Chapter 1:
There was something irresistible and compelling about working at Fangtasia as a human. When danger lurked around every corner, every day was an adventure. Even as my back was turned to them, I felt their eyes scanning my every inch, fangs gleaming in the faint light of the nightclub. But who could blame me? I was 23, brunette and blue-eyed and without the kind of impressive qualifications a proper office job demanded. So, being born and raised in Shreveport, I focused on the newly-arisen vampire scene for employment. I didn’t have to look long: Fangtasia was hiring. It was perfect really, almost providential. I had some waitressing experience thanks to the odd summer job and the moment I stepped onto the premises and my eyes locked with those of Pam, I knew my fate was sealed.
“Well, aren’t you a pretty little thing,” she mused, that beautiful face studying mine long enough to make me blush.
“I’m here for the vacancy. You’re looking for a waitress?” I asked and cleared my throat to compose myself.
“Yes, our last waitress decided to entertain a client after hours. He threw her in a dumpster when he was done.” Stupid human, her casual tone of voice suggested.
“How…unfortunate,” I remarked, unsure what else to say. Pam was reading through my resume and I held my breath as she reached a verdict.
“You start tomorrow. Be here at 9pm sharp. Don’t be late.” As if I would dare to disobey a vampire. She could snap my neck in a millisecond or break me in half without breaking as much as a nail.
“Alrighty! See you then!” I ended the conversation and nervously stumbled out of the building.
Hired by vampires. What would my mother say? Not that my family was particularly conservative and right-wing, but vampires scared the hell out of them. They’d read too many newspaper articles about inexplicable slayings and events; humans disposed of in bushes or gardens with bite marks all over, fangbangers sucked dry and left naked on the couch. It was a long list. The American Vampire League was displeased with Shreveport of late. The New Orleans vampires had flocked to the city lately for some unknown reason.
“Just bring a stake in your purse so you’re always prepared!” my mum warned me when I called her. I lived in a small one-bedroom apartment because the lack of privacy had been suffocating back home. Dad was a banker, he worked 80 hours a week it seemed and mum had been a housewife for a few years now. It suited her. She was fond of the little things in life such as gardening, watching soap operas and going for coffee with the neighbours.
“I’m sure they protect their employees. We’re not a True Blood on legs for them to heat up in the microwave.” But although the words came out of my mouth, I was far from sure they treated us well. Vampires could be ruthless predators if you got on their bad side. What if one of the co-owners of Fangtasia had thrown her into the dumpster? Who knew for sure?
“Oh, I dunno. Things can get pretty wild in Fangtasia. You be careful, now!” Mum continued in a maternal voice I ignored. I had to pay the rent somehow and I refused to ask my dad for money. The financial struggle to meet month end was a part of adulthood, I told myself. It wasn’t supposed to be easy.
“Just be thankful I took those self-defence lessons,” I reminded her with a laugh. But I could never outfight a vampire. They were ten times as fast as us, ten times as strong and as unstoppable as death. Even they died. Eventually. Again.
“True. Still, I want you to call me tomorrow to let me know how things went!”
I reluctantly promised her I would. How many waitresses perished the first day anyway? Luck was on my side. But it sure didn’t feel like it. That night I hardly slept. My mind was filled with the potential horrors of tomorrow. Pale, angry faces slithered into my subconscious to haunt and chase me through dark, narrow alleys. In this dreamlike state between awake and asleep, I drifted in and out of their grasp. I ran as fast as I could, but my feet would not move. I screamed at the top of my lungs, but their icy hands were wrapped around my throat. I tossed and turned and finally fell into a deep, dreamless slumber.
It was nice, though unusual in a way to have so much spare time. This job allowed me to sleep in till 10pm, have breakfast in bed and take a long, hot bath till my skin got all wrinkly. It made me feel refreshed and unmistakably human. Vampires didn’t have to worry about hygiene. If they bathed, it was for pleasure rather than necessity. As for me, my hair was impossible. It had always been a dishevelled mess no comb could tame. But that didn’t stop me from trying. Waitresses were supposed to look presentable and girly so I studied my reflection in the mirror and got out my make-up box. What appealed to the demographic of a vampire bar? Gothic make-up? Bright and colourful? I settled for some mascara and dark red lipstick and experimented with several hues of eye-shadow before I succumbed to the result.
Although I tried, I could not enjoy myself today. Tonight’s employment loomed over my head and poisoned any attempt to amuse myself. First, I read the newspaper. But then I read about a killed fangbanger who’d been cut in half with a chainsaw and dumped in a pond somewhere. When that failed, I deposited myself on the bed and cuddled with my favourite romance novel. It went really well till I found myself wondering what the romantic interest would look like with fangs. Maybe a movie then. I chose a mindless action flick that had no connection with the supernatural world or any other world with depth. But as the movie went on I got more and more convinced that the heroine was a vampire herself. Was I getting paranoid? Oh, yeah. So I gave up and just vegged out on the couch and let my demons have me. For about an hour I tried to focus on that romanticised image of a vampire most girls found endearing - think Edward Cullen rather than Dracula. But that kind of perfection gets boring so I ended up discarding that fantasy.
As I was picking at my food and staring at the clock, willing it to move faster, I decided I’d go for a walk beforehand to get some fresh air. I did the dishes, did some cleaning and put on my walking shoes. High heels made my feet ache. But the darkness did not comfort me and I found myself relieved when I finally reached the club. I used the staff entrance and changed into my work attire when I heard a cold voice behind me.
“So, you’re the new human,” he said. I quickly pulled down my top and turned around, flushed. When I saw his face, my embarrassment intensified. He was, without a doubt, the most beautiful man I’d ever seen. Tall, muscular, deathly pale. A presence instilled with an effortless authority and dominance. I turned my attentions to a face framed with golden hair that was slicked back and blue eyes that sparkled when amused.
“I’m Helen,” I ended the awkward silence.
“Of Troy?” he asked and for a moment, I was confused.
“I hope you haven’t come to attack us from within with a wooden horse,” he added with a smile that revealed perfect, white teeth. I resisted the urge to ask for his dentist.
“No, I’d use a wooden stake,” I replied and tried not to get caught up in his beauty. His face never changed, as if it were cut out of marble. But I saw his eyes narrow in suspicion. My heart skipped a beat when I was subjected to his quizzical stare.
“But you wouldn’t stake me I hope. After all, I’m your boss.”
Was he? I had no idea. Pam never told me who to report to. “Right.”
“I’m Eric Northman. I trust Pam has informed me of your duties,” he spoke in a business like tone as if I was one of his associates.
“I’ve done waitressing before just not in a vampire bar.”
“Good. Just remember the rules about no biting on the premises. And make sure the visiting vampires don’t glamour you. If you are suspicious about anything, you come to me. All the vampires that come into the bar answer to me as their sheriff and I will make sure that punishment is given where punishment is needed.”
He sounded so cold and lethal when speaking of such things that I shuddered. “But surely they wouldn’t try to glamour one of your employees. Not when you’re right there,” I couldn’t help but express my doubts.
“I can’t always watch out for my employees. Working at Fangtasia does require some maturity and independence. I hope you’re up to the task,” he said coolly and arched his eyebrows to emphasize his words.
“Yes, sir!” I assured him.
“Master,” he corrected me and drew closer. I bit my lip to keep from stepping back and looked into his eyes. The world around me seemed blurry and distant. Was this what being glamoured felt like? If it was, I rather liked it. “Master,” I whispered obediently.
“If you’ll do as you’re told, we’ll get along just fine.” At these words he almost smiled. Then, before I could answer, he was gone.
I started work in a daze. It was a lot to take in and as the bar started getting crowded and I got the hang of it, I sized up the vampires I came across. A part of me wanted them to be trouble so I could report back to Eric, but I knew that was a stupid inclination. Nevertheless, I watched them more closely than I should. Their was a high yummy factor amongst vampires. It almost made me wonder if it was considered a crime to turn an ugly person. That was until I spotted a grey-haired vampire in a corner with a beer-belly and crooked teeth. The vamp winked at me and gave me a seductive smile that showed of the many gaps between his teeth. Eric was definitely not the norm, but the exception.
A female colleague of mine, Melissa, approached me in between orders. "You're doing well. Have you been a waitress before?"
I nodded. "Summer jobs mostly." I should have invested my time and money into going to college instead. But I never liked school so the prospect of spending another 4 years studying had repelled me from applying to any colleges. I savoured my freedom, but my unemployment was another matter.
"Do the vampires ever give you any trouble?" I asked and she shook her head, her black curls bouncing from side to side.
"Nah, they know they're in Eric's territory. He can be real dangerous. Did you know that he's over a thousand years old?" she lowered her voice as if telling me a great secret.
"Seriously? Damn! He lived to see the Romans rule Europe!" I was in awe. What would he say about the witch hunts that had taken place in medieval times. Had he ever been endangered by his vampirism? No wonder he seemed so cold and lethal. He'd been forced to hide in the dark for a millennium and had survived the brutal changes of history.
"Yeah, but he lives very much in the now. I wouldn't even dare ask him anything about the past," Melissa shuddered. Had she seen his dark side? The notion didn't scare me as it should've. I felt the adrenaline pumping wildly in my body.
"I'll ask him," I said, more to myself than to her. And then my shift was over.
When I got home, it was late - 5am and I was exhausted. I hurried to bed and almost jumped in still dressed. The moment my head touched down on the pillow, I was sent to never-never land and my worries revisited me in my dreams. The vampires I'd seen at the bar featured prominently, each taking turns in trying to drain me in the middle of the bar while Eric watched from his throne, smiling as they sucked. Why didn't he help me? The sharp pain of their razor sharp fangs invading my body, had me screaming but no one noticed. All fangbangers inched closer to their prospective dates and exposed their necks in the hope to ensnare one of them.
When my mobile chimed impatiently, I woke up, drenched in sweat and a strange feeling of foreboding. Was my dream about to come true? I glanced at my purse and visualised the stake inside. Relax! You're armed! But I could not shake my anxiety. When I checked my mobile, it was a message from my mom. "Did you stake anyone?" I resisted the urge to reply: Yes, I staked the whole bar. Now I'll have to find myself another job. Instead, I answered truthfully and typed that it went well and I felt pretty safe so far. But would I remain safe? When I got downstairs, it was noon and I felt refreshed, despite my bad dreams. I ate some cereal in front of the TV and read some women's magazines about 10 ways to please a vampire. All of them involved blood. For some reason I felt more relaxed than yesterday. The day came and went. I did some grocery shopping, made dinner and surfed the internet for a while. I even googled Eric Northman's name and found a lot of sappy stories by fangbangers about sexual encounters they'd had with him. "He's amazing in bed!" one of them gushed. "Best sex of my life!" added another and I chuckled. A thousand years of practice. Don Juan and Casanova would be jealous. Maybe he knew them. Maybe they were buddies. Maybe they were great lovers because of tips Eric had given them. I suddenly envisioned Eric as Dr. Love, with an Ask To column in a national newspaper. I walked away from the computer and sat in the garden for a while. Time to go, I thought when my watch alerted me it was half past 8. What would today bring? Eric's sexy ass! Oh shut up, I told myself.
Chapter 2
I quietly slipped into my waitress outfit and went to work. The bar was nearby so it was only a ten-minute walk, but I had plenty to think about. By the time I reached my destination, every vampiric face I'd seen over the last two days had resurfaced in my mind. Work was getting to me. Our clients were my constant companions. "Hi, Helen," Melissa greeted me merrily upon arrival.
"How long have you been working here?"
I had to know if it was a human weakness to be so fascinated by vampires or if I was particularly weak.
"Four months maybe. I still love it though. I met my boyfriend here," she added with a knowing look.
"Your boyfriend is a vampire?" I guessed. That didn't surprise me in the least.
"Yeah. His name is Bill Compton. He is an Area 5 Investigator. Doesn't that sound awesome?"
I had no idea what she was talking about but I didn't want to kill her buzz so I smiled. "Yeah. So you like vampires?"
She gave me a shocked look. "Do you mean you've never been with a vampire? Oh my God! You're missing out, girl! Once you've had a vamp in the sack, you'll never go back."
Her black dreads danced as she laughed. "So I hear," I said vaguely, remembering the forum posts about Eric.
"Why aren't you two working?" a cold voice sounded behind us and we jumped. We turned on our heel and faced Eric's stern face. Then again, he always seemed to look like that. The perfect businessman.
"I was just telling Helen about Bill!" Melissa explained and smiled her most dazzling smile. But Eric flinched at the mention of that name. "Bill," he sneered. "owes me a human."
Although I didn't know what that meant, it made me nervous. Did he mean to feed on?
His eyes found mine and lingered. "I hope the vampires aren't giving you any trouble," he said serenely. Melissa had disappeared to start her shift.
"Nah, but I might give them some trouble if they provoke me," I joked. I glanced up from underneath my long eyelashes. Eric was brooding with his arms planted firmly on his hips. It was an intimidating pose for a man his height. I tried to picture him as Viking, wearing a helmet and slicing an enemy in two with his broadsword. He did look Scandinavian.
"What kind of trouble might that be? You'll slap them across the face with their check?" But he wasn't angry, he seemed amused.
"No, I was considering breaking their nose with an empty bottle."
"It would heal."
"But it would hurt."
I thought I detected a glimpse of a smile. "Your torture methods are very...interesting. Are you sure you're human? Most of your kind frown upon that kind of behaviour."
"Yeah, they call the cops on you and take a mug shot." What would mine look like?
"But we're dealing with a vampire and he would punish you himself." Again with the punishment!
"Do you think he'd suck me dry or just snap my neck like a twig?" Both options were undesirable.
"Probably both. And then there's the sex that accompanies a feed." He stepped closer till I felt the wall tickling my back.
"The sex?" My anxiety had crept into my intonation.
"Oh, yes," he said, leaning forward and putting his arms on either side of me so I was trapped.
"First he'd drag you off to a deserted corner." Like this one??!
"Then, he'd glamor you and bare your neck." I felt the world fading away. Eric gently stroked my hair and pushed my face to the right so my artery was exposed for his viewing pleasure. My heart began to race in response. He brought my flesh to his lips but spoke still: "While he drinks from you, his hands roam your body in preparation for the physical aspect of the act," and as he said this, I felt his smooth hands run up and down my blouse until they settled on my butt.
"And when you're about to ask him to stop being such a tease, he'll sink his teeth into your neck and push himself deep inside of you in one, smooth movement."
At this point, my stomach was doing flip-flops. When Eric closed the gap between us, I let out a small gasp. Not because it hurt, but because he had placed a kiss on my neck instead. As this strange turn of events began to sink in, Eric withdrew from my embrace and smirked.
"Then again, you didn't offend me so there is no need to demonstrate. But heed my warning: do not upset a vampire." I was still dazed and confused when he gave me one last smile, winked and walked off. It took me a moment to compose myself. I'd never been so scared and turned on in my life. "Are you coming?" Melissa interrupted my reverie.
"Yeah, coming." None of the vampires I could ever face in Fangtasia affected me as much as Eric did.
"It's getting crowded. There's this reporter from Vamp Weekly who wants to write a piece about Fangtasia. They're reviewing vampire bars so make sure to treat him right, okay? He's sitting at table 3," she warned me.
When I looked over, a 20-something vampire met my gaze. Had he been eavesdropping? The guy had long, brown hair and bright blue eyes. Definitely belonged to the yummy vampire group. But the way he looked at the human visitors did not escape me. He licked his lips with a hungry expression. He was in serious need of a snack.
"He likes fangbangers," I remarked.
"Oh, I'm sure he does. He groped my ass," Melissa snorted. "I didn't like it but if we rebuff his advances, he could write a negative review about Fangtasia."
"So you're saying that we should let him drain us in the bathroom so he'll give the bar his thumbs up?"
"More like fangs up probably," Melissa laughed. "Does Eric know about this?" I asked suddenly. He was in charge and had to be in the know. After all, this was an important visitor and vampires were supposed to consult with him before allowed entrance.
"Eric is a great boss but he scares me a bit..." she trailed off.
"So you didn't tell him there's a reviewer from Vamp Weekly?" I decided to take the matter in my own hands. "No," she admitted.
"Fine, I'll do it. Don't worry about it. Just keep him happy but don't subject yourself to his vampire whims."
To be honest, I had no idea where Eric's office was situated. I looked around first to ascertain if he was seated in the bar so he could mingle with the common folk. But he was nowhere in sight.
"Is Eric in his office?" I asked Pam while passing by. "He is," She answered and welcomed some new humans.
That didn't help much and I didn't have time to search the whole building. That awful reporter could have started a mass orgy by then. But after a short search, I ended up in a hallway with long, wide doors on either side. Eric's office had to be around here. I opened the first door, hoping I wouldn't walk in on two vamps doing the nasty or god knows what. But it was empty. Breathing a sigh of relief, I turned around and knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" Eric's voice cried out.
"It's Helen...of Troy," I couldn't resist adding.
"Ah, come in, my lovely."
I suppressed a chuckle as I opened the door. I'd never been called a lovely before but it sounded cute.
"Want that demonstration after all?" he asked softly.
"No biting on the premises," I reminded him and he laughed. Somehow, I got the idea that he didn't laugh often. It was a beautiful, melodic sound.
The room was pleasant and well-decorated with an elegant wooden desk against the wall. The office functioned as both a study and a meeting room since a large table stood in the middle of the room with a dozen of chairs and a vase with red roses on an end table next to the desk. Eric sat at the desk, typing away on a laptop. Vampires sure were modern.
"I'm afraid there could be trouble tonight," I began and he looked up from his computer.
"How so?" he pushed his chair away from the screen so he could devote all his attentions to me. It made me feel self-conscious and I suddenly wondered if my hair looked okay.
"There's a reviewer here from Vamp Weekly. He wants to write an article about the bar but he's into fangbangers and I fear for our human visitors." I watched his face intently for a reaction but none came.
"That's all?"
"He groped Melissa's butt." A chuckle escaped his throat.
"Did he grope yours too?" His eyes twinkled mischievously.
"No, I didn't serve him."
"And you came here because you felt left out?" he asked, sounding serious.
"I don't need his approval. I get plenty of attention from boys," I defended myself.
"That's just it, isn't it? You don't need a boy. You need a man."
I didn't know whether I wanted to slap him or rip his clothes off and say: Yes, I do. I need a man like you.
"I didn't come here to talk about my..." I couldn't even bring myself to say it.
"Sex life?" he said silkily.
"Yes. I just wanted you to know that this reporter could break your no biting rule. Now that you're as well-informed as I am, I'm going back to work. Bye."
"Bye-bye, Helen." Even when he just said my name, it sounded sexy. I slammed the door shut again and got back to work.
The second I walked into the main area of the bar, Melissa appeared at my side. She looked upset. "He said he'd give Fangtasia a good review if I let him taste me!" Crap! I wanted to walz over there and kick his butt. Problem was, he'd break me in half with a straw. "I'll take over that table," I tried to give her a reassuring hug but I felt her shiver in my arms. I wasted no time in going over there. He'd ordered a True Blood anyway so I was just doing my job.
"Hi, there. Here's your drink," I said cheerfully and watched the vampire glare. He probably wanted to know where his pet had disappeared to.
"Where did my snack go?" he had the audacity to ask me.
"There's no biting on the premises!" I said, smiling and pointed at a large sign. "I'm sure you can make an exception for me," he said innocently and tried to glamor me. Just because he looked like a Calvin Klein model didn't mean one look from him would make me swoon. I blinked, yawned and walked away again, feeling quite smug that he hadn't been able to keep my attention.
The rest of the evening was rather dull and uneventful. We served the vamps and their toys their drinks and we took a new order. Just before my shift ended, the reporter walked up to me and I held on to my purse. My weapon was still in there. It made me feel so cool and powerful. Like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. But these vampires didn't get all scrunchy in the face when they got fanged.
"How can I help you?" I asked in my friendliest voice.
"I just wanted to tip your personally. I think Fangtasia is a great bar with a lot of potential. You may tell your employer to expect a glowing review in tomorrow's paper."
"Tomorrow?" That was soon.
"What else do I have to do? It's not dawn yet. We do work at night, you know." Of course. The humans who published the newspaper would probably distribute during the day.
"Right. Thanks very much. Have a nice night," I recovered and gave him a little wave as he took off.
"Well, I'm going home now. I'm so glad you joined our team. I owe you one," Melissa said. Not long after that, I left myself and walked home with a big grin on my face. Who would've thought it? Working at Fangtasia was both fun and challenging. I couldn't wait till tomorrow. I was still lost in thought, when someone showed up out of nowhere. It was the reporter. As soon as I recognised his face, I knew I was in trouble. His fangs were fully extended and he growled.
"Well, well, well.... If it isn't the waitress," he said mockingly. "Leave me alone," I hissed and tried to pass him by, but he lunged himself at me and put his arms around my shoulders, my back facing him and his head buried in my neck. I struggled to liberate myself, but it was like trying to push over a tree. In my moment of desperation, I turned my attention to God and said a little prayer. The vampire's fangs were grazing against my skin. He didn't want the feed to be over too soon, he wanted to start the meal slowly. When he put his hand between my legs, I yelped and tried to push his hand away. But instead of being startled, he merely laughed.
"You can scream all you want, girl. I came to Fangtasia to feed and since you were so kind to point out that it isn't allowed on the premises, I figured I'd wait for you outside. No can protect you here. It's just the two of us, and what fun we'll have." He continued to stroke my crotch area and I wriggled to try and free myself.
"That's not completely true," an icy voice spoke from the darkness. The reporter turned to face the intruder, me still locked in his arms. Eric Northman had never looked more menacing than right now. He wore a long, dark coat, stared coldly into the eyes of my assailant and bared his fangs at him. I wanted to scream out his name. How glad I was to see him. My heartbeat was all aflutter at the very sight of him.
"Step away from the girl," Eric warned the reporter but I felt his grip tighten.
"No, what is she to you? She's just a silly human. We could share," he offered with a flourish of his arm. Share? What was I, a sandwich? That bastard! I kicked him in the shins. My action only encouraged him to resume his plans and he groaned in pain, twisted me around, roughly pulled my hair and sank his teeth deep into my neck. It was so wholly unexpected that I screamed out, feeling the pain escalate with every sip of my blood.
It was now that Eric jumped us and the three of us fell to the ground, hard. If the reporter had not cushioned the fall, I might've suffered some serious injuries. The reporter removed his fangs from my neck to protest and then violently pushed Eric and I off of him, but Eric caught me before we hit the earth.
"You drank her blood, now go! And never come back!" Eric said calmly.
"As you wish. As for that review...." he started formulating a threat but Eric cut him off.
"If you write a negative review based on this incident, I will seek out your employer and make sure justice will be served."
At these words, the vampire hissed. "I am satisfied. The review will reflect these sentiments. Good day."
I did not speak. But Eric bid him goodbye and he left.
"Thank you," I whispered, my neck still bleeding. "You've lost a lot of blood!" Eric lifted me up and carried me back to Fangtasia, where he gently put me on a table. "You'll have to drink from me," he urged.
But before I could object to the matter, Eric leaned over my neck and started sucking on the wound. These strange turn of events had me surprised, then embarrassed and finally turned on. I visibly relaxed as his tongue expertly licked the wound till it closed. His healing power soothed me. That was, until it was time for me to feed on his blood.
When I opened my eyes and looked at my nurse, he had made a small cut above his right breast. He had removed the clothing from his upper body and sat there in shirtless beauty.
When he caught on that I was too shaken to sit upright, he maneuvred himself on top of me till the blood that dripped from his cut, fell exactly into my waiting mouth. It tasted unexpectedly sweet and agreeable so I carefully got up, clung to his shoulders and put my mouth to his chest so I could consume his blood more easily. I heard him groan when my tongue swept across his skin and I sucked and sucked till I felt replenished.
His blood still clung to my lips when I leaned back again and looked up at him.
Without saying a word, he cupped my face with his hands and licked the blood from my lips, occasionally wrapping his mouth around my lower lip to suck it till all traces of blood were gone. It was the most erotic moment of my life.
"I'm sorry you still got your demonstration," he mumbled when I got up to leave. I could tell that he disliked having to say I'm sorry.
"I know. I'd better go now. It's getting late. Thanks again for your help. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Sweet dreams," he called after me and I told my heart to calm down.
I slept really well that night. Eric's face stayed with me throughout the night and I woke up with a smile the next day.
Chapter 3
The long, detailed dreams of my boss his face still haunted me when I got up at noon. I wasn't usually this obsessive about men so I couldn't help but be worried. I kept myself busy during the day so my mind wouldn't wander too often. But to no avail. When I was watching TV and flipped channels till I ended up at the history channel, I imagined Eric as a part of history - living in that world, succeeding in it. It was a program about the dark ages and I pictured Eric in medieval garb, living a quiet, clandestine life in the country. But what if he had been like the vampire Lestat and had lived a life of sophistication and comfort? A gentleman, a count in possession of a castle. It suited him better than a farmer's life. It was too simple for a great man like him.
When the show was over, I made some lunch and thought I'd give my mother a call to give her a selective account of my new job. But when I opened my mobile, I saw an unread text message was waiting. I read it, expecting it to be from a relative or friend, but the number was unknown: "I have a special mission for you, my lovely. I'll tell you the details tonight. E.N."
The message had caught me off-guard and as I pondered over the mission he had in mind I couldn't even remember why I'd grabbed my phone in the first place. Just like that, all other thoughts had been erased from my mind and he had taken their place. A knock on the door compelled me to act and I answered the door, curious. It was my mother, Jennifer. Her long, blond hair and dark brown eyes did not resemble my features in any way. But our personalities were quite similar.
"Hi, how are you?" I asked as I stepped aside so she could enter. But there was a clear sign of worry engraved on her face. Was I in for a lecture? "I should be asking you that question. You're the one who's employed at a vampire bar," she retorted and took a seat on the couch in the living room.
"I'm still alive as you can see," I said nonchalantly and made some tea in the kitchen. "Did you use that stake yet?" she demanded. I shook my head although she wouldn't be able to see the gesture.
"No, I'm well-protected at work," I answered honestly.
"Whatever you say... Stefanie told me this story today," she said and I knew I was in for some dramatic vampiric account.
I poured us some tea and handed her a cup of steaming green tea. My favourite flavour.
"What did she tell you?" I asked, clearly disinterested in the tale.
"That people everywhere are being seduced by vampires and drained in parking lots. She read about it in the newspaper. And apparently vampire blood is a high commodity. It's the drug of choice nowadays and I'm sure its side-effects include attending orgies and uploading porn onto the internet. People do such crazy things when they're high," she concluded.
As I evaluaded her mental state, I took a sip from my tea and tried to change the subject.
"It's going well at Fangtasia so far. There are cameras everywhere and we have good security," I improvised although it was probably true anyway. This seemed to help my mother relax a little and she sat back and drank her tea. "Just be ready. All you need is for one of those crazies to follow you home and you'll be tomorrow's headline." My mom should write books.
"I'd have to invite them in," I said as practical as always.
"If you say so. I don't trust those vampires one bit. It's not natural to have fangs." No kidding.
"Yeah. I was going to visit the park today, would you like to come?" But she declined.
"No, I'm going shopping with Holly. She needs some new curtains and her washing machine is giving her trouble.."
I zoned out. These sort of topics didn't interest me in the least and I nodded every now and then to show I was listening, but after a few minutes, my mother realised I hadn't said anything.
"You okay, dear? You're a bit quiet."
"Oh, I'm fine. I was just thinking about my...dishwasher," I lied and nodded solemnly.
"Time to buy a new one, dear," she patted me on the knee. Like I could afford that. "Anyway, I'd better get going now. Holly is waiting. Careful at work tonight and bring that stake!" she ordered and left.
Peace and quiet. Finally! My mother was a great woman but her chats could be a bit headache-inducing at times.
I took my time making dinner. I'd settled on a complicated new recipe and had some tiramisu for dessert. It was 7pm by the time I'd finished eating and I checked my mail, chatted with some friends (only telling them some superficial information about work) and googled Eric some more till it was time to get to work. My heart thudded at the sight of my new Eric Northman wallpaper and I walked to work feeling chipper and hyper about being close to him again. It was a warm evening and the moonlight shone down upon us, dancing almost. Fangtasia's familiar red/white exterior greeted me and I walked in.
"Hi," Pam said from the bar. Eric stood next to her and he inclined his head in greeting. My heart surged but otherwise I felt calm.
I saw him look past Pam so he could watch me closely, but apart from that they were in the middle of a conversation so it would be unwise to approach them so I could ask about the mission. Melissa lightly touched my shoulder and I almost jumped with my head into the ceiling. Eric saw this and laughed, a very human sort of laugh that left Pam annoyed.
"You scared the shit out of me," I said, putting my hand across my chest. Thump. Thump.
"Oh, sorry. Just wanted to say 'hi' I guess."
"Hi."
"Are you working this weekend?" she asked and I finally looked away from the vamps at the bar.
"I guess I am but aren't weekends really crowded? Would one waitress be enough?" I frowned at that.
"No, they have another waitress who works part-time. She works on Saturdays and Sundays."
"Her name is Valerie," Eric's presence startled me. I hadn't heard him coming.
"Yes, she's nice. You'll like her," Melissa told me, smiling. I felt Eric standing behind me, waiting, silent. It scared me just how aware of him I was. Every twitch of his muscular body, I registered and analysed.
"Why don't you help Pam get Fangtasia ready?" he asked Melissa, knowing she'd be flattered of assisting the co-owner.
"Really? Okay!" and Melissa disappeared, feeling happy and giggly.
I was about to turn around but Eric held on to my shoulders in mid-motion and pushed me against the bar with his lower body pressed firmly against me. I felt faint. But that's not all I felt...
"There's something I didn't tell you," he whispered and lowered his arms while remaining in close proximity to me. My cheeks were getting hot and my knees nearly buckled under his stare. What did he want?
"I know how you're feeling," he said suddenly and I knitted my brows together into a frown.
"When you drank my blood, you inherited some of my powers. Your senses have improved, as has your strength. But these effects are not permanent. The bond between us, however, is. When you're scared, angry, happy or horny, I can feel it."
My cheeks were on fire. Did he know the effect he had on me? I felt queasy. Change the subject!
"So, what's my mission?"
Before he answered, he took a step back and I could breathe freely again. Unfortunately. I already missed his nearness.
"There will be another waitress here tomorrow as you know. I'm not sure I can trust her. There has been an increase in drainers present lately and they know which vampires to pick. Someone's been tipping them off but I can't watch everyone. I already had someone keep an eye on Melissa and found out she is a fangbanger herself and in fact dating Bill Compton."
A hint of disgust swept across his face, but his usual mast of neutrality soon returned.
"I am sure the traitor is employed at Fangtasia. No one knows our clients as well as our employees. No visitor could have such an extensive knowledge of our vampire visitors."
So what would I have to do? Pick her brain and follow her around?
"What if it isn't her?" I asked.
"Then we'll have to hire more people to keep an eye on our customers or get more technological in our approach."
"Alright, I'll keep an eye on her. If I find any evidence of her involvement, I'll come to you," I promised.
Eric smirked, moved closer and whispered in my ear: "I hope you'll come to me regardless of the outcome."
I wanted to jump his bones right then and there. And, annoyingly enough, he'd sense this. He breathed in my smell as if it were a rare flower, retreated from our embrace and walked away, still smiling. I thought I'd collapse, my legs quivered like jell-o. But after taking a few deep, steady breaths, I was ready to start my shift.
It was always crowded at Fangtasia. Were there other vampire bars to rival this one for popularity? By the looks of it, no. Not by a long shot. I kept expecting Dracula to show up. Did he actually exist? I made a mental note to ask Eric about this sometime. The evening was a never-ending string of True Blood deliveries. Only the humans ordered anything else and even some of them had started drinking vampire beverages to impress their dates. But to the vamps, they were just mini-bars on wheels. I'd just dropped off another True Blood when I spotted Eric sitting in a sort of VIP section of the bar. When I caught his eye, he'd been studying me and he beckoned for me to come over. For once, he was alone which was unusual. But Pam had door duty, which was her way of ensuring no suspicous characters entered the bar.
"Sit down, you need a break," he said pleasantly and patted his lap to gesture I sit there. I must've given him a shocked look because he laughed and pointed at one of the chairs next to his. Much better. Were we actually going to have a normal conversation now? That'd be a first. I sat down and looked at him expectingly.
"I just thought we'd have a chat," he said and snapped his fingers to summon Melissa to our table. Her eyes just about popped out of her head and she mouthed: what are you doing here? Eric noticed my discomfort but let the moment pass us by.
"What would you like to drink? And don't you dare say a coca cola. We'll have none of that nonsense," he nodded to Melissa to let her know she was to treat me well.
"I'll have a martini," I decided, still feeling guilty for drinking alcohol at work, even if my boss encouraged it. Melissa tried to act casual but failed miserably and left with a frown on her face.
"Can I ask you something?" I suddenly remembered all the questions I'd been saving for this moment. Eric arched an eyebrow.
"Is it true you're a thousand years old?" I hoped I wasn't too bold. Perhaps vampires considered it bad manners to be asked about their age. It should definitely be a touchy subject for female vampires.
"Even older than that," he replied calmly. "I'm over 1100 years old. But back then we didn't celebrate birthdays as elaborately as we do now."
That was interesting. I couldn't imagine a birthday without a proper celebration. "The things you must've seen," I whispered in awe and watched his eyes sparkle. "Did you meet any famous historical rulers? Did you know Ceasar? Or Napoleon?" I could barely contain my enthusiasm. This man had seen history change through the ages, the centuries and he seemed so normal. Well, for a vampire.
"The world was a bigger place then," he remarked and looked deep in thought.
"When I was young, we didn't have newspapers, cell phones or e-mail. News took a long time to travel and everyone felt far away and was difficult to reach. Letters took weeks to arrive and often lost their relevence. I travelled a lot back then. We weren't organised yet of course. It was a different time. But I did rather like Ancient Rome. The wars, the gladiators. But all that ended when I was turned. There is no entertainment at night," he complained.
When he saw how enthralled I was in his story, his face lit up and he added: "I bumped into Shakespeare once at the Rose, that theatre he worked at."
I gasped in disbelief. No way! "Did you speak to him?" I wanted to know. My fascination with history made him smile. "Briefly to compliment him on the success of Romeo and Juliet. It was a new play back then. Maybe I should've asked for his autograph," he joked and his smile widened. "No camera's back then after all." Very true.
"You would've made an amazing history teacher," I blurted out and he laughed. "I can see your point but I think I make a better businessman. It's a more profitable business anyway."
Sure, but he could actually involve his students with stories of his own life. What it was really like in the medieval period, or when Rome controlled half the world.
"I have another question," I admitted and moved closer to him. The closer I was to him, the happier I felt. "Let's hear it," he said and Melissa brought me my drink. She left again without as much as a second glance. I'd talk to her later.
"Does Dracula really exist?" I hoped that wasn't a stupid question. It sounded very touristy, even to my ears.
But Eric didn't laugh at me. "Yes, he was the first. We are all his children in a sense but I've never met him."
Several words swam through my mind at this point: garlic, crosses, holy water.
"So...garlic," I said, not sure how to finish that sentence. "is the perfect way to stop a man from kissing you," Eric finished for me with a devilish smile. I blushed.
"And crosses?"
"It's the silver that bothers us, not the symbol."
"And holy water?"
"Get me a bucket full and I'll bathe in it."
That was a mental image I really didn't need. Eric in a bathtub. I drank my martini to distract myself from my fantasies.
"I'd like to ask you a few questions too but I can see it's getting crowded in here and you are needed," he said with a hint of annoyance. I immediately rose from my seat. What did he want to ask me? I wasn't nearly as interesting as he was of course!
"Yes! Well, thank you for the break! I'll get back to work and maybe we can continue our chat some other time."
"I'd like that," he said, doing that brooding thing again that made my stomach twist upside down.
"Well, you're my boss. I'm yours to command," I smiled weakly. God, what was I saying?
"That's a delicious thought," he said sweetly and I almost tripped over my own feet as I turned around. "Yes, talk to you later!"
I could use a cold shower right now to cool off but I had work to do.
I wouldn't be able to tell you what happened after that if my life depended on it. More bottles were ordered, fetched, served, checks brought, change counted. My shift flew by and before I knew it, I was on my home, floating on cloud nine like a 12-year old schoolgirl with her first crush. This feeling stayed with me as I went to bed and fantasised about my next encounter with Eric, that sexy Viking boss of mine.
Chapter 4:
Every day, I couldn't wait to get to work. I lived to work rather than worked to live. That was a bad sign. I'd had brunch in town at my favourite restaurant, but it didn't satisfy me the way it usually did although the food was just as delicious as always. Hm. Delicious. The word had gotten a new meaning after last night. I decided on some retail therapy and tried on a bunch of new summer dresses. I'd better not run into any vamps dressed like this or they'd call me a tease and take a bite. Still, I'd be safe during the day so I indulged myself and bought two new floral dresses and tried to picture Eric's face as I paraded them in front of him. It was strange really. I'd tasted his blood but he hadn't tasted mine. That thought made me pause. Did he want to taste mine? Would I let him? Would I like it? It was only when the sales person handed me my shopping bag, that I came back to my senses.
I spent the rest of the afternoon in the park with my favourite book. It was warm, green and peaceful and I lay on the grass looking up into the sun. What did it look like when vampires met the sun? Did they actually burst into flames? In the last few days they had taken over my mind. Everything I did, saw or felt, I connected to them. Should I see a shrink? Maybe there was a support group for mortals with an unhealthy vampire obsession. Was I turning into a fangbanger? I strolled across the street, visited my favourite shops and ended up with a pile of vampire books from Borders in a shopping bag. I needed to know more about them. But the only person I could ask was the vampire sheriff from area 5. Sheriff. Like this was a western movie and we were home to a bunch of gunslinging morons with bad teeth and cowboy boots.
I had called my best friend, Cecilia, for advise. I loved Italian food so we went to a local pizzeria and chatted about nothings over pasta and red wine. "So, what's the real reason you called?" she asked. She knew me too well. Her pretty, bespectacled face awaited my reply.
"I got a job," I said vaguely and took another bite of pasta. Cecilia knew I'd been unemployed for a few weeks now so she clapped her hands excitedly and squealed. "That's great! Where?"
I downed my wine in a single gulp. "Fangtasia," I said slowly, studying her face. But it hardly changed, except for a frown.
"The vampire bar? Why? Were you that desperate?" Ouch.
"Yeah, I guess I was," I sneered. What had I expected? That she'd be jumping through hoops?
"It gets worse," I continued, before saying: "I have a crush on my boss."
I saw her eyes widen, her mouth drop open and a mixture of fear and shock settle upon her features. "You what?!"
"Yeah, I know. He's a vampire. But he saved my life. A customer of ours waiting for me outside. He bit me."
Now her face just showed shock. "But Eric chased him away and fed me his blood so I'd heal."
"Wait a minute! A vampire drank your blood and then another vampire fed you his? Are you sure you're not going to turn into a vampire then? Isn't that how it works?"
Good question. "He didn't drink a lot of blood. I think they really have to drain you and then replace your blood with theirs."
"Right. So, this Eric, what's he like?" she asked, sounding strangely accepting of all this. But it was a relief.
"He's gorgeous first of all. Tall, blond, blue-eyed. And he's smart. He's over a thousand years old. And he's seductive," I finished my selective description.
"So, he wants you?" was her blunt question. "There's definitely a physical attraction, but beyond that I don't know. I think he mostly wants to feed on me," I shuddered.
"Wow, so you're in for some bloody, ancient, vampire sex?" she deduced. But it wasn't right. Not at all. And not how I was raised.
"I don't believe in meaningless sex. I'm not going to let my infatuation get the better of him. I hardly know the guy."
"The vamp," she corrected, smiling.
But it was time to go to work. The restaurant was at the other side of town so I'd have to drive home first, change and then walk to work. Today was the first day of the mission. When I arrived at work half an hour later, Valerie was chatting to Pam. So this was the culprit according to Eric? Well, we'd see about that. The girl was short, chubby and had short, blond hair with brown eyes. As the guys would say: she had a nice rack.
"Hi, you must be Valerie. I'm Helen. I'm the new waitress," I introduced myself politely and shook her hand.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Valerie. So, you're new, huh? Do you like it so far?"
Like I'd say no with Pam standing right next to her in one of her more gothic outfits.
"Yeah, the staff is nice," I replied and Valerie smiled, locking arms with me and leading me to the staff area.
"You mean Eric right?" she asked as soon as we were out of sight. I blushed.
"He's got a way with women. Some say he's had a thousand lovers. But that would only be like 1 a year so I think more like ten times that many," she whispered and giggled.
She definitely seemed stupid and naive enough to betray him. "Do you know a lot about powerful vampires?" I asked casually.
The topic excited her and she got closer like we were two best friends forever swooning over boys.
"Yes! I've been working here for a while now and I've met so many hot vamps here," she gushed.
I tried not to gag.
"Have you dated any of the clients?" Any other person would tell me to mind my own business. But Valerie considered it an accomplishment worth bragging about.
"Dated isn't really the word I'd use. I kind of have a vamp fetish," she chuckled. I figured as much.
"I know which vampires here are worth having. They tell you stuff when you get to know them. So I made a to-do list based on their information. But you know what I mean with to-do list, right?" she laughed again.
No one could possibly mistake her meaning.
"Oh, yeah. So you're a fangbanger."
"Much more than that. I'm very exclusive. There are only about five vampires I go with. They pay me."
Hooker.
"They're like my sugardaddies," she explained. Ew.
"And then there's Eric," she sighed and I tried to keep my emotions to myself.
"He was my first!" she confessed with the biggest smile.
"You mean the first vampire you ever slept with?" I struggled to keep my tone friendly and engaging.
"No! I was a virgin till I met him. I was a new waitress, like you. It wasn't long before he started showing an interest in me."
I just about barfed. Eric and her? I felt my anger rising.
"Did he know you were a virgin?" I wondered aloud.
"Oh, yeah. I think it turned him on. Kind of marking his territory or something. I think he's got a thing about waitresses. Bill mentioned something like that once."
Oh God. So he only liked me because I was a waitress? Just great. It had all been a game for him. A chase.
"Bill Compton you mean?" I asked, remembering the name. He owes me a human, Eric had said. A waitress?
"Yeah, you know him? Bill and Eric liked the same girl once I think and she was a waitress. I don't think Eric even had waitresses before he met her. And now it's like a thing for him. All the new waitresses know about it. And then once you've been had he throws you aside like a used rug."
I balled my fists. "He did that to you?"
"Yeah," she sighed and looked forlorn all of a sudden. "He pursues you real actively at first and then he just drops you."
I'd been such a fool. "Thanks for telling me," I mumbled. I felt numb.
"He made a move on you too?" Valerie asked and pat me on the arm. "Yeah."
"Aww, I'm sorry. Don't let the big, bad vampire ruin your job!" she laughed at her own joke. "I won't," I assured her and took a deep breath. "Let's get to work now."
And we did. I didn't see Eric that night. It pissed me off because he'd put me on this stupid mission and now couldn't even be bothered to show up to see me execute his command. The only frustrating thing was that I still did as I was told. I watched Valerie throughout the evening and saw her chatting to all the vampires and pretending the humans were invisible. She had admitted that she knew who was worth talking to. The needed knowledge for such a scheme was there but hardly the brain capacity. And if she were a traitor who sold vampire info to drainers, why would she have told me about her sugardaddies? At the end of the night, I was none the wiser. I'd have to talk to her some more tomorrow before I made up my mind.
Before I walked out the front door, Pam addressed me. "Hi, pretty."
"Hey, Pam. What can I do for you?" It was an innocent enough request but her smile warned me to refrain from such comments in the future.
"Oh, I can think of many things," she teased. But I made no reply and waited for her to get to the point.
"Eric asked me to talk to you about your mission."
"Where was he tonight?" curiosity compelled me to ask.
"Out of town. He wants to know if you have the necessary information," Pam said.
"Well, I've been keeping an eye on her and she definitely has the vampire knowledge needed to tip off the drainers but I haven't got any proof that she actually did it so I'll try and get some evidence tomorrow," I said and wondered just how much Pam knew about the matter.
"He'll be back tomorrow so I'll just tell him you need more time. He won't be pleased," she observed. So what! I wasn't pleased either and you didn't see me throwing a hissy fit!
"I'm doing the best I can," I answered diplomatically and left before she could say anything.
Some days you just want to end because for some reason, they make you feel like crap. Today was one of those days. I'd been thrown for a loop. Everything I thought I knew about Eric, was a lie. Everything that had happened between us was a game to get into my pants. And I'd almost let it all happen. If Valerie hadn't told me all this, I'd be pining for Eric's presence right now. But now I knew, I wanted some distance between us and I was grateful I had a day to figure things out before I faced him again. One thing was for sure. I'd confront him about all this and I'd let him know he could never have me. My infatuation was officially over.
Chapter 5:
It was like I'd seen the world through pink, fangbanger glasses for the last few days. Now that the glasses were off, anger started setting in. Not even at Eric, at myself. I'd let my feelings run away with me before I even got to know him properly. Thad had proven to be a big mistake. For research, I turned to the internet once again but this time my search for information was more specific. I tried to unravel Eric's past. To do so, I had to look past all the messages of love and hope ("I wish I knew Eric Northman! He's so hot!"). Not useful at all. The longer I looked, the more often a particular name showed up in the results: Sookie Stackhouse. That name meant nothing to me so I ran a search on her instead and nearly fell off my chair when I ended up at amazon.com and saw the Sookie Stackhouse books about a telepathic waitress that had to choose between two vampires: Bill Compton and Eric Northman.
At first, I let my shock get the better of me and just stared. This waitress had written an autobiography? But the books were written by another name: Charlaine Harris. Who was she? A relative? A friend? Or was it Sooke's professional name? None of my questions had been answered. Quite the contrary. I'd gotten more questions than answered. So I decided to get to the bottom of this and visit the bookstore. I didn't know what I was thinking when I bought books 1 - 9 but I was filled with such energy and exhilleration, I didn't care. I looked myself up in the house that way and read all the Eric parts. For the first book that meant it was a very quick read but Eric Northman soon became a more prominent character. I skipped the plot about the werewolves, shifters and fairies. I just didn't have time to read the books thoroughly. But when it was time to leave for work, I had managed to read most Eric scenes in the novel. So with the last book in tow, I headed for work. Eric had some serious explaining to do.
Subconsciously, I walked faster than usual and completely ignored Pam as I stormed into Fangtasia. I felt her vampiric stare following me into the hallway and I can only imagine what my behaviour must look like to the outside world. But I was a woman with a mission and I would not be stopped. Without so much as knocking, I swung open Eric's door and barged in with my battle face on. My viking boss was seated as his desk as usual and although he initially smiled up at me, that expression quickly stiffened and turned into a curious frown.
"What is it?" he asked and arose from his desk. Instead of answering him, I rummaged through my bag, located the Dead and Gone novel and threw it in his face. Had it not been for his fast reflexes, it would've hit him square across the face. But he didn't seem angry, just surprised and confused. That was, until he took note of the book I'd launched at him.
"Oh," he whispered. "Oh? Oh? Seriously? Is that all you have to say to me? There is a freaking book series about you, Bill and your little waitress friend and all you've got to say is 'oh'? What the hell is going on?" I yelled at him and I never yelled. Where was all this anger coming from? He knew better than to provoke me so he waited till I slowly calmed down.
"It certainly wasn't my idea to make my life public property," he said and glanced at the book was undisguised contempt. "We tried to stop the publication but were unsuccessful." I couldn't believe this. Why would someone want to write novels about these people? These vampires? Couldn't they make up their own characters? Lacked they any imagination?
"I talked to Valerie," I changed the subject to introduce the confrontation I had planned.
"And what did she say? Did you find out if she is keeping tabs on my clients?" Eric asked calmly.
"She said you'd been lovers," I was unable to keep the disgust out of my voice.
"I see."
"At least you don't deny it," I hissed, ready to attack.
"I'm many things but I'm not a liar," Eric said softly.
"She also said you have a thing for waitresses. Do we remind you of Sookie? Is that it? The one who slipped through your fingers. But we're not her. I'm not her. I'm me."
I was waiting for him to show some kind of emotion, but he kept on the same mask of indifference.
"That was a while ago," he said and looked out the window as if it was really a window into the past.
"We all moved on from that. Sookie is now dating Sam, Bill is with Melissa and I..." he paused.
"And you?" I persisted.
"I had a few flings here and there and why shouldn't I? I'm a vampire. I have needs. I'm not going to pretend otherwise."
Honesty. It was a good character trait of his.
"I can't believe you were with Valerie," I sighed and pictured the chubby girl sitting on top of Eric, breasts bouncing excitedly. Gross.
"Maybe I should have glamored her afterwards so she wouldn't remember," he remarked. Or maybe he shouldn't have slept with her at all! I felt my anger bubbling back to the surface and Eric gave me a long, reassuring glance. He felt my inner struggle.
"I could still do that," he added. What, for me?
"You just want me to be next. Your next conquest. Well, no thanks."
His expression changed then to something slightly more humane. "You think I sleep with all my waitresses?"
I could hear it was a serious question. "I don't know. Do you?"
"No. Ask Melissa. I haven't so much as touched her."
"You could've glamored her," I pointed out.
"Our friendship has come to that?" He almost looked sad and I made myself look away.
"What friendship? You don't want to be friends. You want to get in my neck."
When I looked over now, I saw a smile play with his mouth. "I want what?" he asked, still smiling. No matter how angry I was, that smile was infectious and I couldn't help but return it with equel sincerity. "Human men want to get in our pants, but vampires want to feed on us so they want to get in our neck," I explained my made-up term.
Eric laughed and it felt like ages ago since I'd last heard that wonderful sound. "Oh, I want to get in your pants too," he finally said with a seductive wink.
But I wouldn't forgive him so easily. Not now I was myself again and had stopped drooling over him.
"I don't think you'd fit into my pants," I observed and grinned. Eric was a very tall, muscular man and I was a slender woman.
But he didn't argue or correct me. He just nodded.
"Please keep an eye on Valerie for me tonight so we can focus on pleasanter things." God, that's the first time I ever heard him say please. I gave him a triumphant smile.
"I will. Your one-night honey-bunny is going down," I promised and I joined the rest of the staff in the main area of the bar where Valerie was sweeping the floor. "Hi, Valerie," I tried to sound cheerful.
"Oh hi, Helen! Isn't Eric looking mightly fine today?" she asked and giggled. I laughed too because she had a double-chin when she laughed.
"He always looks good."
"He sure does. Too bad we only slept together once. It was amazing." I could pretty much see pink hearts in her eyes.
"What about your vampire friends? They don't measure up?" The floor was clean now and we'd open in a few minutes.
"Nah, they don't even come close. But they're little kids compared to Eric. My friends are all like 100 years old."
"Infants," I chimed in and Valerie nodded.
"And their blood isn't worth nearly as much either," I said. I'd read that online in an article about drainers.
"Yes, exactly. If the drainers got someone like Eric, they'd have a field day. But he never lets anyone drink his blood."
What? This conversation was actually getting interesting now. Had it been so unusual for me to be given his blood that night?
"Well, that Sookie did." I remembered reading about the blood bond. Ours wasn't nearly that strong yet, but he could read my emotions better than I felt comfortable with.
"Yes, but apart from her no woman has tasted his blood in centuries," Valerie whispered secretively.
Oh dear. I hadn't known that. It made me feel good and special despite of myself.
"Do you know any drainers?" I asked her while scrubbing the bar. "A few. I'm not supposed to say names but they pay good money if you help them out."
And now for the 1 million dollar question: "Like give them names of valuable vamps?"
"Yes, preferably with a picture and some info about their location so they can find them. You get half the money before and the rest after they catch the vamp."
God, this bitch is dumb.
"And you've given them names of some of the vamps here?" was my last question. "I guess, but I mostly give them names of vamps I meet elsewhere."
Gotcha.
If Eric had been standing behind us the whole time, he certainly did a good job of hiding it.
"Really, Valerie? You've been selling my friends for a few bucks to drainers?" his voice came out of nowhere and Val looked like she wanted the earth to swallow her up right there.
"Oh, shit. Eric, they were mostly young vamps, I swear! No one important! Some of them had tried to attack me!" she defended herself.
"So, instead of reporting to me so I could throw the bastards out, you sold them to drainers?" he concluded.
"Well, yes," Valerie said in a small voice. I almost felt sorry for the bitch. Almost.
"Valerie, you're fired." I had to admit I was expecting some threats, fights or harsh words. But nothing.
"But....but...I'm sorry!" she whined and started crying. But Eric looked more annoyed with her emotional outburst than moved.
"Valerie, get out. Leave Fangtasia and never come back. If I ever find you within a mile of the bar talking to another vampire, there will be serious consequences."
But his warning only made things worse and she started wailing loudly. Without a word, Eric lifted her up, went outside with vampire speed, dumped her near the entrance and stood beside me again before a second had passed.
"Thank you. Good work," he complimented me and turned around to give Pam orders never to let Valerie in again. To be honest, I would have devised a more serious punishment for her. But maybe Eric didn't think she was worth the trouble.
With the bar open again, I soon got caught up in the usualcrazy amount of True Blood orders. But every once and a while, I spotted Eric sitting somewhere watching me. What was he thinking? I unflinchingly stared back until his look softened and he smiled. Our problems were far from over. My questions had not been answered yet. But for now, I was satisfied. And that was enough.
When my shift was over, Pam and Eric approached me to inspect Fangtasia before their departure. Everything was spick and span of course but it had taken a little longer than usual because I was on my own.
"You did very well tonight considering you did all the work," Pam said and I saw her gaze taking in every inch of my flesh.
"Thank you. I'm still dizzy from all the orders," I admitted.
"We tried to get a hold of Melissa but she didn't pick up her phone. We will compensate you for your efforts," Eric told me in his businessman tone.
"Helen, we know you must be busy but we have a favour to ask," Pam asked and smiled. Her beautiful, long blond locks shone in the dim light of the bar. If I had any bisexual tendencies, I would be all over her. Then again, I still wasn't entirely immune to her beauty and I considered myself pretty damn straight.
"What's the favour?" I couldn't contain my curiosity.
"There's a vampire ball tomorrow evening. It's held at Fangtasia. It's an opportunity for all the leaders to get together and have a good time."
And of course I'd have to work again. I was hoping to get a day off.
"All vampires go with their human," Eric continued the story. "We'd like to you be our human for one night."
Oh boy. Our human? What, they'd have to share? "What does that entail exactly?" It sounded dubious to me.
"We introduce you as part of our entourage and as our human none of the vampire lords are allowed to so much as touch you without our approval," Eric explained.
I didn't want to know what the vampire lords would want to do with me if it weren't for this protection.
"So, it's like a date?" I wanted to know.
"Yes, so don't eat any garlic. We'll actually have to act and look like a couple," Eric said and there was that devilish smile again. I loved that smile. I wanted a wallpaper of that smile. But I was still unsure of his motives so I tried to resist his charms. I'd turn that poster into a dartboard!
"So, if I want, I can go with Pam?" I verified and watched the disenchantment grap hold of his face.
On the other hand, Pam looked absolutely delighted. "Of course you can go with me! I never thought your preferences would allow something like that."
Erm, what should I do? Lie?
"I'm very open-minded," I answered truthfully. Oh God, would I have to kiss her? Dance with her? Rub up against her?
"Great. It's a date!" she agreed and kept that happy smile plastered on her features. Her boss looked positively grumpy.
"We'll expect you tomorrow at 10pm," he said, adding: "And please save a dance for me."
"If Pam agrees to let me go," I said playfully.
"Alright, pet. But just one dance. I don't like to share." Pam looked like she wanted to jump me. What was I getting myself into? On my walk home, I played out various scenarios in my head.
1. I went to this ball and Pam behaved herself.
2. I went to this ball and was forced to get physical with Pam.
3. I went to the ball and asked Eric to rescue me and he behaved himself.
4. Eric rescues me and I have to act couply with him.
5. I didn't go.
I had strange dreams that night. Eric and Pam were fighting over me, skin and bones flying everywhere, heads rolling in and out of sight. At the end of the dream, I ended up making love with Eric on the middle of the dancefloor, with a big audience of vampire lords and human slaves encouraging us. They performed the wave. Then Eric bit me and I woke up.
Chapter 6
It was around noon when the doorbell rang. I sat downstairs, still dressed in my PJs, having breakfast. Oh well, I didn't look too exciting so I answered the door. It was the postman and he had a large package underneath his arm. "I have an express delivery for you," he told me and handed me the package. It wasn't heavy, quite the opposite. It was surprisingly light and I hadn't ordered anything so I had no idea what might be in it.
"Thanks." I closed the door and got a pair of scissors from the kitchen to open it. When I peeked over the edge I saw a dress with a single red rose on top. Who would send me a dress? But there was only one person I could think of. I gently reached inside, removed the dress, put the rose in a vase and spread the dress out on the table so I could admire it properly. The fabric was soft, thin and red. Red. The colour of blood. It seemed expensive too but above all the dress was beautiful. It had a historical, medieval feel to it with a hint of modern sophistication. Just as I was about to toss the box into the garbage bin, I spotted a handwritten note and I eagerly grabbed it. It read:
For my lovely,
I would consider it a great favour if you wore this tonight. It is my thanks for your assistance so far.
I look forward to dancing with you so we can continue our talk of the other day.
E.N.
Of course I wanted to be angry. Was he trying to buy my affections? Did he think this erased past wrongs? But for once, I didn't want to question his motives. It was a sweet and romantic gesture that reminded me of chick flicks from years ago. How many men still wooed women like this? I hung the hanger of the dress around my neck so I could get a good idea of how it looked. Eric had good taste. It was just the right size and colour for me. Maybe Pam helped him pick. A woman was usually better suited to go dress shopping and Pam was always very elegantly dressed.
The rest of the day, I continued reading the Sookie novels so I knew what happened before and after the Eric parts. How often was it possible to read a book series about someone you were acquainted with? But I wish I had received this information first-hand instead of from another source. Then again, the books were a fun read and I'd never considered the possibility that werewolves, shifters or fairies might be out there. I'd ask Eric about this.
After dinner, I took a break from reading and chatted with Cecilia on MSN so I could update her on my situation with Eric. The conversation looked like this:
Cecilia says: so, what's up with u and that hottie vamp boss of urs?
Helen says: Well, I talked to another waitress two days ago and she told me some nasty things. Apparently, Eric has a thing for waitresses. He used to date one and he's been obsessed with them ever since. He slept with her as well, but just once because he supposedly discards them after one taste. I confronted him about it and he denied sleeping with all the waitresses. He even offered me to glamor the waitress in question so she wouldn't remember. But that wouldn't solve the problem of course.
Cecilia says: damn, do u think he will do the same to you? just sleep with u once and then ignore u?
Helen says: I dunno what to think right now. He's been trying to redeem himself by inviting me to this ball at Fangtasia. But I told him I'd be Pam's date. She's one of the co-owners. She goes both ways, unlike me...
Cecilia says: hahaha. getting urself a lesbian lover is a bit drastic, dontcha think?
Helen says: I hope it won't come to that! He bought me a dress. A beautiful, red designer dress. It came with a note. He says it's for my assistance so far but it feels a bit like he's trying to buy me or something.
Cecilia says: he's sure going thru a lot of trouble to get you. did he do that for the others as well?
Helen says: The girl I talked to didn't mention anything like that. Anyway, it turned out she was tipping off drainers about vamps in the bar so Eric had to let her go.
Cecilia says: can't ask that first waitress that got him obsessed?
Helen says: I don't have her address or anything. But her name is Sookie Stackhouse so maybe I can find out somehow.
Cecilia says: omg, are u kidding me? sookie stackhouse as in that chick from true blood?
Helen says: I don't follow...
Cecilia says: it's this awesome show on hbo about vampires. wait a sec...eric northman???!!!
Helen says: Yes! Actually, now that you mention it, there's a book series about that too! It's a TV show as well??
Cecilia says: omg, yes! and that eric is sooo hot! but sookie is with bill.
Helen says: Bill Compton? He's dating a colleague of mine.
Cecilia says: seriously?? I can't believe they actually exist! u have to check it out and let me know if ur eric looks like true blood eric!
Helen says: Hmmm, I don't have HBO.
Cecilia says: u can watch it online. :)
Needless to say, this development shocked the living daylights out of me. There was a TV show out there about my boss hooking up with his ex girlfriend. I needed to watch it! The rest of the afternoon was spent catching up on Season 2 episodes. I'd watch season 1 another time. It was a surreal experience to see True Blood Eric (who looked JUST like the real thing!) walking around Fangtasia with TB Pam. I even found myself rooting for Sookie and Eric to get together. But that wasn't going to happen anytime soon. Still, Bill seemed like a nice guy and I told myself I'd discuss this with Melissa. Maybe she had a picture of Bill so I could find out if RL (real life) Bill resembled TB Bill.
I almost lost track of time but got ready just in time. When I admired my reflection in the mirror, I couldn't help but be pleased. My red lipstick suited the dress perfectly and I wore my hair up. For once, I felt like a princess. Where was my Prince Charming? But Eric was too naughty for a goody two shoe Disney prince. I preferred bad boys anyway. Even when I watched Buffy, I'd always been rooting for Spike. Anyway, I put on my red stilletto's and carefully went outside. I don't know what I'd been expecting but it certainly wasn't this: a limo was waiting in front of my apartment. The chauffeur lowered the window: "You're Helen?" he asked and I nodded.
"Did Eric sent you?" I asked as I climbed in the back. "Mr. Northman, yes. I work for him. He said he feared for your safety."
Aww, my evil, vampiric protector, I thought to myself with a smile.
"Is he your date to the ball then?" the driver sure seemed chatty.
"No, Pam is actually," I admitted and felt my complexion get rosy.
"Ah nice," he said appreciatively and stared at me in his mirror. Luckily, it was a short drive so I was spared any comments about two hot girls getting it on being hot but his eyes said what his mouth would not. Yuck. The car stopped and I quickly stepped outside and hurried to the entrance where Eric was waiting wearing a lovely black suit with his hair slicked back.
Of course he looked beautiful. He always did. Why had I been angry at him again?
"Hi," I said timidly. My dashing boss took in my appearance slowly, smiling broadly. It made me feel very self-conscious about every physical flaw or wobbly bits. But, judging by his face, he saw none of these things.
"You look simply delectable. If it weren't for all these people, I'd just lean over and take a bite. That dress..." he seemed speechless for once.
I blushed. "Thank you. And I prefer myself whole so thank goodness for the crowd."
But he was far from discouraged. "It wouldn't have been the kind of bite that leaves a mark," he said mysteriously. But I played it cool. "Thank you for the dress. It's perfect. But you really shouldn't have."
Eric leaned closer and gently kissed my cheek. "This is an important event for us and I wasn't sure if you owned anything appropriate." I could tell he didn't mean to offend me.
"You were right to think so. I only own a few summer dresses. I wouldn't want to embarrass you in front of your colleagues."
Eric offered me his arm and we went inside. "I don't think you could ever embarrass me," he assured me but I was less certain.
My date was standing in the middle of the room wearing a ballgown fit for a queen - big, blue and with a mantle to match.
"Pam looks positively regal," I said admiringly.
Eric pretended to look hurt. "And what about me?"
"You look as beautiful as always," I answered him with a quick sideway glance. He was smiling.
"Then why did you ask Pam to be your date instead? Just admit it, you're just trying to make me jealous."
I hated to play coy. "Why, is it working?" We exchanged a playful gaze.
"Too soon to say. I'll let you know."
"I'll ask you again during our dance," I decided. "You should've made up your mind by then."
"I'll come collect you during the waltz," he told me. A waltz? Gosh, I had never learned that kind of dancing! Still, I tried to seem confident.
"Fine. I'll talk to you later then."
"Until then." The crowd seemed to part for him. It was almost a religious experience watching him.
But Pam awaited me so I snapped out of it and joined her at the buffet - which must've been placed there for the human dates.
"You look beautiful," she complimented me with hungry eyes. What was it about me that made me look like a meal?
"Thanks, Pam. So do you." I just hoped she wouldn't jump me in front of all these people.
"Eric will have to borrow you for a while later one when he meets vampire royalty."
Besides the fact that I didn't like the word ''borrow'' in this context I wanted to know what she meant by vampire royalty.
"Vampire royalty?" It reminded me of the Queen of Louisiana in the Sookie books.
"Yes, all the kings and queens are here. It's a great honour for Fangtasia to host such an event." That made sense.
"And why does Eric have to borrow me?" I eyed him from across the room and he gave me an innocent little wave.
"He can protect you better than I can," Pam sighed. Being second-in command wasn't everything it seemed.
"Because he's sheriff?"
"Yes, they respect him. I'm lucky to have him as my maker."
Ah yes, I remembered this from the books. They'd had a sexual relationship at first. But now Pam was....otherwise inclined. Still, the notion of them in bed together pissed me off.
"Doesn't Eric have a date?" I asked.
Just because he was my boss didn't mean he could boss me around all day. Rather than answering, Pam inclined her head with her eyes fixed on her master. I turned to look and saw Eric with his arms around a busty, young blonde woman. They were in the middle of animated conversation and I about exploded when my boss kissed her cheek and looked at her adoringly. Before I even knew what I was doing, I turned around, grabbed Pam by the shoulders and put my mouth to hers.
She tasted unexpectedly sweet, like strawberries. As I carefully parted her lips and slipped in my tongue, I felt his eyes watching us. How I knew this, I couldn't tell you. But the kiss deepened and I felt Pam's hands resting on my back. When it was Pam who pulled away, I frowned.
"There, that should do it," she said. What? "Do what?"
"Make him jealous," she said and rolled her eyes. She knew? Was it that obvious?
"Pam," Eric said behind me and I stiffened. "Sookie would like to talk to you." Oh my God. Sookie was here?
But when Pam walked away and joined Eric's pretty date, everything fell into place.
"You kissed Pam," Eric said slowly and I peered at his face. He didn't look angry but there was something there I couldn't place.
"You invited your ex," I retorted.
"Yes, but I'm not a big fan of public displays of affection." Yeah right.
"Somehow, I find that hard to believe."
He was smiling now. "Did Pam tell me you are to escort me?" Yes, but I thought it was ridiculous.
"And what about Sookie? She needs your protection too."
"She brought her boyfriend. She isn't my date tonight, Helen. I just invited her because of her ties to our world."
So he didn't have a date after all?
"You don't have a date," I concluded, feeling ashamed of myself. I could still taste Pam.
"I didn't want anyone else."
Oh crap. I could feel my resolve crumbling to dust. Keep your distance. But he was difficult to resist.
"Are you ready for that dance now?" he offered me his hand. A tango was playing and thanks to a few tango lessons, I would be able to handle it. "Can't wait for the waltz?"
"Can't wait to be near you," he whispered and I put one hand in his and the other on his shoulder. I wanted to impress him. I too could be elegant and sexy. Our feet started moving, starting with the basic steps and then improvising to the music. I felt his hand slowly move down my spine as we moved to the rhythm of the beat and I saw a crowd gather around us. I had to look up to see his face, but it was worth it. For the first time since we'd met, he looked happy. The natural smile on his face even made him look human. But I didn't tell him that. He'd consider it an insult. When the dance was over, I put my head against his chest and we just stood there, holding each other. It felt so peaceful and safe. I didn't want to ever let him go.
"Helen, my lovely," he whispered in my ear.
"Yes?"
"Everyone is staring at us." I grinned.
"Ah yes, I forgot. You dislike public displays of affection."
So I broke off our embrace and stepped back. "I don't like affection in general," he replied.
"Eric, the Kings and Queens are ready to meet you now," Pam announced and a sort of queue formed. It was like a wedding reception where you'd congratulate the bride and groom. But this was different. These people weren't people at all and they royalty. Every conversation seemed the same. Pam introduced the king or queen to us, I was confirmed to be Eric's human, we were complimented on our dancing skills and Eric promised to visit them in their kingdom. After half an hour, I'd met all prominent vampires in America and was commonly known as Eric's possession. I was too tired to mind.
The party began to unwind and the first people went home when Melissa approached me with a vampire in tow.
"Hi, Helen!" she said cheerfully. "I knew Eric would claim you." Claim...ugh.
She had meant to pay me a compliment.
"I didn't know you were invited," I told her.
"I wasn't. I'm here with my boyfriend. Helen, this is Bill Compton," she stepped aside and we shook hands. Bill was more aware of human procedures than most.
Bill was handsome, old-fashioned looking and tall. Not nearly as tall as Eric of course.
"Nice to meet you, Bill. I'm Melissa's colleague, Helen Bailey."
"Pleased to make your acquaintance," he replied, looking and sounding just like True Blood Bill.
"Sookie Stackhouse is here. Did you see her?" I asked, reminded of their connection.
"We spoke briefly."
"Bill is here for business," Melissa explained and started chatting about a vampire database. If it hadn't been for the novels, I'd have no idea what she was talking about.
"Yes, I have some clients to meet. I'll leave you ladies to catch up," he said and took off.
"Do you have HBO?" I decided to dive right in.
"Yeah, we watch True Blood together. Bill says the author of the books is very well-informed but no one knows who it is. Could be a fake name. Interesting though to see Fangtasia on TV with actors pretending to be Eric and all that."
We chatted about that for a while and laughed.
Pam cleared her throat to announce her arrival and I gave her a smile. "It's getting late and the party is almost over. Eric ordered you a limo to take you home." Excellent.
"Thank you." I tried to find him in the crowd and eventually saw him surrounded by kings and queens. It wasn't easy being Eric.
"Yeah, it's late. I'd better go find Bill. I'll see you tomorrow?"
"It's her day off tomorrow."
I didn't know how Eric had made it over here so fast, but I was pleased about his being here.
"Oh, really?" I hadn't asked for a day off yet.
"I made you work all weekend. I want you to take two days off and rest." I knew it would be no use to object. He seemed determined.
"I could use some rest," I admitted.
"Your limo is here. Let's go," he said and held out his hand. I put my hand in his without hesitation and he slowly led me through the crowd and got us outside. He didn't let go and walked me to the limo.
"We didn't get to have our talk," I reminded him.
"I know. That's why I have a request."
I had a feeling this had something to do with my days off.
"What's that?"
"Can I come visit you tomorrow? It might be the only way for us to get to know each other without interruption."
When he said the words 'without interruption' I got goosebumps.
"At what time should I expect you?"
"Before Fangtasia opens. At seven?" That would give us two hours to chat and do God knows what else.
"Yes, that would be fine. I'll buy some True Blood."
Always the hospitable host. Eric opened the door of the limo for me but before I stepped in, he kissed my cheek and whispered goodbye in my ear.
If he wanted to be, Eric could be very charming. But I didn't forget that should he so desire it, he could be equally dangerous. But that didn't stop me from dreaming of him.
Chapter 7:
I also saw Pam's face in my dreams - she smiled at me. I stayed in bed for a while after I woke up. I'd get a guest today and not any guest - my Viking warrior, vampire boss. Did he visit all his favourite waitresses at home? I doubt he'd made the effort to visit Valerie for instance. That fangbanging slut. Once I'd convinced myself to get up, I took a long, hot bath and had something to eat. I still hadn't read some of the Sookie novels thoroughly so I caught up on my reading and finished around five. I examined my reflection in a mirror. This was the best I could do? Maybe I should wear something a bit more appetising than a T-shirt with jeans combo. After standing in front of my closet for a few minutes, I retrieved my favourite red summerdress and changed. I accessorised it with red earrings, a gold necklace and an elegant bracelet. My make-up matched the colours of my outfit and thanks to my naturally pale skin I almost looked vampiric.
I cooked myself some dinner, poured myself a bottle of wine and remembered I'd promised Eric a bottle of True Blood. Of course I didn't have any in stock so I made a quick visit to the local supermarket to buy some. The cashier gave me a funny are-you-a-vampire look, which I ignored. Once I got home, I dumped the bottles in the freezer and installed myself on the couch with a glass of wine in hand. I'd finished watching the first five episodes of True Blood season 2, so I'd gone to the store and gotten season one on DVD. It was strange to watch actors portraying people you knew. Then again, I hadn't actually spoken to Sookie at the party. She looked just like the actress though. On screen, Bill and Sookie had just shared their first kiss when someone knocked on the door. Eric!
I thought for a moment. Should I turn off the DVD player or let him know that I knew about him and Sookie? I decided for the latter, pressed pause with my remote and sauntered to the door to let him in. Then I remembered I'd have to verbally tell him to come in to enable him access to my home. He stood outside wearing a perfectly-tailored suit that contrasted nicely with his blond locks and bright blue eyes. It was lust at first sight all over again.
"Hello, Helen. You look delicious"
"Hi Eric. Come in," I said, realising he was waiting for this. I closed the door behind him and watched him look around to familiarise him with his new environment. Not wanting to seem too worried about his opinion, I went to the kitchen to fetch him a bottle of True Blood. When I came back into the room, Eric was sitting on my couch, his eyes fixed on the television screen.
"Here, I hope you like this flavour." I handed him the bottle and his gaze slowly drifted towards me.
"You knew?"
I knew all about his life, yes. And death, technically.
"I found out a few days ago when I was talking to a friend. I read all the books by now. Why didn't you tell me?"
But I knew he owed me nothing. When it all came down to it, we hardly knew each other.
"It didn't seem necessary. We all have a past."
"Yeah, but I can't watch mine on HBO," I pointed out. He could've told when I confronted him with the book.
"Would you like to watch it together?" he suddenly asked. I didn't reply right away because I wasn't sure what to say or think. Why would Eric want to watch a TV show about his past with me?
"How long ago is it that you dated Sookie?" Maybe I was crossing a line now, but I didn't care. I hated secrets.
"Two years," he answered and took a sip from his True Blood.
"We dated for a few months but she realised she wanted to start a family and she wouldn't be able to with me."
True. I didn't want kids personally so I wouldn't have that problem.
"I don't want to be angry at you anymore," I decided aloud. We either had to get past our differences or just leave each other alone.
"Good. I don't like it when you yell at me," he agreed and we shared a laugh. I pressed play on the remote and we watched the screen in silence for a few minutes.
"Do you like Bill?" I asked him. "We're polar opposites of each other. He doesn't like being told what to do and I like being in charge. We disagree on many things."
"Such as?"
"I prefer real blood to this...True Blood," his lip curled up in disgust.
"Do you usually drink from humans?"
He nodded. "Fangbangers as they call them. They offer themselves to me. If they are worthy, I accept."
If they are waitresses?
"But you don't just feed on them," I stated, repulsed. I wasn't a fan of one-night stands or meaningless sex. I didn't have any friends with benefits.
"No, if we know we're about to feed, it awaks all kinds of primitive instincts. What's more primitive than to survive and to reproduce?" He scowled.
"But vampires can't reproduce," I knew.
"True, but it doesn't make us desire intimacy any less."
I had a sensitive question in mind now but I wasn't sure how he'd respond. "Fangbangers talk about you online on forums," I introduced the topic carefully and Eric elevated an eyebrow in curiosity.
"They say that when they were with you, it was the best sex they'd ever had." I cringed just listening to myself talk about it. But Eric just laughed. "I'm experienced," he replied.
"How experienced?" I forced myself to ask and instinctively moved closer to him.
"You want to know how many lovers I've had?" It was too embarrassing for me to admit it out loud so I just nodded.
"I lost count centuries ago," he said with a pensive expression.
"Some people say you've had a thousand lovers," I encouraged him. He looked at my slyly and I immediately knew he was up to something. "Let's make a deal. I tell you everything you want to know if you let me drink from you."
I wanted to hide underneath the couch. "Just drink?"
He smiled angelically. "Yes, just drink. It'll be difficult but I can control myself if I have to."
Before I could even answer, he was hovering above my neck and kissed it.
I invitingly put my arms around his waist and pressed him against me, wiling him to taste me. But he didn't bite yet, he opened his mouth to lick and suck on my neck.
"Even your skin tastes good," he paused to say and then continued.
My breathing grew heavy and I felt his resolve stiffen against me. It annoyed me how much I lusted for him. But I didn't want to be discarded yet so I refrained from touching him. He would receive no further encouragement from me. When he noticed this change in my mood, he bit, hard. My nails dug into his back and I let out a painful moan as he drank from me. I closed my eyes but as sudden as it had began, it was over again and he returned to his side of the couch with my blood streaming down his chin. I felt numb, weak and confused. It took a minute to regain my composure.
"I'll get you a towel," I mumbled and was about to get up when Eric seized me, pulled me against his chest and pressed his blood-stained lips against mine. It was our first kiss. He greedily invaded my mouth with his tongue, leaned back and effortlessly pulled me on top of him. It felt good. He felt good. His tongue played with mine and explored every inch of my mouth, kissing deep, passionate and unrelenting. My hands had found his face and stroked his soft, blond locks while his hands were gently squeezing my butt to pull me closer to him.
The kiss only ended because I was getting dizzy and wouldn't be able to stop if I didn't stop now. He didn't resist when I retreated. I was thankful for that. Instead, he pushed himself up again and looked at the TV screen, which showed episode 3 of True Blood.
"You promised me some answers," I reminded him.
"Definitely more than a thousand lovers," he said, sipping from his True Blood again. He couldn't possibly be thirsty.
"Now, I'd like to ask you some questions," he continued and shot me a sideways glance.
"How do you like your coffee?" What? That question certainly wasn't on my list of expected questions.
"I prefer tea," I went along with it and smiled.
"With sugar and milk?" he continued and I tried not to laugh. Was he trying to seem more human for my sake?
"Just sugar. How do you like your True Blood?" It was fair to ask him the same question, wasn't it?
"I dislike them all. When you've been around as long as I have, you've learned to appreciate all blood types but True Blood is respulsive. I try to avoid it whenever I can."
"You ever get blood from the blood bank?" I asked. He chuckled. "From what TV show did you get that idea?"
Moonlight.
"It's not fresh enough for me," he finally answered. But I think he just enjoyed the intimacy of a feed.
"What kind of music do you like?" he resumed his questioning.
"Rock music, some pop, classical, latin. All kinds really. Depends on my mood. Sometimes I need some soothing music and I listen to something instrumental. What about you?"
Eric reclined on the couch and gazed at the ceiling for a moment.
"I've seen and heard music change. Some of the ancient music I miss and listen to on occasion. I guess my tastes are pretty diverse that way. Different music summons different memories. Some memories are best left untouched. I don't much care for modern music like pop, dance or electro. That music has no soul."
That reminded me of another question I'd had.
"Do you think you have a soul?" Some thought vampires were soulless creatures.
He thought about that for a minute. "Usually, when you die, your soul takes flight to the world that is invisible. There arriving, she is assured of bliss and forever dwells in paradise..."
"Quoting Plato isn't much of an answer," I teased and Eric seemed surprised by my knowledge. People often underestimated me because I hadn't gone to college. But not all knowledge comes from books.
"You never cease to surprise me. How do you do that?" he asked seriously. I bit down on my lower lip to stop from laughing.
"I don't like living up to other people's expectations, including mine," I said eventually and he was satisfied.
"I think we have a soul. We are technically dead, but physically and emotionally still full of life. The brain still functions, as does everything else. I don't think that would be possible if we were a soulless shell. We might not have a conscience," he laughed. ''but we have a soul.''
I pondered that for a while. "What do you do in your spare time?" was his next question. He pulled himself up but instead of sitting next to me, he pulled me into his embrace and leaned back with me still lying in his arms. It was warm and comfortable. I turned around in his arms so I could face him.
"I like to read, chat with friends online, go to the cinema, watch documentaries and I like to paint." It made me feel naked and vulnerable to tell him all that.
"Are you a good painter?" he asked and immediately searched the room for evidence of this hobby of mine. He found none.
"No, I'm horrible," I admitted and smiled.
I saw an expression of disbelief on his face, but only very briefly. Could I read him better because I'd tasted his blood? I wasn't sure but I'd noticed small changes in his face every now and then - glimpses of emotion I hadn't found there before. Or was he simply more at ease in my company now and ready to show his true self?
"Would you like to go to the cinema with me sometime?" he asked and disrupted my ruminations. Oh boy. He was asking me out?
"You mean like a date?" I wanted his intentions verified.
My question seemed to stir something deep within. He almost looked uncomfortable.
"Yes, although I must warn you that my intentions are completely dishourable." He grinned.
"Well, you've been the perfect gentleman so far." He had kissed me, licked his own blood off my lips and had drank from me. I'd been sarcastic but I doubted he'd think of it as such.
"Yes, I could just overpower you and take you. But that isn't my way," he shrugged. And he was back to being the dangerous vampire again. It would be so easy for him to pry my legs apart and violate me. I shuddered.
"What do you do in your spare time?" I dropped the subject.
"I sometimes think I don't have any spare time at all," he sighed and his brows formed a frown.
"I only have spare time in between business ventures. I travel a lot. I like meeting new people and learning new things. And I like to knit."
To what? "You knit?" I didn't believe him for a second but laughed at the visual.
He tried to keep his expression even but I could see his lips twitching with upcoming laughter. "Yes, I'm a bad-ass vampiric sherrif of Area 5 and I knit."
I played along with his joke. "And what do you knit?"
"Sweaters mostly. Sometimes socks." But at this point he was laughing too. And just like that he was back to acting human.
We were still curled up on the couch together when the living room door opened unexpectedly and my mother's face appeared.
"Helen, I....oh!" she paused mid-sentence and took in the scene in front of her. Eric's arms were intimately draped around me and our faces were only inches apart. But most of all, Eric's blood was still smeared across my lips and two bright red puncture marks were clearly visible in my neck.
No wonder mother had that shocked expression on her face. She couldn't have been more shocked if she had walked in on an orgy.
"Mom, this is...my boss, Eric Northman. Eric, this is Jennifer, my mother." I quickly disentangled myself and got up. Eric followed my example.
"Your boss?!" she shrieked. "You have a lot of explaining to do, young lady!"
Uh-oh. She hadn't called me that since I was 12.
Chapter 8:
"Mom, it's not as bad as it looks," I told her but she just glared.
"How can you say that! He just tried to suck you dry!" she shrieked theatrically and retrieved a Kleenex from her purse to blow her nose.
"He did not! He just....drank from me," I mumbled, embarrassed.
Eric probably thought my mother was overreacting but to his credit, he remained silent.
"And you let him! That bar has corrupted you. You should quit right now and try to get yourself a decent job! A respectable job with a normal shift and normal co-workers!"
But my embarrassment turned into anger. "How dare you! Just because you're my mother doesn't mean you can just show up in my house unannounced and tell me how to live my life! I'm not a little girl anymore."
Eric got to his feet. I could tell all these human emotions were making him uncomfortable. "Maybe I should be on my way so you can talk to your mother in peace," he said but I didn't want him to leave on her account.
"No, stay. I've said everything I wanted to say."
I turned my attention to my mother, whose head just about exploded in anger.
"You prefer that bloodsucker's company over mine?" she fumed but I wouldn't dignify that question with an answer.
"Hand in your keys and leave," I told her.
But instead of complying, Jennifer let out a terrifying yelp, stormed off into Eric's direction and lashed out with her pink designer purse. Had he not been faster than most, the purse would have hit him right across the nose. He didn't retaliate, but stepped back. I expected my mother to give up her pursuit there but she did not. She launched herself at him, flinging her purse barbarically through the air, with Eric dodging every attack. Their fight covered the whole room. Jennifer followed the vampire around the dinner table, into the kitchen, across the bedroom and around the pond in the garden. While she flung her weapon of mass destruction at my boss, he had the biggest smile on his face. It amused him. By the time the two rejoined me in the living room, Jennifer was exhausted and sat down on my couch to catch her breath. Eric stood in the doorway with both hands on his hips, looking down on her menacingly.
"Well, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Jennifer. I have a feeling we will become good friends," Eric spoke to her at all and gave her a fangy smile that made her scoot to the corner of the couch.
"If you hurt as much as one hair on her body, I'll have the Fellowship of the Sun deal with you," she hissed. But that was an empty threat to Eric, who promptly walked to my side, gently stroked my hair and pulled a single hair from my scalp for her to see.
"Give the Fellowship my regards. They're very...special friends of mine. I did so enjoy last year's barbecue. Sarah Newlin was particularly tasty. She seemed reluctant to end our....meeting. I imagine she'd love to see me again."
This information shocked both my mother and me. I didn't want to know if he'd slept with the Reverand's wife. Then again, to him that was probably a big accomplishment. His tone suggested as much.
"I just want to protect my daughter," Jennifer said. It would be too distasteful for her to address the things he'd just shared.
"We have that in common. No harm will befall her while she is with me."
That was a big promise to make. The world had become a more dangerous place since vampires and humans walked side by side.
"I do not trust your kind." And the understatement of the year award goes to....
"But you trust your daughter and she trusts me," Eric said calmly. And he was right. Despite our differences and his lethal nature, I did trust him.
"Fine. But don't come crying to me if he turns out to be...a disappointment," Jennifer told me.
That was a euphonism for bloodsucker.
"I won't. I'll be fine."
Jennifer got up, rummaged through her pockets and gave me back my key.
"Take care, honey. For your sake, I hope he's nicer than he looks."
Nice? That was one word that did not describe Eric. Manipulative. Cunning. Witty. Protective. All words that suited him. Not nice.
"So I guess you're not coming to the wedding?" Mr. Evil Vamp asked my mother and I saw her turn white.
"He's kidding," I reassured her and she breathed a sigh of relief. "Very funny, vampy," she said and slapped him on the back. Although mixed weddings weren't possible yet she certainly treated him like a future son-in-law. They exchanged a laugh.
"Don't call me vampy," Eric said, still smiling.
"Oh alright. Eric. See you around honey," she blew me a kiss and left. At last.
"Well, that was an adventure," I told my boss and he nodded.
"Wasn't it just. I'm afraid I'll have to get back to Fangtasia now. We should do this again sometime. I'd introduce you to my mother but she's been dead a thousand years."
He looked a tad disappointed.
"Maybe they'll invent time travel tomorrow. We can take a trip down memory lane for a cup of tea with your mother."
Did they even drink tea back then? I had no idea. I should Google that.
"You're not like other girls," Eric said and I wasn't sure he meant to compliment me or not.
"Other human girls you mean?" I asked.
"No, just girls in particular. I like it."
He leaned in to kiss me to emphasise that point. And I sure liked kissing him. He was a master. But before his arms had ensared me, he withdrew from the embrace. "I really have to go now, my lovely."
"Just one question."
He arched an eyebrow. "Go ahead."
"What are we exactly? To each other I mean."
He smirked as if he knew something I didn't. I didn't want to contemplate how true that was. How much knowledge could one accummulate in a thousand years?
"In human terms?" he asked. Vamps had terms for these mixed relationships?
"I guess so."
"I think according to human protocol, we're dating," he answered.
"Unless you think being lovers sounds more exciting," he added with a mischievous smile. I was tempted to agree with him but my head refused to.
"Will you tell people at the bar? For humans, dating the boss is considered a bit unethical," I explained. Did these things not matter to vampires? They had different rules than we did for sure.
"As I am your superior in every aspect, I can do with you as I please. If a human is employed by a vampire, let alone one as powerful as I am, that human is expected to obey him in every possible way. Should I will it, I could strip you of all your clothes right now and take you on your kitchen table."
I swallowed visibly.
"But you don't...will it?" I clarified and he showed me that naughty smile again.
"I certainly do. But I want you to want it as badly as I do. Unlike you, I have all the time in the world. I needn't rush things with anyone. I can wait for years, decades, centuries for someone to surrender to me."
I tried to control my carnal instincts. "Well, I won't make you wait that long."
Of course I wouldn't. I'd be dead by then. Hm, in a way, having sex with a vampire was necrophilia. I shuddered.
"I know. But vampire or not, I'm still a man. I'll encourage you in every way imaginable." Again that smile.
"I'm stronger than I look," I said stubbornly. He knew it to be true.
"I know. I enjoy the hunt. But now I really must go. See you tomorrow."
He gave me a short, but sweet kiss and flew away into the night. And what a night it had been. I returned to my sofa and continued watching True Blood. Every time TB Eric appeared, and that wasn't nearly as often as I would like, my heart skipped a beat.
To be a good friend, I turned on my PC and chatted with Cecilia for a bit to provide her with an update on the situation with my boss.
Helen says: Eric visited me at my house today.
Cecilia says: omg! how'd it go?
Helen says: Well. We had a nice chat and we kissed.
Cecilia says: !!!!! OMG! I can't believe u know the REAL eric! I love true blood!
Helen says: Yeah, I've been watching that lately. We watched a bit together. Surreal.
Cecilia says: I bet! so you're like together now???
Helen says: Yeah, Eric said ''we're dating''.
Cecilia says: awesome!! but u haven't gone beyond 1st base??
Helen says: Does him drinking my blood count as second base?
Cecilia says: totally! i can't believe he drank from u! that's way intimate considering ur no fangbanger.
Helen says: I guess. My mom walked in though. It was embarrassing. I was still bleeding.
Cecilia says: :O lmao.
Helen says: She wasn't too happy as you can imagine. She chased Eric around the house, trying to slap him with her purse.
Cecilia says: fierce!
Helen says: Hardly. Needless to say, I made her give me back my key.
Cecilia says: good idea. ur not a little kid anymore. she can't just show up like that.
Helen says: I just hope it won't get awkward at work.
Cecilia says: only 1 way 2 find out.
I'd know soon enough. Not that someone like Eric would be big on public displays of affection. Right?
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