THE SMELL OF SUNSHINE

NO POV:

Once the cops and his customers were gone, Eric returned to his bar with Pam and Longshadow with him. He looked around at the damage with disinterest as he sat down on his throne. As he was sitting there, he noticed something on the stage. He reached down to grab it, and when he brought it up he saw it was a necklace of some sort. It was made of a brown leather throng with eight different beads on it, and in the middle of the beads was a dark hooked claw. He took a whiff of it, and he smelt Corissa's scent on it.

He hadn't seen her wearing this tonight, but it was covered in her smell as if she had it with her often. He took another smell noticing her scent was of sunshine...it was the only way to describe it. It was warm...almost soothing, and it smelt so delicous. He wanted to have a taste of her. Eric has never come across a scent that's made him crave a human's blood so badly...if she was even human to begin with. Her cousin and her seemed to know things others shouldn't.

Sookie Stackhouse...he believed she was so kind of telepathic, but Corissa on the other hand. He would bet her gift had to do with foresight. He smirked knowing he had to have them. He would make them his, and use their gifts to his advantage. However, he had the feeling that Corissa would put up a fight, which just made things more fun for him. He looked at the necklace once more in his hand before placing it inside his jacket pocket. He will need to make a visit to Corissa Stackhouse...and soon.

"Pam, get me all you can on Corissa Stackhouse." Eric ordered as he stood up from his throne.


CORISSA'S POV:

I stood in my room reaching into my leather jacket to pull out my necklace, but I came up empty. My eyes widened as I ripped off my jacket to look inside the pockets for my necklace.

"Fuck!" I cursed. "Where is it?!"

I checked my jean pockets, but the necklace wasn't inside there either. That necklace...it was my camp necklace. Each item hanging from that necklace was a mark to show how long I've managed to live as what I am...that I've survived. The claw in the middle of the necklace was of the hellhound I killed. The last bead I had on it...I took from Luke's necklace. It was his first one, and I had wanted to hold onto it. Even when I don't wear my necklace in the open, I have it on me...now it's gone.

"Where in the name of Zeus could I have lost it?" I asked myself as I paced my room.

I froze realizing I must have dropped it during all the chaos back at Eric's bar. I cursed very colorfully under my breath so not to wake Gran. I had to get that necklace back...but how? If I showed up asking for it, Eric would probably ask for something in return for it...or he wouldn't hand it over just for spite...or it'll be thrown away by the time tomorrow night comes long. I sat down on my head with my face in my hands as I let out a groan. This couldn't be happening. I heard Sookie come in, and as she passed my room, she paused.

"I am never going out with that vampire again." She huffed before she stomped off to her room.

I just sighed while falling back onto my bed with a very unlady like plop.


"Luke, cut it out!" I cried as I dodged his grabbing hands. "You know I'm ticklish."

"Which is why I'm doing this!" Luke said grinning broadly as he lunged at me.

I let out a squeal when his arms snaked around me, and Luke laughed as he swung me around. I tried to get out of his grip, but his strong arms refused to release me. He finally sat down with me resting between his legs, and my back pressed to his chest. He teasingly nuzzled my neck causing me to squirm.

"Luke!" I snapped slapping his arm.

He just grinned at me then kissed the side of my neck as his fingers brushed against my side.

"I can't help it." He said keeping me pressed against him. "Your laugh is so cute."

I blushed deeply at his words, and he chuckled as he rest his chin on top of my shoulder.

"Flattery will get you nowhere, Castellan." I said frowning at him.

"It's gotten me pretty far before." Luke said cheekily.

I scowled at him, and before I could tell him off, he pressed his lips firmly to mine to silence any protest. I tried to push him away to show I was still mad at him, but I soon melted into his embrace. He could always get me to forgive him whenever he annoyed me, or even when he ever pissed me off. And I hated that and loved that about him. Luke pulled away with his grin very smug, so I scowled at him again.

"Shut-up." I said causing him to laugh.

I gasped sitting up in bed as I woke up from a memory I hadn't thought of in a long time. It was one of the last moments I had with Luke that was happy before he was revealed to be a traitor. I shook my head as I covered my face in my hands. Why did I have to dream of that? Dreaming of that made me think of him, and thinking of him brought me so much pain. I still missed him so much. I took in a shuddering breath as my eyes started to tear up. I will not cry...I will not cry...I. will. not.cry...even as I thought this tears started to fall down my cheeks rapidly.

"Damn." I cursed as I wiped at my eyes.

I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep, so I pushed the covers off of me. I got out of my bed, and walked out of my room wearing a pair of girl boxers and a tank top. I wiped at my eyes once more before going down the stairs. I needed some fresh air before I went crazy. I went down out onto the porch, and sat down in the porch swing. I sniffled wiping at my cheeks again as I tried to control my emotions. I really fucking hate crying. It showed weakness.

"Corissa." A soft voice said.

I jumped turning my head to see Bill at the porch steps. What was he doing here? Hadn't he left after he and Sookie had a fight?

"I felt your sadness." He explained when seeing my confused look. "When I gave you my blood that night, I created a bond with you, so I feel your emotions."

I frowned lightly while looking away ashamed that he had caught me crying. Bill slowly came up the porch as if apporaching a cornered animal.

"May I sit with you?" He asked.

I hesitated for a moment, but then I nodded as I pulled my legs to my chest to make room for him. He sat down on the porch swing with me, and for a moment it was silent.

"Did...have a nightmare?" He asked glancing at me.

"No, it was a dream of a happy memory, but the person in it...died." I said placing my chin on my knee. "I...loved him very much."

I wiped the corner of my eyes before the tears could fall, and Bill watched me for a moment. He suddenly pulled me over into his arms almost like an older sibling would do to comfort their sibling. It was like how I'd hug my siblings or younger campers when they were sad.

"I'm sorry." Bill said. "Sookie said it is the appropriate response when a person loses someone."

I let out a weak chuckle as more tears entered my eyes. I tried to wipe them away quickly, but only more appeared.

"You truly must have loved him deeply." Bill said.

"He had asked me to marry him once." I said with a small laugh. "He was only sixteen and I had just turned fourteen, but he always said life is short, so we should use the time we have to live life fully. I told him we could wait, but we never married. He died...in my arms...there was nothing I could do. And he wasn't the only one to die that day...or that week...I lost two of my brothers...one's body we never recovered. I still hope that maybe he's out there somewhere, but I know I'm foolish for hoping so. And there was more than just them that died...I couldn't save them or protect them, Bill. I was too weak."

I didn't mean to start letting out all all of this, but I've been holding this in since the day we won against Kronos. I didn't cry a tear since Luke's death, and I've taken care of others while ignoring my own issues. Bill tightened his hold on me, and he stroked the back of my head.

"Why couldn't it have been me instead of them?" I sobbed. "They were just children. They should have lived much longer."

"Corissa, you are only twenty-years-old." Bill said. "You have much longer to live. Those you love might be gone, but you need to live on for them. I am sure this boy you loved would want you to live life fully like he had said to you."

I paused in my crying to think about his words, and I knew he was right. If Luke was here right now, he would be scolding me for being so miserable. He'd even pinch my cheeks for good measure. I wiped at my eyes again, and even if I still felt like shit, I did feel better.

"Feel better?" Bill asked.

"Yes." I said as I pulled back. "Thank-you, Bill."

He smiled lightly as he let go of me, but he did keep one arm around my shoulder for comfort.

"You're welcome." Bill said. "I had a younger sister, and you remind me of her. She had a lot of spunk and she was always really strong. She hated to cry, but at times when she did, we would sit on the porch together... and I would hold her until her tears would stop. She would completely ignore the incident the next day, and if I tried to mention it, she would slap me over the head."

He chuckled when saying that, and I felt myself grinning. By the sound of it, I would have gotten along great with Bill's younger sister.

"Well, I'll probably do the same, so be careful with what you say." I teased. "...I still had my doubts about you, Bill, but you're really not a bad person. You're the nicest vampire I've ever met."

"You've met others?" Bill asked curiously as he removed his arm from around me.

"Yeah, up in New York I met a few." I said. "They just wanted to take a bite out of me though. They said I smelt really good, and they had to take a taste."

Bill looked forward looking to be in thought as he leaned forward with his arms resting on his thighs.

"Did your friends...were they killed by these vampires?" Bill asked.

"No." I said shaking my head. "Something else entirely killed. You probably wouldn't even be able to imagine it."

Bill looked back at me curiously, but I decided I said enough for tonight. I stood up from the porch swing, and Bill stood up as well.

"Thank-you for comforting me, Bill." I said. "Usually it's me comforting others. I don't...I almost never vent. Where I was growing up I was the oldest, and the oldest always looks after the youngest. You can't show weakness...you can't show fear...and you can't show tears when you're the oldest."

"I understand that completely." Bill said.

I smiled at him, and then gave him a brief hug, which he awkwardly returned. I'm not good with hugging, and it's obvious he isn't either.

"Have a nice sleep, Bill." I said. "Dawn should be coming soon. See you at Gran's DGD meeting."

"You have a nice day, Corissa." He said bowing his head.

He was gone in the blink of an eye, and I went into the house deciding that Bill wasn't like other vampires. Maybe I could be friends with him. I then paused on my way of the steps when I realized something. Ugh, I have work tomorrow, and I know I won't be able to go back to sleep...fuck.


"Morning, Gran." I said as she came into the kitchen.

She stopped in surprise when she saw me at the stove, and I blinked at her. I was wearing her apron, which hung off me loosely even though I had it tightened all the way. I had a spatula in one hand, and the pan handle in the other.

"You're up even earlier than usual, Corissa dear." Gran said. "Couldn't sleep."

"Not really." I said shaking my head. "I almost have breakfast done, so you don't have to worry about it. Just sit down, and I'll bring you some coffee."

Gran, who was looking at me in concern, went over to the table, and slowly sat down at the table. I let the sausage cook as I went to pour a cup of coffee for Gran. I set it down in front of her, and I kissed her on the cheek.

"Thank-you, dear." She said.

"You're welcome." I replied.

I went back to cooking the sausage when the phone started ringing. I was going to get it, but Gran beat me to it. She answered the phone, and angry yelling came from the other end. I paused in what I was doing to look back at Gran in shock when hearing some of the words flying from the phone. Gran looked equally as she shocked as she stood there listening to a person cursing her for bringing Bill to the DGD meeting. I glared at the phone because no one was going to speak to my Gran like that.

"Gran, let me have the phone." I said as I placed the sausage on the table.

Gran looked hesitant, but she did hand over the phone in the end. I placed it between my ear and my shoulder as I grabbed another pan.

"Who the Hades is this? And who the Hades do you think you are talking to my Gran like that?" I demanded as I set the pan on the stove.

The woman on the other end just started cursing me, and my annoyance grew as I slammed the fridge door shut after grabbing the eggs.

"You listen here, Bitch." I said cutting her off. "You need to stop running your mouth now before I find out who you are, and I come and kick your ass. You have no right speaking to my Gran the way you were, and I sure as Hades won't let you speak to me like that. Now, you ever call this house again, and we're going to have some problems, you understand me?"

It was silent on the other end, so I guessed I got my point across, which was good for them.

"Have a nice day now." I said pleasantly.

I hung up the phone then turned to Gran, who was staring at me with wide eyes, as she sat at the table.

"Sorry you had to hear that, Gran." I said setting the phone on the table.

"...You have so much of your mother's fire in you, Sweetheart." Gran said.

I smiled taking that as a compliment. I went back to cooking, and the phone started ringing again. I heard more cussing, and I cracked the eggs sharply in aggravation. I fried up two as Gran spoke to the woman on the phone. I was placing the fried eggs on Sookie's plate when said woman walked into the kitchen, so Gran quickly changed the conversation happening on the phone.

"Well, I will be at the church early if you wish to stop by and say hi." Gran said as Sookie sat down with a curious look on her face. "Mr. Compton's talk starts at eight."

"You will got to hell for this." I heard the woman say to Gran.

"Alright, same to you, bye now." Gran said then hung up.

I laughed shaking my head as I finished up the rest of breakfast for Gran and Sookie. I already ate a little something, and I really just wanted to go on my run to clear my head.

"Phone's been ringing early today." Sookie said then thanked me for breakfast.

I nodded my head in acknowledgment as Gran told Sookie that everyone was just excited to meet Bill tonight. Sookie frowned at the mention of Bill, and I wanted out of there before she started ranting.

"I'm going to get ready for my run." I said since I was still in my night clothes.

I jogged up the stairs to put on my usual running clothes, and I grabbed my ipod as well. I made sure my bracelet was on my wrist, and I frowned when I looked into the mirror to see my bare neck. I really wanted and needed my necklace back. I sighed as I went down the stairs to go out the door.

"Be back in a bit." I called over my shoulder.


I walked behind the bar to make a few drinks for my customers since Tara wasn't here. Arlene was next to me making her own drinks. Sookie was on the other side of the bar transferring ketchup from one bottle into the other. She accidently got some all over her hand, and she hissed in annoyance.

"Bet that vampire Bill would get a rise out of that." Arlene commented.

I snorted with my lips twitching up in amusement as Sookie grabbed a rag to clean her hand.

"You'll have to ask him yourself." Sookie said.

Arlene looked to me in shock at Sookie's tone, and I just shook my head. I'm not getting into it. I already had to listen to Sookie rant about Bill on the way to work today. She's insisted more and more with me riding with her, and after this morning's ride, I will never ride with her again. Especially if she's in a bad mood.

"Vamp club not all that it was made up to be, huh?" Arlene asked.

"The place was just as expected." I said frowning.

Arlene and Sam both exchanged a glance before they both looked to Sookie and I.

"So what then? Did that vampire get all handsy with you?" Arlene asked sounding protective.

"I can take care of myself." Sookie said sounding annoyed.

"Yeah...sure you can." I mumbled.

Sookie shot me with a glare, but it didn't even make me bat an eyelash. I've been glared at by Hades himself, so her little glare did nothing to me.

"Anyway, I won't be going out with him again." Sookie said.

Neither she nor I missed the way Arlene and Sam exchanged a grin, which caused me to roll my eyes.

"Okay, that place was a kinda creepy." Sookie asked. "But how are you gonna know unless you go there yourself?"

"I said my peace yesterday." Sam as he held up his hands.

"And they shouldn't go there." I said. "If there had been another choice, we wouldn't have went there."

I finished up my drinks then walked off leaving the conversation. I delivered the drinks to Mr. Humphries and his friend Mr. Gaul.

"Here you go, gentleman." I said smiling at them. "Is there anything else I can get for you?"

"Nothing right now, dear." Mr. Humphries said as he held out a tip to me. "Here take this."

Mr. Humphries has always been a nice man, and he always gave big tips to me and the other waitresses.

"Thank-you, sir." I said taking the tip. "See you both at the Descendants of the Glorious Dead tonight?"

"You sure will." Mr. Gaul said nodding.

I smiled at them both telling them to call on me if they needed anything. I checked on my other tables, and after seeing they were okay, I went back towards the bar.

"Any of you need anything?" I asked the people at the bar.

Someone called for another sweet tea, and I told them I'd be back with one as I grabbed their glass. I went around back to where Sam was making more tea, so I set my glass next to him.

"Another sweet tea, Sam." I said.

"Coming right up." He replied.

I nodded my thanks when the ladies' room door burst open with a loud crash when the door hit the wall. Tara came marching out while leaving a shocked Sookie standing there.

"Keep that girl away from me." Tara snapped at Sam as she passed.

Sam and I watched her go, and I blinked in confusion. What happened between her and Sookie? Before I could ask said woman, she grabbed a sweet tea from Sam, and went off without pause.

"...Oookay..." I drawled. "You know what just happened?"

"No clue." Sam said as he held out another sweet tea towards me. "By the way, Sookie and I are going to the DGD together, so you might need to find a ride."

I froze with my hand around the glass as I stared at Sam with wide eyes.

"You and Sookie? Sookie and you?" I asked. "I guess you finally got the balls to make a move, huh, Sam?"

Sam gave me a playful glare, and I shrugged as I pulled the glass from his hand. I wasn't sure how this was going to work, and I felt bad for Bill. He actually is really nice, and I kind of wanted Sookie and him to make up.

"Well, I'll get to the meeting just fine." I said. "Thanks for the heads up."

"You're welcome." Sam said.

I pat his back as I past him to go deliver the the sweet tea to the man at the bar. I set it down in front of him, and that's when I noticed Andy's dejected face.

"What's wrong with you?" I asked as I stole one of his fries.

I popped it in my mouth, and he barely even reacted to me stealing his food. Huh, he must be really upset to let me just get by with that.

"Andy?" I asked waving my hand in front of his face. "Earth to Andy...come in, Andy."

Andy blinked finally focusing in on me, but he still seemed sad. I sighed wondering what was up with him.

"How about a free beer on the house?" I asked. "To turn that frown upside down."


NO POV:

Eric just rose after the sunset, and as he sat in his office, Pam walked in with a file in her hand.

"I finished this before I went to ground last night." Pam said tossing the folder onto Eric's desk. "It's all I could find on Corissa Stackhouse."

Eric opened the folder with a printed photo of Corissa's motorcycle licence being the first thing he saw. He looked at Corissa's picture before putting the picture off to the side. Another image of Corissa greeted him, but it was of a young Corissa. It showed her eleven-year-old self on a missing child paper.

"She went missing?" Eric asked.

"Yes." Pam said. "Based on the reports I found, Corissa Stackhouse vanished nine years ago. When the police searched for her, they went to a place she liked to play, and found a lot of blood and signs of a struggle."

Eric's brow quirked in interest as he found the police report in the file. The report said the police brought out dogs to track Corissa. They had went to her home to find her room a mess with more blood across the floor. They followed a scent to a river, but lost her after that. He read on seeing they searched for weeks for the girl until her mother, Mirabel Stackhouse, called off the search after receiving a letter from Corissa. The letter had went on record, and there was a copy of it here.

"Dear Momma," Eric read out loud. "I am fine and alive if you are worried. I won't be returning home. Don't worry for me...and don't look for me. I know where I belong now...please forget about me...from Rissa."

"Interesting little sunflower, isn't she?" Pam asked.

Eric didn't even question the 'sunflower' part as he looked over the letter once again.

"Very interesting." Eric said as he pulled out Corissa's necklace from his pocket. "I do believe I need to make a house call."

"Here's the address." Pam said moving some papers aside to point to an address.


CORISSA'S POV:

"I'm running so late." I said as I looked into my mirror.

I was wearing another dress much to my annoyance, but since I was going into a church I thought it was only appropriate. It was a pale green color with a yellow ribbon going around my torso. It was also sleeveless with two thin straps on my shoulders. On my feet I had on sandals with three inch heels. My bracelet was of course on my wrist, and my poor neck was still bare. My hair was half up-half down, so one side of my neck was exposed tonight. I had more natural colored make-up on my face and dark eyeliner.

"Good enough." I said as I left my room. "I need to hurry. I needed to be there fifteen minutes ago."

I went down the stairs two steps at a time, and just as I reached the front door, a cold chill went down my spine. I froze with my hand on the handle as I sensed something on the other side of the door.

"Good-evening, Miss Stackhouse." A deep voice said.

My eyes widened when I recognized the voice, and when I pulled the door open I saw Eric there.

"What are you doing here?" I asked as I clutched Sookie's car keys in my hand.

I didn't feel like riding my bike in a dress, so Sookie let me borrow her car for tonight.

"It is good to see you as well." Eric said with a smirk.

I just narrowed my eyes at him as I stood defensively. I knew he couldn't get in unless invited, but I couldn't stand here all night. I needed to get out of here, so get to the church.

"I was wondering actually if you would like this back." He said pulling out my necklace from his pocket. "I believe you dropped it last night."

My eyes widened at the sight of it, and his smirk grew. I cursed mentally knowing he just wasn't going to hand it over.

"I would really appreciate it, if you would give it to me." I said keeping calm.

"Really appreciate it, hmm?" He asked as he twisted one of the beads on the necklace.

My hands clenched even tighter, and I was sure if I squeezed much more, Sookie's keys would cut my skin.

"I will give this back to you if...you come with me to my bar." Eric said. "I wish to speak more with you."

"I have somewhere to be right now, sorry." I said.

"Then afterwards." Eric said.

I frowned though looked back to my necklace. I want it back...it was too important to just leave with Eric.

"Fine, I give you my word." I said. "I'll come by later."

Eric stared at me for a long moment, but he did hold out my necklace. I reached past the door to take it, and as soon as I grabbed it, he snatched my wrist. He pulled me out of the house, and he closed the door after me.

"I look forward to seeing you tonight." He said looking down to meet my eyes. "...Rissa..."

He was gone in a flash as I stiffened up at the use of that nickname. It was like he used it on person to get a reaction from me. I shook my head snapping myself from my thoughts. I looked down at my necklace seeing it was alright, which had me letting out a sigh of relief. Even if it looked odd with my outfit, I put it around my neck. I relaxed with its familiar weight around my neck as I brushed the claw in the center. I remembered I needed to get going, so I locked up the house before heading for Sookie's car.


I walked quietly as possible into the church to see things had already started, and that Bill was finishing a story about a man named Tolliver Humphries. Bill paused a second to glance at me with his gaze showing worry, but I smiled to assure him I was fine. Mayor Norris then raised his hand, so Bill called on him as I took a opened seat beside Terry. I smiled at Terry who seemed a bit flustered. I reached out to hold his hand, and his shaking stopped. He looked at me gratefully, and I nodded.

"I've been digging in the archives this week." Mayor Norris said as he stood with something in his hand. "And I found this old tintype. The inscription on the back says 'Mr. W.T. Compton and family'. Can you tell of if this is a picture of you?"

Bill stepped up looking hesitant, but he did take the tintype from Mayor Norris with shaking hands. He opened it, and I watched as a new emotion I have never seen on any vampire's face appear on his...and it was genuine sadness.

"This...This is a remarkable photograph. I remember the day we gathered we have this taken." Bill said glancing up at everyone.

"When was the last time you were with them?" Maxine, Hoyt's mother, asked looking teary eyed.

Bill explained the last time he saw his family was in 1962 when he had left for war, and that he never got to return to them since his human life ended.

"But you became a...a vampire after that, right?" Rene asked. "Couldn't you go back to your family then?"

Everyone looked to Bill curiously, and he looked down at the ground saying it wouldn't have been possible. He quickly pulled out a tissue to dab at his eyes before the tears could fall. I looked at him sadly because I could understand the pain of missing your loved ones. But it must have been much harder on him to have not been able to return to his family because of what he had become.

"I apologize. This is not a subject I'm very comfortable speaking about. But thank-you for the photograph, Mayor." Bill said as he returned tot he podium. "Any other questions?"


After Bill was done speaking, I went to tell him good job, and tell Gran I had to leave. I have to go speak with...Eric. Just thinking about him pissed me off. I also need to tell Sam I couldn't work for tonight. I bet that's going to go over well. I found the three people I wished to speak with and Sookie standing together, so I went over to them.

"Hey, Bill, good job speaking." I said hugging him briefly. "Sorry I didn't get here sooner."

"It's quite alright." He assured me as he returned my hug. "Is everything alright, though?"

I nodded my head with a smile on my face, but I don't think I convinced him. I blame this stupid blood bond thing.

"Sam, I'm sorry, but I can't work tonight." I said turning to him. "Something came up, and I have to see to it."

Or I'm sure Eric would come looking for me, and I didn't want him to show up at Merlotte's.

"It's alright, Rissy." Sam said. "You never ask for time off."

I thanked him then hugged Sookie and Gran goodbye. I have Bill's hand a squeeze in farewell, and then I was out of there. Fangtasia here I come.


NO POV:

Eric sat upon his throne as always as he watched his customers with little interest. He was growing bored waiting on Corissa, and just as he was about to go fetch her himself, the smell of sunshine entered his nose. He looked towards the door seeing Corissa walking in with her eyes shifting around to survey the room. He's noticed she seems to very conscious of what's around her, and he noticed last night that her eyes went to find all possible exits when she had entered. It was as if she expected something to come out and attack her.

He looked over what she was wearing to see it was similar to the night before, but she had on a tank top instead of a corset. Around her neck was the necklace she seemed very fond of, and he saw her golden bracelet gleam in the light. He watched as Corissa twisted it around her wrist as if to make sure it was there as she walked between his customers with a frown on her face. As she was walking someone grabbed her ass to give it a squeeze, which drew a growl from Eric...a reaction he didn't understand.

He was about to stand to go over to Corissa, but he paused when Corissa grabbed the man's arm. She twisted it behind his back as she slammed his head into the table. Things froze for a moment as everyone looked towards Corissa and the man. His friends stood up appearing to about to help him, but Corissa shoved the first man to the floor to punch one of his approaching friends in the face. She kneed the man in the gut, and then grabbed the last one by the hair of his head. She slammed his head against the table top, and he slumped to the floor.

"Next time think before you go an grab a woman's ass." She said to the men on the floor. "They might not be as nice as me."

Some around the bar laughed, and Eric's lips twitched up as the three men scrambled to their feet. They ran from the bar, and Corissa snorted with a roll of her eyes. Some clapped her on the shoulder complimenting her as Eric continued watching her.

"Seems like Sunflower came after all." Pam said from his right. "And what an entrance."

Eric smirked as he stood up from his throne, which caught Corissa's eyes. She glanced over at him, and his smirk widened. She gave him a blank look in return as she placed her hand on her hip.

"Show her to my office." Eric ordered Pam as he slipped away.


CORISSA'S POV:

I sighed when Eric vanished from the stage with Pam popping up next to me in the same second.

"My master wishes to speak with you in his office." Pam said.

I nodded following the blonde vampire towards Eric's office. I ignored the stares that followed me, and stuffed my hands in my pockets to appear relaxed. Pam showed me to Eric's office, and when she opened the door, I saw Eric sitting behind a desk.

"Have a seat." He said gesturing the the chair in front of his desk then looked to Pam. "Leave us."

Pam left shutting the door behind her as I sat down in front of Eric's desk. I crossed one leg over the other as I frowned at the blonde. My attention was brought back to his hair, and I just couldn't say nothing about it.

"You need a haircut." I said bluntly.

Eric's brow quirked at the random comment, but I just couldn't help myself.

"You're very blunt." Eric said.

"I try." I said shrugging. "But seriously, haircut. I'll give it to you myself."

Eric's lips twitched up in amusement, but I was being serious. Long hair did not suit him at all.

"Thank-you for the offer, but my hairstyle is not why I asked you here." Eric said.

I don't thinking holding my necklace hostage counts as him asking me here.

"Then why did you ask me here?" I asked. "I'm just some small town girl from Bon Temps. Why would you have an interest in me?"

"Miss Stackhouse, I think we both know you not just some girl." Eric said. "You are something else entirely."

I frowned at Eric as I leaned back into the chair with my arms crossed over my chest.

"Well, thanks for the compliment, but I don't know what you mean." I lied.

Eric appeared in front of me with his hands resting on the arms of the chair, so he could lean in to glare at me. I glared right back refusing to show fear even when his teeth clicked out.

"I do not like being lied to, Miss Stackhouse." Eric said then leaned in to sniff my neck.

I held back a shudder his nose traveled across my neck, and brushing against my skin.

"You you smell of sunshine." Eric said as he pulled back to look into my eyes. "Now just what are you?"

"One: how the Hades do you know what sunshine smells like? And two: none of your fucking business." I retorted sharply.

Eric growled sharply as his hand gripped my forearm so tight I could hear the bone groan in protest.

"Are you really defying me? I could kill you, Corissa." He growled.

"What can I say? I love to live dangerously, Eric." I replied with a mocking smirk.

Eric opened his mouth to say something else, but his voice disappeared as images started flashing through my mind. I saw myself back at home, and I was in the kitchen. I looked around in confusion until my eyes landed on...Gran who was laying on the ground convulsing with blood pouring out onto floor. I gasped coming out of the vision. Eric was watching me curiously as I placed a hand on my chest.

"I need to go." I said getting up. "I need to go now."

I went to the door, but as I was opening Eric zipped behind me to slam the door shut.

"You aren't going anywhere until you answer my questions." He said.

I whirled around glaring at him darkly because if he was going to stand in my way, I was going to put an arrow in his chest right here and now.

"Let me out of here, Eric!" I snapped. "My grandmother is going to die if you don't let me out, please!"

I never wanted to beg anyone for anything, but I needed to save my Gran. I had too!

"So, you can see the future." Eric said smirking as he leaned back. "That's all I need to know for now. Go on if you wish."

I ran out of the office, and hurried out of the bar to jump onto my bike. I revved the engine before shooting out of the parking lot. I had to hurry if I didn't...Gran would die!