I'll be starting Uni this monday, so update may get a bit slower as I'll balancing work and uni. However I will continue this and other stories so don't give up on me guys.

I also borrowed some dialogue from one of my favourite films just in case some of you guys spot it ;p

Enjoy

Happy

Contented

Blissful.

They were just a few of the ways Sookie could describe the past few weeks of her life. She was at a stage where she was happy with where she was and she didn't care what people thought of her or her choices.

She had been seeing Eric most of the past few weeks, some nights going to Fangtasia and others he would come to her. Most nights were like their first one, wild, passionate and mind-blowing, some were calmer and relaxed with them just talking, laughing and getting on. It surprised her still how charming Eric could be when he wanted to be and he had a remarkable sense of humour, even if it was a little dry.

They had kept to their arrangement but she quickly found herself hoping that he wasn't seeing the fang-bangers in Fangtasia on the side. She had let it slip one night but he had laughed it off, saying she was only woman he was seeing and she was immediately placated. She couldn't stand the thought of him being with a fang-banger whilst she was seeing him. It seemed he could be monogamous when he wanted. He was caring towards her and brought her a few small gifts, one of them being her favourite new coat. She had insisted that he only buy her flowers and he had agreed after a minor argument that had ended with hot and heavy make-up session in front of her fire.

She loved that she could wrap him around her pinkie when she wanted to.

There were a couple of dampeners on her happiness: Bill and Sam.

Bill had not taken a hint and shown up at her home a couple of times over the past few weeks. But she had not let him in or even opened the door but I think he may have been driven off by her screams of ecstasy whenever Eric was visiting her. He had not been round recently so she was hopeful he had realised he had lost his chance.

Sam had been a completely different story. When she turned up to work after the first night with Eric, he had pulled her into the office and demanded what was going on because "Eric was all over her." When she told him, he went ballistic resulting her on walking out of her shift due to his words. It had only gotten worse since then and she had been mostly ignoring him when she worked, but they had argued a couple of times since then with him trying to convince her to stay away from Eric. When she would refuse, he would get angry and would shout at her before she would fire back that unless he wanted her to quit he would leave her alone. That would always shut him up but it wouldn't be long before she would catch him thinking about all the ways Eric could hurt her.

She had a feeling, a strong feeling, that he was doing so deliberately.

What he didn't know was that it was up to her if she and Eric ever took the next step.

As she sat in her living room, sipping her hot chocolate she sighed happily enjoying that her life was going well for the first time in a long while. As she pondered her situation, her cell phone began ringing. She went over where it was charging and checked the caller ID. Smiling when she saw who was calling, she flipped it open and answered it.

"Hi Eric." She greeted.

"Hello my lover." She grinned at the nickname as he spoke. " How are you this evening?"

"I'm fine Eric, thanks for asking. You?"

"Very busy, but I want to see you." She smiled again at that. He made no secret of the fact he enjoyed seeing her.

"Oh do you miss me?" She teased him.

"Very much. What are you doing this evening?"

"Nothing, I have the night off, shall I come to Fangtasia?"

"I would like it if you did, I won't finish until late, but I would like to spend some time with you."

"I'll get changed and I'll come up, give me about an hour." She offered. She could practically hear the smile in his voice when he next spoke.

"I'll give you whatever you want lover." Guh! The sensual tone in his voice nearly made her moan out loud. What had this man done to her? "But yes, I will see you in an hour dear one."

"Sure, see you soon Eric."

With their conversation over, she hurried into the shower to freshen up and wash her hair. After giving herself a thorough clean, she went about picking what she wanted to wear. She picked out a black top that a little bit like a tunic was tied at the back and low cut at the front, showing off her cleavage, whilst framing her ample bust. It was sexy without being immodest. She then shimmied into a pair of hip-hugging jeans that were low riding, showing off just a bit of her tanned tummy. Underneath was black lacy lingerie that was barely visible over the top of her jeans. And it wasn't the modest kind either.

Eric was in for a surprise.

Applying a little makeup, mainly going heavy on the eyeliner, Sookie checked herself in the mirror and nodded in satisfaction. Picking up her keys, purse and phone, she headed outside and locked the door. She got into her car, started it up and began the drive to Shreveport.

After a quick half-hour drive, she pulled up outside Fangtasia and stepped out of her car. Unsurprisingly the queue of people to enter was huge, momentarily disheartening her as she thought it would be forever before she got inside, but luckily there was unlikely saviour at the door.

Pam.

The beautiful vampiress was wearing all red leather, from her shirt to the leather pants she was wearing. She looked positively drool worthy as she rocked onto one hip, appearing as bored as ever, just looking at the queue in disgust. Then she saw Sookie and smirked, before speeding over to her vampire style.

"Well, if isn't my favourite breather, good evening Ms Stackhouse." She greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. Pam eyed Sookie's outfit with great appreciation, her fangs clicking down for good measure, showing her approval. "And aren't you just delicious?" Sookie rolled her eyes, with a grin. Pam made no secret that she found Sookie attractive and loved to flirt with her, if only to tease Eric.

"Hi there Pam, seems I'm gonna some trouble getting in." She indicated the crowd with a pout.

"Well, we can't have that. Eric would become most bad for business." Pam looped her arm through Sookie's and led her through the door.

Who the hell is that? Why did she get let through first?

Lucky fucking bitch! Oh my God, she's got awesome tits!

Sookie laughed at the thoughts as Pam nodded to Chow, who took the door and she entered the bar.

As usual, all everyone was thinking about was sex, sex, sex.

But once again, she noticed him straight away and he took her breath out of her body.

Eric was sitting on his throne and he looked amazing as usual. He was wearing the outfit she had seen him in the first time they met. His hair, which he had grown long once more was framing his handsome face once again, just the way she liked it. He was wearing that black button down shirt with the top few buttons undone, showing just enough of his marbled chest to nudge her curiosity. The black suit jacket that covered that along with the leather trousers finished the outfit, framing his powerful and beautiful physique. She licked her lips unconsciously as Pam chuckled at the display. His head turned towards her and his eyes darkened the moment he saw her.

He raised his hand and curled his fingers once in a summoning gesture. Sookie grinned, nodded to Pam and made her way towards Eric's throne. When she reached him, she did a little curtsey for effect and Eric chuckled.

"Well aren't you sweet?" He teased.

"Not really." She teased right back and he chuckled again. He stood up and pressed a small kiss on her lips. Immediately she was assaulted by jealous thoughts and angry vibes and she pulled back a little but beamed up at him as he looked over her.

"You look breath taking lover." She blushed and smiled dreamily.

"Thank you, you don't look bad yourself." He smirked and indicated the seat next to him. She sat down, crossing her legs as he returned to his throne. "They're jealous, you know?" She said. He knew instantly what she was talking about and just gave a lop-sided smile to her.

"Let them be. I have no interest in them. Never have really."

"What about Yvetta?" Sookie asked, not even attempting to hide the jealousy in her voice. He chuckled.

"A distraction, from what I thought I couldn't have." He answered, looking a little sheepish. She blinked not expecting that. How long had Eric had feelings for her?

"Well, looks like you were wrong." She remarked, coolly. He smiled and gazed at her softly.

"Indeed." He turned his gaze back to the crowd for a moment. They sat in a comfortable silence for a moment, just enjoying each other's company before Eric spoke again. "Ethan called just before you arrived." She turned her eyes to him, looking curious.

"Really?" he nodded. "What did he want?"

"He was informing me of Russell's trial. It is to be held in a couple of months. However he would like for us to travel to his bar before the trial, so he can take our statement's on Russell's wrong doings." Sookie nodded once. "We should take this to my office." Eric stood and held out his hand to her. She took it and they made their way to the room. When they entered, she sat down on the leather couch as Eric closed the door and locked it.

"When does he want us to go?" She asked as she glanced up at him. He sighed and propped himself against his desk.

"The sooner the better." He replied. "Which is part of the reason I called you here. Mostly I wanted to see you, but I also need to know when you would like to leave." She thought for a moment before answering.

"Honestly, I think Ethan's right, sooner the better. And I could use the time away to tell the truth." She admitted. "Sam has not been making it easy for me at work." Eric frowned and she felt his concern over their bond, along with some anger.

"How has Merlotte been making things difficult for you?" he asked.

"He made a few comments, mainly of how I reeked of you. It was bad enough the first time that I actually walked out on his shift. He called to apologise but he keeps starting up again at the first chance he gets." Eric looked angry and she stood up and embraced him

"I should probably have a few words with the shifter about this." Eric growled. She smiled a bit before pulling away.

"Listen buddy," she mentally high-fived herself for his raised eyebrow, "I can handle Sam Merlotte so don't you worry about that, I'll talk to him tomorrow." He nodded once, deciding not fight her on this and lent in to kiss her. She smiled and returned it with equally as much passion, her tongue darting out to meet his as they did so. She shed him of his jacket as they kissed and Eric pulled back.

"Hmmm, I remember you saying we would never make love in my office." She giggled and blushed remembering the mock-argument they had had about having sex in his office and her refusal to do so.

"Well, it's a lady's prerogative to change her mind." She grinned at his shocked look and then gasped as his lips met hers fiercely. His hands slipped into the back of her jeans and stilled, causing her to grin. He looked up at her, a whole new level of arousal in his eyes.

"You little vixen." She kissed him on the cheek and backed away. Turning her back to him, she crossed her arms down and slowly, saucily lifted her shirt over her head. She heard Eric's fang lower as the black lace of her bra was unveiled for him to see and she dropped it to the floor. She moved her hands to her zipper, winking at him over her shoulder as she slowly unzipped her jeans. Deliberately giving him a view, she pushed the jeans down her legs, revealing the lacy black thong she was wearing with the matching bra. She turned around to see signs of Eric's arousal evident in his leather trousers and did a happy dance in her mind. Flicking the jeans away, she sauntered up to him and slid her hands up his chest.

"See something you like?" He didn't answer, not verbally anyway. She squealed in delight as Eric quickly lifted her, swept everything off his desk and laid her upon it. She moaned as he kissed down her neck as she started fumbling with the button to his trousers.

They didn't leave office until near closing time.

….

Sookie clocked out for her break in Merlotte's and decided now would be a good time to speak to Sam. Not looking forward to the conversation, perhaps even dreading it, she made her to his office and leant on the doorframe knocking on it. Sam looked up and smiled.

"Hey Cher, what can I do for ya?" She took a deep breath.

"Sam, I need to book some more time off." She stated. His face dropped and his expression became angry.

"Why? Eric got something planned for ya?" he sneered. She immediately became angry and pointed her finger at him.

"Don't you start Sam! I've had enough of you flapping your gums about Eric, he is not a part of this conversation." Sam exhaled through his nose and nodded once.

"Fine. How long do you need off?" he asked, pointedly.

"Until the end of next month." He threw his pen onto the desk and got up. He pulled her inside and slammed the door. He was fuming, as he turned to her, red-faced.

"Aw hell no Sook! Not this time!"

"Sam it's really important, Russell Edgington's trial is coming up and they need my testimony." She tried. He was having none of it.

"And what you need is to get away from those fucking vampires Sookie!" He spat back, hatred boiling in his words. "They're nothing but blood sucking monsters and they're gonna turn on you first chance they get!"

"Funny, I remember you saying something like this before Sam." She retorted, hands on her hips. "Besides, most of them have been pretty damn loyal to me so far." She answered.

"Jesus Sookie, ain't you had enough of almost being killed because of those damn fangers!" he exclaimed, his voice getting higher and higher and Sookie wasn't sure they couldn't be heard from the bar.

"Russell needs to pay for what he's done Sam!"

"Yeah and they don't need you to do that! Sookie, get away from vampires, they're nothing but trouble."

"Really? Yet who's the guy had a sex with a maenad?" She returned, spitefully. She watched him flinch but she was too angry to care. "And who are the ones who had to clean up the mess, oh wait, vampires!"

"I'm the one who killed her Sookie."

"Coz Bill fed you his blood."

"Jesus Sookie, has Eric got you messed up in the head or something? Or have you forgotten that he tortured Lafayette?" he demanded. Sookie glared at him.

"Don't you start on that! No I haven't forgotten, but Eric has explained the vampire laws to me and I understand his position, even if I don't like it!"

"Sookie, Eric is fucking monster. Hell more than that he's old enough to make you're uncle look like a child!" He stopped when he saw Sookie's face fall into a hurt expression along with a great deal of shock and he realised his mistake. "Aw shit Sookie…"

"Don't touch me Sam!" She spat, grabbing her purse and pushing past him to yank open the door. "How dare you say that to me! Eric is a good man and I will not have you compare him to the monster who gave me nightmares as a little girl!" she began stalking down the corridor as Sam followed.

"Sookie look, I'm just saying Eric always has a motive for everything he does." She walked into the main bar area but Sam opened his big mouth one more time. "Eric isn't capable of love Sookie! You're just gonna get hurt if you keep on fucking him!" Sookie stopped dead and turned to look him, eyes wide with embarrassment and hurt as the entire bar went silent. Lafayette looked like he wanted to be sick as Tara looked between them in surprise.

Now the entire town would know she had been sleeping with Eric Northman. They already thought lowly of her as it was and as much as she didn't care for their opinion anymore, she didn't need their bigotry of vampires pushed onto her because of her relationship with Eric. But now he had revealed her private life to her friends: Tara, Lafayette, Arlene, Holly and Hoyt.

In that moment, Sookie decided that enough was enough. Sam had crossed one line too many.

"Fuck you Sam! I quit!" Sam's shocked look was priceless as Tara looked sharply at her best friend, who turned on her heel and marched out of the bar.

"Sookie!" She didn't stop at Sam's voice as she stalked from the bar and went to her car. Getting in, she ignored Tara's shouts as she started the engine and began heading home. Along the way she sent a text to Eric, telling him she was ready to pack whenever he was ready to go and that she wanted to leave as soon as she could. Putting the phone down, she kept driving; trying to ignore the anger and hurt that was welling up inside her as she deliberately took the long route home.

Her phone rang as she drove and assuming it was Eric, picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Sookie! Please I'm sorry!" she closed her eyes as Sam spoke.

"No, enough Sam. I don't wanna talk to you right now!"

"Sookie, please I didn't mean to say it. It just came out, come back and we can talk about this!" He begged. She almost gave in but Sam had crossed the last line.

"No Sam, no. I've had enough of your hatred and jealousy. The only time you express an interest in me is when I've found someone else. And what you said about Eric was unforgivable as well just down right inconsiderate to me! I don't care what you have to say! Just leave me alone Sam, I'm still quitting!"

"No…Sookie…" She hung up and threw her phone onto the passenger seat. She sighed angrily as she continued her drive home. God she hoped Eric came over, she just wanted be held right now.

….

Thankfully Eric did come over that night and held her as she let the hurt overwhelm her in the end. Sam's words had hurt her more than she realised and she just wanted to leave for Jackson as soon as she could. Eric helped her pack her things and they, along with Pam, drove to the airport the very next night. They used Eric's private jet to fly to Mississippi in just about an hour so and they made use of the time, Eric inducting Sookie into the Mile High club. After they finished, she slept on Eric's shoulder, the exhaustion of the past week catching up to her.

The journey as a whole took just over 4 hours including the drive and flight and they arrived at Mississippi at 11 o'clock that night. As Eric and Pam dressed for the evening, Sookie applied some light make up before the three of them stepped off of the plane. To her surprise there was a limo waiting for them and their luggage was already being loaded into the back by the chauffer. It seems Ethan had spared no expense.

And now Sookie sat next Eric, gazing out over the city that went past them. Eric was wearing a long sleeve button down red shirt with black trousers with a leather jacket over the top, his long hair tied in a braid. Pam was wearing a pink gown with slit showing almost all of her pale thigh. Her light blond hair was done up in a high ponytail and she had gone with light make up like Sookie but with heavy black eyeliner.

"Sookie…" Eric spoke finally. She looked at him as he gently took her hand in his. "I need to make some things clear before we meet with Ethan tonight."

"Ok Eric." She answered. Unlike Bill, Eric actually planned to key her in on everything.

"The bar we are going to is very similar to the hotel we stayed in when we went to Texas. It is called Masquerade, in reference to how we used blend into society before the revelation" She nodded, waiting for him to continue. "However, it is run a little differently. Fang-bangers are not allowed to enter. The donors are there mainly for feeding purposes. If a vampire desires the extra services along with feeding, they must pay an additional fee to both the donor and to the owners of the hotel." That was new; Sookie had never met a donor who didn't have sex with the vampires who fed from them.

"Who owns the hotel?"

"Ethan and Selina. Catherine, their human whom you met at Fangtasia when I fought Russell, runs the hotel in their name." He replied. "Lilah is the Head of the Entertainment of the hotel and Marcus is the Head of Security. The entire Vanguard with be present the whole time we are here. Sookie, I cannot stress enough how important it is that you remain on your best behaviour. It is not that I don't trust you, it's that I want to keep you safe." She nodded once more, understanding what he was saying.

"I understand Eric." She reassured him. He looked at her for a moment before nodding.

"Ethan is the oldest vampire in America Sookie. Not many in the New World know of him because he remains in the shadows. But he is very powerful, both physically and politically. He is the regent of Jackson and only answers to the Authority." He explained. "Don't let his civility fool you, he is dangerous but only if you provoke him. He is a vampire to be feared and respected, very few live to be his age."

"How old is he exactly?" Sookie asked curiously.

"No-one knows for sure." Eric answered, gravely, wishing he knew the answer. "He is over three and half thousand years old, but no-one knows his exact age." Sookie's jaw dropped. Ethan was older than Godric and Eric together. "He has adapted well to life and knows all the rules of both the vampire and human world. He is a fair and just leader, but he is extremely brutal when he needs to be. Never forget your place Sookie, he is the authority here and what he says, goes."

"I understand, I won't do anything stupid Eric." She answered, a bit shortly. He smiled at her and gave her a quick, yet soft kiss.

"I know."

It wasn't long before they were pulling up outside the hotel. The doors were opened and Sookie gasped as she saw the magnificent building before her. The building was one of the tallest buildings she had ever seen, every room had a balcony and the building was made out of the finest marble stone. The entrance to the building had a large wide star-case leading up to it, adorned by a dark red carpet that sparkled in the night sky. Eric stepped out and held out his hand to Sookie, who took it and was led out of the car by the Viking vampire. She looked up at the building in awe as the chauffeurs moved to take their luggage from the limo as the massive front doors opened.

Out of the door came Selina and once again Sookie was left gaping, if not jealous of her beauty.

Selina's long dark hair was once again left to fall half way down her back but was curled a little, giving the impression of long black waves fluttering in the night breeze. She had little make up, not that she needed it and was wearing light purple eyeliner, her gorgeous pale skin almost glowing in the night sky. And she was wearing a very short, slinky black dress that was made of black metallic fibre that came to the just the very top of her thighs, showing a great deal of her long, smooth and luscious legs. The dress hugged her curves very well and the plunging neckline was so low, it showed her magnificent tummy along with considerable cleavage, the line finishing just above her naval. No doubt tongues were set wagging amongst the young males of the club by the fact she had gone without a bra and the strap that kept the dress up around her neck was quite thin, showing much of her pale shoulders. The outfit was finished off by a pair of black high heels, that only enhanced the beauty of her legs.

"Eric, Pam." She nodded to the two vampires and smiled at Sookie. "Ms Stackhouse, a pleasure to see all three of you." Her British accent sounded very out of place in Mississippi but only added to her mystique. "Welcome to Masquerade, if you would follow me please?" Eric offered his arms to Sookie and Pam and they looped their own through his as they followed Selina into the hotel.

Selina's high heels echoed through the reception of the majestic building, the inside as regal as the outside, the walls had paintings hanging in all the right places. A couple of humans bowed to Selina as she walked past and she came to a stop at the desk. Holding her hands out to the receptionist, a pretty young redhead, she winked at her as she was given a pair of keys.

"Ethan has taken the liberty of booking your rooms in advance. Pam you will be in room 316, if you have any requirements call down to reception." Pam nodded as the chauffer carrying her many bags, mostly filled with clothes walked towards the elevator.

"I would not mind some blood, preferably someone blond and female." Pam stated immediately. Selina smiled saucily.

"Of course, there is a donor awaiting you in your room now Pamela. Free of charge for tonight." Pam licked her lips, her fangs slipping out. "Have fun." Selina drawled as Pam zipped to the elevator and winked at Eric and Sookie as the door closed.

"Sookie and Eric, you shall be sharing a room, if that is no problem." Eric looked at Sookie expectantly and she simply shook her head. She had looked forward to spending some time with Eric away from Bon Temps for some time now. "Your belongings will taken up there now by our room services, no doubt you would like to see Ethan before you retire for the night?" She asked

"Yes, if that would be possible." Eric finally spoke and his tone was very respectful, something which surprised Sookie.

"Of course." Selina turned her head to the side for a moment, as if focusing on something. She then titled her head as she were analysing something before nodding. "Ethan will see you soon, he is just finishing up some business, please wait here, someone will come get you." With that Selina glided away, every young man watching her backside with lustful eyes.

"What was that?" Sookie asked out loud, yet quietly to Eric. "What was she doing just now?"

"Communicating with Ethan." Eric explained, he looked down at Sookie as she cocked her head to the side, confused. "Ethan and Selina are pledged to each other, mates if you will." Sookie blinked.

"Mates?"

"Yes." Eric nodded in clarification. "I suppose in your human terms it would be what you call marriage but it is a connection far deeper than that. Their bond is so strong they can feel what the other is feeling to every minute detail and they can communicate telepathically." Sookie took all this in wonder. A bond so strong that it connected them mentally. However she was shocked by Eric's next words. "Ethan and Selina have been married over two thousand years."

"Two thousand years?" Sookie exclaimed, before clamping a hand over her mouth. Eric snorted and she swatted him as she blushed in embarrassment.

"Yes. Selina was 400 years old when they met and you could say it was love at first sight. Not many vampires pledged themselves to another. We are selfish creatures as you know, we are not fond of the idea of others having power over us, unless it is our maker." She nodded in understanding. "But they are unique, relationships between vampires do not usually last long, but they share in everything and seldom argue over anything." She digested this information for a moment.

"You said they've married over two thousand years." Sookie said. He nodded. "How old is Selina?"

"2500. Give or take a decade. The vampires of the Vanguard are all very close to Godric's age or older." Eric went on. "Marcus is the youngest, he is a century younger than Godric was, and Lilah is just over Godric's age, 2095 I believe. Ethan is the oldest and most powerful, but no-one really knows how old he is exactly as I have said." She inclined her head as she thought.

Then a familiar voice called out to her.

"Sookie!" She whipped around as Eric looked up and she gasped.

"Jessica?" the young vampiress bounded up to Sookie and hugged her with a grin. Sookie back away a bit and looked her up and down. She was wearing an appealing pink evening gown that travelled down to her knees with pink sandals to match. Her pale skin was sparkling with the make up she was wearing and her light red hair was done up in an elaborate braid that fell down her back. Jessica looked very good. "Jessica, my God what're you doing here?" She asked as Eric looked on. Jessica nodded to the Sheriff who returned it.

"I'm working for Ethan now, I'm a dancer here. Tonight I'm helping with the bar before the dancing starts. I've been here since that night at Fangtasia." Jessica explained.

"But…what about Hoyt?" Sookie asked. Jessica's smile slowly faded and she looked away, suddenly looking very sad.

"It wouldn't have worked out. Hoyt…he was too good for a vampire like me Sookie. He didn't need me bringing the darkness into his world like Bill did with you. I love him, but that's why I can't have him. Hoyt is a good man, I'm a vampire and I'll just get him hurt." She said sadly. Sookie rubbed her arms soothingly.

"But he loves you." Sookie pointed out.

"I know, which is why I have to let him go." Jessica replied sadly. Eric came forward and put his hand on Jessica's shoulder sympathetically and she smiled gratefully. "Well, anyway, Ethan and Selina sent me, they'll see you now. They're just concluding their business. Follow me." The two fell into step behind Jessica as she led them down the corridor.

The room she led them into was obviously the dance hall, there were many poles for the dancers to entertain from and the room had a sensual sense to it and exuberated sexual energy. The room wasn't crowded but it had a large number of people occupying it, human mostly. Vampires lined the outside. Sookie was able to spot Lilah and Marcus amongst them. Like Fangtasia there was a stage at the back of the room with a throne overlooking the room and on that throne, with Selina standing next to him, her arm draped over his shoulders, sat Ethan.

He had his legs crossed and his cheek was resting on his fist as he looked lazily at the human businessman in front of him. He was wearing a long-sleeve button down shirt, with black trousers and boots as he gazed at the man.

"Daniels, I thought your corporation had the largest income of our associates?" He drawled, his husky British tone making his words sound lazy yet deadly.

"Our offices have been closed down temporarily Regent." The man named Daniels spoke, adjusting his glasses as he did so. "The building was vandalised by the Fellowship of the Sun, they set one of the floors on fire with petrol bombs. Most of our profit making products were located on that floor."

"Most unfortunate." Ethan answered, his lazy expression never leaving his voice. "And costly. I think half the rights to your corporation should cover the expense of our assistance." The man looked scandalised and Sookie immediately realised his about to make a very big mistake.

"Assistance? The Fellowship attacked during the day, pray tell how you would have assisted then?" He spat. Selina grinned as Ethan rolled his eyes. "They have attacked some of your businesses as well, so why should we pay protected money, when you can't protect your own ventures. You've all but bled us dry already."

There were whispers and nods of agreement as he turned and looked around the room derisively.

"Perhaps we should have made an arrangement with Mr Newlin instead, at least then we would not have trouble with them." Ethan raised an eyebrow as Selina hissed angrily. "Maybe he was right after all and you vampires are nothing but devil's that…" he let out a strangled cry as Ethan's hand clasped around his throat.

Sookie swallowed as once again, Ethan had moved so fast no one had been able to follow it. Eric watched impassively as Ethan kept one hand in his pocket, gazing at Daniels in a bored fashion.

"If devil's you call us rest assured," Ethan lifted the man with one hand with no effort and held him there, dangling and his legs flailing madly, "better the devil you know." Many of the man's business partners's watched with wide-eyes that were swimming with fear as Ethan displayed his power.

"Let go of me." Daniels chocked.

"Certainly." Ethan hurled him across the room, sending him crashing through a table. Daniels coughed loudly, still alive but obviously unable to speak and was in a lot of pain. "Due to our very agreeable business relationship with your employers, I will spare your life." Ethan stated, both hands now back in his pockets. "But know that you are walking a fine line, Mr Daniels and disrespect will not be tolerated. Also it was your own shortcoming that prevented us from stopping the fellowship from ransacking your offices." He watched as Daniels got up shakily. "If there is nothing else, you can show yourself out and I want your tribute by tomorrow evening. Now go." Daniels didn't need telling twice and quickly gathered his things before hurrying out the room

Ethan turned and walked back up to his throne, sitting down and crossing his legs once more. He sighed and leaned back, lazily.

"I do hate the boring everyday politics of our lifestyle some nights." He turned his eyes to Eric and Sookie with a wry smirk on his face. Eric returned it as Sookie simply ducked her head.

"Don't you agree Eric?"

And there you have it. hope you liked it so review and let me know.