A/N: This story continues after Isabelle: Alcaeus. Dramatic change, I know. I just felt that this was where I wanted to take her. I've been there, done that and thought (sort of ;p ) maybe she should experience it as well.

I do not claim the rights to any of the characters from the Southern Vampire Mysteries or True Blood. Read, review, && enjoy! ^_^

Returning to Bon Temps as the new Isabelle gave me more confidence than ever. I felt rejuvenated and stress free, and for once in my life, I didn't have a care in the world. Maybe this was what I needed, a new me…correction, a very dramatic, new me.

I glanced at my reflection in the review mirror and smiled to the woman smiling back at me.

No one will recognize you Bella…not even Eric.

Of course not. I'm not that ignorant, black haired, scared girl anymore. I'll know better this time.

Three weeks ago:

"I need your help with something." I told Amy.

If you don't know by now, she's still living in New York and married. You heard me right, married.

Happy? Well, lets just say when I'm around the married couple, I need to keep an extra wall up just in case the first one slips. Believe me, you don't want to know what goes on in their minds.

"With what honey bee?" she asked, sweetly. "How long are you staying, by the way?"

"Um, a few days, maybe a week. I got quite a long drive back to Bon Temps."

She gasped, "Please tell me you're joking! Why would you ever want to go back to that small town?" she thought a moment. "Oh Isabelle, he's a vampire."

I rolled my eyes, "Believe it or not, I'm not going back there for him. I'm doing it for myself."

She laughed. "Oh please. You can't honestly sit there and tell me that you actually like living there." she scoffed. "You hated that place just as much as I did."

I nodded. "At first. But everyone sort of grew on me." I sighed. "And I miss Dawn terribly."

Amy froze, "Oh dear."

"What?"

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Its been so long, I almost forgot about it myself."

I laughed. I never saw Amy at a loss for words. I knew she was trying to pick the right words to say, I just didn't know why she was being so…guarded.

"Will you just tell me already? I won't break like a porcelain doll."

Amy stood up and took a seat next to me.

She grabbed my hands, "Honey, Dawn is dead."

I withdrew my hands from hers and stood up. "What the hell are you talking about?"

I had to brace myself against the window pane and level my breathing before I went into a panic attack.

"She was murdered not long after we left Bon Temps." Amy told me slowly.

My head whirled around so fast.

I think I'll regret that in the morning.

"Murdered? By who? Why would anyone…" I trailed off.

"Arlene's boyfriend was this psycho pretending to be…" she paused, "...whatever he was pretending to be. He murdered many women including Sookie's grandmother."

I gasped, "No…" I said, clenching my chest.

I wanted to throw up.

"He was messed up in the head." she added.

"Where is he now?"

She shook her head, "Six feet under. Sookie and Sam killed him."

"Oh my god."

I didn't understand why Rene…yes, that's his name. Why the hell would he want to hurt Dawn? Sookie's grandmother? She was-

"He hated vampires and those who associated with vamps. Somehow he knew about Dawn. And everyone knew about Sookie and Bill, so that's no surprise there. But Sookie's grandma wasn't apart of his plan. Wrong place at the wrong time kind of thing." she paused, "Then he tried to pin all the murders on Jason."

"Why?" I asked, voice hallow.

She shrugged, "Beats me."

"Did Dawn have a funeral?" I asked.

Now I wish I had been there, if only I knew.

"Yes. I was there. I paid for it because I knew that is something I would want." she said, shooing away the stray tear. "If I had known it was him…that bastard. I could've cast a spell or something." she sighed. "I should've put up a ward around her house. But I was so focused on getting the fuck out of there, I wasn't thinking straight."

"How long after I left was she murdered?"

I had to know, this was eating me up inside.

Amy bit her bottom lip. "You didn't know-"

"How long?" I demanded with more authority now.

"Days." she said slowly.

I could've prevented all of this if I just stayed another few days. Maybe I could've gotten a vision from Rene if I just shook his hand, or touched him! I could've done something about it before he went and killed everyone! I thought to myself, feeling more and more guilty, the further I thought it through in my head.

"Luckily you left in time. He had already killed his first victim." she added, trying not to look me dead in the eye.

"Maudette?" I asked, remembering the day that I was leaving Bon Temps. She just nodded. "So that's why Jason was in the cop car, because they thought he did it?" another nod. "Fuck!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.

That's when Amy stood up and gripped my arms. "This is not your fault. You're not Superwoman, you can't save the world!" she sighed. "Besides, if you beat yourself up, you will never be able to live with yourself."

I took one look at her and knew she was right. No time for tears, everything's in the past now. There is only one way to go and that's forward.

Gone but never forgotten.

"You're right." I told her.

She smiled. "So you're still going back there after all that's happened?" she asked.

Now I knew why she wasn't happy for me returning to Bon Temps, the town where some psycho killed our friend. I couldn't blame her for worrying about me. She was just like family after all.

"Yes."

Amy looked at me and frowned.

'I cant believe I'm agreeing to this.'

Finally she sighed knowing there was no changing my mind once its set, "So what type of help do you need from me?"

"I was just going to you for a new wardrobe change but…" I inhaled slowly. "…I think I'm ready to change me."

Present:

I parked my car along side the curb and got out, placing the bouquet of roses on the roof of my car. The evening was approaching fast, so if I wanted to get there before the natural light was out. I had to hurry.

Why didn't you leave sooner? Damn it Isabelle! I scolded myself mentally.

I grabbed the flashlight from my glove compartment and stuffed it in my black Gothic mailman's bag (gift from Amy) that had a picture of a purple Gothic fairy in the middle of the flap with the word 'Fantasy' in white Gothic letters. I placed my white ear buds in my ear and turned on my new iPod, (another gift from Amy along with songs from the 80's and 90's, some new stuff too, but she wanted these to remind me of her.)Then I locked the car doors.

Not like anyone in this town has been convicted of GTA.

I quickly grabbed the roses from the roof, and continued into the woods, following the directions I got from Amy.

As I got further into the cemetery, 'Listen To Your Heart' by Roxette began playing.

Her grave is behind the iron fence. I reminded myself as I turned the corner.

I stood there, staring down at her head stone. 'Dawn Green, beloved friend.' it said in what appeared to be written in gold…? I smiled to myself as I got down to my knees, placing the roses on top of her grave.

Amy…

As the night was growing nearer, the air around me grew colder. But I didn't care, I was going to spend a few hours with Dawn, I promised myself that. I at least owed that much to her.

I settled on the grass beside her grave, using my bag as a pillow as I stared up at the night sky. I turned off my iPod so that I could talk to Dawn. I knew she wasn't really listening.

But her body was down there, that had to at least mean something right?

"I'm so sorry for leaving you behind. This is all my fault. If it wasn't for me…" I turned on my side and stroke the grass above her grave. "…you didn't deserve this. No one did." I felt tears rolling off of my face and onto the grass.

Ever since I found out about her death, I wasn't able to cry. I honestly thought that something was wrong with me. I mean, I could feel the pain deep within me but I wasn't able to show it. Until now.

My tears were flowing like the Hudson river. I knew that now was the right time to mourn for my friend, I could feel it. Something in me was being released, freeing me of all the pain that I had built up inside me. This felt, right. I cried like I've never cried before, draining whatever energy I had left in me.

I didn't know I had cried myself to sleep until I felt someone's arms on my shoulders, shaking me awake. My eyes fluttered open as I came to terms with who was waking me from my slumber.

When I realized who it was, I immediately scooted as far as back as possible until my back hit the iron fence.

"Why are you here?" I asked.

At the moment, we weren't on speaking terms. In fact, I actually hated him for doing what he did to Dominic, regardless if it was orders.

No, correction, I just hated him.

Some things were best left unsaid, and that was one of them. I would've been happier not knowing.

"Isabelle?" he sounded shocked as he stood up. "What happened to you?"

I scoffed, "What the fuck do you want now?" I asked bitterly, using the fence to help me up to my feet.

"I thought…I heard your faint heartbeat and I thought-"

I had to laugh at that statement. "You thought what? Huh? Beloved vampire Bill would come to my rescue?" I shook my head, "I don't want your help, never needed you before and I damn well don't need you now!"

He looked at me and then back down to Dawn's grave stone and frowned. "I'm sorry I bothered you."

"Now you're sorry? You know this game that you and Eric keep playing is quite old. Next time you want to hurt him, don't you dare use me as leverage you sick fuck."

"I deserve that." he said, bowing his head low. "I must be on my way now."

I scoffed, "Bye." I told him, picking up my bag. Then I realized he might report my presence back to Eric. Fuck! "Hey!" I yelled, running after him.

He stopped and turned around. "Yes?"

"You didn't see me here tonight alright?" I told him. When he didn't answer, I repeated myself. "Right?"

He pressed his lips together, "If you're thinking about Eric, then don't worry. I will be out of the country for awhile."

"I don't give a shit where you're going. I don't need you spying on me and then reporting shit back to him. Got it?" I felt the rise and fall of my chest and I knew at any moment, I would have fire growing within my grasp.

"Of course." he said, taking a cautious step back.

Its not that he was afraid of me, not exactly. He could kill me within seconds, maybe even before I realized what had just happened. No, he just didn't want his clothes to catch on fire.

That's if he knows what I'm capable of.

"Fine. Then its settled." I said, turning back around.

I didn't know if Bill remained standing where I had left him, but I returned to Dawn's grave anyway. I bent down, picking up my iPod and earphones and shoved it in my bag.

My first night back in town and I end up running into the one person I would've been happier never seeing his pale face again.

I have just the luck, right? I thought to myself as I began walking back to my car.

I pulled into the driveway of my new home. It was a three bedroom, two and a half bath, ranch style home with a twist and a sun den. I chose this one because I loved the way the house was built.

When you first walk into the house, there's a set of French doors. Then once you step into the small foyer, there's a coat closet right in front, to the left is the kitchen and to the right is the living room.

When you first walk into the kitchen, you will notice that there's an open breakfast bar between the kitchen and dining room located straight ahead. The kitchen also has a huge pantry closet. At the end of the kitchen will take you to a short hallway; to the right is the stairs to the basement, straight ahead in the middle of the hallway are French doors to the master bedroom, and when you turn the corner, you'll see the dining room, half bathroom, and door to the garage.

The living room is large. When you cross the living room, there are sliding doors that leads to a sun den. Just outside of the sun den is the laundry room and a small garden. The bedrooms are down the hall from the living room. The first room is on the right, and because its surrounded by the living room, sun den, and bathroom, it doesn't have any windows. Then the next door on the right is the bathroom which has conjoining doors between both bedrooms. To the left is another door to the master bedroom, while the last door on the right leads to the third bedroom.

Of course it was kind of a pain in the ass getting it, not that money was an issue. I was pretty much set thanks to Dominic and what he had left me. Its just the IRS would be on my ass if I dropped a few hundred thousand on a house.

Since Amy came from a family that had money and married into money, things wouldn't look suspicious if she bought the house in her name.

Things I have to do to avoid drama.

So Amy used my money to buy the house and land, then turned around and sold it to me for a dollar.

Her dollar.

Then while I was in New York, she set me up with an interior designer to furnish my home. All I had to do was move in with my clothes.

As soon as I stepped into my home, I went straight to the piano, tossing my bag and leather jacket on the sofa, and began playing. I could sit here for hours on end, lost in the music. Its as if my fingers take on a mind of their own, caressing the ivory and ebony keys, creating beautiful, sweet music.

I miss you grandma.

I woke up the next morning to a dog barking ridiculously loud.

What the fuck...?

After a few minutes of trying to drown out the nuisance, I got out of bed and looked out the window to see a Collie barking toward the woods.

What the fuck! Haven't anyone got some sense to keep track of their fucking dog? I thought to myself as I grabbed my black wool sweater, slipping on my purple fuzzy house slippers.

I walked through my French doors into the dining room and into the garage. I pushed the button on the wall to open the garage doors.

While I waited, I slipped on the sweater before slipping under the rising garage doors, I began walking toward the back of the house. To my surprise, the dog was still barking.

I used my hand left hand to keep my sweater closed while I shielded my eyes with the other from the morning sun.

I was about to yell at the damn bitch until I saw it slowly changing into a human.

I stopped dead in my tracks, "What the fuck?" I whispered to myself in disbelief as I watched the human stand up from a crouch and turn around.

Oh sugar!

I quickly covered my eyes with my hands. "Oh my god, Sam!" I yelled, peeking through the lines of my fingers, "What the hell are you…"

"Isabelle?" he sounded surprised and a bit embarrassed.

I immediately took off the sweater I was wearing and threw it at him. "Put that on! Cover up…everything!" He caught it, covering up his jewels. "Come on inside before someone sees you like that." I yelled over my shoulder as I ran back to the house.

Not only was I freezing my butt off in my cute short, pink and black hot pants with 'princess' written all over in Gothic lettering and black tank, but I had to run away from the naked man following behind me. Well, that and I needed to find something for Sam because having a naked man in my house wasn't sitting to well with me.

Especially when he was the only one naked, not that I'm giving any hints, I'm just saying.

I went through my drawers and found a black drawstring pajama pants.

When I walked out from my room, Sam was standing in my dining room.

"Here, put this on." I said, handing him the pants.

Then I went into the kitchen, giving him some privacy.

"You want coffee?" I asked, filling up the filter with coffee grounds.

"I didn't know you were back in town." he said, taking a seat at the breakfast bar that overlooked the kitchen or vice versa, however you want to look at it.

"Yeah well, I just got in last night." I told him, turning on the coffee maker. Then I looked at him, "I don't really want to know why you were in my back yard."

He looked down, "Oh that. Right."

"So you're a Were too?"

"Shapeshifter." he corrected.

"Is this what you do, wake people up every morning with your irritating bark?"

He laughed. "I thought you weren't going to ask why I was in your backyard?"

"I didn't."

It wasn't a total shock seeing him change from a dog to his human self. No, that didn't surprise me as much since I seen quite a few creatures in my short lifetime. It was just extremely awkward seeing my soon to be boss again, butt naked.

And when I say butt naked, I mean full frontal, in his birthday suit, butt fucking naked.

I'll admit this tiny tid bit though, he looked pretty damn good in his birthday suit.

Just saying…

"What's with the…" he thought a moment, choosing his words carefully. "…sudden change?" he asked.

"Why, you don't like it?" I asked, laughing. "Magenta's not my color?" I asked him, twirling my hair. "I thought it brought out the fire in my eyes when I get really pissed." I gave him a wink. "Oh but that's not the best part. Amy and I had gotten twin tattoos of Tink, mines is right here." I turned around and lifted my shirt. I glanced back, making sure he was looking at my tattoo that was right above my butt. "Amy's tattoo is on the back of her neck." I pulled the waist band of my shorts down and showed him the tattoo of a panther. "Isn't this one beautiful?"

He shrugged, "I think I could get use to it, the new you, I mean."

"What is there to get use to?" I asked.

He shook his head, "Never mind."

I rolled my eyes as I put my shirt back down. "Well anyways, I don't know if you can tell, but…" I turned to fully face him. "…I had also gotten both of my nipples pierced." Glancing down at my chest. I could see the shape of the hoops so I knew he could see them too, if he looked down at my chest of course. When I glanced back up, he was blushing. "Oh Sam, baby, I'm not flirting with you. I really did get them pierced. I also got a rose thorn band around my arm" I shrugged, "But its to cover up the ugly scar that was there. But I think it looks cute. Its growing a rose too, barely a bud."

"What happened to you?" he asked, sounding a bit concerned.

"Nothing happened." I said, grabbing two coffee cups from the cabinet. "I just colored my hair, that's all." then I paused, thinking. "Well, and a tattoo or two."

He shook his head, "No, that's not all. You didn't just color your hair. You're different. I mean, look at you, you have piercings, tattoos, your…clothes." he sighed. "The Isabelle I knew didn't have any of that."

I gritted my teeth. I wanted to tell him everything that I've gone through but I couldn't. Its not that I didn't trust him, I just couldn't. I mean, what was I going to say?

Hey, I got pregnant from Nick and was told that my enemies will do anything to get to me, even kill her. So after giving up my daughter, without much of a choice, I went to another realm where I met a demi-demon. We hitchhiked our way to New York and ran into what use to be my best friend who nearly killed the both of us. On different occasions, of course, but still, she nearly killed us.

Oh and did I mention my ex is now married? Big drama, aside from karma biting me in the ass, he's very happy.

Meanwhile, I find out the father of my secret daughter is in a supernatural prison, put there by the man who saved my life. The same man whom I'm extremely attracted to, both physically and mentally.

Oh but wait Sam, it gets better. Drama escalates and I go on a vengeance spree, pissing off as many men as I possibly can. Starting with Nick. But in that process, I end up screwing his friend he meets in there, not intentionally knowing of their relationship, of course. And eventually messing with his head for reasons unknown. I bit my bottom lip. Too much drama to lay on someone.

"I'm not that girl anymore. I've grown up. And…" I sighed. "…people change."

"Not so dramatically. And in what, a year and a half?" he stood up, walking around the wall and into the kitchen. "Did someone hurt you?"

"Many times than I can count."

More than you know…

"No I mean…" I could see that he was struggling with that last word. "…rape." he whispered.

I stepped back, gasping, "God no! Just because I wanted a change, doesn't mean something that dramatic happened to me." I sighed. "Sam, I'm okay, really. I just thought I needed a makeover."

"So you colored your hair red? Are you trying to stand out?"

I smiled. "Magenta. And no. I just don't want to be the girl I use to be."

He watched me. "Why, what was wrong with her?"

I looked down. "She trusted everyone too easily." of course, that was the nicer way of putting things.

And Sam left it at that.

He had breakfast with me, which was kind of nice for a change. He also agreed to give me my old job back since he really needed more help now that he was down to two and a half waitresses. And when he say half, he means Sookie. She's hardly there, leaving Arlene to cover majority of her shifts.

Then he warned me that the other waitress was a vampire, Jessica. Of course, that didn't scare me a bit. As long as she isn't there keeping tabs on me for Eric, I couldn't give a shit. But he said she was a nice girl.

"Thank you for breakfast." he told me as he was beginning to leave, opening the front door. "I haven't had a real breakfast that wasn't made in my bar in a long time."

"You're welcome. And thank you for giving me my old job back."

"You're actually a lifesaver." he admitted. "Its nice to have you back, really."

"Its nice to be back."

If I were to have a family, this would be where I would want to raise them. A small town where everyone knows everyone. I wouldn't have to worry as much.

Minus the whole vampire drama, of course.

"I know you and Dawn were pretty good friends…" he trailed off. "…I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring that up."

"Its fine. I'm sure many others will do the same." I told him. "I just wish I could've been here, for her. At least be at her funeral."

"Yeah…" he paused, looking down at his feet. "…that just proved how we cant trust everyone, no matter how long we've known them."

I knew when he said that, he was referring to Rene.

"Oh, you don't have to tell me twice."

I've known Lily almost all my life. Never would I imagine she would be the one to kill me, or try to…

"Alright Isabelle, see you at work." he said, turning around. "Oh and I should apologize for this morning." he smiled, glancing back at me. "I'll return these washed."

Going commando in them? He can keep it.

"Don't worry about it. Bye Sam."

Since I was going back to work at Merlotte's, I needed my old uniforms.

Which just so happen to be in Dominic's old house.

So I got ready, wearing my dark wash hip hugger jeans, black, short sleeve shirt, black studded 1 ½ inch thick belt, leather jacket, and a pair of black leather, four inch knee high boots. I wore black eyeliner and mascara and straightened my hair, sweeping my bangs off to the side.

One look in the mirror, told me I was now ready for the world. I got in my car and drove up the road to Dominic's plantation house.

I pulled up the driveway and got out, staring out at the house.

This was where it pretty much all began…

"I need a job." Amy complained as she threw herself on my bed. "This place is so boring! And its ridiculously hot!"

I stopped playing and put my violin down next to me, "I know there's gotta be some kind of lake or something. I mean its Louisiana for crying out loud." I threw my legs on the side of the bed, "There isn't much to do here. But there is Merlotte's." I said, glancing back at Amy.

She grunted, "I am going to die of boredom!" she rolled onto her back and looked up at the ceiling, "I don't think I can stand to be there with the local drunks. They stare at us like we're fucking aliens!"

I laid down with my head next to hers, "When he said small town, I didn't think the town was this small with shit to do." I said laughing, then I turned to face her, "Hey, you don't know some kind of spell that could put him to sleep for a few hours?" I sat up, "That's all we need is a few hours right?"

Her grin widened, "Oh you are genius!" she said as she bolted from my bed and out the door. I was right behind her, hot on her trail, closing the door behind us.

"What are you two doing?" Nick was downstairs working.

I peaked my head out, "Nothing. Just playing…tag." I closed the door and laughed.

"Tag? Bella, how old do you think we are? He wont fall for that lie." Amy shook her head as she brought out her book of spells. "I hope this works."

I sat at the edge of the bed, watching her work her magic, speaking in what I think was Latin. I could be wrong. She lit a candle and smiled.

"Go check on him." she said, grinning.

She placed the candle in the middle of a pot of water on the floor right below her window.

I was actually shaking as I took each step down the stairs. I didn't know if it worked. And if it didn't then we would be in big trouble.

Huge!

"Nick?" I whispered as I peaked into the living room. "Can we talk about…something?" I slowly walked to the chair he was in, his back was facing me. "Nick?" I called again, a little louder this time. No answer.

Maybe it did work.

I peered around the chair to see him sound asleep with his coffee on his lap instead of in his cup.

Oh he's going to be mad when he finds out about this. I smiled to myself. Serves him right for keeping us here in this bum fuck town. Guess we better make this night worth it. Once he wakes, who knows when we will see daylight again.

As I headed halfway up to Amy's room, I remembered that he had the keys to the truck. Most likely it was in his pants pocket.

I bit my bottom lip, hesitating whether or not I should be the one to get them. After about two seconds, I decided to just go for it.

If he wakes up, well, let him think what he wants.

I stood in front of him, patting down the sides of his jeans. I could feel the keys.

Perfect!

I stood to the side of him and slipped my hands in his pocket, retrieving the keys.

"Yes!" I said as I ran back up to Amy. "It worked!" I was literally jumping up and down with her.

I pocketed my keys and closed the car door before walking up the porch.

This place hasn't changed one bit. By the looks of things, this place was well taken care of. It made me wonder if anyone was living here.

Instinctively I knocked on the front door and waited. No answer. I bent down and grabbed the key from under the doormat and unlocked the door.

As I walked in, I noticed the stale air. Feeling a bit creeped out by the whole thing, I quickly walked to my old room. But the door was locked.

I don't remember my door having a lock on it.

I grunted when I realized I had to climb in through the damn window. So I walked around the house, looking for my window. And when I found it, I was even more irritated because I knew that I would need help getting up there being that the window was pretty high up.

Fuck man!

I stomped my way back to the front of the house.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" an older woman standing at the top of the stairs with her hands on her hips demanded.

"Who are you?" I scoffed.

The nerve of her!

"Listen here little girl, this is private property, you best leave before I call the sheriff."

I laughed, "Last I checked, this house belonged to a friend of mine."

She looked me over, "Is that so? And just who is this friend of yours?" she asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Dominic. And if I'm correct, there are still some of my things in my old room."

"Which one are you?"

"Excuse me?"

"Your name, which one are you?" she asked again, clearly losing patience.

"Isabelle. Why, who are you?"

"I'm the caretaker of this property and I was given specific instructions." she said, sighing.

I rolled my eyes, "Don't worry, I'm just getting my things and I'll be on my way, I won't bother you after this." I told her, walking up the stairs and into the house. "Oh and is there a key to my old room because for some reason, its locked."

She nodded, "Yes, its in the kitchen near the back door."

After I got the key, I opened the door to my old room. Everything was exactly as I had left it, down to the messy bed.

Nick stood there with the door open, gripping the doorknob. I didn't know if I should tell him to leave. But I didn't want him to go. Maybe it was the liquor talking…

Stop using liquor as an excuse.

No, it wasn't the liquor. I been wanting this, I just didn't want to admit it to myself, I couldn't.

He closed the door behind him and walked to my side of the bed, taking off his shirt and tossing it on the floor. Fire lit his eyes.

…denial and resistance flew out the window, replacing them were pure, undiluted desire. Still holding my gaze, he began undoing his belt.

I backed up further on the bed, keeping eye contact. I could see hunger behind his fire lit eyes. He has been waiting for this as long as I and I wasn't about to deny entry, literally.

He grinned as he unbuttoned his jeans, slowly sliding down the zipper. I bit my bottom lip.

Damn he was sexy as hell!

I could feel my appetite rising, I wanted him whole, mind, body, and soul. I wanted him to fill me, claiming me, even if it was only for a brief moment, I wanted to feel desired, craved. I wanted to be his for tonight, just a few hours.

…his hands sliding up my legs. I threw my head back and closed my eyes, letting out a soft moan. I felt heat radiating from between my thighs. I was wet and ready for him, ready for him to take me, fill my center as he had done a few times before.

He gripped the sides of my lacey boy shorts and pulled them down slowly. He barely touched me, caressing me for seconds at a time, but I could feel my libido on edge, nearing my peak.

…I bit my lip and closed my eyes as he parted my legs. I let the rest of my body collapse on top of the bed, turning my head to the side as I slid my hands up to cup my breasts. I imagined his hands all over me as I circled my nipples until both were fully erect. I wanted to end this torture and feel him pressed deep within me. I slid my hands slowly down the center of my body and parted at my thighs, pausing. I opened my eyes, meeting his gaze and clawed my thighs back down.

His breathing quickened as he gripped my ankles, pulling me closer to him. Slowly caressing my calves, working up to my thighs, his gaze left mine, sweeping over every inch of me, taking me all in.

…he smirked in the most sexy way possible. He wasn't even trying to be sexy, he just was. He lowered himself above me, holding his weight with his left arm, he parted my folds with his right hand, slowly slipping his fingers in, shallow at first, then deeper.

…I reached up and gripped his hair, pulling him into a ferocious kiss. His tongue massaged mine, tumbling and turning, wild like the ocean as he continued his thrusting motions between my thighs. I pulled away and shuttered as I towered over my orgasm.

The room began to spin, I arched my back, my eyes rolling to the back of my head as I moaned his name.

"Nick."

He shook his head and removed his fingers, replacing the emptiness between my thighs was his rock, hard shaft.

"Dominic." he growled as he filled me to capacity and then some.

Did he want me to say someone else's name or was he calling out someone named Dominic?

I closed my eyes.

Shit! He's gay! Oh please, say it isn't so!

I tried to breathe, as he pounded into me with hard, smooth strokes. I wrapped my legs around his waist and arched my back, lifting my hips up to him.

He cant be gay, he is doing one hell of a job fucking my brains out. If he's not gay, then he's probably bisexual. That would only make sense.

He lowered his mouth to my right breast, biting, pulling at my nipples.

I let out a soft moan, "Oh Nick."

He growled and lifted his head, "Dominic." he said as he continued to deepen his thrusts.

I frowned, okay, this was turning me off, way off. Its one thing to call out a girl's name, but come on!

Dominic? Are you serious?

He sensed my withdraw and slowed down, still within me. He placed his pointer under my chin, turning my face toward his.

"What's wrong? Am I hurting you?"

I shook my head, "No."

"Well, what's wrong?" I bit my bottom lip and closed my eyes, this was so embarrassing. "Tell me, Bella."

I peaked through my right eye, he was waiting for a response. I grunted, fluttering my eyes open, "You keep calling out Dominic." I sighed, "Is that your thing or something? If it is, then its cool with me. Just…I don't want to hear his name while you're with me…in me."

He cocked his head to the side and gawked at me. Confused, he started to speak, but closed his mouth. He literally was speechless.

…I gently pushed against his chest, praying he would get the picture.

Still confused, he rolled onto his back, now gaping at the ceiling.

I rolled my eyes and climbed under the sheets, "I think you should just go." I finally said and hid my face under the sheet.

Suddenly, he burst into laughter.

…desire to be fucked by him was replaced by fury.

He pulled down the sheet, "Bella, look at me."

"No. Just go away."

His laughter subsided, "It took me a minute to understand you. But listen…" he said, gently gripping my chin, forcing me to look directly at him, "I was telling you to call me Dominic." he frowned, "I wasn't calling out another man's name. I'm attracted to women, and women only." he chuckled.

…I asked, "Why would you want me to call you Dominic?"

"Because that's my name."

…"But you said your name was Nick."

He grinned, "It is, well that's my nickname. My name is Dominic, Nick for short."

"Oh sugar." I lowered my head, embarrassed. I think dying would've been easier than being this incoherent. "I'm sorry, Dominic."

"So, where were we?" he asked, raising his eyebrows. He pulled away the sheet and gathered me in his arms as he laid with me. He kissed my cheek, "I love to hear my name on your lips. Say it again."

I looked up and smiled, "Dominic." I moaned out his name…

Man how times has changed…

I glanced at the clock on the wall, I had twenty minutes before I had to go in for the afternoon shift so I had to make this quick. I went through my drawers and grabbed my uniforms, piling them up on the bed. Then I wrapped the sheet over the pile and walked out.

"I'll bring the sheet back alright? I don't have time to get the rest of my things." I told the woman as I tossed it in my trunk.

"Well, I'll leave your room unlocked for when you return."

"Thank you." I told her before I got in my car and drove home.

I knew it was too cold to wear shorts in this weather, so I changed into my black hip hugger jeans instead and slipped my belt through the loops. I slipped into my shoes and ran out of the house, closing the garage door behind me.

I opened my trunk and slipped out of my jacket, tossing it on the side of the pile and dug for a clean Merlotte's shirt. I quickly took off the shirt I was wearing, tossing it in the trunk, and slipped on the white shirt. I grabbed my jacket, closed the trunk, and got in the car.

Pulling into Merlotte's parking lot brought back old memories. I got out of the car, slipping into my jacket. I closed the door behind me, and pocketed my keys as I stared at Merlotte's neon sign.

I immediately closed my eyes tight, blocking the pain from leaking through

Of course, that didn't work.

I walked to the side of the bar and sat on the huge boulder.

…I felt a cool breeze blow through my hair and smiled.

"What are you doing out here in the dark?" someone asked, scaring me half to death.

Startled, I fell off the boulder, losing my footing.

"What the hell!" I yelled as the tall stranger gave me his hand to help me up, carefully remaining in the dark.

He chuckled softly, "My apologies." He had a deep rumble and yet his voice was smooth as velvet.

The instant our hands touched, I knew he was a vampire. He pulled me to my feet faster than I could snatch my hand back. I swayed as I regained my stance and stepped into the light.

"You know, its very rude to sneak up on people." I said, dusting the back of my shorts but keeping my eyes on the tall vampire who remained in the shadows.

"I'll try to remember that next time." he said as he slowly stepped into the light with me.

"Oh sugar." I said breathlessly as I bit my bottom lip.

…he stared at me with a raised eyebrow, "You failed to answer my question."

"Huh?" I cocked my head to the side, confused.

"Why are you out here in the dark?" he asked again with a smirk smeared across his face, "You know, there might've been some scary vampire out here lurking for little girls."

I scoffed, "Really? Like you?"

"Maybe." he smiled.

"Are you here to harass me or are you here to eat? I can tell you right now, if you came to eat, you've wasted your time. Sam needs to order some of that bottled blood crap. So either way, you're shit out of luck."

He laughed, "Shit out of luck." he repeated, "I like that."

I looked around, "Okay…well…have fun." I told him, hoping he would get the hint that I wanted to be alone.

"I've seen you before."

…I nodded, "Yeah, I was at Fangtasia a few weeks ago."

"Yes you were. But I feel as if I seen you before then."

"I doubt that. I've never been to that club until that night." I paused and then continued, "Actually I don't hang around vampires, that night was my first." I said, tucking my hands in my back pockets.

"I hope we didn't scare you off."

I laughed, "No, you didn't, don't worry about it." I kicked a small rock, "Listen, I'm kind of on my break, so…"

He frowned, "You work here?"

"As a matter of fact, I do."

"If you want to make real money, I know Fangtasia is hiring."

I looked up and held his gaze, "You're kidding right? Why would I want to work there?" I smiled, "I mean, nothings wrong with vampires, but I like it here."

"The pay and tips are much better there." he said, folding his arms, "There's benefits as well. I hear they take very good care of their employees."

I shook my head, "No, thank you. I don't do gothic whore uniforms."

He stepped back, doing another body sweep. It was more like a silent statement rather than measuring.

"Oh, so small town country trash is the look you rather go for." he said with an evil smirk, "Along with that is low pay and bad tips." he clapped his hands, "Looks like you got this look down good."

"Well thank you." I said smiling. I take it he didn't expect that. Maybe he was expecting an outrageous outburst or something by the look he had on his face. But then again, he didn't know me, I could be just as sarcastic as this egotistical son of a bitch, "All I need is to do to finish this look is live in a fucked up trailer, a drunk for an abusive husband, and ten kids right? Or is that too trailer trash to your liking?" I said, switching my weight to my other leg. "You really know how dull out a conversation." I told him as I headed back toward the entrance to the bar.

…"My apologies. My intentions were never to insult you." he said standing in my path.

…I rolled my eyes, "Do you apologize often?"

"No." he said in a low voice.

"Then stop. Its getting you nowhere."

…I shouldn't even be here talking to this smoking hot, tall glass of blonde vampire. I should be inside, working.

Before my thoughts caught up with my body, he pulled me in for a juicy kiss…cool and yet very much heated, soft and sweet but still spicy.

All it took was two seconds for me to respond, sending my body into over load. I gripped the back of his neck and pulled him down, closer to me. While he did the opposite, gripping my waist, lifting me up to him. Our tongues collided like waves crashing on the reef. He was a master at his game and he knew it.

…"My name is Eric Northman for future reference."

As soon as I stepped foot in there, it seemed as if the air and everyone around me, stood still. Then two seconds later, everyone went back to what they were doing, keeping a close eye on me.

New girl.

I walked to Sam's office, leaving my jacket in my little cubby hole. When I came out, Sam was behind the bar, talking to Arlene.

"…coming back?"

"I don't know. She just needs time Arlene, I told you that ten times already." then he turned to me and smiled, "But luckily I found this one in time."

Arlene turned around and made, what sounded between a whine and a scoff. "Oh come on, Sam! Another red head!" she grunted, "Don't you remember me telling you anything the last time?" she sighed loud enough for the patrons to hear, causing them to glance her way. "Bad enough I have to share my tips with Jessica, now for sure, I won't be making anything." she hissed. "I have children to feed!"

"Arlene, I thought you and Jessica were getting along."

"No, Sam, I tolerate her. Difference. But another one?" she nodded toward me. "Why what happened, you couldn't get another blond? Even a brunette will do. Oh hell, anyone except another red head."

I laughed, "Magenta."

She groaned, "Magenta?" she mimicked, turning her attention back to Sam. "You hired a waitress named Magenta?" she bobbed her head as she loaded her tray, mumbling to herself. "We're so desperate, you hire anyone, a vampire, a…whatever Sookie is, and now a freak named Magenta."

I could tell Sam was getting a kick out of this. He stood there with a huge smile across his face.

"Excuse me?" I scoffed. "I am not a freak." I told Arlene, taking a seat at the bar. "I'm many things, but I'm not a freak, sweetheart."

"Is that so?" she rolled her eyes.

"You know, you're a lot more bitchier than I last remember you."

She had to do a double take. "Am I suppose to know you?" she asked pausing. "Shit, if you're that woman from that damn party a few years ago, I'm so sorry. That is so not like me. I don't usually drink that much and I was just curious..." she began babbling.

Sam and I looked at each other and laughed softly.

"Arlene? Honey, its me, Isabelle." I whispered.

The look on her face was priceless. "You're shitting me?" she laughed. "Get your butt over here and give me a hug!" she said, pulling me into a hug, wrapping her arms around me. "What the hell is up with this?" she asked, pulling away, tugging at my hair. "Is it a wig or something?" then she turned to look at Sam, "Did you put her up to this?"

I straightened up. "He didn't put me up to anything. Actually, just this morning he found out I was back in town."

"Are you here to stay?"

I nodded. "Looks like it." I leaned in, "And this is as real as it gets."

"Excuse me, I've been sitting here for five minutes. Can I get some kind of service?" some guy from the back tables yelled.

Arlene groaned, "Hey! Be glad you're even being wait on you cheap jerk! You can wait another five minutes!" she hissed, "Damn two dollar tipper! In quarters!"

Before Sam said anything, I quickly jumped up, "She's just joking! I'll be right with you!" I said pulling the pad and pen from Arlene's apron as I walked over to him. "What can I get you?"

My remaining shift went by pretty smooth since Arlene and I were the only two waitresses working. Jessica had the night off, so I wouldn't be able to meet her until Thursday.

While closing up, I sat at the bar talking to Lafayette.

"New Years Eve is coming up soon, what's your plans like?"

He grinned, "Oh honey, I'm making sure I'm getting that night off, ain't that right Sam?" he called out behind him.

"Only if Terry agrees to work that night, we went over this already." Sam yelled from the kitchen.

Lafayette rolled his eyes, "Why, what you got planned girly?"

I shrugged, "Well, since its New Years Eve, I was thinking maybe Sam would let me go all out with his bar."

"I don't think so Isabelle." we heard him say. "Its my bar."

I cleared my throat, "I'll pay for everything, I promise."

"No. Its going to be like every other night." he said, popping his head out. "So stop trying to give them any ideas."

Arlene sat on the stool at the end of the bar. "Oh Sam, why the hell not?" she shook her head. "Its always the same every year. And every year, this bar looks deserted."

"Look? Arlene, sugar, it is deserted!" he laughed. "Maybe if we-"

"Now look what you gone and did. Isabelle, can I see you in my office?" Sam said, peaking his head around the corner.

"Uh oh…" Lafayette and Arlene said simultaneously.

I stood up, following right behind Sam.

He closed the door to his office after I walked in. I took a seat across his desk and waited.

"So…why am I in here?"

"If I let you do this, and this is a huge if, Isabelle." he paused.

"I won't disappoint you, I promise." I smiled.

This is so awesome because I would be able to plan one of the biggest celebrations of the year. I will do it in style…New York style!

He put his hand up, "If things end up being the same as last year, I don't want to hear you putting these thoughts into their heads."

I rolled my eyes, "Oh Sam, you don't give me enough credit."

"And another thing…you have to dye your hair back to black." I bent forward and pinched his leg, "Ow!" he yelped.

"No deal!" I scoffed, standing to my feet. "I like my hair, you better like it too! I don't go around telling you to look how I think you should."

"Isabelle, you're scarring my customers." he said softly. "You don't smile and when you do, it looks more like a scowl."

Okay, he was right about that. I think I scared the customers more than the vampire waitress. And that was a bad thing. But so what? I like my hair and if I want to change it, I will damn well please. But I won't do it just because someone tells me to.

Fuck that shit!

"What next, you want me to take out my nose ring too?" I shook my head. "If that's how its going to be, I quit." I stormed out of his office. I lingered in the doorway. "Oh and if you wake me up tomorrow morning just like you did this morning, don't expect me to be as nice." I told him over my shoulder just before I stormed out of Merlotte's.

Instead of waking up to my boss barking, I woke up to peace and quiet. I can't remember the last time I slept this good.

For weeks after having Elena, I would wake up in cold sweats, screaming, if not screaming, then crying. I knew deep down that what I did was for the benefit of my daughter, but there was still apart of me that wished I kept her with me. She was mine after all. She was and always will be apart of me.

I stretched, tossing the covers off of me.

This would be the first to many peaceful nights. I told myself, no I promised myself.

I opened the French doors to my room and walked into the kitchen, making me some coffee.

Then there was a knock on the door. I checked the time, it was almost eleven.

Using my gift, I listened for danger, just in case. I didn't want to be caught off guard wearing my purple spandex panties with a skull on my crotch and lace ruffles on my butt, knee high purple and black striped socks and a black tank top.

That would be embarrassing. I thought to myself as I inched my way closer to the door.

'I hope this is really her.'

I knew that voice anywhere. I ran from the kitchen and yanked open my front door and gasped with excitement.

"Jason!" I screamed. His eyes grew wide. Before he could say anything, I jumped up and gave him the biggest hug I ever gave anyone.

"Isabelle, you look…different." he said, dramatically choking.

I released him, punching his arm, "Oh please, not you too." I crossed my arms under my breasts. "I like the new me."

He laughed. "Oh I like the new you too. Its just…"

"Did Sam send you?" I asked, getting the vibe he wasn't here for a social call.

"Yes and no. I mean I wanted to come here to see you anyway. Word around town was you were here."

I turned around, walking back to the kitchen, "Come on, I'm making coffee." I told him, heading to my room to grab my pajama shorts.

I slipped it on and returned to the kitchen.

He whistled. "Nice place. Look at all this silver stuff." he said, taking a look around my kitchen. "You have to give me the tour Isabelle. This is amazing!"

"Jason, are you okay?" I asked.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" he shrugged.

"I didn't know about anything that went on here. With the murders and everything."

He laughed. "Oh that?" he shook his head. "That was just the beginning."

We sat in the sun den on the patio furniture while he filled me in on what happened. He told me about Rene and the murders. He told me how Rene tried to pin everything on him and for awhile, he was actually believing it was him. Rene even managed to kill his girlfriend Amy while asleep right next to her. Then come to find out, Rene was really Drew Marshall.

Then he told me how Sookie and Sam had killed him. He almost had killed Sookie too if it wasn't for Sam. And then Bill tried to help, nearly burning to death from the sun.

Imagine that, a vampire thinking he will be of use all the while he's flaking away because of the sunlight.

He sure as well wasn't helping anything doing what he did. In fact, he just made things slightly more complicated.

What an idiot! I thought to myself.

Then Jason told me about his trip to the church boot camp. Crazy wannabe Jesus people is his exact words for them. He said that they are anti vampire activists. They even managed to capture one of the vamps and was going to have him meet the sun.

But low and behold, Eric saves the day and Sookie. At that point I had to stop him because I didn't want to hear anymore about Eric. In fact, I couldn't care if he actually met the sun.

Asshole.

"Is Sookie still with Bill?" I had to ask.

"No. She won't tell me what happened between them but I think its because of Eric."

I wouldn't be surprised. I thought to myself. Inside, I wanted to…ugh!

"Well what are you doing for New Years Eve?" I asked, trying desperately to change the subject.

He turned to me, eyes wide and bright as if something dawned on him.

"That was why I came here." he laughed. "Sam told me to tell you be who you want to be, you're an adult." he had to stop to think. That's Jason. "Oh and do whatever you want to do for New Years Eve. You have his approval." he frowned. "And your job is waiting for you if you still want it."

I laughed. "Thanks Jason."

If I chose to return to work, I started work at one.

"Hoyt will be happy to know you're back." he laughed.

"How is he?"

"He's good. He dated that vampire waitress Jessica you know."

"Aww, what happened?"

"Things just didn't work out."

I sighed as I placed my hand on his, "Oh I know how that is."

"So you ain't gonna tell anyone what happened during the time you were gone?" he asked suddenly.

"What do you mean?"

He shrugged, nodding to me. "You know, this whole get up you got going on. I mean its cool, I like it." he grinned. "But you look like a vamper or something."

Well slap me silly! Why didn't I think of that before?

"Hey Jason, honey, don't you worry about me. I'm fine, really. Maybe for my new year's resolution, I'll opt for another new look."

"No, don't do it just 'cause the people in this town says to. Its okay to be different."

I smiled. "You are one sweetheart Jason Stackhouse." I stood up, "Hey, can you tell Sam that I'll be in a few hours late for me, please? I promise I will close up with him even if I'm the last waitress."

"Sure Isabelle."

I quickly kissed his cheek, "Thank you honey. You just let yourself out alright? I got some things I need to do." I told him, before running into my room to change.

A few hours later, I ended up at work. Sam wasn't too happy that I showed up five hours late. Of course, he couldn't complain when I used the 'party planning' as an excuse. He did know that New Year's Eve was less than a week away and if I wanted to make that night spectacular, then he needed to give me all the time I needed.

Of course, that was on the back burner for now. I had something else up my sleeve and I was waiting for the right moment to do it.

"Why don't you just skip introductions and get to work huh?" he told me when I noticed a young red headed waitress.

"Where's Arlene?"

"She had to take the night off, one of her kids got the flu or something." he groaned, "Isabelle, will you please bus those tables? Now."

"Alright, alright, alright." I quickly cleaned off the tables, taking the dirty mess to the kitchen. Then I grabbed my pad and began taking orders.

Surprisingly that night was busier than usual. I barely got to talk with Jessica, the new waitress, well other than work related, and Sam was busy bartending behind the bar.

At the end of the night, I had about $95 in tips. Need I remind you I'm not here trying to get rich, so I tried to give half to Jessica.

"Oh no, you don't have to do that." she said, taking a step back.

"No really, its yours. You helped me out so its only right, giving you half." I put my hand out, "My names Isabelle by the way."

"I know." she said.

"Are you working for Eric too?" I asked. "I mean, I know Bill is his watch dog, so to speak, and this is his area…"

She looked down, "Oh um, I don't work for Eric. And well…Bill is my maker."

I gasped, "How old are you? Or were you?"

I hated Bill as it was and now, seeing this young girl, I hate him even more knowing he turned her into one of them.

"Eighteen. I'll be nineteen soon." as she let that those last words linger, she looked as if she was on the verge of crying. "I mean, I'll be seventeen forever, but if I was human, I would be nineteen soon." she tried her best to smile.

"Can you do me a favor?"

"Sure."

"Since you won't take half my tips, how's about I give you something to do to earn it?"

She hesitated. "I don't know."

I laughed, "Oh sweetheart, its okay, its not illegal. At least I don't think it is." I sighed. "I'm trying to avoid Eric for as long as I can. And so far he doesn't know I'm back in town and I kind of want to keep it that way…"

She gave me half a smile, "You got something going on with Eric that I don't know about?"

I scoffed, "Oh please. Not like that."

She nodded as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Right…" she said slowly. "…Eric seem to have that affect on women. I mean, look at Sookie. There's no denying her attraction to him. Its so obvious, even Bill could sense it."

I shook my head, "Oh Jessica, honey, there's so much more you haven't heard yet. But please, at least until after this years over?"

"Alright, I won't mention you being here."

I shoved the money in her hands, "Thank you so much!" I stepped back and watched her, "Hey, since you're a vampire, you know any place that's open this time of night that would help with party supplies and stuff? Costumes, maybe?"

"Not in Bon Temps."

"Bummer."

"But maybe in Shreveport." she added.

I smiled, "You got anything else to do tonight?"

She shook her head, "Nope, daddy is away on a trip."

And by daddy, I'm assuming she was referring to Bill. I shivered at the thought.

On our way to Shreveport, we talked a lot. I told her a little about me. And in return, she told me a little about herself. Much to my surprise, I've learned that Jessica walks to work. She says its faster than driving, well vampire speed anyway.

"Well, I don't know Shreveport too well…so you mind if I ask-"

"Don't you even think about calling Eric."

She laughed. "I wasn't. I was thinking about calling Pam. I figured she deals with the club stuff so she would know where to go for party favors and things."

I thought about it. "Fine. But don't tell her who I am. Just say a friend or new waitress."

After she called Pam and got directions, we went straight to Party Central. It took a few hours for us to get everything the bar needed before we headed back to Bon Temps.

I dropped Jessica off at her house (which is Bill's house) and made a stop at Dawn's grave.

It was Sunday, meaning Merlotte's was closed. I got ready and drove over to Sam's trailer anyways. Tuesday was New Years Eve, so that leaves me little time to set up for the party.

I knocked on the door.

"I'm coming. I'm coming." Sam said right before he woke up.

Although he was half naked, even in the winter months, that didn't bother me.

'Damn it man, why didn't I put on a shirt first? Bad habits, die hard I guess.' he paused. 'Wait, she saw me naked just the other morning. Far less clothes than this.' he sighed (yes, even in thoughts you can catch it.) 'First Sookie, now her. I have to stop making this a habit. They work-"

"Sookie saw you naked too?" I smiled. He stood there with his mouth open. I had to laugh as I used my finger to close it. "Oh Sam, honey, don't worry, I won't tell a soul." I winked at him. "So anyways, I was wondering what were your plans for tomorrow."

It took him a moment to recollect his thoughts. "Well, what did you have in mind?"

I took a step down. "I wanted to decorate the bar. Jessica and I already went shopping last night for mostly everything. Oh and I was thinking about making this party a theme."

He hesitated. "I don't know if everyone will agree to this."

"Well, I figured I could go over my plans with you, if that's alright. And if you like it, I got the decorations in my trunk." I lifted my head higher. "I'll even print out flyers to pass out to everyone tomorrow. It will let them know what to wear and what time the party will be."

"Alright, just give me a minute, will you?" he said, stepping back. "Just have a seat in there."

After about two hours of convincing him, he finally agreed to it. Of course I had to call over Lafayette over to help persuade him.

This is going to be a night to remember…

A/N: If you're lost, the flashback memories she has is from Isabelle: The Beginning. Thanx again for reading! ^_^