Felt Good On My Lips – Tim McGraw

Ally:

I was enjoying dancing with Diego (who was a stereotypical gorgeous South American by the way) until I saw Eric feeding off of some desperate fangbanger who didn't look old enough to be let out this late. I thought Eric had sent her away for a moment, then came out of an exhilarating spin and saw that he had brought her back to his side and was sucking hungrily on her wrist at the pulse point. I told myself not to care that he had chosen her blood over…well, mine…although I had no right to be so annoyed. I turned my focus back to Diego and smiled at him reassuringly.

"He is yours?" Diego asked me, in that cute faint accent. He nodded his head towards Eric, who was now alone on the chair in the corner.

I flushed. "No…not at all. Once. But not now, not anymore."

Diego gave me a sceptical look. "I would not want to get on the bad side of Eric Northman," he said cautiously.

"Do you know each other?"

Diego shook his head. "I only know him through reputation. He will not know me at all. I am a young and insignificant vampire compared to him."

I felt his muscles on his shoulders twist and rope and he moved with ease around the dance floor. He had been very polite. I was not used to vampires being so…civil. My experience with vampires (admittedly not much) had proved to me that they were all bitchy and cold hearted.

"You are very stunning," said Diego, making me blush again.

"Oh…thank you," I said. I don't usually get compliments like that. I know I'm not ugly, thanks to my angel genes. But I didn't consider myself stunning…certainly no human had ever said that to me. I had blonde hair, that had very slight waves. My skin could tan, but I had a smattering of light freckles over my nose. I was quite slim, but my breasts and hips were full. Perhaps my eyes were the most interesting thing about me; they were a sort of amber-yellow colour, framed with dark lashes. I had been teased about them when I was a child, but I quite liked them – they made me look different. My mother said that my father had eyes like me and cheekbones like Noah.

"Honestly," said Diego. "Angels have always…captivated me. I once had an angel lover many years ago." He leaned in closer to me and ran his nose across my cheek. "You smell just as divine as she did."

I was beginning to get a little uncomfortable with all the talk about past lovers and sniffing and whatever. I pulled out of Diego's arms. "Sorry," I said. "I forgot I had something I had to tell Eric." I hadn't been quite sure what Diego's motives of dancing with me were. But now I was pretty sure that whatever the motive was, it wasn't honourable. Not that I knew many honourable vampires…but anyway.

I made my way back to Eric, who was still looking broody in the corner. Thankfully he was alone now that the fangbanger had left. I sat next to him (the seat was quite long).

"Given up on him already?" He asked me, scathingly.

I narrowed my eyes at his tone of voice. "Have you already given up on that fangbanger?"

Eric shrugged, but seemed amused at something; his eyes twinkled. "She offered."

"You feeding on someone in public."

Eric shrugged again. "Lots of people are." He gestured around the room and, sure enough, there were other vampires sucking on humans. "It's natural for us."

I would like to say that we spent the following fifteen minutes in pleasant conversation, but we didn't, we spent it in silence. Eric was back to looking stony as usual and I couldn't be bothered to make small talk with him; I would end up doing all the talking.

So when a young vampire, maybe eighteen years old when he had been turned, approached us, I was relieved that the awkward silence would be over. That relief dimmed slightly, when I found out what he wanted to say. He didn't want to talk to Eric, as I thought he might have done, but instead faced me.

"You are Alyssa Mckenzie, the angel?"

"Yes," I gulped. "Who are you?"

With an inclination of his head, the vamp said, "I am Andre, Queen Sophie-Ann's personal assistant. She would like to meet you and your telepath friend, Sookie Stackhouse. She's sent me to get you now."

"Now?" I whispered, slightly scared.

"Yes," said Andre. "She's in her private chambers. Would you follow me please?"

I stood then looked at Eric, as if to say, 'Are you coming too?' Eric caught Andre's attention, and asked him, "Would the Queen be opposed to my accompanying Alyssa? I am her companion tonight."

Andre nodded slowly. "Her Highness would be happy to see you again, I'm sure, Mr Northman."

I raised my eyebrow at that and shot Eric a look. He rolled his eyes at me. Andre started moving through the crowds, and I began to follow, Eric's hand back on my back. It felt nice, I'm not ashamed to say. Andre stopped at a panel on the wall, on which was painted a beautiful Chinese lake scene. Upon closer inspection, I could see that it was a doorframe. Andre used a small, old fashioned key to open it discretely and motioned us inside. The room beyond the door was still decorated in a retro style, maybe 1920's, I was never that great at history. There was a rectangular swimming pool, filled with turquoise blue water, and, at the side of it, was a huge snow white divan. The Queen was lying like a diva on it, sipping at a martini (I knew it was a martini because it had the tell-tale olive in it too). She had a blonde human sitting beside her, dressed only in a bikini. Bill and Sookie were on a couch next to Sophie-Ann's, looking a bit bemused. Bill was drinking blood from a cocktail glass and Sook had an orange juice in her glass.

"And you must be Alyssa," said Sophie-Ann from her seat. Her voice was exactly like Grace Kelly, graceful, powerful, and well bred. "Come and sit here beside me," she waved her hand in the direction of the empty couch, identical to Sookie and Bill's that was on her other side. "And Eric, darling, how are you? It's been too long, simply too long." Andre led us to the couch, made sure we were seated comfortably, then went to sit by the Queen.

A topless man approached us, and asked if we would 'care for a drink'? Eric ordered True Blood, of course, and I quietly asked for water. My mouth was suddenly feeling very dry.

"Sookie, Alyssa, it's you two who I really want to see," said Sophie-Ann. "I'm sure your respective vampires have told you about my little predicament and I'm going to use your help to clear my name, alright?"

For a woman who was potentially in a lot of trouble, Sophie-Ann was sounding very carefree.

The topless waiter brought Eric and my drinks on a shiny silver tray. I sipped the icy water dutifully, and then set it down beside the seat.

"You see," said Sophie-Ann, I know that Sookie can control her power and that she knows how to use it. But, Alyssa," she said, turning to me, "All I have is a little guidance from your father. Have you never spoken to the dead before?"

"No," I said, trying not to sound like I would never even want to speak to the dead. "But when did you see my father? I haven't seen him in ten years."

"Oh, how sad," said Sophie-Ann, drawing out her vowels. "I saw him, maybe two years ago, quite by accident really. I met him in Las Vegas actually, in a hotel. He mentioned your name and to be honest, I quite forgot about him until I ran into this pickle with the Authority." She gave a light tinkling laugh. "Anyway, I thought we should test your father's theory and see if you really can contact souls in the Otherworld."

She snapped her fingers and, as if from nowhere, two more topless men appeared, carrying a huge sack. They set it down in front of the Queen's divan. She nodded in approval and they crouched down beside it, untying the knots that were at either end. When they unwrapped it, my hand flew to my mouth…it was a dead body! I looked over to Sookie and we exchanged mutually appalled looks. Eric and Bill didn't look like they thought keeping a dead body was very strange, but then again, they are dead themselves. It probably didn't freak them out as much as it did us humans.

"Okay Alyssa, I'm guessing you've never touched a dead body before," said Sophie-Ann, "Because I think you would have discovered your power if you had. Your father told me you have to touch the heart and then focus or whatever it is your clairvoyants do." When I didn't move anywhere, she said, "Well, go ahead then."

Eric gently nudged my side and nodded his head at the dead body. My mouth curled up at the corners, as if with a mind of its own. I prayed to God that it wouldn't smell as I knelt down beside it. It didn't thank goodness, but my hand still trembled as I held it out towards the dead man's heart. I closed my eyes and pressed it to his cold, still body.

I screamed. I could hear his voice.

Eric:

I was by her side in a flash. Ally had fallen back to the floor and was clutching her hand to her chest.

"Are you hurt?" I asked her, cupping her hand in mine.

She shook her head uncertainly and cast scared eyes at me. "I could…hear it," she whispered.

Sophie-Ann clapped her hands. "Fabulous! She can hear him. Do it again, do it again!"

Closing her amber eyes again, Ally reached back out and put her hand on the dead man's chest.

"What do you hear?" asked Sophie-Ann excitedly. Turning her face towards me, she opened her eyes. They were pitch black. I almost cried out, then realised that it would look weak. Besides, Ally didn't seem to notice a difference.

"He's talking to me…he-he can hear my thoughts…I'm not saying anything out loud, but we're having a conversation. I don't understand how this is happening. She stared with seemingly un-seeing eyes at me. "He says…that he didn't want you to drain him. Oh my god. He says that he thought you loved him…"

Sophie-Ann cut her off sharply. "That's enough now, Alyssa. You can stop now. We know you have your power."

Alyssa drew her hand back and her eyes flooded back to their originally colour.

"That was horrible," she murmured to me. She stood up and almost collapsed under shaky knees. I flew round the body and put my arm around her waist. Leaning heavily on me, we moved back to our chaise. Reluctantly, I drew my hand away from her, knowing that I mustn't become too attached.

"You must all stay in my palace tonight," said Sophie-Ann. "It's nearly dawn and I'll show you the real dead body tomorrow."

"That wasn't it?" asked Ally desperately.

"You're very kind," said Sookie, "But Bill and I were thinking about just heading home."

Sophie-Ann laughed that annoying laugh again. "Oh no, Sookie darling." Her laughter stopped and her gaze turned icy. "I insist."

Bill and I both knew that her decision was final and that there would be no negotiations. I saw Compton pat Sookie's knee, telling her to stop trying to oppose Sophie-Ann.

"In the meantime," Sophie-Ann said, back to her former self, "We must all swim." She pointed at the pool at the centre of the room.

"Oh, I didn't bring any swimming clothes," said Ally from beside me.

The queen shrugged. "Details, details. Borrow some. I have plenty." Then to me and Bill she said, "Andre can give you some swimming shorts. I insist."

She stood, her dress billowing. "Come," she said to Ally and Sookie. "Follow me. I'll give you swimming things."

Ally rose from beside me with a sigh. On a crazy impulse I patted her as she walked past. Not quite high enough to be on her back, not low enough to be her…ass. She shot me a look from over her shoulder and I sniggered at her prudishness.

Ally:

Sophie-Ann led us to what must be her dressing room. It wasn't her bedroom because there wasn't even a coffin, let alone a bed. But there were closets. Lots of closets.

"Now, I think they're in here," Sophie-Ann said, more to herself than to Sookie and me.

She threw open a door and my mouth fell open. There were more clothes in that one closet than I had in my whole house.

"Yes, here we are. Come and chose a swimsuit." Sophie-Ann was getting very excited. "I think I'll wear this one," she said, drawing out a scarlet one piece. Without any sort of abandon, she started unfastening her dress. I turned away in embarrassment and moved towards the closet, so as not to see the Queen naked. Sookie chose a cute little white bikini and changed into it discretely behind the open closet door.

"Wear this one," said Sophie-Ann from behind me. I jumped violently, not expecting her this close. I turned slightly, then wished I hadn't, because Sophie-Ann was half naked, only wearing her panties. Her dress lay carelessly discarded on the floor, a crumpled mass of beautiful silk. I looked at the swimming things she had picked out for me. It was a retro bikini, the sort that you see in vintage shops. It had a moulded top and fairly high-waisted pants. It was white with navy zigzags. It was very pretty and I took it graciously, thanking her, but secretly wishing that she would put some clothes on already. I hid behind the other open closet door, favouring Sookie's changing methods over Sophie-Ann's. The pants fitted quite well, but the top was on the small side, seeing as Sophie-Ann's chest size was smaller than mine – she seemed to have been very young when she had been turned. My breasts threatened to spill out the top if I made a false move. I emerged from behind the closet doors. I envied Sookie's long, lean legs. Mine were longish, I suppose, but skinny. Sophie-Ann looked like a goddess – her skin was porcelain and perfectly smooth. She threw chiffon robes at Sookie and I.

"Put these on over the top if you like," the Queen said. I had the feeling that she was really rather enjoying this – dressing up and getting ready like a normal girl. I smiled at her kindly and was given, in return, an equally warm grin. Even her teeth were perfect, damn it.

"Do you have an elastic band?" Sookie asked, motioning to her hair.

"Oh, good thinking," said Sophie-Ann. She moved over to a dressing table in front of the window. She pulled three elastics out of an ornate wooden box and handed me and Sookie one each. We tied up our hair, so as not to get it wet in the chlorine water.

Letting Sophie-Ann lead the way again, Sookie and I went back to the pool. Eric, Bill and Andre still weren't back, which was surprising because I thought we had taken our time. I left my robe on my couch, folding it neatly, so as not to crumple it. Like a child, Sophie-Ann gave a sudden giggle and dive-bombed into the water, sending splashes everywhere. I laughed along with her, as she resurfaced. "Come in, come in," she said. "The water's perfect!"

I slid in over the side, conscious of the small bikini top. She was right, the water was lovely. It wasn't as warm as bathwater, but warm enough. We heard door hinges creaking and all three of us looked up to see if it was the guys.

It was, but all three of us had to duck under to stop ourselves from laughing out loud. Eric and Bill were looking insanely uncomfortable, wearing itsy bitsy speedo briefs. Andre looked as if he didn't care and was strutting out in front of them, carrying a huge pile of towels. We came back to the top of the water, still giggling. The guy slid into the water awkwardly, trying to cover themselves up as much as possible. I couldn't help but notice Eric's powerful thighs and perfect chest muscles. I looked away before I could get an eyeful of the area between those two regions and get even more carried away. Bill swam over to Sookie and put a protective around her waist. Sophie-Ann started splashing Andre like a little girl. With a shriek he began to splash back. Great, that left me and Eric again. There was only so much talk about the weather that I could handle and we had already exhausted the topic in the car earlier.

"Nice speedos," I said with a smirk when he slid over to where I was leaning against a side of the tiled pool wall.

"Nice top."

I stuck my tongue out maturely and self-consciously adjusted the bodice. I saw Eric's eyes dance around my chest and smirked again.

"I left my clothes in your car," I said, only just thinking of my things.

"That's fine," said Eric, finally bringing his eyes back up to my face. "We'll get them before we retire for the night."

"Thanks," I said. I was beginning to feel a bit uncomfortable under Eric's piercing stare and swam off to join Andre and Sophie-Ann who were now playing with an old fashioned beach-ball.

Eric:

She even looked like an angel now. Her skin was honey coloured and flawless. Her breasts were the perfect size, quivering delicately against her top. If I could have done, I would have run my hands (and fangs) all over her body. Her big eyes stared at me unblinkingly and I cursed how stupid I looked in these ridiculous little shorts.

I watched her swim away from me, her pert little butt bobbing beneath the water. I tugged at the Lycra covering my lower regions, which had grown a tad uncomfortable. Damn it.

Sookie joined in with the game too and Bill swam slowly over to me. "She's very pretty," he said, indicating Ally with his eyebrows. "Half angel, did I hear?"

I hissed at him quietly, only showing my fangs a bit. "You will not covet her," I said. Just the thought of her with other men made me unnecessarily angry.

Bill raised his hands defensively. "No, of course not. I have my Sookie. I was merely wondering if you and her…together."

My throat tightened involuntarily. "We are not…romantically involved," I rasped.

"But you love her, right?" he continued.

I bashed my fist down on the water, causing a huge splash. "I do not love humans," I grunted, although in my head I was thinking just how nicely 'I love you Ally' would roll off of my lips once more.

"Alright. I am sorry for prying," said Bill.

I nodded, accepting his apology.

My eyes were still on my angel even as she turned around and beckoned us over her shoulder.

"Come here you two," Sophie-Ann demanded. "Come and play. I'll decide the teams. Me, Sookie and Bill against Andre, Ally and Eric, I think." There was a devilish gleam in her eyes.

I noticed that while Bill and I had been talking various human blood-banks had come into the room and were lounging about on the chairs. I watched one olive skinned young man eyeing up Ally and I swam over to her in the blink of an eye, wanting her eyes to be on me and me only. A net had been set up and we played water volleyball, a most boring game. The queen was laughing like the little girl that she was and I watched Ally becoming more and more competitive. I had always known that she hated to lose anything.

That ridiculous human was still staring at my angel, his vulgar eye taking in too much of her naked flesh than I cared for. I flashed out my fangs and hissed at him at the side of the pool. He sent a languid smile at me and moved to another side of the pool. I did not like him. Ally hadn't noticed.

We played for about an hour, until Sophie-Ann ordered us to stop. I would have found the whole time excruciatingly boring, had it not been for the fact that I am pretty sure Ally had a nipple slip at least twice. It made me feel like a teenager again. I amuse myself sometimes.

"I will show you all to your rooms now," said the Queen. "Your clothes have been taken to your rooms, including the bags that my men found in your cars."

Sookie gave a bemused, yet amused look. Sophie-Ann had grown on us throughout the evening. She was just a hormonal, spoilt teenager, no different from a human. I felt a bit sorry for her really – she was trapped in a mansion and now she was in trouble. I didn't know if she was capable for murdering a vampire; she seemed to have huge mood swings. But I did know that I hoped it wasn't her. For her own sake.

Author's Note:

Hey y'all! Four in a row…wow…some kinda record for me. I'm like begging for reviews…and I'm not getting any! Please please please drop me a little review! Thanks for reading! B.A