This is the final revised version of my story Hound for Hire. I've changed a number of things from the original-including the title, as you can see-and I'm hoping this will be as good, or maybe better than, the first version of this story that I posted. I'll be updating this version only from now on, and will be posting chapters as I finish them.

Thank you for reading, and for any feedback you may wish to leave.


Fangtasia.

I had mulled over the idea of visiting this place for weeks, and equally thought over were my reasons not to come here. I had no business being in a Vampire bar, had no desire to be anywhere near Vampires, and certainly wasn't looking for sex—with human or Vampire.

What I was looking for, was blood.

I observed the entrance of the bar from a distance, standing with my back pressed to the wall. Shadows enveloped the small space I occupied, making my six foot tall frame invisible to everyone, including the undead, no matter how keen their eyesight may be. No one would find me.

For weeks I had gone without feeding, having been so wrapped up in work, sustaining myself was the last thing on my mind. And I was paying the price for it now. Throbbing pains had made their home in my body—behind my eyes, my gums, my stomach—and wouldn't go away until I had my fill. I stared at my hands; my nails were long and sharp, and I lacked the ability to retract them. My whole façade was deconstructing, slowly, hour by hour, revealing the true face that hid behind the mask I had managed to hold up for all these years.

I stared into a puddle that had been collecting at my feet for the last hour, lit by the moon and the streetlights that dotted the edge of the sidewalk. It had been raining steadily for the last hour, and didn't seem like it was going to let up anytime soon.

Glowing amber orbs gazed back at me, and through the oily pool at my feet I could see my skewed reflection. My face was marred by scars that I had collected during my three thousand years, and the soft features I had adopted to better conceal myself were sharpened, angular, giving me an almost feral look.

That ferity would run much deeper than appearance if I didn't appease my growing appetites, and soon. But there were rules I had to follow, rules I myself had played a part in creating that would propose difficulties I had no patience for.

I was encroaching upon Vampire territory, although I supposed no matter where I was I would be. With the Vampires controlling nearly every inch of land with the establishment of their government, and their revealing themselves, feeding freely was something that couldn't be done. Though it would be much easier to pin the blame on them for the murders. But, I was above that. To some extent. And in order to lessen the tension surrounding our undead brethren, my kind had agreed to cut down on the number of bodies that were being drained.

Of course, the Vampires had no idea of this agreement. We had no direct dealings with them. They didn't even know we existed. No one did. We're one of the very few things that have successfully remained hidden and lived only through literature and mythology.

I ran a hand through my long, dampened hair and sighed. I was setting myself up for trouble now, not only by killing humans, but surrounding myself with that many bodies. That volatile mix of energy could send me over the edge. I'd have to watch myself.

Shuddering, I tried to regain some semblance of my former appearance, and stole one last glance at my reflection. I looked human now, or more than I had a few moments ago, and zipped up my jacket and left my hiding place.

The line had shortened significantly, and I was third in line waiting to be carded. The blonde Vampire standing at the door looked absolutely thrilled to be stuck with such a task, and even more so when I approached her looking like a drug addict jonesing for their next fix. Her eyes dragged over every inch of my tall frame before quirking a brow and jutting her hand out.

"ID?" she drawled. The Vampire sounded as bored as she looked, and I didn't blame her. Human or not, it was unfortunate to have to be stuck out in the rain and have to deal with anxious humans.

I reached into my back pocket and retrieved the ID. There was an audible click as I flashed my fangs at her, making it clear I wasn't human. She didn't seem impressed, and snatched the plastic from my hands and studied the small card briefly before returning it.

"Adrian Foster, huh?" she asked, eyes boring into mine. There was uneasiness behind them, one that couldn't be hid with a snarky attitude. "How is it that you don't smell anything like a Were, but have the same eyes as them? And fangs. Just what the hell are you?"

I narrowed my eyes. "Is that how you speak to all potential customers? Or am I just lucky."

"I'd say you're lucky, but I wouldn't want you getting too full of yourself," she sneered. "Go on in…and don't cause any trouble."

"I wouldn't dream of it," I replied and pushed past her, reaching out for the door knob. When the metal came in contact with my skin, I jumped backward, howling in pain, cussing over and over under my breath. I opened my palm; the skin was bubbling and oozing a painful mixture of sulfur and blood.

I knew it wouldn't heal as fast as it normally would, and that made feeding all the more important now.

"I thought I told you not to cause any trouble?"

I turned around. The blonde Vampire stood a few inches away from me, hands planted on her hips. She stared at me expectantly.

"And I thought I told you I wouldn't dream of doing such a thing," I muttered. "While you're here, would you mind opening the door?"

"Why should I? You've got two perfectly good hands," she said, turning on her heel. "I have more important things to attend to."

"Like carding humans?" I asked, a bitter edge to my voice that I tried to hide, but failed. "Never mind. I'll get it myself."

The Vampire rolled her eyes and resumed her spot, hand planted on her hip, long finger nails drumming absently on her thigh. I wrapped my hand in my sleeve and carefully opened the door, trying not to make contact with the metal. I would have to remember not to touch the knob on my way out.

Music erupted from the inside of the bar as I opened the door, the loud growling of the vocals rumbling through the sound system. It reminded me vaguely of home, of the fights my species often got into, and I ran my tongue over my teeth, smiling to myself at the memories.

I weaved through the crowd of twisting bodies, slicked with sweat and looking all too appetizing. My fingers curled at my sides, fighting the urge to reach out and pull them into the shadows, never to be seen again. I could be done with them in minutes, and leave without a trace, something I had planned on doing.

But amidst the overpowering smells that permeated the air, there was one scent that was stronger than the rest, one that seemed oddly familiar. I followed the smell, breathing in the earthy aroma, warm and intoxicating. My veins burned, fueling the blood lust that raged within me, and I paused just before a stage at the front of the club, fangs distended, searching frantically for the one who held such a tantalizing smell.

My eyes drifted around the bar, and I caught sight of the blonde Vampire from outside. She was herding two others, a small blonde woman, and a dark haired male, toward a door marked 'employees only'. The vampire met my eyes and scowled at me, giving me a look that said to mind my own goddamn business. I rolled my own eyes and glanced back at the stage.

The throne-like chair that sat center stage was empty, no king, or queen, to be seen. My brow furrowed in frustration and I melted back into the crowd, gliding through the dancing bodies.

Flashes passed over my eyes, visions of another place and time, replaying scenes like vignettes from a film. I pulled myself onto a stool at the end of the bar, confusion taking my hunger's place, and I dragged a claw along the underside of the counter, wood shavings falling into my lap.

I didn't understand. I never forgot a face, no matter how long ago I may have seen them.

A frown formed on my lips. Maybe I was just out of touch.

A bar tender approached, staring at me expectantly while they waited for my answer.

"TruBlood," I said loudly over the music. "Any type. I have no preference."

The bar tender smirked and passed a bottle my way. "That's a first. Normally everyone's so picky about what they'll drink."

I shrugged. "Blood's blood. I'll take whatever I can get."

"Humans must love you," the man laughed.

"They should. I never turn anyone away," I smiled, and took a drink from the bottle, sucking down nearly all of the synthetic blood. I winced. It wasn't as good as the real thing, never would be, but it would have to do for now. At least until I found someone that was worth feeding from.

"Whoa," I clutched the side of my head. Suddenly, I became dizzy. I blinked a few times to try and reorient myself, and after a moment, the room ceased its spinning and settled.

A pressure welled in my chest and spread throughout my body, and I felt as if a weight—an incredibly enormous one—had been placed upon me. Soon, my skin began to feel as if it were being stretched outward, and I stumbled from the bar, pausing long enough to listen for the voice that thundered in my ears. It blocked out the sounds of the music, the chatter of the patrons, and the beating of their hearts.

"I call to thee, oh spirit of enchantment

I call to thee this token of sacrifice

As it will serve as a home and sanctuary for you.

You will find a friend of loyal and true blood in me, and I in you.

I call you and will that you be bound to this token

You are welcomed and cherished forever

You are beckoned as you are the true answer…."

The voice, distinctly feminine and young, called out, repeating the centuries old chant over and over, and I followed the sound of her voice. My body moved on its own, and no matter how hard I tried to fight it, to root myself to the spot, her voice was like a temptress, oh so sweet, beckoning me to her.

I'd heard of this many times, the old spell, but never once was I called upon. My time was spent outside of this realm when I wasn't sent on a task, and even then I hadn't spent much time walking the earth. I always preferred the dark comfort of home. Only in the last hundred or so years did I grow tired of the Underworld, and choose to walk among the humans and other creatures.

And on only one instance did I regret leaving the inferno I had spent over three thousand years residing in.

The rest of my time had been...interesting, to say the least.

I found myself gliding down the hall, behind the same door the Vampire had walked through not moments ago, and the same smell that flooded my senses earlier was growing stronger.

My body drifted into the shadows, shimmering effortlessly, invisibly, into the room where a circle laid painted onto the floor, a five pointed star in the center. Candles were strewn about the room, and as I came near, the flames intensified. With a breath, the fire died, and I watched as their eyes snapped open and flit about the room.

I could tell they were dead; all but two of the group that stood on the edges of the circle, holding hands, were Vampires. One of them was a witch. The other... I couldn't tell what she was, though she smelled awful.

My nose wrinkled at the smell, and I crept forward, hiding myself in the shorter male's shadow, until I stood directly behind him, my breath hot on his neck.

"Mind if I hold hands, too?" I let out a quiet chuckle and stepped back into the darkness.

He bared his fangs, much smaller in comparison to my own, and searched the room. The dark haired man wouldn't find me, none of them would, unless I revealed myself.

I grinned wickedly in my corner of the room, and decided I would have a little fun.

. . .

I had all of them on edge by the end of my games, even the tall, blonde Vampire that stood at the head of the group. His icy blue eyes were narrowed into angry slits, and it was blatantly obvious he wasn't nearly as amused as I was.

The visions came again, and the blurred blonde figure held a strong resemblance to the Vampire standing in front of me. I cocked my head to the side and studied him.

He was tall, slender, and underneath the thin black sweater he wore, muscles strained against the fabric. Blonde hair was slicked back neatly, not a strand out of place. His pale skin radiated in the dim light shining through the crack of the door. The man exuded power, strength, and I gravitated toward him, feeding off of the strong energy that rolled off of him, and I materialized between him and the witch that stood to his right.

"Care to explain why you called for me?"

The witch jumped, frightened by my sudden appearance, and I grinned as she clutched the arm of the female vampire that stood next to her. The young witch was tossed aside, and I made no move to help as her body crumpled to the floor. Instead, I stood over her, and touched a finger to one of the candles. The flame crackled as it burned away the wick, and I stared into her eyes.

"You're a Hound?" she asked, her voice trembling. Her dark brown eyes were wide, riddled with fear, and I could sense something else dancing in them.

"Yes. You sound...disappointed," I said evenly.

She shook her head. "No. I was just expecting something...different."

I quirked a brow. "What, like a big, scary monster? I could have certainly presented myself in such a way, but I don't think you would have appreciated that."

I glanced around the room. It was a storage space, lined with shelves, all filled with that disgusting synthetic blood and various brands of alcohol. A small table sat against the far wall, and the girl, the terrible smelling one, moved to turn on the lamp that took up the corner of the table.

"You're the one I saw outside," the vampire pointed a finger at me. "Adrian, right?"

"Correct. Now, can one of you tell me why you used that wretched incantation?" I asked, looking to each one of them for an answer.

It was the tall blonde that answered. His voice, accented and deep, drew me in, and I listened intently to each word he said.

"Calling for you was an option I thought foolish to take, but given the light in which this one sees your kind, I agreed to go through with the ritual," he said, his eyes boring into mine. "There were no other choices, and as sheriff, I had to do what I could to put an end to this."

"To what?" I asked. I wasn't particularly interested in Vampire affairs, but considering the amount of downtime I would soon have—forced upon me by my superiors—I figured I might as well distract myself with something.

"Vampires have been either dying or disappearing for the past few weeks, all within the immediate area. And if the deaths don't stop, at the rate they're occurring, there will be no Vampires left," the vampire's expression was grim, and I wondered if he was scared, or the least bit concerned for his own fate. He didn't seem like the type that was affected by much, nor the one that reached out for help.

And normally, I would have walked out, uncaring of what happened to Louisiana's, or any other places, Vampire population, but I felt compelled to help this man. And I hated it. Kindness wasn't a trait I possessed. I ran a hand through my hair and sighed.

"To account for those you have lost, I'm sure those Vampires can be replaced without any issue," I said. "Have you looked into the deaths, done any real investigating, or did you just call for me in the hopes I would be able to sniff out your killer?" attitude crept into my tone. I didn't like being expected to do all the work for them.

The blonde raised an eyebrow, and annoyance briefly crossed his features. "As I said, you were a last resort, meaning we had done everything else we could beforehand."

I nodded. "And now you want me to help you."

"That, and I also ask of you your protection," it seemed as if the words hurt. "If whoever is killing off our kind can walk in the daylight, we will be left vulnerable."

"With the exclusion of her," I glanced toward the small blonde standing beside the dark haired Vampire. She watched quietly while I spoke.

"She's no Vampire, but she still needs to be protected," the man spoke, placing a hand on the blonde's shoulder.

"I'd have to agree with Bill. Sookie is very valuable to me, and it would be a shame to see any harm come to her," he leered at the girl. She scowled at him.

"So, I'm to play babysitter to a bunch of Vampires and a human?" I asked with a sigh. The job didn't sound the slightest bit fun in any way, but at least with the Vampire deaths, it would make things a little interesting.

"More or less. Will you help?"

"You act like she has a choice," the witch said from behind me. I turned on my heel to face her, and she shot the Vampire a look. I glanced down at her throat. Her pulse was pounding hard, like she was nervous about something.

A heavy hand was placed on my shoulder, and I turned around once more. The blonde Vampire flashed the most charming of smiles, and if I were capable of such a thing, I'd have blushed. He was definitely attractive, and having him this close was something I didn't mind.

"I seem to have forgotten my manners. My name is Eric," he extended his hand, and tentatively, I took it. His hand was cold in mine, and I marveled at the feel of his cold skin against mine, and was afraid he would melt away like ice in my grasp. "And you are?"

"Adrian," I answered slowly.

His grip tightened and the smile he wore faded. "A pleasure to meet you. Adrian, I, Eric Northman, proclaim myself from this moment forth until the day of my passing, as your Keeper."

My eyes widened with shock as a shudder coursed between the two of us, wracking our bodies violently.

I tore away from him and felt my hands jerk as my nails extended into the claws I tried hard to hide earlier, and lunged at him, a growl rumbling deep in my chest.

"Back," he ordered, and my body moved on its own, obeying the command that left his lips. I clawed at the air, my back pressed against one of the shelves, and only moved more frantically as a smug smile crawled onto his face. "I think I'm going to like this."

"Enjoy it while you can," I seethed, "because when I'm done here, I'm going to kill you. No one binds me, no one."

Eric paused in front of me, close enough that our noses touched. "No one but me."