A/N: Sorry, this will be a pretty long chapter note because I have a few things to say and have a question to ask my faithful readers.

1) this is the new chapter. I accidentally posted chapter 11 twice and I didn't realize until I went to upload this one. So I hope when you guys see this you know it's the new chapter.

2) Sorry for the long wait. I've started school again, it's the first time in a decade that I've been in the classroom and it's a lot of work. So i haven't had as much time to write as I used to.

3) Sorry for the almost no Eric in this chapter, the next one is all about him!

4) so here's my question, I'm a part of two other fandoms and both have their own website and discord dedicated to their specific ship. Does Sookie/Eric have either of those? I'd love to join them if they do. So please let me know!

Without further ado, the real Chapter 12

SPOV

As I wake up I stretch and realize two things, one, I am deliciously sore in all the right places after last night and our second blood exchange. Two, Eric is spooned around me, I really enjoy sleeping next to someone, and I like it even more because it's him. I giggle because looking at Eric, you'd never guess he was a cuddler. I stay where I am for a few minutes, enjoying being so comfortable and content. Unfortunately, my human needs make themselves known and I have to get up to use the restroom. While I'm in the bathroom I decide to take a quick shower. I look at the clock that randomly showed up in his room the day after I mentioned that I never know what time it is when I'm in here, to see it's 10 a.m. That's a lot earlier than I've been waking up recently, it's probably because of Eric's blood. My skin has never looked so great either and my hair is so shiny and soft.

I decide it's time to go downstairs when I'm ready for the day and hear that Gran is now awake and making coffee. Mhmm, coffee sounds amazing right now. I forgot that Eric doesn't have a normal coffee machine, he has one of those fancy ones that make a cup at a time. I look at the different flavor options we have and go for hazelnut.

"Good morning, Sookie. You sure are up early this morning."

"Morning, Gran. Yeah, I figured it was time to go into town to tell Sam about me having another job. Plus, I miss Tara and Lafayette. Just because we're staying here for a while doesn't mean I want to forget about all our friends, you know? Do you want to come too?"

"That sounds like a fine idea, Sookie. I was about to cook breakfast but maybe we should wait until we get to Merlotte's."

"Okay, Gran. That sounds good to me. How long will you need until you're ready?"

"Just let me go grab my purse and we can go."

I nod at her and she leaves to her room. I just remembered that I don't have my car here. Eric is sure taking his good old time getting it here like he promised he would. He did say that we can use any of his cars if we have to leave during the day, so that's good at least. It seems pretty clear to me that he's just trying another way to get me to get rid of my car and give me something better to use. I don't like that. In fact, I'm going to get my car today, maybe even have Gran drive one back and I'll drive the other. I don't know, I'll have to think about it.

I do have to admit I feel more safe driving Gran around in a more stable car but I can't just let Eric give me a car. I sigh, I'll worry about it later. I go over to where his car keys are and choose his BMW. I cringe at the thought of driving something so expensive but I wouldn't dare drive his Corvette and the Escalade is too big for me to feel comfortable maneuvering around. I don't even know what type of BMW it is because I don't know much about cars, all I know is it's a sedan so that's the one I'm taking.

Gran comes back into the kitchen so I smile at her and we head to the garage. I take the time to lock the house and turn on the alarms like Eric taught me. I know he's lived here for a while and he's made sure his house is safe and secure, I just don't like leaving him alone and unprotected while he's dead for the day. I know that's silly, he's been doing it for a thousand years by himself but I can't help that way I feel.

It takes me a few minutes to figure out how to use the GPS in the car but I have no choice, I'm not great with directions and I don't know how to get to Merlotte's from here. Once I get it set up and start driving, it doesn't take me long for the car to feel comfortable and I have to admit, it is a smooth ride. I'm really enjoying myself and Gran looks comfortable in her seat too. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to keep using this car for a while. I shake my head, bad Sookie! Don't let the sexy vampire with awesome cars make you forget your morals and convictions. I look at Gran, I've been thinking of something and I don't know if it's the right choice.

"Gran, do you think I should just cut my hours back at Merlotte's or should I quit? I don't know how long people are going to want to pay for a telepath to read their pets and buisness partners but I also don't know how long we're going to stay at Eric's. It's a long drive to make for a job."

"Sookie, from what Eric says, he thinks you can make a career out of this. I think we can trust his business savvy and I truly believe he wants you to succeed so he won't steer you wrong. You'll probably be very busy for a while so it might be more fair to Sam to quit, he won't be able to rely on you. And it's probably more fair to the town, there are plenty of people in Bon Temps that need a job. Quitting will open up a position for them, instead of Sam saving it for you because you know he will, he won't ever fire you."

I sigh, "Yeah, I guess you're right. It's just scary, it's like Merlotte's is safe, and being a telepath for hire is dangerous. I don't want to make the wrong choice and then have us scrambling for money to pay the bills."

I don't think we'll have to worry about that, Sookie. I have faith in you and I think you'll do great. If worse comes to worse we can move into our savings but like I said, I don't think it'll come to that." Gran puts her hand on my knee and squeezes. I smile at her and nod my head.

"Okay, I'll quit," I say definitively, then giggle. "That will sure make Eric's day." Gran giggles too. Then after thinking a second, I cringe. "How much of a fuss do you think Sam is going to make of it?"

Gran makes a sour face. "If he gets to be too much you just let me handle that boy. I know he thinks he's just trying to do what's best for you but he can't see the full picture. You know how he feels about you, Sookie. So he'll never be able to see past it. In his eyes, no one but him will treat you good enough."

"Yeah well, he should have tried to do something about it before I got involved with someone else, I would have tried it out. It's no one's fault but his own that he didn't. I'm happy now, I'm not going to let him ruin it."

"Damn right."

I jump in surprise. "Gran! Language!"

She giggles again and we sit in comfortable silence for the last five minutes of the drive. When we get there, I almost park in the back, it's strange parking in the front but I'm just a customer now, so I better get used to it. I take a deep breath, straighten my back, and get ready to walk in with my head held high, I know there's going to be a disagreement between Sam and me, and probably Arlene, Tara, and Jason too if he's there but I'm not going to let them bring me down.

"Ready?"

"Yes, ma'am," I say.

When we walk in, Sam sees me and gives us a big smile. Arlene does too, and she walks over to us.

"Sookie Stackhouse, aren't you a site for sore eyes? Glad to see that Fanger hasn't been sucking you dry anymore." Ugh, I forgot she decided that was why I was out of work. Wait, she's acting like she's fine. I'd have expected her to be upset considering Rene was arrested earlier this week. Maybe she thinks I don't know because I haven't been here but that doesn't make sense either because she'd have to assume I'd have spoke to Jason by now. Maybe she's just putting on a brave face. I'm about to dip into her mind when Tara comes up to me, grabs me by the arm, and drags me away.

"Sookie, you get your ass over here and tell me what's going on. I went to check on you when you didn't come into work and the house was empty. It's been empty. I was scared because the last time I saw you, you were being carried out of here by a big scary vampire. The only reason I didn't call the cops is because when I called you, you said you were fine but you didn't give me any details. Now tell me what the fuck is going on."

"I'm sorry Tara, why don't you sit with Gran and me for brunch and we'll explain it all to you."

"Damn right, you will." She says with a huff then stomps away and goes to where Gran just took her seat.

I sigh, I love Tara but sometimes she's a lot. Over the course of brunch, I explain everything to her. Well, everything except the crazy hot sex I've been having Although, I did make it clear I'm dating Eric. I have to start over a few minutes in because Lafayette came out from the kitchen to hear about where I've been too. By the time I'm done, Tara is looking at me like I'm crazy and Laff is looking at me like he's proud of me.

"Dayum, Hookah. Get it, girl. That's one fine mans."

I feel a blush creep over my cheeks. "Now you stop that dirty talk Lafayette, I'm a lady!"

"Sure yous is, Sooks. I'm just wondering how long that's gonna last with a man like that. He seems like the type to defile you right quick. If it were me, he could get it." Lafayette makes some inappropriate sexual moves that make it completely clear what the 'it' he's talking about.

"Lafayette Renolds, you stop that right now, you're not too old to be put over my knee. We're in public."

Lafayette immediately stops, "Sorry Mrs. Stackhouse."

Gran nods her head. I notice Sam came out from his office and is looking at me. I sigh, I guess it's time to talk to him. "Alright guys, I'll be back, I have to talk to Sam. If anyone else were my boss, I'd be fired five times over by now."

"Don't act so nervous, you know your job is safe."

Okay, so I might not have told them everything, like the fact that I'm planning on quitting. Ugh, I should probably fix that. Right now though, I get up and nod to Sam's office, he nods and starts walking back there. When we get into his office he closes the door then walks over to me and hugs me. I'm surprised because I wasn't expecting that, so I awkwardly pat him on the back. After an uncomfortable amount of time, he pulls back.

"I'm so glad you're safe, Sookie."

I laugh a little forcefully because I'm not safe, my cousin saw to that. "Well, I'm safe from Rene, anyway."

"What does that mean?"

"I already told you, Sam. The queen is after me."

"Well, at least you've come to your senses and you're here now. We can take care of you."

I take a step back, "Sam, stop. What are you doing? I've already told you I'm staying with Eric, and he's keeping me safe. I'm just here to see my friends and talk to you."

He looks angry for a second then forcefully calms himself down. "Did you come to talk about getting back to work? I know you need the money, Sookie. It can't be easy for you guys not having any income for that long."

"No, actually, I've started my own business and I'm making money on my own."

"What are you doing?" He asks suspiciously.

"I'm a telepath, Sam. I'm using what's been a curse for me my entire life and using it to make a better life for Gran and me. I charge 1000 dollars per reading and each reading only takes about five minutes, sometimes less. It's very lucrative."

"Let me guess, that was your master's idea, I wonder how much of the money he's actually letting you keep." He says snidely.

He's starting to get me madder than a wet hen. Why is he questioning me like he's my father? He's my friend and my boss, that's it. "Sam Merlotte, I don't know what bee has gotten into your bonnet but stop it right now. You're getting me mad." I soften my voice, "You're my friend Sam, and I care about you but you don't get to question my decisions or question me like that in general."

"That's right, I am your friend. That gives me the right to tell you when I know you're making a wrong decision and being stupid." He steps close and grabs me by the arms, hard.

"Sam, let go, you're hurting me."

He does immediately but still takes a step closer. "He can't treat you right, he doesn't care about you, not like I do."

I open my mouth to refute him but don't have the option because he grabs my head and pulls me in for a kiss. I'm too shocked for a second to do anything but then I put my hands on his chest to push him away. He doesn't move so I push harder. I don't think he's trying to force himself on me, or anything nefarious like that, word of the day today. I mentally roll my eyes at myself, not the time, Sookie. I just think Sam is too emotional right now. That doesn't change the fact that I don't want to kiss him though, so I try to push again. This time, a light comes out of my hands and he flies across the room. I look at my hands in shock, What the fuck just happened? I don't have time to worry about it at this second. Right now, I have to deal with Sam.

"What the hell Sam? Did you ever hear of the saying, 'Don't touch what's not yours?' You know what? Doesn't matter, I don't even want to look at you right now. I came back here to tell you I quit, so fill my position." I say and walk out of the room. Dick.

When I make it back to the dining room, Gran is looking at me worriedly, "Sookie, are you okay? We heard a big bang back there."

"Yeah, Gran. I'm fine, I'll tell you about it on the way home. Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah, hun. If that's what you want. Let's go." She says with a soft smile and it calms me down a little bit. "Bye Tara, Laff. I'll call you later this week and we can set something up to hang out."

I can tell they're confused about why that would involve a phone call and not just seeing each other at work but they see I'm frazzled so they don't ask any questions and just nod their heads. I don't even notice right away with my frazzled state that my shields are down. That is until I walk past this beautiful woman with long brown hair. Her brain is scary, it's like she's speaking multiple different languages at the same time. I stop and look at her to see she's staring right at me with a smile on her face. It's unnerving. I decide I don't have time to deal with that right now and start walking to the car again.

On the way home I tell Gran what happened while I was in Sam's office. I think she might be more angry than me. Lord, I love this woman, she cares so much. Some of the things she says about what she wants to do to Sam make me blush. It's not until we're almost home that I realize we didn't go to our house to get the car. I blame Sam for that. I decide to go take a nap since we'll be up late tonight, before we went to bed this morning Eric asked me if I was ready for more customers because word had gotten out about how much I helped the people I already saw. I told him yes so it'll be another night of reading vampire's pets and business associates.

When I lay down with Eric, it's almost comfy enough to forget about all the anger I have from my visit to Merlotte's today.

I wake to angry growls and Eric smelling me.

"Eric? What's wrong?"

"You smell of shifter. I do not care for it."

I don't even have time to reply before he gets to work replacing Sam's scent with his own. By the time I'm thoroughly scent-marked by Eric, I'm almost ready for another nap. Unfortunately, it's almost time to get up. I look at the clock and decide we can lay for a few more minutes.

"So, you went to see the shifter today." He says leadingly and that brings back how mad I am about what happened, so I tell him the whole story, including how he kissed me. If I thought about it for a second, I'd probably have left that part out but my anger gets away from me sometimes and when that happens, I don't always think things through. Unfortunately, this is one of those times. I realize this when I notice his fangs are down and he's growling but not in the sexy way that gets me all hot and bothered. No, he's growling in a way that makes me feel like I'm prey.

"Eric?"

"I shall kill him."

"No, you will not! He's my friend and it happened to me, therefore it's my decision."

"No, it is not. You are mine, therefore it is my decision."

I'm starting to realize when he's really angry, his accent becomes more noticeable and he stops using contractions. If I wasn't getting mad myself, I'd find that incredibly interesting. "Now you listen here, Eric Northman. I already handled it."

"Oh yeah? How."

That cools my jets because I remember that I left out the most important part. "I shot him across the room."

That must shock him because his fangs go away and the anger leaves the bond. In fact, I can feel through the bond that he's plotting "With a gun? Sookie, where did you find such a thing? Guns are dangerous. Do not worry, I will glamour who I must to make sure no one knows you're the one who did it. You'll be safe."

Eric, the thousand-year-old Viking vampire, who himself is a more dangerous weapon than a gun, is talking about guns being dangerous? I don't even know how to process that. I feel warmth that he would so easily try to keep me safe but also a little bad that he'd think I'd let him get me out of trouble if I actually did shoot someone. Finally, I want to laugh because he assumes I'm talking about a gun. Then again, it makes more sense than what really happened.

"No, not again. This is one of those times when truth is stronger than fiction. He leaned in and kissed me, I tried to push him away but he wouldn't move. I got mad and went to push harder my hands lit up while I was pushing and it threw him across the room."

"Fairy." He says almost dreamily.