CHAPTER SIX: HOSTILE HOST

"Hi! How can I help you?" A pretty brunette girl stood by the door, waiting to seat customers. Her smile faltered momentarily when she saw Bill and Jessica, but she quickly put on another, larger one.

"Yes, we're here with the Northman party... has he arrived yet?" Bill said, returning the young girl's smile.

"Oh, uh. Yes. I can... show you to him." she said, clearly nervous. Oh, why do we have to have so many Vamps in here tonight? They'd better not be related to the attack. They've got such a pretty one with them! Maybe I'll mention them to the sheriff...

Sookie glanced at her, and smiled. The girl cast a nervous and concerned smile at her. Sookie leaned in close, touching the girl's shoulder. "There's no reason to be afraid of us." she whispered. "We're the good guys."

The girl chuckled nervously. How did she know what I was thinking?! ... That can't be it. It must've shown on my face. Everyone's thinkin it, I'm sure... The girl stopped where she was, and pointed slightly. "Here we are. Northman party, just over there..."

"Thank you," said Bill, still smiling. He took Sookie by the waist, and lead her to the table. Jessica smiled at the girl. Then she leaned in close and caught her eye.

"Thank you very much. You did a wonderful job." she said.

"Yes... a wonderful job." the waitress muttered back.

"Jessica!" Bill said sternly.

Jessica giggled and ran after him.

"We shall talk about that later." he coldly whispered.

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"Ah, Miss Stackhouse. Lovely to see you again." said Eric, rising to greet her. He reached for her hand to kiss it, but she moved it away instead.

"I wish I could say the same." she said, sliding into the booth. Eric growled quietly.

"Bill." he nodded his acknowledgement. Bill did the same. "You're late."

"Sorry Eric. It was a little busy at Merlotte's today, she couldn't get out right away." said Bill.

"I'm sure. Well, we'd best start."

"Actually, Eric. Because Merlotte's was so swamped today, I didn't really get a chance to eat... You wouldn't mind if I had a bite, would you?" she said.

"Not at all. I wouldn't mind a bite myself..." he said. Bill glared at him, and opened his mouth but– "I know, I know. She is yours. Anyways, Sookie, it's my treat. I'm sure you can eat and listen at the same time?"

"Yes. And thank you." she said, trying to keep it brief.

"Jessica, Bill. Would you like anything? Their selection is rather limited, however Pam and I did enjoy a bottle of A positive."

"Well yes, thank you. That would be lovely." said Jessica.

"Most considerate of you." Bill muttered.

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"Look at them! I mean, I've seen Vamps before, but not like this. They never came in here. Not sitting like that, as if they own the place!" The kitchen staff had been talking about it ever since the Northmans first arrived. Now the waitresses had begun gossiping behind menus and trays as they walked to and from tables. This time it was a short blonde girl, to the brunette who seated them.

"And that poor girl, what do you think she's doing with them? Could four vampires feed off of one girl? That must be hell!" The brunette replied.

"Well, either way... someone's got to serve them."

"I'm telling you, it won't be me! I, uh, have a big group at table three. Actually, they said they wanted a minute, but it looks like they're ready now. I'd better go."

Just then, Eric Northman stuck up his hand, waved, then snapped a couple times.

"Would you look at that! Like he owns the place... Well, he saw me look. I guess I'd better go. Don't want to upset a Vamp." The blonde shuddered slightly, then pulled out her pen. She gripped it too tightly as she approached.

Oh, God... What if these are the ones? I mean, it looks like they need another human, more blood... That girl's far to small to feed four!

"Um, evening... What can I get y'all?" She smiled. Just stay calm...

"Hello," Eric grinned, "we'd like two bottles of Tru Blood, as well as, um..."

Is he trying to glamour me?! Don't look him in the eye... Just keep writing, and smiling. Stay calm.

The girl's hand shook as she wrote down the order. Sookie was trapped in her thoughts. Oh, come on... They're all waiting on you, just tell me what you want so I can get out of here! The pen nearly broke in her hand as she gripped it tighter. Her knuckles were white from the pressure.

"Sookie," Bill said, touching her arm gently. She jumped.

"Oh! Of course, sorry..." she spluttered, trying to rid the girl's fear from her own voice, "I guess I want a burger and fries, after workin at Merlotte's all day... Oh, can I get a Coke with that? Rum and Coke?"

"Yeah, sure. Is that all?" Please say yes... The girl began to turn, readied herself to walk out of there as fast as possible.

"Yes." said Eric, slowly. He drew out the word. Trying to keep me here longer... I'm next! Oh, God! The girl smiled, and darted away from the table. Tears were starting to gather in the corner of her eyes. She practically sprinted to the kitchen.

"Burger! Fries! Rum and Coke! Two Tru...... Two Tru Bloods!" the girl broke down crying.

"Melanie, what's wrong? Mel, Mel!" the kitchen staff shouted together. Soon enough the boss got there. Melanie was curled up on the floor crying. He grabbed her by the shoulders, lifted her to a sitting position, and tried to calm her down.

"What happened? Did the Vamps do something to you? Mel, speak to me." he said.

"They... they... I think they tried to glamour me! I think... Oh God, I think I'm next!" she began sobbing again.

"Mel, listen... Take the rest of the night off. I'll handle them, and you just go on home. I'll make sure they stay here. Don't you worry."

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A cheerful looking man walked towards the table. He was bald on top, with just a bit of dark hair on the sides. He was short, and a little round. "Evening, folks. I've got two bottles of Tru Blood, and a burger and fries. Oh, I can't forget the rum and Coke!"

"Thanks very much," said Sookie. "What happened to our waitress?"

"Oh, her shift ended... She went home." said the manager. Y'all scared her off, you dirty Fang Banger! My best waitress... Now who knows when she'll be back. Dumb Vamps, why'd they have to come around here in the first place? Should've just stayed in the coffin. "Do y'all need anything else?"

Eric watched as Sookie ate a french fry without taking her eyes off of the man. "No, that will be a–"

All of a sudden they heard a scream from outside.