Chapter One

I was in the middle of a busy shift when Merlotte's got its first vampire. I said as much to Sam who didn't seem nearly as pleased with the news as I did. "Nothing but goddamned trouble" is what I picked up from his head. I, however, was pleased as punch. Monotonous would be an apt word to describe Bon Temps, and it had been far too long since I had an adventure.

As he was in my section, I hurried over to get his order with a big smile on my face. "Hi there! I'm Sookie and I'll be taking your order today. I'm afraid we're all out of True Blood, as you're our first vampire, but is there anything else I might get you?"

He responded with a half smile and replied, "I'm afraid I cannot have anything other than blood, but I will take a glass of red wine so I might be able to meet with some of my friends and neighbors."

Denise and Mack Rattray certainly plucked up in the next booth, overhearing us. Nothing but low rent trash, dealing in drugs and ignorance. "Don't pay no mind to Sookie mister, she's as crazy as they come." Wouldn't mind seeing her crazy mouth around my cock though.

I wrinkled my mouth in disgust. "I'll be right out with your wine, sir." I walked away quickly to get away from the Rattrays.

"A glass of red please, Sam" as I leaned against the counter, trying to bring my shields back up so I could finish my shift before I removed Mack's head with my tray. I delivered the glass of wine to Bill, but didn't have more time to chat because I was running around with everyone's orders. Before I knew it, he was gone, along with the Rattrays. I reached out with my mind and found them in the parking lot, draining Bill.

I'm not naive. I play my part as the small town waitress well, but it's not who I am. As crazy as it sounds, I'm a telepathic fairy waitress. I have royal blood in my veins and I know what the world is capable of. I know what vampires are capable of. Although most vampires are mute to me, I have walked the world a long time and can read all sorts of creatures. Bill was probably around a hundred years old or so, old enough not to be stupid enough to be held captive. I focused a little harder on the Rats, not enough to kill them, but enough to detect the glamour Bill put them under, how they got Bill subdued was fuzzy around the edges.

However, as I said, I play my part well. Bill was trying to entrap me, he obviously knew about my peculiarity and I needed to figure out what he wanted or who he was working for. I went outside, found a chain in a truck to defend myself, and crept up behind the Rats, who were gleefully chatting about how much V they were getting from the vamp.

"Leave him alone."

They spun around in alarm, "You stupid cow!" Denise hissed, "Get the fuck out of here!"

"You get out of here, now. I'm not going to warn you again."

Mack came at me with the knife he had in his pocket, and I quickly whipped him with the chain, right at his face, and he went down screaming. "You fucking bitch!"

Denise surprisingly came to his rescue, "You'll regret this!" As she half dragged Mack away to their truck quickly, looking around to see if anyone came to investigate the racket Mack was making.

I had to drag Bill out of the way to avoid getting hit by their truck as they tore out of the parking lot. I winced as I pulled the chains the Rats had put on Bill off of him, they were sticking to his skin, pulling it in a nasty, sticky way.

"Thank you Sookie. I am forever in your debt." His fangs were out, I was glad of the silver chains in my hand that I could shove in his face.

"I couldn't let them drain you." Which was true, I find it very difficult to outright lie to people. I needed to see his designs on me to protect myself.

"You're welcome to my blood, as a token of my gratitude, it has very pleasing effects on humans. Their sex drive, for instance." He leered at me.

Not able to hide my disgust, I responded, "I wouldn't touch it." What a sneaky, underhanded way to get me under his control. I don't think so, Mr. Compton.

"Aren't you afraid to be out here alone with a hungry vampire?"

"I'm not a total fool." Wrapping the silver around my neck.

"But you have many other juicy arteries" he smiled creepily at me.

"I won't stand for that nasty talk! I am a lady!" Not quite true, but close enough, this body was still a virgin at least.

"I meant no offense!" He said quickly, trying to look contrite. "I'm sorry, I meant it when I said I was in your debt."

I knew to maintain my anonymity and my security, I'd need to call a few old friends. He was trying too hard to gain my trust. This ran deeper than a lone vamp trying to get a taste of fairy. Maybe the Queen of Louisiana. Maybe even The Authority. I knew when to call for help. I had to play his game for now though. "Well, I should get back inside, Sam will be worried."

He looked disappointed. "Very well, Ill be on my way, I've had enough socializing for the night," he said ruefully.

"Bye!" I nearly ran back inside. I knew the vampire wouldn't give up. He'd come visit me again soon.

Sam was furious when he found out where I was on my break. "Jesus Christ Sook! Ain't you got any brains in that head of yours!" You don't mess around with vampires!"

"He didn't deserve to be drained, Sam!" I said heatedly. "I'd think you'd respect his right to live just as much as anyone else's!" I worked the rest of my shift without speaking much, avoiding Sam's glares.

I finished wiping down my tables at the end of the night and went home to rest and send a message to a few old friends.