ANOTHER SUPER BIG THANK YOU to my awesome sauce beta ShadoKat!


Chapter 6

Bill saw the group arrive at Sookie's house. He decided to wait in the woods before returning home. He sighed impatiently, hearing their giggles and banter inside the house. He ran home to his car, deciding it would be more beneficial to follow them than to try to intervene.

He was pondering their location as he followed the group down the road into Shreveport. It wasn't until they pulled into the Fangtasia parking lot that he knew he made a mistake. There was no way the Viking Sheriff was going to let Sookie slip through his fingers. 'This is going to be a problem,' he thought. 'How will I explain this to the Queen?'


Sookie lowered her shields slightly as she moved her gaze around the room. Getting pummeled with thoughts of sex, she fought against throwing up. She did find eight voids altogether, including the blonde that greeted them at the door. Four were in front of her near the bar, one next to her, one behind her that she hadn't seen yet, and one approaching outside moving quickly towards the back of the bar. 'I bet the voids are vampires,' she thought. 'I wonder what they're really like, out of here.'

Tara grabbed her arm as they slowly made their way to the bar, Sookie still fighting through the thoughts of the crowd around her.

'Please let her pick me.'

'I just wanna get fucked, and hard!'

'I want me some vamp pussy!'

'A firm cold cock would feel so good in me right now!'

She heard them all at once; it was taking its toll on her. "Gin and tonic," she said to the bartender, meeting his gaze. 'Void,' she thought. 'He's gotta be a vamp.'

As her friends grabbed one of the pub tables, she seated herself on a chair. She saw Bill Compton walk through the back door; resisting the urge to roll her eyes, she sighed.

'You gotta be shitting me!' she thought.

Lafayette noticed him too. "Mmmm, mmm don't he just look de-lish-cious?" he said, taking a drink of his Cosmopolitan. He practically purred as Bill approached the table.

"Miss Stackhouse, we meet again," he said, coming to stand next to her. Sookie took a deep breath and shut her eyes for a moment, trying to eliminate the revulsion she was feeling.

"Mr Compton, what a surprise. I trust your evening is going well for you?" she replied stiffly, her eyes continuing to move around the room.

Bill resisted the urge to smack the woman who was so deliberately avoiding him. He was not used to this reaction; he was used to women throwing themselves at him. He knew he was attractive, and he was well mannered when he wanted to be. He had been on his best behavior with his neighbor and her stubborn refusal to give him the time of day was beginning to anger him.

Eric heard her heartbeat speed up and noticed the tightening of her jaw. 'Poor Billy Boy; she isn't interested,' he thought, smiling to himself.

Pam moved through the crowd, returning to Eric's throne. Leaning close to his ear she whispered, "That would be the woman that caught Compton's interest. He was jerking off in her backyard last night."

"Indeed?" Eric replied.

"Her name is Sookie Stackhouse. She is his next door neighbor, she's 25 and ... innocent."

Eric's fangs dropped as Sookie's gaze finally fell on him. The jolt of their eyes meeting hardened him instantly. His nostrils flared as he breathed deeply, catching her sweet scent in the air. His pupils dilated as he held her gaze. He reached out with his glamour. 'Come to me Sookie, offer yourself to me,' he focused.

His eyebrow shot up, the only indication of his surprise, as her gaze moved past him to watch Pam move behind him.

Sookie felt the jolt run through her body as her eyes met Eric's. 'He's a void, another Vampire,' she guessed. She resisted the urge to approach him, a strong pull in her mind driving her to walk over to him. Her gaze locked with his and she felt herself pool between her legs. Shocked at her sudden arousal, she shifted her gaze to the blonde standing behind him, desperately hoping that breaking his gaze would eliminate the thoughts she had of his hands working her breasts.

'He looks like a sex god,' she thought, watching him rise from his throne, towering over the crowd. She noticed then that her heart was pounding in her ears. Taking a few deep breaths, she tried to focus on her friends, hoping the distraction would help her get ahold of herself.


Eric smelled her arousal, ignoring Pam's chuckle behind him.

He rose from his throne, the crowd parting as he moved through it, approaching her table, as her gaze returned to his.

"Bill Compton, to what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?" he questioned, his eyes never leaving Sookie's.

"Eric," Bill greeted quietly, noticing Eric's fascination with Sookie. 'FUCK!' he thought to himself. "May I introduce my new neighbor, Miss Sookie Stackhouse and her friends."

The beat changed in the bar as the song changed. "Damn I wish I was your lover..." came through the speakers, thumping loudly.

"Ms Stackhouse, welcome to Fangtasia, my name is Eric Northman, and it is MY pleasure." Eric purred, staring at her intently.

"How do you do Mr. Northman?" Sookie said, a tight smile taking over her face as she struggled to keep control of her heartbeat and thoughts. "You have an interesting bar. I can honestly say, I've never seen anything like it," she replied sincerely, a warm blush creeping up her face at his continued stare.

"I'll take that as a compliment Ms Stackhouse, and please call me Eric," he said smoothly, as Sookie dropped her gaze. He watched with fascination as the blush crept over her face and down her neck. He breathed in quietly, her scent filling his lungs. Resisting the urge to throw her on the table and fuck her senseless, Eric shifted slightly, raising his hand towards the dance floor. "Would you care to dance?" he asked.

Sookie looked at him, hesitating briefly, trying to decide the best course of action. She smiled, "I would, if you would please call me Sookie," she replied, walking to the dance floor with him. She swayed to the beat, taking a moment to acclimate to his size. At her full height, she reached the center of his chest. As they wrapped themselves around each other, swaying and moving in time with the music, Pam smiled.


Lafayette spoke first. "Ain't that some shit?" he asked of nobody in particular, watching Sookie and Eric forget anyone else was in the bar with them.

Tara replied first. "I don't know if I should feel jealous or scared," she said, blinking a few times, trying to adjust to the sight of her friend dancing with the large vampire. She choked on her drink as Sookie turned and faced out, shoving her back into Eric's chest, as he wrapped his arms and hands around her small body, moving them both with the music.


Sookie was feeling the freedom of the music as she ground her ass into Eric, losing herself in the beat, until he leaned forward whispering in her ear. "Damn I wish I was your lover, I'll rock you til the daylight comes."

Moaning softly, Sookie leaned her head back into his shoulder feeling her arousal saturate her already wet panties. 'Omigod!' she thought, 'I wish his hands would touch me like the hands do in my dreams,' she thought, shivers traveling up and down her spine.

Sookie felt a wave of familiarity wash over her, and as she struggled to understand why, the song changed. She felt Eric's hands on her shoulders as they gently turned her back around to face him. Instinctively, Sookie's arms wrapped around him as they started moving to the slower beat.

Eric felt a comfortable warmth as he felt her acceptance. His already tight pants seemed to get tighter as he felt her body moving against his. Breathing in her delicious scent again, he spoke "Tell me my Sookie, why have I never seen you here before?"

They were interrupted then by a throat clearing beside them.

"May I cut in?" Bill asked as he stood watching them uncomfortably.

"Actually, I was just going to the rest room, if you'll both excuse me," Sookie said, her eyes on the floor.

"Of course," Eric said quietly. He squeezed the hand he'd been holding before letting it go as Sookie made her way down the narrow hall to the rest room. After walking in, she made her way to a stall and leaned against it, releasing a deep sigh as she did so.


"What interest do you have in the girl?" Eric demanded when Sookie was far enough down the hall to not hear the exchange.

"She is my neighbor," Bill replied. "I am more intrigued with why you are interested in her; she is hardly your type." Bill raised an eyebrow as he spoke the last few words.

"Watch it Compton; I'm still your Sheriff!" Eric replied stiffly. "My interest in her is none of your concern; I was merely curious about her scent and chose to investigate."

Turning, Eric faced Bill fully, his blue gaze locking on the smaller Vampire. "I would be more concerned with making friends with her friends if you want an in with her," Eric stated before turning his back on Bill.

"So you are interested in her?" Bill asked, knowing he was pushing his limit.

Eric turned his head, facing Bill, his eyebrow high on his forehead as an answer.

They both turned when they saw Sookie run out of the bar.


Sookie was washing her hands when a feeling of dread washed over her. His voice, she knew his voice. 'My dreams!' as cold recognition hit her like a ton of bricks.

She dried her hands quickly and ran out of the bar. Making her way quickly to the car, she got in and started off for home. She gripped the steering wheel tightly, hoping desperately to make it home before she started crying.

"What the hell is wrong with me? I'm losing my mind!" she said out loud, speeding down the highway towards Bon Temps. "There is no way the voice in my dreams is him! I just met him tonight, its not possible, dear lord in heaven tell me its not possible!"


Eric stood on the dance floor in surprise. Not knowing what had spooked the girl, he watched her run instead of chasing after her. He noted the friend in the blue dress run after her calling her name.

Eric turned from the door and walked to his throne to ponder the events of the evening when Pam approached him, having watched the scene unfold. "What did you do now? You cannot handle innocents the same way you do fangbangers Eric" she said dryly.

"Don't you need to do something? Maybe wash a bathroom or something?" he replied, staring at the door.

"Oh I think this is much more entertaining Master, don't you? Besides, if I left, how would I be able to torment you with this later? I would only have partial information. That is never good. My maker always told me, "get the full story"" she giggled at him.

"PAM!" he growled.

"You know, I never noticed, that your left eye twitches when you get angry Master, did you know that? You also have a vein that pops out in your forehead. How intriguing!" she replied, ignoring his warning but moving a safe distance away from him, just to be sure.

Eric rose then; walking to the back door, he stepped outside into the night air. After taking an unnecessary breath, he took off in the night air. 'I'll make my visit to the shifter and then check on her.'


Bill couldn't have been happier if Sookie had given herself to him willingly for surrender to the Queen, at that moment. 'Sookie will go home, lock herself in and I'll coax her out, turn her over to the Queen, and we can forget this whole episode happened. Eric will want nothing to do with a human who has rejected him publicly,' he prayed silently.

Bill quietly slipped out the back door of the bar, making his way to his car. If he beat Sookie home, he could try charming his way into the house tonight. She had a luscious body; no reason to not find his pleasure with her before the Queen did.

He laughed out loud in his car, driving home. "She didn't just walk away from the GREAT ERIC NORTHMAN, she ran."


"This, old man, is why I told you NOT to interfere" she told him with tolerance. "Your meddling could have ruined this, and may have changed things with penalties we have no idea about. One of these days you will learn, to let things unfold on their own! I really would have thought 800 years in this realm would have settled you down some."

"ME? What about you and your insistence on everything being exactly so? You leave nothing to chance!" he replied. "The minute you have a question about the future, you run to your room and throw yourself into one of your trances. Who truly lacks patience, old dame?"

"Don't you resort to name calling, I was merely pointing out how your meddling could have changed things."

"I've told you and told you to stop telling me what to do!" he snapped.

As the two walked through the garden, all those around could hear the bickering.

"You'd think after 700 years together, you would both have grown beyond this childish bickering. Living with you two has given me an ulcer," came a third voice. "The Queen is going to be a problem."


Sam Merlotte finished wiping down his bar, looking at the clock, getting ready to make the announcement for last call, when the door opened. Hearing the jingle of the bells, he turned around, ready to tell the person that they were closed, when his eyes widened in recognition of the Vampire Sheriff standing in his doorway.

His eyes closed in defeat. 'Shit me sideways,' he thought. 'Why now?'

"Eric Northman, what can I do for you sir?" he acknowledged respectfully.

"You can explain what is going on in your little town, shifter. My child returned to me last night, her memories altered because of magic," Eric stated quietly. "I want to know what is going on."

"I'm not exactly sure; my memories of last night are fragmented, at best. I woke up this morning on my couch. My last memory was walking out of here towards my trailer; I don't know how I got there," Sam lied, hoping he was successful.

Eric looked around the bar quietly. Seeing nothing of interest he returned his cold gaze to Sam. "You realize that if you are lying to me, I will rip your head off, I don't care about witnesses either Shifter," Eric didn't wait for a reply; he turned and walked back out of the bar.

Landing in Sookie's yard, Eric paid attention to the old farmhouse this time. It was in desperate need of repair, appearing to be no better than a shack. Truth be told, her shed looked better than the house did. 'This won't do, when she is finally mine, I'll either have this fixed or have her get rid of it altogether,' he promised himself. 'Wait, when she is mine? What the hell am I thinking? Where did that come from?'

'That car has to go too; I can't have her representing me in that hunk of tin!' he walked to the front door, listening to quiet sobs from inside, truly perplexed by the girl at this point.

'Maybe I will claim her; it might be nice to have some consistency. I won't have to hunt for my meal anymore, it will always be here. I can train her to please me, and only me, and I won't share.' he growled at the thought of another touching HIS Sookie.

He hovered around her bedroom window, listening to the sobs that were muffled by the pillows on her bed.

"Gran, I miss you so much. I don't know what to…I don't know how to handle the dreams without you here," he heard her whisper. 'What dreams?' he thought.

Flying up to the roof, he sat on the edge looking up at the night sky, wondering what he was missing. He saw movement on the ground and noticed Bill Compton in the woods behind the house.

Eric's eyebrow arched as he tried to figure out Bill's link to Sookie. He knew something was amiss; if Bill was involved that meant Sophie Anne was as well, but their interest in a human made no sense.

Eric watched as Bill stood staring at the house for the better part of an hour. Sookie's sobs had quieted and her heartbeats grew less frantic. He thought she had fallen asleep until he heard the creak of wood and what he thought were footsteps slowly making their way downstairs.

Bill turned and made his way back to his house through the woods before Eric flew to the ground and stepped onto the porch. He listened briefly as he heard movement in the back of the house, what he assumed was the kitchen, before he knocked.


Sookie made it home in one piece, locking her car and running up the back stairs into her kitchen. She shut and locked the door behind her, leaning her back against it, desperate to remain in control of her roller coaster emotions.

"Gran, I miss you so much. I don't know what to…I don't know how to handle the dreams without you here," she said quietly, as she sank to the floor, wrapping her arms around her legs, laying her head on her knees. She rested briefly before making her way to her room.

Without turning on the lights, she changed into a soft nightgown of pale pink and crawled into bed. Her head no sooner hit the pillows than the tears started again, her panic overtaking her as large sobs left her gasping for air.

When she finally calmed, she got up to change her now soaked pillow cases and made her way silently down stairs to get some chocolate milk. Wiping her eyes, she was on her way back to the stairs when she heard a soft knock on the front door.

Wiping the remaining tears from her face with a paper towel, she cleared her throat before speaking. "Who is it?" she was afraid the answer was Bill Compton. Surprise shot through her when she heard the answer.

"It's Eric, Sookie… Eric Northman," answered a muffled reply.

'Shit!' her eyes widened, as she instinctively opened the door, flinging it wide. "Eric? Wh,what are you doing here?" she asked quietly, her eyes taking him in as he filled her doorway, towering above her.

"You didn't say goodbye," he stated gently, taking in her tear stained face. "I was worried." They stood for a moment staring at each other in silence. Sookie felt a strong jolt run through her body, her Gran's voice echoing in her head from days past. 'Sookie Stackhouse, we are not rude to our guests!'

"I'm sorry Eric, please, forgive my manners, would you like to come in?" she said recovering from her shock.

Eric's inner beast jumped for joy, the magical barrier preventing his entrance into the house falling the minute the words left her mouth.

"As much as I would love to Sookie, it is late for you; I just wanted to make sure you made it home safely," Eric replied. 'Catch more flies with honey than vinegar' he thought with amusement.

"Oh, thank you Eric, that's very sweet of you," Sookie said smiling; getting lost in his blue eyes.

'Not half as sweet as your blood will taste, my Sookie,' he thought compulsively. "What has you so upset my Angel?" he inquired softly.

"Oh, I, I, - " Sookie started.

"Eric, Sookie? What is going on?" Bill interrupted, demanding as he made his way to the porch.


Bill parked his car with a large smile on his face. He exited slowly, looking at the stars, taking the time to appreciate them before heading over to Sookie's house. Hearing voices in the distance made him pick up his pace. 'Now what? This girl is becoming a pain in the ass'

As he arrived at her house he saw Eric standing on her porch, and he heard Sookie invite him in. 'This is bad, very very bad, I'll have to call Andre'

"Eric, Sookie? What is going on?" he demanded.


"What do you mean Mr. Compton? Eric and I are speaking, what does it look like?" Sookie demanded, her patience with the man finally running out.

Eric stood back, letting her anger speak for itself, as he arched an eyebrow at Bill. She stepped in front of him, on her porch facing Bill, presenting her back to Eric. "I think, Mr Compton, the real question is, what are you doing over here this late at night? After all, don't you have an early morning commute you need to worry about?" she questioned, knowing the lie for what it was.

Eric resisted the urge to stick his tongue out at Bill and settled for raising his middle finger silently, out of Sookie's eye sight.

"Sookie, I merely came to check on you dearest. You left so abruptly, I was concerned for your safety," he replied, taking a step onto her porch towards her.

Sookie stepped back, into Eric, who took the opportunity presented to him, to wrap a long arm around her waist, drawing her closer to him.

"Mr. Compton, I've not given you permission to address me with such familiarity. While your concern is kind and even heartwarming, I assure you, it is unwelcome at this time. Due to the lateness of the hour, I must bid you a good night!" she stated, turning and walking into her house, grabbing Eric's hand and pulling him with her as she did so. "Good Evening, Mr. Compton!" she said as she closed the door firmly.

"That man gives me the creeps," she stated after the door was shut. "I'm sorry Eric, I have no True Blood to offer you," she stated with regret, looking at the floor.

Eric placed a finger under her chin, lifting her gaze to his. "You have no reason to apologize my Sookie; I should apologize for showing up without warning. But I had no other way to contact you." he said getting closer with each word.

"Oh, I could -" she started, their heads closing the distance between them as their lips met. His mouth opened gently against her, his tongue slipping slowly along her lips, begging for entry. Sookie moaned softly, opening her mouth in a sign of acceptance and submission, her hands rising to his arms.

Eric's inner beast was screaming at him to throw her on the floor and bury himself deep inside her. He managed to keep control as his arm came up to slowly wrap around her waist pulling her closer, deepening their kiss. He let one hand hold her tight, while the other moved up her side to ghost over her breast, lightly pinching her nipple through the sheer fabric of her nightgown.

RING

The hallway phone rang, interrupting their moment. Sookie let out a breath of frustration, and turned to answer it.

"Hello?" she said into the receiver.

"Sookie? You made it home girl? I just wanted to let you know I have your purse and your wrap, I'll drop it off tomorrow." Tara said in relief.

"Oh thank you Tara, I appreciate it. I'm sorry I left ya'll so ... suddenly."

"Its ok hon, it was probably too soon for you anyway. Gran would have been proud of you though; you just gotta try every now and then."

Eric, hearing both sides of the conversation, made a mental note to research Sookie, to figure out what this exchange was all about.

"Alright Tara, I'll talk to you tomorrow; I'm heading to bed," Sookie said quietly.

"Night Sook, I love you!"

"Love you too," Sookie answered, hanging up the phone.

"Sookie, it's late for you; I thank you for your hospitality. If I leave my cell phone number for you, will you use it?" Eric asked suddenly, surprising himself with the question.

"I think so," Sookie answered smiling.

He wrote it down on a notepad by the phone. "Good, I look forward to hearing from you," he said, walking towards the door, placing a chaste kiss on her lips before walking out.

"Make sure you lock it behind me," he said.

"Ok Good Night Eric. Thank you," she said, shutting the door and locking it, as he requested. Eric lingered to hear her move away from door.

His smile left his face, as he moved toward Bill Compton's house.


"Yes your Majesty, I met her this evening. I agree she will be a wonderful addition to your retinue. I will need you to send Andre; she is very willful," Bill said, speaking softly into his cell phone while standing in the living room of his home.

"What are you NOT telling me Compton?" Sophie Anne demanded.

"There has been a development, Majesty. Sookie went to Fangtasia, with her friends this evening, and she met Northman," Bill winced, waiting for the explosion.

"What?" Sophie Anne said in shock. "What do you mean she met Northman? I told you that was unacceptable Compton! If he interferes with your assignment, you will be the one facing the punishment! I'll send Andre Friday night. He will meet you at your nest, and help you get the human girl under control. You will use whatever means necessary, do you understand me Compton? You will bring her to me, or you will pay!" Sophie Anne said with quiet deliberate tones.

"I understand your Majesty," Bill replied, hoping to soothe her anger with his loyalty.

"Have you witnessed her power?" She pressed.

"I've seen her in public using what I believe is her telepathy, Majesty. She is not developed; she will need training. She is very young and... she is innocent your Majesty," Bill said hesitantly. He had intended to take her innocence from her, but he told the Queen hoping to save himself.

"Innocent?" Sophie Anne asked, not understanding his statement.

"Yes Majesty, she is a virgin," he replied.

"Oh my," she purred. "Make sure she stays that way Compton; I've not had virgin blood in centuries!" she commanded.

"Yes Majesty."

"Keep Northman away from her Compton. And make sure you stay out of Andre's way when he arrives. He will direct you in any assistance he may need from you at the time," she stated, closing her phone

Bill heard the telltale click, and shut his phone, as his door flew open and through his house in an explosion.


Eric stood on Bill's porch hearing both sides of the conversation with his vampire ears. 'Friday is 2 nights from now; I'm nowhere near done with Sookie.' he hovered over to the window nearest Compton, to better hear the conversation.

'A telepath? That would explain part of her attraction, but the Queen would not be this extreme for just a telepath, what else is there?'

He heard the Queen disconnect the call, and took that moment to strike.


"COMPTON!" Eric's voice roared as he passed through the doorway, entering the home. "You will explain yourself, or I will force it out of you, your choice!" he stated simply, in front of Bill instantly.

"I cannot Eric. The Queen has given me my orders; you'll have to call her directly," he replied, stepping away slowly, hoping to escape the situation.

"I can call her, Compton, and I can tell her that you told me of the girl's telepathy and begged my help. I can also tell her that I am unsure of what you are about since you have betrayed her confidence, Compton. Who do you think she will believe? You or me?" Eric stated, arching his eyebrow, vein popping out in his forehead.

"She sent me to collect the girl. She is a powerful telepath. Something about prophecies. Eric, I don't know the whole story, but the girl has incredible power, and Sophie Anne wants her."

"Prophecies? What prophecies? There are no prophecies in the Vampire World Compton, try again!" Eric retorted.

"It's a Supernatural prophecy, Eric; it will affect all supernaturals, not just Vampires. The girl is the heart of the prophecy. Sophie Anne is hoping that by making the girl her child, she will control her power, and as a result control the prophecy," Bill said, desperate to end this entire nightmare. He had betrayed his Queen, yes, but an angry Eric Northman was far more dangerous than Sophie Anne.

"What exactly is she?" Eric demanded

"I don't know; I've not been able to taste her. The Queen doesn't even know what she is. There is another in the palace, a cousin named Hadley. She brought Sophie Anne's attention to Sookie with her stories of their childhood. Something about telepathy, dreams and potential telekinesis. There was a story of a car about to hit Sookie's brother Jason, and Sookie screamed in fear stopping the car. The grandmother moved Jason out of the way and Sookie unfroze the car. The Queen was sure it was a twisted memory of a child until the stories kept flowing out of Hadley." Bill started pacing, knowing he was digging a deeper hole for himself. "The Queen decided to research the story, and days later sent me here to bring Sookie back. I am to use whatever means necessary to bring her to New Orleans."

Eric listened to Bill, his mind moving quickly, trying to decide what to do.

"I told the Queen to send Andre. He will be here Friday to bring the girl back to New Orleans with us. It will be over quickly," Bill said, glancing at Eric, as he continued to pace.

Eric said nothing; he walked out of the house towards the doorway. "You will tell the Queen, nothing of our discussion Bill!" he said quietly as he took to the air. He needed to think.

'I'm not ready for the girl to be gone, but she isn't mine. Why should I care what happens to her?' he thought, his path taking him back to his tree from the night before outside her window. Her light was off and she was lying in bed, quietly breathing, the danger to her unknown.

Listening to her breathing, he knew she was in a deep sleep. He slid the window open and climbed through to stand at her bedside, looking down at her.

'So much trouble for a human,' he thought. 'I don't care about humans; they are only a feed and a fuck, so why would Sophie Anne want this particular human so desperately?' He allowed his hand to ghost over her cheek, her skin warm and soft under his fingertips. He gently tugged at the sheet wrapped around her body, exposing her breasts. Hardening at the sight, he used a finger to work a nipple to a hard nub. Her sigh was music to his ears.

Eric looked outside the window, seeing Compton come through the woods to stand at the clearing near her house, knowing Eric was in her room. Eric moved back out the window, hovering long enough to close the window before landing softly on the ground.

"Eric, if you interfere, the Queen will end you, she will send you to your final death," Bill warned.

"I never said I was going to interfere," Eric replied, looking into the night sky. 'You didn't say you wouldn't interfere either,' the voice in is head said. "What I will or won't do Bill is none of your concern," he said, taking off into the night sky.


"We need to tell him," the masculine voice said with purpose.

"If you interfere again, I will banish you from this realm!" came the feminine reply. "This is where he needs to make his choice. He has two paths in front of him. If you make this choice for him, he will fail. You will leave this alone and observe for now, unless he reaches out to you. Then and only then will you say anything."

"He cannot make an intelligent decision without all of the facts!"

"He doesn't need all of the facts to make his choice; you will allow him this choice. It might be the last one he gets to make for a while," she replied impatiently. "LEAVE THEM ALONE!"


'A telepath,'

Eric thought. 'There is more to this. Blue lights, telepathy, telekenisis...what am I missing?' he tore through the sky on the way to Shreveport.

As he landed, behind Fangtasia, he opened his cell phone. Looking through the contact list, searching for a name he hoped would lead to answers.

He began his text message. "I find myself with questions and no answers…" He hit send, and walked through the door, making his way quietly to his office.


Pam watched Tara, Arlene and Laff leave shortly after Sookie did. She quietly walked out behind them, watching them shuffle to the yellow convertible.

"Mistress" came a voice from behind her. Pam turned her attention to the brunette waitress she had hired weeks earlier, named Roxie.

"What!" she demanded, angry at the intrusion.

"You have a phone call, a gentleman named Andre" she said meekly.

Pam used her vampire speed to get inside to the phone in Eric's office.

"Andre" she purred "What can I do for her Majesty" she said. Andre called only for Her Majesty Sophie Anne. 'This can't be good' Pam thought briefly.

"Pam, I was hoping to speak with the Sheriff, is he in?" came the reply.

"He has stepped out, I can have him call you upon his return" she offered no explanation on Eric's absence. She trusted no one with her Master's secrets, and right now his interest in Compton and Sookie Stackhouse was a secret.

"Please, tell him, her Majesty is expecting his call" Andre replied terminating the call immediately.

Pam sat at the desk, shifting through the mail and deleting the fangbanger e-mail off his computer, waiting for his return. She could feel him drawing closer, so she sat back slipping into down time.


Eric opened the office door distractedly. 'I will not interfere with this. A human is hardly worth upsetting my life for. It doesn't matter how attractive she is, or how sweet she smells. Things are moving smoothly and the Queen leaves me alone to run my area the way I want. If I get involved in this, Sophie Anne will never leave me alone!' He met Pam's gaze with his mind made up.

"Andre called, Sophie Anne is expecting a return call tonight," she informed him. "What did you do with our little human?" she smirked.

"I did nothing. Sophie Anne wants her and I decided to not get involved." he replied, taking the seat she had vacated behind his desk.

"You want her as well; when have you ever let something stand in your way?"

"I spoke to Compton; he was sent here by Sophie to bring the girl back to New Orleans. Sookie is a telepath, and Sophie wants her in her retinue," he replied, leaning back in his chair.

"A telepath? That's different. But it's not as though she is the only telepath out there. Why the insistence on this one?"

"That's what I am wondering. I am also wondering why she sent Compton out here instead of just calling me directly. I do not like the fact that she is going around me in my own area. However, I think it's easiest to just let it go. I have no care over a telepath leaving my area; it will keep Sophie Anne off my back and we can continue as though we know nothing."

"YOU are going to allow her to out maneuver you? YOU are walking away from a fight? Who are you and where is the real Eric Northman? My Master never bows out of a fight. He is a Viking; fighting is in his blood!" she said.

"Pam, this has the potential to put us at war with a Queen in our own area and for reasons we don't even know about. It's easier to let her have the telepath. Do you really care about why?"

"I care about the fact that you don't care Eric. If Sophie Anne will step on you once, and you let it go, she will do it again and again. Not to mention the fact that you are giving up without even trying. Besides, in the short time we've known this telepath, things have been less boring."

His phone vibrated in his pocket, interrupting their discussion. He reached for it, flipping it open and reading the reply to his message from earlier "Will arrive soon, with some answers."

POP

A golden haired male stood in front of his desk, looking down at him with hard gray eyes.

Pam hissed, perceiving an attack.

Eric commanded, "Pam, leave us!"

Nodding at her master, she left, shutting the door behind her.

"Thank you for answering my message, old friend," Eric stated.

"You're welcome, but I am limited in what I may tell you."

"I have come across a woman, who I believe to be more than a human. I know her to be a telepath but I have reason to believe she is more," Eric said slowly, picking his words carefully.

"What exactly do you want to know Eric? You've already made your decision. You don't want to get involved; haven't you made your choice?" he asked quietly.

"Yes...Yes I've made my choice, but I still want to know. What is she?" Eric asked.

"She is none of your concern, not now. Your choice is made and she will fall to the rule of the Queen."

"Fall to the rule of the Queen? I never said anything about the Queen," Eric stated evenly, watching every move.

"Do you think I don't know what has been going on?" came the counter question.

"I want to know what you know," Eric stated, his patience growing thin.

"Why? You have made a choice; what more do you need to know? It matters not. She will fall to the Queen." an eyebrow arched over the gray eyes looking at him.

"She will be turned; she will be well taken care of." Eric stated evenly.

"Eric, Sookie can't be turned. When the Queen tries to turn her she will realize this. I am sure I don't need to explain to you what will happen to Sookie at that point."

"What is she?" Eric growled, "Fintan, you will tell me, I order it!" Eric demanded.

"I don't answer to you Vampire," Fintan replied casually "I can leave as easily as I came here; don't forget YOU asked ME here." he moved forward, leaning heavy arms on Eric's desk. "Besides, it doesn't matter, you've already made your decision." his steely gaze met Eric's, showing no fear.

"I asked you here to answer my questions, not to give me grief or question my decisions," he stated coldly "You don't get to question my motives!" he sneered.

"Motives? You're a VAMPIRE; your only motive is to serve yourself." Fintan retorted. "Sookie is Sookie; that is all you need to know for now. She is a telepath, and very powerful. She has had a particularly difficult life with the past year being the worst. Her Grandmother passed away. Sookie has a brother, his name is Jason, he is a normal human. I have heard he is particularly attractive."

"What is Sookie?" Eric asked again.

"Sookie is Sookie," Fintan stated. "I must go, things are...unstable right now. You may reach me if necessary Vampire."

POP, he was gone, leaving Eric with more questions than answers.


Sophie Anne watched as Andre closed his phone. "Where is my Sheriff?" she demanded.

"He was not there - she offered no explanation," he replied.

"You will go to Compton's on Friday, you will bring the girl back. I require 2 things Andre - she must be alive, and still a virgin. Beyond that, I don't care what you do to get her here, just get her here. We will perform the blood bonding and then I will turn her."

"Yes my love," he replied, his eyes full of adoration for his only love.

Sophie Anne smiled at him, dropping her fangs and moving closer to him.

"Yes, once she is turned we will begin the takeover. I will be High Queen, and you, you my lovely child, you will be my King." she said before sinking her fangs into his neck.

Andre closed his eyes, unable to hold back his orgasm, he trembled under her.

"Why do we need her? She is a human, why do we need a human?" he questioned after she released him.

"She is not just a human. Sookie Stackhouse is the product of magic; she is a magical being. With her by my side, nobody will be able to stop me, or you, my love. We will rule together. All will bow to us!"

"What about Northman, will he give us a problem?" Andre questioned.

"If he does, kill him, I have no use for him. He has been a thorn in my side for quite a while now. His people are loyal only to him; it would do good for them to realize who their regent really is." she replied.

Sophie Anne spread her legs, exposing her hairless mound. "Now, Andre! Worship me properly!" she said, as he bent, his head between her thighs.


Eric dialed his Queen, still pondering his conversation with Fintan.

"Eric Northman for the Queen," he stated.

"Eric Northman, have you allowed Bill Compton into your territory?" she demanded.

"Yes your Majesty, I let him in, he said he was from your court, I saw no reason to deny him immediate entry. Was there a problem?" he questioned.

"No, No Northman no problem, just make sure he is comfortable. I've tasked him with an assignment and I need it completed. His computer skills are above reproach, and I need him to stay sharp." she lied easily.

"Yes Majesty I've heard. I will not be needing him but for a couple of nights a month, I prefer those in my area to appear at my bar in place of tribute. I have no use for their money," he replied easily.

"Good, if he gives you a problem, you let me know immediately, that is all!" CLICK!

Eric threw his phone across the office, watching it shatter. He rose from the chair, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

'I do not care that Sookie is his assignment, it matters not!' he told himself.

"You're as subtle as a gun Eric," Pam stated, returning to the office after hearing the phone hit the wall. "Why do you continue to deny your fascination with the girl?"

"I am fascinated with no one. Your continued harassment on this subject grates on my nerves child!" Eric growled, turning to stare her down.

"Yes Master," Pam replied looking down, moving back towards the door. "You are mastering the Johnny Cash look and attitude now. I will get you an award for your acting skills. Dear Abby says it's important to acknowledge all accomplishments, this one shouldn't go unrecognized," she stated quickly, shutting the door behind her as the desk was thrown towards the door.

"PAMELA!" he roared.


After demolishing his office, Eric went to his resting place in the basement of Fangtasia, too frustrated to return to his home.

As he felt the pull of the sun, his body began its shutdown. He felt Sookie's lips pressing into his, her soft breast under his hand.

'Damnit!' he thought as he died for the day.


AN: I hope ya'll like it :) Let me know what you think...