Chapter 3

********************************************PL******************************

EPOV

I turn to Vivianne and nod my head.

She walks up to me. "Take care, Viking. I will have no memory of this time. But remember what I have told you. You need to make this happen. Don't fail us." She smiles at me.

She reaches out for me and I take her hand. Once we make a connection, I feel like I am being pulled through something thick and heavy, almost like syrup or honey. It is tight around me and I can feel the pressure on my chest. I close my eyes to this as I am not sure what the feeling is or what to do with it. I try to move my head but I can't. I try to listen but the sound seems muffled. I open my mouth to say something but there is no sound. How fast I am going or how long it takes, I am unsure. Everything means nothing and everything at this moment. What feels like memories, visions, thoughts and feelings are surrounding me. I see things that can't be real. I see images of Sookie, young and now. I see images of her Grandmother, young and healthy, smiling at me, though I've never met her. I see time spent with Godric and moving through the countless countries of my younger days, searching for something but never finding it. I see images of children and Sookie laughing in the sun. All images of hope and love.

Suddenly, I am standing and the feelings and images are gone. I can feel the wind in my hair and I am hearing everything around me. Leaves on trees are swaying, music is playing somewhere and cars are passing close to me.

"Remember what I said, Viking. Make this right." I hear in the breeze.

I open my eyes to see that I am standing outside the employee entrance of Fangtasia. Everything looks the same as I left it the night before. Its appearance seems to be undisturbed. Everything seems to be the same, or is it?

I open the door and walk in. Passing the locker room and storage closet, another smaller office, I make my way to my office. Meeting no one on my way, I enter my office. Making my way behind my desk, I look around. Vivi said I was going back to a crucial point; a crossroads in our relationship that I should have turned right instead of left. So, perhaps it has something to do with the club? Is this my starting point? Should I leave and go attend to Sookie. How do I even know that I am in another time? I close my eyes to feel for her and feel nothing. Though when I had her in my lap, I felt only a hum from our bond. This could mean anything but for now, I know not where she is. Looking around, I take in my familiar surroundings. So, really all I know is where I am the question is when am I?

Sitting down, I hit the keyboard on my computer. Putting in the password, it comes alive. My screen saver is of the hills of my once loved homeland.

I had changed this not soon after I met Sookie with a picture that was taken by one in my retinue the night she entered my club. She had no idea that I had it taken and had kept it on my computer from that point forward. So I know that I have been sent back to before that fateful night. I move the mouse to unlock the computer and look down in the corner. It is only 8:30 in the evening. The club should be starting to fill up in the next hour. But that is not what I am looking for. I point the mouse to the time to check the date: August 9, 2004, it reads. A year and a half ago. I look at the date again. I have been sent back a little over a year and a half? What happened on this date? I look at the room again. The stacks of new blood in the corner, the brown leather couch I had before Sookie was attacked by the Maenad is in place. I look down to see a note from Long Shadow regarding the needs of the depleting liquor supply. There are documents on my desk regarding the upcoming conference in Rhodes being postponed yet again and a message from Godric asking me to contact him. No picture of Sookie, no screensaver and Long Shadow is still alive. Godric has not met the sun and we haven't introduced the Royalty Blended yet. The date, the location suddenly make sense. I know this time. I know this date. I've been sent back, but no, it can't be.

I sit back in my chair. Was this the night that sent us on the path to our destruction? Is this the night that I ultimately lost my Sookie? Could the night I met her mean that much to our relationship? Could everything have hinged on this one night? Out of hundreds of other nights, after dozens upon dozens of encounters with my Sookie, could this have been our pivotal point? Well of course it is. This is the night we both wish we could do over. As if we knew in the depths of our beings that this was where we made our mistake. Not that we didn't make mistakes after this time. Of course we did. We made dozens of mistakes with each other. But they all started with this one.

I open a browser to look at a few things that will confirm that I am right. I know that Hurricane Katrina is in 2005. That will delay the conference in Rhodes, yet again and the discovery of the weather Witch. I smile to think that the discovery was the mastermind of my beloved. I look at the screen. What else hasn't happened yet?

I search first for Sookie herself. Not much is in a search for her. She is still my simple girl from Bon Temps. I then search for that animal that tried to kill her, Rene Lenier. No mention of him either.

I search for death records on the Stackhouse family. I find Sookie's parents and grandfather. But her grandmother is still alive. I smile at this. I intend to keep it that way, if at all possible.

I search the local papers. I see the reports of the two dead women in Bon Temps that sent Sookie to me in the first place. I see announcements regarding the AVL and the battle for equal rights for Vampires. I also read that the ratification of Vampire/Human marriages is almost upon us. I remember the first State to accept this is going to be Vermont. I assume it will be the same again.

I continue my search and find nothing on the Stackhouse family other than a few mentions of that good for nothing brother of hers High School accomplishments. Disregarding these, I look to see if there is any other information regarding Bon Temps, Jackson Mississippi, Sophie-Anne or New Orleans. No, nothing has happened since that day. I have been brought back to the exact time I meet my bonded for the first time. The only thing that has changed is me.

Just as I am finishing my last search the door to my office opens and in struts my child.

"Good evening, Pam." I say to her with a great deal of difficulty. I haven't forgotten that she left my Sookie in the hands of Compton when my commands were for her to keep her safe. I know in my heart that it probably would not have made a difference. However, if Pam had been at Sookie's side rather than Bill, he would not have grabbed her and I would have had more time to dispose of Madden. I know that, that time doesn't matter any longer. Logically, I shouldn't be angry. Logic has nothing to do with it.

She is in her typical black leather dress and five inch heels. I still enjoy seeing the aggravation on her face in wearing these types of clothes. The look on her face is one of puzzlement. I know she can feel my anger toward her but she doesn't understand it. Confusion is flowing over her.

"What is it, Pam?" I ask her.

She bows slightly. "Master, do you intend on enthralling the vermin or do you intend to sit back here again this evening?" She asks me.

Ah, yes, I remember. I had not been enjoying the club back when I first met Sookie. There were too many Fangbangers, the same thing every night, waiting on a feed or a fuck from me. Wanting to be the one I chose to be with. Not one of them caring that they are just being used. In a word, they were and are pathetic. They were all the same, one as filthy as the next. Nothing new, nothing exciting, the same type of girl over and over again. Well, my days of those unappealing vermin are over. I will have my Sookie and only my Sookie. I will just have to convince her of that.

"I will be out in a moment Pam." I tell her. "Anything I need to know."

"There is a rumor that Bill Compton has been seen in our area. Some backwoods town called Bon Temps." She says as if it means nothing.

I growl at her. "When did he arrive?" I ask her.

She is taken aback by my tone. "He arrived not a week ago but he hasn't made an attempt to check in." She says quickly. "Dianne was in last night and I heard her commenting to someone regarding his attention to a small bar on the outskirts of the town. He hasn't said a word to her why he's here, exactly. Only that he is taking over his ancestral home."

I look down. "I want him watched," is all I say. "Inform me of anything he does and I want it on my desk by tomorrow at sundown. If he interacts with any humans, I want to know."

"Eric, what do you care if.." She begins to say.

I look up quickly. "Do as I say, Pamela. I will not tolerate insubordination." I growl again.

She bows again and I can feel her unease. "As you wish, Master." She says softly.

"Good, anything else?" I ask.

She shrugs. "Nothing new yet, but the night is still young." She says to me. "Shall I obtain a meal for you, Master?" She asks trying to get back on my good side. For her, I have no good side tonight. "There are a few new faces in the crowd. One is very interested in meeting you and…"

I put my hand up. "No Pam that will not be necessary."

"Are you not well, Eric?" She asks me, moving a bit closer. I know she's sucking up. But I don't care tonight.

"I am fine, Pamela. I will be out in awhile." I say.

"Very well, but the vermin are anxious and are getting restless. They wish to see you." She says.

I nod my head and she walks out.

There will definitely be something new tonight. My Sookie will be here and everything will start anew. This time I will not close my heart to her or believe the lies she tells. I will open myself to her and hope that she has not been tainted against me. But if memory serves (which it usually does), she was attracted to me that first night. I could feel it. I could see it in her eyes. What stopped her? Ah yes, Compton, of course. He had a hold on her then. And I believed her when she announced that she was his. This time I will challenge it. I will listen to her with my heart and make her hear mine. I will have her. Make no mistake, she will be mine. Our entire destiny relies on this. I will not fail her or me this time.

I walk over to my office refrigerator and take out a "Royalty Blended." Heating it up, I drink from it. No self respecting Vampire would be caught dead drinking those Trueblood vile things if they could help it. And as soon as we introduce these, we will be proven correct. I am very pleased with myself in getting involved with the makers of this blend. If history repeats itself on this point only, I will be very pleased with the investment. But that Trueblood stuff is VILE. Either I take it from the source or drink these. But now, Sookie will be my only source. I will have no other but her. So until that day comes, I will be forced to satisfy my thirst with bottled blood.

I smile to myself. Oh I will be out on the floor tonight. I will be front and center when she notices me. I will call her to me and I will question her on her inquiries. And this time, I will not allow Miss Stackhouse to slip through my fingers.

I sit back down to enjoy my meal when the phone rings.

I pick it up. "Northman," I say.

"Well, hello, Eric the Northman," she says.

I sit a little straighter. "Your Grace, what have I done to be honored so?" I ask.

She laughs. "Childe, you tell me," she says. "Many things are flying around you this night." She says.

I don't remember this phone call. Could I've forgotten? Not likely.

"Your Grace," I say, "I don't understand."

She laughs again. "Oh, I think you do, My Viking. Many things are moving around you this night. Many questions and answers lie in the balance. You know what I speak of?" She asks.

"I…I believe so." I say hesitantly.

"Viking, Viking, don't believe, FEEL. Has nothing changed?" She says in a huff.

"No, I understand, Your Grace. Yes, I know some of what you speak. I feel you know more, though." I say to her.

She laughs. "Ahh, now you are thinking with the right part at least." She says.

"Please, Your Grace, tell me what you know." I implore her.

"You will know when you are meant to know, young one. You will be given what you need to succeed. I've seen it. You must be prepared." She says. "You will have what you need, oh yes. Our Lady is smiling on you Viking." She says.

"Is there nothing you can tell me?" She asks.

"Yes, she says," and pauses. "You can't kill the Vampire Compton at present."

Vision's of slicing Compton down this night have been dancing through my head since my arrival.

"Why the hell not?" I shout at her.

"Because he is needed," she says, "and do not use that tone with me, young one." She says in a harsh tone.

I close my eyes. "Forgive me, Your Grace."

"I sense that this night has been a long and painful one, so I will allow you that misstep. But do not allow it to happen again." She says.

"I'm truly sorry, Your Grace. You do not deserve my anger."

"Yes, but your anger to young Compton is justified, I feel. But for now, you must allow his fate to play out as yours does."

I nod to no one. "I will do as you say."

I hate it, but I will do it. Her Grace has never been one to ill advise. If he needs to keep his miserable life then, he will, for now.

She sighs. "Do not worry, Viking, your sword will find it's foes at some point. Compton will pay for what he has done in this life and in others. It is written in the stars." I say nothing for a moment and I can hear her laugh slightly, "I will tell you this, Viking," she pauses. "Life will be moving quickly from this point forward."

She hangs up without another word.

I lean back in my chair and take another sip of my blood. Woman could never give me a straight answer. Between her and Godric, there is a wonder I don't spend half my time figuring out their little puzzles.

Closing my eyes, I assess what I know and where I am. Long gone is the feeling of pain from the poison and blade in my side. I feel no feelings from my bonded, but others I always feel are still within me. Pam is still confused but I will leave her in that state for awhile. All else is how it always feels. For now, that will need to be enough until my Sookie enters our world once more.

*****0****

SPOV

"Gran, this is the only way I know to save Jason." I say to her as I am coming down the stairs.

"I understand that, Sookie. But I am not sure about you going to that bar alone." She says. "It is one thing going to Merlottes, but quite another going to a club where you know no one in Shreveport. Couldn't Tara or Lafayette go with you? What about Arlene? You could have a girl's night." She smiles at me. "Sweetheart, it's a vampire bar. It's not a place for someone alone."

I look at Gran. I try not to listen in on her, well ever. Usually she is shielding or guarding against me. Many times, I've heard her humming to herself or reciting something to keep me out. How she does that, I'll never know.

Even now, I can hear her reciting Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size

But when I start to tell them,

They think I'm telling lies.

I say,

It's in the reach of my arms

The span of my hips,

The stride of my step,

The curl of my lips.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

I laugh at her choice. She most certainly is.

"I'm not going alone. I have asked Bill to take me." I say to her. "If anything, maybe he will be able to get some of the Vampires to talk to me." I shrug.

She gets a look on her face. I know that look. It is the one that says I don't approve but you are an adult so I can't say anything. I have seen her give that look to Jason many times. I honestly never thought she would be giving it to me, but there you go. Smack dab in the middle of her face was that look. I tried to ignore it but Gran is really hard to ignore.

"What?" I ask.

"Well, I…" she looks out the door and then back at me. "Okay, I don't trust him." She says and returns to the kitchen.

Bill Compton followed me home from my shift at Merlotte's and said that he would return after he had gone home to change and I had time to get out of my uniform and into something a little more "presentable". His words, not mine. Perhaps a corset and petticoats would be acceptable for him.

It was my luck (or the lack thereof) that Bill came in tonight. I originally was going to ask Lafayette and Tara to go with me. I really didn't want to go alone but I didn't want to get them involved with this whole mess either. Even though, I know Tara would do anything for my brother.

Just as I decided to go alone, Bill came in. At first I didn't think it was a good idea to ask him. But I don't know any other Vampires, other than the ones I met at Bill's house the other night. And I know they wouldn't help me. But asking Bill has a lot of strings attached. I will need to discuss them on our way into Shreveport. I don't want him to misinterpret my intentions. But I'm not stupid. Going into a Vampire bar alone would be asking for trouble. But if I'm honest with myself, going with Bill doesn't sit well with me either. Though, what choice do I have. I have to help Jason whether he wants me to or not. The only thing that the two women have in common, other than my brother is that they both liked Vampires. I mean, I understand the attraction, really I do. I was attracted to Bill right off. But that was because I couldn't hear him. Now, well, now, I find him, okay, he's boring. He groans on and on about his stupid computer and gets all excited about things I don't understand. I'm not stupid or small, no matter what he or anyone else thinks. Just talking about a database that does the same thing for vampires as the yellow pages does for humans really isn't all that interesting.

Now if he wanted to talk about the Civil War or times before that, maybe we could have a decent conversation. Regardless of what I learned in school, Gran always found a way to fill my mind with knowledge and understanding of many things, history not withstanding. I could have spoken to Bill about the Antebellum times of our country and how it compared to times in England and Spain. I could have spoken to him about the Industrial Revolution or times of the Saxons, Romans and Russian Tzars. I could have conversed about Philosophers and Inventors. We could have discussed the design of the Constitution and how it took aspects of itself from Roman times. We could have even spoke about the expansion of Religion over Europe and Asia. But when we were together, he wanted to talk about his damn database or more importantly, that I wouldn't understand the complex programming involved. I mean really, computers don't seem too difficult to me. But Bill didn't seem willing to discuss the interworking of the system with me. He just wanted me to gush over his brilliance. All he wanted me to do is look pretty and sit quietly.

Well that may have been all fine and good with his wife and sisters in his time, but Gran didn't raise me to be a dizzy blonde. Oh don't get me wrong, I've been taught and schooled in all things Lady like. Doesn't mean, I don't have a brain. I swear all the man thinks I'm good for is to sit on the front porch swing, sipping a Mint Julep because I'm too stupid to make one myself. He even tries to ignore that I can hear other's thoughts. Though that's the whole reason I met him in the first place. If I'd never heard the Rats plans for him, I would have never run to his rescue. Again, something that he doesn't want to talk about. God forbid a woman should have helped him. I mean really, I thought that Vampires were supposed to be more progressive than that.

I look down at my dress. I could have gone in my uniform, but Bill made such a fuss, I figured it would be better to change. I was asking him for help, after all. Though, I've never really given my uniform a second thought before. I mean it is a lot nicer than a lot of places I have seen and heard of. But going out smelling like stale beer and fried foods has never been my favorite pastime. I do like looking pretty. It must be the Southern Belle in me. Pretty dresses and flowing skirts are my favorite. Don't like petticoats or crinoline. Yeah, that is just too much. But a nice, pretty dress and heels, always make me feel girly.

So I decided to clean up and change into my white sundress with big red flowers on it. It is perfect for an August evening. The straps are thin enough to be considered 'daring' but wide enough to be tasteful. The skirt swings and hits me right at the knee. And if I am completely honest, it shows off one of my best assets on the top. I honestly can say that I love this dress. It is one of my favorites and I don't get to wear it often. I considered it a date type dress and I don't do much dating. So it hangs in my closet waiting for the right event. Tonight seems as good a night as any to wear it. I grab my sweater from the closet just in case I get cold and to appease Gran's delicate sensibilities. She seems to think this dress is a little too low cut. If she saw half the things the girls wear into Merlotte's on a Friday night, she would be singing a different tune. But I have been brought up to be a lady, and a lady always brings a wrap wherever she goes. I pause at the hall table to put everything I will need into my little purse, including the pictures of Maudette and Dawn that I got from the library. The pictures weren't the best, but they will have to do.

I turn around to see Gran has returned from the other room still with that face on. "Gran, what's the matter?" I ask her. "You don't trust him, but what else? I know it's something."

"I just…I don't know about Mr. Compton." She says to me. "I am not sure it is a good idea if he takes you. Perhaps Sam or Lafayette would be a more suitable escort."

Okay if Gran thinks I should go with Lafayette instead of Bill, there is a problem.

I look at her for a moment. "I thought you like Mr. Compton?" I ask her. "You practically gushed over him the other night when you met him." I say.

She nods her head. "He appears to be a fine creature. But appearances can be deceiving. He remembers the Civil War as if it was yesterday, I admit. But doesn't seem to be willing to speak of anything else." She says. Like I said, Gran is a fanatic about history. In fact, she is a fanatic about all history. She is the reason I'm so versed. Her passion sparked my desire to learn. But to hear her talk, it's like she knows more than she's telling me.

She looks at me. "There is just something about him." She says. "I …hmmm…he doesn't seem like the man for you." She looks up at me. "I want you to be careful and call if you need me to send someone after you."

"Gran, he has been nothing but polite. I don't think…" I say but she cuts me off.

"Honey, I know," she pauses. "It is just…well…he is hiding things and doesn't seem to see you. You don't laugh nearly as much when he is around. It seems like, I don't know, he stifles you." She taps my hand. "Just think about it." She sighs. "Besides, you have never been interested in Vampires before." Well that and…

I hear from her as she touches me and then she shuts up her mind again.

I had thought about him not seeing me. Though I love the fact that I can't hear Bill, there isn't much else about him I can stomach. He's appears to be a nice Southern gentleman but maybe too much so. He has made comments about my uniform for work, my sundresses being a little too revealing. He has mentioned on several occasions how proper young ladies especially those who were unmarried of his time behaved. It just seems too, well out of a textbook if you ask me. Even someone like Bill, can't be all blind to the world around him.

And then there was that run in with Bill's so called 'friends'. They really are nothing like him. What could he possibly be doing with those creatures? They definitely don't conform to his Southern persona that he wants to project to the town. At the very least, that is what everyone wants to believe. But when I came into the house, he just sat there and watched as they pawed all over me. Then he had the audacity to say that he didn't associate with them because of their crude behavior. Yet that one vampire, Diane seemed to know Bill quite well. The impression that I got was that they had spent time discussing more than the weather. I may not be able to read Vampire's mind, but I know a sex look when I see one.

I shake my head. What Bill does or doesn't do, is no concern of mine. He and I are not committed to each other nor do I want to be. Though, I have taken his blood, but that was just because I was going to die. He was giving it to me to save me. When I regained consciousness, he was giving it to me before I knew what was going on. It was funny tasting and left a metal taste in my mouth. Like rust, almost or maybe dirty pennies. I don't know. All I do know is that I am really not sure what vampire blood would do to me. I know what it does to "V" addicts. I wonder what affects it has coming from the source. But anytime I had approached the subject, Bill would mumble something about quicker reflexes or clearer skin and then quickly steer the conversation in a different direction. I just want an answer. But it seems that nothing was going to be coming from Mr. Compton. Perhaps if I meet another Vampire, I can inquire. I am not all together sure that Bill is telling me the truth. It is just a feeling, but I feel sometimes that Bill is not giving me the whole story on just about everything.

Funny, a week ago, I was all set to try and have a go at a relationship with Him. I know I told Bill I wanted to be friends, but I was having second thoughts just a day ago. But then today, I got this feeling; like this is not where I am supposed to be. Like there is something else out there for me to experience and it doesn't include Bill Compton. Almost like my destiny is right around the next corner. I have never felt this way before, but it feels familiar. I never allowed myself to believe that there was someone out there for me. But one thing I am certain of is that it isn't Bill Compton.

The dream I had last night didn't help any either. I've had many strange dreams over the course of my young life. Some I've remembered and others, well, just feel like they are on the tip of my memory. This one I remember.

I was sitting on a stone bench, looking out at water. Crystal blue water with the sun dancing on it like little balls of light. I remember thinking that they looked like diamonds.

"What concerns you my princess?" I hear from beside me.

I look up to see my mother standing there.

I smile at her. "I'm lost, Momma." I say to her. "Where do I go?"

She sits behind me and brushes my hair back. "You won't be lost for long, my little one. You are to find what you seek before you know it."

I look into her blue eyes and lay my head on her shoulder. "I wish you were here, Momma. I miss you so much."

I can feel the kiss she lays on my head. Like she has done so many times before. "I'm in your heart," she says. "Soon you will realize how much. But for now," she pulls my chin up to look at her. "Do not let others deceive you. Hold onto your heart, my girl. Follow it to your promise. He is waiting for you."

I look at her. My Promise. I've heard that before. But not My Promise, His Promise. But where have I heard that before?

"All has been done for you. The last door awaits you. All you must do is walk through it. Listen to your heart, not your head. Do not let others influence you. Look within to find what has been made for you."

I woke with a wistful feeling of warmth and sun. I remembered the embrace of my mother and the comfort that it always gave me. I also knew in that instant, that William Compton was not in my heart.

I look myself over once more. My dating experience is limited at best and my track record is even less interesting. It isn't easy to date when you can hear every thought in the man's mind. Not to mention that half the parish thinks I'm crazy and the other half thinks I'm slow. I know in my heart, I am neither but it doesn't help when everyone thinks that about you.

I try very hard to stay out of everyone's head. It took me years to perfect my shields. School was the hardest. Trying to concentrate and take tests with everyone around me was just about impossible. Finally I learned to shut everyone out, but by then I was in High School. Gran made it her mission to educate me. In her view, to teach me what the schools didn't know or wouldn't tell me. Once we were able to get internet, it was easier to find things. But before that, Gran would find the most obscure books. Where she got them from, only she knows.

When it was time to look at colleges, I didn't feel right leaving Gran. I took a few online courses and a few at the library. But that got a little pricey and I couldn't afford that plus a new roof and the taxes and the monthly bills on my salary. Gran said that we could figure something out. When things would get tight, she always managed to get things we needed. But I got the impression that she didn't want me to far from home just yet. So my schooling consisted of internet exploration and Gran's books. I must say, you can learn a lot from both.

This finds me in my current status as a single waitress in Bon Temps, Louisiana. Bill Compton was the first mind that was silent to me. Some people were harder to read than others, but I couldn't read him at all. And after meeting Bill's friends, I learned I can't read any Vampires; which is just heaven to me, if you want to know the truth. But other than the silence, it had become quite obvious that Bill and I are not compatible in any stretch of anyone's imagination.

I smile at Gran. "Gran, I told Bill that I would rather just be friends," I say. "But he has agreed to be my escort for the evening. This isn't a date. I am doing this to help Jason, that's all." I smile at her. "Besides, who better to escort me to a vampire bar than a vampire?" I ask.

Before she can respond, the doorbell rings and I go to answer it.

Opening the door, I see the man in question standing on my front porch. Smiling I look at his face. "Hello Bill," I say. "Thank you for agreeing to do this for me."

I look at him. I don't know why he decided to change. He is still in Khaki pants and a blue button down. I wonder if he owns much more than that.

"Of course, Sookie, it is my pleasure." Bill says. He steps in and reaches to kiss my cheek but I pull away. There just feels like something is wrong in allowing him to kiss me, never mind touch me.

I turn to Gran. "I will be back late," I say, leaning in to kiss her. "Don't wait up." I say.

"Be careful, Sookie." She says to me and then looks at Bill and I see her face change. I have never seen her look so serious before. "Take care of my little girl." She says.

"I will keep her safe, Adele, I assure you." He says.

Gran huffs. "See that you do." She looks at me. "Remember what I said, My Sookie, all you need to do is call." She turns to walk into the living room as Bill escorts me out the door.

***0***

We are half way to Shreveport when I can't take the music anymore. I've never heard anything like it and to be honest, I'm not sure anyone would find it appealing.

"Can we change the music?" I ask him.

He looks at me aghast. "Sookie, this is very cultured music. Why don't you try to broaden yourself a little? I am sure you will appreciate it if you just take a moment and listen." He leers at me. "I understand that what you like sounds like music to you, but really, just listen and maybe you will learn something."

Huh, like this horrible throaty noise is going to broaden my horizons. It sounds like a pig stuck in a well, ugh, ghastly.

He looks over at me for the thirtieth time since we left the house. "What's wrong?" I ask him.

He frowns. "I promised your grandmother that I would keep you safe." He says.

"And?" I ask him.

"You look like vampire bait." He growls.

"What did you just call me?" I ask him, turning slightly so I can look at him full on.

He sighs. "You look like something to lure vampires out, vampire bait." He shrugs. "It will be very difficult for me to keep any creature, man or vampire away from you tonight." He says. "You should have known better than to wear such attire."

Oh no he didn't!

"Well what if I don't want to be kept away from men or vampires tonight?" I ask him. I really didn't mean it the way it sounded but I wasn't about the back down now. Hey he started this.

"What, have you decided to be a fangbanger now? Surely you could have dressed the part better than that if that was the case. Though your 'sweet as pie' persona may come in handy." He laughs at me. "Sookie, please…." He tries to speak but I cut him off.

"How DARE you say that to me." I growl at him.

"Sookie surely you know what dressing like that and showing your wares does to a gentleman." He says. "You knew when you got dressed that I would not consider that appropriate attire." He says looking over to me. "You know nothing about how Vampires act in public other than seeing me. Not many of them would use restraint at seeing something so tasty as you."

"I don't really care what you think is appropriate or not." I say to him. "Oh, and if I don't know how vampires act, it's because you won't discuss it with me. But don't worry. I got a pretty good idea of how Vampires act seeing those friends of yours the other night."

"Sookie, surely…" He says but I put my hand up.

"No, I am going to the club to help my brother, my family. I need to see if anyone has seen Dawn or Maudette with anyone. I need to talk to people and try to read the non-vampires. My brother's life is on the line and I'm going to do anything I can to help him." I say to him. "I can handle myself in a bar, William Compton. It isn't the first one I've been too."

"Sookie, you really think going to a vampire bar is going to result in any answers?" He asks me. "Are you that naïve or just uneducated? They are not going to talk to you." He says.

"Then why did you agree to bring me then?" I ask him.

"I was hoping to convince you that this was a waste of time before we arrived." He says to me. "I would glamour you into listening, but we both know that won't work."

Yeah right, he tried that one night and nope, nothing.

"I can't believe you lied to me." I say softly.

"Sookie, you are not safe going to that bar. I must insist that if you decide to go into the bar, you stay as close to me as possible."

I ignore his declaration. "I have to try." I say to him. "So if this is going to be too much for you, you can leave me at the door." I say and cross my arms over my chest.

"Sookie, be reasonable." He says to me. "Do not act like a petulant child."

"A what?" I scream at him. "You know what Bill Compton; I managed to live 24 years without needing or wanting you to protect me. I learned long ago how to take care of myself. I don't need you to watch over me. I just thought I would have an easier time in a place full of vampires if I went in with one. But I see now that was a mistake." I say and look out the window. "You can leave me at the door and go home." I say to him. "I will have Sam or Tara come pick me up. I don't need you there." I say to him.

"Sookie, I am not going to allow you to go into Fangtasia alone. You have no idea what kind of people frequent those types of establishments. The vampires alone are disconcerting. But the, well let's just say your sensitive sensibilities will be shocked I am sure." He says.

I look at him. Is this man for real? No that's right, he has a pole up his bottom the size of a tree.

"Listen, I have worked in a bar since I was 18 years old. I think I know what type of people frequent establishments like this. So you can just step off your high horse and pull the stick out of your behind. I am not in any need of your chivalry, Bill, though I believe it to be ill founded."

"What do you mean by that, Sookie?" He looks over to me as we pull into the parking lot.

"It means, I don't think you are really the person you want us all to believe you are. I think what you show the townsfolk of Bon Temps is what you want us to believe you are." I say to him.

He stops the car and before he can say another word, I am out and moving toward the front door.

Before I can make it to the line, Bill is next to me, taking my elbow. "We will discuss your little tirade later. For now, do not leave my side. I did make your grandmother a promise after all." He says with a little growl. "I would hate to have to contact her later and inform her of anything."

I look up at him. Did my little accusation hit closer to home that he would have liked? It appears so because his entire face has changed. I am almost a little scared of this Bill Compton at the moment. I am seriously thinking that this was a really bad idea.

*****0******