A/N: Okay sorry this took so long to update. I wrote FOUR versions of this chapter. The characters didn't want to do what I wanted. So I gave in to them. Thanks to CJ for helping me with my writers block and iheartredbull for sending me the PM – So sweet to worry about little old me! Please enjoy! and as always REVIEW! :D

PS - This chap is like 2 chapters in 1 - EXTRA LONG! Thanks for waiting!

PPS - Still no beta. I apologize for errors

CHAPTER 7

Maryann stood in her new kitchen eating a plump strawberry. The flesh of the fruit gave as she bit into it, the red juice sliding both into her mouth, and down her fingers. Gnawing the last bit of edible meat from around the stem, she threw the green top in the trash and began to lick her sticky fingers clean.

She savored every drop and watched out the window as a car pulled up in the driveway.

"It's about time that Karl got home with Tara and Eggs." She thought to herself.

The house was dry without their energy and Maryann had been on edge for the last hour waiting for them to get home. She craved their emotions.

Walking to the front door, she greeted with open arms. Her long purple dress flowed over her body like a robe and she looked majestic standing there. Tara came in first followed by Eggs.

"Welcome home you two!" Maryann already felt better.

"Hey Maryann." Tara seemed a little tired. She had bags under her eyes and walked without her usual determination. Eggs echoed Tara's statement and stopped in the foyer admiring the new house.

"Very nice Maryann!" He said.

"You like?" Maryann twirled showing off the house. She was pleased to see him so lively. "I thought it was simply perfect. Especially, for having parties. She smiled devilishly.

Tara looked around the grand space. There was enough room in the foyer and adjoining living room to fit all of Merlotte's inside. The furniture was antebellum style and it had a nice old world style while remaining comfortable. She was impressed.

"Well I guess it's a good thing you like throwing parties."

"You know it girl! In fact, I was thinking we could have a little get together to celebrate. What do you think?"

"Celebrate what?" Eggs asked. Karl slipped in the door with Tara's small overnight bag and headed upstairs.

"Yeah Maryann, what kind of party?" Tara was interested. Maryann smiled, she knew that girl loved to party.

"Well I thought it would appropriate to have a housewarming/ get well party." Maryann was tickled with her own idea. This was the perfect way to get Sookie Stackhouse within her grasp. She has already marked Sookie and to tear her away from those arrogant vampires would be more fun than slaughtering the whole town. But hey, why not do both?

"So when's this bash?" Asked Eggs.

"Well," Maryann was hopeful, looking at the pair of them with shining innocent eyes that she had spent centuries perfecting, "I was thinking tomorrow night. That way you are both rested after your terrible ordeal. And it gives Karl enough time to prepare all the food."

"Sounds great Maryann, you know everyone loves your parties." Tara beamed at the woman.

"Of course people love my parties! It's what I do." Maryann paused momentarily; it was time for her to set her plan in action. "Oh Tara, why not invite your friend Sookie. I want to show her there's no hard feelings."

"Sure Maryann, that sounds like a great idea." Tara had just been thinking the same thing. She was glad Maryann thought it was a good idea.

"How's your wrist?" Asked Eggs catching Maryann off guard. Tara had obviously told him what had happened after he had been knocked unconscious.

"Oh my wrist?" Maryann pulled back the sleeve of her dress to show a naked arm, free of any cast or brace. "All better! The doctor said something about it just being a sprain, nothing to worry about."

In actuality, the writs had snapped causing a compound fracture. Maryann was just a "fast healer'. It has been practically fine by the time they had reached the hospital but Maryann had played along for Sookie's benefit.

After exclaiming how glad they were that Maryann was okay, the couple headed to bed. They would need their sleep for tomorrow's party.

***

Back outside Merlotte's, Bill stared at Sookie for a moment and then vanished. He had run so fast that it looked like he had simply disappeared. Sookie bit her lip uncertain what to say to Eric. She opted to say nothing and simply pushed past Eric and get in her car. Tears were streaming down her face and all she could think about was Bill and that she just wanted to get in the shower and forget about the real world for a while.

Eric stood and watched her go. As she drove off, he kicked himself for not making a move; but her tears had paralyzed him. After 1000 years, he still didn't know how to deal with crying females.

Instead he left the parking lot and flew to Maryann's house. Now that he has tasted her blood, he could smell her scent covering the whole town. Whatever she was, she had this town soaked in her essence. Eric knew that he had to figure out what she was, and fast.

The house was a mansion. Built in the plantation style, the front porch was held up by a colonnade of two story columns. Eric thought that Bill would be more comfortable in a house like this than a demon woman from who knows where or when. But nevertheless, this is where she had made her home.

Eric watched as Sookie's friend Tara, the bartender, and a man, Eric assumed this was the boyfriend Eggs, out of a car and into the house. He was too far away to hear their conversation and he knew he would never garner an invitation to come inside for a listen.

Pretty soon all the lights went off except in the downstairs. Eric circled the house to see if he could learn more. The lights were coming from a large kitchen. Looking through the windows, he could see an Asian man cutting fruits and vegetables making a huge table full. The only thing Eric could assume from this was that they either ate like pigs in the morning or there were going to be a lot more people joining them

Suddenly, a porch door opened and someone stepped outside. Eric faded into the shadows and watched carefully. It was a female with a long purple dress and dark hair. "That must be Maryann." Eric thought to himself.

Maryann scanned the backyard as if she sensed something out there. Then she called out, "Vampire!" Eric was shocked, how did she know that he was there? She must have heightened senses. What was she?

Not responding, he waited to see if she said anything else. He wasn't disappointed.

"I know you're there and I know you can here me." She called out pacing the long pavilion. "Why don't you come out and play." She paused waiting for a response and not receiving one she continued, "This is my town now. I am older than you, stronger than you, and I will kill anything that gets in my way." She laughed and kept going, "The humans here are so perfect for my needs. They are full of chaos and dark desires. Easily manipulated and some of the best party goers I've seen since Greece!"

Eric knew that this was serious. It sounded like she was going to bring the whole town down around her, and just for spite. He had to get Sookie out of here. But Maryann hadn't quite finished her rant.

"Do not think that you can protect the girl. I have already marked her as one of my own. Leave and accept your defeat." She then swung on her heel and walked back into the house, slamming the door behind her.

Eric was furious. This was his area. He was the Sheriff. How could such a creature enter without his knowledge or permission? And she dared to claim the woman that he loved, Eric wanted to tear the house down to get at this woman but he knew that it would take time and careful planning. Growling furiously, Eric left the house and headed back towards Shreveport. Pam would help him research this thing and develop a battle plan. Right now, he needed to figure out what she was, how he would kill her and how he was going to protect Sookie.

The next day was an average sort of day. Sookie got up, ate breakfast, went to work, got food spilled on her, and came home. There was no surprises, no drama. Sookie realized this was what life had been before the night that Bill walked into the bar.

She wouldn't have changed that night for the world.

And now here she was, sitting at home, about to head out and tan. There was a little bit of summer left and Sookie wanted to soak up that sunlight. She grabbed a bottle of water and the cordless phone and plopped herself down on the lawn chair. It was nice to have some time for herself.

The sun was warm and Sookie basked like a lizard, soaking in all the heat and light. She let her mind drift and had almost fallen asleep when the phone rang. Picking it up, she answered, "Hello?"

"Hi Sookie!" It was Tara. Sookie was glad to hear from her best friend.

"Hey Tara, where are you?" Sookie leaned back on the lounge chair and twirled a piece of hair.

"At Maryann's." Tara knew that Sookie would rather have her at her house, but she didn't' want to leave Eggs just yet.

"I wanted to let you know we're having a party tonight. You're invited."

"Aw, thanks Tara, but I'm not sure I want to come. Wont it be awkward because of the whole Bill thing?" Sookie didn't want to step on any toes.

"Nah, Maryann was the one who suggested it. She wants to let you know there's no hard feelings. The party is a get well/housewarming party so it makes total sense for you to come." Tara paused and then said, "Everyone will be there!"

Sookie laughed, "Everyone?!"

The two girls continued laughing and Sookie could tell her friend really wanted her to come.

"Oh fine." She said and Tara squealed in delight. Then she stopped, "Sookie," Tara sounded hesitant and Sookie wondered what was the matter, "Don't bring Bill."

"Not a problem." Sookie said matter-of-factly, "I broke up with him."

"Oh Sookie!" Tara breathed into the phone, "I'm sorry!"

"No, I'm sorry." Sookie replied, "I'm sorry that Bill acted so badly and that Maryann and Eggs got hurt."

"It's alright." Said Tara softly and Sookie knew without even reading her mind that she was glad that she and Bill had broken up.

Sookie sighed, "So what time is this little get together?"

"Starts at 9. Wear something cute!" Tara added.

"Don't I always?" Sookie joked.

"See you there."

"Bye Tara."

Sookie hung up the phone and ran upstairs. She had to find something cute to wear to the party tonight. It wasn't a fancy party so Sookie ignored the little bit of satin and sparkle clothing she owned and instead picked out a cute low cut square necked peasant top. It was white with embroidered flowers. And to match was a short denim skirt. Casual but super cute. It was perfect. Then Sookie dried her hair and put on a little eyeliner. She never needed much makeup; her skin had always been relatively smooth. Since meeting vampires and drinking their blood, it had been near perfect. The top showed off her tan nicely and the skirt complimented her legs. Sookie looked into the full-length mirror in the corner of the room and was satisfied with what she saw. This would be perfect.

By this point it was ten till 9 and Sookie needed to go. Grabbing her purse off her bed, she headed for the party.

***

Pam stood in Eric's office in brown crocodile skin heels and royal blue shirt-dress. The music from the club was barely audible to human ears but her enhanced hearing heard every word the whiny fangbanger was singing up front. She wanted to go rip out his vocal chords if he kept going much longer. Rubbing her temple she stared at her maker.

"Well?" She said impatiently putting her hands on her hips.

Eric looked up briefly from the piece of paper he was reading and glared at the blond vampire. Then he ignored her and continued reading. Pam rolled her eyes and waited.

"Very interesting." drawled Eric. The piece of paper held the exact information he was looking for.

Pam had spent the last couple hours doing research with some other vampires and they had discovered this gem of information in a book in an ancient house in the French Quarter.

"A maenad." said Eric, "Well, that certainly wasn't what I had expected."

Pam wasn't about to ask what Eric had expected, but she tapped her foot on the floor, "So what are you going to do about it?"

"Warn Sookie, and see if she will leave Bon Temps until I can get rid of it." Eric leaned back in his desk chair.

"You think she'll listen?" Pam had met Sookie enough times to know that the blond telepath was stubborn as a mule when she wanted to be.

"She better." Eric was determined to keep her safe, "I'm going to her now. You should expect us home by dawn." And with that he was gone. Pam heard the Corvette rev in the parking lot and she checked her nails to make sure the peach colored polish wasn't chipped. She didn't expect that Sookie would give in as easily as Eric imagined.

The drive from Shreveport has been nice. There were no cops on the road and Eric has done 90 most of the way there. Pulling into Sookie's driveway, he noticed the lights were off inside the house and her car was gone. Perhaps she was working at Merlotte's this evening.

"Well, I guess I'd better check out my competition." Eric put the car in reverse and was soon headed towards the bar.

Merlotte's was fairly crowded but most of the cars in the parking lot were pick-up trucks and road maintenance vehicles. Eric scowled in distaste over the clientele Sookie had to work with. As Eric parked, he noticed a girl coming toward him.

"Nice car." The girl was a brunette, very petite with, Eric being a male had to notice this, big breasts. Any other night he would have wanted a piece of her. But with Sookie in danger and him feeling the way that he did about her, he had to get rid of this girl. He was on a mission. Sookie was his number one priority. He turned to the girl and flashed his fangs in warning. This seemed to stop the girl in her tracks and Eric walked past her stunned form and into the bar.

The patrons were exactly what Eric had suspected; men in their 20s and 30s who looked like they did manual labor for a living. One of them had an orange vest swung over the back of his chair that read "Road Crew". Eric looked around trying to find Sookie, her scent was strong in this place and Eric wondered where they could be hiding her. Just then, a man with brown hair, just graying at the temples came up to him. He was wearing a Merlotte's t-shirt and said, "How can I help you tonight?"

"I'm looking for Sookie." Eric did not want to spend time conversing with this man. He needed to find Sookie.

"She's not here tonight. Who are you?" Eric had assumed the man was a bouncer or a bartender but just then a blonde girl came up and said, "Sam, they need you in the back, and table 10 didn't like the way their burgers Lafayette were cooked."

So this was Sam Merlotte. Sookie had briefly mentioned her boss at some point and Eric had heard a rumor that he was a shifter but, in his haste to find Sookie, hadn't put the two and two together. It was time to put on the charm.

"Eric Northman." He said calmly and inclined his head towards the shorter man.

"Sam Merlotte." At least the man knew vampires didn't shake hands. "You a friend of Bills?"

His wary tone was good. He was someone who wanted to protect Sookie as well. Sam Merlotte rose a step in Eric's estimation.

"In a sense." Eric replied, "I'm the owner of Fangtasia, and Sheriff of Area 5. I'm here to protect Sookie."

Sam's eyes widened. He immediately knew what Sookie needed to be protected from: Maryann. He gave Eric another once over and said, "Come back to my office. We can talk there."

Eric followed Sam feeling the looks he was getting from the bar patrons; they were cautious; except for one. He felt a pull from the kitchen and looked over the window to see a nervous Lafayette staring at him like a deer in the headlights. Eric grinned at him and gave a little wave. Lafayette looked like he was going to pass out any second. Nobody could say that Eric didn't have a sense of humor.

Sam ushered him into his office and shut the door. Offering Eric a seat, he sat behind the desk and stared at the large vampire. Eric declined the seat and stood, knowing that his physical presence would intimidate even the most powerful shifters.

Sam took the intimidation in stride and looked directly at Eric, "Maryann."

"Yes." Eric said curtly. Obviously the shifter knew what they were up against. "If you know she is dangerous then I suppose you are trying to protect Sookie as well."

"That's right. Maryann is more dangerous than any of you vampires."

"Maenads can be that way." said Eric casually.

"Maenad?" Sam was confused.

Eric decided he had better fill the shifter in quickly, "Women who were possessed by the god Bacchus or in the Greek, Dionysus. They were driven mad, made immortal and now they roam the world feeding on the euphoric feelings of humans. This one seems to like driving people mad and killing them as the end result. You ever why Woodstock was so big? Maenads thought it would be a good place to party."

Sam looked surprised but kept his mouth shut.

Eric had paused, he wasn't sure if he wanted to share the next bit of information, "She has already marked Sookie as one of hers."

"What?!" Sam was horrified. "How?"

"Several weeks ago, in the woods. The details are not important." Eric rested his hands on the back of a chair. "I am here to protect Sookie. I'm planning on getting her out of town so that she will not be in harms way when I try to kill the maenad."

Sam looked shocked at all of these revelations. "Why isn't Bill protecting her?"

"They are no longer together." Eric said simply.

A confused look passed over Sam's face but he thought better than asking if Eric had killed Bill. "How can I help?"

"Where is Sookie?" Eric asked for the second time this evening. He didn't like having to wait for his answers.

"She's not here."

"And she's not at home." Eric filled in.

"Then I don't know. Maybe she's with Tara. I heard Tara and Eggs got back from the hospital yesterday. But I don't know where they are staying."

Eric was out the door in a flash not bothering to say goodbye to the bar owner. If Sookie was at Maryann's house, he might already be too late.

ALRIGHT! Whew. Well I had originally tried to get some more Eric and Sookie in this chapter. But apparently it didn't happen. More plot. I promise there will be fun stuff between Eric and Sookie soon. Maryann's party should be fun (probably a bit like what we saw on Sunday at Merlotte's, mustard and all [ew]). And Eric is going to have to save the day. But how will he get in Maryann's house without an invite. What will happen to Sookie? Will she fall under Maryann's spell? How will Tara and Egg's relationship with Maryann help or hurt Sookie? Will Sookie and Eric finally kiss? Will Bill show up to ruin the moment? (God I hope not)

On that note please review! I have written almost 1000 words of the next chapter so I promise it will be up soon. I write it all by hand and then type it up so it takes a little bit longer than I would like. Again – PLEASE REVIEW!