A/N: Hello loverlies! I have been very busy catching up reading other fics and I am sorry that I have been lax in updating DB =(! You guys are great sports. I hope this chapter makes up for the lack of updates. I am not sure how many more chapters that this story will be. I honestly think that its going to be a very long ass fic. More like a Sookie Stackhouse daytime soap opera. I am going to try to stick to cannon as much as I can, but in all honesty I have 2 years to start cannon events. I would like some input on what you guys think. Please let me know in PMS or reviews. Thanks for sticking with me so far and I enjoy reading all of your hilarious comments.
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Wednesday December 1, 1999
Apartment 4D – Shreveport, Louisiana 1:00 p.m.
I woke up this morning ecstatic. Waking up at home in your own bed is a feeling that anyone can relate to after a vacation. Getting away is nice but coming home is nicer. The only thing that I loathe is that Eric isn't here with me when I wake up. I have gotten used to him wrapped around me and struggling to extricate myself from his deathly embrace just to use the bathroom. It was an odd feeling to wake up and realize that he was notably absent. I suppose that it really isn't morning, but I am getting myself on a Vampire's schedule. Today is going to be busy, I have a few packages coming in the mail, and I have a doctors appointment at four o'clock, not to mention Day-man, and Personal Assistant interviews tonight in my freshly painted office. Alcide knocking on my door broke me from my musings.
KNOCK
"Sook, are you awake? I received some packages for you this morning. Your phone has been going insane today. Sook?"
"Yea sorry Alcide. I am awake. I will be out in a few minutes. Can you fire up my laptop?"
"No problem. Do you want lunch or breakfast for food?"
"Coffee and toast will do me. I am not so hungry at the moment I had Thai last night pretty late."
I heard his footsteps retreat from the door and head to the kitchen.
I was still dressed in Eric's shirt from the bar last night so I just found some shorts and slipped them over my hips. I pulled my hair into a sloppy bun and made my way into the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. Alcide was gathering the toast that popped up. He handed me the paper towel with my toast and I rummaged for the Nutella to spread on my toast while it was still warm. The nutty chocolatey goodness that is Nutella filled my mouth and I found myself wondering when Eric's blood would take on the unique taste of my favorite confectionery spread. I finished my toast and sipped my coffee drawing out the time relaxing at the table before I had to get moving for the rest of the afternoon and the majority of the late night and early morning hours.
I decided that tackling my phone messages would be a great place to start. Bobby had been blowing up my phone since 8:30. He was sending me updates on PA and Day-man hunts assuring me that I would have six people to interview starting at 8:00 tonight. He also ordered a wine stopper for Eric's gift he included a picture of a platinum and rubber stopper with a Swarovski Crystal frosted heart topper. It was beautiful and totally perfect. He ordered it from a local glass blower artisan and it would be delivered before my appointment. He sent me picture messages of my painted office and the fireplace that he had installed. My furniture would be delivered from Ashley Furniture by the time the bar opens tonight. He sent me pictures of suede brown and red pillows and the massive bookshelves and filing cabinets that were the exact stain as my desk. He is really very good at his job. I think that I need to recommend that Eric gives him either a sizable bonus or a raise for his efforts.
SOOKIE: Thank you for all of your help Bobby. My office looks totally awesome! Did you find an oval mirror? You are the best my gift would do no good without that stopper, and thank you again for finding some people to lighten your load. Hopefully by this time next week you will be back to your normal duties. I need to go to Office Max and get a label made. I am looking for graphics and fonts for the perfect label. Any ideas? Oh and I need to take the SUV and get a oil change. I could really use that planner Bobby.
BOBBY: You are most welcome. That stopper was an after thought on my part. I am glad that you like it. My duties really are not that big of a deal, I just do what is required as soon as possible, sometimes it is overwhelming but not to stressful. I myself am hopeful that things will return to semi-normal, although never feel that you can't ask me for help. Something with hearts and stylized SS and EN some fairy? The SUV got an oil change when you were in NOLA. And your planner should have been delivered did you get packages?
SOOKIE: See you are the best! I am going to recommend that you get a bonus! I will hunt for hearts, fonts, and fairies. I have some according to Alcide, BTW how the hell did he get in here? He was guarding me while I slept.
BOBBY: Thank you. A bonus is not required, but thanks in advance for the recommendation. Both Calvin and Alcide have keys. I gave them copies last night at the club. I meant to ask if you would like Eric to have a dead bolt key? He has a door knob key only. He took it from my office. Every day when you wake up you should have one or the other of them in your living room watching TV quietly. Once you get a PA I will make sure to give him/her a key as well.
SOOKIE: Makes sense. Eric should have a key just in case I miss place mine, as well as SUV key. I will let you get back to work I am going to make my label and get to the Office Max before it is time for my appointment.
I decided that opening packages was more important than the label at the moment. I went to my "junk drawer" and pulled out my box cutter to make quick work of the taped packages. Alcide was stretched out on the chaise watching some football on the television. Three boxes were stacked on the coffee table. I opened the boxes and fell in love with the stopper. It really was perfect. The gift was from the bottom of my heart with love, so it in its self said it all. The platinum ensured that Eric would not suffer any ill affects from silver. My planner was the same shade of leather pink as my D&G laptop bag with the same engraved name plate. Bobby was really good at his job. I removed the pyramid bottle from the packaging and decided that over sterilization was better than not knowing what residues might be on the glass. Not to mention the label would stick better to a perfectly clean surface.
I placed the kettle on the stove to heat the water and retrieved my largest glass bowl to place the bottle in. I got the tongs from the drawer and placed them next to the bowl. Once the kettle whistled I placed the bottle into the bowl and poured the water covering the entire object. While I waited five minutes to ensure that I achieved the desired affect I fired off another text to Bobby.
SOOKIE: Vampire senses are very sensitive are you doing anything to clear the building of paint fumes?
BOBBY: The painters are using industrial fans to clear out the fumes, and have turned on the ventilation system in the bar to have the fumes removed from the main building. Oh I found an antique oval mirror from the 1930's in Eric's storage unit the guild frame is very beautiful and will compliment the rest of your office. I was told to use anything to complete it to your satisfaction.
SOOKIE: Damn Vampires! I swear he spoils me too much! Since it is a personal possession in his bar I can't refuse to use it. Sometimes he infuriates me to no end. Plus he will just flaunt the compromise in my face because he is pragmatic like that. Anything to his advantage. How do you deal with him?
BOBBY: Oh, Sook you should know better than to argue with him by now he always gets what he wants. You are his bonded and you in his eyes and the rest of the vampire world deserve the best and he is expected to provide it for you. Just be grateful and seethe under the surface until you have him in private. And you are right you did make a compromise with him. Smile kiss him and say thank you sweetheart!
SOOKIE: I know that you are right, but whose side are you on anyways MR?
BOBBY: MINE! I like my head attached to my shoulders! Which means I agree with the boss and do what he asks. I respect you but I FEAR him. Not that he would kill me for disagreeing with him and siding with you but I would rather be safe than sorry. I care for you Sook but I care for myself as well! ;-p. Go get ready for your appointment don't worry about anything else until about 7:00.
I didn't answer him instead I removed the bottle from the water and placed it on the top rack in the dishwasher and turned on the dry cycle. Dumping the water from the conductive glass bowl was tricky with no pot holders and only a flimsy dish towel. I managed it though and placed the tongs and the bowl in the sink with my coffee cup.
"Alcide I am going to take a shower. If you are hungry feel free to make something or call for take out. When I get out and dressed I need to make a label, go to Office Max, pay my rent, and get back here before Ludwig shows up for my appointment. It is 1:45 I wanna leave by 2:30ish to get back by 4:00."
"You got it Sook do you wanna take my truck or the SUV? I was told that I have to drive you around until Eric rises."
"Truck so that you can punch out when he takes over", I said rolling my eyes.
"Hey don't give me grief I have orders from Eric and the King to not let you out of my sight. And thank you for looking ahead like that I would hate to drive your car when you are not in it."
"No problem. I will be back in 15-20 minutes have fun watching your game."
I rushed around and took my shower quickly so that I could settle on my outfit for tonight. After my appointment I won't have much time to change for work. I can't imagine that it will take a lot of time, but I need to explain to Ludwig what I require, and then I want to go to the club and check out my office in person!
I decided on an a-line pintuck silk skirt with a back zipper and a pink and black boned corset. I love the lacy bust and the pale blush pink silk. My heels are my favorite part of the outfit though. Fierce and sexy Jimmy Choo: Elaphe and Pony Pumps in hot pink leopard skin. Down right sexy with that four inch heel. Thank god for eye hook clasps. I never would have been able to ask Alcide to lace me up had it been a traditional corset. After struggling like the first time to do up the back I finally got it together. I brushed my teeth and hair, spritzed on some perfume and dolled up my eyes and lips a tad and I was ready to rock and roll.
Alcide whistled at me when I exited my room. I blushed at his response and sat down to design my label. After messing around in Google images and Paint Shop Pro for about 20 minutes I was satisfied with my work. I printed out the Triangle image and tested the fit on the bottle it was damn near perfect. I gathered up my purse phone and the graphic.
"Ready?"
"Sure thing. We are only going about 10 blocks."
"Yea, but I need some office supplies. So we might be there for about an hour or so."
We went the 15 minute drive to the office supply store in silence. Alcide like most Southerners listens to Country music. The local popular radio station blasted the current hot hits. I had to bite my tongue to keep from singing along out of tune with George Straight. Just as Garth Brooks The Dance ended we parked three spaces from the sliding doors. I shut my door and the alarm chirped – Alcide must have used his remote lock/alarm. I sauntered up to the print/copy center and requested help from a very nice gentleman who expertly executed my sticker and used his paper cutter to give it professional edges in less than five minutes. My phone buzzed in my purse.
BOBBY:Where are you at lady?
SOOKIE: Office Max I was just about to text you I wanted to know if you had me an office chair. Also where are you I need to pay my rent it is the First.
BOBBY: No, on the chair, and I am at the bar, but your rent was deducted from your check, well half of it any way.
SOOKIE: Oh, I forgot about that auto-deduction. I will be at the bar later after I see the Dr. Do I need anything other than pens and such?
BOBBY: I got everything except a desk set, white board, and chair. If you want anything other than that use the company account. Tell the cashier that we have an account under Valhalla Enterprises access code: 845464. I will get you a card, but they can do it manually. If they give you any problems call me and I will give vocal authorization.
SOOKIE: You got it Bobby. ;-p
"Alcide we need a chair and few other things. So lets head over to the furniture area and we will work forwards to the registers."
The next 10 minutes I spent sitting in different display chairs. Finally I found one that didn't have built in lumbar support it causes me more back problems. Totally a stupid invention that lumbar. Alcide being a Ware had no problem carrying they chair for me even though I think that box weighed 150 pounds and I would have needed a floor cart. I picked out a really cool wooden desk set and a white board with markers. I decided that I needed a trash can. We made our way to the cashier and had no problems with the company account. I showed my identification and was added to the list of authorized users. We loaded the truck and were back at the apartment faster than it took to get to the store.
We our purchases in the bed of the pickup and went upstairs. I had 25 minutes until Dr. Ludwig showed up so I put the label on my bottle and carried it into the bedroom and left it on the dresser. I made Tuna melts for lunch with chips and soda. Alcide ate four sandwiches to my one. It must take a lot of fuel to manifest a change I was shocked at the amount of food that he could pack away. Just as I was finished loading and starting the dishwasher a knock sounded on the door.
KNOCK
Alcide answered and the smallest woman that I have ever seen walked into my living room.
"Hello little girl. I am Dr. Ludwig. I understand that you would like to have your blood drawn."
"Yes Ma'am. Would you like something to drink?"
"No Thank you. I gathered from Burnham that you are giving this as a gift to the North man."
"Yes, I have a receptacle. Or do we need to transfer it afterward?"
"It will be less messy, I have a transfer device similar to a funnel that is sterile. Is the receptacle sterilized?"
"Yes, Ma'am. Where would you like me to do this?"
"Bring a dining chair here on the tile it won't take but about 10 minutes once I set the IV. I know that you wanted Venipuncture, but drawing a pint of blood would take me ages with the vacuum tubes. Not to mention the transfer would be messy. Once the bag has been collected I will add a preservative to it."
Dr. Ludwig used an alcohol swab on my arm and found my vein and quick as a whip she inserted the needle into my arm and I felt NOTHING! She hooked the bag into the needle and held on to my forearm and intermediately the blood started to flow into the bag. I had to turn my head looking at the outline of the needle under my skin was making me peckish. The minutes seemed to drag on, but she was right it wasn't more than 10 minutes. She must have used some supernatural voodoo hoodoo on me because I know the procedure takes longer than that. Once she disconnected me and gave me a band-aid she took my bottle and poured some milky substance into the bottom and added the blood in a flash. Really it was a flash of light. I wouldn't have believed it had I not seen it. She added the stopper and shook it five or six times to distribute the anti-coagulant/preservative.
"There you are little girl. I am supposed to give you these results tell Northman that my bill is in the mail."
With that she popped out.
I put the blood into the refrigerator. I located my purse and added the envelope with Eric's test results.
"I can't believe that you had your blood drawn for him. Isn't that what his fangs are for?"
"Yes, but what if I am out of town on contract and he is unable to accompany me?"
"Such a thoughtful girlfriend."
"Don't start you know I can get someone else to be assigned to sit on my couch and watch my television while getting paid."
"I was only kidding."
"Sure you were. I am only stating a fact."
I turned on my heel and left the room to give myself the once over in the mirror before we left to the club. I stayed in my room longer than I intended. I contemplated changing, but I knew that Eric would appreciate my current outfit. I used the bathroom and was ready to hit the road again remembering that I needed to get a mini fridge for the office.
"Come on Alcide we have to go to Wal*Mart. I need a mini fridge and a gift bag. I meant to go earlier but I spaced it."
He refrained from speaking to me but got up from his perch and we left. We had been driving for about three minutes and he turned off the radio.
"I am sorry Sookie I know that you are just being your giving self. I should have never said anything to you about what you are doing. I know that he will think this is the most thoughtful gift he has ever received."
"Think nothing of it. I know that you were just curious and a little perturbed. But honestly what I do as long as I am not putting myself in danger is of no consequence to you please remember that in the future."
"Sure I really am sorry."
He parked the truck in the back forty. Every time we come here I end up so far from the door that it is damn near impossible to find a good parking space without having a handicapped placard. After the invigorating walk from the truck to the door I sent Alcide to get a mini fridge and I went to the party section closer to the front of the store. I found the gift bag instantly it was black with a set of fangs dripping blood from the right canine. The tissue paper was more difficult. I made the decision on metallic silver and black after searching the entire section for red. I was sort of disappointed that they were out of stock. I met Alcide on the main middle isle. He was headed for the check-out stands.
"Lets pay for this and stop back by the apartment on the way to the bar. I need to grab his gift and get it together. Oh just a second I will be right back. I am going to run to housewares really quick."
I took off like a shot and ran the few isles over to housewares to see what kind of flutes they had. I found some lead crystal champagne flutes that were red stemmed and clear goblet. Eventually I will get him an engraved one that is impressive. But these will do. Alcide was standing in the exact spot where I left him. Most of the checkout stands had lines, but I wasn't in a rush to say the least. We paid finally and just as before Alcide loaded the bags into the back of his truck. I was buckling in just as he slammed the tailgate.
"So, apartment then to the bar right?"
"Yep, I just wanna say thanks for helping me with this stuff. I feel bad all you have done is be my totey all day."
"Sookie sometimes being a bodyguard is not all gunfire and danger. I have to be with you regardless to be honest I shouldn't let you out of my sight, but I did just that in the store. What if something had happened the King would be downright upset. This is my job and I am being paid handsomely for it. What bodyguard can say I went on errands with a beautiful woman and nothing happened to her?"
"Thanks you make me feel better about the situation. I just feel that there are other things that you could be doing other than laundry and errands. I must seem like a regular person who thinks highly of herself or something to you."
"Not at all. You seem like a genuine sweet person that is mixed up with the wrong crowd of people and they are making it safer for you by hiring me. That is how it seems."
"Alcide before I met Eric I was working for minimum wage plus tips in a bar as a waitress. Now I have a, for the lack of a better word, boyfriend who cares for me deeply and I make more money in a month than I did in a year. I know that Wares and Vampires don't get along, but honestly I am happy with my situation. Even if it is full of gore. The great parts out weigh the bad by far."
"Shug I am glad that you are alright with the events of your life and that your quality of life is better, but just think about it is the money worth the threat of kidnapping or worse?"
"I can't be kidnapped that's what you are for. Or are you telling me that I need better day guards?"
"Nothing is ever certain. Between Calvin and myself you should be just fine. I just wanted to make you realize that sometimes things are not as they appear."
"I get it. I really do. Thank you for your concern. I will be right back."
He parked next to the SUV and I jogged upstairs to retrieve Eric's gift. I swiped some yogurt and a few pieces of fruit from the fridge as well to keep in my office as snacks. As an after thought I grabbed a spoon to keep in my desk. My laptop and planner were on the couch so I scooped them up as well and hurried back downstairs before Alcide could start to worry.
"Sorry I really need to make lists I am so forgetful", I said as I shut the door.
"Two more minutes and I was on the way to get you."
We pulled into the club just a few minutes before six. I felt the bond "click on" and smiled a wide smile. My phone buzzed almost immediately. My hands were full of stuff and I couldn't quite get to my cell. Alcide really is amazing he carried the fridge and the chair at the same time and managed to open the door for us. I had all the bags and the trash can was full of the stuff from my refrigerator. Ginger was behind the bar cutting lemons and limes. Waitresses were giggling in the employee locker room and hoping for good tips. We made our way to my office and I was impressed! The flooring was beautiful, just as I had envisioned. The smell of coconut and leather was heavy but not unpleasant in the air. Bobby had turned on the fireplace and the room was warm and inviting. That fireplace serves a dual purpose the bar is always cooler than it should be vampires have no sense of cold as we do, and it is beautiful. Better than a space heater. Alcide plugged in the mini fridge in the corner half hidden by the arm of the couch. I handed him the fruit and yogurt and he placed them inside. I sat the gift bag and the blood on my desk and set out to get it "wrapped" while he put together my chair. Once I had the bottle wrapped in two sheets of tissue paper and placed in the middle of the bag I stuffed it with the remaining paper on each side and placed it into the refrigerator as well. I took the results of Eric's test to his office and left them on the desk under his phone. As I made my way across the hall my phone sounded again.
ERIC: Good Evening lover. Where are you?
ERIC: I hope that you are busy. I know that you are at the bar. I will be there shortly.
SOOKIE: Sorry sweetie I was on the way in with an armload of stuff and couldn't get to my phone. We had to set up my chair and the mini fridge. I have your test results they are in your office.
ERIC: What is on the agenda for tonight lover? Oh good. How was your appointment? Nothing serious I am still worried that you won't tell me about it.
SOOKIE: Really nothing bad! I will tell you all about it when you get here. I have Day-man PA interviews tonight. My office is amazing! Hurry we can break in the couch before we have to get started on business!
I slouched on the couch waiting for a response that never came. Instead I was wrapped into a 6'4" embrace. He inhaled the sent of my hair and moaned into my ear.
"Breaking in the office later. Tell me about Ludwig."
"Your answer is in the refrigerator", I said as I pointed to the opposite end of the couch.
He stood and opened the door curious as he set eyes on the gift bag.
"Be careful unwrapping it its breakable. Don't let the lid fall off or we will have a mess on the floor."
He sat on the couch and carefully divested the bag of all the paper. He held the wrapped bottle in his hand and unrolled it carefully.
"Sookie this is the most thoughtful gift that I have ever received."
He removed the stopper and the scent wafted to his nose.
"Lover you gave me your blood?"
"It is for the times that I am out of town and you are unable to accompany me sweetie. Keep the bottle and Ludwig can refill it. It just needs to be sterilized again before we refill it. I got you this too", I said as I handed him the crystal flute.
He looked as if he was going to cry. I hoped I was wrong I am not sure how I would handle a crying viking sheriff.
"You know I will always be able to come with you. Are there preservatives in here?"
"Yes Ludwig added some milky looking stuff to it."
"Ah, anti-coagulants and preservatives. Really Lover this is so thoughtful. I don't know what to say."
He was looking at the bottle with reverence.
"I love the label. 1983 vintage! You are full of surprises."
"Thank you sweetie I am glad that you like it. Since you are always able to come with me I suppose that you can have a glass now if you like."
He was out of the room in a flash and back with a warm flute the next. His face conveyed a state of bliss as he sipped it slowly. Pam came in and was dressed as a poster child for sexy soccer moms everywhere.
"Sookie how do you..What is that delightful fragrance?"
"That my dear child is Sookie."
She sniffed the glass with delight.
"Oh, might I have a sip Master?"
"Only a small one and only if you promise to keep your fangs from her skin in the future."
"You have my word."
He passed her the glass and she tentatively sipped less than a mouthful.
"Wondrous. If I were able I would take it back. Sookie you are delicious. But why are you drinking from a flute?"
"Thanks I think Pam."
"It was a gift she had a pint drawn in case I was unable to accompany her on jobs in the future."
"Finally a human with common sense. There is no finer gift than that of blood."
"My sentiments exactly. Go conduct the employee meeting Pam I am busy", and with that she was gone and he drained the glass.
"Lover I believe that you said something about breaking in your office."
With that I was flat on my back on the couch.
"I see that you took my advice and quit wearing jeans to work Lover. If your blood didn't give me a hard on your corset would have."
He sat behind me and undid each clasp slowly running his hands over each new expanse of exposed skin. I shivered. He dropped my top to the floor and spun me so that I was straddling his lap.
"Stand and remove your skirt. Leave the shoes."
I did as he asked, but took it one step further and removed my panties. I stood naked with the exception of my heels. Unleashing my inner sex kitten I slunk forwards to him swaying my hips to a beat only I could hear. I ran my hands up his arms and across his shoulders. I cupped his face and captured his bottom lip between my teeth. The sweet metallic sent of my blood was on his breath as it hitched and he exhaled into my face. I kissed him hard and ran my tongue over his fangs and sank to the floor on my knees. I unzipped his pants and his gracious plenty sprang free. I took him in my hands and rubbed my thumb across the head of him. I ran my nails up from the base to the tip using light pressure along his engorged vein. He hissed at me and threw his head back.
"Oh, no watch."
He lifted his head as I took him into my mouth. He bucked his hips as my tongue flattened along the vein. I rose higher on my knees and wrapped my small hands around the portion that I could not get into my mouth. He is so long and wide that I can put both hands one on top of the other and I cant get my thumb and pinky to wrap around him fully. Using my hands in counter measure and my mouth I pleasured him. Breathing through my nose I inhaled his scent. I bobbed slowly drawing out his moans and pleas. He is always using slow torture to drive me crazy it was time to give him his own medicine. I lightly raked my teeth across the head on an up bob and without warning he came in my mouth. His hands were fisted in my hair eyes locked with mine. I released him and swallowed down everything he had to offer me.
"You are dangerous and a force to be reckoned with woman."
He lifted me from the floor and onto his lap using his teeth and tongue to tease my already hard nipples. I was so wet I am sure that it was pooling in his lap. I ground into him and moaned at the friction that I was creating. He lifted me onto his already hard again erection and inch my inch he impaled me upon him. We rocked together slowly with our foreheads resting together. I wrapped my arms around his neck drew him to me. Our skin was flush against the other. The motion of our bodies caused my breasts to rub against him and a moan ripped from my lips. The pleasure was building within me and I snaked my hand between us to rub my clit.
"Come Lover. Come around me."
He stood and I wrapped my legs around his waist and his thrusts increased in force. He withdrew from me and bent me over the arm of the couch and entered me from behind.
"AGAIN!"
"You like that?"
"OH YESSS!"
He thrust into me and withdrew over and over pounding into me at a delicious pace. Completely out and in to the hilt. I came with a primal scream my muscles clenching and releasing him in a never ending orgasmic revelation. He took languid strokes to draw out the pleasure. He thrust into me hard and deep and came inside of me. His cool come mixing with my warm juices.
When I could breath normally he withdrew for the final time and helped me sit on the newly christened leather couch.
"Damn! My hair is a mess! I guess I won't give anymore blow jobs before work."
He chuckled at me and helped me get into my corset placing kisses along my spine before closing another clasp. Once I was encased into the top I bent at the waist and adjusted the girls.
"Lover how do you put this thing on by yourself?"
"I start with it turned the wrong direction. Bottom to top. Then turn it."
"Ingenious."
"Yes but a traditional lace up corset would be impossible," I said as I zipped up my skirt.
He left the room and returned with a brush and fixed my sex hair.
"Braid?"
"Is it that damaged?"
"Almost beyond repair."
"Yes please," I huffed.
In less than a minute I felt him wind the hair tie around the ends of my hair.
"Thank you Sweetie."
"Anytime Lover it was my fault after all."
KNOCK
"Enter Pam."
"If you two sex maniacs are finished fucking on every surface of Sookie's office we do have a business to run."
"Jealous much?," Eric asked.
"Extremely. It can't be helped."
"Sorry Pammy I don't bat for the female team."
"Give me an hour and I could change your mind," she said with a wiggle of her eyebrows.
I laughed at her boldness.
"I think Eric might object."
"You may be surprised my dear telepathic friend."
"Enough Pam. Sookie isn't a fangbanger find someone else to hit on."
"As you wish. Your appointments are here Sookie."
"Day-men first. I need to get Godric squared away so he can train his new day man."
She ushered in Hayden Hart. Eric and Pam left the office and closed the door as I took a seat behind my desk.
"Hello Miss Stackhouse. I am Hayden Hart."
"Hi there Hayden please call me Sookie. As you know I am interviewing you for a close friend of mine. Did Bobby give you any information on the Vampire that you would be assisting?"
"No, he just said that a position had become available."
"How long have you been in the business of working for Vampires?"
"I was with my last client for seven years. Regretfully she was staked a few months ago in a dispute with another vampire."
"The Vampire that you would be assisting is high up in the political ladder. His tasks might be time consuming and you may have to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to perform these tasks."
"I don't have a family. I am free 24 hours a day. I would be at his disposal all he would have to do is contact me may the need arise."
"Are you squeamish? I myself am not used to some of the things that happen around Vampires. Although you have been around them much longer than I have."
"I have no aversion to gore. Once I had to clean Margo's living room. It was a blood bath. The cleaners came to dispose of the bodies and ash, but there was blood on every surface."
"Goodness. Give me one minute."
I took out my phone and texted Godric.
SOOKIE: Godric where are you at?
GODRIC: I will be at the club in less than five minutes. I was with the contractors they are begging me for a name for the palace.
SOOKIE: I will see what I can do about that I need you to come directly to my office. I am interviewing for your new day-man.
GODRIC: I will come straight away. I am grateful for your help.
"Sorry about that your potential boss would like the opportunity to meet with you."
"I completely understand."
"He should be here any minute now. What drew you to working for Vampires?"
"Initially I had fallen on hard times. I was evicted from my apartment and living on the street in Tallahassee. Margo was out hunting and I was an easy meal a bum in an alley. She fed from me and I thought I was going to die. I was frightened beyond belief. She glamored me and asked me a bunch of questions. When I woke up I was in a nice house in a warm bed. She had left me a note and food. She asked if I would like to work for her. When she rose for the night she gave me a list of instructions and a set of house keys and a car. I worked for her from that day on."
"She saved you then?"
"Yes. I was eternally grateful and very devastated when she met her final death. I never had a sexual relationship with her but I loved her all the same."
Godric had slipped into the office during his tale and I knew he was the one. He cleared his throat in order to draw attention to himself.
"Mr. Hart this is Godric."
Hayden stood and bowed.
"Godric come use my desk. Do you want me to dismiss the others?"
"Thank you. Yes that would be fine. Mr. Hart you are hired, but I want to take some time to get to know you."
With that I vacated my seat and left the office.
"Excuse me. Anyone that has come to interview for the Day-man position may be dismissed. The position has been filled. Thank you for your interest."
Two men stood and filed out of the employee entrance.
"You remaining people give me just a minute. I need to make arrangements to sequester an interview area."
I went across the hall and knocked on Eric's door.
"Enter Lover."
I opened the door and sat in a chair opposite him in front of the desk.
"Are you extremely busy? I need to borrow either your office or Pam's"
"Is there a problem with your office dear one?"
"No, not at all Godric is getting to know his day-man in there."
"I see. I will go enthrall the vermin and you can take up residence in my chair."
"Thank you Sweetie."
He stood and kissed my hair on the way out the door. I heard him tell my applicants to enter one at a time. The interviews were less than desirable. If only it was easy to find someone to help me as it was Godric. My last hope for the night came in bright and cheerful. She was loud! I could hear her thoughts a mile away.
"Hello, I am Amelia Broadway."
"Hello, Amelia I am Sookie. I am not sure what I am looking for exactly. The other applicants were lacking that is for sure. I need someone that can help me with shopping and appointments. Keep things straight. I am a telepath and I work for Area Five. I need someone that can make my day time life easier. I am on a vampire schedule. I receive packages at all hours of the day, most of which I am asleep for. I have contracts with Vampires all over the united states and I need someone that can travel with me and keep me company. For the most part really you would get paid to help me keep things organized. Pack bags that sort of thing."
"Sookie I can do all of those things and much much more. I am a natural witch. I can provide you with my services. Help you with wardrobe and clients. My father is Copley Carmichael. I am an heiress to a very wealthy man. I decided that I should make my own living so I left New Orleans a few weeks ago. Trust me shopping is second nature to me. I would be honored to spend time with you and help you in your day to day business."
"Amelia you are hired! I have a few appointments in the next few weeks. I need my planner and Eric's synced. I need someone to answer faxes and calls about jobs. I will contact Bobby and have him give you a key to my apartment and SUV. Anytime that you are working for me I would feel more comfortable if you were using my car. I have two bodyguards at all times. Eric at night and Alcide and Calvin during the day. Where are you staying?"
"I am at the Southfield Apartments 3A."
"This is laughable. You live across the lot from me I am in 4D."
"Good Goddess! This is fate! Sookie I am so excited. I will see you in the morning. It is getting late. I will be at your house at 8:30a.m.."
"Alright Amelia call I will call Bobby and have him drop a set of keys off for you. Car, deadbolt, and knob. See you some time after tomorrow afternoon."
We stood together and exited the office. Eric was on his throne looking sexy and bored at the same time. I made my way to him and sat in the chair to the left of his throne.
"How are things Lover?"
"Great this night was really good. I got Godric the perfect day-man and myself a good PA while lightening Bobby's load. Which reminds me he needs a bonus for the last few weeks. He has been a great help to me once we seen eye to eye on a few things."
"Yes, he has been doing the work of about five people I agree he needs a bonus or a vacation. Are you ready to go home? I have a few things to do in the office, but I can drop you off and come back in a few hours. It is a new pay period and I have a ton of area paperwork. Not to mention the invoices for the bar. I would be able to come by sometime around 1:30 a.m."
"You need a day manager to take care of those invoices. Your time is stretched impossibly thin sweetie. Your nights should be filled with the bar and other Vampire business not bar things that there are plenty of people qualified to do."
"That is a great idea. Why I have never thought of it I will never know."
"The bar hasn't been open for that long. Place and ad and I will help you with your interviews so that you are not stretched so far. And I am ready to go home.
We were in the corvette before I could blink. Eric had deposited me in the passenger seat and was in the drivers seat buckling my seat belt before I took a breath.
"Goodness in a hurry are we?"
"You have no idea the faster I finish at the bar the faster I can get you into your bed Lover."
He peeled out of the parking lot and we were at my apartment in less than 20 minutes. He walked me upstairs and kissed me furiously before unlocking the door and ushering me inside.
"I would love nothing more than to stay here with you. I will be back in a few hours."
"Alright I am going to make some food and I will see you when you get back."
He kissed me on top of my head and turned on his heal and left. I texted Bobby about Amelia's key and put my phone on the charger. The apartment was quiet after being in the noisy bar so I turned on the TV to HBO and watched "The L word". It was already 10:20 when I finished making a steak and salad for myself to eat. I wasn't really hungry but I ate as much as I could anyway. I rinsed my dishes and channel surfed while waiting on Eric. I was getting drowsy about midnight and decided to nap while I waited for him to return. I closed my eyes and that was the last thing I remember.
*~ };- ~*