Belle walked into the large mansion belonging to Russell. The two burly guards paid little attention to her as she made her way towards the drawing room. Her hair was neatly pulled back into a ponytail, she was still wearing the Fangtasia Shirt and blood stained pants. In her hand were the rolled up contracts.

Talbot and Russell sat behind an ornate table amusing themselves with a game of cards. Upon her entrance into the room Talbot jumped up excitedly to greet her until he saw the trail of dirty footsteps following her.

"Were you raised by wolves!" he exclaimed at the sight of dirt on his newly polished marble.

"No, she just shoots them" Russell was in no mood to deal with her, he stared into his hand of cards.

She smiled sweetly at Talbot "Sorry"

Unable to stay mad at her, they kissed hello. They walked towards the table as a maid appeared out of nowhere and began to clean up the floor. Russell's back was to her as she approached him. Talbot took his place behind the table, showing her to the empty chair. She shook her head, after a minute or so Russell turned around to look at her instantly noticing her Fangtasia T-Shirt.

"What the hell where you doing there?" he hissed.

"Taking initiative" seeing how annoyed he was she tried to lighten the mood

She handed him the signed contracts. Unrolling them he didn't seem impressed to see Eric's signature. He threw them on the table as if they were useless to him. He turned around again, picking up his cards.

"Was I not clear on what your mission was?" he tried to suppress his anger.

She exchanged looks with Talbot, both rolling their eyes at Russell's pissy mood. Tired of looking at his back she went towards the empty chair. She was about to pull it out when Russell grabbed her hand, his fangs out he stood in front of her.

"Answer me?"

"Very clear Russell, you know my mission was successful. I didn't think you needed the play by play"

"Did I ask you to meddle in my business?

He applied more pressure to her hand. She bit her lip to prevent any screaming.

"Russell" Talbot pleaded for her

Russell regained his composure. He retracted his fangs and smiled sweetly at Talbot releasing Belle's hand. She looked over at Talbot and thanked him with her eyes.

"Where are my manners" Russell regained his southern charm "Please sit, you must be exhausted"

He pulled out the chair for her, pulling it in slightly as she took a seat. Then he was back in his chair, sitting down he looked at her, a smile never leaving his face.

"Can I get you something?"

"I'm fine" she didn't trust his sudden change of attitude.

"At least some food, you couldn't possibly had time to eat with everything that must have kept you occupied"

"I'm not hungry"

Russell ignoring her refusal turned to Talbot "Talbot dear, would you please fix Annabelle something appetizing."

Talbot knew not to argue when Russell was in that sort of mood. He left the room slowly hoping Russell will cool down a bit. As soon as the room was empty Russell turned to her, challenging her with his stare.

"Explain"

"You said yourself that he was stalling and I was in the neighborhood"

He smiled and stood up walking slowly towards her. She didn't move. He stopped behind her, grabbing her throat with his hand he tilted her head up slightly, leaning over her. His fangs out, he whispered into her ear.

"You don't think I know what you are doing?"

"I have no idea what you mean" her voice was calm

He applied enough pressure to her neck to make her feel pain, but not to cut off her air.

"Do you really think Eric Northman would be a match for me?"

"I was just trying to help"

"First you let him feed on you, then you happen to show up in his place enticing him further. You think he'll fall in love with you and foolishly will take me on. There is not enough slayer blood in the world to make a vampire act that reckless"

She was about to say something but he applied more pressure to her throat rendering her speechless and gasping for air.

"I own you. There is nothing you can do or no one you can bring to challenge me. I'm the oldest vampire around. I'd finish Eric Northman in a second or anyone else you'll think to bring"

She doesn't try to stop Russell as he continues chocking her, her face turns blue from the lack of oxygen.

"Russell, what are you doing?" Talbot's shocked voice made Russell release some pressure giving Belle a chance to breathe

"Don't test me" he completely released her as she tried to catch her breath.

Talbot rushed to her.

Russell calmly walked back to his seat and picked up his card. "Shall we continue" he said cheerfully.

Belle still had some trouble breathing when Talbot left her to take his seat.

"I'll have to deal her in" Talbot was looking at her still concerned

"She'll watch" Russell's full attention and adoration was directed at Talbot.