The Tilted Kilt: Chapter 6

Charlaine Harris owns almost everything. I own the rest.

Thank you for all the amazing and hilarious suggestions for Bill’s punishment. I’m talking to you: hurley1215, theladykt, Monica, Loftin, Vicki, Team-Sooric-Delena, Thorsminion, bahnannah, ericplenty, ljhjelm49, ELW1, uvgottobekidding, frostdance, ashmo2000, murgatroid-98, Bassprincess, ILoveVikings, randomfan17, Ericsfae, B-Rock525, VAlady, aurore, Karleta, LostInSpace33, Amel, LissaP, Booklover9477, padore, randomfan17, and Queen of Night.

I couldn’t have come up with nearly as many good options all on my own, and I always appreciate it when you share your brains with me. Also know that I reply to every review I can. All you ‘Guests’ out there…I loved your reviews (and Amel, I wouldn’t dream of having Eric fool around, I’m very possessive of my Sookie/Eric). 🙂

SeriousCrush pulled through two severe colds and an insanely busy life to edit this for me, and as usual, she caught lots of mistakes. I just don’t know where I’d be without her.

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Chapter 6

Eric’s POV

It was just past midnight as Eric rushed through the restaurant. All of the people sitting around the tables were drinking heavily. None of them seemed to register his movements. Eric scanned the faces of the servers, who had congregated against the bar. One was missing. “Where’s Sookie?” His question came out as a growl, making the women jump.

Ginger frowned. “I sent her down to get rum, but I never saw her come back up.” She was holding a bottle of alcohol. “I’ve never seen such a rush on mixed drinks before.”

One of the other servers added, “Yeah, they’re out of control tonight.” She grimaced and looked out at her section where a group of four men started to sing along to the song playing over the speakers.

Eric walked over to the door leading to the basement. The door was locked. Anger surged through him again. “Get the customers out of here. Call cabs, and get back to work,” he shouted back to them. He bashed against the door with his shoulder. The wood creaked and then splintered as the door gave way and ripped off its hinges. He flew down the stairs and watched Bill position himself over Sookie’s body. Stopping him from touching her was the only thought in his head. Hitting Bill satisfied something deep inside of Eric.

“I didn’t mean any harm,” Bill whimpered.

Eric wanted to hurt him, but he had to make sure Sookie was all right first. His lips curled, revealing his fangs when he noticed the wound on her neck. There was only enough blood to barely coat his fingertip, but it didn’t matter. “How do you explain this?” He wanted to crush Bill’s throat until his head separated from his body.

“Sookie? Are you all right? You look pale.” He narrowed his eyes as he watched her breathing faster and faster. Her eyes focused on his face long enough to recoil in fear and then her eyes rolled up and her body went limp. A piece of glass dropped from her hands as she fell. Eric dropped Bill and scooped Sookie’s body up in his arms before she could hit the ground. He shielded her body with his arms and turned his attention back to Bill, who was cowering on the ground.

“Don’t move.” Just to be sure he was listening, Eric kicked him in the face.

Sookie was breathing evenly and deeply in his arms. Eric inhaled and was overcome with desire at the scent of her blood.

Eric turned his head to watch Pam coming down the stairs. Her face was spotless and she was wearing new clothes. She shrugged. “I went home for a few minutes. Didn’t want to scare any of the girls.”

“What about the…”

“The fuckers that beat me? Chow is guarding them.” Pam’s eyes darted over to the far wall where Bill was still cowering. “What are you going to do with him?” She stalked closer to him.

“Nothing.”

Pam’s head whipped around and her forehead furrowed. “Nothing? He ordered his fucking minions to beat me and you’re not going to do anything to him?”

Bill looked relieved and almost smiled. And then Eric spoke.

“You get to take care of him.” Eric smiled as Pam’s face was transformed by a wicked grin. “I got here just in time to rescue Sookie. The same can’t be said for you. I’m sorry I was gone. He ordered them to hurt you. He owes you.”

Pam rubbed her hands together. “You mean I can do whatever I want to him?”

“Whatever you want.”

Pam touched her ears gently. “I’ve been wanting a new pair of earrings. I think his fangs would be lovely.”

Bill clamped a hand over his mouth, his eyes wide.

“I’ve also been dying to try out my new silver nitrate kit.” She put her finger against her chin and tilted her head thoughtfully. “Which to use though… the enema, or catheter?”

Bill groaned.

“I’ve also always liked the idea of having my own chauffer … although I’m not really interested in employing a man.” She grinned again. “All I have to do is remove one little appendage and you’ll be good as new!”

Bill whimpered and pressed his legs together wrapping his arms around his knees.

“Don’t worry Billy-boy. It’ll grow back.” Pam winked at him. “Eventually.”

Sookie began to stir in Eric’s arms. She cried out in pain and moved her hand and then blacked out again. It was the first time Eric noticed it was bleeding. He couldn’t figure out why his fangs hadn’t retracted the entire time he’d been holding her, but now he understood.

Pam was pacing back and forth in front of Bill, ideas flowing out of her mouth in a continuous stream. “So when we go shopping, you’re going to buy me a new wardrobe, including a new pair of Jimmy Choos, and then, I think you should spend a little time watching Lifetime, television for women. Maybe then you’d understand what women want. I also want to try out my handgun with my new silver bullets. If any of them become imbedded, I would remove them with my new silver tongs. Oo,” Pam hissed in mock pain, “I bet that would hurt.” She clapped her hands together in glee.

He sat on the bottom stair, where they had a little privacy from Pam and Bill, and held Sookie’s body with one arm while he inspected her hand. Noise from the kitchen filtered down the stairs through the gaping hole that used to be a door. Even in the relative darkness, he could see the glass imbedded in her palm.

Eric brought her hand to his mouth and sucked on the wound. His dick twitched against the rough material draped around his waist as her potent blood filled his mouth. A moan escaped his lips. Two shards of glass floated into his mouth, bringing with it a fresh stream of blood. He knew he had to pull away before he came all over his kilt. He spit the glass on the floor and ran his tongue across his fang. With one final lick across her palm, he shuddered as he healed her. Her breathing evened out and the crease in her forehead was gone.

He turned his attention to the dried blood on his finger and the scrape on her neck. He licked his finger clean and then lifted her body gently so he could lick her neck to heal the scratch. Her pulse pounded against his lips and the heady aroma of her blood assaulted his senses. It took everything in his power to resist biting her.

Eric stood, holding Sookie against his body and walked over to Pam. “I need to get her out of here before she wakes up.”

Pam stopped, mid sentence and frowned at Eric. “Why?”

“She’ll have questions.” He scowled at Bill. Eric had no intention of telling Sookie anything, but what choice did he have now?

“Do I have to hand him over when the Queen’s crew gets here?” Pam pouted.

“No. I’ll call the Queen and let her know he is in your custody. You can turn him over when you’re done rehabilitating him. I’ll also let Chow know.”

Pam grinned again.

It had been decades since he invited a human into his home, but it seemed like the natural solution to the problem. He took his time and carried her upstairs. He avoided the stares from the servers and walked up to Ginger. “Sookie cut her hand and passed out. I’m going to take her to the hospital.”

Ginger touched Sookie’s forehead and wished them luck.

Outside, Chow was standing over the three vampires still restrained on the ground. “The Queen’s containment crew should be here within the hour. Don’t let them out of your sight. Pam has Bill in the basement. He is in her custody. Don’t mention Sookie to anyone.”

Chow nodded.

With that, Eric took off into the air. Sookie’s body tensed and he thought he saw her eyes open for a moment, but then she was out again.

Thankfully, his neighborhood was quiet this time of night. Once he had Sookie inside, his first thought was to make her as comfortable as possible, so he took her to his bedroom and set her down. He paced the living room as he waited for the Queen to answer his call.

After he explained Pam’s situation, she informed him that a van would be outside the Tilted Kilt within the next forty-five minutes.

He turned his attention to the kitchen and retrieved a glass and filled it with water. His mind reeled as he thought about what might’ve happened if he hadn’t gotten back in time. Bill would’ve tasted her. Bill would’ve hurt her. His jaw clenched, and the only thing that satisfied his anger was the knowledge that Bill was at Pam’s mercy.

His excitement to see Sookie had been the driving force behind his drive to New Orleans at two in the morning after he got off the phone with the Queen when she requested a meeting last night. It was hundreds of miles and took hours, even in his Corvette. He was relieved he had opted for an early meeting this evening, which should’ve allowed him plenty of time to spend with Sookie.

Having her passed out in his bed wasn’t exactly what he had in mind.

Rustling noises pulled him out of his thoughts and back to reality. Sookie was awake. When he turned the lights on, he realized she was awake and terrified. He could hear her heart pounding as she gripped his comforter against her chest. She was afraid of him.

He wished he could erase her memories so she could forget about what happened with Bill. Despite his skepticism, he tried to glamour her and failed to get a response.

Her voice was scratchy when she spoke. She obviously needed a drink of water, but wouldn’t let him get closer. He hoped she would’ve blacked out her memories, but then she was talking about her hand and Bill trying to bite her. Rage seethed through him at the thought.

“What are you?” Her voice was soft.

“I think you’ve had enough excitement for one night.” Eric took another step closer, touching the side of the bed. He didn’t want to have this conversation with her. It would change everything. “Would you like a drink?”

Just as he put the glass down, Sookie scurried across his bed and kneeled in front of him. She was touching and looking in his mouth. She was looking for his fangs, and if she kept touching him like that, she was going to find them whether he wanted her to or not. He looked down at her disheveled ponytail and wanted to run his fingers through her hair and kiss her.

“Have I gone completely crazy?” Her question came out as a whisper, and then her hot hands were running across his chest, following the path of material draped over his shoulder. “You wore your kilt for me. Just like you promised.”

Eric’s fangs descended and his dick hardened when her fingers brushed against his waistband. When she saw his fangs, she moved away from him.

“I’m not crazy!”

“No, you’re not.” He wanted to tell her she was beautiful and delicious, and how much he wanted her. Her golden skin called to him, begging him to taste her and touch her, and instead he straightened his back and suggested they leave his room.

“This is your bedroom?” Her cheeks flushed pink and she licked her lips as she eyed the tartan tent he was sporting.

Eric loved seeing her obvious desire and had no intention of interrupting whatever fantasy was playing out in her head. Eventually, Sookie cleared her throat and reached for the glass of water, which effectively broke the tension between them for the moment.

“Follow me.” Eric led her upstairs and directed her to sit on his large couch. He took a seat next to her and smiled when her pulse quickened.

“What are you?” Sookie’s eyes were wide and innocent.

“I am a vampire.”

Her mouth hung open. She blinked and then shook her head. “I’m sorry, I must’ve misheard you. You’re a what?”

“Vampire.” During her silence, he added, “What are you?”

“I’m a…” Sookie’s eyes dropped down to her lap, where her fingers played with the hem of her skirt. “I’m a telepath.”

Eric nodded. That might explain why he couldn’t glamour her. “Interesting.”

“I always thought I was a freak. You’re undead. That’s way weirder. Are you pulling my leg?”

Eric tilted his head and looked at her leg and smiled. He wanted to do more than pull her leg.

“Your fangs are real?” Sookie narrowed her eyes and looked at his mouth again.

“Yes. I’ve had them for centuries.”

“Do you drink blood?”

Eric nodded.

“Can you turn into a bat?”

Eric scoffed telling her about shifters and weres was going to be way too much for her to take in one night. “No.”

“Can you make people do your bidding? Like in Dracula?”

“Most people, but not you.”

“You’ve tried?” Sookie huffed and crossed her arms over her chest.

He put his hand on top of her arm. “If I could take away your memories of tonight, I would.” She relaxed under his touch. “Now it’s my turn. Can you read my thoughts?”

“No.” She was smiling. “You’re like a big blank spot. It’s wonderful. I’ve never met anyone so silent, until I got this job. You, Pam, Chow and him.” It was as if a light bulb went off in her head. “Wait, are you all vampires?”

Eric nodded.

“Are there more of you?”

He gave her a curt nod. “It’s still my turn. Do you see images, or do you actually hear peoples’ thoughts?”

“Depends on the person. Some people are like reading a book, others come in spurts, like a flickering candle.” She scrunched up her nose in disgust and went on. “With men, I usually get images.”

He frowned. “That must be difficult to deal with.”

“It is.” She sighed. “That’s why I enjoy being around you. No images, no thoughts, nothing. Just you.” She was staring at his bare chest and her heart was pounding again. “I’ve never had that before.” She blushed and looked away.

“Do you have any other talents besides reading minds?”

“I tan really well. Does that count?”

Eric burst out laughing, startling her. “Maybe…”

Sookie smile turned into a yawn. “I’m sorry. I’m wiped out. I need to get home.”

“I’ll take you back to work.” He stood and offered his hand to help her up. Her skin warmed his. “Sookie? I need to be absolutely certain no one knows.”

“No one besides me.”

“Right.”

“Not even my gran?”

“No one. I haven’t had this conversation with a human for nearly two centuries. Secrecy is what keeps us alive.”

“You have my word.” Her eyes never left his.

“Thank you, and I promise to keep your secret as well.”

“Thanks.”

When they got outside, Sookie looked at his empty driveway. “How did we get here?”

Eric debated for a moment and then decided to tell her the truth. “I flew.”

Her eyes were wide again. “You can fly?”

“Yes. But if that makes you nervous, we can always walk. It’s about five miles.”

Sookie shivered. “I don’t have a coat.”

Eric opened his arms. “Do you trust me?”

Sookie bit her lip and nodded. “Yes.”

He bent over to scoop her up, satisfaction filled him as her warm body pressed against him. “Put your arms around my neck and hold on.”

She locked her arms behind his head and her body tensed as she prepared for the unexpected. Sookie squeaked in surprise when he launched off the ground.

Once they were in the air, she relaxed and nuzzled her face against his chest. Eric slowed down slightly, extending the time she was in his arms. When they got to the Tilted Kilt parking lot, it was still fairly full despite the fact that the restaurant was closed. He thought of all the customers too drunk to drive who would’ve left their cars overnight. Eric found a dark spot in the corner of the parking lot to land, just in case someone was watching. Eric reluctantly eased Sookie onto the ground, relishing the feel of her skin sliding against his.

“Thanks for the, um, ride? Flight? For getting me back here safely.”

“It was my pleasure.” He smiled when she wrapped her arm around his on the way to her car.

“Thanks for wearing your kilt for me.”

“I’ll wear it again.” Eric shrugged. “I didn’t really get to display my bravery at wearing a skirt in public.”

“You won’t hear me complaining.” Sookie mumbled.

“What was that?” Eric asked, knowing exactly what she said.

“Nothing.” She smiled at him. “Thanks again for tonight. It was … enlightening.” She sat in her car and looked up at him. “Thank you for rescuing me. I can’t even imagine what would’ve happened if you hadn’t gotten there in time.” She shivered.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here sooner.”

“No one’s ever saved me before.” Sorrow creased her forehead.

“You’re welcome. Now get home before it gets any later.”

“Okay. See you tomorrow night.” She closed the door and drove away.

Eric sped inside and checked in with Chow, who was standing behind the bar putting things in order. Everything had gone as planned with their detainees, and Pam had left with Bill an hour ago. Chow smiled when he described the terror on Bill’s face.

Eric wanted to follow Sookie home, but he knew he had work to do. But as much as he tried to focus on the invoices on his desk, he couldn’t get his mind off her.

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Who wants to see Eric in a kilt again? 🙂

On to The Tilted Kilt: Chapter 7