I've Got To Have You

Bill, wrestling with life after Sookies decision, is forced to take an action that may finally end any chance of a future relationship with her.

As always my kudos go to AB, HBO and Charlaine Harris.

Incidental characters are of my own vivid warped imagination.

Author's note: although some of the events mentioned relate to actual occurrences on the show, the story does not necessarily correspond with how I see the final ending of the series. This is merely a short story to amuse only, a 'what if' scenario.

Enjoy.

Chapter 1

It had been weeks since Bill had seen Sookie to speak to, not since the night that she had told both Eric and himself that she could not choose between them so she was going it on her own. Bill understood her reasons and unlike Eric, Bill accepted it and respected her for her decision but it didn't mean that he liked it. He didn't and it hurt.

He was a realist though and he knew that if there was any faint hope at all of resurrecting their relationship any time in the future then this was the only way, he had to let her go to make her own decisions and learn her own truths. He sighed to himself as he thought about how their life and love had evolved, the choices he had made willingly and unwillingly, and what might have been had things been different.

But things weren't different and nothing was going to change that. He loved her and always would, regardless of all the obstacles that ever came between them. Nothing would make his love waver and nothing would change the fact that to Bill, if you love someone, really deeply love someone then you sacrifice every piece of your soul for that person's happiness and safety, even your heart if that is what it takes.

Isn't that what he had done, he asked himself. Didn't he put himself in danger countless times, risk his very vampirism, his beliefs even, not to mention his heart and happiness but all to no avail. It was no good Bill thought, only time would tell if she would ever come back and right now that was not looking very likely.

He didn't often get the chance for quiet contemplation these days as he was too busy in damage control after the Nan Flannigan debacle. He and Eric had come under extreme suspicion after Nan's disappearance and so far Bill had succeeded in covering things up as much as he could.

He had the most loyal subjects in all the United States. He was respected on so many levels within his community for the tireless work and the brilliant PR he had done in the many interviews he had given on behalf of his subjects and the Vampire community in general.

The respect he had from his subjects was also a reflection of his actions to save so many from Marnie's spell. Had it not been for the warning that he had sent out and the order to chain themselves, countless Vampires would have met the sun under the spell that she had cast and consequently, he had a devoted following and that was something that he was reaping the rewards for. Countless numbers had come forward to offer alibis for Bill when it became known through the Authorities investigation into Nan's disappearance, that Bill was a suspect. The same can't be said of Eric's meagre followers however.

It was rather ironical that Eric of all people was in Bill's debt. After all, Eric had been his rival for Sookie and his attempts to break up their relationship had ultimately taken its toll and caused Bill so much pain. Yet now here he was with Eric's safety depending on how well he could protect both himself and his sheriff, a point not totally lost on either of them.

Of course, that Bill had chosen not to end Eric's life when he could have, leaving the way open for Sookie to go to Eric, just added salt to the wound as far as Eric would be concerned. Eric owed Bill and he resented it. Even now after the split up between the three of them, Bill knew that Eric still saw him as a threat where Sookie was concerned.

As far as the subject of Sookie went, neither were inclined to discuss it and for once, Eric did not offer his usual jibes of sarcasm at Bill's expense. It was too much to hope for that Eric had turned over a new leaf Bill thought, but still it was a welcome respite from the ongoing jibes Bill had put up with over the years and also, as Bill had other more pressing issues to deal with, his or Eric's hurts did not have priority at this point in time.

He was sitting in his office at the end of a very long night, reflecting on all of this when one of his security officers knocked quietly on the door. Bill had ramped up his security over the past months, taking great care to hand pick a team that would be loyal to him and at the same time offer prime protection.

From amongst the many recruits that Bill had interviewed he selected only those that he found to be Vampire sympathisers and he was more than happy with the team he had working for him now, their loyalty unquestionable. One person in particular had stood out from the rest. His name was Neville Smythe and he was ex SAS, trained to the back teeth with a military record that was exceptional having served as a sergeant on active duty in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Bill had quickly realised that Neville would make a very suitable replacement as head of his security and Bill had come to rely more and more in Neville's experience to provide protection and to some degree, a friendship of sorts had developed. It was Neville that was knocking at the door now, waiting respectfully for admittance.

'Come in' Bill called, as Neville came in bowing slightly. 'Majesty, there is someone here to see you' he wrapped out in his military manner as though addressing a commanding officer, his thick British accent noticeable. Bill raised his eyebrows as he glanced at the time on his computer. It was around four am and unusual to receive anyone at this time of the morning. 'Did you get a name Neville' Bill asked on the alert now. 'Sir, he gave his name as Alcide Hervereux' Neville replied, pronouncing the name with a deliberately poor attempt at French, giving Bill the impression that Neville was not impressed with the either the tall Supe or the French language but Bill was unsure which. 'Show him in and Neville, make sure to stay within calling distance.'

Bill had not shown any outward surprise when he was told of his visitor but he was curious as to why Alcide would be calling on him and why now. He knew that the Supe was no particular fan of his and being a Were, had no love of Vampires, so he was interested to see what exactly he wanted. He knew that it must be important to bring him out here at this time in the morning all the way from Shreveport.

Bill had no interest in Were business, they were more inclined to cater to a different section of the general population with their businesses, being drawn to bikie gangs and red neck bars, their patrons including motorcycle clubs and that ilk. The long held dislike between Vampires and Weres was well known within the Supe community and had been for a long time, they mixed as little as possible and then only under extreme circumstances normally.

The fact that Alcide had done work with Eric was unusual and purely a result of his Father's connections rather than his own choice. Bill also knew that after Jackson and the Russell Edgington episode, Alcide had further reasons to dislike Vampires but had made it clear that his involvement with the disposal of Russell was the way to end any debts owed and wipe the slate clean. There was also the matter of Sookie standing between Alcide, Bill and Eric.

All this flashed through Bill's mind as he waited for Neville to show Alcide in. 'Compton' Alcide gave a curt nod of acknowledgement before sitting in the chair Bill indicated. 'What can I do for you Alcide, what is so urgent to bring you out here at this time of the day?' Bill asked in a cool tone.

'It's about Sookie' Alcide said looking at Bill for a reaction. Despite Bill's mask of indifference Alcide noticed a slight flinch at her name, he knew their history, and he had been witness to their impossible reunion in Jackson and the events that went down at Fangtasia with Russell, Eric and Bill. 'What about Sookie?' Bill questioned regaining his composure quickly. 'Bill, she in danger, if I didn't think that it was serious I would not be here. I told Northman weeks ago but he doesn't seem to have taken any action.'

Bill's surprise at this last piece of information did not go unnoticed with Alcide and knowing enough about Vampire hierarchy he realised as King, Bill would be within his rights to question his sheriff about this. Alcide did not have any remorse for causing any kind of trouble for Eric, he had very little respect for the Viking and barely tolerated him. If it had not been for his Father's previous involvement he doubted very much that he would ever have lifted a finger to assist any of the Vampires in anyway but things were different when it came to Sookie and at least he had a grudging respect of sorts for Bill.

Also there was the fact that since he had been made Packmaster of the Shreveport area, he understood a little more of Bill's predicament when it came to the welfare of his pack. Alcide was aware of the steps Bill had implemented to keep his Vampires from the dangers of Marnie's spell and admired his tireless work towards the acceptance of his kind into society. He appreciated any inroads that Bill made would help when the time came for Weres to come out too.

'Alcide do you want to explain exactly what you are talking about' Bill asked trying to keep himself sounding calm when he certainly wasn't feeling it. Alcide seemed surprised, he just assumed that Bill would know of Russell Edgingtons escape and the risk that posed to Sookie and he said as much to Bill.

If Bill knew he was not giving any indication, in fact he seemed to be wearing a blank mask of indifference Alcide thought. Perhaps he had been wrong to come to him but even though he knew that both Bill and Eric were no longer part of Sookie's life, she had told Alcide this herself when they had gone on their first proper date together some weeks before, still Alcide had assumed that Bill would still care even just a little for her welfare.

'Has Sookie been threatened directly?' Bill asked 'and how do you know of this?' Alcide looked a little uncomfortable now, he was not sure if he was reading the situation right. Vampires he knew, could be a blank canvass, holding their emotions close to their chest as it were and so he really did not know if Bill really was indifferent to Sookie now that they weren't together or if Bill was just a bloody good actor. Still, that didn't matter too much, he felt that Sookie needed protection and although he had the Were pack at his disposal, when it came to messing with Vampires and in particular with an ex Royal Vampire of Russell's age and power, Alcide knew that he was out of his league. Besides, it would not have been proper to put his pack in jeopardy for the sake of Sookie regardless of how he felt for her.

So biting the bullet he explained to Bill that he had been dating her for a short while now and he had become aware that lately she has been followed. He had made attempts to catch whoever it was but they moved so fast that it didn't take long for him to realise that it must be a Vampire. Unknown to Sookie, he had arranged to have her place watched by Weres but as he explained he knew that would be of little use if it got down to a Were vs. Russell confrontation. Plus, he did not consider putting his pack members in the line of fire over a personal matter to be ethical.

Bill understood Alcide and grudgingly admired him for his stance. In a lot of ways, he and Alcide had a lot in common and not just their care for Sookie's welfare. Both had a strong sense of moral obligation to those of their community they had responsibility for and likewise had strong ethics when it came to keeping their personal life separate.

That Alcide was now going out with Sookie was news that he did not want to hear but he could do nothing about it and it didn't really surprise him in the least. Bill sighed quietly, Sookie was in danger and again because of Vampires. Was there no end to the trouble he had bought upon her he thought.

'I need all the particulars, times, dates, locations. Does Sookie have any idea herself this is going on?' Bill questioned. 'No, you know how headstrong and independent she is, I haven't told her in case she is likely to take matters into her own hands. She has told me that she wants to be her own woman, to be independent and not have to answer to others, to make decisions for herself and I can respect that but in this situation it's more than she can handled and quite frankly I am worried for her.'

Bill sat lost in thought for a few moments before he looked at Alcide. 'What do you want me to do about it?' 'Look Bill, I know that you and Sookie aren't together anymore and haven't been for quite a while but I know that you cared very deeply for her, whether she likes it or not, right now you are about the only one that I think can help her out, protect her. Go and talk to her, you are the only one that she might listen to.'

Bill opened his mouth to reply to this but thought better of it. 'She's not working tonight and I know that she will be home. Call on her and try to get her to accept protection.' Alcide suggested. 'Alcide one other thing, just when did you tell Eric and why Eric, why didn't you come straight to me?' Bill asked as casually as he could.

Alcide looked Bill straight in the eyes 'It was weeks ago and I went to Eric because I was under the impression at the time that Sookie and Eric had fairly recently been a couple and I thought that he would care. She has told me now that you have all gone your separate ways but at the time I didn't know that Eric would sit back and do nothing. And I only found out about Edgington when one of the security guards at the building alerted me. As soon as I knew I went to the Viking. I have to tell you Bill, he didn't seem overly surprised for what it's worth but you would know more about him and what motivates him than I do. I do not trust him.' 'And you trust me?' Bill asked a little surprised. 'When it comes to Sookie's safety yes, yes I do trust you' he replied.

Alcide left soon after this and although Bill could feel the pull of dawn he called Neville into his office and gave instructions to be carried out immediately. Whether Sookie liked it or not he was going to arrange protection for her immediately. It would be discreet, so discreet in fact that she would not even be aware of it but as far as Bill was concerned, it would give him some peace of mind.

He went to ground eventually satisfied that he had done what he could to at least protect her during daylight hours. Although he was not expecting an attack to occur during the day, he knew that Russell was ruthless and since he had her blood and knew what it could do, then Russell would do anything possible to get to her.
When Bill rose the next evening he had formed a plan of sorts. He knew that this was not going to be easy and would more than likely put an end to any remote chance of resurrecting their relationship. He knew that he had to talk to her and convince her to accept Vampire protection, the very thing that she would hate.

Before leaving he made a phone call summoning Eric to him. Pam had answered the phone, no longer her snarky self she immediately passed the phone to Eric. Pam had suffered as much as Bill from Eric's relationship with Sookie. Eric's treatment of her had cut her to the quick. Pam would be the last to admit that she had any human feelings left within her but the anguish she had experienced over what she saw as Eric's betrayal, favouring Sookie over herself, were very human and un-vampire like emotions.

Pam also had a grudging respect for Bill and this surprised both her and Bill. It was a totally unexpected turn of events but she gave Bill his dues, he had saved her and Eric and a lot of others from the true death, impressed her with his maker - progeny relationship with Jessica and she envied his loyalty to Sookie even in the face of her love for Eric at the time. It had caused her to doubt whether she had been too hard on Bill all these years and so she tempered her behaviour accordingly now when dealing with him.

Bill did not have to wait long for Eric to appear, Neville showing him in upon his arrival. 'Majesty' Eric walked over to the desk where Bill was seated, nodding his greeting to Bill. 'When were you going to tell me Eric?' Bill questioned. Eric seemed taken aback. 'Tell you what?' Eric said attempting to buy himself more time as he knew immediately to what Bill was referring to. Bill sat silently boring holes into Eric's face, it was a battle of wills and in the past there were times that it would have been Bill that would be the first to reluctantly break to keep the peace but not now, things had changed.

Eric looked at the floor then looked up again straight into Bill's eyes. 'I had no positive proof' Eric said by way of an excuse. 'When were you going to tell me Eric, when it was too late or when you thought you had won Sookie back? That's what this was all about wasn't it? You thought that if you protected her from Russell you could win her back so you didn't tell me. You thought that she would be so grateful to you. Eric you don't know Sookie very well if that was what you thought.' Bill said looking at Eric with sympathy in his eyes.

Eric really had no idea of what made Sookie tick if he really thought that she would go back to him for doing the very thing that she didn't want, he didn't understand her at all. Bill knew that Sookie was simply going to hate his offer of protection, he knew her so well that just the thought of having to talk to her tonight about the situation was abhorrent to him. He felt sorry for Eric, he had not learnt anything about Sookie, he had no understanding of who she really was and what she really needed in her life. To rob her of her independence was the very thing that Sookie had hated and had been the cause of so much angst in their relationship.

'Do you have any proof now?' Bill asked. Eric did not hesitate 'I know that Russell has escaped but that is as much as I know. I have not been able to learn anything further. If I had…' he looked at Bill again 'if I had I would tell you, there is no point hiding the truth from you now' he finished. 'Go' Bill dismissed him 'and Eric, I do understand what you are going through.' Eric had reached the door as Bill had said this but turned to look back at Bill, seeing the compassion in his eyes. 'Yes Bill, I can see that you do' he said thoughtfully 'it hurts' and turning he was gone.

Bill sat for a few more minutes, he was willing himself to do this, and he knew that he had to go to Sookie but he was reluctant. Opening his locked desk draw he drew out a photo he had kept in a small ornate frame. It was the only photo he had of the two of them together. It was a random snap that Maxine Fortenberry had taken the night of the Meeting of the Descendants of the Glorious Dead. She had given it to him in an act of kindness when Sookie had disappeared and it had touched Bill. Maxine may not have been happy about Hoyt's relationship with Jessica at the time but she still found Bill to be glamorous.

Adele Stackhouse stood next to Bill as he stood talking to Sookie just before she had left on her date with Sam. He had loved the look on her face, he had always remembered how she looked at him with a newly found touch of respect for him or so he had felt, she had looked proud of his talk and his recount of his humanity, it was a side of him that she had not known until that night. His talk had been touching and had won over a lot of the town's inhabitants with his account of his war experiences and of his last family remembrances.

He shrugged to himself as he sat there and gently stroked her face in the picture, he had felt that night had been a turning point in their relationship and he treasured it. This however was not getting him anywhere right now and was only delaying things. Locking the photo in the draw, he could no longer put off the inevitable. He left to go to Sookie.

To Be Continued …..