*Takes place during From Dead to Worse. Contains sexual content.

His sharp eyes flickered around the brightly lit room, taking in every detail and looking around with interest at the unique décor. In contrast to the blacks and reds that generally engulfed such an establishment, she had evidently taken a different approach. It wasn't the first hint that she was different. The walls were painted pale blue, the wooden floor had been freshly varnished and the room was empty but for the large soft bed in the centre. Dressed in white linens, it had been freshly washed and made. Inhaling deeply through his nose, he was pleased to find only the scent of her, despite his knowledge countless vampires had shared this same experience with her. Regardless of this, he knew from the hushed murmurs of awe she was pure in spirit, and he was eager to meet the woman other vampires described as a goddess.

His gaze sharpened as the steady beat of her heart broke the silence of the room, her soft breath creating a delicate melody with the drum of her heart as she advanced fearlessly towards him. He knew instantly the reports of her beauty had not been exaggerated. Dressed in lingerie matching the exact shade of the walls, the colour exaggerated the deep blue of her eyes whilst highlighting the perfection of her body. Her womanly curves, long legs and effortlessly seductive movements intoxicated him, and he found himself staring unabashed at her ethereal beauty.

No words were spoken between them; none were needed. As she drew closer, her heavenly scent filled his nostrils, causing his eyes to darken with lust and his fangs elongated as he looked at her longingly. Her lips caressed his chest as her tiny delicate hands undid the buttons of his shirt and he could feel a part of himself stirring at her ministrations.

As her hands descended south, her lips followed. Within moments his moans filled the air, his black eyes rolling backwards behind half-lidded eyes and his body trembled as the tanned goddess at his feet pleasured him with a seductive smirk that never left her face.

It was here in this room that Sookie was powerful beyond measure. Her clients hailed her as a goddess, a temptress and a siren, and she was notorious for her ability to reduce even the proudest vampire into a quivering vessel of want and lust. Life had been cruel to her in many ways, but she had fought tooth and nail to make a life for herself and she was damned proud of it.

With a soft sigh, Sookie threw her keys onto the counter. Icy blue eyes swept over her apartment, irritatedly taking note of the dirty dishes cluttering her tiny table and the thin layer of dust that lay on the surface of her cheap furniture. The answering machine glowed red; a sight that had greeted her with increasing frequency over the past few years as she became better known in her field.

At the reminder of work, a fresh wave of exhaustion swept over her body. Already Sookie felt stiff, sore and she was certain ugly bruises would mar her tanned skin if she dared to look in the mirror. Alex had been a rough client, but definitely not the worst she had experienced. He had certainly appreciated her services if his muffled moans, hefty tip and departing leer had been any indication. Patting the crisp one hundred dollar bills stored safely between her bosoms, a familiar smirk graced her lips despite her exhaustion.

Mindful of her stiff muscles, Sookie reached to take an iron and multi-vitamin from the large containers in her kitchen cabinet. It had become a habit every night since she had entered her field, and whilst she was conscious of taste, the bigger threat of anaemia loomed constantly over her shoulder.

Swallowing them with a gulp of water, she reluctantly turned to the cheap plastic dishes cluttering her tiny table. Although she wanted nothing more than to collapse into bed, her grandmother had taught her to know better than that. Whilst Grandma Stackhouse had been many things - and Sookie often had a few choice words to describe her grandmother – she had always kept her house pristine and had ensured both Sookie and her brother were instilled with the same traditional Southern values and pride.

Wearily she reached for the dishes, yawning as she threw the remnants of her half-eaten salad into the bin. After soaking the dishes in water for several minutes, Sookie scrubbed at the dishes meticulously with her hands until they sparkled. Drying them carefully, she gently set them into the side cabinet and closed the door.

Again ignoring the blinking red light on her answering machine, Sookie unzipped her dress and tiredly removed the light foundation she had applied over her face and various bruises that marked her body before she left that evening. After all she reflected as she closed her blinds to the orange sunrise and buried herself beneath her sheets, all her clients were currently dead to the world.

Bright blue eyes jolted open at the sound of footsteps. The walls of her apartment were thin; perhaps one of the few advantages of living in a shabby apartment, in addition to the cheap rent. Most importantly, Sookie was always alerted when someone approached their apartment, whether they were human or not.

Slipping into her short blue robe, she was pleased to her the reassuring thoughts of her pubescent post-man as he attempted to calm his raging nerves and knock on her door. He thought she was attractive, and she found him … naïve, innocent and boring. Perhaps in another life, she would have had feelings for him – given they were close in age and he was relatively attractive – but knowing what she knew and having experienced all she had, there was no way she would feel safe in the scrawny arms of a hormonal postal worker.

Glancing at the clock on her bedside table flashing 10:07 Sookie absentmindedly noted they were alone in her building - with the exception of three meth-addicts below her – given everyone was at their various workplaces.

Growing impatient at her post-man's lack of cojones, she swung open the front door and plastered a smile on her face. 'I thought I heard footsteps,' she said in response to his startled expression, and he laughed.

Blocking out the strain of disturbing fantasies from her post-man, and now well-aware of the fact she should definitely have put on underwear before she answered the door, Sookie glanced at the small package held in his hand. It was presumably the comedy series she had purchased for Quinn as a birthday present and she irritatedly signed the post-man's clipboard. Dismissing his attempts at conversation, she firmly closing the door behind her.

Setting the parcel on the table, her gaze ventured once more over to the answering machine and the reminder of her duties. After making a cup of coffee, she reluctantly pressed play.

Of the three messages recorded, the first two were expected.

The first was Quinn, informing her of five potential clients and three regulars who hoped to see her at some point that week. Sookie grimaced slightly at the name of one regular; a vampire who had utilised her services for three months now. If there was one thing she despised most about her current employment, it was irksome regular customers. Quinn described it as yet another quirk to her long list of oddities, but Sookie loathed having any semblance of a relationship with the men she serviced. She would either have to carefully wane the vampire off her services, inform her allies or move to another city. Again.

The second was unwelcome. The nasal voice of her land-lord annoyed her even over the phone as he reminded Sookie of her overdue rent and with rather obvious insinuations, informed her his wife was away that weekend on business. Sookie scowled slightly at that: she was many things, but a mistress was not one of them.

However the third message was the most grating, presumably left right before dawn from a vampire that insisted on constantly reappearing in her life. A sense of childish vulnerability washed over her as she thought of him; a man who had been instrumental into shaping a teenage runaway into the woman she was today. It wasn't that she hated Victor exactly - though he had inadvertently ensured she remained on the track her uncle placed her on all those years ago – but their relationship was complicated to say the least.

Predictability was not a trait she could term to most vampires, but Victor was a man who disliked any semblance of routine. He adored popping into her life every few months, simply to disrupt the life of his favourite human. Little love was lost between them, as far as Sookie was concerned. Or at least, she would never admit to any.

As she expected from the moment she heard his cool voice, accented with a faint Spanish twang that refused to fade even after centuries,Victor was in Vegas tonight and eager to reunite with his former lover.

Victor was many things: her saviour, her terroriser, her teacher. He had taught her a lot about sex, which Sookie was thankful for given he had helped her hone her skills so she could become the master seductress she was today. He had taught her how to use it as a weapon and for money, but most importantly he had taught Sookie how to enjoy it. Given that was something she had once resolutely dismissed as impossible, Sookie felt she owed a great debt to Victor in that respect.

Yet his deceits, games and claimed debts over her often made her rethink this. It surely wasn't as difficult to conceal her true identity as he claimed, nor the fact she was a telepath. Though Victor often despaired that she was allowing her talent to go to waste, he immensely enjoyed being one of the few vampires with knowledge of her ability. A little too much, in Sookie's opinion.

Presumably he had come to avail of that skill once more, and though she grimaced at the thought of using the 'gift' that had only further destroyed her childhood, there was no way she could deny Victor this. Although he allowed her freedom given he was mainstreaming, there were certain things which he expected her obedience. Issues regarding her telepathy was one of them.

Glancing at her diary, Sookie was pleased it was her night off as Victor had requested she meet him that night. Her gaze flickered towards her window, where the vampire hotel Lust stood in its dark glory. Even at this moment, Victor was being unloaded by Annubis airlines and transported to the hotel. She didn't know where he had been in the months since she had seen him, but she knew he hadn't been in Reno.

After leaving a message on Quinn's mobile informing him he needed to come over as soon as possible, Sookie softly padded into the bathroom. Pouring herself a scalding bath, she lay down and relinquished herself to the soothing sensation of the bath water moving over her aching muscles, soothing them and calming her mind.

Some time later, the sound of heavy work boots thudded up corridor separating her apartment from the other four on her floor, breaking the tranquillity that had enveloped Sookie's mind like a cocoon. The tiger's thoughts were in a state of calm, and though a faint trace of worry tainted his thoughts, he knew from experience Sookie could handle herself.

Though Quinn had seen her in every position imaginable over the years, nonetheless she put on underwear and a thin cotton dress.

Regardless of her own worries surrounding Victor's imminent arrival, Sookie knew Quinn had it far worse. For reasons Quinn had only hinted to, he harboured a deep loathing of Victor, though Sookie gathered it had something to do with the debts the vampire had imposed on him after helping his mother.

Whilst admittedly she had few other options, her employment had ultimately been her own choice. But Quinn … Victor had appointed him as her manager over the last few years, forcing him to move around with her and endure the company of vampires against his very nature. Although the tiger swore he had done far worse to pay off his debt to Viktor, it did little to soothe Sookie's concern for her friend as she imagined what could possibly be worse than managing her, with all the duties that came with it.

Opening the door, Sookie grinned at the sight of his large specially-tailored suit, having obviously come from his day-job at E(E)E. Meeting his deep purple eyes, she smiled genuinely at the man she often imagined herself falling for and invited him inside.

As Sookie flitted about, fixing him coffee and a small sandwich, her thoughts strayed to the somewhat peaceful months they had enjoyed together in Reno. Business had come in a steady flow, the vampires were old enough they didn't need much to drink and very few had behaved untowardly towards her. She almost wished she didn't have to disrupt their few months of peace, and she was determined to allow it to last for a few more precious moments.

Quinn seemed to understand this, allowing Sookie to break the silence between them at her own time. After handing him his coffee, she sat down opposite him and forced the words out.

'Victor is coming.'

The effect of her words was instant and significant. Quinn's large hands tightened on his mug, his jaw clenched and his eyes flashed a darker plum. Averting her eyes, Sookie allowed her friend time to gather himself.

But already it seemed Viktor's presence was poisoning the peace of Reno and she had yet to even see him.

Dressed in a white dress that clung to her breasts like a second skin before flaring out dramatically at her waist, Sookie smirked as she crossed the lobby of the vampire hotel. Having been approved as a guest of Viktor's, she was to take the lift to the penthouse where she was to meet her former lover.

Keen stares followed her, eyeing the dress that left both little and everything to the imagination. As the elevator door closed with a ping, she could see many vampires flashing fang at her appreciatively. Though typically she welcomed the attention of potential clients, tonight she had a meeting with the oldest vampire in the hotel.

Unsurprisingly Viktor had secured the penthouse in order to impress his underlings with his superior funds. Vampires were tricky creatures - no doubt about it - but they were still men.

The elevator opened directly into his suite, and she was unsurprised to find him sitting in the living room facing the elevator in what she referred to as down-time. At her presence, he stiffened and sharp chocolate eyes studied her with meticulous care.

She couldn't help but feel warmth at the sight of him, and she could hardly blame the entirety of her intense attraction on their blood bond. Victor was a man that exuded power, but it was not solely for that reason that he was noticed when he walked into a room. With a sigh Sookie took note of his untamed hair, his perfectly tailored suit with the shirt unbuttoned to show a hint of the muscled chest she knew like the back of her back. She had no doubt he had left it unbuttoned on purpose to remind her of their intense passion when they united, but she appreciated the view nonetheless.

Inhaling deeply, she reminded herself to be smart. Regardless of his soft spot for her, Victor was a man that drove hard bargains with loopholes for himself and none for anyone else.

He stood at her presence with a fangy smile, 'A white dress for the lady of the night … how beautifully ironic.' He smirked as Sookie glowered at him, 'That said you do look as delectable as the day I met you.'

Piercing blue eyes gazed at him, watching as he followed his compliment with another appreciative scan of her body. Victor was not one for pointless small talk: he wanted something, and she'd be damned if she gave it to him easily.

Resolutely she stepped out of the lift, but in a moment he was upon her. His sweet scent enveloped her, reminding her of her past history with him. Although tinged with pain, it was a good reminder and Sookie felt herself remembering why she had fallen for him all those years ago. His hands closed quickly around her waist and his lips connected with hers. Their tongues connected in a clash for dominance which he quickly won and she moaned into his mouth, her hands gripping the back of his neck to pull him deeper into the kiss. His hands were everywhere, reacquainting himself with the body he knew so well and his lips found her throat. His nose was in her hair, inhaling and a hand gripped her head, turning it with a furious growl so her lustful eyes were forced to meet his dark gaze, 'You smell like other men.'

Sookie looked up glowering, 'That's my job.' She held his stare firmly, daring him to say anything.

Although Viktor remained resolutely silent, another part of him refused. A big part. Sookie stifled a moan as Viktor moved against her, his fangs fully extended and his black eyes glowing with lust. 'We have business to attend to, but I won't be able to concentrate until I fuck you thoroughly and mark every inch of your body with my scent.'

As he moved against her once more, Sookie couldn't help but crying out. 'You've missed me,' he smiled, his spanish accent becoming more prominent now. With a finger he reached beneath her dress to stroke her through her underwear. 'I can tell you've missed me too.'

Her breath caught as she struggled to think, but damn it all to hell if Viktor wasn't right. She had sex on a regular basis, there was no denying it and vampire sex was always an experience, regardless of who it was with. But with her clients, the goal was to please them and Sookie handled each customer in an almost methodical manner.

It was different with Victor. She could relax and enjoy him in a way that stunned even her at times. He genuinely cared for her - even if he didn't always show it or act like it - and he had been by her side at a time when she was completely alone. Victor was the exception to her rules.

Viktor's soft lips pressed a row of kisses across her throat, as his hands reached around to undo the zipper on her dress. Sookie moved against him, using her hands to tear his suit from his body. As she straddled his chest, she smirked, 'This better be worth the wait, Viktor.'

And by God, it was.

Happy and sated, Sookie relaxed into Viktor's embrace. His large hands stroked her hair lethargically and with a lazy tongue he licked at the fresh bite on her neck. Leaning her head against the crook of his neck, Sookie felt content for the first time in months. Meeting his warm eyes with a smile, Sookie knew the feeling was mutual.

But there was an edge to her bliss, as there always was with Viktor: business. Lord knew what he wanted this time, and she silently prayed it was nothing too taxing.

'That made it almost worth being apart from you for so long.' Viktor grinned, flashing his fangs at her appreciatively.

'It's only been a few months,' she said, stroking his chest with a lazy finger.

His eyes darkened at that, 'I think I just very clearly demonstrated how much you've missed me in that time. Do I need to show you again?' He moved so he was on top of her and his mouth moved to hers, whilst his hands were busy elsewhere.

Once breath returned to her, Sookie smirked. 'I've certainly missed a part of you.'

Licking his lips, Viktor smiled, 'I could tell.'

Evidence of Viktor's willingness to have another go nudged at her thigh, but Sookie focused herself. The night was coming to an end, and it was best if she knew Viktor's plans for her sooner rather than later.

'You said we had business to attend to.'

At that Viktor focused, and his soft expression changed considerably. He moved away from her on the bed and regarded her with unreadable eyes. 'We do.' A flash of something sparked in his eyes. Pity? 'The King of Nevada asked me to call in a favour from you.'

Sookie grimaced. Felipe de Castro was a troublesome and frightening man, always intervening in Viktor's dealings with her and demanding that she allowed him to use her telepathy for his own gain. After he discovered her ability, it was only when herself and Viktor bonded that he had allowed her any semblance of normalcy or freedom within her own life.

'As you know, the Queen of Louisiana and Arkansas lost both her legs and several important members of her guard during the bombing of the Pyramid of the Gizeh. She was weak already from Katrina, and this further weakened her influence.' He paused and Sookie beckoned for him to continue. This was not new information. 'Felipe is a ... conqueror and he wants to move in to kill Sophie-Anne, hence seizing control over her empire.'

This was a lot of information coming at her in a sentence, but Sookie nodded when Viktor paused again to show she understood. 'I have - or rather I will be - placed in charge of managing Louisiana,' he gazed at her carefully, his dark eyes unreadable, 'most specifically Shreveport.'

Her heart was beating wildly in her chest, and though her face remained neutral, she knew Viktor could hear its irregular rhythm. 'Why … there?' Sookie asked. She hated how she couldn't bring herself to say the name, but most of all she hated how weak her voice sounded.

'There is a popular vampire bar in Shreveport which Felipe aims to gain control of. It would give him both money and influence amongst the supernatural community of Louisiana and control over the humans.' He paused, looking at her cautiously before proceeding.

'When Felipe occupies Louisiana, he intends to kill all vampires who remained loyal to Sophie-Anne. Presumably this will prove to be all of them, with the exception of any vampires who renounce Sophie-Anne and pledge themselves to Felipe.'

Sookie nodded, though her heart was thudding with fear. Memories she kept hidden from herself were reappearing and at the mention of Shreveport her heart lurched. The last time she had went to Shreveport, she had been with her uncle … and his friend.

It seemed like a lifetime ago she had been that girl: that miserable soaking girl that had fled from her uncle in hysterics and ran without a direction. She could feel her uncle on her tail, she could hear his thoughts as he gained on her and she pushed herself to keep running. Only to collide with the first vampire she had ever met: Viktor. From there things had spiralled and she often wondered if it had been a blessing or a curse. She currently was leaning towards the latter.

Viktor was gazing at her with concern, but he continued.

'However, Felipe doubts whether they will truly have faith in them, or whether it will be a mere act until they can plan an uprising. He wants you to read their humans, posing as my companion so he can gain an understanding of their thoughts on Sophie-Anne before he moves in to invade.'

Sookie stared at him with blankly and he clarified what he meant, 'He wants you to go to Shreveport.'

A tumult of emotions flew across her mind, rage and betrayal at the forefront. 'You promised.' She whispered brokenly, her eyes wide with tears. 'You swore I would never have to go back there.'

Viktor flinched.

'Sookie,' his hand reached out to her and she reared back. 'Sookie, you know I care for you. You know I would get you out of this if I could. But the King has ordered it and I cannot disobey him.'

'I'm not going to Shreveport.' Sookie whispered numbly. 'I'm not. I won't.'

'You must.'

AN: I was re-reading the first novel, and I started wondering what would have happened if Sookie's grandmother hadn't believed or realised Uncle Bartlett was a child molester, like her mother. The opening chapter probably seems like a big jump, but there will be explanations for what may seem pretty unlikely later in the story.

I haven't decided completely on pairings yet, but possibly Eric/Sookie.

********* I haven't read the last three books yet (I'm only as far as Dead in the Family) as I can't afford them right now so I don't know whether Victor's character is different here than in the last three books, but if it is please ignore it and don't give any spoilers. I may cry if you do.

Obviously credit for characters etc is to Charlaine Harris. Also, I'm sure what certificate this is in American terms so please tell me if M is wrong. This is probably as bad as any sexual content would get, and I don't know if that's too severe or not, but I figure it deals with adult themes.

Anyway please review and tell me what you think. :)