Hi ya'll! Olivia and Eric make their first appearance in this chapter. It's still a bit of set up, but I hope you like it! Please read and review!

…

Bill waited patiently at the hostess podium of Merlotte's Bar and Grill to be seated; brushing off the raindrops that had fallen onto his short dark brown hair and navy blue slicker. Looking around at the early dinner crowd, he noted how it seemed that business had really picked up as of late, especially as he watched the frantic waitresses practically running to finish serving their tables, hoping to get them out the door before the rain really started to come down. To the untrained eye, their actions may have seemed chaotic and disorganized, but in all honesty, the wait staff here worked like little ants, scurrying about expertly and efficiently. A smile crept onto his face as he was truly happy for Sam, the owner. They had all been through so much over the past few years, especially after the Maenad wreaked havoc on their lives. Sam had proven to be a loyal and trusted ally, although Bill knew this was mostly due to the shifter's affection for Sookie. But what once was a sexual longing on Sam's part for Bill's wife had evolved into a true friendship, and nothing more. Sam was now happily involved with a fellow shifter, Luna, and the two seemed to be heading down the road to matrimony themselves, even going on double dates with Bill and Sookie every so often.

The small smile on Bill's face fell slightly when he saw it was Arlene who would be seating him. The obnoxious red-headed waitress never had a nice thing to say to or about Bill or vampires in general. For the life of him he could never understand why Sookie held such a soft spot in her heart for that hateful woman, although his wife did seem to be inexplicably drawn to lost causes. However for now he would have to grin and bear it. Sookie made it abundantly clear that she would not kick Arlene out of her life, unfortunately. In truth, he wouldn't have minded if the redhead had to participate in the games. She would only be missed by her children and possibly potential husbands four, five and six.

After Arlene made her usual comment about how normal decent god-fearing people don't drink blood, she left to get his order of AB negative, huffing the whole time as if he just asked her to slit her wrist open and drip blood into his mouth instead. He always made sure to flash his best fake smile her way when she took his order though, because he knew it got under her skin that he was so polite and nice to her. Sometimes he wondered if she doth protest a bit too much, but then again, the thought of sucking blood from her wretched over-tanned leathery body made him want to gag.

While Arlene was microwaving his blood, he pulled out his phone to text Eric… again. Eric had avoided the last three meetings he had set up in regards to getting the games afoot, saying he had important Sheriff business to attend to. Not that it couldn't be true, but Bill knew that there was no love lost between the two of them and Eric no doubt didn't want to do more than he had to in regards to helping Bill out, even if the Queen had ordered it. Just as Arlene returned with his True Blood, wordlessly placing it on the table and leaving just as quiet, he received a text from Eric saying that he would be there within twenty minutes. 'I'll believe it when I see it' was all Bill could think to himself as he took a sip of the barely palatable drink, trying not to think about the awful taste.

As he sat there in the booth, he couldn't help but marvel at the fact that the three weeks he was given by the Queen to assemble the games were almost over. Truth be told, he'd be happy when the games themselves were over, because it was causing strain on his marriage, but more so on his poor suffering wife. Sookie was at heart a gentle soul, and the thought that his queen was making her participate in these savage games made him beyond angry. He just wanted this all done and over with.

After about ten minutes of being lost in his own musings, Bill's head shot up when he caught a whiff of his wife's scent enter the building. She too was supposed to be in on this meeting. To his surprise, she had actually proven to be irreplaceable in the planning process, contacting and coordinating with day laborers and contractors that he could not during the day for obvious reasons, which allowed the unbelievably speedy construction of the grandstands, arena, barrier protection and temporary lodging. It wasn't that he didn't think she could handle the tasks; no, she was a very smart and resourceful woman. No, he was more surprised that she was able to get past what she was working on. He knew she loathed the idea of the games; that working on them with him pained her to no end; that the bags under her eyes were from the sleepless nights filled with tears of guilt and dread at what was to come. But, he also knew that she was sneaking in comforts for the unlucky contestants where she could; that she was trying to add a touch of decency into the utterly horrific and terrifying spectacle that was to come; not only to make the last moments of those poor souls a little less painful, but also to help her make some sort of peace with herself. Even though he knew she knew that their hands were tied, that these games would go on with or without them, it didn't make any of this any easier to swallow for his wife.

"There you are my dear. Oh my, you're absolutely drenched." Bill said to Sookie as he gave her a peck on her rain soaked cheek and tucked a piece of her wet light blonde hair behind her ear after sitting down next to him in the booth.

"I'm sorry I'm late, the rain really picked up out there and made driving a little harder, especially from where I was coming from." Sookie said as she grabbed a few napkins to try to blot herself dry a little. He cringed slightly at the remark as he knew that she had just come from the competition site.

"You should have called. I would've come and got you." Bill said as he caressed her cheek lovingly, trying to distract her from her thoughts.

"You're so sweet, but really I'm fine, just late." She replied as she tried to smile, but it never did reach her warm brown eyes. Then, seeing the empty seat across from them she said, "So I take it Eric is bailing on us, again."

"Maybe. He texted that he'd be here in twenty minutes; but you know him and his games. He may have just texted that to have us wait here needlessly. But then again, the games are in two days and if he doesn't show up, he knows I would have cause to tell the Queen of his less than stellar assistance on the project. He may hate me, but he knows he can't cross his queen." Bill replied while debating on taking another sip of the True Blood in front of him.

"Speak of the devil." Sookie said as she caught sight of the gorgeous Area 5 Sheriff, all 6'5" blonde Viking goodness of him. How could she not notice him? He walked into the restaurant looking like a Calvin Klein model with his wet clothes clinging to his perfectly chiseled body, magnifying his gloriously toned muscles, memories reminding her that he knew how to use that body right. Even though she was married, it didn't mean that she couldn't fantasize over a former lover now and then, or that she was oblivious to the obvious. The man was amazing to look at, but that was all. She loved her husband.

Eric not only caught Sookie's attention, but the attention of everyone else in Merlotte's as well. Even after all this time, and all the visits he had made to this place, people still couldn't help but stop what they were doing and stare for a moment at the scary but beautiful behemoth of a man that he was. If this was a century or two ago, you probably would've seen ladies swoon over the sight of him. He rolled his eyes at the pathetic creatures who ogled him as he walked past them to get to the booth. There was only one person in the establishment that he deemed worthy of his presence, and she was currently unavailable due to her being married and all.

Once Eric had finally moseyed up to their table, having taken his sweet time to get there, letting the peons take in his godly presence, Bill said, "Glad to see you could make it… this time."

Before Eric answered, he sat down in the booth, on the opposite side of Bill and Sookie, spread his arms out along the back of the faux leather upholstered seat, leaning back to get comfortable. He then looked Bill straight in the eye and replied, "I'm a very busy man Bill. It's my job to keep the order in the area; not an easy task these days." It wasn't a lie. Things were really getting out of hand lately; so much so that Pam, his progeny, was essentially running his nightclub Fangtasia while he dealt with all the problems the vampires in his area were creating. He had to admit that he too had hoped to a small degree that the games would indeed help quell the sudden onslaught of violence. However, Eric felt that something more was going on. Until he had some proof though, it would just be a hunch and nothing he could go to any authority with.

"I suppose it has been difficult lately." Bill countered reflectively and then added, "But that's why these games have to be held. I've received your generous donation of funds to help the cause. We were able to do quite a bit with the money. The Queen sends her thanks by the way."

Eric thought to himself, 'Of course she sends her thanks. I'm practically paying for the whole fucking thing.' "Yes, well, if the Queen requests, we have to obey, don't we?" He said mockingly to Bill, her current brownnoser of choice. "Tell me, what's that smell? Ahhhh yes that would be you old boy. It's hard to wash that smell off of you when you've been up the Queen's ass for so long."

Sookie glared daggers at Eric, but said nothing. She knew better than to retort with anything after all the time she knew him. One of the things that Eric loved most with Sookie was the banter, even when it was filled with anger. She decided it wasn't worth giving him what he wanted now. Even though his face didn't show it, he was slightly disappointed that she didn't take the bait.

Bill ignored Eric's rudeness, as it was nothing new, knowing it would be better to just continue and finish the meeting as soon as possible. He got the prize after all anyway. "You haven't been asked to do much Eric, just a monetary donation and three contestants. We've gotten the money, but not the contestants. You need to give the names to me tonight Eric. I can't wait any longer."

Eric saw Sookie flinch when Bill mentioned the need for the contestants. He wondered how the human side of her was dealing with the knowledge that not only something like these games existed in her world, but that she had to be involved in planning them. However, he knew, maybe better than anyone else, that her humanity had waned a little over the years, due to her repeated adventures in the world of supernaturals. He actually wondered how long it would be before she asked Bill to turn her.

"Decisions, decisions... Who to pick? Ugh, fine, the next three people that walk through that door will be my contestants." Eric said bored. It really didn't matter to him who they would be, because they'd be dead soon enough. According to the rules of the games, only one human could survive. And since he had no desire to train, give advice or otherwise help the poor saps who would be his contestants, they likely would die quickly and he could then just enjoy the festivities.

"What if a child walks in? Bill!" Sookie cried out under her breath because she knew that the people in the restaurant couldn't know what they were talking about.

Eric thought about it for a moment. He knew he'd look like a fool if he sent a child into the arena, or worse, like he was mocking the event, and hence gain the ire of the Queen, something he didn't need or want. The same would go with an elderly person, a severely obese person, or just anyone not at least physically fit on some level. "Okay, the next three people that walk through that door between the ages of eighteen and forty who appear to be physically able to participate will be my choices. You will get no better than that." Eric said, but looking solely at Sookie, letting her know that was his final word. She nodded ever so slightly in his direction to let him know she understood. She was slightly relieved at this prospect because most of the people she worked with were already working tonight and the others should not be coming in, especially not on a night like tonight, her brother Jason was in Hotshot helping his wife Crystal's uncle with building some cages, for what she didn't want to know, and her best friend Tara was supposed to be out on a date with her boyfriend Eggs. They'd never come here on a date; too many inquisitive and gossipy people at Merlotte's.

And so the waiting game began as a lull in the dinner crowd occurred at that very moment. It was as if fate was laughing at this situation and them. The rain had intensified outside as well during their conversation, no doubt keeping the rest of the dinner crowd at bay. Sookie herself initially had thought about canceling going to the meeting because of the imminent torrential downpour, but in the end she knew she just wanted to get this all over with.

After about ten minutes of almost unbearable silence between the trio, the door finally opened, revealing a man and a woman, the Rattrays. Mack, a balding, hooked-nosed, thin and scrawny excuse for a man and Denise, a dirty blond, fake boobed, short woman wearing an outfit that a hooker would blush in, were considered scum, even by the scum of Bon Temps. Sookie couldn't help but have the tiniest of smiles creep upon her face as a sense of overwhelming relief washed over her. These two were bad news. How they currently weren't in jail was beyond her, what with all the crimes they had committed. Maybe they were bribing one of the local officials or officers. This was Bon Temps, it wouldn't be unheard of. One thing was for sure though, they would not be missed.

Eric caught the slight smile on Sookie's face and it angered him. He knew she was pleased that these two walked through the door. There was a time when he would have done anything to put a smile on her beautiful face, but she chose Bill. After Eric had lost his memory because of some crazed witches and she took him in, he fell for her utterly and completely, he let her into his world and his heart like he hadn't done since he loved his human wife over a thousand years ago. Even when he gained his memory back, he still loved her, actually begged her to stay with him and be his bride. She threw all of it back in his face saying that he was nothing more than a sweet fantasy that she got to experience, that their exchange of blood intensified her attraction to him, but that was all it was, attraction, not love, at least not on her end. She had fallen in love with Bill first and couldn't get him out of her mind or her heart. Sometimes Eric wondered if he had met her first, would she be married to him now, but it didn't matter because that's not what happened. And now all he was left with after their brief affair was a broken heart, bitterness, and a need to distance himself from his feelings. So if he got to stick it to her and Bill occasionally, it was all the better. All he could hope for now was that the next person who walked through that door was someone that Sookie cared for; to make her feel some of the pain that he went through, still was going through, after she left him.

After about ten more minutes of nothing, Eric saw his wish come true as all the color drained from Sookie's face as she saw the next person to walk through the door. Eric couldn't contain the sinister smirk that now befell his own face as he realized that whoever just walked through the door was someone close to her, someone she cared about. He couldn't wait to turn around and see who it was. But, he before he did so, she spoke. "No! Not Olivia! Eric please, I'm begging you, not Olivia. She's been through so much. Please, pick the next person, not her."

"Ahhh, but that's not what we agreed upon, now is it Mrs. Compton." Eric said the last part with spite. "Now, let's see who this Olivia is…"

Eric turned around to see a very attractive woman close up her semi-broken umbrella and place it in the umbrella urn at the front of the restaurant. She looked to be in her late teens, early twenties, maybe? He had a hard time telling ages now with the miracles of modern science and make-up. She had a flattering shade of golden blonde/light brown hair which was pulled into a high ponytail that cascaded down to her shoulder blades, beautiful light green eyes, a generous perky chest, long toned legs and a genuine warm smile on her face as she eagerly waved a quick hello to Sookie, who looked like she was about to vomit. She also was wearing the signature Merlotte's uniform, white tee shirt with logo and black short shorts, which clung to her curves as they had clearly been soaked by the rainstorm outside. Obviously this was a co-worker of Sookie's, but it occurred to him that he had never met her before. Was she new? And so, turning back round to face Sookie and Bill he asked, "Who's the unlucky lady?"

Sookie couldn't stop the tears that were springing to her eyes. She cleared her throat and answered simply, "Her name is Olivia Williams."

"And?" Eric asked, curious about what connection Sookie had to this young woman.

"And what Eric! You're writing her death sentence here, what the hell do you care to know any more than that?" Sookie sneered defiantly through clenched teeth as quietly as her anger would allow. She knew he was fishing for what their connection was, why this was bothering her so. Well, he'd have to ask someone else because she wasn't going to give him the satisfaction.

"I suppose you're right, I don't care." Eric replied, a self-satisfied smirk now on his face as he leaned back, placing his hands behind his head, trying to make it appear like he didn't care about either the girl or Sookie.

Bill, knowing Olivia himself and how much Sookie cared for the girl, said, "Eric, if you truly don't care who your contestants are, what difference would it make if you choose someone else? Olivia is a good person. She's been a good friend to Sookie, and to me. But not only that, she's had a lot of pain in her life. Be a decent guy for once and pick someone else."

Eric leaned towards the two, a dark expression upon his face as he said, "Oh, I see how it is. This girl, because she's a close friend of yours, should be spared, but you were almost giddy that the other two walked through the door." Eric started to say before Sookie cut him off.

"I was not giddy at the thought of sending someone to their death Eric." Sookie growled at him under her breath, although she couldn't deny to herself that she was indeed relieved at the sight of the Rattrays entering Merlotte's.

"No, maybe giddy was a bit strong of a word, but you can't sit there and honestly tell me that you would be sorry to see those two gone." Eric replied, knowing he was right.

After a moment's pause, Sookie finally relented and said, "No, I wouldn't. They're horrible people who have done horrible things Eric, but Olivia…" Sookie turned her face towards the front of the restaurant, her expression softening as she looked upon her friend who had gone up to the bar to talk to Sam. "Eric you just can't pick her. Olivia just can't…"

Now it was Eric's turn to cut her off. "A life is a life, whether or not you deem it worthy to continue or not."

Sookie opened her mouth to say something, but nothing would come out. He was right. No matter who was chosen, there was a life in the balance. Who were they to decide? But, it didn't mean that she had to be fine with Eric choosing a friend of hers. "I will never forgive you for this Eric Northman." Sookie finally said, hate shining in her normally warm eyes.

"I'm counting on that." Eric replied, but not with as much enthusiasm as he had hoped. He needed something to drive a permanent wedge between him and the half fairy who had stolen his heart. Too many times he let hope back into his heart that she would come back to him and each time she ran back to Bill. He needed to shut this door. Doing this, picking this girl who obviously meant something to Sookie, it was the perfect way to cut her from his life. He knew she would never forgive him for this and he needed to make sure that would happen.

"Well, it seems that you have your names now Bill. If you two don't mind, I have to coordinate rounding up my contestants and getting them to Fangtasia to hold there until the games begin." Eric said as he started texting Pam to get over the Merlotte's to help him bring these three fools back to the bar. His car wasn't big enough.

Sookie slipped out of the booth, not looking at Eric or saying another word to him. In her eyes, he was dead to her. Bill sighed and nodded to Eric in acceptance of Eric's choice and followed his wife out the door. He knew there would be no changing Eric's mind, especially not in this case.

…

Eric met up with Pam in the parking lot shortly after. Thankfully the rain let up soon after that girl Olivia entered the restaurant.

"Pam, I want you to take the two hood rats I described to you in my text with you in your car, but be careful, I smell vampire blood on them; a lot of vampire blood. In fact I think they may be the drainers we were looking for. Be careful; they may have silver on them." Eric said to his child.

"Oh, lucky me. And let me guess, the other contestant is some overweight, buck-toothed, lazy-eyed hillbilly female." Pam said as she rolled her eyes.

"Pam, does it matter who the other person is? They'll all be dead in a matter of days. Just do your job and get those two, okay." Eric said with authority and menace in his voice. He hated that he had to be like that with Pam, but she really was lazy and only seemed to step up the plate when she felt threatened.

"Of course Eric." Pam replied, bowing her head in submission.

Eric then added before walking over to his car to wait for Olivia, "They should be done drinking soon enough and easy prey. But, like I said, keep a lookout for any silver." He may get annoyed at his child, but he loved her, and certainly didn't want her to be harmed.

Pam nodded her head before going back to her car to wait for the Rattrays.

…

Eric watched from his rear view mirror as Pam easily glamoured the Rattrays into coming with her to her car, which was parked way out of view from anyone in Merlotte's. No one would be the wiser that they left with Pam. He suspected though that no one would care who they left with anyway, or if they ever came back.

Now that that was done, all he had to do was wait for the girl… Olivia. 'I have to stop thinking about her name.' He thought to himself. Thinking of her name made her a person, made her somebody. No, she would just be a girl from now on. In truth, he was glad now that Sookie didn't tell him the girl's sob story. The less he knew about that girl the better. That way when she died, it really would be no big deal, at least not to him. He did think to himself though, 'Such a shame to waste such a beautiful creature before tasting her.' However, the rules stated that no contestants would be touched or bitten by a vampire within 48 hours of the event.

This whole situation seemed a bit surreal to Eric. To be honest, and contrary to popular belief, Eric rarely killed anymore, at least in terms of being a vampire. The time in his existence where he would kill during feedings ended well within his first hundred years or so of being a vampire. After that, sure there was the occasional blood lust that would take over, but that too ended over five hundred years ago. Now, he only killed when absolutely necessary, like in order to save himself, to save others he considered worthy, or in fulfilling his command as Sheriff of Area 5. He certainly never killed just for sport, as he was being asked to participate in now. Here he was being tasked with picking three unfortunate souls for these games. He couldn't help but find it a little bit ironic that the Authority, the same body that was putting a leash on vampire behavior, was sanctioning these games with the Queen and actually requesting that the sheriffs in Louisiana pick the contestants to lead to their doom. But, then again, living over a thousand years, he'd seen a lot of strange things.

…

It was well after one in the morning when the girl finally walked out of Merlotte's, waving her goodbyes to her co-workers, cheerfully, with the same genuine smile that she gave Sookie earlier in the night. She let out a sweet sounding laugh and gave Lafayette a gentle slap on his arm after he no doubt said something completely inappropriate, yet funny to her. Eric was familiar enough with the drug selling fry cook to be sure that was the gist of the exchange. It was clear from these interactions she was well liked and would be missed. He would have rather have not seen that.

After the others were finally far enough away to not see him, Eric got out of his car, careful to stay in the shadows so she wouldn't notice him as he followed her, trying to find the most opportune time apprehend her.

As it turns out, it appeared that the girl was renting one of the little shacks near the restaurant that Sam Merlotte called a rental properties, although Eric had to admit, the one the girl was walking up to appeared to be in better condition than the others, looking freshly painted and well-maintained. She was about to put her key in the lock when he finally got close enough to speak to her.

"Nice place you have here." Eric said, cringing at how hokey he sounded, but really, did it matter what he said to her? No, he just needed her to turn around so he could glamour her before she entered her home.

"Oh, my goodness, I didn't know anyone was behind me." I responded as I felt my heart try to jump out of my chest upon seeing the large handsome man in front of me. Based on his looks and the description my friend Sookie had given me about one of her past boyfriends, I could only assume that the man was Eric Northman. How many blonde Adonis's could there be in the area? 'Shit!' I thought to myself. 'He's a vampire! Don't look into his eyes.' And so, I quickly turned my gaze down to the ground, hoping that he'd leave as quickly as he showed up.

"Don't you want to go for a ride with me?" Eric said as he walked slyly towards her, like a predator closing in on his prey.

"No, I think I'm okay right here. Thanks for the offer though." I replied as I quickly turned around, fear overtaking my senses, and tried nervously to put my key in the lock. Unfortunately, he grabbed my hand and forced me to turn around.

As soon as he turned me around, he grabbed my face by my chin, forcing me to look into his eyes as he said, "You want to take a ride with me, don't you?"

I tried to fight the invasion into my mind, but a soft haze overtook my senses, making me bend to his will, wanting to do whatever he said. "Yeah, a ride sounds nice." I finally said, submitting to his request.

…

A/N: And so now we finally meet poor Olivia. She has no idea what's about to happen or how her life will change.