We don't own Charlaine Harris' Sookie and Eric, and we don't own Jeaniene Frost's Cat and Bones...but we've had a great time playing with them!

A/N: A huge thank you from the three of us to FarDareisMai2 (yes...she writes the most excellent House of Flesh on Fire ;-p) and Wildcat76 for their extra eyes. Any mistakes left in the story are solely the fault of the authors, not our Fu(kawesome Beta's!

We've added a few links in the author profile that go with the story! Enjoy the Party!!

Cat POV

Bones and I had gone shopping earlier in the day, and he had found a tuxedo that seemed to make him even more devastatingly handsome than usual. I didn't know how that was possible, but I was certain that many female, and maybe even a few male, eyes would be on him tonight.

I didn't fare so well, however, and was going to go with a dress I had brought, just in case. It was nothing fancy, but workable; a long, plain black, spaghetti strap, scoop neck dress, I had worn just once to a wedding two years ago. It would have to do.

I was standing in a matching black strapless bra and underwear set, as Bones came out of the bathroom, just as I was taking my dress off the hanger. He was perfect. I just stared for a moment, wondering how a man so beautiful could be mine.

"Kitten, that's quite the ravishing outfit, but do you suppose the king will have any qualms about you wearing it tonight?"

I smiled. "Funny." I started to unzip the dress.

"Put that drab garment down."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me. No wife of mine is going to a high class soirée wearing that old thing."

Well that knocked me down a peg. "Gee, Bones, what do you expect me to wear then?"

He bent down, and reached under the bed, rising back up with a big, black box.

"This, luv," he said, as he pushed it across the bed toward me.

"What's this?"

"See for yourself."

I gave him a questioning glance, and reached for the box.

Saks was one of the stores we had browsed through in Canal Place near the French Quarter earlier in the evening, but I hadn't seen anything I liked enough to buy, not to mention pay an obscene amount of money for. When I opened the box, I couldn't believe what I was looking at.

"Bones, how did you get this? I don't remember seeing anything like this there."

"I might have had it special ordered for you when I knew we were coming here."

I was speechless. What could I say? I needed to try it on. I remembered the first time Bones had picked out something for me to wear. Of course, that was all part of the process of turning me from novice, frumpy, "Cat the Vampire Slayer" into, "Kitten, the Slutty Vampire Slayer".

Now, years later, Bones had grown accustomed not only to what I liked to wear, but what looked good on me. He reaffirmed that fact when I pulled the dress from the box, and got an even better look at it.

"Well, I wasn't happy with your other secrets regarding this trip but," I said, pausing, then holding the dress up to myself, while looking in the floor-length mirror, "this…is amazing, Bones."

It was an Alexander McQueen, and it was gorgeous—and no doubt, expensive. It was a red and black, silk-satin, floor-length gown, embellished with a feather print. It had a full back with small cap sleeves, and I didn't have to inquire why Bones had chosen a more modest dress for me, he no doubt had my knives in mind. The neck came down in a V, with a draped cowl neck overlay, a stitched V panel at the front waist, a concealed zip-fastening up the back, and came complete with a small train.

"To your liking then, is it?" He was standing immediately behind me.

"I like very much." I turned around, wrapped my arms around his neck, and gave him a soft, tender kiss—which quickly turned into a deep, hard one, as the dress became lodged between us.

"Hey now…watch the dress...and...we…need to get…ready." I said between breaths, while attempting to wiggle out of his grasp.

"Oh, we have time. And you're in your bloody knickers!" He reached for my waist, dislodged the dress, threw it over the edge of the bed post, and then pulled me close, his index finger sliding under my panties and tugging. Oh boy, he was wide awake. "You can't honestly expect me to disregard your current attire, can you?"

No. I really couldn't.

___________________

One quickie later, I was slipping my new dress on, and Bones was patting out the new wrinkles in his tux with his hand. A quick finger comb through my hair--which I had opted to leave down--and I would be ready to go. Hopefully my new flush would be mistaken for blush, not a recent romp. Then again, did I really care?

Now, I just needed shoes…

"Shit."

"What's the matter?" Bones asked, as he adjusted his bow tie in the mirror.

"These." I held up the shoes I had brought to wear with my plain Jane dress; they were silver. Not that they would have necessarily gone all that well with the other dress either—hey, I never claimed to be a fashionista—but, they were absolutely wrong for the dress Bones gave me.

"Oh bugger, you're absolutely right! Those dreadful things will not do. Not one bit."

"So what am I supposed to do?"

He looked at me and shrugged. "Well, better luck next time, luv. See you after the party, I suppose," he said, and then left the room, leaving me to gape in shock.

"Bones?" Nothing.

"Bones!" I yelled, again, much louder, and much more irritated. Still nothing. "You have got to be kidding—"

I stopped speaking when I saw him suddenly appear in the doorway again, a pair of the most amazing black, lizard-print, strappy heels that I had ever seen, dangled from his fingers like a kitten's play thing.

"You didn't think I'd forget the Jimmy Choos, luv?" He smiled. "Five inches too much?"

I gave him a coy smile. "You know I can take much more than that."

"Kitten," he looked at his watch, "now we definitely don't have time for that."

No. We didn't. Unfortunately.

_______________________

Bones and I walked the three or four blocks from Bones' house to Fangtasia. It was early evening, but the tourists and revelers were already crawling the streets of the Quarter, drinks and gift shop bags in hand. Musicians stood on street corners, artists were set-up on the sidewalks painting caricatures for tourists, and shops and bars had their doors opened as more music wafted out onto the streets. We passed a few palm and Tarot card readers who offered to see our futures. Bones looked at me and rolled his eyes. Yeah, been there, done that.

As we approached Fangtasia, I was struck by how imposing the old building was. It was situated on a corner so it fronted two French Quarter streets. Its exterior was grey stone and it was three stories tall with arched doors and windows. Bones explained that it was purported to be the most haunted building in the country. But what were a few dozen extra ghosts in a city literally bursting at the seams with dead spirits?

The vampire bar was on the ground floor. The upper second and third floors were offices for Eric's kingdom and businesses. As we entered the building, we were greeted by Alcide Herveaux, a werewolf, who was head of the king's security in New Orleans. He showed us the security detail, building layout, and explained how every guest would be checked with a hand-held metal detector in the vestibule before they entered the club.

As we were talking to Alcide, I caught a glimpse of a familiar face inside the club —one I had invited.

Bones did as well.

"Bloody hell, Kitten! What's he doing here?"

I started to laugh, but was shocked by the sight of another person well-known to me.

"And with my Mother?!"

Eric POV

I once overheard Sookie refer to my Dracula Night party as a case of hero worship gone crazy. She was probably right about that. Even with the death threats hanging over our heads tonight, I was still most excited about hosting my first Dracula Night party as King of Louisiana.

I had long given up my dream of having the Prince of Darkness attend my party, so the night had become an excuse to have a spectacular formal affair. My Dracula Night parties in Shreveport were legendary, in part thanks to Sookie, since she had staked a Dracula poseur at one of them. That little incident cemented the party's reputation as the vampire event of the year.

Expectations were even higher now with a larger venue, Fangtasia New Orleans, and a new position of authority to uphold. That would have made me anxious enough, without this death threat business added into mix.

In any case, canceling was not an option at this late date, and there was not enough time to do much more than put extra body guards and security into place. After discussing the situation with Alcide Herveaux, we agreed that Sookie should not be left alone the night of the party, and I asked her to stay by me or Pam all evening as an added precaution. Sookie was not happy about the restriction, but I thought maybe I could make it up to her with a little gift. While Sookie was a little more accepting of my gifts now, I didn't want her to think I was buying her cooperation. But in truth, the gift wasn't a payoff or an obligation, it was just something I wanted to give her to see her face light up. I found that when I coordinated my gift giving with a significant event like tonight, she was more likely to accept it without issue. I shopped for Sookie's gift right before the threats were made known, and after I had made Pam tell me the color of the dress.

Because it would be a late night for us, Sookie and I slept until sundown. Most days, Sookie would get up a few hours before me, but tonight, Sookie stayed in bed until I rose, giving us the opportunity to make love before we had to shower and start getting ready. Last night's blood exchange had us both feeling rather frisky and we weren't complaining about it.

We tested Sookie's new abilities once we discovered them last night. It turned out that her range was similar to her human telepathy, and it also helped if there was physical contact. Not that Sookie would be touching anyone but me tonight. I called Bones and gave him a status report on the power exchange, and recommended that we continue with the receiving line plan and just leave it at that since it was too late to put together a different tactic. Using Sookie's telepathy had been a long shot anyway.

After we finished our shower, Sookie pushed me out into the bedroom to get dressed while she completed her hair and makeup in the bathroom, preferring to do her own instead of bringing in a stylist to help her. Even though I tried to get her to take advantage of the fact we could hire a stylist, I secretly liked that she tried to keep our personal life simple.

I pulled my classic, custom made Armani tuxedo out of the garment bag. There was a red satin tie to go with the tux. I dressed and when I had everything on but my tie and jacket, and there still was no sign of Sookie, I knew I had to move things along.

I moved closer to the bathroom door and started talking to the closed door.

"Lover, how much longer will you be? It is getting late and we should be getting to Fangtasia soon. Can you come out and help me with my tie?" Of course, I could tie it myself, but it was much more to my liking to have Sookie's delicate hands do it.

"I'll be right out Eric, I'm just putting my dress on now."

A few minutes later as I was brushing my hair, I heard the bathroom doorknob, and I turned around. My mouth gaped open. I could tell right away that it was a designer dress. Sookie looked like a queen. Really. She smiled a big smile, obviously happy about my reaction. Pam and Sookie had gone shopping one evening and I was forbidden to even peek at the dress, although I did get Pam to divulge what color jewelry might match it. Sookie wore a crimson colored evening gown that accentuated her breasts and beautiful neck. Her blonde hair was curled and hung down around her neck with tighter ringlets framing her face. I was speechless.

As she approached me, she asked coyly, "Eric, you like?" She spun around and I noticed she had on sparkly red "fuck-me" sandals, complete with a four or five inch heel. Images of her wearing nothing but those sandals popped right into my head. I didn't know how she would make it through the night with them on, but they looked terrific on her. As she came closer, I pulled her to me and she laughed, placing one hand in mine and another on my shoulder, as if we were dancing. I held her close and inhaled. There was no fear. She trusted me. She was simply beautiful.

I held her close, and suddenly, I had a flash back to our first Dracula Night party together. Her dress had been pink and we had danced a slow dance together, even though we were not a couple at the time. In those days, I wasn't sure what I felt in regard to Sookie, except that she both infuriated and excited me. My body moved naturally with hers as I spun her around our bedroom and I whispered, "Lover, do you remember our first Dracula Night party?"

"How could I forget —didn't I stake a vampire that night?" She giggled a little when she said it.

"Yes, but actually, I was thinking something else. Do you remember what I said to you as we finished dancing?"

She looked up at me, and wearing a genuine smile, she laughed and said, her voice low and sexy, "Yes, I do. And tonight there is nothing else but you and me. Even though we will have hundreds of guests, in my heart, there will only be you and me."

I don't know if she had really remembered or if she just picked it out of my mind, but it didn't matter. She reached up and kissed me softly on the lips and I kissed her back, being careful not to smear her make-up. Knowing what tonight might bring, I held her for a moment before letting her go and noticed that my bite marks from our love making last night were still visible on her neck.

I fingered them gently and asked, "Lover, do you want me to heal these? "

"No Eric, let's just leave them." I nodded and smiled. She was choosing to keep my mark. I wondered if she knew such a small gesture meant everything to me.

Checking my watch, we were right on schedule. Sookie took a quick look at me and automatically picked up my tie and began to tie it. I waited patiently, taking in her delicious scent, enjoying the feel of her fingers at my throat. Once she finished with my tie, my tuxedo jacket went on and she smoothed the jacket over my shoulders.

"Looks like you are ready, your Majesty," she said, before she gathered up the few items that would fit in her purse.

I reached inside my tuxedo jacket and removed a long, slender box.

"I might be ready, lover, but you are still a bit under-dressed. Perhaps this might help. And since I want you by my side all night, I'll get to enjoy seeing you wear it."

I handed the box to her, and watched as she opened it. She gasped as she opened the box and that breath told me what I needed to know.

"Oh, Eric," she whispered as she looked between me and the ruby and diamond pendant necklace on a elegant white gold chain. I expected her to tell me it was too expensive or too much or too something.

"It's beautiful, perfect actually. Help me put it on."

I hung the chain around her delicate throat and when she turned around to show me, the ruby hung at just the right spot, accentuating her cleavage. Perfect, is right. She gave me a tender thank you kiss after looking at herself in the mirror.

But I wasn't quite done with the jewelry just yet. When shopping for jewelry, it was nearly impossible to purchase just one piece, since I always find more than one that I like. Not having seen Sookie's dress, I wasn't sure I had selected the right necklace and then another piece caught my eye. It was a white gold diamond encrusted bracelet adorned with a fleur de lis. When I couldn't decide between the pendant and the bracelet, I bought both. I pulled a second box from my jacket.

"Lover, one more thing... I couldn't decide between the necklace you are wearing and a bracelet that caught my eye, so I thought I'd get both ..."

"Eric, now you are just trying to pick a fight, aren't you?" Her eyes sparkled when she said it, teasing me.

She opened the jewelers box and looked inside. The diamonds in the piece glittered against the white gold and red background.

"It's really lovely, Eric. The fleur de lis is considered a symbol for royalty, right? Do you think I could wear both tonight? "

"Absolutely. That would please me very much."

I helped her fasten the bracelet to her wrist. The diamond and ruby jewelry completed her outfit for the evening and she looked like a queen. My queen. It was getting late, so as we made our last minute checks, I went over the plan for the evening again.

"Sookie, if you hear anything suspicious, send the information to Bones and he and Cat will take it from there. Just stay by my side as much as possible tonight. If you need to leave for any reason, take Pam with you. Do not go anywhere alone. Please do as I say tonight, and do not tempt the fates, okay lover?"

Sookie sighed and replied, "Well, okay. I'm not saying I like it, but I'll do it. Now we better get going or we will be really late for our own party."

And minutes later, we were in the limo heading toward Fangtasia.

The limo ride from our royal residence to Fangtasia was quiet and uneventful. When we pulled up in front of the club, I scanned the area, looking for the extra guards I had ordered, thinking that they had better be in place or heads would roll, literally. If the hit men did come, I was ready for a fight. When everything checked out, I took Sookie's hand in mine. I was determined that we would have a fabulous night in spite everything. But I could feel Sookie's nervousness growing without having to probe the bond as we approached the club. When the limo finally stopped, I asked the driver to give us a moment. The driver stepped out of the limo and stood at the rear of the vehicle.

"Sookie, look at me."

She turned to me and gave me a weak smile.

"Lover, we are going to mingle with our guests, dance, and have a good time." I paused. "Do you remember what you said to me at home? It is just you and me tonight. Just keep remembering that and all will be well. It is a party, so let us have some fun."

Sookie considered that for a moment, took a deep breath and gave me a real smile.

"Okay, I'm ready, Your Majesty."

Sometimes she could make that sound so sweet. I leaned down and kissed her, keeping my lips on hers until she had to draw a breath.

A valet opened my door and I stepped out and turned to give my hand to Sookie. With her dress and heels, it took a while for her to shimmy along the seat of the limo and get out of the vehicle. Her new jewels sparkled and I would be the envy of many vampires tonight, just the way I liked it. She took my arm and we approached the entrance of Fangtasia. As we neared the door, Pam came out to the entry vestibule to greet us. As was her custom for this party, she was dressed in a woman's tuxedo, completely in black. The contrast with her pale skin and blonde hair was striking.

"Your Majesty," she bowed her head and then continued,"everything is in place as requested. The receiving area is ready and you may start receiving your guests. There are many vampires in attendance and it will be more difficult to secure the area should we wait."

Pam was my second-in-command and tonight she was in full protection mode.

Because Pam and I had fought together many times, I knew she would not say much more here in the open, and that she was keenly aware of her duties this evening. Pam was in charge of keeping an eye on Sookie tonight.

A small secure receiving area had been set up inside the club. Guards were positioned all around the area and a queue had been setup to direct the guests as they lined up.

"Pam, have our special guests arrived?" Pam knew that Cat and Bones would be participating in our security tonight, and she also knew it would not be prudent to identify them in any way.

"Yes, Eric."

Good. Now for Sookie. She still had her hand on my arm, listening to Pam and I discuss the preparations.

"Lover, are you ready to receive our guests?"

Sookie and I had discussed that she might be a bit overwhelmed with her upgraded telepathy in a room full of vampires. I suggested to Sookie that she put up her shields for our walk across the club, and while no vampire here would dare touch my wife, Sookie was about to find out just how much power she received in that exchange last night. She had little time to experiment with reading vampires, so she would have to rely on her experiences with human minds. After all of her years dealing with human telepathy, I was confident she could handle it.

Sookie placed her hand on my arm and said, "I'm ready Eric." I smiled at her and once again ran my eyes over her body appreciating how beautiful she looked in that dress and her jewels. She might have called it a leer. She smiled back at me, a real smile, and seconds later plastered on her "other" smile. We turned and left the vestibule and slowly started moving through the parting crowd to the receiving area.

As Sookie and I made our way through the crowd, I scanned the entire room, looking for the additional bodyguards I ordered, and searching for Cat and Bones and their position in the room. Even though I was planning on enjoying this party, I would be alert.

Sookie POV

Fangtasia New Orleans was much classier than Fangtasia Shreveport. Eric liked the kitschiness of Shreveport and he would have been happy to continue that décor here, but we weren't in a strip shopping mall in Northern Louisiana anymore, for Christ's sake. And Eric was now Vampire King of Louisiana, not just Sheriff.

Eric came into a lot of money and property when he ascended the throne, and he had inherited this building, the LaLaurie Mansion, which had been built almost two hundred years ago. New Orleans didn't need another tacky bar in the Quarter, especially one representing the vampire king. So I put my foot down. Gone was the red and black décor of Shreveport. Here, the walls were covered in soothing purples and golds. I had found vintage prints, collector items, and rare books, all on vampire lore to adorn the walls and nooks. Amelia and Octavia had moved back to New Orleans right before Eric and I did, and they helped me decorate the building, including our offices on the second and third floors.

But even more satisfying to me was a transformation that wasn't immediately apparent to the naked eye. Although it had always been a beautiful building, the LaLaurie Mansion had a gruesome history. Slaves had been tortured and murdered here, and it led to many tormented spirits haunting the floors. Very few humans wanted to step foot in the building. The first time I entered after Eric came into possession of it, I was overcome with the heaviness of so much grief and anguish from the ghosts trapped there. I convinced Eric that something needed to be done. So, Octavia and Amelia did various rituals in and around the grounds which enabled the poor souls to travel to their next after-lives. Now, whenever I entered the building, I felt a lightness and ease that I found even more pleasurable than the sight of the beautiful renovations we had done.

When Eric and I arrived at Fangtasia and got out of the limo, I turned and looked at him under the street light. God, he was beautiful. The ends of his blond hair just grazed his shoulders, and the custom-made tux was delicious on his Viking physique. He looked admiringly at me as well, in my flowing crimson gown and his thoughts were... well, his thoughts made me want to turn around, and drag him back into the limo for a quickie.

As we stood gazing at each other, I reflected on all Eric and I had been through in the last few years. The Fairy and Vampire Wars had made me realize how much Eric meant to me, and I to him. Eric had always been there for me, even if I had not been aware of it at the time. This, and the thought of losing him, was what made me finally acknowledge my feelings for him. I accepted our vampire marriage, and when Eric became king, I agreed to move to New Orleans to be by his side. It was quite a change, going from Bon Temps cocktail waitress to Consort of the Vampire King of Louisiana, Nevada, and Arkansas.

"Some night," Eric had whispered, "there's going to be nothing else but you and me." That was years ago at my first Dracula Night Party. Eric and I weren't a couple then, but he said that to me after we had danced together. What struck me at the time wasn't so much the "you and me" but the "some night." Those two words took hold in my heart, and I wrestled with them for years. Eric's nights were his days, so "some night" meant "some day." Some day, we would be together. It was Eric's promise of a future for us. A future that for a while, I stubbornly fought. But, now that we were in the midst of it, the "nothing else but you and me" just fell into place. We had servants, staff, and security almost constantly afoot, but because we were together, there really was only Eric and me.

The crowd outside Fangtasia was calling us forward, and it snapped me out of my reverie. I plastered on my smile, put up my shields, and took Eric's arm. As we walked together and smiled for the photographers and well-wishers, I felt like a princess. Then I remembered the potential for disaster tonight and wondered if I wasn't more like Cinderella, and if everything would come crashing down at midnight. We were at Eric's annual Dracula Night Party, the first one at Fangtasia New Orleans, and there were people here trying to kill us.

We entered the club and Pam approached, dressed in a black tux. Her eyes scanned me in my dress with my ample cleavage on full display, and I caught a glimpse of her thoughts. Wow, I was taken aback. Pam and I were friends, but the image she had of me at that moment was decidedly not so buddy-buddy. I looked at Eric, and he smiled. He had no idea! How was I going to get through this evening if I was stunned by even Pam's lascivious thoughts? I braced myself, as Eric had a few words with Pam. When he was finished, I took Eric's arm again, and we made our way to the back of the club by our seats. This was the beginning of the receiving line, and it was already long. Oh, boy.

I stood by Eric and we began greeting our guests. Vampire after vampire walked by, taking my hand out of respect for my human etiquette, and bowing to Eric as a vampire sovereign. Each time I shook a hand, I received a frosty flash of what was on the owner's mind. This could have overwhelmed me, but I was prepared, and I was also using the sight of my beautiful new diamond bracelet from Eric as a distraction from each cold snap to my brain.

The receiving line continued for a good while. My feet were getting sore from standing in my five inch high heels, and I was getting frustrated. The vampires' thoughts were revealing nothing more hazardous than wanting to taste and fuck me.

A vampire grabbed my hand, and before I had a chance to see the owner, I heard a distinct, Kitty, kitty … yum!

My eyes shot up to a familiar face. In a powder blue tuxedo, no less.

"Hello, Miss Sookie. Don't you look so pretty. Hi, Mr. Eric."

"Hi, Bubba. So good to see you," I said.

I don't think he understood protocol, feline or vampire, whatsoever. But I was still really glad to see him.

"Isn't this place so nice? But I liked the other Fangtasia better."

"Thanks, Bubba," I laughed.

Well, of course you did, Bubba, dear. Cause it was tacky!

From one side of the room, I heard a cockney guffaw. I snorted audibly in response.

"Thanks for coming tonight, Bubba." Eric was being polite, but trying to move him along. Bubba was tying up the line, and it was still long.

"Ok, Mr. Eric, Miss Sookie," Bubba took my hand and kissed it,and went on his way to fetch his next meal, I'm sure. Eric looked at me and smiled. Yeah, some things never change.

As the line continued, Octavia and Amelia approached. It was nice to see more friendly faces. Amelia looked pretty in a lavendar gown, and Octavia was divine in emerald green

"Thank, y'all, for coming," I gave them kisses on both cheeks, as did Eric.

"The club turned out so nicely with the renovations, Sookie. I'm so pleased," Amelia smiled.

"I owe it all to you two. I don't know what I would have done without y'all," I said.

"We enjoyed working on the decorating with you, Sookie. And best of luck tonight, my dear," Octavia said with a knowing look. What had she heard? Before I could ask, or take a peek into her thoughts, Eric was thanking them for coming, and they were moving on.

I turned to look down the line again, and out stepped a beautful ghoul with a mocha complexion and almond shaped eyes.

"Sookie, this is Marie Laveau, also known as Majestic. But she's really 'The Queen of New Orleans,'" Eric explained.

"I'm more commonly known as the 'Voodoo Queen' for those who don't know me as a ghoul," Marie spoke with a lilting Creole accent.

"So nice to meet you, Marie. You are quite legendary here," I said shaking her hand.

"You're getting quite a reputation yourself Sookie, you and Eric," she smiled, and with a bow of her head, she sauntered off.

Well, that was interesting. This party was certainly drawing in notables from New Orleans' supernatural community. Eric saw the surprised expression on my face, and he smiled and kissed my hand. I grinned back at him, then braced myself as we turned to once again face the receiving line which thankfully, was starting to dwindle.

After a little while longer, the line came to an end. Although frustrated I hadn't uncovered anything, I was relieved. Having had glimpses into vampire minds, I can honestly say that humans' thoughts were more generally debased. Vampires were pretty basic in their needs: feeding and fucking. Humans required much more to survive. I guess it's the whole mortality thing.

Eric held my hand, and led me over to our thrones. When Eric first became King of Louisiana, I thought the thrones were ridiculous, way too opulent for my tastes. The chairs in Fangtasia Shreveport were less obtrusive, but they served the same purpose: to enthrall vermin and subjects alike.

We sat down and someone brought me a glass of wine. Finally! I drank it down pretty quickly, as Eric whispered to me that we were expected to dance next. During our reception line, the band had been playing mostly soft Dixieland Jazz music like "Basin Street Blues," but then it picked up the pace with "Mardi Gras in New Orleans," and people poured onto the dance floor.

Eric looked at me, Nothing? I just shook my head. Nope, not one assassin-minded thought in the bunch. Unless you count biting and fucking your wife, but I certainly wasn't going to share that with Eric now.

I scanned the room for Bones and Cat. I saw a flash of green in the back of the room and I heard Bones' reply to my questioning gaze.

Checking out some blokes who just got here, Sookie. And don't be so knackered, luv. The night is still young.

Yeah, that's what worries me, Bones. I nodded to him with a concerned look.

I caught an angry glare from the red-headed vampire next to him, and I heard the crack too.

Better watch it, Blondie. That's MY husband you're talking to.

Under different circumstances, I might actually like Cat. I understood her possessive nature. I could get pretty jealous over my own husband, on occasion.

Speaking of whom, the man himself was now standing in front of me, bent over with his hand out to me and leering at my cleavage. When I heard his thoughts, they made me blush.

"Would you like to dance, My Lover?"

I smiled at him. He was being charming and showing off. Well, he was king after all. I stood, placing my smaller hand into his, as he guided me out to the dance floor.

The crowd parted, and we made our way to the center of the floor. The band started playing "Since I Met You Baby." Eric twirled me around on the dance floor, swooping me up, and back down again in his arms. He was a wonderful dancer, and I loved cutting the rug with him. When we finished, the crowd clapped and cheered.

Eric and I bowed, and we began to make our way back to our seats when Sam appeared.

"Sookie, may I have the next dance?" Sam asked. He looked so handsome in his tux, and scruffy hair. I was thrilled to see him. I looked over at Eric, who was thinking of awful doggie tricks he wanted to play on Sam.

"Yes, thank you, Sam. Eric won't mind. Will you, sweetie? Sam has come all this way from Bon Temps to see us." I was pleading with my eyes, hoping Eric would relax, and go mingle or something.

For a second, I thought my husband, The King, was going to make a scene on the dance floor over a shifter. I could hear him reasoning things out in his mind. He looked into my eyes, and realized I was listening.

"No, of course not, my love. I'll see you after this song." He kissed me on the cheek, and walked off.

The music started up again. "Jambalaya, crawfish pie, filé gumbo..." I looked over the crowd, and saw Pam walking out the front door, but I was distracted by the fast pace of the music, and trying to keep up with Sam.

"Sam, it's so good to see you. How is everyone in Bon Temps?"

"Still the same, Sookie. Arlene's married again. And Jason's in and out of Merlotte's as usual. But I'm sure he fills you in on the local gossip."

Jason. I hadn't talked to my brother in some time. He had been unhappy when I decided to leave Bon Temps and marry Eric. Even after Eric became king, Jason was still mad. I had invited him to tonight's party, and he didn't RSVP. No word. Nothing. Just as I was sadly trying to remember the last time I had talked to my brother, Eric's assistant, Bobby Burnham, walked up.

"Excuse me, Your Highness, but there is situation with your brother, Jason. Please go to His Majesty's office phone. Upstairs."

"What? Jason's hurt?" Bobby bowed and walked away. He didn't give me a clue one way or another. I never liked that guy and he never liked me. Sam gave me a sad look and I thanked him for the dance. As I was walking away, I heard him call after me but I was in too much of a hurry. I bypassed the elevators and ran up the two flights of stairs to the third floor. I was in five inch high heels and a flowing gown, but I maneuvered myself pretty well and flung open the stairwell door on the top floor of the building.

As I ran down the hall to Eric's office, all kinds of Jason scenarios were running through my head. What had he gotten himself into now? Jason pissed off some were-panthers and was attacked. Jason fooled around with a woman whose husband discovered them in bed. Jason and Hoyt drank too much and got in a car wreck. The possibilities of Jason and trouble were endless and not unprecedented.

I quickly approached Eric's office door, and opened it. As I headed straight for the phone on Eric's desk, I became aware of a gnarling buzz in the room. I hadn't turned on the lights, I was just using the hall lights as illumination in the room. The words, I'm an idiot! had barely crossed my mind when the door was pushed closed. I spun around in the darkness desperately trying to read whoever was in the room. It dawned on me, as I heard, "Hey, Babe."

What the hell?!