Eric's arms around her and again it soothed her in a way that nothing else could. She sighed and leaned into his embrace. Savoring the moment while it lasted.
"It will be fine my love," he murmured in her ear. "I won't leave your side."
Sookie made her way to Jason's accustomed table. He was sitting with Hoyt Fortenberry. Normally Rene Lenier would be sitting with them, they had all been good friends.
When Jason saw his sister he jumped up and gave her a hug. "Oh my god Sook! Where have you been?" He seemed to not even see the huge vampire holding Sookie. "I've been worried sick ever since I heard about Rene. I'm so sorry about that by the way."
"I'm fine Jason, thank you. And you had no way of knowin how crumby Rene was."
"He was my best friend Sook. You would think if someone knew, it would be me." He looked down at his feet.
"Jason can we go talk outside?," Sookie asked. Everyone in the bar was looking at them.
"Sure Sook." It seemed he just now registered that Eric was holding Sookie closely. Jason eyed Eric up and down, then turned and headed for the door.
"Jason, I would like you to meet Eric Northman," Sookie said when they were outside. "Eric, this is my brother Jason Stackhouse."
Jason ignored the introduction, "So you only like vamps now huh?"
"Just this one," Sookie said with as much control as she could muster.
"Oh ya? What happened to that Bill fella?"
"I'm not with him," she replied simply.
"So you went and found another vamp, is that it?"
"Jason, I love Eric," she announced defiantly.
"Oh what the hell? Sookie! Vamps can't love!" Jason started pacing furiously.
"You know you are starting to sound like Rene?," Sookie said angrily.
"Ya well maybe he had it right! It's not natural Sook, that's all there is too it."
"I don't really care whether you like it or not Jason. I only came here cause I want you check in on Gran from time to time."
"You moved in with him?," he thrust his finger in Eric's direction. "Do you have a death wish Sookie? He will kill you!"
Suddenly Sookie's back went straightened up, "You will not talk about Eric like that Jason! I have had enough of everyone's hatred. Gran is the only one that actually seems happy for me."
"Wait. Gran is okay with all this?"
"You have any girl you want, anytime you want Jason. So I don't expect you know what it's like to be alone for so long..."
"Oh Sook, it's not like that. I just dunno why you can't find a normal guy." Jason felt sorry for his sister but he didn't see how hooking up with a vampire was the solution.
"I know you like to ignore the fact that I can read people's minds Jason, but that don't make it any less true. How am I supposed to be with a guy when all I hear is him wondering if my boobs are real?"
"You don't hear vamps?"
"No, I don't."
"Where are you working now Sookie?," he seemed to be changing gears.
"Fangtasia."
"Fuck Sookie!," Jason kicked a rock across the parking lot. "How can I know that you are safe there Sook? I'm supposed to watch out for ya..."
"That is what I am for," Eric said staring down at Jason.
"Ya and how do I know that she is safe from you? Whoever the hell you are," Jason's hands were gesturing wildly.
Eric's eyes flared and he gently moved Sookie behind him. "I will tell you who I am," he bit back a snarl. "I am the oldest vampire in this immediate area. That means that they do not dare piss me off! You would do well to learn from that. And I own Fangtasia," he added.
"Let's go Eric," Sookie said before he could hurt her brother. "I've done what I came to do."
Eric immediately calmed and turn to embrace Sookie again. "Very well my love."